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Western North Carolina’s Source for Weekly News, Entertainment, Arts, and Outdoor Information

November 9-15, 2016 Vol. 18 Iss. 24

Election Results Inside

CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: Western North Carolina continues to be in a severe drought as wildfires rage through the mountains. The lack of rain has also impacted wildlife, outdoor recreation and agriculture in the region. (Page 40) Anna Beth Pruitt photo

News Per capita loan program approved in Cherokee ........................................................4 Wildfires rage across a bone-dry WNC ......................................................................6 Contamination persists at SCC shooting range ........................................................8 Election results ..............................................................................................................9-12 Volunteers, donations needed in dog rescue effort ..............................................13 Trailer park rules to change in Cullowhee ................................................................14 Library looks for input on strategic plan ....................................................................15 Legislation could keep houseboats on Fontana ......................................................16 HCC files lawsuit over Creative Arts Building flaws ..............................................17 Education news ................................................................................................................19

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Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Emily Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . emily@smokymountainnews.com Whitney Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whitney@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Birenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessi@smokymountainnews.com Becky Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . becky@smokymountainnews.com Cory Vaillancourt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cory@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Singletary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Gary Carden (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Barbee (writing).

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Naturalist’s Corner Welcome Home ................................................................................................................55

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Per capita loan program approved in Cherokee Council debates mandatory drug tests and loan sharking before passing resolution

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER wice each year, every Cherokee tribal member gets a payout of thousands of dollars — called a per capita payment — based on profits at the two tribally owned casinos. Now, following passage of a resolution introduced by Principal Chief Patrick Lambert, tribal members will have access to cash between regular payouts by borrowing against their upcoming per capita payment for a zero-interest loan, up to $500 each month.

“If there’s a young family, a mother and a father in a home, and they borrow against their own per-cap payment, that’s an extra thousand dollars coming into that household,” Lambert told Tribal Council on Oct. 31. “That can be life-changing.”

Rather than paying exorbitant interest fees to the loan sharks known to prey on Cherokee families facing financial emergencies, Lambert said, the legislation would allow them to access their own money for zero percent interest with an application fee of $35 for each six-month period. Because casino profits are doled out to the tribe monthly but paid to its members bi-yearly, the loan program would not present a cash flow problem to tribal finances. And, because loans are not considered income, obtaining cash this way would not interfere with tribal members’ Social Security benefits. Social Security payments are determined monthly, based on how much income an individual has received during that period.

“Our goal is to create self-sustaining families, so this would be just another opportunity to help do that,” Vickie Bradley, secretary of the EBCI Public Health and Human Services, told Council.

Poverty is high on the Qualla Boundary, Bradley said, with a 2013 tribal health assessment showing that 23 percent of people living there sometimes went without food. While

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services do exist for those in need, none of those services take the form of monthly payments. The loan program, Bradley said, would allow for a more consistent income stream.

DEBATING DRUG TESTS Lambert built a careful case for the loan program’s passage, but his resolution nevertheless faced stiff opposition from some councilmembers.

When Lambert’s plan was announced, said Councilmember Anita Lossiah, of Yellowhill, “immediately there was an outcry from the community, from families with addiction.” Drug abuse is a high-profile problem on the Qualla Boundary, and families were concerned, Lossiah said, that the monthly loans would serve to bankroll drug overdoses. Lossiah expressed support for the concept behind the proposed program but said that it should be crafted to prevent loan money from going to drug users. In addition, she said, the loan application process could be a “window of opportunity” to give financial advice to people who likely already struggle with managing their money.

She offered an amendment to the resolution that would require loan applicants to obtain a negative drug test and personal finance advisement before accessing the money. Councilmember Alan “B” Ensley, of Yellowhill, seconded the move, and it passed following a split vote.

Backlash against the vote was swift, eliciting strong reaction from many in the room.

Lambert spoke first, suggesting that if Council were to place a drug test requirement on loan applicants, it might as well require one for anybody to receive a per capita check at all. After all, Lambert said, the loans are nothing more than per capita money already due to the tribal member in question — just paid out at a different time than normal.

“To put stuff like this on someone to receive their per cap, that’s beyond the pale to me. I can’t understand that,” Lambert said.

Perhaps, Lambert implied, some councilmembers were hesitant to pass the resolution because they are among the loan sharks who enrich themselves off of others’ need.

Loan sharking is a problem on the Qualla

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Principal Chief Patrick Lambert greets those in line to apply for the tribe’s newly approved zero-interest loan program. Donated photo

The legislation would allow Cherokee families to access their own money for 0 percent interest with an application fee of $35 for each six-month period.

Because casino profits are doled out to the tribe monthly but paid to its members bi-yearly, the loan program would not present a cash flow problem to tribal finances.

Boundary, those present seemed to agree, with cash advances sometimes requiring interest as high as 100 percent.

“I don’t understand the reluctance to this,” Lambert said. “This is simply to help individuals get on their feet. Is it perhaps because there’s a sense that some opportunity to have someone come and ask you for a loan — (there) is some loss of power or authority?”

Tribal member Sheila Standingdeer took the mic after Lambert, telling council of her struggles, as a college-educated tribal member, to find adequate employment on the boundary. For people in her situation, she said, the loans could do a lot of good. And while drugs are indeed an issue, it doesn’t take $500 to overdose.

“Like you said, there are people gonna do drugs, but people are gonna do what people are gonna do,” Standingdeer said.

“It don’t matter if they have $5,000, $500 or $5. You ought to

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While tribal members won’t get their per capita checks until December, an announcement last week revealed that this cycle’s payment will be the highest ever since the first per capita payment was issued nearly 20 years ago.

Every enrolled member will receive $6,189, with the amount going down to $6,088 after the mandatory tax and $5,261 after the voluntary tax.

“This is the largest check I think we ever got, so thank you all the people that came to gamble, thank you, and to the staff at Harrah’s,” said Councilmember Tommye Saunooke, of Painttown, during the Nov. 3 council session.

Per capita money is derived from casino profits, and the tribe now has one more casino than it did a year ago. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel opened in September of 2015, and now its profits join those of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in contributing to per capita payments — half of the casino profits go to tribal government and the other half is divvied up into per capita payments.

When Lossiah spoke up again, it was to reiterate that she supports the idea of offering emergency loans but feels some sort of requirement should be placed upon those accessing them.

“This is totally from an outcry in our community to try to implement a few more guidelines on this,” Lossiah said. “And this is a loan.

This is something that does have to be paid back. Usually a loan pays with interest. It is good to make sure that people put some thought and some planning into their finances.”

But, Lambert said, people are already getting loans — just not on fair terms. A side effect of his legislation, he said, would be to put a pinch on those getting rich off of others’ hard times.

“Last per cap we had 120 checks that went to one person — $600,000 went to one person last per cap. One address got 120 checks,” he said. “Now if that’s not in itself enough reason to do this, I think the consideration of what everybody’s having to face and needing a little money to tide them over should be.”

Council ultimately approved the legislation. But Lossiah maintained her stance that the executive office should take great care to develop guidelines preventing the service from being abused.

“This is something that cannot be used as an enabler, so let’s make sure the guidelines are developed properly and really well on these processes,” she said.

“You have my assurance on that,” Lambert replied.

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The loans proved popular as soon as they were approved, with long lines of tribal members forming to put in their applications the very week the resolution passed. After two days — Nov. 3 and 4 — 1,557 applications had been received, representing about 10 percent of the tribal members. By the end of Monday, Nov. 7, more than 2,000 people had applied. Those who have applied thus far will receive their checks Thursday, Nov. 10.

After that initial loan payout, tribal government will take a look at the process and tweak it to allow the program to run smoothly on an ongoing basis.

“Since this was the first run of this type, we are making some minor changes to the process that will set dates, create an ability to perform a recurring loan monthly and allow for individuals who live away from the Qualla Boundary to participate without having to travel here. This could benefit college students,” explained Chris McCoy, communications director for the tribe.

A specialist will likely be hired to handle the loan program in the future, though it is currently being handled by Susie Wolfe, the tribe’s accounting and revenue manager.

“I have always believed your money should be in your hands quicker than two times a year and have fought for and discussed this type of system to be put in place for years,” Lambert wrote on his Facebook page. “Right after I submitted the legislation I went to work to get agreement from the Social Security Administration, Tribal Council and others to make it happen. And it worked.”

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stop and think about it.”

“Not everybody has $80,000,” she added, throwing a verbal dart at councilmembers who in 2014 voted to raise their salaries of about $70,000 to about $80,000. The pay raise elicited anger in the community that’s still alive two years later and resulted in a lawsuit that the Cherokee Tribal Court ultimately dismissed.

The drug-test amendment was “the dumbest move that I’ve heard since I’ve been here this year,” Councilmember Teresa McCoy, of Big Cove, said.

“Get off your high horse,” she told her fellow councilmembers. “You make $80,000 a year. You don’t want people bumming from you, then give them an opportunity to help themselves.”

McCoy then moved to rescind Lossiah’s amendment from the resolution, with enough councilmembers changing their minds to vote the amendment away.

“We are talking about grandparents,” added Brenda Norville, a tribal member who lives in Snowbird. “To have them come in and do a drug test before they get access to their $500, that was really bad, Anita (Lossiah).

You should never have done that.”

“If you explained it to them and said we’re trying to fight the drug epidemic, they would understand why we’re doing it,” Ensley replied. “The drug epidemic is why they’re having to raise their grandkids.”

“You’re going to have people coming in paying light bills,” Norville said. “You’re going to have people that has car bills that comes in. Just emergencies — you’re going to have probably 90 percent of the people that comes in for that $500 that’s going to use it wisely.”

LOAN TERMS AND LOAN SHARKS news

Tribal members to receive highest per capita ever

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The wildfire roundup

Great Smoky Mountains National Park fires

As of Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 8, about 17.5 square miles of forest was burning in the Nantahala National Forest and adjacent property, with other fires reported on private land and National Park Service land.

Fire information for the Boteler and Nantahala Branch Fires, which account for most of the wildfires, is updated continuously at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5075.

• Backcountry Campsite 38: Located near Mount Sterling in Haywood County, the fire was caused by an escaped campfire that spread to nearby forest on Oct. 19. Campers put the fire out themselves.

• Foothills Parkway: Located near Walland, Tennessee, the fire was started on Oct. 20 by a contractor’s equipment and grew to 6 acres before being put out.

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Boteler and Nantahala Branch Fires

6

• Tellico Fire: Located near Franklin, the fire is 3,417 acres and 25 percent contained. It started Nov. 3.

• Boteler Peak Fire: Located near Hayesville, the fire is 2,532 acres and 30 percent contained. It started Oct. 25.

• Maple Springs Fire: Located near Lake Santeelah west of Robbinsville, the fire is 1,678 acres and 10 percent contained. It started Nov. 4.

• Dicks Creek Fire: Located near Sylva, the fire is 726 acres and 80 percent contained.

It started Oct. 23.

• Knob Fire: Located near Franklin, the fire is 664 acres and 28 percent contained. It started Nov. 2.

• Ferebee Fire: Located in the Nantahala Gorge, the fire is 1,132 acres and 80 percent contained. It started Nov. 6.

• Avery Branch Fire: Located near Lake Santeelah west of Robbinsville, the fire is 500 acres and 10 percent contained. It started Nov. 4.

• May Branch Sheep Mountain Fire: Located near Cullowhee, the fire is 175 acres and 50 percent contained. It started Nov. 3.

• Jones Gap Fire: Located near Highlands, the fire is 115 acres and 80 percent contained.

It started Oct. 29.

• Cliffside Fire: Located near Highlands, the fire is 101 acres and 85 percent contained.

It started Nov. 2.

• Wine Spring Fire: Located near Franklin, the fire is 95 acres and with no containment reported. It started Nov. 3.

• Moses Creek Fire: Located near Cullowhee, the fire is 30 acres and 80 percent contained. It started Nov. 6.

• Whitewater Falls Fire: Located near Highlands, the fire is 10 acres with no containment reported.

• Moss Knob Fire: Located near Cullowhee, the fire is 7 acres and with no containment reported. It started Nov. 3.

• Bucks Creek Fire: Located near Highlands, the fire is 8 acres and 100 percent contained. It started Nov. 6.

• Grape Cove Fire: Located near Franklin, the fire is 35 acres with no containment reported. It started Oct. 26.

Blue Ridge Parkway fires • Plott Balsam Fire: Located near Cherokee at mile marker 458, the fire is 49 acres and 100 percent contained. It started Nov. 2.

• Jenkins Ridge Fire: Located near Cherokee at mile marker 460, the fire is 13 acres and 90 percent contained. It started Nov. 2.

• Unnamed Fire: Located near Balsam at mile marker 440, the fire is less than 1 acre. It started Nov. 6.

Tuesday to secure the containment lines and make it as difficult as possible for the fire to escape again — and not just at Dicks Creek.

“With the wind coming in with the cold front, we don’t want any of the fires to jump the line so we’re working extra hard today,” Nelson said Tuesday.

SMOKE GALORE

Up in smoke Wildfires rage across a bone-dry WNC

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER illowing smoke and inundations of suited-up firefighters have become the norm for many areas in Western North Carolina over the past couple weeks as tinderbox conditions have lured flames across more than 11,000 acres — about 17.5 square miles — of forested land in the Nantahala National Forest and adjacent private property.

And counting.

“If you look at the weather forecast, it’s going to continue to be dry, no precipitation in the forecast,” said Kent Nelson, a forest ranger with Maine Forest Service who traveled south to help the cause in WNC. “I think it’s going to get a little cooler, but it might be a little windier. The wind is not going to help us.”

Wind is the enemy of the firefighter, energizing previously dormant embers and wafting the fire to life again.

The Dicks Creek fire, for instance, which

B

The Dicks Creek Fire is far from the only incident demanding firefighters’ attention in WNC. As of Tuesday morning, 549 people from 38 states were working fires in the region, which are now organized under the umbrella of the Boteler and Nantahala Branch Fires — managed by the Southern Area Red Type 1 Incident Management Team, which deals with the biggest and most complex incidents around.

“It was based on the complexity, and that’s because we had so many fires going at the same time,” Younger said. “We had structures threatened in different places. We had low visibility. A lot of smoke.”

Thus far, the largest incidents in WNC aside from the Dicks Creek Fire are the

initially burned 374 acres along Dicks Creek Road just west of Sylva, was all but subdued when wind gusts reignited the blaze. Flames gathered strength from newly fallen leaves covering the previously burned area and grew into a remarkably intense fire that torched treetops and jumped across containment lines. The fire grew to 532 acres overnight and covered 726 acres as of Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 9, after firefighters burned acreage within the new containment lines to keep the fire from getting out of control again.

The incident revealed As of Tuesday morning, 549 people just what fire behavior is possible when conditions from 38 states were working fires in are dry and wind is swift. the region, which are now organized Crown fires — the term for blazes that torch treetops — under the umbrella of the Boteler are rare in Eastern forests, with forest fires usually and Nantahala Branch Fires. creeping along the ground, fueled by fallen leaves and branches. No crown fires have been report- Boteler Peak fire near Hayesville, which ed in other active wildfires in WNC. covers 2,532 acres and is 30 percent con“It’s very unusual for here,” said tained; the Tellico Fire northwest of Deanna Younger, the public information Franklin, which covers 3,417 acres and is 25 officer handling the Dicks Creek fire. “In percent contained and the Maple Springs fact, the firefighters on the Nantahala fire west of Robbinsville, which covers National Forest said they’d never seen that 1,678 acres and is 10 percent contained — before here.” those numbers are current as of Tuesday If wind didn’t exist, the Dicks Creek afternoon, Nov. 8.

Fire would be all but guaranteed to hold at In all, there are 16 fires under the man726 acres. But forecasts call for high winds agement of the Southern Area Red Team. In late Tuesday night and through the day addition, four smaller fires have been Wednesday. That raises the possibility reported along the Blue Ridge Parkway near that the fire will jump containment lines Cherokee and two small fires were reported once again. Firefighters worked at full tilt in the Great Smoky Mountains National

Play it safe with smoke Retiring Soon?

news

Smoke from wildfires raging across the region has led to hazy conditions that make outdoor activity unsafe for sensitive groups, such as elderly people and people with asthma.

People with respiratory issues are advised to stay inside with the windows closed, and even generally healthy people will want to keep an eye on conditions to assess whether it’s a good idea to walk or jog outdoors.

“If this were to happen all the time, of course that would be a problem just like secondhand smoke, but generally speaking you know your comfort level,” said Jackson County Health Director Shelly Carroway. “If you start to cough, close the window.”

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THE WILDFIRE PROGNOSIS

Firefighting efforts have resulted in the following closures: • Cliffside Day Use Area near Highlands is closed for the season.

• The Bartram Trail is closed through Nov. 13 between Hickory Knoll Road and N.C. 106.

• The Appalachian Trail is closed from the Nantahala River at Wesser to Rock Gap. Murphy Road is closed from its junction with U.S. 64 to Forest Service Road 67 leading to the Standing Indian Campground. Standing Indian Campground is open and Rock Gap may be accessed through the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory.

• Moss Knob Shooting Range is closed.

• The Appalachian Trail is closed from the Nantahala River to Burningtown Gap. • Wesser Creek Trail is closed.

• The Bartram Trail is closed between Wine Springs Bald and Nantahala Lake.

• The trail to Whitewater Falls is closed.

• The Chunky Gal Trail is closed.

just the result of everyone responding quickly, combining forces and working together to get it done.”

Van Horne is worried, however, about what might happen as fire season progresses.

WNC is deep in the hole of a precipitation deficit, and no significant rain is predicted for the near future. Wildfire season could rage for quite some time.

“The longer it goes on, I think history would say one of these firefighters is going to get hurt or a helicopter is going to crash,” Van Horn said. “It’s only a matter of time.”

Nelson said he’s felt that support and concern from the community at large.

“Everyone has been very grateful and we thank them for that,” he said. “We got some thank you notes from some elementary school kids — it really means a lot to us.”

Even Gov. Pat McCrory came out to Hayesville to see the situation first-hand, touching down on Sunday, Nov. 6, and issuing a press release to thank those involved in firefighting efforts.

“We’re all glad to be here to help out, Nelson said. “This is what we do. This is what we’re trained in, and this is what we enjoy doing. We’re glad to be a part of it.”

See page 40 for more stories about drought conditions in Western North Carolina and where burn bans are currently in effect.

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An A.T. volunteer, Van Horn finds himself wondering if the fires will damage any of the wooden structures in place across the length of the trail — shelters, privies, water bars.

Trail use is high and volunteer labor is always a limited commodity, so damage to those facilities could impact the trail experience come springtime.

However, it could also be said that Van Horn and others who value the trail are fortunate to be able to spend mental energy worrying about trail structures, because this could easily be a story about rampant loss of home and livelihood throughout WNC. But so far it’s not — despite the vast swaths of land on fire, not one structure has yet been damaged.

“It is pretty amazing. We have been very fortunate in that respect,” Younger said. “It’s

Closures in effect

November 9-15, 2016

Park. Local agencies have also been responding to accidental flare-ups on private land throughout the region.

All that fire has resulted in a lot of smoke, a lot of expense and a lot of concern.

Bill Van Horn, a Franklin resident who’s a member and past president of both the Nantahala Hiking Club and the Appalachian Trail Community Committee, was out on the A.T. Sunday, Nov. 6, to scout the area for an NHC project he was assisting with. The smoke was obvious, permeating both the drive and the hike. Firefighters were rerouting traffic along U.S. 64. Big, lighted road signs warned drivers of thick smoke.

On the trail, Van Horn ran into a southbound A.T. hiker — it’s peak season in Franklin for hikers who started in Maine to hike south to Georgia — who said he’d had to hitchhike around 16 miles of trail closed due to wildfires.

“They’re not having a whole lot of fun hiking up and down those hills, breathing smoke and having to figure out how to get around these areas that are closed,” Van Horn said of A.T. hikers. “And the water issue is bad anyway. They’re really having to be conservative and worry a lot more about water.”

The hikers, though, will come and then go. For Van Horn and his wife Sharon, this smoke-shrouded mountainscape is their home, and there’s definitely something unsettling about seeing it all go up in flames.

“Looking toward Murphy it was thick, you know,” Van Horn said of the smoke. “It was thick and you look up at the sun and the sun has this weird halo effect around it. It’s pretty eerie. We’ve been here 14 years and this is the first time we’ve ever experienced anything like that.”

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Contamination persists at SCC shooting range, testing shows More soil removal necessary to rid range of lead-contaminated earth

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he first round of soil removal at Southwestern Community College’s lead-contaminated shooting range has substantially reduced the concentration of metal in the soil, but there’s still more work to be done before lead measurements retreat to safe levels.

After realization in 2014 that lead bullets in the berm of the 30-year-old shooting range had built up to an estimated 60 tons, testing commenced to determine whether lead contamination was present in surrounding soil. Initial testing revealed concentrations as high as 19,700 milligrams per kilogram in soil downhill from the range — 73 times the safe amount of 270 milligrams per kilogram. To fix the problem, SCC had the contaminated soil removed, treated for disposal and hauled away.

So far, an estimated 350 tons of soil have been excavated and disposed of, taking about 5 feet off the surface of the affected area. But follow-up testing showed that the lead problem is still present. Soil near a drainage feature on the upper length of the range tested at about twice the acceptable concentration, whereas soil in the main excavation area came in at about 10 times the acceptable concentration.

“We definitely got rid of a lot of source material, which is good news,” said Jim Bevers, environmental project manager for ECS Carolinas, the environmental consultants SCC has engaged. “It’s just a process. It can be frustrating but you have to deal with it.”

In July, Jackson County commissioners approved SCC’s recommendation to accept bids for soil treatment and removal that would total $237,000 for 450 tons. Though a

November 9-15, 2016

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Smoky Mountain News

is still making its way to groundwater from the firing range,” Kritzer said.

According to Bevers, it will take about one week to excavate, treat and dispose of the next round of contaminated soil and two weeks more to get test results back for lead concentrations in the next layer of exposed soil. However, the timeline to the project’s conclusion will depend on when state officials arrive in Sylva and whether a step involving monitoring wells is added.

SCC has been planning its shooting range remediation for more than two years, ever since an April 2014 funding request to Jackson County commissioners led to disclosure that an estimated 60 tons of lead were embedded in a clay berm at the range, which is used to train law enforcement officers from around the region.

SCC leases the land from Jackson Contaminated soil is excavated downhill from the shooting range at Southwestern Community College. SCC photo County.

Because the range is still active, lead doesn’t have to be removed from the range itself — In July, Jackson County commissioners approved SCC’s Environmental Protection Agency rules for recommendation to accept bids for soil treatment and shooting range remediation apply only to abandoned ranges. However, SCC has been removal that would total $237,000 for 450 tons. working to implement best management practices to reduce lead accumulation and spread in the future.

According to DEQ spokesman Jamie Kirtzer, final weigh-in has not been completed, Meanwhile, elevated lead levels were disthat path could involve installing monitoring Bevers said the soil removed thus far is esticovered in an area downhill from the range wells on the site before going through with a mated to weigh 350 tons. With 100 tons itself. That lead-contaminated soil is next round of excavation. The cost of those more left in the contract, the second round believed to have originated from the shootwells is unknown and dependent on their of removal won’t necessarily translate into ing range itself and to have at some depth and location. another bill to Jackson County taxpayers. unknown point been moved to its present “We have yet to determine what the However, it’s unknown exactly how deep location — contamination and all. Tests depths of those will be, but when we go up the contamination goes, and ECS Carolinas revealed no lead contamination in the nearand meet with the environmental consultwill have to work with the N.C. Department

by Tuckasegee River, but the river’s closeness ants (ECS), that will be some of the things of Environmental Quality to determine the accelerated the urgency of the project in discussed is the depth and the locations of next step. DEQ representatives will travel to order to forestall development of a water some of these monitoring wells so we can Sylva at some point this month to meet with quality issue. best determine the nature and extent, if lead SCC and ECS to discuss the path forward.

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR Incumbent Congressman Mark Meadows, RCashiers, will continue to represent the 11th District of North Carolina after defeating Democratic challenger Rick Bryson.

This will be Meadows’ third term in Congress.

US House District 11

Clampitt upsets Queen for N.C. House

Corbin captures easy N.C. House win

counties.

“I’m very happy with the results,” Corbin said. “I appreciate folks’ confidence in me, and our campaign was very specific about where we sit on certain issues — it was very clear the way we were going to serve, so we plan to take that to Raleigh.”

Corbin’s term will come on the heels of the 17 years that Roger West, RMarble, served as District 120 representative. As he prepared to retire, West per-

NC House District 119 Joe Sam Queen (D) Mike Clampitt (R) Haywood 5,291 5,799 Jackson 8,808 9,023 Swain 2,660 3,264

NC House District 120 Kevin Corbin (R) Randy Hogsed (D) Macon 12,624 4,542 Clay 3,954 1,682 Graham 2,664 1,085 Cherokee 9,541 3,854

sonally asked Corbin to consider running.

Corbin’s experience in local politics is extensive, including 20 years on the Macon County Board of Education and six years on the Macon County Board of Commissioners. By contrast, Hogsed’s only political experience was a term on the Andrews town council.

them. Clampitt’s 311-vote margin was less than 1 percent better than Queen’s.

As he looks to his freshman term in the legislature, Clampitt echoed the message he’d been spreading throughout his campaign.

“For the 119th District, I want to let people of Swain, Jackson and Haywood Counties know they now have a true rep they can contact with concerns and frustrations, and I’ll do my best to represent them as fully as possible, and let Raleigh know there is a Western North Carolina past the Balsams.”

During the campaign, Corbin had billed himself as an experienced leader with the connections and know-how to get things done on behalf of the far western counties, whereas Hogsed had stressed his status as an unbeholden outsider excited to represent all people, regardless of party.

Critical philosophical differences between the two candidates included taxation, school choice and voter ID. Corbin is a proponent of the flat tax, charter school, school vouchers and voter ID, whereas Hogsed favors a progressive tax system, tax dollars that go to traditional public schools only and repeal of the voter ID law.

Upon his arrival in Raleigh, Corbin plans to get to work on a plan that would secure a better funding mechanism for rural schools and to make progress toward his goal of bringing high-speed internet to “every road and hollow in our mountains.”

Hogsed was not immediately available for comment on election night, though in an email exchange last week attempting to set up a post-election interview he told The Smoky Mountain News, “I will be out of town. Going to Mexico to hide out.”

Mark Meadows (R) Rick Bryson (D) 18,799 10,941 9,713 8,307 11,598 5,570 3,322 2,594 Partially Reported

He was first elected in 2012 when he beat out Democrat Hayden Rogers with 57 percent of the vote.

Meadows only gained momentum in 2014 — he received 63 percent of the vote while running against Tom Hill, DZirconia. As of press time Tuesday night, Meadows Mark Meadows had a solid lead on Bryson — with 90 percent of precincts reporting, Meadows had about 64 percent of the vote.

Meadows addressed the Haywood County Republican Party Tuesday night and thanked them for their hard work to get the vote out.

“When I look at the outpouring of support from all of Western North Carolina, it didn’t just come from people of my own party — it came from Democrats and unaffiliated voters, farmers, business people and school teachers,” Meadows said. “I look forward to serving them for the next two years.”

Meadows said his top priorities would continue to be making sure veterans and military personnel get the resources and benefits they deserve and also continuing to improve the economy.

“We want to create an environment that allows small business to prosper and family farmers to not be burdened with regulations that Latin America and China don’t have to contend with but we do,” Meadows said. “I want to be an advocate for those farmers, small business, law enforcement and first responders.”

Meadows was elected four years ago with the promise of being available to his constituency and putting their needs above party-line voting in Washington, D.C. To accomplish that goal, Meadows has offices in each of the counties he

S EE M EADOWS, PAGE 12

Smoky Mountain News

working for me really put me over.”

Clampitt spent his day visiting polling locations in Swain, Jackson and Haywood counties, trying to turn out as many votes as possible; if election night results go unchanged, he needed every one of

Haywood Jackson Macon Swain

November 9-15, 2016

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, thought the third time would be a charm.

After losing to incumbent Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, in 2012 and 2014, Clampitt appeared poised to mount a strong challenge against the veteran incumbent. And that’s just what he did, prevailing by a slim majority.

“I’d just give praise to God above for allowing me to win,” Clampitt said. “The hard work of all those people out there

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, will trade in his seat on the Macon County Board of Commissioners for a place in the N.C House of Representatives following a decisive win over the Democratic candidate Randy Hogsed, of Andrews.

Corbin took home 72.1 percent of the vote compared to Hogsed’s 28, winning at least 70.2 percent of the vote in all four of the district’s counties and pulling in the biggest margin of victory on his home turf in Macon County, where he won 73.5 percent of the vote. In his home county, Cherokee County, Hogsed won only 28.8 percent of the vote. Overall, Corbin earned 28,783 votes compared to Hogsed’s 11,163.

Corbin attributed his success to both the track record of the Macon County Board of Commissioners he has led as chairman for the past four years and to the tireless campaigning of the dedicated team spreading his message in outlying

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Meadows re-elected for third term in Congress

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Republican unseats Democratic incumbent in Swain David Monteith reclaims seat

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR Republican challenger Kenneth Parton was the top vote-getter in the Swain County Commissioners’ race and was able to unseat longtime Democratic incumbent Steve Moon.

While Parton received 28.59 percent of the vote, incumbent Democratic Commissioner David Monteith was close behind with 28.04 percent of the vote — making him the second highest votegetter.

Swain County commissioner races are at-large elections, which means Kenneth Parton residents can vote for any

Swain County Board of Commissioners (VOTE FOR 2)

November 9-15, 2016

Kenneth Parton (R) David Monteith (D) Steve Moon (D) Carolyn Bair (R)

2,980 2,923 2,456 2,066

Smoky Mountain News

two of the four candidates running for the two open seats. Parton and Monteith will both serve four-year terms.

Moon and Republican Carolyn Bair received 23.6 percent and 19.8 percent of the vote, respectively. This was Bair’s second failed attempt to claim a seat on the board.

Parton, 38, is a political newcomer who has been following county issues for the last year and decided to run when Republican candidate Lance Grant dropped out of the race before the primary. He will be the only Republican on the board.

“I’m a little surprised by the results but I feel good about it and I just hope I can do a good job,” he said. “I want to see us use our money wisely and I want to see us do stuff that helps the community and not just focus strictly on one area. I want to be fair to the whole county.”

Monteith, a 69-year-old retired market manager at Ingles who is now a Swain County school bus driver, is currently serving his fifth term as commissioner. He considers himself a hands-on commissioner who has a long list of accomplishments to tout — including his involvement in economic development projects, securing grant funding for cleaning up Fontana Lake, building the Swain County Skate Park, the fishing pier on Island Street and restoring the historic courthouse into the Swain County museum.

“I’m just thrilled that the Lord let me get back in there so I can continue to serve the people of Swain County,” Monteith said.

Even though he’s worked well with Moon for 10 years, Monteith said he could work with anyone no 10 matter his or her political affiliation.

Republicans capture majority on Jackson commissioners

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER Jackson County government will flip to the Republican side once again following successful campaigns from Ron Mau and Mickey Luker, Republican candidates for county commissioner who managed to oust Democratic incumbents Vicki Greene and Mark Jones.

“Part of it is going to be how we ran our campaign but part of it too is that we’re data-driven and we’re going to make good decisions based on the data and use the best information we can to come up with rational decisions,” Mau said. “I think that‘s part of it. Also we worked hard and that has a lot to do with it as well.”

“We’ve been very forthright and very pragmatic at getting information out to them (voters) and sharing with them our thoughts where we’re headed in a direction, what we want to do, and at the end of the day that’s what voters are looking for, looking for clear communication and transparency from us,” Luker added.

Mau and Luker’s results were nearly

exactly the same, with both winning 53.3 percent of the vote against Greene and Jones, respectively.

For her part, Greene averred that she and Jones ran a good race and that she couldn’t help but be mystified by the results.

“I am clueless,” Greene said. “I always described myself as cautiously optimistic — generally an incumbent has an advantage. And we had no controversy. Even though we increased the tax rate by 30

percent I didn’t get a single phone call or email and Mark Jones I think got one.”

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners flipped from Republican to Democrat in 2014, when Chairman Brian McMahan and Commissioner Boyce Deitz took office, leaving Commissioner Charles Elders the sole Republican on the board. With Mau and Luker in office, the majority will flip Republican with Deitz and McMahan the board’s only Democrats.

Mau and Luker have both discussed many ideas for change during the course of the campaign, protesting the tax increase the existing board voted on and calling for more judicious spending on capital projects.

Mickey Luker (left) and Ron Mau. Holly Kays photo

Jackson County Board of Commissioners District 3 Ron Mau (R) Vicki Greene (D)

9,481 8,300

District 4 Mickey Luker (R) Mark Jones (D)

9,474 8,305

Republicans claim both seats in Macon

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR Republican incumbent Paul Higdon will keep his District 3 seat on the Macon County Commission while Republican Karl Gillespie claimed the District 2 seat.

The two Republicans beat out Democratic challengers Charlie Leatherman and Bobby Kuppers, which means the 4-to-1 Republican hold on the board will remain. Gillespie received 62 percent of the vote while Higdon received about 59 percent of the vote.

This is Higdon’s second win over Kuppers. Higdon unseated Kuppers in 2012 with 57 percent of the vote so this win was a referendum on Higdon’s first term as commissioner.

“I’m just thankful for the support of the people of Macon County and hope to do a good job,” Higdon said. “I’m also proud to live in a conservative area that still espouses conservative principles.”

Gillespie, who couldn’t be reached for comment on election night, will now occupy the District 2 seat, which was left open when current Commission

Chairman Kevin Corbin decided to run on the Republican ticket for the North Carolina House of Representatives this year.

During the campaign, Gillespie — a local businessman — said he wanted to focus on making sure Macon County Kenneth Parton Schools has the funding it needs

Macon County Board of Commissioners District 2 Karl Gillespie (R) Charlie Leathermen (D)

10,538 6,381

District 3 Paul Higdon (R) Bobby Kuppers (D)

10,069 6,913

to provide students with a high-quality education. He also sees education as an investment in future economic development.

Kuppers, a teacher at Franklin High School, received 41 percent of the vote, but it wasn’t enough to reclaim the seat he held from 2008-12.

Leatherman, a retired Macon County educator, received 38 percent of the vote.

Again, it wasn’t enough to reclaim the seat he held from 2000 to 2008.

Leatherman has also served as a commissioner before. While he was on the Republican ticket last time he ran for election in 2010, he has signed up to run as a Democrat this time around. He is also a former Macon County Schools educator and served on the SCC Board of Trustees.

Higdon is often the voice of dissent on the board when it comes to spending money. While some would say he hasn’t accomplished much during his first term, Higdon said his opposition to certain projects has at least created more discussion.

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER It had been said about newcomer Brandon Rogers that if signs could vote, he would win.

And maybe they can, because he did — in convincing fashion.

“I just think the key was number one, I had a lot of help and a lot of support,” said Rogers. “It was unlike anything that I ever imagined — I never realized I had the support I did in this community until the day I decided to run.”

Rogers surpassed all other candidates to lead vote totals in the four-way race, and he Brandon Rogers is eager to begin work.

“Day one, I’m probably going to start working with the other commissioners on the top issues I’ve been mentioning since day one — creating jobs and working with our educational folks,” he said.

Rogers — a Republican — will in essence be taking over the seat of retiring Democrat Mark Swanger, shifting the balance of power slightly from a 4-1

Haywood County Board of Commissioners (VOTE FOR 2)

17,025 15,966 10,575 9,685

Chuck Francis will again return to chair a Haywood County School Board that has set high marks for achievement, climbing into the top 10 percent of all districts in the state.

“I’m humbled, first of all, for the support that I got, and also cognizant of the fact that there are several thousand people who are not on board with what has been happening,” Francis said. “I want to listen to what people have to say, and want to be very open with everyone about all the decisions we make.”

Moving forward, Francis would like

Haywood County Board of Education Chairman (Vote For 1) Chuck Francis Craig S. Messer

15,953 10,298

Beaverdam District (Vote For 2) Ronnie D. Clark Scott Smith Richard Lance

16,415 12,181 11,674

Waynesville District (Vote For 2) James (Jim) Harley Francis III 12,347 Ann Barrett 9,508 Pam Martin 8,958 Kay Miller 8,428 Rebecca Benhart 6,758

to continue that progress.

“I think that we need to work with everybody and listen to all sides of the story, making sure we build a consensus towards the ultimate goal of student success,” he said.

Francis also stressed the need for continuing to be honest with the public — a quality he showcased when he reversed his decision to stop taping school board meetings after public outcry; Francis quickly and publicly admitted he had made a mistake before changing course.

“I don’t take it for granted — but I also know I’ve been open and honest with all citizens of Haywood County. I understand it’s not our money, it’s their money we’re spending and we want to do it wisely and efficiently and we want to listen to all citizens.”

Upstart Republican Craig Messer put on a decent showing in his first outing, and should be considered a future asset for the local GOP. “I think Craig is to be commended for putting his name on his line,” Francis said, adding that he called Messer earlier in the day and congratulated him on running a clean campaign.

Clark, Smith earn Beaverdam seats on school board Ronnie Clark and Scott Smith both

Haywood County voters choose booze

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER For the first time since 1952, Haywood County voters were allowed to make a decision on whether or not to allow on- and/or off-premises sales of beer and wine.

Despite unclear wording on the questions, voters weren’t confused about booze — all five referenda were passed, some by large margins.

When national prohibition ended in 1933, every town or county in North Carolina could decide whether or not to allow alcohol sales, resulting in a hodgepodge of local laws, leaving some businesses — like the Big Creek County Store in rural Mt. Sterling — without the ability to sell it.

Director of the Haywood County Board of Elections Robert Inman said that the change in the county’s alcohol sales rules would also affect businesses in the town of Clyde, where alcohol hasn’t previously been sold.

work for Evergreen Paper in Canton, but soon they’ll be working together on the Haywood County School Board, too.

Clark, who said he’d spend election night working, was unavailable for comment about his victory, but he brings degrees in business administration and organizational management to the board.

Smith, 26, doesn’t have children of his own, but said he thinks that will help him act as an instrument of change, since it wasn’t that long ago that he was a student himself.

Barrett, Francis III take Waynesville seats on school board The two school board seats available in the Waynesville district will go to veteran board member Jim Harley Francis III and Ann Barrett.

Francis, 45, comes from a family of educators and has served for six years.

He has two children in the public school system.

Barrett, 66, had one mentally challenged son go through the Haywood school system, and sees herself as an advocate for children with special needs. She returns to the board after a four-year absence; she served from 2008 to 2012, but failed in her reelection bid that year.

Cory Vaillancourt - Staff Writer

Smoky Mountain News

majority for the Dems to a 3-2 majority.

“I don’t know that it (commission dynamics) will change, but I think it will be a good combination, having two Republicans and three Democrats,” he said. “I feel like we’ll work well together. My whole campaign, I’ve said I want to be a voice for the people of Haywood County, and that’s just what I’m going to do.”

Joining Rogers is fellow Republican Kevin Ensley, who wasn’t far behind Rogers in the polls.

Ensley said he was thankful and humbled to be returned to the commission.

“I think generally when I make a decision, I weigh the facts based on what’s best for the county, and I make a vote that is for the best of the county,” Ensley said. “I think voters recognize that.”

As Ensley resumes his seat on the commission, he to is eager to dig into the very apparent work at hand.

“I think we’ll continue to work on broadband and infrastructure, and make sure the building projects we have are built within budget, and on time,” he said. “That’s important.”

As to departing Chairman Mark Swanger, Ensley was reflective in what Swanger will be leaving behind.”

“I think we’ve all learned — and even Brandon has — that us five commissioners will adhere to the transparency that Swanger’s established,” he said. “I think we’ll continue that.”

Francis to keep school board chairman seat

November 9-15, 2016

Brandon C. Rogers (R) Kevin Ensley (R) Steve Brown (D) Robin Greene Black (D)

Haywood County schools

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Rogers, Ensley win Haywood seats

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news November 9-15, 2016

Rep. Presnell survives challenge

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER Rhonda Cole Schandevel, D-Canton, ran a surprisingly good campaign that was well financed, but in the end, it wasn’t quite enough to unseat incumbent Rep. Michele Presnell, who has proven popular in her district.

In 2014, Presnell defeated Democrat Dean Hicks 13,858 to 13,169, or 51.3 percent to 48.7 percent.

“I hope that they understand a lot of things we did get done was for the betterment of people in the whole district,” Presnell said. “The first $17,500 in income is tax-free for individuals — that’s huge. I hope to do more for all three of my counties in the next few years, and I’ve got a whole folder full of ideas.”

N.C. House District 118 Haywood Yancey Madison

Michele Presnell (R) Rhonda Schandevel (D) 10,218 8,407 5,533 4,185 5,846 4,797

M EADOWS, CONTINUED FROM 9

Smoky Mountain News

represents. In Congress, he has taken many votes that didn’t sit well with his party leaders.

Meadows also considers himself an advocate for conservative principles and Christian values and says he’s championed fiscal responsibility, accountable government, pro-growth economic policies, pro-family and pro-life initiatives, and a strong national defense during his time in office.

Bryson called Meadows’ ethics into question during the campaign, but it didn’t seem to make a difference with voters. Meadows is currently being investigated by the congressional ethics committee for the way he handled inappropriate misconduct allegations against his Chief of Staff Kenny West.

Several female staffers came forward in late 2014 accusing West of inappropriate behavior.

Meadows said he fired West as soon as accusations were made, though West wasn’t officially terminated until May 2015. To make matters worse, Meadows paid West a three-month salary severance package of $58,000, which is not allowed in Congress. Meadows said he acted in good faith and 12 is cooperating with the investigation.

A small group of Haywood Dems watches election results at HQ early Tuesday evening.

Cory Vaillancourt photo

Davis hangs tight to N.C. Senate seat

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, will keep his seat in the N.C. Senate after an easy victory over Jane Hipps, D-Waynesville, who opposed him for the second election running.

Davis took home 62.5 percent of the vote in his seven-county district, equivalent to 58,523 votes compared to Hipps’ 35,142. Davis attributes his success to hard work on the part of party chairs and campaigners and to voter approval of his actions in office.

“I owe it to some strong supporters,” said Davis, who has held the District 50 seat since 2010. “I think my constituents validated what we’ve been doing, so I’m very grateful and honored to serve.”

Davis’ margin of victory was substantially higher than in 2014, when he and Hipps first faced off. In that race, Hipps took 46.1 percent of the vote and Davis won with 53.9 percent, with Hipps winning the majority in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties and Davis sweeping Graham, Cherokee, Clay and Macon.

This time around, Hipps did not win a majority in any of the district’s seven counties.

Davis’ strongest showing was in Graham County, where he won 76.5 percent of the vote. In his home county of Macon, where he served as a commissioner before seeking state office, Davis won 63.8 percent of the vote. In Hipps’ home county, Haywood, she took only 40.5 percent of the vote.

Hipps attributed her loss to high voter turnout in support of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, who won the state of North Carolina. Trump voters

NC Senate District 50 Haywood Jackson Macon Swain

Jane Hipps (D) Jim Davis (R) 12,056 17,711 8,205 9,658 6,168 10,883 2,516 3,352

typically vote Republican on downballot races as well.

“I’m disappointed in the results of the election tonight but I’m very grateful for

the supporters and the volunteers and all the wonderful friends I’ve made and people I’ve met along the way,” Hipps said.

The candidates ran a tough race that revealed stark political differences and caused them to clash on everything from school choice to tax policy to Medicaid expansion. A barrage of flyers sent on Davis’ behalf painted Hipps as a Hillary Clinton clone, anti-gun and in favor of tax increase on the middle class.

Hipps responded that none of those things are true, calling Davis a liar for not protesting the messaging sent out on his behalf. Toward the end of the campaign, pro-Hipps flyers came out attacking Davis’ actions in Raleigh as unchristian and predatory on the middle class.

During his fourth term in Raleigh, Davis’ priority will be to continue the efforts of the current legislature.

“I’d continue our tax reform, regulatory reform and education reform,” Davis said. “We’re going to continue those efforts. Those are all critical and I’m just really proud of the strides that North Carolina has made.”

Sales tax increase fails in Swain County

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR About 58 percent of voters in Swain County voted against increasing the sales tax from 6.75 percent to 7 percent.

Commissioners approved putting the referendum on the ballot to let residents decide on the quarter of a cent increase and said the additional revenue would be earmarked specifically for public education projects in Swain County. The sales

Swain County Local Sales and Use Tax Against For

3,335 2,456

tax increase would have raised an estimated $290,000 a year for the school system to use toward capital projects.

Even though the commissioners committed to putting the funding toward

education, some residents weren’t convinced that would actually happen. If it would have passed, a future board of commissioners could possible redirect the funding to other priorities.

All four candidates for Swain County commissioner supported the referendum as long as it went to education. A similar sales tax increase for educational purposes passed in Jackson County this year during the primary election.

Volunteers, donations needed in dog rescue effort news

County lifts adoption fees to relieve overcrowding

A dog in a crate awaits intake procedures at the former Lea Industries plant in Hazelwood.

Cory Vaillancourt photo

Top, left: A look inside the former Lea Industries plant that now houses 140 dogs rescued in Canton. Left: Just one of the 140 or so dogs being cared for by Haywood County officials. Cory Vaillancourt photo

Smoky Mountain News

meeting of the board of commissioners; had it not, County Manager Ira Dove said, it could have been up to two or three weeks before the fees could be waived.

Alternatively, the county could have called a special meeting to adjust the fees.

Instead, commissioners — at the urging of Chairman Mark Swanger — gave Dove the power to waive such fees in future emergencies at his discretion.

Although commissioners Michael Sorrells and Kirk Kirkpatrick initially balked at giving the county manager what Sorrells called “blanket authority,” Kirkpatrick opined that any county manager abusing the privilege would be “taking his position in his own hands.”

The measure passed unanimously, however, giving the county manager — whether it is Dove or someone else in the future — the ability to incentivize adoptions.

The Asheville Humane Society, Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, Duke’s Animal Haven and Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter have also been working toward that end, providing hours of volunteer labor and thousands of dollars of donated food, bedding and cleaning supplies.

Those interested in volunteering or donating should visit the Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter Facebook page for more information. Dogs will be available for adoption beginning Nov. 9.

November 9-15, 2016

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER Haywood County officials and volunteers continue to minister to the needs of 140 — and counting — dogs removed from a property on Terrace Drive in Canton over the weekend.

The dogs, which were voluntarily surrendered by their owners, require varying levels of medical care and a 72-hour quarantine.

Some are pregnant as well.

A press release issued by Haywood County Animal Services Director Doyle Teague said that about 55 small breed dogs — Chihuahuas, dachshunds and the like — were living with their owners in a singlewide mobile home on the half-acre property, but dozens of larger dogs were being kept in kennels, a camping trailer and on chains around the property.

“My understanding is that animal services received an animal welfare concern report, which then allowed them to look at the property,” said Haywood County Program Administrator Dona Stewart on Saturday morning.

The owners, James and Angela Croft, appear to be in violation of several county ordinances regarding the care of companion animals, especially those that demand “minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter, and veterinary care” and prohibit keeping animals in a “severely” overcrowded environment.

Currently, the animals are being housed at a makeshift shelter located in the former Lea Industries building in Hazelwood, leased by the county from building owner Kelly West for $1.

Teague’s been sleeping in the facility at night because the lease stipulates a 24-7 presence at the building, although he admits he hasn’t been getting much shuteye.

Volunteers in the building as well as county employees and inmate work crews have been cataloging demographic information about each dog, vaccinating them, feeding them and cleaning up after them with an eye on adopting them out after their quarantine expired on Nov. 8.

“For the amount of animals that were in the home, they’re in pretty good shape,” Teague said. “You’ve got some mange and some undernutrition, but overall, they’re not too bad.”

On Monday, county commissioners took an added step toward rehoming the dogs; since the current county shelter is full, commissioners waived adoption fees for 45 days.

The county’s new shelter — scheduled to begin construction soon — would make such interventions easier in the future, Teague added, mentioning specifically the added storage space and medical examination areas.

Luckily for the county, this animal rescue came just days before a regularly scheduled

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Planning council membership, trailer park rules to change in Cullowhee

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ere months after the much-debated Cullowhee Community Planning Standards became county ordinance, commissioners are set to consider a pair of changes to the rules following a public hearing at 5:55 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 17, in room A201 of the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building.

“There was an understanding (when the planning standards passed) that we would Michael Poston be reviewing those ordinances and look at those things after they were adopted and had the chance to be applied and see if there was anything we could tweak,” explained Planning Director Michael Poston.

Commissioners passed the standards after two years of meetings and debate and stark differences of opinion, but when they did so they promised voters that the standards

Smoky Mountain News

November 9-15, 2016

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would be evaluated as they went into effect.

The Cullowhee Community Planning Council wasted little time in rising to the challenge, offering a pair of amendments for the Jackson County Planning Board, and then the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, to consider.

TRAILER PARKS Under the amended ordinance, any trailer park that is abandoned for a full year — meaning all units are either vacant or gone from the property — wouldn’t be able to resume operation unless it came into compliance with existing regulations. Currently, existing trailer parks don’t have to follow newer zoning regulations — they’re grandfathered in. The amendment would stipulate that parks lose their “grandfathered in” status if abandoned.

The amended ordinance would alter another piece of the rules governing trailer parks.

Currently, replacement manufactured home units must be placed in the same location as the existing home within 180 days in order to remain exempt from current standards. The amendment would require simply that the new unit be placed on an existing space, not neces-

Annual Veterans Picnic Saturday, Nov. 12 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

At the National Guard Armory in Sylva Veterans eat free; each guest is a $5 donation

2nd Annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Nov. 12 • 3 p.m.

Entry forms are available at the Jackson County Veterans Office For more event information contact: David Plaster or Sheila Setzer at 828-631-2231 Caring for our North Carolina Veterans in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

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sarily in the same location and with no timeframe stipulated for that to happen.

The amendments, Poston said, would serve to make the regulations more consistent with the manufactured home park ordinance that applies to the county in general — the changes aren’t aimed at making the ordinance more restrictive or less restrictive.

“Removing the 180 days is a little less restrictive, but we’re also adding in some language that talks about having a time period for entire parks to become vacated,” Poston said. “I think there’s a tradeoff there.”

planning council level,” Poston said.

“Whenever we’re discussing those policies we can have a very informative discussion including Western. How they grow and develop over time certainly has a direct connection to how the development pressure will feel in and around that area.”

Voting members of the Cullowhee Planning Council, of which there are seven, must live, own property, or operate a business in the Cullowhee planning areas. They are appointed to three-year terms by the Jackson County commissioners.

PLANNING COUNCIL

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

MEMBERSHIP

VOICED THUS FAR

A second amendment would allow Jackson County Commissioners to appoint exofficio members to the Cullowhee Community Planning Council, which is the first stop for all proposed amendments to Cullowhee’s zoning rules, as well as for special-use permits, appeals of decisions made by Jackson County staff and other Cullowhee planning issues.

Ex-officio members don’t vote on decisions, but they have a place at the table and are involved in the discussions that ultimately lead to decisions. The amendment specifically states that there be “a focus on representation from Western Carolina University” among ex-officio members.

“We’ve received some very positive feedback from WCU about wanting to be involved and engaged with the community, so I think this allows for that to happen at the

The changes are somewhat minor in the scheme of the ordinance as a whole, which involved two years of public meetings, drafts, revisions, and — sometimes — harsh words before a final, approved ordinance arrived.

“I don’t know these are highly controversial issues,” Poston said of the amendments currently on the table. “A lot of it is well thought-out and discussed.”

Nobody attended public hearings on the amendments before the Cullowhee Planning Council or the Jackson County Planning Board, but community members have one more chance to sound off before the Jackson County Commissioners decide whether to enact the proposals.

The proposed amendments are online at www.jacksonnc.org/PDF/agenda/oct20/20161020-item8.pdf.

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER aywood Community College’s new Creative Arts Building was supposed to be a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly facility.

Instead, according to allegations made in a complex, far-ranging lawsuit filed by HCC Oct. 28, it’s leaky, creaky and becoming a multi-million dollar boondoggle.

Voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax in 2008 intended to fund improvements at HCC; in 2010 Raleigh-based architectural firm Innovative Design was named as architect for the project in part because of company president Mike Nicklas’ reputation as a proponent of sustainable design — something the community college’s then-president Rose Johnson also supported.

Construction began in spring 2011 after concerns over the project’s $8.3 million price tag were allayed. Haywood County Commissioners voted 4-1 to pursue an expensive LEED certification for the building that was supposed to pay for itself in energy sav-

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HCC seeks damages from architect, construction company Construction began in spring 2011 after concerns over the project’s $8.3 million price tag were allayed. ings, with Commissioner Kevin Ensley the lone objector.

The project wound up being over budget and past deadline, but opened in January 2014. Problems then began appearing almost immediately.

According to the lawsuit, the building’s flooring is coming apart, water reuse systems don’t work, lights rapidly burn out, electronic sensors fail and the foundation of the building itself is cracked.

HCC’s lawsuit blames Ohio-based general contractor Miles McClellan Construction Company, Carolina Floor System Inc., Minn.based Maxxon Corporation and its sub-

HCC’s Creative Arts Building, shown here under construction in 2012, has become the focus of a lawsuit. File photo sidiary Maxxon Southeast Inc., as well as Innovative Designs and its president Mike Nicklas.

The suit also targets project insurers Travelers and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company.

The bulk of the allegations, however, seem to concern Miles McClellan Construction. HCC makes six claims for relief as to Miles in the lawsuit, alleging among other things that the contractor breached its contract with HCC by failing to

construct a defect-free building, failed to adequately supervise subcontractors and did not honor expressed warranties but instead devised a “scheme” with two other defendants — Carolina Floor System and Maxxon — to downplay problems so they’d still get paid for the job.

As of press time, Niklas hadn’t returned calls seeking comment. President of HCC Dr. Barbara Parker referred all questions to HCC attorney Pat Smathers, who was unavailable for comment.

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each year, while CFWNC offered only advice on fundraising.

Also of issue was the CFWNC’s refusal to allow commissioners to sit on the board overseeing the fund, while the HHF has already reserved two seats on the foundation’s board of trustees for commissioners.

Indeed, Commissioner Kirk Kirkpatrick said during the meeting that the community likes local control.

The Asheville-based Community Foundation of Western North Carolina manages more than $250 million in charitable assets throughout its 18-county service area in Western North Carolina and has substantial experience managing funds like Haywood County’s.

Founded in 1978, the Clyde-based Haywood Healthcare Foundation serves Haywood County exclusively, focusing on grants, educational programs, scholarships and leadership opportunities designed to improve the health of the county as a whole — which is perfectly in line with what commissioners think the fund should do.

Both organizations presented a tiered fee structure that involves a percentage rate of compensation based on the amount of cash in the fund. Dove’s job now — alongside County Attorney Chip Killian and County Finance Director Julie Davis — is to negotiate what, exactly, that fee will be. Dove said

Because Duke LifePoint is not a charitable organization, its purchase of HRMC ended the ability of the Haywood Regional Medical Foundation to fundraise for the hospital. during the meeting he hoped to complete the process in two or three months, at which time he’d return to commissioners with a contract for their approval.

Because Duke LifePoint is not a charitable organization, its purchase of HRMC ended the ability of the Haywood Regional

Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER arring an unforeseen breakdown in contract negotiations, the Haywood Healthcare Foundation will manage the estimated $20 million in funds that resulted from the sale of Haywood Regional Medical Center to Duke LifePoint in 2014.

During its regularly scheduled Nov. 7 board meeting, Haywood County Commissioners directed County Manager Ira Dove to begin negotiating with the Clydebased group.

Back in mid-October, representatives from HHF as well as from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina made their pitches to the Haywood County Board of Commissioners, hoping to score a contract managing the county’s windfall.

While both organizations seemed qualified and similar in pricing, commissioners at that time asked representatives from the two groups about fund management, grant making and governance in addition to cost.

In the end, cost seemed the least of their concerns.

Board Chairman Mark Swanger asked Dove for his recommendation but Dove deferred, instead listing the strengths of each group.

Of issue was the fact that the HHF actively fundraises and holds successful events

November 9-15, 2016

Local nonprofit selected to manage hospital funds

Medical Foundation to fundraise for the hospital. In the past, such funds had been used to conduct renovations at the hospital as well as minister to the greater health needs of Haywood County by purchasing things like defibrillators for the police 15 department.

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Legislation to keep Fontana houseboats makes its way through Congress

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ouseboat owners on Fontana Lake may get to keep their floating homes after all if legislation passes to exempt Fontana from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s decision to remove 1,800 structures from its lakes.

Back in May, the TVA board of directors approved a 30-year sunset provision for all houseboats, claiming the structures on the water posed environmental, safety and navigational concerns. The new policy also requires owners to pay additional fees to the TVA during the next 30 years.

Houseboat owners from all TVA reservoirs banded together to convince TVA to rethink the sunset clause, and Fontana stakeholders especially took issue with the accusations that they were polluting the lake. While some of those issues may persist on other reservoirs, Graham and Swain counties have an ordinance in place to ensure houseboat owners pump out their sewage properly.

When the TVA board made it clear it wasn’t going to budge on the sunset provision, houseboat owners and local government officials turned to their congressmen for help.

U.S. Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., introduced an amendment to a water infrastructure bill — the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 — in the Senate while U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., introduced a similar amendment in the House to exempt Fontana Lake from the TVA’s new policy. The amendments have passed both the House and Senate but now the bill has to make it through Conference between the House and Senate before the president can sign it.

“I’m pleased that the full Senate has

November 9-15, 2016

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Fontana Lake houseboat owners Laura Sneed (center) and her husband Erik Sneed, (right) pose with Congressman Mark Meadows following a congressional hearing in Washington, D.C. Donated photo

passed this legislation, which will hopefully bring some relief to North Carolinians in Swain and Graham Counties who are worried about losing their homes because of the TVA’s proposed ban,” Burr said in a press release.

“Many of these families have been living on the lake for decades, and no one should have to worry about losing their home because of intrusive government policies.”

Meadows and Burr both wrote letters to the TVA earlier this year opposing the 30-year sunset on all houseboats but the TVA board made it clear during its August meeting that it would not reconsider the ruling. That’s when the congressmen took legislative action to prevent what they consider an overreach of the TVA’s authority as a federal corporation.

“The TVA’s decision to ban floating cabins

has already had devastating effects for hundreds of hard-working owners and the surrounding economy in my district — even well before the 30-year timeline expires,” Meadows said in a press release. “This is yet another example of the federal government choosing to get involved without seriously evaluating the consequences placed upon tax-paying families.”

Meadows also called for a hearing before the Subcommittee on Government Operations — which he chairs — to hear testimony from the TVA, houseboat owners and government officials. TVA did not walk away the winner that day. Meadows and other subcommittee members were critical of TVA’s history of taking without compensation and its lack of proof to show houseboats are causing environmental damage on TVA lakes.

Laura Sneed, a houseboat owner on Fontana, spoke at the congressional hearing and has also been instrumental in the fight to keep floating homes. She is hopeful the bill will get passed and her family will get to keep their investment on the lake.

“The language is slightly different between the two versions — the House version is a bit stronger — so they'll need to work it out so it all matches for our section and everything else that is in the bill as a whole,” Sneed said. “We anticipate that the Conference will happen after the election and then the president will hopefully sign it in December. Fingers crossed that it all without a hitch. I’ve learned with the political process that you have to stay on your toes as anything can change in a heartbeat.”

The Tennessee Valley Floating Home Alliance continues to fundraise to cover the cost of legal counsel and public policy advocates — so far the group has raised about $30,000 toward a $50,000 goal.

“We've been very fortunate to not have to put up a legal fight as of yet, since it has all been political,” Sneed said. “But that effort alone is pricey as we have an amazing political consultant who has worked tirelessly to make sure our bill was able to get the support they needed in Washington.”

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Rash of car break-ins in Haywood Waynesville and noticed a woman, Bonnie Gail Bernard, 32, of Loganville, Georgia, standing near the car. As some investigators spoke with Bernard, others were searching the area and found several purses that belonged to the victims from the fitness center incident.

Bernard was arrested on nine counts of felony break or enter a motor vehicle, seven counts of misdemeanor larceny from a motor vehicle, seven counts of possession of stolen goods/property and nine counts of misdemeanor injury to real property.

Officials believe Bernard did not work alone, so they will continue to seek out the others involved. Investigators believe all parties are not locals.

Haywood to celebrate Veterans Day

and more fire departments were called to the scene to assist.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s EOD (Explosive Ordinance Device) team was dispatched and it is believed that commercial fireworks are what injured the child.

It is not known if the two incidents are related. No one else is injured. The investigation is ongoing.

Cashiers clinic moved to Nov. 16

Sherri C. Rogers, the Haywood County Register of Deeds, is launching a new program linking veterans with businesses that offer them discounts.

Veterans who qualify for the program can receive a Haywood County Veteran ID Card by recording a copy of their DD214 in the Haywood County Register of Deeds office.

Participating businesses will be listed on the Haywood County Register of Deeds website at haywooddeeds.com.

All veterans who come into the office will be given a current listing of those businesses participating in the program. Interested businesses can join the program by visiting www.haywooddeeds.com. Under the navigation menu click the Veterans Rewards Program link and complete the registration form for your business.

The kickoff will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 10 in the Register of Deeds office.

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Explosion in Waynesville Sylva DMV to close Saturdays injures child Haywood County Sheriff ’s Deputies and several other emergency crews responded to a 9-1-1 call Nov. 7 about an explosion on Zurich Lane in Waynesville.

Officials learned a child had been in close proximity to the explosion and has since been transported to a regional hospital. As deputies secured the scene of the explosion that injured the child, a house located nearby became engulfed in flames

The Sylva Driver License office, located at 876 Skyland Dr., Suite 2, will no longer be open for Saturday hours beginning Nov. 5.

The office will now operate on a weekday schedule from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

DMV now offers driver license renewals and other services online. Visit www.ncdot.gov/dmv and click on “Online Services.”

HAYWOOD WOMEN’S MEDICAL CENTER 35 Facility Drive, Clyde, NC 28721

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Smoky Mountain News

The Jackson County Department of Public Health’s monthly Cashiers Clinic for November has been moved to Wednesday, Nov. 16 instead of the regularly scheduled third Thursday.

The Cashier’s Clinic is open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. and is located at 217 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers. Services offered at this location include WIC, laboratory (with a doctor’s order), immunizations, and wellness screenings.

828.587.8289.

Discount program for veterans kicks off

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Canton’s Veterans Day Service will be presented by the Varner-Rhinehart American Legion Post 61 at 11 a.m. Friday Nov. 11 and 11 a.m. at Pisgah Memorial Stadium, 61 Penland St., Canton. Speakers include former North Carolina Congresswoman Sue Myrick.

919.832.7506 Waynesville VFW Post 5202 will host a Veteran’s Day Memorial at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the “big gun” in downtown Clyde.

828.733.2438 A veterans program and lunch will be held at 12:15 p.m. Nov. 11 at Haywood Christian Academy, 1400 Old Clyde Road, Clyde 828.627.0378.

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Haywood County Deputies responded to the Haywood Regional Medical Fitness Center around 6:15 a.m. Nov. 2 in reference to nine cars being broken into.

Upon arrival, investigators observed each vehicle had broken windows, and items stolen included purses, wallets and electronics. They learned Waynesville Police Department officers were also conducting their own investigation into four car breakins that occurred near the same time at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

Waynesville officers were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle involved with the rec center break-ins and shared this information with the sheriff ’s office.

A Haywood County deputy located the suspect vehicle parked at the Motel 6 in

haywoodwomenscare.com

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news

Library looks for input on strategic plan Carolina West Dental Charles & Dorthea Luce Select Homes of Waynesville, LLC Haywood Vocational Opportunities Davidson, Holland, Whitesell & Co, PLLC Hyde & Brown, PA John & Janet Parker Harry & Ester Ramsland Steve & Mary McNeil Michael & Andrea Stouffer Bill & Treva Upton The Mountaineer Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Harvey & Didi Geller Evergreen Foundation Town of Waynesville

Herbert & Gary Small Waynesville Rotary Club Haywood County Board of Realtors Ken & Evelyn Zula Dave & Holly Richard The Architectural Studio Rowan-Small Associates

The old Haywood County Public Library Bookmobile — something the library doesn’t have today. Haywood County photo.

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he Haywood County Public Library has roots dating back more than a hundred years, but today’s library has its sights set squarely on the next hundred.

The library system dates back to 1891 and currently consists of four branches — in Waynesville, on Haywood Street; in Canton on Pennsylvania Avenue; in Maggie Valley on Soco Road.; and in Fines Creek on Fines Creek Road.

Currently, a long-range strategic plan is in the works, and library officials want to hear from the public to determine how the library can remain relevant — amidst the rise of electronic media — in the coming decades.

“We have been looking at the needs of the community and how the library can better serve the needs of the community,” said Library Director Sharon Woodrow. “Having discussed it with county administration, we thought this was the best plan.”

That plan has already lead to meetings with eight different focus groups, who were presented with the question, “In five to 10 years, what role would you like to see the public library play in your life and the life of your community?”

“Our goal is to really go out and get the input from the community itself,” Woodrow said, noting that she’s already gotten a lot of good ideas, including requests for more facilities and more hours.

As examples, she cited many people asking for a bookmobile and better broadband access at the library, as well as a café, more programming, and more collections.

Additionally, many modern libraries now serve as a repository for local historical documents and news archives.

“Several of the communities would also like to have easier access to their community history in the libraries that are closest to them,” she said.

Woodrow also said that there have been some offbeat suggestions revealed that might not be as far-fetched as once thought.

“We’ve had some really neat answers come out,” she said. “Someone said they wanted a drone to deliver materials.”

Three public input sessions remain: 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Waynesville Library; 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the Maggie Valley Library; and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the Canton Library.

“We have been looking at the needs of the community and how the library can better serve the needs of the community.”

— Sharon Woodrow, Haywood County library director

The sessions have been taking less than 30 minutes, and also feature light refreshments.

“It’s been working out very well, we’ve had wonderful participation,’ she said.

Once the sessions are complete, Woodrow said, they’d go through the data, compile it and write a strategic plan, which they hope to present to the county this coming spring.

“This is all about being good stewards of taxpayer money,” she said.

For more information, call 828.356.2504.

@SmokyMtnNews

Education HCC student wins entrepreneur award Haywood Community College Career & College Promise student Ezekiel MacMillan was recently awarded the third place National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Student Entrepreneur Award.

The award is designed to recognize a currently enrolled student who has demonstrated innovative and creative accomplishments by executing their business concept in the marketplace.

Pictured are NACCE President Dr. Rebecca Corbin, (from left) MacMillan’s compaEzekiel MacMillan, American Institute for Economic Research repny, DonRaven resentative, and Skip MacMillan, Ezekiel’s father. Donated photo Clothing Co., was recognized at the 2016 NACCE conference in Sacramento, California.

MacMillan set out to create his own clothing line, serving a niche market currently underserved by North Carolina businesses. The end result is a line, which serves those that love the outdoors and wildlife. www.donraven.com.

Marines travel to SCC for training Members of the U.S. Marines recently needing wildland fire chainsaw safety training chose Southwestern Community College’s Public Safety Training Center in Franklin.

A group of 22 traversed the state from Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville and underwent three days of intensive training in Macon County last month to learn the finer points of how to safely use chainsaws while combatting wildfires.

The training was led by Sean Parks, an instructor with the U.S. Forestry Service.

“We thought it was great,” said Gunnery Sgt. Derek Partridge. “The instructors were excellent, the training was great and the location was good.”

Partridge said he’s hoping to bring a group to SCC every six to nine months “in order to keep the skills up in our battalion.” www.southwesterncc.edu/pstc or 828.306.7041.

Scholarships for students starting a biz

The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation

announced that its scholarship application for the 2017 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards is now open through Dec. 18.

High school seniors who run their own business and plan to attend a two- or four-year university, college, or vocational institute during the fall of 2017 are eligible to apply.

Thanks to Visa Inc. and other small business supporters, 95 scholarship winners will receive a $2,000 award, and five students will be chosen as Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists and will attend an event in Washington, D.C. The Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient will receive $15,000, the Dan Danner Leadership Award winner will receive $15,000, and the remaining three finalists will each receive $5,000.

Students may apply at www.nfib.com/yea.

Two new scholarships created at HCC Haywood Community College now has two new scholarships to aid students thanks to the generosity of Haywood County resident Phyllis Vance who established the Hilda Scroggs Vance Scholarship in memory of her mother and the Adele B. Dunn Scholarship in memory of her close family friend.

“My parents realized how important it is for people to get an advanced degree and be

Smoky Mountain News

able get a better job,” Phyllis Vance said.

“They believed getting an education was a way to meet people, have a better outlook, and a better life.”

The Adele B. Dunn Scholarship will be used to support nursing students at HCC. 828.627.4544 or pahardin@haywood.edu.

Scholarship luncheon honors donors, recipients More than 30 Southwestern Community College students and several donors were honored during the SCC Foundation’s Scholarship Luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the college’s Jackson Campus.

Founding trustee W. Paul Holt, Jr., who helped establish the SCC Foundation in 1973, served as keynote speaker. While sprinkling in stories from over the years, he traced the college’s growth and emphasized the importance of scholarships.

The full-year, tuition-and-fees scholarships were made possible through the Student Success Campaign — the most ambitious fundraising effort in SCC’s history. The college aims to raise more than $1 million to help more students than ever before. The campaign currently has more than $850,000 in the bank. b_woods@southwesterncc.edu, 828.339.4241 or www.southwesterncc.edu/give-now.

Booster club to host athletic fundraiser The Tuscola High School Booster Club is hosting its inaugural “Big T Bash” at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19, at Laurel Ridge Country Club.

The event is casual dress with food, music, a silent auction and a cash bar. Tickets are $75 per person or $750 for a corporate table. All proceeds will support Tuscola Athletics' fall, winter and spring sports' teams.

Contact any Big T club member, THS coach or the bigTbash.org website to purchase tickets.

Hensons establish endowment at HCC Charles and Janice Henson recently established an endowed scholarship through Haywood Community College’s Foundation Office.

Charles Henson has served on the HCC Foundation Board of Directors for more than 15 years and is one of the longest serving members. Janice Henson retired from Haywood County Schools as a teacher after 30 years of service.

The Hensons live in Bethel and run a beef cattle farm.

828.627.4544 or pahardin@haywood.edu.

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HCC meets matching gift challenge

Haywood Community College’s foundation recently received a challenge gift where an anonymous donor pledged to match up to $5,000 to fund student emergency needs at HCC. HCC Foundation Board of Directors member Ted Lappas made the leading gift and the college campus and community came together to match the challenge.

Known as The Lavender Fund, this scholarship was established to assist HCC students with emergency funding to overcome a onetime only hurdle. The emergency funding is not paid directly to the student. Typical funding needs that students face when requesting emergency funding assistance includes transportation needs such as auto repairs, heating needs, rent, food, or childcare.

828.627.4544.

• The EPICS 4-H Youth Council showed their appreciation the Macon County Sherriff’s Department recently with cupcakes and cookies. This month’s service project was chosen by the 4-H EPICS club members to show their gratitude for our law enforcement’s service to the community.

• Twenty of the best high school marching bands from four states competed on the Western Carolina University campus Oct. 22 in the 16th annual Tournament of Champions. Bands competed for the prestigious Chancellor’s Award, a large glass traveling trophy that is presented to the grand champion band.

ALSO:

• Dr. Lynn Dillard has been named director of Southwestern Community College Foundation’s board of directors. A member of the SCC Foundation board since 2013, Dillard served as a teacher for Jackson County Public Schools from 1976-85 and later was principal of the Jackson County Comprehensive School of Alternatives.

• The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has appointed Gaither M. Keener, former chief legal counsel for Lowe’s Companies Inc., to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Trustees at Western Carolina University.

• Haywood Community College’s recent Shine & Dine Gala at Laurel Ridge Country Club raised more than $22,000 for the HCC Excels Fund thanks to sponsorships, silent auction donations and ticket sales from the gala.

• Lifelong Jackson County resident Douglas L. Cody was sworn in as a member of Southwestern Community College’s board of trustees on Oct. 10 at the Jackson Campus.

Appointed by Governor Pat McCrory, Cody fills the seat previously held by Conrad Burrell.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

21

Choose physical therapy over painkillers F

Shannon Icenhour

all is almost over, but October was not just for trick-or-treating; it also represented National Physical Therapy Month. This year’s campaign was “Choose Physical Thereapy.” With advancements in the medical field, medications are readily available and often seem to be the easiest option to treat pain. However, the American Physical Therapy Guest Columnist Association encourages you to seek physical therapy as a way to heal your pain, not just mask it.

Opioids, often known as pain killers, reduce pain stimuli from reaching the brain. You feel better because the medica-

Together we can create something To the Editor: As someone who is regarded as white, why am I a member of the Jackson County NAACP? This is what I know: the policies that hurt black children in schools also hurt white children. The conditions that create hungry black children also create hungry white children. The policies that keep black families from getting health care keep many white families from getting health care. Laws that hurt black workers also hurt white workers.

Therefore, what is good for black people is good for everyone. When we unite over our common needs, solutions can be found.

From a Christian point of view, Jesus was quite clear. He stated (Mark:31) that the second of two commandments is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

If you think your neighbors are only those who look like you or agree with you, Jesus also said (Matthew 5:44) “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Later (Matthew 25:40), Jesus said “as you did to one of the least of these my brothers, you do to me.”

Jesus is again quoted (John 13:34) as saying “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you,

tion is masking the pain that you feel. However, that pain is not eliminated. It is just hidden for the short amount of time that the medication helps your brain block it.

Furthermore, opioids have many side effects that natural healing through physical therapy does not. Painkillers can cause breathing and heart problems, drowsiness, physical dependence, tolerance, and even accidental overdose and death. These medications are often highly addictive and misused. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that high doses of opioids are not good for chronic noncancer pain, and recommends treatment through physical therapy instead.

Physical therapy helps treat from the inside out, not the outside in. Unlike opioids, physical therapy is a great way to

you also are to love one another.”

Clearly, Jesus is for brotherly love, not hatred. In addition, hatred doesn’t just hurt the recipient, it hurts the souls of those who hate even more.

As for Jesus himself, was he not born a Middle Eastern Jew, with dark skin? The whole notion of black versus white is superficial, if not artificial, as we are all human beings whose ancestors originated in Africa. If you don’t believe me, have your DNA tested and find out for yourself.

To hate others for their humanity is to hate oneself. That is no way to live.

Ultimately, this is about justice, and not for ‘just us.’ As the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Until all are free, none are free.” Now that is the way to live.

When we all come together, we can create something positive for everyone.

Dan Kowal Franklin

Wildfire Response in Western NC To the Editor: I live by Standing Indian Campground on West Old Murphy Road. Last Wednesday I watched the helicopters going to the Boteler

treat pain at the source. It improves strength, mobility and range of motion so that you are able to get back to doing what you love pain free. A physical therapist can help you get back into your groove so that you can carve pumpkins, take a walk on a beautiful Sunday morning, or bake a warm pecan pie.

Physical therapists work as a team involving family members, other medical professionals, and you to find the plan of care that best fits your needs.

This fall, APTA and physical therapists all over the nation encourage you to get out, get active, and “leaf ” your pain killers behind so you can enjoy this season and those to come.

(Shannon Icenhour is a first-year doctorate of physical therapy student at Western Carolina University.)

LETTERS Peak fire from my home. That afternoon, however, a U.S. Forest Service truck drove past my house, going the wrong direction from Boteler Peak. A first responder and West Macon Fire Truck came next, followed soon after by the smell of smoke, confirming that there was indeed another wildfire: The Buck Knob Fire.

What ensued was an impressive procession of Forest Service vehicles, wildland fire trucks, local fire trucks, first responders, a dozer, and then of course the helicopters. I was awestruck.

Right now, professional women and men from across the country are here supporting local crews. Together with the staff of our Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests, local first responders and county fire departments, they are working to manage numerous wildfires on our national forest. With limited resources, these crews are tasked with balancing public safety (and their own) with the health of the forest (because fire under the right conditions can have long-term benefits for some types of forest).

Unfortunately, unlike the dedicated funding that exists for many other natural disasters, wildfire response activities are funded through the Forest Service and Department of the Interior budgets. This means that the Forest Service must often transfer money from other funds in its budget to respond to wildfires. It is

Air your dirty laundry. Send your opinions to info@smokymountainnews.com

imperative that the Forest Service has a stable budget that provides the resources needed for its other work, such as managing roads and water quality to conserve fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and more.

Despite working under uncomfortable and unpredictable conditions, the personnel that I encountered last week handled my questions with grace. And while I was at the district office, a local man called to offer the pond on his property for helicopters to use for water.

This man understands the spirit of public lands management. That is, when it comes to our shared public lands, we must take care of them together. We must give the professionals and agencies the tools and information that they need to do their job, and avoid adding to their workload. Be diligent about any sources of ignition on your property. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of your car window. Respect signs indicating that a road is closed for fire management, and if you see personnel and volunteers, thank them.

Finally, speak up in support of the men and women who work for the Forest Service.

Write to your representatives in Congress and ask them to seek dedicated funding for wildfire response, so that the Forest Service may take care of our national forests for the benefit of us all.

Michelle Ruigrok Franklin

’d like to take a few minutes to say a few words about the column by Jeff Minick two weeks ago on the subject of Bob Dylan winning this year’s Nobel Prize in literature (www.smokymountainnews.com/archives/ite m/18691).

Mr. Minick, whom I respect and whose book reviews I’ve been reading for years, has written a very cautious — if not apologetic — argument as to why Bob Dylan is not qualified to receive this high honor. In his piece he has taken the side of numerous academics who are Writer howling about what they perceive as an outrage, or a “mockery,” as Minick says.

While Minick has written a very carefully thought-out and intelligent piece from that perspective, I feel that poor Bob is getting bashed from this kind of biased academic perspective and that he needs someone from the pure poetic side of the fence to speak on his behalf and in his defense.

Minick has categorized and pigeon-holed Dylan as a “musician,” a mere “songwriter,” a “pop star,” saying that “shorn of their music, however, these lyrics from songwriters appear flat and inferior alongside those of poets.” He goes on to differentiate poets and songwriters by saying that “a musician uses — and often depends on — the music to carry his words; a poet uses words to carry his music.” While he’s not completely wrong in this assessment, what he fails to comprehend and acknowledge is that there may be, and probably are, exceptions to this “rule.” Minick is holding the firm academic line that everything must be separated into definitive categories and that there is no room for artists whose work may cross over those boundaries and actually become two or more things instead of only one.

Minick, while dismissing Dylan’s output as a poet/songwriter, cites the published volumes in which Dylan’s work has appeared.

He cites Tarantula, a book of surrealist stream-of-consciousness poems published more than 50 years ago that was by almost all accounts a flop. And I agree. He also cites and dismisses Dylan’s memoir Chronicles that was published in 2004 as being less than literary and published only because of Dylan’s fame as a popular performance artist. He cites novelists and Nobel nominees like Cormac McCarthy and A.S. Byatt as more fitting contenders for the prize.

Chronicles wasn’t a novel, it was a memoir.

So Minick is comparing apples with oranges here and therefore his argument fails to convince. In fact, I found Chronicles an interesting and well-written book. But even more importantly, what Minick fails to mention in his attack on Dylan’s poetic integrity are the three volumes of his Lyrics that have been published by no less than

I

Knopf and Simon & Schuster — two of America’s leading publishers of canonical fiction and poetry. With the third volume having been just released, what we have is over 1,500 pages of Bob Dylan’s collected works. These books are presented as very

Smoky Mountain News

November 9-15, 2016

Thomas Crowe

opinion

Sorry, but Bob Dylan did deserve the Nobel

22

large volumes of poetry, organized chronologically by album titles and inclusive of all his published (recorded) songs. And herein lies the proof in the pudding and Dylan’s legacy to American culture and literature.

(Maybe Minick would have been more pleased if the Nobel Committee had given Dylan a “Lifetime Achievement Award” instead.)

But the major point that I’d like to make here is that more than any of Minick’s oversights concerning Dylan’s work, is the fact that he totally fails to mention, and perhaps to understand, that Dylan is part of a tradition that goes back hundreds, if not thousands of years: the bardic tradition. In the past, and up until the time of the invention of the printing press, poets were bards. They wrote rhyming poetry. They sang their poems with musical accompaniment. Sound familiar?

Bob Dylan is a bardic poet. In his youth

he was oft to describe himself as “a guitar poet.” He often cited influences that were not other songwriter/musicians, but poets like Dante, Chaucer, Rimbaud and Verlaine.

He hung out and saw himself as being part of the circle of Beat Generation poets, such as Ginsberg, Corso, Ferlinghetti and McClure.

After the release of his second album The Times They Are AChangin’ in 1964, he made his way to East Flat Rock, North Carolina, in order to meet one of his heroes — Carl Sandburg. The story as it was told to me by Sandburg’s housekeeper in 1981 when I spoke with her in Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville where she was working at the time, was that Dylan appeared unannounced holding a copy of his new album under his arm and asking politely to speak with Mr. Sandburg.

“I am a poet, my name is Robert Dylan,” is the way he introduced himself to the famous poet there on Sandburg’s front porch. He and Sandburg sat in chairs on the front porch as Dylan told Sandburg how much he admired the Songbook of American Folk Music that Sandburg had compiled and that it and the elder poet’s own poetry had been huge influences on his wanting to become a poet and songwriter. Sandburg listened quietly and acknowledged Dylan’s praise and accepted the gift of the album and told Dylan that he had much work to do that day and had to get back to it — sending Dylan on his way.

Yes, as Jeff Minick points out in his Nobel piece in last week’s paper, Dylan was the voice for a whole generation. All you have to do is ask any baby boomer. Should we hold that against him? I don’t think so.

So, let’s cut to the chase by letting Dylan speak for himself and go to the Dylan canon as evidence as to whether he is a literary

poet or not. While granting that his early work may be his best, and that not everything he wrote (like any writer you could mention) was stellar, we can cite songs like “My Back Pages” which was part of his album Another Side of Bob Dylan in 1964 and which prophetically speaks to us still today. (Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth/”Rip down all hate,” I screamed/Lies that life is black and white/ Spoke from my skull. I dreamed/Romantic facts of musketeers/foundationed deep, somehow./Ah, but I was so much older then/I’m younger than that now.)

And in “Chimes of Freedom” (1964), again Dylan speaks to us today in lines that will surely resonate with generations to come. (Far between sundown’s finish an’ midnight’s broken toll/We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing/As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds/Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing/Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight/Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight/An’ for each an’ ev’ry underdog soldier in the night/An’ we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.) Or in “Man of Peace” from the 1983 album Infidels: Look out your window baby, there’s a scene you’d like to catch/The band is playing “Dixie,” a man got his hand outstretched/Could be the Fuhrer/Could be the local priest/You know sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace.”

These lyrics and many more like them that Dylan has written through the years are the kind of thing the Nobel Committee rewards. They’re culturally, socially, spiritually and politically prescient if not profound.

And just because his verses rhyme doesn’t mean that they are inferior. It simply means that they rhyme — which is how bards have delivered their message to the public for as long as humans have lived in communities and shared important or entertaining information with one another.

Dylan carries this spirit and this tradition with him still, today, as he remains on the road sharing his vision and his sung poems with 21st-century humanity. These days he refers to himself as a “troubadour,” in the tradition of the bards. The singers who always have been and who will continue to be the visionaries of humankind.

So let’s applaud the Nobel’s foresight and clairvoyance in choosing Bob Dylan as 2016’s Nobel Prize winner for Literature.

And now that the bardic door has been opened by the Nobel Committee, may their insights into what is deemed as great literature continue into the future with the nominations of other poet-Bards such as Leonard Cohen. May the literary tradition and the poetic grace continue.

(Thomas Crowe is a long-time writer and book reviewer for the Smoky Mountain News. His latest volumes of poetry are Cracklight (2011) and Learning to Dance: Selected Love Poems (2015).

He can be reached at newnativepress@hotmail.com.)

tasteTHEmountains Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251 AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville.

828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years. Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken.

Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

APPLE ANDY'S RESTAURANT 3483 Soco Road, Maggie Valley located in Market Square. 828.944.0626. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Serving the freshest homemade sandwiches, wraps, and entrees such as country fried steak and grilled flounder. Full salad bar and made from scratch sides like potato salad, pinto beans and macaroni and cheese. www.appleandys.com BLOSSOM ON MAIN 128 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

828.454.5400. Open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through

Sunday. Mild, medium, to hot and spicy, our food is cooked to your like-able temperature.

Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy.

Traditional Thai food is known to be quite healthy, making use of natural and fresh ingredients, paired with lots of spices, herbs, and vegetables. Vegetarians and health conscious individuals will not be disappointed as fresh vegetables and tofu are available in most of our menu as well as wines and saki chosen to compliment the unique flavors of Thai cuisine.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

BOGART’S 303 S. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.1313.

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal fes-

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not preprepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items.

Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

BRYSON CITY CORK & BEAN A MOUNTAIN SOCIAL HOUSE 16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 3p.m., Full Menu 3 to 9 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials starting at 5pm every day. Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and other local bakers. Enjoy craft beers on tap, as well as our full bar and eclectic wine list.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 am to 9:30 am – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch every day from 12:00 till 2 pm. Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays, featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer.

The evening social hour starts at 6 pm, and dinner is served starting at 7 pm. So join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

We invite you to join what has become a tradition in these parts...

breakfast at

Cataloochee Ranch 119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 | CataloocheeRanch.com | (828)926-1401

(828) 926-0212 Reservations Accepted

WINTER HOURS: November - February Open Fri. - Mon. 7 am until 12 pm

Smoky Mountain News

4309 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley

Serving top notch breakfasts coupled with good old fashioned customer service since 1966

November 9-15, 2016

We’ll feed your spirit, too.

tival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

Let us Cater Your Holiday Parties,

Large or Small WaynesvilleCatering.com 828-452-7837

facebook.com/smnews 23

tasteTHEmountains CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210.

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

November 9-15, 2016

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more.

Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

Proudly Supporting Our Community ——————————————————————

COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT 3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley.

828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet.

Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

Smoky Mountain News

FILLING STATION DELI 145 Everett St., Bryson City, 828.488.1919.

Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays (in October) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locals always know best, and this is

Thursday, Nov. 17

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA 1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley.

828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

GUADALUPE CAFÉ 606 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.9877.

Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m. Located in the historic Hooper’s Drugstore, Guadalupe Café is a chef-owned and operated restaurant serving Caribbean inspired fare complimented by a quirky selection of wines and microbrews. Supporting local farmers of organic produce, livestock, hand-crafted cheese, and using sustainably harvested seafood.

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817.

Open nightly for dinner at 4 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m. for lunch. Daily luncheon special at $6.99. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966. Featuring a large variety of tempting

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

10% OF SALES at the Waynesville Location will be donated to Providing Opportunities for Foster Children of Haywood County

828-452-5822

Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel.

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

LOS AMIGOS 366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza.

828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio.

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM 617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva.

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch.

Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

NEWFOUND LODGE RESTAURANT 1303 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee (Located on 441 North at entrance to GSMNP).

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Family style dining for adults and children.

Retail Retail

Restaurant Restaurant

LIVE LIVE Music Music

1 @ 7:15PM FRIDA FRIDAY, AY, NOVEMBER 1 11 Kevin Lorenz: guitar guitar,, vocals Latin, Jazz, Pop

——————————————————————

895 Russ Ave. • Waynesville

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one place they know well. From the highquality hot pressed sandwiches and the huge portions of hand-cut fries to the specialty frozen sandwiches and homemade Southern desserts, you will not leave this top-rated deli hungry.

SATURDAY, SA AT TURDA AY, NOVEMBER R 12 @ 7:15PM Joe Cruz: piano, vocals Beatles, Beatles, Elton Elton Jo John, hn, Ja James mes T Taylor aylor + Mo More re

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

Reserve Reserve at at 828-452-6000 828-452-6000 Paid in part by Haywood County Tourism www.visitncsmokies.com Tourism o www.visitncsmokies.com 828-452-6000 828-452-6000 classicwineseller.com classicwineseller.com 20 NC 20 Church Church Street, Street, Waynesville, Waynesville, NC

Café Deli & So Much More

tasteTHEmountains PAPERTOWN GRILL 153 Main St., Canton. 828.648.1455 Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Serving the local community with great, scratch-made country cooking. Breakfast is served all day. Daily specials including Monday meatloaf, chicken and dumplings on Thursdays and Friday fish.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoors, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches for lunch with homemade soups, quiches, and desserts. Wide selection of wine and beer. Outdoor and indoor dining.

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive. Canton 828.646.3750 Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available.

Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties.

SMOKEY SHADOWS LODGE 323 Smoky Shadows Lane, Maggie Valley 828.926.0001. Check Facebook page for hours, which vary. Call early when serving because restaurant fills up fast. Remember when families joined each other at the table for a delicious homemade meal and shared stories about their day? That time is now at Smokey Shadows. The menus are customizable for your special event. Group of eight or more can schedule their own dinner.

TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.

THE HEALTHY WAY 284 A North Haywood Street, Waynesville.

828.246.9691. Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Welcome to the healthy way! Shake it to lose it!! Protein shakes, protein bars, teas and much more.

Our shakes and protein bars are meal replacements.

Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Closed Tues.

Sun. 12-9 p.m.

Veteran's Day Special:

10% off & Free Soda (with Military ID) 32 Felmet Street (828) 246-0927

Open for Breakfast MON.-SAT. 8 A.M. 3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

828.246.0927. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.

Turkey & Gravy • Mashed Potatoes • Apple Raisin Dressing Squash Casserole • Country-Style Green Beans • Fresh Cranberry Sauce Tossed Salad • Assorted Desserts • Tea & Lemonade

$25.95/person (BYOB) Limited Seating so RSVP Now

Monday-Saturday 8-3 & Sunday 9-3 6147 Highway 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) breakingbreadcafenc.com • 828.648.3838

Visit Us and Discover MEDITERRANEAN & ITALIAN CUISINE 1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 LUNCH & DINNER TUES. - SUN.

www.pasqualesnc.com

WAYNESVILLE’S BEST BURGERS

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails!

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don't ask for the recipes cuz’ you won't get it!)

FAMILY-STYLE THANKSGIVING DINNER

MON.-SAT. 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505 Mtwitter.com/ChurchStDepot C facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

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Darren & the Buttered Toast

Served with house salad or roasted butternut squash soup, green beans amandine, roasted garlic rosemary mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, and choice of pumpkin pie, apple pie or ice cream.

Thursday, Nov. 24 • Noon-6 p.m.

Roast Turkey with Gravy & Stuffing: $

LIVE in CONCERT

With Al’s BBQ & More present

“A Night of Toast” 9PM-1AM November 12th 828.586.3555 Located in Beautiful Downtown Sylva, NC www.MadBatterFoodandFilm.com

21.99

————————————————————————————————————— Also serving appetizer specials along with several favorites from our menu

Reservations strongly suggested

Smoky Mountain News

SALTY DOG'S SEAFOOD & GRILL 3567 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.9105. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Full service bar and restaurant located in the center of Maggie Valley.

Featuring daily $6 lunch specials and daily dinner specials such as $1 Taco Tuesdays and 45¢ Wednesday Wings. Backyard Bar is open every weekend thru October.

SPEEDY’S PIZZA 285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800.

Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood. Also serving excellent prime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take out available.

Located across from the Fire Station.

Nov. 24 | 4 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.

11 a.m.-9 p.m.

November 9-15, 2016

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska.

Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano.

Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95.

Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A Waynesville tradition, the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop has been serving great food for over 20 years. Come in and enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere. Sub breads are baked fresh every morning in Waynesville.

Using only the freshest ingredients in homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Come in and see for yourself why Smoky Mountain Sub Shop was voted # 1 in Haywood County.

Locally owned and operated.

MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED ALL ABC PERMITS

Hwy. 19 • Maggie Valley 828-926-1817

Lunch: Sat. & Sun., Noon-4 p.m.

Dinner: Wed.-Sun., 4 p.m.

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Midwest Heart, Southern Blues

Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters roll into WNC

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Taking a seat on the old couch, my foot began to tap immediately.

The living room full of friends and soon-tofriends sat atop a frigid mountain just west of Clayton, Georgia. It was another evening hosted by the Grouse Mountain House Concerts, and standing in the middle of the space was Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters, headlong into a rollicking set that shook the floorboards and also the dust off any souls within earshot.

Hailing from Louisville, it’s hard to pinpoint just what The Sawdusters sound is.

They’re not outlaw country, not rock-n-roll or Americana either. They’re something else, and it’s that something else that truly sets them apart from anyone else. This wild ensemble ricochets up and down the highways and back roads of Southern Appalachia and the Midwest, where legions of new fans and golden opportunities are hard earned, and usually only granted just when all seems lost.

It’s sticky barroom floors and historic ballrooms. It’s a midnight drive through three states, all while keeping your fingers crossed the van doesn’t breakdown. It’s an empty venue one night, a packed room the next. It’s wondering if what you’re doing onstage actually matters, only to have a stranger pull you aside after

you see in the importance — and also advantages — of that model as the music industry itself is still a moving target of finding financial and creative stability?

ND: Well, it’s great because you’re constantly connecting with people who like music or creative people in general. And we’re constantly playing together, so we’re staying at a high level of comfortability. So, with that, there’s a lot of creative stability. Writing can be really hit or miss on tour because things change from day to day.

Sometimes as a band we’ve assembled songs during sound check or downtime, and then other times the schedule doesn’t allow. Also, we’ve heard songs maybe flipping the dial on the radio or on a TV show and worked it out during sound check and introduced it into the set.

Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters. a show and tell you how much your music has impacted their life, and all for the better.

It’s chasing your dreams when all that lies in your crosshairs is the next gig, a chance within your talents to prove to the world just where you stand, and why you deserve to plant deep roots there.

Smoky Mountain News: Where do you draw inspiration from?

Nick Dittmeier: From being observant, really. I think that’s where all art comes from in a sense. I get a lot of inspiration from my hometown and the area we’re from. It’s a unique place with a lot of history. Louisville is regarded either as the northernmost southern city or the southernmost Midwestern city. I also like to take small almost mundane things and try to make them much larger. A good example of that is our song “Rhythm of the Train.” There are a lot of trains passing through my neighborhood on the river. Most people tune those noises out or don’t ever think much about them, but there’s more to that and it facilitates way more connectivity than people give thought to. With my music, I feel I rarely try to tell people what to think. Instead, I try to hold a mirror up to a subject.

SMN: Y’all have relied on touring and live performance as a way to spread the word and the music to the masses. And yet, nowadays, most bands are turning to that touring and merchandise model to stay afloat. What do

SMN: When you’re out there onstage, and the band is firing on all cylinders, where do you go in your head? What are you feeling and experiencing?

ND: There so much down time during the day, driving, and a lot of hurry up and wait.

So, when we finally get onstage it’s the best feeling in the world because our day can be really slow all around. When that’s happening, I’m just really grateful to be up there with the people playing with me. There are just many distractions and reasons people can have to not come out and hear music, so when you see someone at the show, you have to consider they could be doing literally a hundred other things that night.

SMN: What are you seeing out there these days when you take a gander at the landscape of the music industry? Everything is changing so rapidly, for good or ill. Where are we at, and where are we going?

ND: I see positives all around. I think there are probably more good touring acts out now than ever. Just the city we’re based out of (Louisville), there’s stuff to do every night. I can’t say much for the entire industry, but where we are, and a lot of other bands are, is in a performance driven business. There are just so many places to play and so many festivals.

We went on a two-month stretch this summer where we didn’t play indoors. There was a lot of “the sky is falling” mentality eight to ten years ago that I think we’ve outgrown.

“With my music, I feel I rarely try to tell people what to think. Instead, I try to hold a mirror up to a subject.”

— Nick Dittmeier

SMN: What has all that nonstop touring shown you about your music, your philosophy, your goals in music?

ND: That we can only focus on the things we can control. Such as, the actual band and the music itself, and being the best version of ourselves. Yes, the business is going to change — again and again. Venues are going to go out of business, people will come and go, but as long as we’re here there will be no substitution for the music being priority number one.

SMN: What has a life immersed in music — touring, performing, creating — shown you about what it means to be a human being?

ND: It has given me a much more positive outlook on this country, and in human beings in general. The world feels smaller, but just the eastern half of America is a huge place. You meet total strangers sometimes that completely go out of their way to help you out and make your day. We have families and worries, and we need to be aware of that. As far as my band goes, no matter how chaotic things get we have to remember we are people and that’s the root of everything.

Want to go?

Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at 185 King Street in Brevard. Tickets are $12 per person and available at www.185kingst.com. The Sawdusters latest album, “Midwest Heart, Southern Blues,” can be found on mainstream music services and also on their website, www.nickdittmeier.com.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

The Drive-By Truckers Nov. 4 at The Orange Peel in Asheville. Garret K. Woodward photo

The most important band in America

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Smoky Mountain News

My ears are still ringing.

After catching two nights of the Drive-By Truckers this past weekend (Knoxville/Asheville), my eyes were bleary, my head still somewhat rattling. Not just from the sheer force of the rock band, but also from the thoughts bouncing around my mind from what I witnessed.

There isn’t a group as raw and rocking, as political and The Cullowhee Mountain Arts fundraiser, “Fall satirical, as culturally relevant Flavors of Sylva,” will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 and societally important as p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Mad Batter Food & the Truckers. It’s truth. And Film in Sylva. throughout the last two Acclaimed Texan singer-songwriter Radney decades, the Athens, Georgia Foster will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. group has brought the trials 19, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. and tribulations of the South into the national and internaThe 25th anniversary run of the Haywood tional spotlight. Their music County Motorcycle Parade & Toy Run will take isn’t meant to vilify or single place on Saturday, Nov. 12. out the South, rather the Storyteller Donald Davis will be perform at 6:30 melodies act as an oftenp.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Blue Ridge Books in uncomfortable history lesson Waynesville. He will also hit the stage at 7 p.m. that’s still being written to Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Sam Queen Auditorium this day. in the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

In previous albums, the Truckers would carefully place Funk/soul act Darren & The Buttered Toast will their political stances and mesperform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Mad sages in songs about sometimes Batter Food & Film in Sylva. forgotten or highly publicized events of decades prior. With Means” echoes out of the speakers with the their latest record, “American Band,” they sadness and matter-of-fact anger aimed at throw the bloody travesties and injustices of the “stand your ground” 2012 shooting of the “here and now” right at your feet. No Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old Africansubject is left out, where it’s about that timeAmerican teenager in Florida. less notion of “nothing’s the same, everyThe Truckers also dive into the 2015 thing is the same,” in terms of where we are

FRIDAY NOV. 11th 7 PM

November 9-15, 2016

as a people ideologically.

Opening track “Ramon Casiano” showcases the 1931 murder of a 15-year-old Mexican boy in a border town by a 17-yearold white American teenager named Harlon Carter, who eventually grew up to help transform the National Rifle Association into the political powerhouse it is today.

And just as that tune resonates, “What It

Bookstore

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon (“Guns of Umpqua”) and the careless corporate greed of Wall Street (“Kinky Hypocrite”). Each number hits as hard as the next, with fiery lyrics meant to more than stoke the smoldering coals of a confused and tired nation, “Does the color really matter/On the face you blame for failure/All the shaming for a battles losing cause/If the victims and aggressors/Just remain each others’ others/And the instigators never fight their own/Compelled, but not defeated/Surrender under protest if you must…”

And yet, the Truckers once again bring the big picture into focus with the poignant and simple “Ever South.” It’s a melody about the immigrants from Ireland, and how the people of that culture weren’t welcomed in America, ultimately leaving the northeast in hopes of a fresh start down south, “And I hear we weren’t welcomed here, at least not in those days/No one needs our drunken, fighting, thieving kind/But we settled in this new place and we worked it in our ways/And spread our kin upon it in due time…”

So, as I stood there, surrounded by hundreds of eager Truckers fans, the sound of the band pulsating around the venue, I found myself just observing the scene before me, really letting the music and atmosphere soak into my soul. You see, what the Truckers are trying to get across to you and me (and all of us) is that the problems of today were also the problems of yesterday, and will probably still be the problems of tomorrow.

With a “Black Lives Matter” sign hanging onstage, lead singer Patterson Hood would talk to the audience between numbers. The eternal optimistic realist, Hood knows damn well life isn’t sugarcoated, where if you wear rose-colored glasses, you might not notice the red flags. But, he will also be the first to shake his head in awe of how folks get so worked up — and usually for nothing — when it comes to relations between all walks of life. It’s about putting aside differences and finding common ground with fellow man, for what else do we have at the end of the day?

“Let’s love one another, dammit,” he yelled to raucous shouts and applause from the crowd.

Sure, by the time you read this column the 2016 presidential election will be decided. It will either be Clinton or Trump. But, regardless of who you wanted (or didn’t want) to win and lead the free world, what remains is us as a people. Come Wednesday morning, don’t shout at the TV or rip up the newspaper in anger. Take a deep breath and walk outside your front door. Make sure your interactions are kind, and also just. The chaos and madness won’t automatically show up because of one election result, and it also won’t disappear overnight either.

America has never been great, but we’re getting better, each and every day. I truly believe that, and I see it, too, each time the Truckers show up in town to kick us in the ass, reminding one and all just how great it is to be alive.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

Log on. Plan a trip.

And start kicking back.

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arts & entertainment

On the beat

Jazz star Tucker at WCU

November 9-15, 2016

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and jazz cellist Shana Tucker will perform a concert of music she calls “ChamberSoul” at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 11, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

Tucker credits her genre-bending “ChamberSoul” journey to the influences of her jazz and classical roots interwoven with 1980s and ‘90s pop music, movie soundtracks and world music. She has opened for internationally acclaimed artists including Norah Jones, Lisa Fischer, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Javon Jackson, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Indigo Girls.

Touted by JazzTimes Magazine as “a jazz talent...whose imprint and vitality has already been quite visible in North Carolina,” Tucker performs in a style and sound described as a mash-up of Dianne Reeves, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman, with an efficient complexity that is reminiscent of Bill Withers. She termed the phrase “chamber soul” to best describes what the listener should expect when experiencing her music.

Tickets are $24 for adults/seniors, $20 for WCU faculty/staff, and $8 for students/children. Tickets and information can be found online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or by calling the box office at 828.227.2479.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS JOIN US AS WE WELCOME

Selena Einwechter She is the owner/proprietor of Bed & Breakfast On Tiffany Hill as well as an author & motivational speaker

Bret Michaels.

An evening with Bret Michaels Rock legend Bret Michaels and special guests Warrant and FireHouse will present “The Party Starts Now” evening of performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Harrah’s Cherokee.

Michaels first rose to fame as the front man of Poison. As one of rock’s most iconic and enduring bands, Poison has charted 10 singles in the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100, including “Talk Dirty To Me,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Something To Believe In.” Tickets can be found at www.harrahscherokee.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Bring

Nature’s Essence Inside

—————————————————————————

Smoky Mountain News

After spending more than thirty years in corporate America, Selena Einwechter decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her dream: building her own bed & breakfast.

In June of 2009, Selena opened the doors of Tiffany Hill, a Bed & Breakfast in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC.

You won't want to miss this informative inspiring program!

The Women in Business series consists of luncheon meetings with topics of current interest for both men and women in the areas of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

MEDIA SPONSORS: S M O K Y M O U N TA I N N E W S & T H E M O U N TA I N E E R

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

HOST SPONSOR: L A U R E L R I D G E CO U N T R Y C LU B.

LAUREL RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

Thursday, November 17 • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $25/Chamber Members

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$35/Non-Members

Wax potpourri bowls...

Home fragrance without the flame

On the beat Radney Foster.

Foster at The Strand Acclaimed Texan singer-songwriter Radney Foster will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Foster has written and produced songs for Randy Rogers, Jack Ingram, Kacey Musgraves, Wade Bowen, Josh Abbott, Pat Green, Cory Morrow, and many others. His songs are regularly mined by superstar acts like Keith Urban (“Raining on Sunday,” “I’m In”), Sara Evans (“Real Fine Place,” “Revival”) and The Dixie Chicks (“Godspeed”).

Tickets are $35 per person. www.38main.com.

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arts & entertainment

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Your Annual Pass provides unlimited daytime admission, children 16 and under admitted free, exclusive savings on estate dining, shopping, and overnight stays, plus special events including:

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist “Mean Mary” James will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

Known internationally for lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals, and intricate story songs, James explores the genres of folk-rock, bluegrass, and blues with banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Based in Nashville, she plays 11 instruments and is known for her alluring story songs, incredible instrumental speed, and rich voice that can travel from deep emotion to sparkling trills.

Tickets are $15 per person.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com or www.meanmarry.com.

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Purchase your new Biltmore Annual Pass for $99 + tax at BILTMORE.COM/PASSOFFER.

3 Doors Down concert, ride

For tickets, visit www.harrahscherokee.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The 3 Doors Down 13th annual “The Better Life Foundation Concert” will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

The weekend consists of a motorcycle ride, silent auction, custom-built motorcycle raffle and concert. The Better Life Foundation (TBLF) has raised and donated over $3,000,000 to reputable children’s charities, veteran’s organizations, local municipalities and faith-based groups to achieve its goals of helping communities and children in need.

Tickets start at $19.99 and a limited VIP offering including a “Meet & Greet,” photo with 3 Doors Down, open bar, hors devours and more will be available for $249.99. TBLF concert is sponsored by Paul Benton. For more information on the foundation, visit www.thebetterlifefoundation.org

Grammy winner to perform

November 9-15, 2016

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Smoky Mountain News

David Holt and the Lighting Bolts will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Lake Junaluska.

Holt is a four-time Grammy award winner. During the concert, he will play more than 10 instruments.

The concert is part of the Interfaith Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska, which strives to advance the work of reconciliation between Jews, Christians, Muslims and other traditions.

The Nov. 10-13 conference features lectures, workshops, interfaith worship and music.

This “Party for the Earth” is open to the public. Tickets are $18. www.lakejunaluska.com.

828-452-2815 283 N. Haywood St. Waynesville, NC 28786 olgageorgi2@allstate.com

29

arts & entertainment

On the beat • Anastasia’s Ales (Waynesville) will host James Hammel (singer-songwriter) at 7 p.m.

Nov. 12. Free.

• BearWaters Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host live music at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 and 17. www.bwbrewing.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Kevin Lorenz (jazz/Latin) Nov. 11 and Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Nov. 12. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Derailed Bar & Lounge (Bryson City) will have music at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

828.488.8898.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Bradley Carter Nov. 12 and Fire For Effect Nov. 19. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Nov. 9 and 16, a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Nov. 10 and 17, Brushfire Stankgrass (Americana/bluegrass) Nov. 12 and The Breedlove Brothers Nov. 19.

All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovationbrewing.com.

November 9-15, 2016

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a community music jam from 6 to 7:30

p.m. Nov. 17. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. Free. 828.488.3030.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Kiel Grove (folk/rock) Nov. 11, Deadwood Drifters (gypsy/punk) Nov. 12, The Punknecks and Russ T. Nutz (outlaw country) Nov. 18, and If Birds Could Fly (Americana) Nov. 19. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

ALSO:

• Oconaluftee Visitors Center (Cherokee) will have an old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 19. All skill levels welcomed.

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Scott Stambaugh (singersongwriter) Nov. 11, John Duncan (Americana) Nov. 12, Rachel Stewart (singer-songwriter) Nov. 18 and Dave Stewart (singer-songwriter) Nov. 19. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company (Sapphire) will host a jazz brunch with Tyler Kittle & Friends from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays. 828.743.0220.

Friday, November 11th 2016

Rendezvous Salutes Our Veterans

Smoky Mountain News

We feed Veterans FREE from 4 to 9pm

Funk/soul act Darren & The Buttered Toast will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Entry is $5. Veterans admitted in free. Al’s BBQ will also be serving food starting at 7 p.m. in downtown Sylva.

828.476.0334.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Jimandi at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, “Funky Friday” with Bud Davis at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Isaish Breedlove (Americana) at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• The Stompin’ Ground (Maggie Valley) is now open for live mountain music and clogging at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

828.926.1288.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host a weekly Appalachian music night from 7:30 to

9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays with Nitrograss.

828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host DJ Kountry Nov. 11, Kiel Grove (folk/rock) Nov. 12, PMA (reggae/rock) Nov. 18 and The Mixx (rock) Nov. 19. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host the Assembly Quartet Nov. 15. All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. Mountain Faith (bluegrass) will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 16 in the University Center Grand Room. www.wcu.edu.

We Deliver to Maggie Valley & Jonathan Creek

Eat-In - Take Out

828.926.0201

Saturday, November 12th 2016

3 pieces of fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes & coleslaw Dine In Only Does not include drink and tip Must Show proof of Military Service

While Supplies Last Reservations Recommended

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BUTTERED TOAST AT MAD BATTER

70 Soco Road Maggie Valley

7:30-10:30 am Haywood County Toy Run Breakfast Buffet

$8.25 All proceeds benefit the Toy Run

On the street will provide barbecue and the fixin’s to the registered participants as long as supplies last. King and his Krewe are widely known for their outstanding food offerings. Musical entertainment will again be provided by the energetic On Your Feet Productions, who were crowd pleasers at the 2014 and 2015 Toy Runs.

For individuals not riding motorcycles but wishing to support the Toy Run, Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie will again sponsor a breakfast the morning of the event from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at a cost of $8.25 per person with proceeds going to the Toy Run. Registration for the Parade and purchase of this year’s Parade and Toy Run shirt will also be available on days leading up to the Toy Run. A post ride party will also occur at the Rendezvous in Maggie Valley. The annual Toy Run shirt is sponsored by various entities and individuals and covers the full cost of the shirts. All of the shirt sales go to the children.

A limited number of past years’ shirts will also be available in Canton and Maggie.

Individuals wishing to make donations of money or toys prior to the parade may drop those off at the Rendezvous anytime during the week leading to the parade.

Local residents traveling in and around the parade route between noon and 1 p.m. should be prepared for delays in traffic as the parade progresses throughout the county.

Organizers advise that law enforcement officers will be on alert for aggressive behaviors towards motorcyclists. The general public is invited to the main streets and other locations along the route to cheer the parade participants and enjoy the many decorated motorcycles.

November 9-15, 2016

The 25th anniversary run of the Haywood County Motorcycle Parade & Toy Run will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The annual event raises toys and funds for the children of Haywood County. The Toy Run is the long time result of collaboration between local bikers, Haywood County Law Enforcement, the towns of Canton, Clyde, Waynesville, and Maggie Valley.

The Town of Canton and Evergreen will again host the registration activities of the parade at the Town Hall parking lots.

Registration will open at 10 a.m. and run until 11:45 a.m. Cost to participate remains unchanged at $10 per person per bike or a new unwrapped toy of equal or greater value per person per bike. The parade will begin moving at noon and will traverse the municipalities of Haywood County before terminating at the Maggie Valley Town Hall and Pavilion. The parade will be under the escort of various Haywood County Law Enforcement agencies throughout.

Over the course of the 24 years of the parade more than $165,000 has been raised by bikers, along with the untold numbers of toys. The toy proceeds are distributed in a collaborative effort of Haywood County Department Social Services and Haywood Christian Ministries, along with individual donations by parade organizers to child-relevant nonprofit organizations such as REACH and KARE. The Community Kitchens in both Waynesville and Canton have also received financial support to provide Christmas tidings for children. In good weather years, the parade consistently draws in excess of 1,000 motorcycles and often feeds 2,000 registrants.

Chef Dicky King and his Kookin’ Krewe

arts & entertainment

‘Motorcycle Parade & Toy Run’

Christmas in Bryson City

the tree, traditional toys and gifts, and more.

Kids get to decorate the cabin tree with traditional Appalachian decorations, as well as making their own popcorn, cranberry, or paper string to take home for their tree.

Cookies and cocoa provided in the visitor center lobby.

800.867.9246.

Smoky Mountain News

Santa Claus and other Christmas activities will be held through Dec. 17 at the Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City.

• Letters to Santa — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop a line to Santa. All materials provided.

• Santa at the Museum — 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a free photo opportunity with jolly St. Nick on the porch of the cabin located in the museum. Cookies and cocoa served in the lobby. Santa will be there from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 26 and at the Christmas Parade on Dec. 3.

• Christmas Past — Mountain Traditions: 5 to 7 p.m. This brand new program is designed with the whole family in mind. Held at the cabin in the museum, the event offers a fun, educational lecture on the Christmas meal, the felling and decorating of

31

arts & entertainment

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November 9-15, 2016

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speakers such as Dr. Norman Wirzba, Professor of Theology, Ecology, and Agrarian Studies at Duke Divinity School and Jacqueline Patterson, Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program.

All are invited to attend the conference.

Attendees can expect lectures, workshops, interfaith worship and a concert by fourtime Grammy Award winner, David Holt.

Meal and lodging packages are available at Lake Junaluska. For more information, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/peace or call 800.222.4930. Registration is open and there is a special discount for students.

• The Sun n Fun Fly-in and Expo in Lakeland, Florida is the second largest event of its kind in the world. Its six days each April feature jet teams, aerobatics, flight demonstrations, aircraft displays, and more. Sun n Fun Vice Chairman Bob Beatty will describe the year-round work of the organization, show an action-packed video, and describe some of his adventures with three home-built aircraft. The program will be held during the Aviation Historical Society meeting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. There is no charge and the public is welcome. For more information, contact Fred Alexander at aeroscribbler@gmail.com or 828.506.5869 • The First United Methodist Church of Sylva will host an evening of fun and games dur-

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.

Nov. 12 and 19 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 12 and 19 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host a wine tasting on Wednesdays and a craft beer tasting on Thursdays. Both events run from 4 to 8 p.m. There will also be tapas from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. www.classicwineseller.com.

• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Watch the demonstrations, eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.

T HIRD A NNUAL

Franklin honors veterans

Veterans picnic, parade The annual Veterans Picnic will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the National Guard Armory in Sylva.

Veterans eat free and any guest is a $5 donation. 828.586.4313.

The Jackson County Veterans Office will host its second annual Veteran Day Parade at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Entry forms available at the office. 828.631.2231.

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Smoky Mountain News

Join the Town of Franklin in honoring all veterans during a special parade and ceremony to be held on Friday, Nov. 11.

“This will be a good time to personally thank those who have given so much, often in the worst of circumstances,” said Town of Franklin Mayor Bob Scott. “For so many of these men and women their service was no picnic. We should never forget what so many of them endured.”

The day begins with a veterans parade at 10:30 a.m. All veterans are welcome to participate. The parade will leave the lower level of Franklin Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. and travel to the Gazebo on the Square. Special banners will lead each group of veterans along the parade route according to the war or time period of service. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. for veterans that wish to participate. Following the parade the Franklin High School Band will perform a mini-concert at the Gazebo on the Square.

Events conclude with the Veterans ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. This ceremony is

always very moving and will feature guest speaker, Fred Alexander, USMC (Ret).

Alexander will speak on the history of Veterans Day. There will also be special music and a wreath laying ceremony.

Those attending are also encouraged to show their patriotic pride by dressing in red, white and blue. The Veterans Parade & Ceremony is presented by the Town of Franklin.

For additional information visit www.townoffranklinnc.com or call Franklin Town Hall at 828.524.2516.

November 9-15, 2016

Eight years ago, a group of locals came together to tackle world issues through community-level involvement. That was the start of the Interfaith Peace Conference, an event that works in partnership with Christians, Jews, Muslims and other religious traditions to advance the work of reconciliation and peace.

This year, the Interfaith Peace Conference — Nov. 10-13 at Lake Junaluska — will focus on the Climate Crisis and Peace.

Since its inception, the Interfaith Peace Conference has covered Peace for the World’s Children, The Transformative Power of Nonviolence, and Economic Justice for All God’s People. It’s had noteworthy speakers such as Dr. Marian Wright Edelman, the founder of the Children’s Defense Fund and Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner.

The theme idea comes from a statement

by Ban Yi-Moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, in which he claimed climate change was the biggest threat to peace.

Stith said he believes that bringing together different religious traditions can have an impact on this issue.

The conference will feature noteworthy

ing the Mother & Son Game Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. The activities are appropriate for children ages 5 to 12. Some of the activities include life sized Jenga, Hungry Hippos, Flick Football, Cupcake Walk and more. Refreshments will be served throughout the evening. The cost is $20 per couple and $5 for each additional child. To register and for more information, please call the church office at 828.586.2358.

arts & entertainment

Lake Junaluska celebrates peace

• The booster club at Tuscola High School is hosting the first annual Big T Bash at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. The event is casual dress with food, music, a silent auction and a cash bar. Tickets are $75 per person or $750 for a corporate table. All proceeds will support Tuscola Athletics’ fall, winter and spring sports’ teams. Contact any Big T club member, THS coach or the www.bigtbash.org website to purchase tickets.

Directions: From I-40 take Exit 24; Go S. on Hwy 209 3.7 miles on left.

From Hwy 19/23 take Exit 104; Go N. on Hwy 209 1 mile on right.

For more information, visit

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arts & entertainment

On the wall

‘Fall Flavors of Sylva’

Smoky Mountain News

November 9-15, 2016

The Cullowhee Mountain Arts fundraiser, “Fall Flavors of Sylva,” will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

Join the CMA for a cornucopia of local tastes and talents. Culinary tastes, live auction, craft beer and wine tasting, living statues, door prizes and drawings, concert with original music by Eric Hendrix and Todd Davis. Vendors include Heinzelmannchen Brewery, The Sneak E Squirrel, Country Vintners Wine, Lulu’s on Main, Guadalupe Cafe, Baxley’s Chocolate, and City Lights Cafe.

Tickets are $25 online or $35 at the door. www.madbatterfoodfilm.com or 828.342.6913.

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‘It’s a Small, Small Work’ The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) latest exhibit, “It’s a Small, Small Work,” will run through Dec. 24 at their Gallery & Gifts showcase room in downtown Waynesville.

The 2016 exhibit features 60 artists and almost 200 individual works of art for sale, which provides a unique opportunity for

The art of Samuel Morse

budding artists to exhibit their work alongside seasoned professionals.

The small work show was launched in 2008 in response to a declining economy and to demonstrate that original artwork can be affordable. Most businesses, homes and apartments can accommodate smaller works of art — and the show promotes buying local and regional work to help support artists in Western North Carolina. www.haywoodarts.org.

tion of Morse’s art and science that will begin Feb. 17 and conclude June 4.

The program will take place regardless of the weather so attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes. Each participant will also have

The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute’s (PARI) initiative to probe the connections between art and science will continue at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, “Gallery of the Louvre,” with a public presentation of the art by Samuel Morse. of Samuel F. B. Morse, widely known as the inventor of the telegraph but lesser known as an acclaimed artist.

While on the PARI campus, program attendees will also be able to explore “Pulsar Journey,” a limitedengagement art exhibit featuring the work of French artist Amélie Beaudroit, who has created 11 works depicting the stellar stages of a pulsar.

The evening’s activities include a campus tour of the historic former NASA facility including exhibits of Space the opportunity to have a photo taken with a Shuttle Artifacts, meteorites and minerals. PARI telescope and will receive a subscription Weather permitting, visitors will be able to to the PARI newsletter.

Reservations are required and will be view the night sky with PARI telescopes.

The Morse presentation is part of PARI’s accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. monthly Evening at PARI series and will fea- Evening at PARI programs cost $20 per adult ture a talk by Phil Archer, the Betsy Main and $15 for seniors/military. Children 10 and Babcock Director of Program and under are admitted free. Register and pay Interpretation at the Reynolda House online at www.pari.edu or call 828.862.5554.

Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem. For additional information, contact Sarah The Reynolda House has scheduled an exhibi- Chappell at schappell@pari.edu.

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On the wall arts & entertainment

Improve your depth of field

Balsam Range at the Fines Creek Bluegrass Festival. Garret K. Woodward photo

Smoky Mountain News

November 9-15, 2016

Haywood art grants given The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC), serving as a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, is pleased to announce the 2016-17 subgrantees for the Grassroots Arts Program.

These awards are for organizations producing high quality arts programming. The subgrantees for this grant period are: • Fines Creek Community Association – Bluegrass and BBQ Festival • Folkmoot – Appalachian Dancers for Folkmoot Festival • Haywood Arts Regional Theatre – Kids at HART Spring Drama Program • Haywood Community Band – Music Purchase • Haywood Community Chorus – Holiday and Spring Concerts • Voices in the Laurel – 21st Annual

• The Western North Carolina Woodturners Club, Inc. will be meeting at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Blue Ridge School in Glenville. The school is located on Bobcat Drive. Drive to the back of the school to the woodworking shop. Visitors are always welcome. The club meets the first Thursday of every month March through November.

• The Southern Circuit Film “Hotel Dallas” will be screened at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the theater of A.K. Hinds University Center at Western Carolina University. The film presents an unusual story about a post-1980s Romanian filmmaker named Livia, whose father Ilie has built a hotel that is a replica of the house from “Dallas,” the only American television show to play in their country at the time. Livia, who has a crush on series star Patrick Duffy, emigrates to America to film him waking up in her father’s hotel.

• The High Country Quilt Guild will hold their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. Sandy Fogerty will present a program on “What’s New at the Quilt Market,” covering trends and new items. The 36

Spring Concert In 1977, the North Carolina General Assembly established the Grassroots Arts Program to ensure that every citizen has access to quality arts experiences. The program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties in North Carolina. A local arts council, like the Haywood County Arts Council, approved by the North Carolina Arts Council to receive and administer Grassroots funds is known as a Designated County Partner (DCP).

Applications for the 2017-18 grant season will be made available in late summer or early fall of 2017. The Grassroots Arts Program is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.haywoodarts.org.

group meets the third Thursday of each month. Newcomers welcome. highcountryquilters.wordpress.com.

• The Groovy Movie Club will screen the film “Captain Fantastic” at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at Buffy Queen’s home in Dellwood. A mostly organic potluck dinner will precede the screening at 1:15 p.m. A discussion on the film will follow the screening. The event is free and open to the public. johnbuckleyx@gmail.com or 828.454.5949.

ALSO:

• A showcase on the life and times of Horace Kephart will be on display through March 31 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. In 1904, a 42-year-old librarian named Horace Kephart came to Western North Carolina looking for a fresh start in the southern Appalachian wilderness. Over the next 27 years, his numerous articles and books captured a disappearing culture, provided practical advice for generations of outdoor enthusiasts, and spearheaded the movement to establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The

The Sylva Photo Club will present “Focus Stacking for Depth of Field” by Roger Bacon at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in the Cullowhee Methodist Church at Western Carolina University.

Bacon has been a film photographer and dark room aficionado for many decades, and a digital photographer for over 15 years. He has always been interested in the technical aspects of post-processing photography using both basic and advanced software. In this presentation, he will talk about a PhotoShop feature — Focus Stacking.

Focus stacking improves depth of field (focus from front to back of photograph), especially in macro photography where depth of field is a common problem. Share and Tell will follow using the theme of the program. Bring two photos — one with a narrow depth of field (partly out of focus), and a second photo attempting a greater DOF using the same subject. Alternative theme is “Autumn Colors.” Please download pictures on a USB drive for sharing.

Cost for this program is a $5 donation for visitors (applied to membership).

Membership to the Sylva Photo Club is a $20 donation, $10 for students per year. sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com or sylvaphotoclub@gmail.com or 828.226.3840.

Want to make a broom?

The Creating Community Workshop will continue with a broom-making course at

10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Explore this Appalachian craft while making your very own cobweb broom. It’s made to access hard to reach areas, including those pesky cobwebs in corners.

Moderate hand and arm strength are needed to make the broom. It may be helpful to wear long pants. It is also recommended to bring an old towel or apron to wear.

Instructor Mickey Sizemore attended Western Carolina University in the 1980s and has just recently moved back into the area from Tennessee. He owns and operates Gray Branch Soaps a handmade bath and body bar business from his home in Cullowhee. He has been making brooms for six years and has taught weekend sessions at Warren Wilson College on the art of broom-making.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library.

The class is limited to 10 people. For further information and to sign up for the class, call the library at 828.586.2016. This program is free of charge. www.fontanalib.org.

Heritage festival in Swain The Heritage Arts Holiday Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at Southwestern Community College in Bryson City.

This event will feature many vendors offering jewelry, woodwork, painting, beadwork, knitting, quilts, lots of the pottery from the Heritage Arts ceramics program and more.

Free. www.greatsmokies.com.

Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart Collection is composed of 127 objects, including Kephart’s tent, sleeping bag, backpack and the writing desk. 828.227.7129.

• Paint Nite Waynesville will be held at 7 p.m. on Fridays at the Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden. Grab a pint of craft beer and get creative. $20 per person. Group rates available. Sign up at Mad Anthony’s or call host Robin Smathers at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• The Adult Coloring Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Fridays in the Living Room of the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. An afternoon of creativity and camaraderie. Supplies are provided, or bring your own. Beginners are welcome as well as those who already enjoy this new trend. kmoe@fontanalib.org or 828.524.3600.

• “Stitch,” the community gathering of those interested in crochet, knit and needlepoint, meet at 2:30 p.m. every first Sunday of the month at the Canton Public Library. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.haywoodlibrary.org.

The “Photography of Bayard Wootten” exhibit will be on display through Nov. 23 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Wootten was a female pioneer in the field of photography from the early 1900s to 1950s, when men dominated the field. All 35 photographs in this exhibition are of North Carolina subjects, which are on loan through from North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives at UNC-Chapel Hill.

On the stage arts & entertainment

Davis to spin yarns

Donald Davis will be in Waynesville on Nov. 15 and 19. Donated photo “All of the stories are original and about growing up. They’re about trouble because those are the events in which we learn from.

It’s all about learning and things that move us forward,� Davis said. “They’re all funny, even if they may be sad. They’re all set in the mountains of North Carolina. Some of the stories I tell have come through my family, but it can be a double story because I’ll tell you about that person and then the story.�

The performance at the Folkmoot Friendship Center will host tours of the building at 5 p.m. and a Thanksgiving style dinner at 6 p.m., with tickets at $35 per person for evening. www.blueridgebooksnc.com or www.folkmoot.org.

HART to present Ephron hit

• The stage production of “Fiddler On The Roofâ€? will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing antiSemitism of Czarist Russia. Tickets are $12 for students, $17 for adults. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 828.524.1598.

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The production of the Nora Ephron play “Love Loss and What I Wore� will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 and 18-19 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Ephron was best known for her films “When Harry Met Sally,� “Sleepless in Seattle,� and “You’ve Got Mail.� “Love Loss and What I Wore� was created by Ephron and her daughter, Delia Ephron, in 2008. The play went on to open off Broadway to rave reviews in 2010. Nora passed away in 2012 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students.

828.456.6322 or www.harttheater.org.

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Renowned storyteller Donald Davis will be performing new material from his latest book Cripple Joe: Stories from my Daddy at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. He will also hit the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Sam Queen Auditorium at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

Growing up in Waynesville, Davis has fond memories of spending time with his relatives and running around the hills of Western North Carolina. It was a rich fabric of oral tradition, one that soaked into his soul. That tradition of storytelling ultimately led to his calling as a minister, a platform where his speaking talents emerged and flourished.

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38

Books

Smoky Mountain News

Coming to grips with her own image mong Americans the two most egregious social stigma are smoking and obesity.

We relegate smokers to sidewalks and rooftops when they wish to indulge their habit, and some communities have declared vast swatches of public spaces tobacco-free zones, as if blowing smoke in a park will drive men, women, and children to early graves.

Obese people we treat more subtly, viewing them with scorn and contempt. We are a society obsessed with food: we make gurus of our chefs; we devote entire television networks to food and cooking; we salivate as we describe the meal consumed last night in a five-star restaurant. Yet we Writer also spend $60 billion a year trying to lose weight. Because of our fixation on being thin, we have actually invented anorexia and bulimia, relatively new psychological disturbances related to our intense concern for appearance.

Fat people, as an old-time comedian Rodney Dangerfield might have said, “don’t get no respect.”

In I Do It With The Lights On And 10 More Discoveries On The Road to a Blissfully Shame-Free Life (Ballantine Books, 2016, $26, 240 pages), North Carolinian Whitney Way Thore, radio show host and star of the reality television show “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” recounts her long battle against weight gain and her eventual decision to live as she is and fully engage life.

As a girl, Thore played soccer, swam, and then fell in love with dancing. During this time she also felt pressure, especially from her peers, to be thin, a desire that only increased in college and during her early days in the work force. While at Appalachian State University, she acted and danced, and tried several diet and workout programs, but she kept gaining weight, overeating and drinking alcohol when she became depressed by her physical condition.

After college, Thore taught English in Korea, where she was openly mocked for her weight and nationality. Some students called her a pig

Jeff Minick

A

was caused in part by polycystic ovary syndrome, diagnosed by physicians during her college years.

While at the radio station, Thore made and posted online a video titled “Fat Lady Dancing.”

When this video went viral, eventually attracting millions of viewers, Thore began receiving calls for interviews from television shows and magazines. These appearances led next to “My Big Fat Fabulous Life.” During these years Thore finally made peace with herself and her weight, and I Do It With The Lights On And 10 More Discoveries On The Road to a Blissfully decided to Shame-Free Life by Whitney Way Thore. Ballantine Books, 2016. 240 pages. embrace and enjoy her life to her face, and Koreans on the sidewalks called rather than lamenting the numbers on a bathout “Waegookin!” meaning foreigner, when she room scales. passed them. (Apparently political correctness In the last two chapters of I Do It With has yet to visit the streets of Seoul).

The Lights On, “Feminism Is My Favorite FBy this time, Thore, 5’2” tall, weighed over Word” and “Body-Positivity Doesn’t Promote 300 pounds. On her return to the United Obesity,” Thore dishes up opinions and phiStates, depressed, her self-image shattered, losophy rather than autobiography, and it is she eventually found work as a radio host. She here that she runs into trouble. To be sure, kept fighting the weight, which she now knew Thore scores some points: she reminds us of

the opportunities we miss to know someone when we judge them solely on their outer appearance, she points out that men as well as women can gain by accepting the tenets of feminism, and she takes men to task for “friend-zoning,” stating that women “are not obligated to show affection to a guy who does her a certain number of favors, or who buys dinner, or who gives her compliments.”

By ending with these two chapters, however, Thore weakens her story. In the earlier part of the book, she gives us insight into her life and perhaps into the lives of others, both male and female, who struggle with their weight and their self-image. But in this last part of the book she switches from autobiographer to guru and falls on her face.

In her chapter on feminism, for example, Thore spends two and a half pages recounting an episode during which she sought to purchase a pack of chewing gum at a gas station.

The clerk called her “sweetheart” and then held the gum to his chest and said, “You gotta give me a smile if you want this.” This microaggression, as Thore labels it, is to her proof of ongoing male oppression and aggression, yet her reaction strikes me, as it did thousands of her online followers, mostly women, as over the top. The young man behaved unprofessionally, but to take this incident as a sign of ongoing misogyny and oppression seems absurd.

The chapter on “body positivity” rightly calls for the acceptance of people regardless of their appearance. Although she spends too much time discussing weight and health issues in this chapter, Thore is correct when she writes that weight matters less to our health than does well-being. Like other evangelists in our nanny culture, however, Thore overlooks the reality of human nature. We may love and cherish the 320 pound person in the 5’2” frame, and we would want that loved one to lead “a blissfully shame-free life,” but few of us are going to declare her — or him, for that matter — attractive.

These flaws aside, I Do It With The Lights On reminds us of the worth of each human being and the dangers of judging them solely on their looks.

(Jeff Minick can be reached at minick0301@gmail.com)

Ellison releases natural history essays

Beloved longtime natural history writer George Ellison has released his latest book, Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands.

The essay collections focuses on the abundant wonders of the Southern Highlands in a series of humorous, scientific and literary pieces, with illustrations by artist Elizabeth Ellison. George lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina, in the shadow of the Great Smokies. Atop being a longtime contributor to The Smoky Mountain News and the Asheville Citizen-Times, he also conducts annual natural and human history workshops around the region.

George will be presenting his collection at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University, 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City, and Dec. 7 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Camino de Santiago poems

ALSO:

• Christine Simolke, author of Children of Italy, will be sharing her experiences on how to get your book published at 11 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 14, at the Waynesville Public Library. Her presentation will include why you should study the art and craft of writing, how important it is to write a lot, why you should get a professional editor, and more. However, she will not be covering self-publishing as she has not experienced that end of the business. Sign up required. 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library.

Smoky Mountain News

• Fontana Regional Library will be hosting its third annual “Read Local Book Fair,” an event that gives residents the chance to meet and support local authors. The next two events will be held with two different sets of authors: at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; and at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19. Authors will have copies of their works available for purchase, just in time for the holiday season. For more information about Fontana Regional Library or the Read Local Book Fair, visit www.fontanalib.org.

November 9-15, 2016

Newton Smith will read from his new poetry collection at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub in Franklin.

Camino Poems: Reflections on the Way is a collection of poems written as he walked the 500 mile Camino de Santiago Frances in September and October 2014. At the top of each poem is written where the poem had been started or written making this collection a poetic travelogue. Ron Rash said of Camino Poems, “In this superb collection, Newt Smith’s spiritual journey is rendered with such attentiveness and fidelity that we become his fellow travelers. We too share the pain and effort but above all the wonder, and are reminded that in matters of the spirit the journey and destination can be one.”

Poetry has been an essential part of Smith’s life for more than 50 years. He has published widely in literary magazines beginning in the 1970’s, including Southern Poetry Review, Carolina Quarterly, Ann Arbor Review and others. His most recent poetry publications are in the Asheville Poetry Review, Rivendale, Main Street Rag, Pisgah Review, and Jonah. During his 2014 pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago he wrote a poem everyday reflecting on the physical body, nature, and the spiritual as he walked along the Way. This event is produced by the Arts Council of Macon County, and supported by the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Contact the Macon Arts Council for details, arts4all@dnet.net or 828.524.ARTS.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER Some things change, and some things stay the same.

Thousands of years ago, humans developed visual and spoken languages to convey thoughts and meaning across space and across time. Among the first topics they shared with each other was one that has persisted even today — whether by smartphone app or over the weathered wooden top rail of the old back fence with a neighbor.

People have been talking about the weather almost as long as there have been people and weather, but as the scientific revolution ushered in a new era of organized study and of objective recordkeeping, scientists and thinkers like Anders Celsius and Thomas Jefferson began recording weather observations that have proven to be a durable, persistent record of climatological conditions across the country and world.

Today, the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville is home to many high-end retail businesses — a trendy furniture store and a champagne bar that doubles as a used bookstore among them — but during the dog days of World War II the federal government acquired it not for its stunning art deco architecture, but because it was the perfect place to house millions upon millions of paper records containing weather observations.

Data-driven analysis drives modern weather forecasting

The water level on Fontana Lake is at a record low, and the Tennessee Valley Authority expects to be lower the lake down more if drought conditions persist.

TVA photo

S EE DATA, PAGE 42

Low water levels cut the season short

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ontana Lake looks more like a narrow river running through a canyon right now as drought conditions persist across the region.

And if Fontana Lake levels are low, it means all the tributaries that feed into it are also lower than some people have seen in years, including the Tuckasegee River and Nantahala River. In an area that relies so much on outdoor recreation, the drought has dried up their tourism season a little earlier than expected.

“The water hasn’t been that low in … well it’s lower than it’s ever been — it’s unbelievable,” said Rod Lowman, owner of Tuckaseegee Outfitters.

His business, which does whitewater rafting, tubing and kayaking trips on the river, has suffered this year from the drought. But when your business relies on the cooperation of Mother Nature, Lowman knows some years are going to be better than others.

“It’s impacted us pretty hard — a lot of people were mad and upset because they were hitting more rocks and getting stuck on their trips,” Lowman said. “All you can do is tell them we’re in a drought. There’s nothing you can do about it — just have to accept it. A few

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years ago we had the floods– and now we have to go through a drought.”

More than 350 houseboat owners on Fontana Lake are used to the lake being drawn down slowly after Labor Day by the Tennessee Valley Authority, but many have said they’ve never seen the lake levels this low before.

Weeks before they expected it, houseboat owners returning to the lake found their docks already grounded as water levels are sitting at 1,656 feet.

“It’s about two weeks earlier than last year.

We have not had any significant rain in the past two months,” said houseboat owner Steve Hyatt. “TVA stated to one dock owner if we didn’t get some substantial rain soon, the lake could be pulled lower than the 1,652 last year.”

Tony Sherrill, owner of Alarka Boat Marina on Fontana, has been in business for 39 years. This isn’t the first time he’s seen the devastating effects of drought on the lake and he’s sure it’s not the last. There have been years the water was so low during the summer, he closed up shop just after July 4. He said this year the season only ended about six weeks too soon due to the drought.

“I have a four-month average a year of being open — I know people ask why would you want to run a business with a four month average but I just love the business,” Sherrill

said. “This year’s gone — we already lost the six weeks — but right now if it doesn’t rain through the winter the lake won’t come back next year. That’s my worry right now.”

Travis Brickey, a spokesman for the Tennessee Valley Authority, said the little to no rain has drastically impacted Fontana and other larger lakes in the Tennessee River watershed that are used by the TVA to generate electricity.

“Lakes levels are directly impacted by the amount of runoff, the portion of rainfall that makes it into streams and creeks and then into the lakes like Fontana,” he said. ”In October, the entire 42,000-square mile Tennessee River watershed received .09 inches of runoff the entire month — that’s the lowest in 142 years of weather records.”

Even in the middle of the summer when the water levels should be at full capacity, Fontana Lake levels were lower than normal. According to TVA data, Fontana Lake levels reach peak between June and July at 1,705 feet but this summer the water barely reached 1,700.

Brickey said the TVA usually begins lowering reservoirs in early September in preparation for winter and early spring rains because that’s typically when there is more runoff.

“This year, because of the dry conditions, many of the tributary reservoirs reached their

normal winter pool levels sooner than normal,” he said.

If the drought continues — and weather experts seem to think it will — Brickey said water levels in the large tributary lakes like Fontana will continue to be lowered as the TVA has to release some water downstream for water quality, water supply and navigational purposes.

Houseboat owners and other outdoor recreational users on Fontana have often complained about the short season due to the TVA’s control of the water levels from the dam. People on the water get about two solid months at full capacity before water levels begin dropping down in August.

Recreational users on Lake Glenville in Jackson County don’t have the same problem.

Taylor Hunter, owner of Lakeshore Pontoon Rentals in Glenville said the low lake levels are normal for this time of year. Though it’s currently about 20 feet lower than it is in the summer, she said it wouldn’t get much lower even with the drought conditions.

“It’s sucked down this time of year regardless of rainfall to do repairs on the walls, so it’s not surprising how far down it is,” Hunter said. “The lake is fed by three natural waterfalls and they’re still flowing even though it’s less right now.”

Wildlife rides out the drought outdoors

Non-game water species likely to be hit the hardest

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER rom his vantage point on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, it’s not that hard for fly fishing guide Alex Bell to see that there’s something abnormal about the river’s flow this fall.

“I joked with someone the other day it looks like the river’s growing rocks, because I’m seeing rocks I don’t normally see in the river,” Bell said as he grilled some lunchtime bratwurst.

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UN-DILUTING POLLUTION

Despite low water levels, there are still trout to catch in the Tuckasegee River — they just need a little extra TLC while being released.

Alex Bell photo

tends to be much warmer than the waterway itself, and most aquatic species in this region require colder water temperatures to thrive.

“Both pollutants and thermal impacts have detrimental effects on aquatic communities,” Fraley said.

For some species, these factors could cause an already-precarious situation to become even more critical.

“We’ve seen a huge reduction in the density of the Appalachian elktoe (mussel) over the last several years believed to be related to some changes in the water quality,” said Fraley, giving an example, “and I could only imagine that those impacts that are related

Campfire restrictions enacted in the Smokies

RESILIENT CREATURES Fraley concentrates his work on nonsport species, like mussels and invertebrates and fish species that anglers aren’t trying to hook. But his colleague Powell Wheeler, fisheries biologist for the Wildlife Commission, spends his days working with sport fish, principally trout, and paints a much less dire picture when discussing the possible impacts of the current drought.

“It’s not the sort of thing a fisheries biologist gets worried about because these fish have been around for millions of years, and dealing with these kinds of hot summers occasionally — I’m not sure there will be a long-term problem,” Wheeler said.

Some fish will likely die as a result of lower water levels and warmer tempera-

tures, especially in lower-elevation streams that are marginal trout habitat even during normal conditions, Wheeler said But those populations will recover and bounce back when rain returns.

The situation is not even as serious as would be possible with water levels as low as they are. While daily highs have been warm, low humidity means temperatures are falling enough at night enough to keep the water sufficiently cool for trout.

“A lot of times anglers are just very worried about years like this, but in the big scheme of things the fish populations are very resilient to these kind of weather patterns,” Wheeler said. “They’re tougher than you think they are.”

That’s true of non-sport fish too, Fraley said — as long as pollution isn’t involved.

Trout are a bit luckier in that they tend to live in areas that are more protected from human impact than are many of the species he deals with.

“Most of our important trout resources are in areas that don’t receive a whole lot of detrimental impacts from human activities,” Fraley said. “They’re mostly mountain streams and tailwaters downstream from reservoirs.”

The question, really, is how long the situation might persist. It’s been dry for a while and there’s no significant rain in the forecast — and at this point, it would take months of steady rain to get things back to normal.

Smoky Mountain News

Campfires in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a no-go following the park’s decision to issue a fire ban due to extremely dry conditions — in fact, many backcountry sites are currently without water.

“It is imperative that we reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during this period of extreme fire danger,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “The park has not banned backcountry campfires since 2007, but these unusually dry conditions warrant the restriction.”

The ban does not apply to people camping in the park’s nine developed campsites or to picnickers using fire grills at picnic areas, though fires must be confined to designated grills and rings. Frontcountry visitors must extinguish fires after use by mixing water with embers.

Backpacking stoves are allowed at backcountry sites — just no campfires.

Many springs are running dry at backcountry campsites and shelters throughout the park. At locations with a running spring, it can take more than five minutes to fill a quart-sized bottle.

Currently, Mollies Ridge Shelter, Russell Field Shelter, Spence Field Shelter, Silers Bald Shelter, Double Spring Gap Shelter and Pecks Corner Shelter are known to be without water, as well as backcountry sites 5, 6, 16, 26, 113. Backpackers should carry extra water when visiting sites not located along major water sources. www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm.

to water quality are going to be exacerbated and made worse during this time of low flow.”

Overall, water quality has increased substantially over the last few decades in WNC. Even the Pigeon River, which used to be so heavily polluted that many species of native fish disappeared from its waters — due mainly to pollution from the paper mill in Canton — is vastly improved. In fact, much of Fraley’s work has focused on reintroducing native species to the cleaned-up waters.

“That’s been going extremely well,” Fraley said. “However, with this low water and relatively high temperatures, we will not be surprised if we see that progress that we’ve made taking a step backwards.”

November 9-15, 2016

Across Western North Carolina, waterways are running low, springs are drying up and grasses are turning dry and brown even as weather remains sunny and warm. And biologists are keeping a close eye on what it could all mean for the mountains’ fish and wildlife populations.

“I guess the biggest thing that jumps out at me in all this is if dilution is the solution to pollution, then we’re in trouble in places where pollution has been diluted in the past by normal flows,” said Steve Fraley, aquatic wildlife diversity coordinator for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Aquatic species have a hard time when the ratio of pollutants to actual water in a stream is high, and when rainfall ceases pollution levels don’t necessarily adjust their proportions.

For instance, larger polluters like factories receive permits that dictate how much wastewater they’re legally able to dump into waterways. Those limits are based on normal flow levels, but if flow is down and pollution level remains steady, at what point does the changing water-pollutant ratio start harming aquatic species? In addition to containing pollutants, wastewater

S EE WILDLIFE, PAGE 43 41

November 9-15, 2016

outdoors

DATA, CONTINUED FROM 40 One of the largest buildings in the South at the time and located conveniently (or, inconveniently for Axis bombers) distant from the east coast, the Grove soon housed more than 150 million records — so many, in fact, that the combined weight of them was viewed as a potential stressor to the building.

But the collection would continue to grow in that location, especially after the feds consolidated records from the U.S. Weather Bureau, the Air Force, and the Navy there in 1951 to form the National Weather Records Center.

The NWRC’s name was changed in 1970 to the National Climatic Center, and then in 1982 to the National Climatic Data Center.

In 1995, the NCDC moved to the VeachBaley Federal Building, right around the corner.

It is there that data collected around the country and around the world comes, from buoys, balloons, ships, satellites and even tree rings. As of 2014, the NCDC had in its possession more than 17 petabytes of data — enough to fill a stack of DVDs piled almost 4 miles high.

All this data, 4.4 million DVDs worth, is available to the general public. In 2014, the NCDC distributed 6 petabytes of data via their website, which received over a billion hits that year.

In 2015, the NCDC merged with the National Geophysical Data Center and the National Oceanographic Data Center to become the National Centers for Environmental Information, headquartered at Veach-Baley.

Industries and businesses utilize this data provided by the NCEI for everything from agricultural planning to flood prevention, but researchers use the high-tech data to continue that same old conversation about the weather.

And right now, for Western North Carolina, that conversation isn’t pleasant.

Every Thursday morning since 1999, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Map as of Nov. 3 documenting drought conditions in Western North Carolina.

Smoky Mountain News

Deborah Bathke, National Drought Mitigation Center.

42

Haywood County Waynesville Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept.

Oct. Total

AVG 4.31 4.48 4.4 3.76 4.34 4.07 3.7 4.2 3.94 2.65 39.85

2016 2.76 5.44 1.3 2.0 2.57 2.4 3.73 4.24 1.26 0.36 26.06

Jackson County Cullowhee 2015 3.49 5.08 3.44 6.53 3.19 2.97 6.9 2.44 4.49 5.95 44.48

AVG 4.65 4.65 4.45 3.9 4.49 4.84 4.41 4.06 4.21 2.99 42.65

2016 3.67 5.42 1.28 2.28 2.59 1.62 4.33 3.98 2.04 0.21 27.42

Macon County Franklin 2015 3.43 3.67 3.3 5.77 1.73 6.26 4.91 3.66 3.89 5.44 42.06

AVG 5 4.9 5.7 4.2 4.2 4.5 4.5 4.5 3.9 3.4 44.8

2016 3.9 8.07 1.32 2.57 2.69 2.32 3.86 0.95 1.95 0.30 27.93

Swain County Cherokee 2015 3.58 3.43 2.85 6.58 1.85 1.65 4.58 3.35 3.27 5.43 36.57

AVG 5.7 5.7 4.7 4.3 4.9 5.7 5.6 4.7 5.1 1.7 48.1

2016 2.21 6.35 2.15 3.29 3.16 6.13 4.29 5.59 1.83 0.28 35.28

2015 3.72 3.8 4.37 6.9 2.51 3.89 6.13 1.76 4.57 6.27 43.92

Selected rainfall totals in four WNC counties.

Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have jointly issued a weekly map of drought conditions.

Based on soil moisture, hydrologic info and climactic measurements, the U.S. Drought Monitor is a map that monitors the severity of droughts like the one Western North Carolina — and much of southern Appalachia — is currently experiencing.

“It’s very reliable, because North Carolina is in a unique position,” said Marla Sink, public information officer for the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources. “We have a tech team that does a number of different things to assess the situation.”

As of Thursday, Nov. 3, parts of north-

east Alabama and northwest Georgia were given the most dire categorization of “D4,” meaning they are experiencing “exceptional drought.”

Much of northern Alabama and Georgia, along with northwestern South Carolina are categorized as “D3,” or “extreme drought.”

In North Carolina, all of Cherokee, Graham and Clay counties are experiencing extreme drought, as are most of Macon and Swain counties and parts of Jackson, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford counties.

All of Haywood County is classified as “D2,” or severe drought. A further 10 counties — mostly east of Haywood — were categorized as “D1.”

According to Sink, the drought officially began May 3.

“We started a moderate drought May 3 in some areas.

We look at drought conditions every week, and May 3 there were some major differences” in agricultural, hydrological, climactic and precipitation data.

— Marla Sink

“We started a moderate drought May 3 in some areas,” she said. “We look at drought conditions every week, and May 3 there were some major differences” in agricultural, hydrological, climactic and precipitation data.

FIRE AND RAIN This is neither the first nor the worst drought in Western North Carolina — and it won’t be the last.

Data shows that since 1895, the years of 1925, 1930, 1988 and 2007 were particularly difficult, but from 1998 to 2002, much of N.C. experienced a continuous drought, resulting in record low groundwater and streamflow.

Over those four years, rainfall deficits of 60 to 70 inches were recorded in some areas. Hickory was particularly hard hit, logging a deficit of more than 66 inches — one of the largest deficits recorded in N.C. since recordkeeping began.

By late 2002, emergency, mandatory or voluntary water conservation measures were in effect in more than 200 municipalities across the state.

According to the NCDEQ, 37 water systems across N.C. are currently in droughtrelated mandatory conservation status, with an additional seven undergoing voluntary restriction out of a total 535 systems.

Such severity in dry conditions like the region’s been experiencing since last spring contribute not only to widespread economic injury for farmers and ranchers, but also create ideal conditions for forest fires, like those now smoldering across the western part of the state; leaves and logs are dry and primed for kindling, and Mother Nature hasn’t been particularly helpful in dousing the flames.

Sink said the NCDEQ has “no idea” how long the current drought might last, but based on the duration of the 19982002 drought — which also featured a few dry winters — this could be just the beginning. Current Waynesville weather forecasts over the next two weeks show just two days on which there is greater than a 50 percent chance for rain, and a map issued by the NOAA/NWS/NCEP/Climate Prediction Center Oct. 20 forecasts no relief in sight through January 2017.

WILDLIFE, CONTINUED FROM 41

Widespread burn bans now in effect The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a burn ban for 25 Western North Carolina Counties, effective immediately and until further notice.

The ban prohibits open burning, even for those with permits; additionally, no new permits will be issued for affected counties, including Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.

Haywood County has issued a ban of its own as well. All open burning is now prohibited in the entire county, including within the towns of Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

According to a press release issued by the county Nov. 7, low humidity and the ongoing drought have conspired to create a very dangerous situation – fires can burn longer, spread faster, and could cause “large property loss� in the event one becomes uncontained.

For more information on Haywood County’s ban, contact Dona J. Stewart, Haywood County public affairs officer, at 828.356.2622. To learn more about the N.C. Forest Service ban, visit www.ncforestservice.gov.

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It’s a rocky ride down the Tuckasegee River with the drought revealing every stone of any size in the riverbed. Alex Bell photo

November 9-15, 2016

where that came from. Weather patterns lately have featured a great deal of variability, ranging from absolute deluge to complete lack of rainfall. “All of these are right in line with predictions of what effect global climate change would have in this part of the country,� he said.

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“It comes down to a question of significance,� Fraley said. “Some of these headwaters streams that harbor native brook trout are going dry at this point, and that’s going to be something to assess afterward and see what those impacts have been from this drought and will continue to be.�

The prognosis will be critical to gauging the impacts on terrestrial wildlife species, as well. Right now, the drought is not having much of an effect on birds and mammals, according to Joe Yarkovich, wildlife biologist for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “This time of year, the most important food source in the woods is acorns, and the acorns have already dropped,� he said. “It was actually a really good year for that hard mast production.�

While landowners with ponds or streams on their property might be more likely than usual to see wildlife amble by for a drink, animals aren’t dying of thirst — they’re generally able to find water. The grass and other leafy plants that deer and elk like to eat are in short supply, with new growth absent and old growth turning to dried-out straw, but so far there are plenty of twigs and acorns to go around. “We haven’t seen animals dying of starvation or anything,� said Mike Carraway, district biologist for the Wildlife Commission. “The animals that we’re still seeing are pretty healthy.�

The big question, though, is how prolonged this drought may be. Acorns will eventually disappear, water will continue to evaporate and winter temperatures will put a further damper on new growth for wildlife — without rain, threats to fish and wildlife could become serious. “It’s definitely starting to have an impact,� Bell said. “We need rain.�

According to Fraley, there could be more

— Steve Fraley, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

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Smoky Mountain News

“I guess the biggest thing that jumps out at me in all this is if dilution is the solution to pollution, then we’re in trouble in places where pollution has been diluted in the past by normal flows.�

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MyHaywoodRegional.com

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43

outdoors November 9-15, 2016

N.C. ozone levels measuring up against new federal standard With a new, more stringent ozone standard now in effect, North Carolina’s numbers are looking good.

In October 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency reset the eight-hour standard to 70 parts per billion, compared to the 75 parts per billion standard that had been in effect since 2008. The federal agency will determine compliance or attainment with the new standard in October 2017, based on a 3year average of the fourth-highest ozone values at each monitor for the 2014-2016 period.

However, with the 2016 ozone season now coming to an end, state officials say that North Carolina is fully complying with the new standard. No air quality monitors in North Carolina violated the new standard during the 2013-2015 ozone seasons, according to final analyses by the state Division of Air Quality and local air programs, and preliminary analysis shows that the same is true for 2016.

In the early 2000s, about one-third of the state’s counties were classified as nonattainment for ozone, and Code Red and Orange ozone alerts were frequent during summer months. However, ozone levels during the past few years have been the lowest since the state began monitoring in the early 1970s. Declining emissions from motor vehicles, power plants and industry are largely responsible for the improved air quality.

North Carolina’s 2002 Clean Smokestacks Act required coal-fired power plants to reduce their emissions by about three-fourths, and EPA requirements have led to lower emissions from other industrial sources, cars and trucks, as well as cleaner gasoline and diesel fuel.

Haywood Community College’s campus was intentionally planted to be heavy on arboreal diversity. Donated photo

HCC’s leafy legacy on display An exhibit honoring Haywood Community College’s legacy as one of the most beautifully landscaped areas in Haywood County will be on display through Nov. 19 in HCC’s Creative Arts

Building.

The exhibit, “Forest, Farm + Garden, 1966-2016” features new photography from Benjamin Porter alongside historic plans, photography and maps from founding direc-

tor John Palmer’s records, celebrating the first 50 years of the Campus Arboretum of HCC and documenting the site’s transformation from open pastureland to the lush, shaded campus of today.

Wildlife students recognized with scholarship Two Haywood Community College students have been recognized for their leadership, scholarship and dedication to the wildlife management profession with the 2016 Dave Dudek Wildlife Award.

Blake Ledbetter and Trevor Walker, both fish and wildlife technology students, will receive a $500 scholarship along with the honor, which is named for the founding advisor of HCC’s chapter of The Wildlife Society. The Wildlife Society is responsible for giving the award.

Ledbetter plans to continue his education with a wildlife biology degree at N.C. State University and pursue a master’s degree from there. Walker also plans to go to N.C. State, continuing in the wildlife program to achieve his goal of becoming a wildlife biologist.

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

Is a Will Enough?

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28 Maple St. • Sylva

472 E. Main St., Sylva 828.339.3300 Mon. - Sat. 10- 6

Arboretum to light up for winter the Arboretum lively into the night, winter hours are underway and the property closes to general visitation daily at 5 p.m.

outdoors

The Winter Lights exhibit at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville will open Friday, Nov. 18, returning brighter than ever for its third year with nearly 500,000 lights.

The outdoor walking tour highlights the natural beauty of the Arboretum during the winter, accompanied by an array of lighted displays including a 50-foot tree whose lights change in synchrony with the Christmas music playing.

New this year is a speciallydesigned projected-light show, a family-friendly animatronic program and “Crazy for Cocoa” Thursdays, when all ticket holders receive one free cup of hot chocolate.

Winter Lights will continue nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2017, with proceeds helping the Arboretum expand its educational programming, exhibits and facilities year-round. Volunteers are sought to help with everything from attending the fire pits to operating model trains, with last year’s crop of 250 volunteers contributing more than 4,000 hours.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and range from $15 to $18 for nonmembers and $13 to $16 for members, with children 4 and under free. While Winter Lights will keep

Nearly 500,000 lights will cover the N.C. Arboretum for Winter Lights. Donated photo

www.ncarboretum.org/exhibitsevents/winter-lights.

November 9-15, 2016

Farmland preservation funding available Funding is available for farmland preservation projects, with assistance coming from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund and applications due by 5 p.m.

Dec. 16.

County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing such projects are eligible to apply. The fund’s purpose is to encourage the preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands to foster the growth, development and sustainability of family farms.

In the previous grant cycle, $3.8 million was awarded, including funding to create conservation easements on 117 acres on three Haywood County farms.

Applications and grant guidelines are available at www.ncadfp.org/CycleX.htm. 919.707.3072.

Old Edwards Inn recognized for green policies As a luxury wellness resort with a focus on organic culinary and spa programs, Old Edwards Inn and Spa has been working toward more sustainable and energy efficient operations throughout the property.

The business’s many accomplishments to that end include establishing a sustainable farm to bring their guests organic food, soap recycling, installing energy-efficient lighting and insulation and implementing a paper recycling program. www.oldedwardsinn.com or 866.526.8008.

The plant doctors are in Gardens may be long brown but the thumbs are still green at the Haywood County Plant Clinic, which brings the expertise of local Master Gardeners to bear on a range of plant-related questions.

The plant doctors are available at 828.456.3575.

a website to take you to places where there are no websites.

Smoky Mountain News

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands became one of only two hospitality providers in the state to be awarded the cardinal designation from N.C. Green Travel Award.

Given by the N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach and the Center of Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina, the N.C. Green Travel Award is designed to recognize businesses that establish an energy team, recycle material, excel in water efficiency, practice energy conservation and strive to practice green standards.

Log on. Plan a getaway.

Let yourself unplug.

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outdoors

Run the turkey weight away With November 5Ks, turkey is the theme. A variety of 5Ks with turkey-centric titles will be offered this month, mostly clustered around Thanksgiving time. As cooler weather descends, keep in shape and sign up for one of these races designed to offer a good time while also keeping the holiday weight gain at bay.

■ The Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut will kick off at noon Saturday, Nov. 19, from Kituwah Mound near Bryson City. Hosted by Cherokee

Smoky Mountain News

November 9-15, 2016

Choices, the event will benefit the Cherokee Braves Booster Club, a community organization supporting the athletes of Cherokee Central Schools. $15, with registration cost increasing after Nov. 13; $5 for kids 12 and under and elders 60 and over. Day-of registra-

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tion available 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. www.runsignup.com ■ The challenging Turkey Trot 5K will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 — Thanksgiving Day — at Western Carolina University. Hosted by the Sylva Rotary Club, the race will benefit a variety of nonprofits locally and around the world. $30 online registration; $35 day-of, beginning at 7:30 a.m. www.imathlete.com.

■ The fourth annual Cold Turkey 5K and Little Turkeys FUN! Run/Walk will be held at 9 a.m.

Thursday, Nov. 24 — Thanksgiving Day — at Franklin’s Tassee Shelter Greenway Park. The out-and-back 5K begins at 9:30 a.m., with the Little Turkeys FUN! Run/Walk for those 10 and under starting at 9 a.m.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit a local nonprofit to be announced soon. $25, with prices increasing to $30 Nov. 9. www.active.com.

■ The Tacky Christmas Sweater 5K will kick off the holiday season at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Oak Forest United Methodist Church in Hayesville. The course includes paved roads, a gentle riverside trail along a river and gravel with one steep incline.

Proceeds will benefit youth and children’s programs at the church. Tacky Christmas sweaters are a must. $25 with day-of registration starting at 9:15 a.m. www.active.com

Get Geocaching in Cullowhee An afternoon of high-tech treasure hunting will be offered Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Cullowhee Recreation Center.

“Intro to Geocaching” will be an activity for all ages, displaying the allure of the growing pastime. Geocaching involves using GPS devices to locate containers, called geocaches, hidden outdoors. After finding one, geocachers may take an item

from the containers as long as they leave something else of greater or equal value.

Organized by the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and open to all ages, with children requiring help and supervision.

Free, with registration required by Nov. 19 online at www.rec.jacksonnc.org or at the Rec Center, 828.293.3053.

Hunt safely A free hunter safety certification course will be offered 6-9 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at Haywood Community College.

Offered by HCC’s Department of Arts, Sciences and Natural Resources in partnership with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the course will be held in room 3322 of building 3300.

Participants must come both days to get certified.

Free and no age limits, though classes are taught at a sixth-grade level and tests must be completed without assistance. The certification is accepted in every state and province in North America.

Pre-registration required at www.ncwildlife.org.

Go to space with a library card Library cards are now good for a loaner telescope at branches of the Fontana Regional Library in Macon, Jackson and Swain counties, and with staff now trained in their use cardholders can get some help before borrowing.

The loaner telescope program is part of a partnership with Asheville Astronomy Club and is part of a library astronomy initiative called “Explore Space.” Grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, support “Explore

Space.” www.fontanalib.org/explore-space.

Explore the night sky A stargazing party will draw people of all ages to see the nighttime sky up close at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Dr. Gomez, a physics professor at Western Carolina University, will start the evening off with an introductory presentation before heading to the telescopes, which will already be set up for stargazing. Spacerelated activities will also be available for children.

The event is a collaboration of the Macon County Public Library, WCU, and the Asheville Astronomy Club.

828.524.3600.

Become an outdoor cooking pro An outdoor cooking class will teach how to prepare a tasty meal, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard.

Participants will take a crack at cooking over an open wood fire or charcoal briquettes, as well as other novelty methods of cooking outdoors — and they’ll get to eat the results. Bring a lawn chair.

Free, with registration required at www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah/EventRegistration.aspx. Open to first-time participants only.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • A new program linking veterans with businesses that offer them discounts will hold a kickoff event from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the Haywood County Register of Deeds office in Waynesville. www.haywooddeeds.com.

• The Town of Franklin will honor all veterans with a parade and ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11. The parade starts with a line-up at 10:30 a.m. at Franklin Town Hall. A concert and ceremony will follow at the Gazebo on the Square. TownofFranklinNC.com or 524.2516.

• The annual Veterans Picnic is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the National Guard Armory in Sylva. Veterans eat free; $5 donation for each guest. To donate or volunteer, call 586.4313. Parade follows at 3 p.m. 631.2231.

• Public input will be accepted for the Haywood County Public Library’s strategic plan at the three following dates/times/locations: 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Waynesville Library; 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Maggie Valley Library and at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Canton Library. 356.2504.

• The Haywood County Public Library Foundation will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, in the downstairs auditorium of the Waynesville Library. 356.2504.

• The Hazelwood School Reunion is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Historic Hazelwood School Building. For alumni, faculty and staff. Storyteller Donald Davis will perform in the auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available at Folkmoot.org or 452.2997.

• Mike Wolf, Frank Fritz and their team are excited to return to North Carolina. They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout the region this fall. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855.old.rust.

• Cruise in Maggie Valley event is held from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday at 2771 Soco Road. Vendors: $10 per space. Cruising@MaggieValleyAntiques.com.

• Coloring Club will be hosted on the second Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Canton Library. Color pencils and color pages supplied. For ages 8 to 108. 648.2924.

• Beginners Chess Club is held on Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 8-108 invited to participate. 648.2924.

• Oconaluftee Indian Village is now opened for the 2016 season through Nov. 12, located next to the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee. Witness the challenges of Cherokee life at a time of rapid cultural change. Tour guides help you explore the historic events and figures of the 1760’s. Visitors can interact with villagers as they participate in their daily activities. The village also hosts live reenactments, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on Cherokee pottery for kids classes. The village is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Hunter Safety courses will be offered by Haywood Community College and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 14-15 at HCC’s Campus, Building 3300, Room 3322, in Clyde. Pre-registration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design will host prospective students for an open house event from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in Cullowhee. etapley@wcu.edu.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• The Haywood Community College Small Business Center will hold a seminar entitled “High Impact Organizational Communication” from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, in Room 1510 at HCC’s Campus in Clyde. Part of the seminar series: “Building a HighPerformance Nonprofit.” Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting & Celebration is from 5:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Orchard Restaurant’s Barn in Cashiers. Tickets are $25 each and include appetizers, one wine/beer, cash bar and live entertainment from singer/songwriter Andalyn Lewis. info@cashiersareachamber.com or 743.5191.

• The Haywood Community College Small Business Center will hold a seminar entitled “Performance Enhancement through Coaching and Counseling” from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, in Room 1510 at HCC’s Campus in Clyde. Part of the seminar series: “Building a High-Performance Nonprofit.” Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

Smoky Mountain News

$750 for a corporate table. Proceeds benefit Tuscola’s athletic teams. Contact Big T club members, Tuscola coaches or visit www.bigTbash.org to purchase tickets.

421.9209.

• Donations are being accepted for the auction portion of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society’s holiday party, which is Dec. 1. Items may be dropped off from 8 a.m.-noon on Monday through Friday at the SCGHS Library at 200 Main Street in Bryson City.

488.2932.

• Tickets are on sale for the Sylva Garden Club’s Christmas Tea & Bazaar, which is from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the First United Methodist Church of Sylva. $12 per ticket. Tickets available from SGC members and at the door; funds go toward SGC’s beautification projects and scholarships. www.facebook.com/SylvaGardenClub.

• Haywood County Tourism Development Authority is now offering smaller, single replicas quilt trail blocks for purchase. A portion of the cost of each block will go to the Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter to construct a new, much needed animal shelter. The blocks are priced at $65. 944.0761 or stop by 1110 Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

HOLIDAY GIVING

• A Medication Aide class will be offered from 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. from Nov. 18-20 through Haywood Community College’s Workforce Continuing Education Department. $80. Prerequisite are a high school diploma or GED and current listing on the N.C. Nurse Aide registry. 565.4145 or sfischer@haywood.edu.

• Western Carolina University’s Student Social Work Association will partner with Cullowhee United Methodist Church to provide a free hot meal to people in need on Friday, Nov. 18. Donations of perishable items being sought. jdulworth@wcu.edu or 273.1485.

• Two email basics classes will be offered in midNovember at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. “Email Basics 1” is at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15; “Email Basics-2” will be at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17. Register: 524.3600 or visit the Reference Desk.

• Several Jackson County churches are joining together to host a Community Service of Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, at First Presbyterian Church of Sylva. Blake Daniel is host pastor. Childcare available for ages 4-under.

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

• The ninth annual Community Food Drive is being conducted by the Town of Waynesville through Dec. 9. Nonperishable items accepted at the following town offices during regular business hours: Police Department/Development Services Office, Municipal Building, Hazelwood Office, Fire Station 1, the Waynesville Recreation Center, and the Old Armory.

456.4838.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The 25th annual Haywood County Motorcycle Parade and Toy Run will be held on Nov. 12 to raise money for children of Haywood County. Food and DJ music.

246.9886.

• “Fall Flavors of Sylva” – a fundraiser for Cullowhee Mountain Arts” will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Mad Batter in Sylva. Culinary tastes, live auction, craft beer and wine tasting, living statues, door prizes, drawings and a concert with original music by Eric Hendrix and Todd Davis. Tickets: $25.

• Haywood Christian Academy’s 10th annual charity event is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Cabin Among the Oaks in Canton. Campfire, s’mores, live DJ, dancing. All money raised will support Emily May Serafim, who has a rare form of cancer. Tickets: $30 and available at http://tinyurl.com/znwk39z.

Donations accepted at www.haywoodchristianacademy.org.

• KARE will hold its Festival of Trees at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. $75 per person or $550 for a table of eight.

• The booster club at Tuscola High School will host the inaugural Big T Bash at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Food, music, silent auction and cash bar. Tickets are $75 each or

VOLUNTEERS • Haywood Regional Medical Center is currently seeking volunteers of all ages for ongoing support at the hospital, outpatient care center and The Homestead. For info or to apply: 452.8301 or stop by the information desk in the hospital lobby. If specifically interested in becoming a hospice volunteer: 452.5039.

• Haywood County Animal Shelter needs volunteers and supplies due to the influx of 140 dogs that were recently rescued.

• STAR Rescue Ranch is seeking volunteers to help with horse care, fundraising events, barn maintenance and more at the only equine rescue in Haywood County.

505.274.9199.

• Volunteer Opportunities are available throughout the region, call John at the Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center today and get started sharing your talents. 3562833 • Phone Assurance Volunteers are needed to make daily or weekly wellness check-in calls for the Haywood County Senior Resource Center. 356.2816.

HEALTH MATTERS • Assistance with Marketplace Open Enrollment is available through Mountain Projects. Enrollment

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Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings through the Affordable Care Act is currently open and lasts until Jan. 31. 452.1447 or 800.627.1548.

•The Jackson County Public Library will be hosting a Philosophy Lecture Series that continues at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov 8, in Sylva. The lectures will cover Ancient Metaphysics (Thales, Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Plato — and some Aristotle if there’s time) and also Modern Metaphysics (Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant). 586.2016. www.fontanalib.org.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. 800.RED.CROSS or www.redcrossblood.org.

• A lunch-and-learn program entitled “Winning the War on Lung Cancer: The Present and the Future” will be offered at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, at the Haywood Regional Medical Center Café in Clyde. Featured speaker is Dr. Scott Skibo, a physician with Pulmonary Specialists of WNC. Reservations required: 800.424.DOCS. • The Jackson County Department of Public Health’s monthly Cashiers Clinic has been moved to 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16. WIC, laboratory, immunizations and wellness screenings. 587.8289.

• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from noon – 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Western Carolina University’s Health and Human Science Building in Cullowhee. www.redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• A program entitled “Handling the Stress of Life: Holiday Edition!” will be offered from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Waynesville Library. Presented

by Michelle Sanderbeck, NC. • The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout – a day set aside for smokers to start living tobacco free – is Nov. 17. www.quitlinenc.com or 800.QUITNOW. • An essential tremor support group meets from 2-3 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Mission Community Church in Sylva.

RSVP or more info: 631.5543 or tkubit@frontier.com.

• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 1-5:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at North Canton Elementary in Canton. www.redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 1-5:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at North Canton Elementary in Canton. www.redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• A webinar presented by NC Harm prevention is scheduled for 1-2:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Waynesville Police Department. Discussion on what other groups in the state are doing and how they are doing it.

• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Nov. 23 at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee. www.redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• A support group for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis, family and friends meets at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Heritage Room at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Sponsored by Greater Carolinas Chapter of National MS Society. Info: 293.2503. Offered in cooperation with the Southwestern Commission Agency on Aging.

• A monthly grief support group sponsored by The Meditation Center meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 East Main Street in Sylva. Info: www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105.

wnc calendar

ELLEN SITHER BROKER ASSOCIATE

(828) 734-8305

• Inner Guidance from an Open Heart will meet from 6-8 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 East Main Street in Sylva. Info: www.meditatewnc.org or 356.1105.

esither@beverly-hanks.com

beverly-hanks.com

• Dogwood Insight Center presents health talks at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

EQUAL HOUSING HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY

Committed to Exceeding Expectations

M

O

arilynn brig

(828) 550-2810

mobrig@Beverly-Hanks.com

www.Beverly-Hanks.com 366-88

The Real Team

JOLENE HOCOTT • LYN DONLEY MARLYN DICKINSON

Real Experience.

Real Service. Real Results.

November 9-15, 2016

828.452.3727 www.The-Real-Team.com

mountain realty 1904 S. main St. • Waynesville

Michelle McElroy

828.400.9463 Cell michelle@beverly-hanks.com

Smoky Mountain News

• A monthly grief processing support group will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care in Clyde.

452.5039.

• A Men’s Night Out will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the hospital. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 E. Main St. in Sylva. www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105.

• A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day.

586.4009.

• A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

RESIDENTIAL BROKER ASSOCIATE E-PRO, CNHS, RCC, SFR

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• Angel Medical Center’s diabetes support group meets at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the AMC dining room. 369.4166.

• A free weekly grief support group is open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at SECU Hospice House in Franklin. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life Bereavement Team. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

Residential Broker Associate

74 North Main St. • Waynesville 828.452.5809

• Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes are available at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Classes are offered bimonthly on an ongoing basis. Register or get more info: 586.7907.

RECREATION AND FITNESS 370-24

ROB ROLAND

828-400-1923

RROLAND33@GMAIL.COM

Find the home you are looking for at www.robrolandrealty.com

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

• Adult pick-up basketball is from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. $1.

• Indoor soccer is available during Futsal Open Gym nights, 6:30-9 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. www.smokiesinformation.org/info/branch-outprograms-fall.

• Ultimate Frisbee games are held from 5:30-8 p.m. on Mondays at the Cullowhee Recreation Park. Organized by Jackson County Parks & Recreation. Pick-up style. 293.2053 or www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

POLITICAL • The monthly meeting of the Swain County Democratic Party will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the headquarters building at 122 Everett Street in Bryson City. 736.7169.

• The Swain County Democratic Party WhittierCherokee Precinct meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Birdtown Gym. 497.9498.

• A lunch-and-discussion group will be held by the League of Women Voters at noon on the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.

RSVP for lunch: lwvmacon@wild-dog-mountain.info or 524.8369.

• Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor has coffee and an open public discussion with Highlands residents from 11 a.m.-noon on the last Friday of each month at Hudson Library in Highlands. www.fontanalib.org or 526.3031.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • The Interfaith Peace Conference is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 10-13, at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. The conference seeks to work in partnership with Christians, Jews, Muslims and members of other religious traditions to advance the work of reconciliation and peace. Featured speakers include: Dr. Norman Wirzba, Professor of Theology, Ecology, and Agrarian Studies at Duke Divinity School and Jacqueline Patterson, Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program. www.LakeJunaluska.com/peace or 800.222.4930.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • George Ellison will present “Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands” at 1 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• George Ellison will present “Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands” at 2 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville.

• A “Surviving the Holidays” seminar will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, at First Baptist Church of Bryson City. $5 donation includes a copy of “Surviving the Holidays” book. Register or volunteer: 488.2679.

• A program on how to get your book published is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, at the Waynesville Library. Presented by Christine Simolke, author of “Children of Italy.”

Sign-up required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Professional storyteller and author Donald Davis will tell stories and sign copies of his newest book, “Cripple Joe: Stories From My Daddy” at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• George Ellison will present “Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands” at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center in Cullowhee.

• George Ellison will present “Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands” at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19 at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Senior Life Solutions at Swain Community Hospital will offer a free community seminar titled ‘Surviving and Thriving During the Holiday Season’ that will cover topics that span from seasonal depression to holiday stressors and how to avoid them. The session will begin at noon Thursday, November 17th at the Senior Life Solutions office located on the campus of Swain Community Hospital, 45

Plateau St. Light refreshments will be served.

• The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 926.6567.

• Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina – an effort to help area residents commit to a healthier lifestyle, will meet from 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

• Haywood County Senior Resource Center is looking into starting a weekly Euchre Card Group. If interested, contact Michelle Claytor at mclaytor@mountainprojects.org or 356.2800.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

356.2800 • Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center. Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases. Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Pinochle game is played at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Hearts is played at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Science Club will feature a high-altitude balloon launch from 3:30-4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• A Mother-and-Son Game Night is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. Life-sized Jenga, Hungry Hippos, Flick Football, Cupcake Walk and more. Refreshments. $20 per couple and $5 per additional child. 586.2358.

• Registration is underway for the Haywood County Youth Recreation Basketball League.

Age groups range from 5-6 to 11-12. Age cutoff is Aug. 31. Games start Dec. 17. Register anytime at the HCRP office in Waynesville.

452.6789 or drtaylor@haywoodnc.net.

KIDS MOVIES • A family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Movie is an animated adventure about a brilliant young robotics whiz who works with tech-savvy friends to thwart a criminal plot. 488.3030.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Family story time for ages zero to six years old is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

• The stage production of “Fiddler On The Roof” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his five daughters.

With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Tickets are $12 for students, $17 for adults. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 828.524.1598.

• Renowned folk artists, bluegrass legends and gospel icons are all part of the 10th annual Highlands Food & Wine Festival musical additions. The festival, taking place from Thursday, Nov. 10, to Sunday, Nov. 13, will feature a variety of performances throughout the weekend. www.highlandsfoodandwine.com.

• David Holt and the Lightning Bolts will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Lake Junaluska. Holt is a fourt-time Grammy winner. Mountain music. Theme of the concert is “Party for the Earth.” Tickets are $18.

Part of the Interfaith Peace Conference. 800.222.4930 or stop by the Bethea Welcome Center.

• The Heritage Arts Holiday Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at Southwestern Community College in Bryson City. This event will feature many vendors offering jewelry, woodwork, painting, beadwork, knitting, quilts, lots of the pottery from the Heritage Arts ceramics program and more. Free. www.greatsmokies.com.

• The 3 Doors Down 13th annual “The Better Life Foundation Concert” will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Standing room only tickets available for $35. The weekend consists of a motorcycle ride, silent auction, custom-built motorcycle raffle and concert. The Better Life Foundation (TBLF) has raised and donated over $3,000,000 to reputable children’s charities, veteran’s organizations, local municipalities and faith-based groups to achieve its goals of helping communities and children in need. www.thebetterlifefoundation.org For tickets, click on www.harrahscherokee.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

HOLIDAYS • Applications for Franklin’s annual Christmas Parade are available at the Franklin Chamber. Entry fee is $25. Parade is at 3 p.m. on Nov. 27. cindy@franklinchamber.com. Commercial floats available for $525.

524.3161 or facc@franklin-chamber.com.

800.867.9246.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT

• Acclaimed singer-songwriter and jazz cellist Shana Tucker will perform a concert of music she calls “ChamberSoul” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

Tickets are $24 for adults/seniors, $20 for WCU faculty/staff, and $8 for students/children. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.2479.

• The Hart Studio Theater production of Nora Ephron’s “Love, Loss and What I wore” will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 20 in Waynesville. Tickets: $10 for adults; $6 for students. 456.6322.

Funk/soul act Darren & The Buttered Toast will per-

• Acclaimed Texan singer-songwriter Radney Foster will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

• Bret Michaels performing at Harrah’s on Nov. 19 at 7:20 pm in Cherokee. Tickets available for $35 for standing room only. www.harrahscherokee.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 19. Future jams are on the third Saturday of the month through April. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• Celtic Women: home for Christmas, The Symphony Tour will be held at Harrah’s in Cherokee on Dec. 9 at 9 pm. Tickets are $42 and up. www.harrahcherokee.com.

• HART’s holiday production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will be held Dec. 10-11 and 17-18. www.harttheatre.org.

• Music and Clogging is held from 8-10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at the Stomping Ground at 3116 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 926.1288.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Submissions are now being accepted for the 2017 edition of Milestone, the biennial art and literary review published by Southwestern Community College.

First- and second-place cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: Poetry, Prose (short story or nonfiction works) and Visual Arts, including photography.

In addition, one cash prize will be awarded for Cover Art. Open to residents of Jackson, Macon, Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary – as well as SCC stu-

• The Sylva Photo Club meeting will feature a program entitled “Focus Stacking for Depth of Field” by Roger Bacon at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, in the Cullowhee Methodist Church. $5 donation from visitors can be applied to $20 membership ($10 for students_ per year. Sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com, sylvaphotoclub@gmail.com or 226.3840.

• The Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association – Asheville Region will have members’ portfolio presentations from 5:30-8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Reuter Center at UNC Asheville. asheville.cnparegions.org.

• High Country Quilt Guild will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Sandy Fogerty will present a program on “What’s New at the Quilt Market.” Group meets the third Thursday of each month. HighCountryQuilters.wordpress.com.

• A “Creating Community Workshop: Broom Making” program will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, in the atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Program will be led by Mickey Sizemore. 586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University is hosting the exhibit “The Language of Weaving: Contemporary Maya Textiles” at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee. Exhibit runs through Nov. 11. Fineartmuseum.wcu.edu.

• A three-month ceramics exhibit at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum is currently in Cullowhee. Fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or 227.3591.

• “Contemporary Clay,” curated by Heather Mae Erickson, is an exhibition that examines the evolving, expanded field of clay and ceramics. It will run through Dec. 16 in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• The exhibit “Emissaries of Peace: 1762 Cherokee & British Delegations” features Cherokee clothing, feather capes, beads, and other artifacts. It is currently on display at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and also available for travel. www.cherokeemuseum.org or bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org.

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• As part of the Arts Council’s Integrated Arts initiative, a sampling of works by renowned Macon County sculptor Nelson Nichols (www.nicholssculpture.com) will be displayed at this event. Executed in stone, bronze, and wood, Nichols’ sculptural body of work reflects his unique style, Spiritual Expressionism, encompassing anatomical/figurative pieces in classical realism, a series of abstract interpretations, a series illustrating universal/spiritual concepts, and an environmentally inspired series including sculptures of endangered/threatened species. Admission is by donation; $7 is suggested. arts4all@dnet.net or 524.ARTS (2787).

FILM & SCREEN • The Groovy Movie Club will screen the film “Captain Fantastic” at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at Buffy Queen’s home in Dellwood. A mostly organic potluck dinner will precede the screening at 1:15 p.m. A discussion on the film will follow the screening. The event is free and open to the public. johnbuckleyx@gmail.com or 828.454.5949.

• The Southern Circuit Film “Hotel Dallas” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the theater at A.K. Hinds University Center at Western Carolina University as part of a series of hands-on workshops.

Free for students; $20 for all others. Preregistration required for students (tcbowers1@catamount.wcu.edu) and non-students (hensley@wcu.edu).

• The premiere of a documentary on early 20th-century outdoors writer and Great Smoky Mountains National Park proponent Horace Kephart is scheduled to be shown at 2:30 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, in the H.F. Robinson Administration Building Auditorium.

“Horace Kephart, His Life and Legacy” is 90 minutes long. Reception is from 4-5 p.m. 227.7129.

• Adult movie time, 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. Call for title of movie.

586.2016.

ARTS GROUP MEETINGS • Blue Ridge Mountain Quilt Guild, 6 to 9 p.m. fourth Thursday, January through October, and third Thursday, November and December in Canton. 316.1517 or on Facebook at Blue Ridge Mtn. Quilt Guild.

• Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild meets every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. Blue Ridge Books, Waynesville. 246.0789.

• Artist Melba Cooper will be exhibiting her stunning series of paintings, “POLLINATION,” at Cullowhee Mountain Arts’ (CMA) Studio in downtown Sylva. www.cullowheemountainarts.org/up-in-the-studioevents or 342.6913.

• Nifty Needles group, which meets at First United Methodist Church in Sylva, is seeking new members to help knit and crochet warm, useful items for those in need. Supplies (yarn and needles) and lessons provided.

• A showcase on the life and times of Horace Kephart will be on display through March 31 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. The Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart Collection is composed of 127 objects, including Kephart’s tent, sleeping bag, backpack and the writing desk. The exhibit will display many of these objects in a campsite setting. 227.7129.

• The Tuesday Quilters meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on N.C. 107. Bring your machine and whatever quilt you are working on.

• The “Photography of Bayard Wootten” exhibit is on display through Nov. 23 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

• An exhibition entitled “This is a Photograph: Exploring Contemporary Applications of Photographic Chemistry” is on display at Penland School of Crafts near Spruce Pine. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

• The WNC Fiber Folk Group meets weekly from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in the Star Atrium of the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu.

Smoky Mountain News

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Trumpet Studio Recital #3 Nov. 9 and Assembly Quartet Nov. 15. All events start at 7:30 p.m. and are in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. All events are free. www.wcu.edu.

• Voices in the Laurel Madrigal Dinner Concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1819, at First Baptist Church in Waynesville. Theme is “Welcome to the Renaissance.” Tickets: $30 for adults; $15 for children under 12. Tickets available at voicesinthelaurel.org or 734.9163.

• A home remedies class on making Fire Cider will be offered by Kerri Rayburn from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Jackson County Extension Office in Sylva. Fire Cider is a warming, energizing, spicy and tangy tonic aimed at warding off illnesses like colds and flu. $5. Registration required: 586.4009.

• The Haywood County Arts Council’s exhibit entitled “It’s a Small, Small Work” is on display through Dec. 24 at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Sixty artists and nearly 200 individual works of art for sale. www.HaywoodArts.org.

November 9-15, 2016

• Santa Claus and other Christmas activities will be held from now till Dec. 17 at the Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City. 800.867.9246.

Letters to Santa: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop a line to Santa.

All materials provided. Santa at the Museum: 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a free photo opportunity with jolly St. Nick on the porch of the cabin located in the museum.

Cookies and cocoa served in the lobby. Santa will be there from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 26 and at the Christmas Parade on Dec. 3.

• Christmas Past – Mountain Traditions: 5 to 7 p.m.

This brand new program is designed with the whole family in mind. Held at the cabin in the at the Swain County Heritage museum, the event offers a fun, educational lecture on the Christmas meal, the felling and decorating of the tree, traditional toys and gifts, and more. Kids get to decorate the cabin tree with traditional Appalachian decorations, as well as making their own popcorn, cranberry, or paper string to take home for their tree. Cookies and cocoa provided in the visitor center lobby.

• Western Carolina University’s School of Music will present an evening concert by the Assembly Quartet at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Coulter Building in Cullowhee. 227.7242.

dents and alumni. Info and submissions (by Dec. 5): tknott@southwesterncc.edu or bkeeling@southwesterncc.edu. Info: 339.4314 or 339.4325.

wnc calendar

A&E

form at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Entry is $5. Veterans admitted in free.

Al’s BBQ will also be serving food starting at 7 p.m. in downtown Sylva. 828.476.0334.

• Thursday Painters meet at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your project and a bag lunch and join us for a day of creativity and fun. All artists are welcome. 349.4607.

• Rug Hooking Group, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jackson County Public Library. Beginners welcome.

631.2561.

49

wnc calendar

• Jackson County Arts Council meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Jackson County Library Complex conference room. 293.3407.

Outdoors • Hartwell Carson, “Riverkeeper” of the French Broad River for 11 years, will be featured presenter at the Trout Unlimited Cataloochee meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley.

• Trout fans are invited to help the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Trout Unlimited Cataloochee chapter stock the West Fork of the Pigeon River at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. Meet at a parking lot past Lake Logan before Sunburst Campground off N.C. 215 across from the shooting range. Tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

• An On the Water: Tuckasegee River program will be offered to ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 10 through the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah. 877.4423.

November 9-15, 2016

• The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute’s (PARI) initiative to probe the connections between art and science will continue at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, with a public presentation of the art of Samuel F. B. Morse, widely known as the inventor of the telegraph but lesser known as an acclaimed artist. Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. Evening at PARI programs cost $20 per adult and $15 for seniors/military. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or call 862.5554. For additional information, contact Sarah Chappell at schappell@pari.edu.

• The Aviation Historical Society will have a program about the “Sun n Fun Fly-in and Expo” at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Presented by the event’s vice chairman, Bob Beatty. aeroscribbler@gmail.com or 506.5869.

• The Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus.

• The Macon County Horse Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. Info: 369.3903.

• An “Under the Stars” stargazing event will be offered by the Macon County Public Library, Western Carolina University and the Asheville Astronomy Club at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

Smoky Mountain News

• A “Leader Building” program will of offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Learn while

leaders make fly fishing more effective. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah. 877.4423.

• An “Outdoor Cooking” program will be offered for ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard.

Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/pisgah.

877.4423.

FARMERS MARKET • A community tailgate market for local growers is open from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. 734.3434, info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• Haywood Historic Farmers Market is held from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays in November in the parking lot of HART Theatre in Waynesville. 280.1381 or haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com or waynesvillefarmersmarket.com • The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville (behind Bogart’s). 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Community Table building on Central Street in Sylva until outdoor hours resume at Bridge Park in March. The market will be held weekly through Dec. 17 and then be held one weekend each in January and February. Info: 393.5236. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• The ‘Whee Farmer’s Market is open from 4 p.m. to dusk every Tuesday at the corner of the N. Country Club Drive and Stadium View Drive in Cullowhee, behind the entrance to the Village of Forest Hills off Highway 107 across from Western Carolina University. 476.0334.

• Franklin Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday at 203 E. Palmer Street in Franklin. Info: collins230@frontier.com.

• The Cashiers Tailgate market is open from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. on Wednesdays at the United Community Bank on N.C. 107 South. 226.9988 or blueridgefarmers@gmail.com.

• The Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-

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• Swain County Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays through Oct. at the barn on Island Street in Bryson City. 488.3848 or Christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Early entry deadline is Nov. 13 for the Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut, which is Nov. 19. Starts from Kituwah Mound near Bryson City. $15 registration; $5 for kids.

Supports athletes of Cherokee Central Schools.

• Advance registration is underway for the Turkey Trot 5K, which is Nov. 24 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. $30 online registration; $35 on event day.

Supports a variety of nonprofits locally and around the world. www.imathlete.com.

• Advance registration is underway for the Tacky Christmas Sweater 5K, which is Saturday, Nov. 26, at Oak Forest United Methodist Church in Hayesville.

Proceeds benefit youth and children’s programs at the church. Must wear a tacky Christmas sweater. $25. www.active.com.

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain Club will have a 7.5-mile hike with a 1,200-foot ascent on Nov. 9 at Chasteen Creek Falls. For reservations and info, contact leader Danny Bernstein at 450.0747 or danny@hikertohiker.com.

• A 12.8-mile hike will be offered by the Great Smoky Mountains Association on Saturday, Nov. 12, starting at Clingmans Dome. $10 for members; free for Hemlock members. Register: www.smokiesinformation.org/info/hike-100-with-GSMA. • Carolina Mountain Club will hold a seven-mile hike with a 1,200-foot ascent on Nov. 16 at Panthertown Valley Loop East. For info or to sign up, contact leader Steve Pierce at 724.4999 or stevepierce50@gmail.com.

OUTDOOR CLUBS • The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office. The club is for adults and children and includes a monthly meeting with a program and a support network for those raising birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

• The North Carolina Catch program, a three-phase conservation education effort focusing on aquatic environments, will be offered through May 15. The program is offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free for members; daily admission for non-members. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• An RV camping club, the Vagabonds, camps one weekend per month from April through November. All

ages welcome. No dues or structured activities. For details, write lilnau@aol.com or call 369.6669.

• The Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the second Tuesday of the month starting with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Rendezvous restaurant located on the corner of Jonathan Creek Road and Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 631.5543.

• Cold Mountain Photographic Society is a camera/photography club for amateurs and professionals who want to learn about and share their knowledge of photography with others. Must be 18 or older to join. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the conference room of MedWest Health and Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Drive in Clyde. More information at www.cmpsnc.org or info@cmpsnc.org.

• The Cherokee Runners meets each month on the 1st and 15th of the month (if the first falls on Sunday, the group meets on the 2nd), at the Age Link Conference Room. Group runs are being held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. starting at the Flame. www.cherokeerunners.com.

• The Jackson-Swain Master Gardeners’ Association meets at 9:30 a.m. every second Wednesday at the Jackson Community Services Building on Scotts Creek Road in Sylva. Mike Glover at 736.2768 or lmgofish@gmail.com.

• Pigeon Valley Bassmasters Club will meet at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at J&S Cafeteria, Enka, Exit 44 off I-40. 712.2846.

• Macon County Horse Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Macon County Fairgrounds Alumni Building. Education program and business meeting. ddoster@fs.fed.us.

• The Macon County Beekeepers Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the extension office located on Thomas Heights Road next to Jim Brown Chrysler on Highlands Road. New members welcome.

• Haywood Bee Keepers Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the NC Ag center on Raccoon Road. hcbees.org.

• Smoky Mountain Beekeepers meet at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the SCC Swain Center in Bryson City on Almond School Road. Open to anyone interested in honeybees. 554.6935.

• The Franklin Walking Club meets at 10 a.m. every Saturday (weather permitting) at the Tassee picnic shelter on the Greenway at the corner of Wells Grove Road and Ulco Drive. All fitness levels are welcome, call Linda at 421.7613.

• Swain County Trail Runners. Long run group meets 8 a.m. Saturdays at the Deep Creek Trailhead Parking Area in Bryson City. All runs are on trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Tsali Recreation Area. All distances, paces, ages welcome. More information at 399.0989, 488.6769 or wdtreern@yahoo.com.

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1.800.914.0159

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA Technician certification.

Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.724.5403.

ADVERTISE YOUR Job Opening, Event, Items For Sale, Auction etc. in this newspaper plus 100 other newspapers across the state for only $375. For more information, contact the classified department of this newspaper or call NCPS 919.516.8018, email: ads@ncpress.com

EMPLOYMENT B.H. GRANING LANDSCAPES, INC Now hiring for the position of crew member - the grass is growing and so is our business come join our team. Full-time year round work, competitive wages, good work environment.

Please call 828.586.8303 for more info or email resume to: roger.murajda@bhlandscapes. com DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.927.8560

www.smokymountainnews.com

November 9-15, 2016

BLIZZ A BEAGLE BOY ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD. HE IS A FRIENDLY, SOCIABLE GUY, AND GETS ALONG GREAT WITH EVERYONE HE MEETS. HE DOES NEED TO LOSE A FEW POUNDS BUT A GOOD DIET AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH A FAMILY WITH TAKE CARE OF THAT.

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KIRK A HANDSOME PALE ORANGE TABBY GUY ABOUT 12 WEEKS OLD. HE IS FRIENDLY AND AFFECTIONATE, AND LOVES TO PLAY WITH THE OTHER KITTENS IN SARGE'S CATTERY. HE'LL BE A TERRIFIC FELINE FRIEND FOR HIS NEW FAMILY.

EMPLOYMENT

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS Meridian is seeking Peer Support Specialists to work within a number of recovery oriented programs within our agency. Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a HS Diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills. If you are seeking some basic information about the role of Peer Support Specialists within the public behavioral health system, please go to NC Peer Support Specialist Certification Site: http://pss.unc.edu/ You do not have to be a certified peer support specialist prior to employment. For further information about these positions, visit the employment section of our website at: www.meridianbhs.org If interested, apply by completing the mini application and submitting your resume.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT Computer Savvy: Email, Microsoft Word & Excel, Social Media; Secretarial Skills; Good Phone Presence; Enjoys Cooking; Light Housework. Call 828.586.0251 for an appointment.

EMPLOYMENT PART-TIME MASSAGE THERAPIST In Busy Healthcare Office Who is Energetic, Professional, Strong Work Ethic and Flexible to Office Needs. Training in Swedish, Deep Tissue & Prenatal. Available Hours M-F, 8:30-6:00. Call 828.508.3641 POSITION AVAILABLE Independent Living Specialist for fast paced nonprofit organization. Must have ability to multitask, have good listening skills with outgoing personality to assist people with disabilities in setting and reaching independent living goals. Must have the ability to interact with local, state and federal agencies. Ability to work independently, one on one or in a group setting. Degree in Human Services or work experience will be considered. A disability is required. Submit application along with resume to: Barbara Davis, DisAbility Partners, at 525 Mineral Springs Drive, Sylva NC 28779 or call 828.631.1167 for more information.

HIRING SKILLED UPHOLSTERER And Canvas Fabricator with experience in sewing, patterning and upholstering for boat/ yacht industry.

Email resume to marvinroberts@live.com or call 252.726.1660.

HEAD START/NC PRE-K TEACHER-HAYWOOD COUNTY Must have a Birth-K or BS related field with course work, and teaching license. This position also requires computer skills, the ability to work with diverse population/community partners, good judgment/problem solving skills, lead role in classroom and time management skills.

Candidate will be responsible for classroom/paperwork. 2 yrs. experience in Pre-K classroom preferred. Full-time with benefits. EOE/AA. Please apply at Mountain Projects, Inc 2251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786 or www.mountainprojects.org DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.655.7452 B.H. GRANING LANDSCAPES, INC Now hiring for the position of crew member - the grass is growing and so is our business come join our team. Full-time year round work, competitive wages, good work environment.

Please call 828.586.8303 for more info or email resume to: roger.murajda@bhlandscapes. com

EMPLOYMENT DISPATCHER WITH HAYWOOD PUBLIC TRANSIT: Looking for Applicant with Excellent Phone Voice, Multi-Tasking Abilities, Familiarity with Haywood County, Good Communication Skills Necessary. FullTime with Benefits. Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects Inc., 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786 or: www.mountainprojects.org EOE/AA DRIVER TRAINEES Paid CDL Training Stevens Transport will cover all costs! No Experience Needed! Earn $800 per week!

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REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT OUR HUNTERS WILL PAY Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1.866.309.1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

NEAR TRYON, NC EQUESTRIAN Center, 7.84 acres of pasture, creek frontage, partially fenced $59,900. Also Mtn View acreage w/paved access starting at $24,900. 828.286.1666

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Rental Assistance When Available Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday 12:30pm - 4:00pm & Friday. 8:00am- 4:00pm 50 Duckett Cove Road, Waynesville

Phone # 1-828-456-6776 TDD # 1-800-725-2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 4:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.273.3639 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 This is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

LOWEST HOME MORTGAGE Rates & Fast Approvals by Phone!!!! Programs available for Good & Bad Credit. Call 910.401.3153 Today for a Free Consultation.

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE REPOSSESSED MOBILE HOMES. Move in ready. No rent option, but buying could be cheaper than rent!

Owner financing on select homes with approved credit.

336.790.0162

VACATION RENTALS FLAGLER BEACH FLORIDA Oceanfront Vacation Rental, Tripadvisor Award, Furnished Studio, 1-2-3 BR’s, Full Kitchens, WiFi, TV, Pool. Seasonal Specials.

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STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment.

Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each.

828.593.8321

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.670.4805 to start your application today!

SAPA

bparrott@beverly-hanks.com Visit beverly-hanks.com/agents/bparrott

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CHAMPION SUPPLY Janitorial supplies. Professional cleaning products, vacuums, janitorial paper products, swimming pool chemicals, environmentally friendly chemicals, indoor & outdoor light bulbs, odor elimination products, equipment repair including household vacuums. Free delivery across WNC. www.championsupply.com 800.222.0581, 828.225.1075.

WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR UNEXPIRED Diabetic Test Strips! Free shipping.

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• • • • •

beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - AnnEavenson@beverly-hanks.com Randy Flanigan - RandyFlanigan@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - MichelleMcElroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - MarilynnObrig@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - BrookeParrott@beverly-hanks.com

• • • •

Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - EllenSither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - MikeStamey@beverly-hanks.com Pamela Williams - PamelaWilliams@beverly-hanks.com

Emerson Group • George Escaravage - george@emersongroupus.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com EXP Realty • Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

Haywood Properties - haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox - info@haywoodproperties.com Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Sam Hopkins - samhopkins.kwrealty.com

Lakeshore Realty

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

Beverly Hanks & Associates

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Home Properties

Commitment, consistency, results.

mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell - smokiesproperty.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

Carolyn Lauter Broker/ABR 1986 SOCO ROAD, HWY 19 • MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 28751

828.734.4822 Cell • www.carolynlauter.com carolyn.lauter@realtyworldheritage.com

SPORTSMAN LOG CABINS 8 MODELS 828-361-3232 find us at: facebook.com/smnews

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

Realty World Heritage Realty realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com • Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com • Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com • The Morris Team - maggievalleyproperty.com

smokymountainnews.com

SAWMILLS From Only $4397.00 - Make & Save Money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

828.734.2146

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

November 9-15, 2016

HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

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ITEMS FOR SALE

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LOWEST HOME MORTGAGE Rates & Fast Approvals by Phone!!!! Programs available for Good & Bad Credit. Call 910.401.3153 Today for a Free Consultation.

OVER 2,500 VINYL RECORDS Country, Rock & Roll, Gospel. $500 or best offer. For more info call 864.993.3900

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

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aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

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WNC MarketPlace

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

LAWN AND GARDEN

370-11

HOMES FOR SALE

• The Real Team - the-real-team.com • Ron Breese - ronbreese.com • Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

www.smokymountainnews.com

November 9-15, 2016

WNC MarketPlace

Super

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CHAIN LINKS

CROSSWORD

80 It’s not a pretty sight 84 Casts forth ACROSS 87 Give a summons to 1 Neaten (up) 89 Food chain, literally 7 Lab compounds 95 Native Coloradan 16 Terrific, slangily 97 Pop’s Stefani 20 Talented talker 98 Jeans giant 21 Thinks up something 99 Nastase of tennis 22 Witchy sorts 100 — -Croatian (lan23 Furniture chain, liter- guage) ally 102 “BTW” part 25 Prime draft classifica- 105 Gigi’s refusal tion 106 NFL lineman 26 Many times, in verse 108 Island chain, literally 27 “What — I tell you?”

113 Pedal pusher 28 Bygone rival of Delta 114 Badger 29 Using an Rx, say 115 “It’s so cold!”

31 Restaurant chain, lit- 116 OS computer erally 119 Stephen King’s rabid 37 Synchronize dog 40 One in sales, briefly 120 Watch chain, literally 41 Big letters in fashion 126 Time period 42 Strong coat fabric 127 Asbestos, e.g.

43 TV pioneer Jack 128 Sean Penn film 44 “— For” (1995 Nicole 129 “Woe —!”

Kidman film) 130 Celebrities of daytime 46 Wildly dramas 49 It carries a small 131 Clear record holder charge 50 Dog chain, literally DOWN 56 Swivel about an axis 1 Merely OK 57 Tan shade 2 U. lecturer 58 Baseball great Casey 3 Finn’s craft 61 Cry a river 4 Thespian Hagen 64 “It’s my turn to go” 5 Police line 66 Kipling’s Rikki-tikki6 Otter relative — 7 Tai — 68 “— pity” (“Alas”) 8 Bit of a laugh 69 Mountain chain, liter- 9 Legal rider? ally 10 Damon and Dillon 76 Jewish month 11 Somewhat 77 Arouse 12 Cubans, e.g.

78 Skin opening 13 Sweetened drink 79 Beer belly, e.g.

14 “Bad” Brown

15 Camille Saint- — 16 Lisa’s role on “Friends” 17 Excessive display of distress 18 Way in the past 19 Org. with bag screeners 24 Curious 30 Large pike, for short 31 Copies a happy cat 32 Slangy ending for switch 33 Copy over, as a soundtrack 34 Offer a view 35 “Kapow!”

36 Deep desire 37 Android extra 38 T on a frat tee 39 Recess game 44 It’s led by a Sec’yGeneral 45 Think piece 47 Postgrad degs.

48 Hitter Mel 51 Double- — (tourney type) 52 Arizona tribe 53 “I got — in Kalamazoo” 54 Impose, as a tax 55 Opposed to 59 Jacob’s wombmate 60 Cafe au — 61 — -Ball 62 Unctuous 63 Certain fruity spread 65 Sleeping garb 67 Wee demon 70 Rick’s love in a classic film 71 Kong’s kin 72 — roast

73 Hocus- — 74 Author Leon 75 Actor Rogen 81 Like many hockey shots 82 Unvarnished 83 Dir. from L.A. to K.C. 85 Rocker Reznor 86 Revel in 88 Writer Jong 90 Echidna food 91 Lollobrigida of Hollywood 92 Type 93 .001 inch 94 Split second?

95 Kind of port for a PC 96 Servers in saucers 101 Flagship U.K. TV network 103 Ended a phone talk 104 In-box fillers 106 Like the Tatar language 107 To another continent 109 Hero shops 110 University of Maine’s city 111 Strain at — (fuss pettily) 112 Hitting stat 116 Flat-topped hill 117 “What —!” (“Such fun!”)

118 Attended 119 Hit CBS drama 121 Secret govt. group 122 Flight deck guess, briefly 123 University sisters’ org.

124 Triage sites, for short 125 Ovid’s 2,100

answers on page 39

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Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 39

Steve Fraley, Western Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, Division of Inland Fisheries at NCWRC, oversees sturgeon release in French broad. Don Hendershot photo

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Welcome home he lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, once ranged across North America from the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay drainages down the Mississippi to Louisiana and from the east coast to Wisconsin. But this prehistoric creature (sturgeons date back 135 million years) has had a tough go of it for the last 100 years or so. The dam building craze of the 20th Century often blocked access to the sturgeons’ natal (river or area where they hatched) spawning grounds. Some lake sturgeons migrate more than 100 miles upstream to spawn. Loss of spawning and feeding habitat plus degradation of water quality due to large-scale deforestation and unfettered industrial pollution coupled with over-fishing exacerbated the situation. Today the lake sturgeon is considered threatened or endangered in 19 of the 20 states within its range.

The last anecdotal record from Western North Carolina is from the French Broad River near Hot Springs in the mid 1940s.

Today, thanks to collaboration among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Tennessee Valley

T

Authority, North Carolina Wildlife Resources and others, lake sturgeons are once again splashing in the French Broad.

According to Steve Fraley, Western Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, Division of Inland Fisheries at NCWRC, the reintroduction of lake sturgeon to the region began back in the late 1990s when U.S. Fish & Wildlife and the Tennessee Aquarium began to experiment with captive culture.

Fraley said NCWRC became interested in the project in the early 2000s and that he began discussions with primary partners around 2006. At that time, Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery in Georgia was the only source for captive culture and there were no fish to spare to expand the effort.

But in the late 2000s, the National Fish Hatchery in Edenton, North Carolina joined the effort making more fish available and in 2013 NCWRC became involved.

Fraley said there were a number of reasons the agency wanted to become involved.

He noted that restoration of native wildlife was a fundamental objective of NCWRC plus, “Lake sturgeon are considered to be an important part of the big river ecosystem that was missing, as well as a large potentially popular sport and food fish, as well as

potentially sustaining a commercial harvest at some point.”

And, according to Fraley it didn’t hurt that the sturgeon, “…are also just flat out cool and charismatic and people really like them and supported the effort.”

He said that nearly 16,000 sturgeon have been released in the French Broad near Hot Springs since 2015. Fraley said that because the lake sturgeon is such a long-lived fish (some females may live for 150 years) and can take up to 15 – 20 years to sexually mature, “…the objective is to stock them annually until we see evidence of gravidity [females with eggs] and spawning, then back off and assess how well they reproduce and

recruit wild-spawned fish into the population. That is, at least 15-20 years.”

Fraley said NCWRC will use a variety of methods including electrofishing, gill nets, baited trot lines and implanted radio transmitters to monitor the fish and that success will be measured by, “…the presence of mature adults and evidence of recruitment of wildspawned fish into the population and hopefully, a self-sustaining population that could support a sustainable harvestable fishery.”

If NCWRC and partners are successful, when dinosaurs roamed the earth could be now.

Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist.

He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.

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November 9-15, 2016

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Smoky Mountain News 55

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Smoky Mountain News November 9-15, 2016