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Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014 Vol. 16 Iss. 26

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CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: With Thanksgiving leftovers fresh in the fridge, American shoppers are annually encouraged to jump into their holiday gift shopping spree early. They are lured to the big box stores on so-called Black Friday by promises of huge sales. With Small Business Saturday, local businesses invite holiday shoppers to support the home team as well. (Page 6)

News Waynesville’s Strand theater hoists a classic marquee above Main Street . . . 4 An Atlanta teen is found dead after leaving his wilderness therapy group . . . . 5 Cherokee’s Sequoyah golf course goes under new management . . . . . . . . . . 8 Newly elected tax collector awaits bonding before beginning job. . . . . . . . . . . 9 A year on the job, Macon County’s manager is awarded with a contract … 10 SCC’s new Mechatronics program trains students for the future. . . . . . . . . . 12 Cullowhee’s proposed development standards get some revisions. . . . . . . . 13 Sylva considers bringing boot down on parking offenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Maggie Valley residents lists walking trails among recreational priorities . . . . 15 New shelter in Macon strives to offer homeless more solid footing . . . . . . . . 16 Jackson group searches for facility to shelter homeless in winter . . . . . . . . . . 17 Macon mulls a monument for Cherokee gravesite found at sportsplex . . . . . 19

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Thank you for helping to make this one of the best years ever at Mountain Credit Union!

Happy Thanksgiving

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From our family to yours

Participated in Valley Ballyhoo at Western Carolina University for new and returning students. More than 5000 students attend each year, making it one of the largest and most dynamic student involvement events on campus.

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Took food & donations for the Charlie’s Angels Animal Shelter Reached over 300 people with Financial Education

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Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Historic movie marquee crowns Waynesville’s Main Street once more

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER An iconic symbol of downtown Waynesville’s glory days is back.

A quintessential movie marquee for The Strand theater was hoisted into place last Friday, reclaiming its rightful spot above the benches and lampposts of Main Street’s quaint-but-classy streetscape.

The marquee is a throwback to the 1940s movie houses that were a signature of any downtown worth its salt in the day. The historic design has a small-town feel, but is Broadway enough that Lauren Bacall wouldn’t be ashamed to walk the red carpet beneath it.

“It’s retro without being hipster,” said Lorraine Conard, owner of The Strand at 38 Main, as she studied the sign up close one last time before it ascended the scaffolding last week.

“It says ‘excitement.’ Nostalgic. A little bit jazzy. Classically-classy. But what’s the finish?” Conard said, equating the impromptu marquee analysis to a fine wine tasting.

“With the finish of Billy Holiday…singing ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.’”

Stylistically, the marquee is perfect.

Symbolically, it’s even better, a testament that downtown Waynesville is a vibrant

place to be. Few small towns can boast a downtown theater venue, and the marquee makes a proud proclamation.

“This is the interface, the connection with the community at large. This is how we come together and invite people in a way nothing else does,” Conard said.

The marquee raising last week was a long-awaited moment for the downtown Waynesville community, which eagerly welcomed the reopening of The Strand last year after a 35-year absence.

Downtown Waynesville once had two full-size movie theaters in the era of the silver screen, before the double death knell of television and malls took their toll on downtown movie houses.

The Strand went dark in the late 1970s, ending a 30-year run.

Lorraine and her husband, Rodney, bought The Strand building out of foreclosure in 2011 and spent two years gutting and renovating it. The boutique theater and music venue made its debut last summer, about the same time the couple’s first baby was born.

But the iconic marquee jutting over Main Street remained a blank slab.

At the time, the town’s sign regulations didn’t allow signs of that scale. While the

Now showing The Strand at 38 Main has a robust lineup of movies, from new releases to classics, kid’s movies to thrillers, documentaries to comedies, indy films to blockbusters. The movie title changes weekly, with weekend matinees along with nightly showings.

The boutique theater is also home to a weekly concert series. Billed as an intimate listening venue, The Strand serves as a community space to showcase musicians and liven up Waynesville’s nightlife scene.

The lobby of The Strand doubles as a lounge, serving wine, microbrews, coffee drinks, local handcrafted ice-cream, desserts, artisan sodas and popcorn that puts the standard movie theater variety to shame.

Last but not least, The Strand shows free cartoons for kids every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

original wooden housing for the marquee was still there, it needed a new face and lettering. That would require a sign permit, and the town’s sign ordinance prohibited signs that large in the downtown district.

It posed a conundrum. The sign ordinance was intended to preserve downtown’s character by keeping out the visual clutter of over-sized signs. But town planners realized The Strand was a special case.

While huge McDonald’s arches might be out of place, a well-done theater marquee The historic marquee of The Strand movie theater in downtown would actually conWaynesville has reclaimed its perch over Main Street following tribute to the hisa 35-year absence. Becky Johnson photo toric appearance of downtown, not The marquee would take $20,000 to detract from it. design, fabricate and put in. It was simply So the town crafted an exemption to its out-of-reach — and frankly, still is. sign ordinance that would allow “marqueeThe Conards have launched a communistyle signs” in historic districts — as long as ty fundraising campaign to hopefully off-set the historic preservation commission the expense of the marquee. Initially, they approved. planned to raise the money first. But ultiWhile the exemption didn’t name mately decided to do it the other way names, it was clearly tailored for the return around. of the old movie marquee at The Strand.

“There’s been an enormous outpouring Conard worked with the historic comof verbal support from the community and mission to come up with a design to their because of that we decided we could take the liking, one that is in keeping with Main leap of faith to get the marquee fabricated,” Street’s period of significance from 1892 to Conard said.

1955. Former Mayor Henry Foy, who sits on Now, the Conards hope the community the historic commission, said at the time will step up and contribute to the cause. that The Strand’s marquee would “be the Donors get a nice door prize in return. You most prominent thing on Main Street” once can pick a “stocking stuffer” package in installed. exchange for a donation — with various But the biggest hurdle was yet to come: combos of movie tickets, concert tickets and the cost. concessions.

“It is incredibly expensive and we are The promotional packages can be purbasically trying to bootstrap this place into chased online at www.38main.com. existence,” Conard said.

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BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER The search for missing 17-year-old Alec Lansing came to a tragic end when searchers found the teen’s body in Nantahala National Forest Nov. 22, not far from the campsite where he left his group.

An autopsy revealed that Lansing had a broken hip and had died of hypothermia.

Because moss from a nearby tree leaning over a small stream was also found on his body, investigators believe he scaled the tree, fell into the shallow stream and broke his hip, which rendered him immobile.

“We really hate it for the family,” said Maj. Shannon Queen of the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Alec Lansing.

Department. “There was a lot of hope from the family that he had got out of there and a lot of hope on every rescuer’s part that he had got out of there. It’s hard to see a loss in the family.”

Alec was his mother’s only child following the 2012 death of his older brother, Brennan, who at 27 “died peacefully in his sleep,” according to an obituary posted on legacy.com. Brennan and Alec were apparently quite close.

“Brennan loved spending time with his family and was a mentor, inspiration and role model to his younger brother, with whom he spent a great deal of time,” the obituary reads.

Lansing walked away from a counselor in the wilderness therapy group he was with on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 10 near a U.S. Forest Service road called Round Mountain Road, which is off of Heady Mountain Church Road. Since then, a force of law enforcement agencies, volunteer rescue crews and emergency responders had scoured the forest, from both ground and air, looking for Alec.

“Hundreds and hundreds I would be safe to say,” Queen said of the number of searchers. “I don’t know the total number.”

On Nov. 22 alone, Queen said 80 to 100 people came out to help.

Queen couldn’t say how far away from the campsite Lansing’s body was found — “If you’ve ever been hiking in the woods, it’s hard to say” — though he said it was in the same general area as the camp.

“Exposure to the elements has been a worry the entire time,” Queen said in an earlier interview with The Smoky Mountain News.

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The local deal Small businesses look for their share of holiday shoppers

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR here are a few time-honored traditions on Thanksgiving. Like turkey and stuffing, or football and napping.

Or, increasingly more over the years, shopping. With retailers rabidly encouraging shoppers to get an early jump on the Christmas season gift-buying frenzy, the day after Thanksgiving has emerged as America’s celebration of shopping.

The day even has a rather ominous sounding name: Black Friday.

“That’s one of the biggest shopping events of the year,” said Paige Dowling, town manager of Sylva.

But Black Friday is all about sales, and mostly about larger chain stores. People camp out at Wal-Marts and Best Buys. They get into fistfights over Tickle Me Elmo dolls and iPads. It’s become a spectacle as much as it is a chance to snag a good deal.

The past few years, another officially sanctioned — or commercially sanctioned, anyways — day of shopping has followed Black Friday. The Saturday shopping event, dubbed Small Business Saturday, is a much calmer affair.

“The idea is that you promote shopping locally the day after Black Friday,” explained Dowling. “Small Business Saturday is just like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.”

Small business owners around the Western North Carolina region are hopeful the Small Business Saturday event will lead people to invest more of their purchasing power with small businesses.

“I think it’s good because it kind of reminds people to shop our small businesses rather than the big box stores,” said Tricia Buckner, owner of Genevieve’s Gifts in Franklin. “No hustle, bustle, shoving each other.”

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Julie Spiro, executive director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, is excited about the free schwag she’s ordered off the internet.

“It took me like three minutes to do it and it was all free,” she said, describing the bounty.

Spiro is excited about Small Business Saturday promotional items. She’s been encouraging merchants throughout the county to order some and officially participate in the event.

“They’re awesome,” Spiro said, listing off the freebies. “You get a really nice cloth tote bag that says ‘Shop Small,’ you get a welcome mat, there’s a window display.”

Small Business Saturday was first observed in 2010. It’s a trademarked event, launched by American Express. The day is 6 meant to encourage people to think outside

the big box stores and shop at small, local businesses — preferably, of course, using an American Express card.

“It’s turned out to be a good day for us in the past,” said Walter Cook, owner of Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery in Waynesville. “It’s nothing Earth-shattering, but in the last couple of years it has grown into something a little more substantial.”

“This is the first year that we’ve had the bags,” said Betty Gates, owner of B&B Gifts in Sylva.

In addition to ordering free Small Business Saturday tote bags to give away, Gates is also enticing shoppers with a few give-aways of her own during the event. From behind her store counter, the shop owner pulls out a dip bowl and platter, along with a cheese spreader — doorprizes she will surprise some shoppers with during their postThanksgiving visit.

Small businesses, like Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro, will be inviting people “We’ll probably have some different discounts,” Gates added, listing off her efforts to to shop local on Small Business Saturday Nov 29. File photo attract customers.

Thanksgiving’s commercial energy away At Cowboys and Divas from larger box stores. in Franklin, owner Sarah “I don’t know what will change the mindMiller is also offering set of people to shop with small businesses,” some incentives to get the Big box stores make it easy for shoppers to find the deals Brendle said, noting the mounting frenzy surcustomers through the and steals of the season. They plaster their message in rounding the coming shopping weekend. “I door on Saturday. newspaper and television ads, luring shoppers to their doors see people on Facebook talking about they’re “I’m gonna have hors d’ for Black Friday and virtual doors on Cyber Monday. so excited because the Black Friday ads for oeuvres, music, refreshSmall businesses typically don’t have such marketing Wal-Mart are already out.” ments and things like that. resources. But shopping locally will be made a bit easier for Something to inspire peoWestern North Carolina residents this year, as Buy Haywood ple to let go of some cash HY SMALL is providing a listing of member merchants for shoppers to for the holidays,” Miller choose from. said. “Any initiative to BUSINESSES MATTER “It gives shoppers a convenient start,” said Tina get’em out and get’em in Masciarelli, of Buy Haywood. the stores helps out a lot.”

Small Business Saturday calls attention to The listing can be found at In Dillsboro, Connie an important sector of the marketplace and a http://www.buyhaywood.com/shop-small/shopsmall-ideas, Hogan, owner of Tunnel special sector of society. Small businesses can and also provides shoppers with potential gift ideas.

Mountain Crafts, spearbe considered the lifeblood of the economy.

Buy Haywood is also asking shoppers to take a pledge to headed efforts to rally “Extremely important,” said Mark Clasby, support small businesses with their purchases. The pledge merchants around Small executive director of the Haywood County requests that people shift at least 10 percent of their Business Saturday. She Economic Development Commission. “They planned holiday shopping budget to small business purchasworked with the Dillsboro make a community viable.” es, and particulars can be found at Merchants Association to “Our small businesses are what makes our http://www.buyhaywood.com/shop-small/buy-local-challenge. get people on board and communities unique,” said Katy Gould, “Just some piece of your budget makes a difference,” hopes the event will boost director of Haywood Community College’s said Lorraine Conard, owner of The Strand at 38 Main theater weekend sales in the town.

Small Business Center. “They not only conin Waynesville.

“I told the DMA, let’s tribute to the tax base, they contribute to the get all these supplies quality of life.” online so that we can have When shoppers purchase items at a larger a big promotion,” Hogan said. “That’s about “Here we call it ‘Shop Local Saturday,’” establishment like Wal-Mart, the money they all it involves.” said Karen Wilmot, executive director of the spend quickly leaves the local community.

At Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop on Swain County Chamber of Commerce, down- The bulk of it ultimately winds up with faceDillsboro’s main drag, shopkeeper Lisa Potts playing the American Express aspect of the less shareholders in far-away places. is optimistic. The season is usually fruitful for day. “Several of our businesses just don’t But, when shoppers spend their money her business anyways, but she’s looking for accept American Express. We want all of our with locally-owned businesses, the money Small Business Saturday to give things an community businesses to participate.” tends to stick around and circulate. extra bump.

Others wondered if the event actually did “It streams back into the community,” “I think it’s good to keep people aware — anything to boost shopping activity among said Buffy Phillips, executive director of the small businesses, we’re here too,” Potts said. local businesses.

Downtown Waynesville Association.

But there is also some skepticism surDixie Brendle, owner of Finder Keepers in “We keep the dollars here. Larger corporounding Small Business Saturday. For Sylva, expressed some reservations about rations and big box stores, it goes out of the starters some merchants expressed hesitancy Small Business Saturday. She questioned the country,” said Charlie Trump, owner of Olde in embracing an event sponsored by event slogan — “I don’t know if ‘shop small’ Brick House in Waynesville.

American Express when their business is the best slogan, we want’em to shop big” — “That money tends to cycle doesn’t accept the credit card. and wondered if it were possible to redirect and support other local business-

Buying local made easy

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es in the areas,” explained Gould.

This is a concept that small business owners understand on an intimate level. It is not a theory, it is a reality that plays out in tangible ways.

“People don’t realize what a real impact that is, that impacts their neighbors,” said Lorraine Conard, owner of Waynesville’s Strand at 38 Main theater. “Small business employs your friends and your neighbors.”

“You have a Wal-Mart move in and it destroys 16 or 17 small businesses,” said Cook. “You lose the owner, you lose the manager, you lose the accountant, you lose all these people that are making a living wage.”

“Small businesses are really the life blood of a community,” said Conard. “As small businesses die, you see communities die. They turn into bedroom communities.”

And this is a concept that local business owners seem ready to share with their patrons. They want shoppers to know that their purchases matter.

“They’re the backbone of the whole country,” said Bob Long, owner of The Kitchen Shop in Waynesville. “If it wasn’t for the small businesses, forget about it.”

Richard Miller, owner of The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville, pointed out that small businesses are also sources of support for local causes. When the businesses thrive,

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he said, so too do local charities, organizations and causes.

“They’re the ones that support the high school marching band, they’re the ones that support all the little local causes,” said Miller. “Who supports them? It’s not corporate America.”

At the Jackson Chamber, Spiro thinks that people are beginning to get the message.

“People are understanding the allure of it, more so than in previous years,” Spiro said.

“There is intrinsic value in knowing that you are doing something to support your local area. That money stays in this area.”

At the Olde Brick House, Trump too is optimistic the message is resonating.

“When we talk to them they realize and understand that,” he said. “I think we’re having more and more people realizing that.”

And if people seem unclear about the importance of small businesses to a community, Trump will be sure to explain everything to them.

“We try to let folks know that small businesses are the backbone of our country and we’re open more than just that Saturday,” the business owner said. “We’re a small business for 365 days a year.”

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Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Small Business Saturday is sponsored by American Express. It debuted in 2010. The event falls on the Saturday following Black Friday, when shoppers traditionally descend on big box stores and malls in search of holiday deals and sales. Conversely, Small Business Saturday is designed to encourage shoppers to spend their money with locally owned small businesses.

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news

New management at Cherokee golf course

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER equoyah National Golf Club has come out in the red every year since it first opened in 2009, but the Cherokee golf course’s new general manager Kenny Cashwell, of Sequoia Golf Management, thinks that’s a norm that can be reversed.

“Absolutely,” he said of the club’s potential to turn a profit. “We anticipate being close year one. It’s very possible we may get there.”

Sequoia Golf Management is an Atlantabased company whose larger parent company, ClubCorp, manages 210 golf courses across the country.

“We have 25,000 member families in greater Atlanta, and we anticipate trying to attract them to the area,” said Cashwell, who is also a Class A PGA member. “They will have places to stay. Obviously, they’ll all eat something, so we hope that will be a boost to the area economy.”

The course will look to draw on more than just the company’s Atlanta member base. They also want to become a day trip destination for people who live in the area and draw visitors over from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

But first, Cashwell said, the course will have to make some improvements to its product and gain the trust of customers looking for a quality place to play golf. That

Smoky Mountain News

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

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starts with grass.

“The golf course took a tough summer beating from the heat, and we have literally reseeded everything,” Cashwell said. “As opposed to years in the past, we put down the grass that’s actually supposed to be used in the fairways.”

Previously, the heatsensitive rye grass had been used, making for a less-than-ideal course when hot weather hit.

Sequoyah National Golf Club.

Course superintendent Brannon Burnes has been along the road to becoming profitable. The working to replace that with low-mow bluecourse was opened in 2009 as an amenity for grass, which is better suited to Cherokee’s tribal members and a draw for tourists, but climate — heat-tolerant but also cold-tolertribal council was growing tired of propping ant enough that, Cashwell explained, “when it up with tribal funds. it’s 30 for a high it won’t be so angry that it “After having the budget season that goes away. It will just be cold like the rest of we’ve had, I don’t feel like we can support us.” this,” former Tribal Council Member B. Along with the reseeding, Cashwell said, Ensley said at a 2012 council meeting.

Burnes and his staff will be going “sprinkler Meanwhile, previous manager Ryan Ott to sprinkler” to deal with irrigation issues.

“We have to earn it [customer trust], and had asserted that golf courses are expensive to maintain and therefore don’t work well as right now they’re skeptical,” Cashwell said. standalone entities. Most have some kind of The former management had come country club, restaurant or upscale real under fire from tribal council members who estate development surrounding them to felt that the course should have been further help shoulder the cost.

Cashwell, however, presented a different outlook.

“We definitely don’t say it’s a detriment, Newly released albums and classics available although that makes it easy for some courses,” he said of the neighborhood- or country club-centered business model. “It just makes us have to have a different model. We’re a resort club for folks to come visit.”

Originally, the tribe had been giving the course an annual contribution to keep it afloat, $1.2 million according to previous reporting by The Smoky Mountain News, as well as a $500,000 line of credit. But tribal

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Franklin students take on Holiday Mail for Heroes project Elementary and middle school students in Macon County have been busy making hundreds of holiday cards this fall for the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes project.

Drake Software spearhead the project by providing all the craft supplies to make the cards and coordinating the effort across six participating schools. Students churned out more than 2,200 cards.

“The staff and students at our local schools really made this project a success.

They donated their time, energy, and creativity, and hundreds of our servicemen and women will receive warm holiday

council had talked about the need to lower those numbers and wean the course off of outside support.

“The other management group just wasn’t working out, and it was time for us to try whatever we needed to try to get that thing up and open to a level that reflected positively on the tribe,” said Councilwoman Teresa McCoy. The Tribal Finance Office keeps budgetary information private and so would not release information about the current subsidy agreement or confirm what the subsidy had been historically. Though Cashwell said the course does have a bank account provided by the tribe, he said that the account is still being set up and it is unclear how much is in it, or what the process would be for any funds to be released.

“I’ve never been to a place where they say, ‘Here’s a giant chunk of money,’” he said.

Not that the road to springtime greenery will come cheap. Cashwell said there’s lots of work to do between now and then.

“That’s priority one, is get the greens and the tees in condition, restore the fairways and in the spring we will begin aggressively marketing the course,” he said.

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greetings and encouragement this holiday season,” said James Stork, Senior Vice v President of Drake Enterprises.

The Holiday Mail for Heroes project gathers cards from all over the country and distributes them to members of the military, military families and veterans.

“Students embraced the opportunity to provide encouragement and to thank our military for protecting our freedom,” Michelle Bell, principal at Iotla Valley Elementary, said.

Since the program’s inception in 2006, the Red Cross has collected more than 4.7 million holiday cards.

“It’s a neat opportunity for our students to participate in a far-reaching project that touches the lives of thousands of veterans and service members each year,” said Josh Lynch, principal at Cartoogechaye Elementary.

Newly elected Haywood tax collector races to get bonded in time to take office

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Get to know the new tax collector

Smoky Mountain News

Typically, the county handles the bond application for employees who have to be bonded, including the sheriff, register of deeds and finance director.

There was a two-week turnaround time for Matthews to get bonded. It was theoretically ample time.

The clock started when county commissioners set Matthews’ bond amount at their meeting last Monday (Nov. 17). He was given a bond application the next day. Finance Director Julie Davis went over job-specific questions on the application that Matthews

SETTING THE BOND AMOUNT While it’s obligatory for the tax collector to be bonded, county commissioners can choose the amount they see fit.

They chose $410,000 for Matthews. That’s four times the bond required of the outgoing tax collector David Francis, which was only $100,000.

A higher bond means the county is better protected against losses if the event of performance issues or malfeasance.

Commissioner Mark Swanger said Francis’ bond was probably too low — it had been set years ago by past commissioners and they never thought to revisit it.

The range on bond amounts for tax collectors varies widely in the region, from $50,000 to $1 million in different counties.

“It is all over the map,” Swanger said.

County finance officers are also bonded.

In Haywood County, Finance Officer Julie Davis is bonded at $410,000. It made sense to require the same bond amount for Matthews, Swanger said.

Commissioners further said the bond amount reflects the import of the job Matthews is expected to fill — namely, bringing in the dough the county needs to operate.

If the tax collection rate dips, that means less money coming in to county coffers, which would compromise funding for everything from schools to law enforcement to libraries to human services.

But the higher bond imposed on Matthews could be a reflection of commissioners’ concerns about his qualifications.

Matthews, who lives in Maggie, has worked in half a dozen jobs over the past decade, including a VIP host at Harrah’s

Tax collector’s bond: a county snapshot

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

THE COUNTDOWN TO BONDED

had no way of knowing on his own yet — like how much cash he would be handling and what bank the county uses.

The rest of the application involved personal information, from past employment to credit history. Typically, Matthews would fill it out and return it, and the county would get the application in the pipeline with its insurance broker.

From start to finish, Matthews should have been bonded in a few days.

But by Friday, the county had yet to get the application back from Matthews to begin the process.

It turned out Matthews decided to go his own route. He engaged a private insurance broker to shop his application around with bonding agencies, rather than have the county handle it.

It is unclear, however, whether it will be done in time. County Manager Ira Dove was reluctant to comment on the issue, citing employee confidentiality. Dove said the county could share a copy of the bond policy when it comes through, since it would be a public record, but as of Tuesday, the county hadn’t received anything.

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BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER he clock is ticking for the newly elected tax collector in Haywood County to get bonded before his first day on the job next week.

After an upset by a narrow margin in the tax collector’s race this month, Mike Matthews is supposed to be sworn in on Monday, Dec. 1.

But he can’t take office until he secures a personal liability bond — an insurance policy of sorts that covers mistakes or wrongdoing by an employee who handles money.

“It is absolutely mandatory that you be bonded before you take office as tax collector.

The state general statute says that,” explained County Attorney Chip Killian.

As of press time Tuesday, the county had not heard from Matthews on whether he’d secured a bond yet.

Matthews would not comment to The Smoky Mountain News when asked about the status of his bond application.

County Commission Chairman Mark Swanger said there is no contingency plan in the Mike Matthews event Matthews doesn’t get bonded in time to take office Monday (Dec. 1).

“I am operating under the assumption he will be bonded and get sworn in and assume duties on Dec. 1,” Commissioner Mark Swanger said.

But with no word as of late Tuesday, time seemed to be running out, especially with Thanksgiving taking a bite out of business days in the countdown to Monday’s scheduled swearing in.

“I hope the application gets in quick because it could be problematic if everybody’s closed for the holiday,” Finance Officer Julie Davis said late last week.

Matthews ran on the Republican ticket against longtime Tax Collector David Francis, and pulled out a surprise 250-vote victory. He’s now slated to take charge of $39 million in annual tax collections for the county despite little experience or qualifications.

THE TRANSITION

County commissioners have asked the outgoing tax collector David Francis to stay around on a temporary basis, in part to train Matthews how to do the job that goes with the title he won.

Despite Matthews’ inexperience, he won’t be the newest kid on the block for long. Two employees in the tax collector’s office are leaving — one retired and one quit.

So two new hires will come on board County tax collectors must be bonded per shortly after Matthews. Including Matthews, state statute. The liability policy compenthree of the six employees in the tax collector’s sates the county for losses — up to the office will be new heading into the busiest and amount of the bond — in the event of most critical time of year for tax collections. wrongdoing or mistakes. It’s up to county During the transition, Francis will contincommissioners to set the bond amount. ue to serve as the tax administrator — a supervisory management role that is techniCounty .............................Amount of bond cally higher on the totem pole than tax collecMacon.........................................$250,000 tor.

Swain............................................$50,000 Francis had been serving as both simultaJackson.......................................$250,000 neously: filling the dual roles of tax adminisHaywood .....................................$410,000 trator and tax collector.

Henderson..................................$1 million But in many counties, two different peoBuncombe...................................$100,000 ple do those jobs.

The tax administrator oversees a smorgasbord of smaller tax-related departments, including mapping Technically, Matthews was only and land records. Meanwhile, the elected for the job of tax tax collector is just over the collections arm. collector and isn’t automatically For now, Francis will keep the rest of the tax administrator job entitled to — or qualified for — and hand over only the tax collecthe larger role of tax tor portion to Matthews.

Technically, Matthews was administrator that the county had elected only for the job of tax colassigned to Francis, according to lector and isn’t automatically entitled to — or qualified for — the county commissioners. larger role of tax administrator that the county had assigned to Francis, according to county commissioners.

Francis was making $78,000 a year, but Matthews’ salary will be $55,000, in keeping with his more limited scope of duties compared to what Francis was doing.

For now, commissioners have asked A meet-and-greet with newly elected Tax Francis to stay on for three months. The longCollector Mike Matthews is being hosted by term plan after that is not clear, and likely not members of the Haywood County formulated yet.

Republican Party at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, Francis could be asked to stay on longer. at the Cross Country School of Real Estate Or the county could hire someone else as tax in the Waynesville Plaza. administrator. Or the county could do away with the middle-management position of tax Cherokee Casino, a mortgage officer and administrator all together.

Here’s how other counties do it: account manager at Wachovia, the general • Buncombe County — The tax adminismanager at Ghost Town amusement park and trator is over multiple departments and a radio ad salesman.

Matthews has never owned property of makes $145,000. The tax collector is a sepahis own, according to county real estate rate position with a salary of $78,000.

• Jackson County — The tax administrarecords. But he has failed to pay his vehicle property taxes on time more than once, tor oversees multiple departments and makes accruing late fees. The county garnished $93,000. The tax collector is a separate posiMatthews’ wages at one point to collect past- tion and makes $53,000.

• Macon County — The tax administradue personal property taxes on a mobile tor oversees multiple departments and makes home he owned in his college days.

Matthews’ credit check as part of his bond $81,000. The tax collector is a separate posiapplication will likely turn up a pending civil tion and makes $54,000.

• Swain County — The role of tax adminlawsuit against him by a credit card company for over $3,000 owed on furniture purchased istrator and tax collector is carried out by the from Rooms To Go — $1,000 of which is late same person. The salary is $43,000.

• Henderson County — The role of tax fees and interest. While the credit card lists his grandmother’s name as a co-signor, the administrator and tax collector is carried out by the same person. The salary is $106,000. 9 civil suit names only Matthews.

in organizations like the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.”

That philosophy is one of the things that has made Roland such a great manager, Tate said.

Roland from being fired or jack up his “If he has something that he’s not 100 $100,000 salary. What it does do is provide percent sure on, he asks for advice,” Tate him some cushion should the board decide said. “He’s not a bull in a china shop. He’s to let him go. Namely, six months’ salary very careful about the steps he takes.” and benefits.

Really, Roland said, he’s found his youth more of an asset than a disadvantage, simply HE FIRST YEAR because of the enormous investment of time it takes to manage a county.

Tate admitted that he was a little nervous “It’s not a 40-hour-a-week job,” Roland about hiring Roland. At 28, Roland was sigsaid. “It’s a lifestyle, and there’s many times nificantly younger than the average county you’ll be clocking out at midmanager when he dropped off night. There’s many times you’re his application. There was a lot up working on projects for the of life experience he hadn’t had next day well into the night yet, a lot of mistakes he hadn’t hours, and at 29 I have the energy had the chance to make, a lot of to do that and come in the next institutional knowledge he day with a smile on my face, hadn’t had time to gather. But he ready to do that work.” was a Macon County native, a Roland turns 30 on Dec. 6, and graduate of Franklin High School he hopes to be on the job for many and Western Carolina University more years to come. And he’s with several years of planning working on a legacy that lasts under his belt, and he was clear longer. That’s what has him so in his pitch to commissioners excited about the new landfill he’s that this was both a job he wantworking on with Chris Stahl, direced and a job he could do. tor of Solid Waste Management.

“There’s a certain amount of “We’re talking about giving humbleness and integrity that the citizens of Macon County a you can see in his eyes when we were interviewing applicants,” Roland listens to commissioners discuss their thoughts on the 2014- place to continue disposing their waste for 60 years in the future, Tate said. “That far outweighed, 15 budget during a Saturday work session in January. Holly Kays photo so being a part of something that in my mind, experience.” affects not only today’s generation Roland starting gathering but generations 30, 40, 50, 60 years down complimentary comment to his staff. some experience pretty quickly once he got the road in my home community, the com“[Employees] are this organization’s the job. Within a month of his first day, munity I was born and raised in, I can’t say biggest asset, and I rely on them heavily news broke that $50,000 had been embezhow much that means to me,” Roland said. because that is such a knowledge base,” zled from the county’s Board of Elections.

Roland says that public service is his Roland said. “We’re talking about people The crime triggered a State Bureau of “calling,” and that he knew “beyond the who have been here 20, 30 years, who have Investigations probe that is still in progress shadow of a doubt” that he wanted to be a local knowledge that is irreplaceable.” and resulted in the resignation of thencounty manager — in particular, a Macon Director Kim Bishop, whose signature had manager — since he first started allegedly appeared on the fraudulent checks.

OUTH AS AN ASSET County working for the county in 2009. Having got“I don’t know what kind of word to use ten his wish, he plans to stay for as long as Knowing who he’s working with has to describe it,” Roland said of the situation. the board of commissioners gives him a job. caused Roland to conclude that his youth “He handled it with class,” Tate said.

Of course, that’s a group of people that isn’t a disadvantage to his ability to manage At the same time, the county was facing changes with every election, but as far as the the county. an impending property revaluation that five who hired him are concerned, there’s no “The thing I’ve learned more than anymeant making some hard choices in the reason for him to go anytime soon. thing are the answers to the questions are budget. Beale commended Roland’s pro“He knew that he could do it. He just here,” he said. “The answers to the questions posed 2014-15 budget, which called for a 3.4 needed to prove himself to us,” Tate said. lie in the employees who have been here for percent reduction in spending from the pre20 years and the answers to the questions lie “We wouldn’t trade him for anything now.” vious year. Beale said he “couldn’t be more

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Good work, Mr. Manager One year in, Macon manager gets contract, praise from commissioners

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER surprise agenda item at this month’s Macon County Commissioner’s meeting put a smile on County Manager Derek Roland’s face. Just shy of his oneyear anniversary on the job, the 29-yearold county manager was given a contract for his position.

He had been working on a month-tomonth basis, an unusual situation for a county manager. But Roland said he purposely left a request for a contract out of his bid for the manager’s job last year, when he was working as Franklin’s town planner.

“I wanted a contract to be something I earned rather than something I was given,” Roland explained.

Commissioners decided he had earned it, voting unanimously to approve the contract in their last meeting before Commissioner Ron Haven’s term ends and CommissionerElect Gary Shields’ begins.

“He’s probably one of the only county managers in the state that’s not working on a contract,” said Commissioner Jim Tate, who spearheaded the contract.

“Their position can be very volatile, especially during election time, because the makeup of our board could have changed in the last election.”

It didn’t — Commissioner Ronnie Beale won his seat back to remain the lone Democrat on the board, while Tate kept his seat against a Democratic challenger and Haven will be replaced with another Republican — but Tate felt the time had come.

“You were literally thrown into the fire with several things going on in the county, and you’ve handled it with style and class,” Tate told Roland at the meeting. “You haven’t handled it in any different of a way than what we would have expected or wanted you to do.”

To be clear, the contract does not protect

Smoky Mountain News

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

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pleased with how that was handled.”

Roland himself said he’s happy with how the Parker Meadows project is going — so far the $3.8-million baseball tournament park is coming in under budget — and said that discussions he’s been having with county employees about how to change the health plan to something less expensive are going well.

“We have made the employees part of that process, and they’ve been very receptive and very understanding of the situation,” Roland said.

In fact, though Roland was happy to give his highlight reel from the past year, each bullet point was interspersed with some

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Ribbon-cutting robot ushers in the future

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Mechatronics program to prepare new-age manufacturing workers

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR Most ribbon cuttings are routine. Bland, even.

But then, most ribbon cuttings aren’t executed by a robot.

“You’ll note there’s a pair of scissors strapped to one hand,” said Jim Falbo, mechatronics program coordinator for Southwestern Community College, pointing to the robot across the room.

The robot’s name is Baxter. It’s wearing a blue SCC T-shirt and is equipped with a screen, which currently features a pair of eyes and eyebrows to personalize the machine.

Soon, local government officials, educators, business leaders, a state legislator and a United States congressman will all take turns holding an outstretched yellow ribbon as Baxter repeatedly snips the scissors in celebration of the opening of SCC’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology program.

The center’s opening is considered a big deal and the robot ribbon cutting attracted quite a bit of attention.

“This place is an erector set on steroids,” marveled N.C. Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin.

The mechatronics program in Swain is a regional bet on the area’s high-tech manufacturing future. And it is being viewed as a big step forward.

“We are changing the way that people view manufacturing,” U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, RN.C., told those assembled at the SCC ribbon cutting. “We are changing the way this whole part of the state thinks about manufacturing.”

READYING FOR THE FUTURE SCC’s Mechatronics program is housed within the Swain Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City. The program began this semester and is designed to provide students with the skills needed to work in the field of mechatronics, which combines technology, electronics and mechanical engineering.

“It’s a great place for people to become highly trained and get better jobs and provide

high school students a chance to get a jumpstart on the training offered by SCC. Superintendent Sam Pattillo said that students choosing to participate in the SCC training stood to gain skills that would make them “very employable.”

“Basically we’re trying to get our kids prepared for the new manufacturing environment,” Pattillo said.

HIGH-TECH FEATHER IN OUR CAP

Baxter the robot cuts the ribbon Nov. 24 to celebrate the grand opening of SCC’s new Mechatronic Engineering Technology program in Swain County. Jeremy Morrison photo better for their families,” said Swain County Commission Chairman Phil Carson.

The Mechatronics program is funded in large part by a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation, but it is the product of a manyfaceted partnership involving both public and private entities. Most of those entities were represented at the Nov. 24 ribbon cutting and official grand opening.

“Your realizing your return on investment with the snip of these scissors this morning, and there will be much more to come in the months and years ahead,” SCC President Don Tomas told those gathered in the mechatronics lab for the event.

“This is exactly what we expected, and what we had hoped for,” said Carson, looking around the lab laden with state-of-the-art equipment.

The mechatronics program in Swain is geared to turn out workers prepared to step into technologically-advanced manufacturing jobs. It is a hopeful retort to the exodus of more traditional manufacturing jobs from the region in recent decades.

Regional and state leaders are hoping that the high-tech manufacturing sector begins to look to Western North Carolina when considering where best to base operations. The jobs available with such companies will look different from manufacturing jobs the area has been accustomed to in the past. They will look more like the type of jobs available today with ConMet, which has operations in the area.

Mechatronics and the future Southwestern Community College’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology program opened its doors this fall semester.

Funded through grants from the Golden LEAF Foundation and Duke Energy, and based on partnerships between SCC and local government, education and business leaders, the program is geared toward training students for high-tech manufacturing jobs.

Dan Gerlach, president of the Golden LEAF Foundation, described the new mechatronics program as being instrumental in helping to provide the needed workforce to take on the jobs of the future. The technical skillset students will learn in the program, he said, are in short supply.

“There are job openings for which too many people don’t have the skills to fill,” Gerlach said.

“That is the easiest part of the unemployment rate to attack, so attack it we will.”

One of the mechatronic program’s primary partners is Swain County Schools.

While the partnership affords younger students in elementary and middle school exposure to high-tech possibilities, it will offer

Starting’em early outhwestern Community College’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, funded by a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation, offers training aimed at building up a workforce capable of taking on the more technologically oriented manufacturing jobs of the future.

Workers currently employed by companies such as ConMet — a maker of pre-fabricated components for the automobile industry — or high school students looking to boost their employability will now have a local resource to turn to for the needed training.

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The first students enrolled in SCC’s mechatronics program represent what Falbo calls a mix. There’s a couple of high school students, some employees from ConMet andJ an unemployed student looking to increase and update his skillset.

Two of those students are Cameron Kuhn and Cody Cloer, a junior and senior, respectively, at Swain High School. While enrolled in the mechatronics program, the pair also have apprenticeships with ConMet. They shadow the company’s engineers and assist when needed.

“We get to break it down and learn the specifics about everything and then we get to apply it at our jobs,” said Kuhn.

Falbo said that he knows his students will have jobs when they complete their instruction at SCC. But he’s concerned about whether they will be able to find those jobs in the local area.

“The students that are learning this, they know they can go anywhere,” Falbo said.

“We’re hoping to keep them here.”

For students training in SCC’s mechatronics program to be able to work in the hightech manufacturing industry locally, the area will need to attract additional high-tech manufacturing businesses.

Economic development officials appear optimistic about the ability to attract such industry to Western North Carolina. That optimism is buoyed by the fact that the region now has a training facility from which such a workforce can be created.

“It’s sort of a feather in the cap that may give us a leg up,” said Jackson County Economic Development Director Rich Price.

“It really sets us up with a competitive advantage. Now it’s just about leveraging what we’ve got and going out and shouting it from the mountain tops.”

But the opportunities afforded by the region’s new mechatronics program are not limited to those in or entering the workforce. Through a partnership with the Swain County Schools, younger students are also being introduced to a world rife with technological possibilities.

During SCC’s ribbon cutting event for the new mechatronics program, a group of fourth-grade students from Swain County’s East Elementary School was gathered in a classroom exploring the possibilities of engineering and technology.

“I’m working on Legos,” said fourth-grader Kadin Webb.

“We’re learning how to program.”

Webb stared intently into his computer screen. Connected to the computer was a small

BY J EREMY MORRISON • Establishing a 50-foot buffer from N EWS E DITOR rivers — Currently, structures in multi-famollowing a pair of community input ses- ily developments are required to be sions in October, proposed planning between 25 and 30 feet back from a river. regulations for the Cullowhee area have The distance is dictated by either a trout been tweaked a bit. buffer or a floodplain buffer. The proposed “Relatively minor revisions to text and to Cullowhee standards have been changed to maps,” explained Jackson County Planning include a 50-foot buffer.

Director Gerald Green.

“The planning council felt that a 50-foot The Cullowhee area, home to Western buffer would provide better protection for the Carolina University, is the fastest-growing river,” said Green. “Thirty feet doesn’t seem area of Jackson County. Though the area has very far when you see it in actuality.” seen a blitz of student-housing related devel• Withdrawal of certain properties — opments in recent years, no development Some areas originally included within the standards are currently in place. In 2013, Cullowhee Community Planning Area have Jackson County commissioners assembled been excluded. During October’s input sesthe Cullowhee Community Planning sions some Cullowhee property owners comAdvisory Council and tasked it with taking a plained that too much of the proposed planlook at potential standards for the area. ning area was zoned as single-family resiFollowing a year of work, the advisory council recently presentThough the Cullowhee area has ed its proposed development standards and zoning recommendaseen a blitz of student-housing tions to property owners and resirelated developments in recent dents. Over the course of two sessions at WCU, members of the years, no development standards public weighed in on the proposed standards — many were not keen are currently in place. on either the specifics of the draft or the concept of the exercise, while others voiced support for the proposals dential and would not be conducive to the and a recognition of their need. community’s growth. Green told them that Taking the comments gathered, the the single-family designation had been used Cullowhee advisory council has made some as a default designation and could be reconadjustments to its original proposals. The sidered. revised regulation standards will be put Revisions to the proposals have properties before the public in January. located west of N.C. 107 and between the airTweaks to the proposed standards port and North Carolina Center for the include: Advancement of Teaching removed from the • Establishing minimum requirement for planning area. Other properties, such as sidewalk inclusion — The proposed stan- properties housing WCU’s landfill and faculty dards require single-family developments to housing, have been exempted from the proinclude a sidewalk. Language has now been posed standards. included to clarify that this requirement only “The lack of development potential was kicks in when a development exceeds 12 the primary reason,” Green said of the units. The standards now allow for the alter- exemptions. “These properties do not appear native option of providing a walking trail in to have the potential for development that lieu of a sidewalk. others do.”

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Proposed Cullowhee development standards get revised

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“A motion sensor,” smiled Webb.

According to Lynda Parlett, SCC’s director of institutional development, immersing children in mechatronics at an early age will have payoffs in the future. It will pave the way for a better, more technically trained workforce in the years to come.

“To ensure we’ve got a population of younger folks ready,” said Parlett.

Dills is hoping that exposing kids to such technology early on will produce more than an educated and ready workforce. He’s hoping that giving young students the opportunity to explore such grounds will lead to things he can only begin to imagine.

“It gives the seed to somebody that may be able to grow something that we’ve never seen before,” Dills said, watching his students explore in the mechatronics lab.

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assembly of Legos the student had dubbed “The Soccer Fans.” The Lego creation is connected to the fourth-grader’s laptop and is set to respond to commands entered into a computer program.

Webb made a few attempts to control the Lego assemblage via his computer. After a couple of false starts, the Legos respond.

“Its heads pop up,” the student exclaimed, pointing to the Legos.

Standing nearby, East Elementary Principal Tommy Dills prompts an educational moment.

“What’s connected to it?” Dills asked. “A sens — ?”

“A sensor,” Webb answered.

“What kind of sensor?” asked Brandon Messer, a technology instructor with the school system. “What does it sense?”

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The way of the boot Sylva explores stiffer penalties for stiffing parking citations

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

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said, was to begin using a parking boot, locking tires until tickets are paid.

“I think it’s going to be the cheapest, most effective way to get people’s attention,” said Woodard.

“I think it’s going to be quick to get their attention, too,” Dowling added.

Under the rough sketch laid out by Woodard, unpaid parking tickets will be assessed a $25 fee after 30 days.

After 60 days, the offender is slapped with another $25 fee, with another coming at $90 days. After 90 days, the boot goes on.

Sylva commissioners gave Woodard the go ahead to begin working up an ordinance formally detailing the fee tiers and boot particulars. Once a draft is prepared, the town will need to schedule a public hearing on the proposed ordinance.

“I think once the word gets out most peo-

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Sylva officials recently gave the go-ahead to explore an ordinance that would impose increasingly stiffer penalties on people leaving parking tickets unpaid, and would eventually result in having an offender’s vehicle locked in place via a tire boot.

Although the specifics of the ordinance are currently being drafted, Sylva Police Chief Davis Woodard explained recently what the new law might entail: A $25 fee would be applied to unpaid parking tickets after 30 days, with an additional $25 fee tacked on at both 60 days and 90 days. After 90 days a boot would be placed on a violator’s vehicle.

The new law will apply to existing tickets as well as new citations. Sylva has more than $7,500 worth of unpaid parking tickets dating back to 2011.

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BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR uite a few parking tickets have gone unpaid in Sylva. Since 20011, a total of $7,585 worth of parking citations have gone unpaid.

“It’s pages of tickets,” said Sylva Town Manager Paige Dowling.

During a recent town board meeting, Sylva Police Chief Davis Woodard told commissioners that stiffing town tickets was commonplace. That people had no intention of paying the fines.

“We’re just having our nose rubbed in it by a few of ’em to be honest with you,” said Woodard.

In addition to not being able to park in fire lanes or loading zones or handicap spaces, parking along Main Street and a few other downtown stretches is off limits to downtown business owners and employees. By ordinance they must park elsewhere, thus freeing up parking for paying patrons of downtown.

“I don’t understand, because when we put this ordinance in it was to benefit the merchants of Main Street,” said Woodard.

The chief suggested that the town up the stakes in pursuit of its parking fines. The best way to do that, he

Cracking down

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Mapping Maggie’s recreational needs Maggie Valley recently wrapped up its recreational needs survey. The survey was conducted in September and got 125 responses. It attempted to get a feel for how the public feels about the future recreational needs in the town.

More trails and more bicycle amenties were two big priorities identified by survey respondents. There was also a call for increased sporting activities, an upgraded playground and a dog park.

SURVEY PRIORITIES

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Survey offers public chance for input

Parham Park is one of Maggie Valley’s more popular recreational offerings. Donated photo

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A majority, 64 percent, of the survey respondents were fulltime residents to Maggie Valley. Part-timers as well as visitors also voiced their opinions.

Respondents pined for various recreational upgrades. There were multiple calls for a bike lane along U.S. 19, as well as bike racks near public facilities. People also want racket ball and tennis facilities, or at least a bocce ball court. The need for a dog park was mentioned several times. One person suggested constructing a swimming area in Jonathan Creek.

In presenting the survey results to the town board, Bowen noted that some suggestions were not feasible or prohibitively expensive. The swimming hole in Jonathan Creek, for example, would be tough to get past local and state restrictions against disturbing creek beds. And the bike lane along U.S. 19 would require infrastructure changes and coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. But other items, like the bocce ball court or playground improvements, may be doable.

Bowen said that the survey would likely play into future town planning efforts.

Maggie Valley is just beginning a year-long planning process in an effort to realize a master plan for the town, and the survey findings will be taken into consideration when mapping out the plan.

“This was like a first step to future planning projects,” Bowen said.

ple will go ahead and pay those tickets,” said Mayor Maurice Moody.

Later, Dowling explained that the new ordinance would apply to existing tickets — “any tickets on the books” — in addition to ones written going forward, and that the town was exploring the boot option because of the lack of incentive or intention of violators to pay their citations.

“We hear frequently that people think they don’t have to pay town parking tickets, that’s a misconception,” said Dowling said.

“We’ve got to do something.”

One person that doesn’t appreciate the concept of downtown parking tickets, or the prospect of boot-enforced compliance, is Dodie Allen, owner of an auction house in

downtown on Main Street.

“I’m tired of this nonsense,” Allen said.

“They don’t have any vision when it comes to solving the problem.”

Allen is no stranger to Sylva’s parking rules. Shortly after the downtown parking ordinance was passed in 2010, she clashed with the town over a ticket for parking her van in front of her business.

“I refused to pay the ticket, I said I’d go to jail first,” Allen said, recounting a visit before the town board. “I talked for probably 30 or 45 minutes. It was funny because I was doing an auction at 7:30 [p.m.] and that’s the only thing that shut me up.”

These days, Allen still parks her van in front of her business. She loads and unloads

without fear of citation.

“I have handicap parking, now they don’t bother me about parking,” Allen said, upset she was driven to such measures. “I said, that’s a sad day — I’m not handicapped, really. I’m 80 years old.

The downtown business owner said the town officials were addressing the parking issue from within a “myopic box” and unfairly penalizing business owners.

“I understand about parking, I know how desperately they need to address parking, I know how they don’t need to penalize small business by marking tires and charging fines,” Allen said. “They just don’t think beyond, beyond either taxing or jigging or whatever you want to call it.”

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BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR rails top the list of Maggie Valley’s recreational needs, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the town.

“A lot of people seem to have the same thought of ‘we live so close to the mountains, but we have to drive 30 minutes to get to the trails,’” Maggie Valley Town Planner Andrew Bowen told the town board recently.

A week later, the planner elaborated on that particular take-away from Maggie’s recreational needs survey.

“People want to be outside, whether it’s a greenway or walking trails, people just really want to be outside,” Bowen said.

Of the 125 respondents to the September survey, 20 percent identified greenways and walking trails as the recreational amenity they’d most like to see focused on in the future. Survey respondents selected the ‘trails’ option from a pre determined list, which also included bicycle amenities (16 percent), fishing piers (14 percent) and ball fields (9 percent).

Bowen said that the town decided to conduct the survey in order to gain a better understanding of what people were thinking, to find out how they thought Maggie might improve its recreational offerings.

“It comes down to really wanting to know what our visitors and citizens want,” Bowen said.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

• Bicycle amenities — Many respondents hit upon the need for better accommodating bicycles. There were low-impact requests, such as placing bike racks near public facilities, as well as more-involved, and lesslikely, infrastructure intensive projects such as installing a bike lane along U.S. 19.

• Mountain trails and overlooks — People identified a need for more creekside walking trails, as well as for trails leading up out of the valley, preferably to a waterfall or overlook.

Any possibility of a trail system would require substantial effort and obtaining easements.

• Dog park — The need for a dog park was a popular priority for survey respondents. The town would need to be able to acquire a piece of land at a reasonable cost.

• Old Still waterfall — Some respondents suggested that Maggie Valley take advantage of an alreadyowned parcel of land with a waterfall on Old Still Road near the Maggie Valley Club. Though the idea for a small park resonated with many, there are also drawbacks: no parking, plus the trail is in need of major repairs.

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Homeless shelter underway for Macon County New Hope aims to give homeless tools for self-sufficiency

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hings have been moving quickly for New Hope Center in Franklin. Just a few months ago, the homeless shelter was merely a vague idea in the back of Lowell Monteith’s mind, an awareness that there was a need for some way to help the homeless of Macon County. He’d first witnessed the need during his time at Lifespring Community Church, where he and his wife used to run a soup kitchen.

“We started getting kind of an influx of homeless folks here in Macon County that were coming here to eat,” Monteith said. “I started building relationships with them. I really started to have a heart for what was going on with them, and I wanted to see what I could do to help.”

He tried a few things — letting them stay the night at his house, putting them up in the church — but those were all short-term solutions.

Then, “The Lord woke me up with the blueprint for that [New Hope] program about four months ago,” said Monteith, who pastors Father’s House Church in Franklin. “I sat up in bed to write it down because it was coming as fast as I could write.”

What he ended up writing was the outline of a six-month program to get homeless men off the streets and started on a vocational career.

“Our goal is to see them leave with money in their hand,” Monteith said.

To start out with, homeless men — though Monteith would like to see a second shelter for women and children open later, the bulk of the homeless population is male — will be able to stay at the shelter for two days to check out the program, get out of the cold and decide if they want to be part of New Hope. At the end of two days, they’ll have to make a decision: either move on or commit to a six-month program designed to lift them out of homelessness.

“I’m not interested in just giving someone somewhere to sleep,” Monteith said. “I want to see lives changed for the kingdom of heaven, and so that takes a commitment on my part and my group and on their part.”

Homeless people will not have to be residents of Macon County to enter the program but will have to be sober when they enter, as well as submitting to a drug test. At the end of 30 days, they’ll have to test clean of any drug traces in their system.

Smoky Mountain News

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

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THE PROGRAM The program itself will begin with one month of what Monteith refers to as “spiritual rebuilding.” That segment will include “biblical truths about Jesus and his love,” 16 according to New Hope’s vision statement. It

People gather at a fundraising event outside the New Hope Thrift Store. Below: Construction is underway at the future site of the New Hope Center. Donated photos

“It’s going to be an awesome asset to this community when it gets fully operational,” he said.

A work bank for local employers will also be part of the program, so the hope is that New Hope residents will be able to start working in some capacity soon after the vocational part of the program begins. A built-in savings program will ensure that some of the money is saved as a cushion for when the six months of residency are up.

Though the exact details are still being worked out, the basic idea is that when someone gets a job, the employer will communicate to the ministry how much the worker is making. Workers will be expected to give 25 percent back to the ministry to fund its operations, and another 25 percent will go into a savings account, also organized through the ministry, to be given back to the individual once they complete the sixmonth program. Half of the income will go directly to the worker.

“It gives the employer a little bit of comfort knowing they’re not feeding an addiction and it gives the ones who are part of the program a little accountability,” said Monteith, who owns Monteith Construction in Franklin.

“As a contractor myself, I’m concerned about just picking them up and working them and handing them cash, especially if I know

Give back To donate or volunteer toward the New Hope Center, contact 828.552.4976, 123 West Palmer St., Franklin, N.C. 28734 or www.newhopecenternc.org.

will include teaching about the gospel message as well as a pep talk of sorts.

“They’re living on the outskirts of our very beautiful and blessed town because society has convinced them that they’re not worthy of love or having a meaningful life,” said Monica Collier, treasurer and secretary of the New Hope board.

The goal of that first month is to combat those beliefs of worthlessness, and the teaching will go hand-in-hand with service to the community itself. In addition to four hours of teaching each day, people in the program will spend several hours doing chores such as cutting firewood and raking for people in the community.

“The goal is to keep them occupied as much as possible and to keep their mind on things above,” Monteith said.

After the first month, people in the program will move into the vocational training phase. They’ll get instruction on skills such as writing a resume, managing money and using a computer, as well as ongoing daily Bible study, prayer and worship.

They’ll also have the chance for vocational training in fields such as construction, plumbing, accounting, cabinetry and landscaping.

“We [will] have 10 to 12 different trades that are going to step in and start to teach basic trade skills,” Monteith said. “As we’re training them, we’re going to be doing our community outreach program so they can get hands-on training in the trade they’re going to be stepping into.”

Students will learn about the trade with weekly classes, and they’ll get to practice their skills by doing work for people in the community who need it done but perhaps can’t afford to pay a professional to do it.

“Say someone needs a deck torn down because it’s rotten and falling apart,” Monteith said, giving an example. “We’ll take guys who want to learn carpentry out to that house to build a deck.”

They’ll be able to sign up for one trade or many, depending on what interests them, and Monteith said the classes will be open to the community at large as space allows.

they have an addiction of some sort,” he said.

After graduating from the six-month program, the plan is that participants will leave with the cash from their savings account, new trade skills, a job and more steady financial footing.

“The goal is to see their lives changed,” Monteith said. “They might show up as a homeless man, but as soon as they sign up for this program they’re not homeless.”

They won’t get kicked to the curb as soon as six months are up, however. Program graduates will be part of a discipleship group with weekly meetings to keep them focused and accountable. Volunteers in the program will be expected to maintain contact with program graduates, checking up on them periodically to make sure that they’re doing well and not falling back into any bad choices that facilitated homelessness in the first place.

DEFINITELY A NEED

All that’s in the future, as New Hope Center still needs about $64,000 to renovate and open its facility in the old Rexel building at 123 West Palmer St. Long-term, the group is looking to its thrift store, now open in a white build-

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Group searches for facility to house program

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“The goal is to keep them occupied as much as possible and to keep their mind on things above.”

— Lowell Monteith

Help the cause To donate to Neighbors in Need, mail checks to Jackson Neighbors in Need, care of Mountain Projects, Inc., 25 Schulman Street, Sylva, N.C. 28779. power had been turned off and they had two school-age kids, and we were able to resolve that with the support of other emergency agencies,” Nicholas said. “But it’s everywhere, all the time.”

In addition to giving people in need a place to stay, Neighbors in Need also connects them with resources such as Housing and Urban Development funding and Department of Social Services programs through the work of a case manager, whose position is funded by a grant from the Evergreen Foundation.

“We’re not just keeping people overnight,” Nicholas said. “We’re that but also working on helping build their capability to have permanent housing and we’ve had some success through that.”

store the other day that were living in a tent way out on [N.C.] 28,” Monteith said. “They have no ride, they have no phone, they have no heat, they have no water or electricity.

They’re just living in a tent. It’s sad because if something were to happen, nobody would know for days. Nobody knows those people are homeless because they were too proud to tell anybody until they got to a point where they had nothing left.”

He’s heard some criticism, he said, that Macon County doesn’t really have a huge homeless population and that the program could attract more homeless people to Macon County. However, he said, he believes that the commitment required to be part of the program and the transformative power of it will keep that from happening.

“Whether we like it or not, these people are here and it’s our job to take care of them, and if we’re the only place in the state that can provide this service, I don’t care where they came from,” Monteith said. “It doesn’t matter because either they’re going to come here and be in my program for six months and completely rehabilitate their life and go back where they came from or they’re going to rehabilitate their life and [contribute to Macon County]. It’s not a homeless shelter.

It’s a life rehabilitation center.”

Smoky Mountain News

ing next to Ace Hardware Store, to fund its operations, but with winter descending Monteith’s heard lots of demand to have the shelter open yesterday.

“I’ve already gotten calls from the Red Cross,” he said. “I’ve gotten calls from Macon Program for Progress, I’m getting calls from REACH. I hear every single day about another person that’s homeless that needs somewhere to stay.”

According to a 2011 survey, Monteith said, about 200 homeless people live in Macon County. However, he said it’s likely the number is closer to 300 given that homeless people are hard to track down and not always willing to admit that they’re homeless.

“We had a couple come into the thrift

that it was 55. That’s a good bit less than the 80 to 90 people the Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter has served each winter since opening in 2008, but Nicholas pointed out that Jackson is a smaller county, population-wise, and that for those who have a need, having shelter available is a non-negotiable resource.

“Just on Friday, we had a family whose

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER or the past four years, Jackson County Neighbors in Need has been footing the bill to put people lacking winter shelter up in motel rooms for the night, but the group is on the lookout for the perfect facility to serve as a central shelter before the winter gets much deeper.

“We haven’t been able to get into a shelter facility of our own which we are very much hoping to do because it’s very expensive to lodge people in a motel,” said Veronica Nicholas, co-chair of the Neighbors in Need shelter committee.

Neighbors in Need is a group of volunteers that works to find winter shelter for Jackson County residents without it, including assistance with heating and weatherization. But the organization, which works through Mountain Projects Incorporated, doesn’t have a physical location or year-round assistance for those struggling with homelessness.

“It’s more than just a winter issue, so we would hopefully be able to look at the year-round situation,” said Veronica Nicholas, co-chair of the Neighbors in Need shelter committee. “But our immediate task for the year is to continue our care for the winter months.”

Last winter, Neighbors in Need served 49 people in need of shelter, and the year before

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Plans in the works for Jackson homeless shelter

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The Waynesville Special Response Team Gilmore said the officers who make up the recently went up against dozens special ops team train almost every day, year-round. units and SWAT teams from across the Their know-how in tactical techniques is a county in the national SWAT Round-Up benefit to the community if something ever Competition, nabbing the accolade of “Best happened needing high-level special Small Agency.” response, Gilmore said.

A small agency is defined as 100 or The Waynesville Special Response Team. fewer officers — Waynesville is the smallest small agency ever to compete in the SWAT Round-Up. “We have always felt we had the best of the best serving in Waynesville, now we have national recognition of that fact,” said Mayor Gavin Brown.

The Waynesville team was put through the paces of various rescue scenar“Without the support from this agency ios that required rappelling, scrambling and the opportunity to get top notch trainwalls, traversing high wires, hitting sniper ing, none of this would have been possible,” targets, scaling towers and more — all said Gilmore. while under enemy fire and fending of surThis is the seventh year that the prise ambushes. One rescue scenario Waynesville special response unit has parincluded a simulated chemical attack. ticipated in the SWAT Round-Up held in Waynesville Police Sgt. Brandon Orlando.

Project shines lights on prescription drug scourge in Jackson A community campaign to combat prescription drug abuse known as Project Lazarus will be discussed from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the lobby of Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.

A local coalition has adopted the Project

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Lazarus model in hopes of educating the public on the epidemic of prescription drug abuse.

The Jackson County Substance Abuse Action Team and Emergency room doctors at Harris will lead the discussion.

The program is part of the monthly “Tuesdays to Thrive” wellness series at Harris, focusing on a different topic first Tuesday of each month, partnership with Jackson County Department of Public. Free, no reservations required. www.westcare.org or 828.586.7734.

Honoring the memory of loved ones during the holidays

LifePath Palliative Care and Hospice has been serving the community with the highest quality of end-of-life care to Jackson and surrounding counties for over 20 years. www.westcare.org or 828.631.1702.

A “Tree of Remembrance” memorial celebration will be held at Harris Regional Hospital at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, in the main lobby.

All community members are invited to attend to celebrate the lives of family members, friends, and loved ones who are no longer with us. The celebration will include special music, readings, and stories all focused around honoring and remembering our loved ones, with an opportunity to place butterfly ornaments on the Tree of Remembrance in memory of loved ones. A tree lighting ceremony will also take place during the event, hosted by LifePath Palliative Care and Hospice, which serves the communities of Harris Regional and Swain County Hospitals.

Need something to occupy the kids when school’s out over the holiday break?

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will offer mini daycamps for children ages 5 to 12 on Dec. 22-23 and Dec. 29-30.

The cost per camp is $15 for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or $20 for non members. The deadline to register is Monday, December 15.

828.456.2030 or email tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

Y

OLLY

AYS

STAFF WRITER onstruction on the Parker Meadows sports complex is moving forward, but with some alterations to the original plan following the July discovery of a Cherokee gravesite in the midst of the future ballfields. At the Macon County commissioners’ November meeting, County Planner Matt Mason presented some sketches of what a memorial to the gravesite might look like.

“There’s a center circle that’s basically a concrete block retaining wall four-and-a-half feet tall with stone veneer and a circular 7foot sidewalk going around both sides of it,” Mason told commissioners as they looked at the sketch. “We’ve offset some benches and some seating areas to create a monument toward the burial ground, toward a place that in my personal opinion should be enhanced and preserved.”

The plan would include a planting of trees — red maple or Chinese elm — and a kiosk telling the story of the burial site, “the whole 9 yards,” Mason said. It would do far more than just comply with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ request to place a 10foot circle of rebar on top to prevent vandalism.

Certainly, the park-like memorial would be a much more attractive option than the second sketch Mason presented, a simple concrete sidewalk around the gravesite.

But cost is a factor, and while neither of the plans has yet been priced out, the first

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“That first option is very nice, but there would be some significant cost with that,” pointed out Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin.

And it wouldn’t be the only cost associated with the discovery of the gravesite. After finding the grave, plans had to be changed to rotate the cloverleaf of baseball and softball fields so that they wouldn’t fall on top of the grave. That involved some concrete work and retaining walls to accommodate the topography, causing an increase of $103,000 to the county’s contract with Penland Grading.

So, while Corbin commented at the meeting that he likes the new design for the park “better than the original design,” the county will approach the Eastern Band once it has some more solid numbers on the memorial options and request some help with paying for the memorial and site plan

senting the cost information to Tribal Council.

“We’re going to get a price on this, present that to the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, get a response from them and the tribe and start the discussion,” Corbin said.

Beale said he’s hopeful about the response he’ll get from the Preservation Foundation, but commissioners didn’t comment on what proportion of cost-sharing they’re looking for.

“I think when this first started, they [the Eastern Band] stood up and said any memorialization to the grave itself, they’d be very interested in,” Beale said.

However, Corbin commented, it is looking like the cost of plan alterations following the gravesite discovery will be less than initially anticipated.

“We had estimated $260,000 originally,”

“We’re going to get a price on this, present that to the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, get a response from them and the tribe and start the discussion.”

— Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin

changes. Commissioners discussed having Commissioner Ronnie Beale, who also sits on the board of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, bringing the matter up at the

Corbin said. “I’m not sure it’s going to be quite that much, but whatever that figure it is we’re going to share with [the Eastern Band].”

tourism agencies to talk shop

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Macon considers monument for Cherokee gravesite, funding request Smoky Mountain B H K would definitely be more expensive. board’s December meeting as well as pre-

A regional tourism agency retreat for the Smoky Mountain region will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Balsam Mountain Inn between Waynesville and Sylva.

Smoky Mountain Host, the region’s lead destination marketing organization, is bringing together county tourism agencies from across the region to talk about common issues.

A major topic this year will be room tax — namely the state rules and laws that govern how it can be used and nuances between counties — with special guest N.C. Rep. Edgar Starnes, Co-Chair of the N.C. House Sub- Committee on Occupancy Taxes.

The program will include a panel discussion focusing on regional tourism development with Tom Hardy, Blue Ridge Parkway Association; Jill Jones, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area; Ryan Sherby, Southwest Commission; and Dr. Steve Morse, Western Carolina University. Thee will also be an afternoon workshop on how to use digital marketing. sharmane@visitsmokies.org or call her mobile at 828.782.4200 or www.visitsmokies.org.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014 Smoky Mountain News 19

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Business Measuring the intensity of college football rivalries David Tyler, assistant professor of sport management at Western Carolina University, and colleague Joe Cobbs, assistant professor of sports business at Northern Kentucky University, recently conducted a study as to what two schools have the most heated rivalry in college football.

The two studied sports rivalries for more than five years, focusing on teams in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision, examining a variety of factors surrounding the phenomenon of rivalry, and surveying thousands of college football fans. They surveyed more than 5,300 college football fans of 122 FBS teams, asking questions about their favorite teams, their rivals, their feelings about rival teams and their fans, and their thoughts about what contributes to those rivalries.

To quantify rivalry in college football, Tyler and Cobbs asked survey participants to allocate 100 “rivalry points” to as many as 10 teams. They then aggregated the responses of each team’s fans and calculated the mean point allocation, or “rivalry score,”

Business notes • A workshop on social media for artists will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. in Cherokee. It is offered through the Sequoyah Fund, a nonprofit that provides small business support and advice. sequoyahfund.wufoo.com/ forms/social-media-for-artists/.

• The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for three awards: The Duke Power Citizenship and Service Award, Citizen of the Year and Club/Organization of the Year. Send them to LindaH@Franklin-Chamber.com by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2. 828.524.3161.

• A free Maggie Valley app is now available for download on both Apple and Android app stores. The app lists dining, shopping, attractions, activities, weather, webcams and events while also providing directions, websites and phone numbers. Tent cards announcing the app are available from the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce.

• Happy Daze Donuts n’ Pastries on Palmer Street in Franklin is now open. Owner Shelli Allen started selling her donuts at farmers markets last summer and has expanded to her own shop. In addition to many flavors of donuts, Happy Daze also has cakes, pies and pastries, baked daily.

Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 828.342.0586.

toward each opponent (100 maximum).

The researchers also examined factors including frequency of competition between teams, “defining moments” from the history of the rivalry, recent and historical parity, star players, geography, relative dominance by one team over the other, competition for personnel, and cultural similarities and differences.

Using social network analysis, they determined the strongest mutual rivalries, the most lopsided rivalries, the most likely rivals, and the teams with the greatest rivalry power in FBS football.

The research indicates that the most intense rivalry in college football is between Arizona and Arizona State. Other top national rivalries are No.2, Ohio State vs.

Michigan; No. 3, Toledo vs. Bowling Green; No. 4, Brigham Young vs. Utah; and No. 5, Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan.

In the state of North Carolina, research indicates that the most intense football rivalry is between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, the researchers say, with UNC vs. N.C. State a close second. The most intense rivalry in the Southeast – and the sixth most intense rivalry in the nation is between South Carolina and Clemson. www.knowrivalry.com.

• K-9 Curriculum, a dog training and grooming facility, has opened in Clyde.

Owner Lisa Monteith is a certified pet trainer and groomer. To book an appointment for your canine loved ones to enjoy a training or grooming session with an enthusiastic professional, click on www.k9curriculum.com or 828.620.8186.

• The Franklin House Assisted Living and Memory Care celebrated its grand opening this month. A Meridian Senior Living facility, it offers residential living in a home-like environment with 24-hour care. The facility includes living rooms, private and companion apartments, formal and informal dining rooms and landscaped grounds. On-site activities include cookouts, outdoor leisure and trips. A self-contained memory unit cares for those with Alzheimer’s and memory-related dementias.

828.363.9965 or www.meridiansenior.com/franklin-house.

• U.S. Cullular has donated $876.74 to a Tuscola High School teacher through the Calling All Teachers program, one of 265 teachers to get mini-grants statewide after submitting classroom projects for funding consideration earlier this fall.

“U.S. Cellular is proud to support and salute teachers’ efforts to ensure every student has a meaningful learning experience,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Western North Carolina.

Smoky Mountain News

21

Canton biscuit maker finishes strong Canton resident Chris Sellers competed recently in the final round of Bojangles’ 18th annual Master Biscuit Maker Challenge at the company’s Test Kitchen in Charlotte.

Sellers is a biscuit-maker at the Bojangles’ on Champion Drive in Canton.

He was one of only nine biscuit-makers to advance to the final round of the competition to determine Bojangles’ top biscuit-maker of all Bojangles’ franchised restaurants. To make it to the final round, Sellers’ biscuits earned the highest scores in his restaurant, area and regional level buttermilk biscuit-making competition.

Sellers didn’t win but took home a Master Biscuit Maker Finalist trophy, a $250 cash prize and bragging rights.

Jackson Chamber holds holiday reception The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce held its Holiday Reception Nov. 20 at the Comfort Inn in Sylva.

About 150 Jackson County Chamber of Commerce members, partners, friends, ambassadors and board members came out to celebrate another great year at the chamber. Everyone enjoyed socializing over drinks and tasty treats from member restaurants Half Past and Zaxby’s.

Incoming and outgoing chamber board members were recognized, as were Ambassadors.

Door prizes provided by members were given out and everyone made donations to the Jackson County Department on Aging’s Operation Christmas Box.

Cashiers chamber recognizes community leaders The Cashiers Chamber of Commerce has created a new community advisory board comprised of public sector, education and business leaders to address specific economic and community development efforts.

The Inaugural members are: Dr. David Belcher, Chancellor of Western Carolina University; Chief Randy Dillard of the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department; Dan Harbaugh of the Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority; Commissioner Mark Jones of Jackson County; Karen Sullivan of Remax/Summit Properties representing the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley; and Chief Roy Taylor of Blue Ridge Public Safety.

The Cashiers chamber dished out its annual awards at a recent banquet, including Businessperson of the Year to Jim Zoller of Zoller Hardware.

The Cashiers chamber has also installed its officers for the coming year. Robin TindallTaylor of the Highlands Cashiers Hospital Foundation will serve as president, Mary Alice

Grant of Sounds Essential will serve as president-elect, and Will Madden of Macon Bank will serve as treasurer. Debby Hattler of Hattler Properties and Mountain Lake Rentals was installed as a newly-elected director.

Get your packing in ship shape

The Ship Haus, a one-stop shop for packing and shipping needs, is up and running in Waynesville and Sylva just in time for the holidays.

The Ship Haus stores offer convenient packing and shipping from one location. Their seasonal motto: “Get your ship together for the holidays.” The Ship Haus will offer the full range of FedEx services. It is a division of The Print Haus, which recently joined forces with Old Style Printing. With the addition of The Ship Haus, they will now be providing an even wider range of services including full service printing, copying, on-site design services, signs and banners, faxing, laminating, coilbinding and direct mail.

The Ship Haus is located at 641 N. Main St. in Waynesville (828.456.4287) and 509 Asheville Hwy., Suite B, Sylva (828.586.4287) or www.theprinthaus.com.

Help shape Haywood’s economic development blueprint

The Haywood County Chamber and Economic Development Council have created an industry and business survey for evaluating the Haywood County business environment.

The results and recommendations will be used to assist in developing long-range business retention and expansion planning for the Haywood County business community. It will provide a blueprint and action plan for the chamber as it takes over the lead role of economic development functions from county government.

The survey only takes a few minutes and can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ haywoodchmbredc.

22

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Sorry, I don’t buy meat out of the back of a truck

cannot take a nap, at least not on purpose. Whenever I try, I twist and turn as if my wrists are tied behind my back and I have to work myself free. Try as I may to fall asleep, I cannot help obsessing about the things I should be doing, worrying that I may feel worse when I wake up, that I may have insomnia from having slept earlier in the day. A nap has to sneak up on me like a big cat stalking its prey, pouncing on me while I’m listening to jazz in my easy chair, or reading the short stories of Herman Melville. The older I get, the easier prey I become for such naps.

When I wake up from naps, I’m usually confused, even disoriented. Where is everyone? What time is it? Why am I Columnist reading Herman Melville? Who is that man knocking at the door? Or am I merely dreaming of a man knocking at the door?

No, there really is a man.

I get up sluggishly, reluctantly, wiping the smallest trace of drool from one corner of my mouth with the back of my wrist.

I do not recognize the man, whose face and upper body are sliced into strips by the Venetian blinds on the window. I look at him for a moment, pausing for just a second before opening the door. I am still trying to wake up and put this post-nap puzzle back together.

The man is really more of a guy, probably in his mid-20s.

He’s the kind of guy you see at bars slapping strangers on the back as if they were old friends and hitting on any woman unlucky enough to wander into his orbit, though experience has stripped his flirting of any expectation at all. It’s strictly de rigueur. He needs a shave, kind of, and he is wearing a weathered baseball cap and a colorful golf shirt. In his right hand, there is an old, battered suitcase, which he holds matter of factly, as if he is my cousin in for a weekend visit.

Why is this man standing at my door holding a suitcase?

Maybe I am still dreaming.

“Sir, I won’t take up but a minute of your time,” he says.

“Can I show you something? I think you’re really going to want to see this.”

In the backyard, my beagle, Walter, is barking without cease.

“Hush, Walter!” I yell, which works, surprisingly enough.

Walter goes back to digging a hole under the tree house, a project he’s been working on for days.

I finally notice another guy, who is still sitting in the first

Chris Cox

I

Obama plan sticks it to legal immigrants

To the Editor: If Editor Scott McLeod thinks that Obama is giving the finger to the GOP with his amnesty for illegals, think again. The finger is really being pointed at the millions of potential immigrants from all parts of the world who are waiting in line (some for as long as 10 years), following the process, obeying the laws, and have not been processed yet. This is a slap in their face. They’d have better luck buying a plane ticket to Tijuana and walking across, then waiting for the White House to give them a free pass. Immigrants are wel-

guy’s truck, a smallish Ford with a strange kind of camper/compartment covering the back. It looks almost like one of those trucks the animal control people drive around to collect stray animals, except it has some type of logo I can’t quite make out stenciled on the side. The truck is still running, which might suggest that these fellows are accustomed to making quick getaways. But I am still too disoriented to connect such dots. I’ve got my eye on the suitcase, which the guy hoists on to a rocking chair.

“My name is ‘Mark’,” he says. “I forgot to introduce myself.”

But did he forget? Didn’t he just introduce himself? I grow more confused, instead of less.

“Hi, Mark,” I say. “I’m Chris.”

“Do you like meat, Chris?” Mark says. “I mean really GOOD meat?”

I take a peek at the other guy, the partner still in the cab of the truck, who seems to be fiddling with the radio. He won’t be able to pull in anything but the local country music station, not in our driveway, not with all these tall trees on our property. This is what I am thinking, until Mark summons my attention toward the suitcase, which he is unsnapping.

“So, are you a meat eater or not?” he says, not unpleasantly.

“Well, it depends on the meat,” I say, unsure of what I might be committing to.

“That’s what I thought,” says Mark. “You look like a man who can appreciate a good cut of meat.”

I have to admit, I am that kind of man.

Now the suitcase has been opened, with an impressive little flourish, and I see what appears to be a length of deep red silk inside, wrapped around something. The mystery deepens.

“Do you buy the meat in your home, or does your wife?”

Mark asks.

“We both do,” I say. “I mean, we don’t have a designated meat buyer.”

“Good,” says Mark, as if I had just correctly answered the bonus question on Jeopardy. “Because you are not going to believe what I have for you in this suitcase.”

Even before he unveils it, I have correctly deduced that Mark has lugged a suitcase full of meat to my front door.

Finally, I am getting my wits about me.

“Do you like filet mignon, Chris?” he asks, choosing a shrink-wrapped cut of filet up for my inspection. “What if I told you I could sell you five of these eight ounce filets for less than three bucks apiece? But it gets even better than that, Chris, a lot better.”

come in this country; always have been. Just ring the bell at the front door.

Donald Pierce Barker’s Creek

Ebola nothing compared to gun violence To the Editor: News has recently come of the death of a second ebola victim on U.S. soil — a doctor from Sierra Leone flown here too late for treatment. Several thousand have died in the West Africa epidemic, too, and every death of a precious human being is tragic, of course.

But why have we allowed the media and

Chris Cox will read from his new book, The Way We Say Goodbye, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

My mind has drifted away from the meat again. Now I am thinking about the training program for door-to-door meat pushers. Clearly, Mark has been trained to repeat my name a lot, as a method of cultivating a sense of familiarity, of faux intimacy. It’s Mark, my good buddy, with a suitcase full of meat! How does a person get into this line of work in the first place? Is there a school, a program? Is the guy in the truck a meat apprentice? What’s his role?

I can see that it is probably best to keep these questions to myself. Mark is hitting his stride now, although I register only the bottom line as he closes in for the kill. Suddenly, I am the meat. “… so you can have this whole case, all 24 cuts, for a hundred and seventeen dollars. You just try buying this at Ingles and see what it costs you, Chris. Three hundred easy, maybe more. I tell you one thing. If you don’t buy it — and this is all we have left in the truck — your wife is going to kill you when she gets home.”

“What if I just take the filets?” I suggest. “What did you say, less than three bucks apiece?”

“No, no, no, no,” Mark said, as if I had hurt his feelings. “It’s the package, Chris. We sell this as a package. It’s all about the package. Now I have got to get in that truck and get back to Greenville, and I am just unloading the last of our stock at this incredible discount. You are not going to see another deal like this. How many times do you get a chance to buy meat like this?”

Not that many times, I must admit.

But I just can’t do it, even if I had $117 on me, which I don’t (Mark’s is a cash only business, it seems). For some reason, disoriented as I am, I can’t quite get past the bias I have against buying meat out of the back of some stranger’s truck. I guess I’m just quirky. I wouldn’t let someone in a bowling alley work on my teeth either, but that’s just me.

When I tell Mark I have only $18 in cash in the whole house, I see right away that I am off the hook. He packs up the suitcase faster than you can say “Jack Sprat.”

It’s just as well. My wife buys all the meat in our house anyway.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Clyde. He can be reached at jchriscox@live.com.)

political leaders to fan the flames of fear into a panic? We’re taking extreme measures at airports to keep potential ebola potential carriers from entering the country.

At the same time, however, there are 11,000 victims of gun violence in our country every year — a true epidemic. And no such panic over gun deaths occurs; no media or political figures are calling for gun control to prevent these deaths; no efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those who would use them to cause death are being taken.

I wonder why? Are the lives killed by guns less sacred that those lost to ebola? Perhaps we should “follow the money”?

Doug Wingeier Waynesville

Old Democratic Party is just a memory To the Editor: For the most part, family traditions have been important in helping to bind families together. There are times; however, when some of these traditions need to be reevaluated.

Political loyalties fall into this group.

Political parties can and have changed their entire philosophies. Many of your ancestors were politically active during the 1930s through the 1960s. Early on the country was mired into a time when jobs and opportunity were scarce. FDR came into office and created

ne in 30 American children are homeless, O and, overwhelmingly, the two most comClassroom mon causes are economics and parental

Contemplations

Party had championed work ethic, individualism and self-respect. Lyndon Johnson and his “New Society” corrupted that philosophy and began to reestablish the base made up of people who could be made dependent on government through social welfare programs. Fatherless homes destroyed the family unit by subsidizing single motherhood, especially in the African-American community. The party then continued to build this new base using programs like the enormous expansion of the food stamp program. The party has been built on making more and more people dependent on government and giving them a hand out versus a hand up. All this is at the expense of future generations.

The conclusion here is that the Democratic Party that your ancestors strongly supported no longer exists.

Bruce Gardner Waynesville

Dawn Gilchrist

jobs for thousands of patriotic, hardworking individuals who had begun to lose hope and had always been proud of their work ethic and were proud to support their families. Democratic Party initiatives built a base of party supporters that stayed strong and were dedicated Democrats. When they heard John Kennedy’s inaugural address he united and energized the country with his now famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

This challenge ushered in a time of scientific discovery, medical advancements, space exploration and built international respect for America during the Cuban missile crisis.

His strong leadership in defense of our country and foreign relations initiatives built allies all around the world.

The philosophy of the Democratic Party was turned on its head with the assassination of President Kennedy. The Democratic

David Mesimer (828) 452-2815 283 North Haywood St. Waynesville david.mesimer@allstate.com

Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co.. Life insurance and annuities issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, NE, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL, and American Heritage Life Insurance Company, Jacksonville, FL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. Northbrook, IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.

Smoky Mountain News

where you will lay your head that night. The thing is, you know you will eventually return to your home, your own bed, and your safety.

I’m lucky my family was poor when I was a child; it gave me a glancing acquaintance with financial insecurity. I can’t specifically remember why there was a year when the only heat we had was a fireplace, but I do remember when my siblings and I arose for school each morning that winter, our clothes had been warmed on the hearth before we put them on. And while I don’t remember any birthday parties, I do remember having a hot breakfast, lunch money, and a nourishing supper at the end of the day.

Social workers do all they can to keep students safe and warm. Administrators buy coats and count on the assistance of churches and law enforcement. Businesses offer their resources. But how do we as individuals provide long-term stability for a child whose parents cannot? We often can’t. But we do what we can within our circle of influence; we do what we can for those we encounter along our path. For myself and other teachers, that raises the stakes. For those students who live in danger and uncertainty, our classrooms may be the only safety and stability they will experience today — and perhaps remember tomorrow.

(Dawn Gilchrist is a writer who teaches high school English in Swain County. She can be reached at dawngilc@gmail.com.)

Auto ~ Home Life ~ Retirement

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

abuse. That’s the statistic I heard driving to school Monday morning. The outside temperature, 21 degrees, was a stark contrast to my car’s heated seats and comfort. In the three months since school began, I have known four students who have been without a place to stay. I hoped they were somewhere warm while I was listening to this radio report.

One girl I teach was homeless because of family Columnist issues in which a single adult parent could find no way to handle a rebellious teenager except to make her leave. Another has no adult in her life (except an exboyfriend’s mom) who can offer her a place to stay. Another’s father was so violent he had no choice but to remain at a playground over one weekend, and I don’t know where he’s staying now. I do know his jacket is thin.

And the other’s homelessness began when his family had to sleep in their car after they were evicted from their trailer park.

If you’re not poor, the closest you come to feeling the singular instability of homelessness is when you travel, and perhaps there’s a glitch in your itinerary, so the hotel you thought you booked is filled; or your flight is cancelled in a city where you know no one and can’t speak the language; or you lose your tour group for more than a few hours. It creates a strange disequilibrium, a feeling of not belonging to any of the apartments your cab drives by, of not knowing

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23

268-237

at the

DOWNTOWN SYLVA Open Mon.-Fri. 7-4 • Sat. 8-4

Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant

Book your family or company holiday party now!

Call us to order pastries, pies & cakes

8-40 people • 7 days a week

94 EAST ST. • WAYNESVILLE

828-452-7837

828.631.9856

Details & menus: www.herrenhouse.com

Black Friday: FREE Coffee at both locations

Serving Lunch Wed-Fri 11:30-2 & Sunday Brunch 11

with Downtown Sylva Purchase Receipt of $20 or more

Join Us for Thanksgiving Dinner

68585

——————————————————————————

NOV. 26 • 7 a.m.-4 p.m. & NOV. 28 • 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

——————————————————————————

NOON-5 P.M. $22/adult $8/age 6-12 Children 5 and under free

Backstreet Garage Sale SATURDAY, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Perk & Pastry

Baked Ham & Roast Turkey carved to order with appropriate sauces and gravy Cornbread Dressing & much more

Want to stay home instead?

Ask about our Holiday Helper Menu. Order the entire meal or just a few sides or desserts! Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance

WE WILL BE OPEN

SID’S

NOV. 26 • 11a.m.-5 p.m. & NOV. 28 • 11a.m.-9 p.m.

——————————————————

ON MAIN

www.CityLightsCafe.com

117 Main St. Canton 828.492.0618 SidsOnMain.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 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; slowsimmered 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.

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 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. We specialize in handcut, 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 Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 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 & Chicken Parmesan, Pork Meatballs and Hamburgers.

We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared 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

Serving Lunch & Dinner 268-295

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Gift Shop Sale Thurs., Dec. 4 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

UP TO

50% OFF SELECTED MERCHANDISE Please call ahead in case of inclement weather.

Smoky Mountain News

LUNCH DAILY 11:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. DINNER NIGHTLY AT 4 P.M. MONDAY-SATURDAY Classic local American comfort foods, craft beers & small batch bourbons & whiskey. Join us for Prime Rib Thursdays.

Vegetarian options available 268-238

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Voted Best Steak in Waynesville

Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Dinner Nightly at 4 p.m. • CLOSED ON SUNDAY 454 HAZELWOOD AVENUE • WAYNESVILLE Call 828-452-9191 for reservations 24

2300 Swag Road, Waynesville 828.926.0430 • Directions at TheSwag.com

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com

— Real Local People, Real Local Food — 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, North Carolina Monday-Friday Open at 11am

tasteTHEmountains 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. We serve three meals a day on Friday and Saturday, and some Sundays.

Join us for family-style breakfast from 8 to 9:30 am – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-caneat. Lunch from 12:00 till 2. In the evening, social hour begins at 6:00pm. Dinner is served at 7:00 pm, 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.

So come enjoy mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations and more dining information.

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials.

Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked trout bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panini sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

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. Friday and Saturday serving freshly prepared small plate and tapas-style fare. Enjoy local, regional, or national talent live each Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily. Join us in our beautiful patio garden. We are your local neighborhood host for special events: business party’s, luncheons, weddings, showers and more. Private parties & catering are available 7 days a week by reservation only.

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

828.586.3555. Open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hand-tossed 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 daily for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.668.2326. Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Happily committed to brewing and serving innovative, uniquely delicious coffees — and making the world a better place.

100% of our coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor. Bakery offerings include cakes, muffins, cookies and more. Each one is made from scratch in Asheville using only the freshest, all natural ingredients available. We are proud to offer gluten-free and vegan options.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and din-

ner seven days a week. 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 indoor, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through 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 home-made 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.

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TAP ROOM SPORTS BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville 828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads and hearty appetizers along with a full bar menu in our casual, smoke-free neighborhood grill.

THAI SPICE 128 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.454.5400. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday noon to 3 p.m. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 4:30 to 9 p.m. Closed Monday. Thai Spice, an authentic Thai restaurant, warmly welcomes you to experience a superb dinning experience.

Don’t be timid, the food comes mild, medium, hot and Thai Hot. You choose. www.thaispicewnc.com 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.

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MEDITERRANEAN

ITALIAN CUISINE

STEAKS • PIZZA SEAFOOD CHICKEN & SANDWICHES

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

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.

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 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.

1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26 Pre-Thanksgiving Party w/Chris Monteith FRIDAY, NOV. 28

Smoky Mountain News

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Karaoke

83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

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Smoky Mountain News

Christmas in Appalachia

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s the temperatures drop in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike.

Families can partake in wagon rides, iceless skating, craft sales and art demonstrations, all the while enjoying authentic mountain music, clogging and parades through several downtowns. These are just some of the innumerable activities to be had. Each and every date, time and place found within this section, each community around the region opening their arms to share in the winter festivities.

It’s a winter wonderland out there. It’s yours for the taking, so reach out and grasp all Southern Appalachia has to offer.

• •

BRYSON CITY • The 40th annual “Biggest Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies” will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown. Floats, fire trucks, classic cars, beauty queens and Santa. www.greatsmokies.com/christmas.

• The Nanta Claus Christmas Children’s Benefit will from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Nantahala Brewing. Attendees asked to bring toy donations. Several holiday craft beers to be on tap and worst sweater contest. Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• The Bryson City Spirit of Christmas celebration will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at the corner of Mitchell and Everett Street. Join friends and neighbors for caroling from the train caboose to the town square for the town Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

Afterwards enjoy a Christmas concert on the square or stop by the visitor’s center for hot cocoa and cookies, letter writing to Santa, and a visit with St. Nick himself. In the true spirit of Christmas, please bring a canned

•

•

good to donate to the food pantry or a new unwrapped gift for the local toy drive. 828.488.3681.

An outdoor Christmas concert will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13 at the Swain County Visitor Center. www.greatsmokies.com.

“The Christmas Shoes” stage production will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre.

Founded upon the story behind the classic Christmas song, the music filled show takes the audience through the lives of two different families. One family, the Layton’s, have all the resources and fortune they want, but still discover something missing in their lives. The second family, the Andrews, do not have much to give at Christmas. However, they have each other and a home bursting with kind-heartedness and love. Join together and see how the innocent love of a child buying a pair of Christmas shoes for his sick mother allows the families and other characters to discover the true meaning of Christmas. $10 for adults, $5 for children. info@smctheatre.com or 828.488.8227.

Breakfast with Santa will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Bryson City Rescue Squad. $3. Bring your own camera for photos. 828.488.3681 or 800.867.9246.

The Polar Express-themed train is now running at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. The classic children’s book comes to life as the train departs for a special visit at the “North Pole.” Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical

story. The train arrives to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa boards the train, greeting each child and presenting them with their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the depot. For times and prices, click on www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

• The Appalachian Toymaker & Storyteller will be making wooden toys and telling tale at 2 p.m. Nov. 28-30 at The Storytelling Center.

• The 12th annual Cookie Walk & Christmas Bazaar will be at 9 a.m. at the United Methodist Church.

CANTON • The Canton Christmas Parade will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in downtown. The theme is WNC Hometown Christmas.

828.648.2363.

• The “Living Nativity” scene will be recreated from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the 3rd Generation Barn Loft on Frank Mann Road. It will feature a short walkthrough of live cast and animals, background music and scripture to illuminate a sense of awe and peace remembering the true meaning of Christmas. In addition, patrons will have the opportunity to donate a non-perishable food item at the Manger for The Community Kitchen soup kitchen. Free.

CASHIERS • The “Christmas on the Green” celebration will be Nov. 28 at the Village Green. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be onsite from 2 to 5 p.m. The 60-foot spruce Christmas tree will

arts & entertainment

which date to the late 1800s, in traditional white lights. Shopkeepers also stay open late and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and homemade goodies to visitors. There will be sing-a-longs throughout town, horse-andcarriage rides, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus setting up shop in Town Hall. The Western Carolina University Holiday Dancers will also be performing at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, on Front Street. The Jackson County Green Energy Park will have a gallery show, demonstration and Christmas sale. Merchants will donate a percentage of their sales on College Night (Dec. 5) to The Christmas Connection, which provides new toys and clothing for children of families in Jackson County who need assistance during the holidays. Festival attendees are also invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. Free, with parking and shuttle transportation available at Monteith Park. www.mountainlovers.com.

FONTANA • The Christmas in the Smokies holiday celebration will run from Dec. 1-31 at Fontana Village Resort. Winter fun, holiday festivities and events. 828.498.2211 or www.fontanavillage.com.

FRANKLIN be lit at 6:15 p.m. There will also be carolers, holiday music, s’mores and more.

CHEROKEE

• The inaugural Hometown Christmas Celebration will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the auditorium at Haywood Community College. A night of local music, artisan crafts and gifts, and holiday treats featuring appearances from McKayla Reece, Tim Surrett of Balsam Range, Eddie Rose & Highway Forty, Subject 2 Change, Matthew Curry & The Carolina Two, Sheriff Greg

CULLOWHEE

DILLSBORO

• The annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert, featuring faculty and students in small chamber groups and larger ensembles, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University. This year’s program will begin with performances by the University Chorus and Concert Choir of “Sing Noel,” “Gloria” and “O Christmas Tree.” Other performers will include the WCU Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Student Trombone Quartet, Percussion Ensemble, Continuum Saxophone Quartet, Euphonium Ensemble and Early Music Ensemble/Recorder Consort also will perform. The Jackson County Children’s Choir also will hit the stage.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $11 for WCU faculty, staff and those 60 and older, and $5 for students and children. Proceeds benefit the School of Music Scholarship Fund. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479.

• A holiday-themed spin on the hit production “GRITS: The Musical!” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The all-new musical “Cinnamon Grits: Christmas in the South” will stage as part of the 2014-15

• The Festival of Lights & Luminaries will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and 13-14 in downtown. With more than 2,500 candles in white bags lining the streets, the lights set the town aglow, Dillsboro will create a winter wonderland at the corner of Front and Webster streets. In addition, the town’s merchant “elves” trim their buildings, many of

• The Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration will begin with a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, in downtown. The celebration continues with the Gingerbread House Competition on Dec. 6 in the lower level of Town Hall. Free wagon rides will be offered at 5 p.m. on both evenings. Live music will also be performed at the gazebo.

Downtown Franklin merchants will also get in on the holiday fun by being open late, offering great shopping and free refreshments including hot cider and delicious treats for their patrons. In addition, many will have living window displays depicting different scenes of the holiday season. The annual tree lighting ceremony and candlelight service will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 on the town square. The Christmas Parade will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, in downtown. www.franklin-chamber.com or 828.524.2516 or www.holidaysinfranklin.com.

S EE CHRISTMAS, PAGE 28

Smoky Mountain News

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Galaxy of Stars Series at WCU. In addition to some of the holidays’ all-time favorite anthems, the show features songs including “The Christmas ‘BELLE’ Medley,” “You Gotta Re-Gift,” “The Crazy Aunt Blues,” “Yes There is a Santa Claus” and “The 12 Yummy Days of Christmas.” Tickets are $21 for adults, $16 for WCU faculty and staff, $15 apiece for groups of 20 or more, and $7 for students and children. The show is sponsored by Bear Lake Reserve. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

• The Cherokee Christmas Parade will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown.

Floats, bands, Santa and more.

• The Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 28-Jan. 3 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Nov. 28. Interactive displays of Cherokee legends, ice-skating, carnival rides, and more. Performers include an Elvis impersonator at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 20 and 31 and Balsam Range (bluegrass) at 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets for the celebration are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and free for children under age 5. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• The Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Harrah’s Cherokee. The production is a reverent, theatrical production, featuring songs from Adkins’ Celtic Christmas album, “The King’s Gift.” It combines fireside storytelling with performances of classic carols. Adkins’ trademark baritone has powered countless hits (“You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” and “Just Fishin’”) to the top of the charts. Tickets start at $24.50.

Christopher, and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause. Get your child’s photo with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m. A $4 donation per family is requested for photographs. Bring your own camera. Tickets for the performance are $8 and can be purchased at Sid’s on Main in Canton and at Ammon’s Drive-In & Dairy Bar and The Mountaineer, both in Waynesville. All proceeds benefit Next Step Ministries, a member organization of the new Haywood Pathways Center in Hazelwood. nextstepministriesinc@gmail.com or 828.356.5432.

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arts & entertainment

CHRISTMAS, CONTINUED FROM 27 • The Brasstown Ringers handbell group will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the First Methodist Church. Free, but donations accepted.

• The Holiday Music & Crafts ARTSaturday will be from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at the Old Cowee School. Free make-and-take holiday cards, decorations, cookies and more.

Sponsored by The Arts Council of Macon County. 828.524.7683 or art4all@dnet.net.

• The Smoky Mountain Christmas Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. $5 suggested donation. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• The Heritage Christmas Progressive Celebration will be Dec. 5-7. There will be holiday wine, cheese and appetizers at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Macon County Historical Museum, followed by dessert at the Scottish Tartans Museum. Value-added farm products and holiday-themed kid’s art projects will be offered at the Cowee Christmas from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Cowee Pottery School in the Macon County Heritage Center. Hot chocolate, cookies and festivities will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at The Stewart Family Homestead Cabin on Coon Creek Road. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at The Historical & Scottish Museums and The Franklin Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds to benefit The Historical and Scottish museums and Cowee Pottery School.

• The Manhattan Transfer’s Cool Yule Swings Christmas show will be at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Riding a wave of nostalgia in the ‘70s, the Manhattan Transfer resurrected jazz trends from boogiewoogie to bop to vocalize in a slick, slightly commercial setting that sometimes failed to gel with the group’s close harmonies.

Originally formed in 1969, the quartet recorded several albums of jazz standards as well as much material closer to R&B/pop. Still, they were easily the most popular jazz vocal group of their era, and the most talented of any since the heyday of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross during the early ‘60s. Tickets start at $25. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

HIGHLANDS • The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, in downtown. Santa, caroling and refreshment.

828.526.2112.

ROBBINSVILLE • Breakfast with Santa will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.

• The Christmas in the Mountains craft fair will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.

SYLVA • The Sylva Christmas Parade will be at 3 p.m. in downtown.

• Breakfast with Santa will be from 8:30 to

Smoky Mountain News

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

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10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Jackson County Senior Center. $5 for breakfast, free for children ages 10 and under. 828.586.4944.

• Cookies with Santa will be from 4 to 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 at the Jackson County Family Resource Center. Bring your own camera.

828.631.3900.

• The Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table will host its Christmas Party at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Quality Inn in Sylva. The event begins with a social hour (cash bar and snacks), then followed by a 7 p.m. buffet. The program for the evening will be Dr. Stephen Davis whose topic will be “What the Yankees Did to Us” based on the material and research from his recently published book by the same title. In addition to this full evening, there will be a silent auction of several vintage Civil War books and Civil War collector plates. Tickets are $25 per person.

In order to reserve a “chair at the table,” you must send your check by Nov. 30 to WNCCWRT, P.O. Box 3709, Cullowhee, N.C. 28723.

828.293.5924 or 828.293.7404.

stir the senses and warm the heartstrings. The chorus is a nonprofit organization.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

• The Jacob Johnson Christmas Show (singer/songwriter) will be at 7:45 p.m. Dec. 4 at The Strand at 38 Main.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and children under age 12. www.38main.com.

• A Night before Christmas will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, on Main Street in downtown. Shops, galleries and restaurants are open late. Hundreds of luminaries line the sidewalks. Enjoy carolers, live music, Santa, storytelling, and old-fashioned wagon rides.

Stroll through the Tour of Bethlehem with a live nativity and bustling first century marketplace. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• A Season Light: A Celebration J of the Season’s Multicultural Holiday will be held at 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5, at the Pigeon Multicultural Development Center. The event will include a potluck dinner, a sharing of holiday customs from different cultures and music from a variety of traditions. The event is free, but participants are asked to bring two non-perishable food items for the center’s food pantry, as well as a potluck item.

828.456.7232.

• A wreath-making class will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Cooperative Extension Office

The Strand at 38 Main will host the Jacob Johnson Christmas Show Dec. 4.

Donated photo

WAYNESVILLE • With the theme “Peace on Earth,” the Waynesville Christmas Parade will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, on Main Street in Downtown. www.downtownwaynesville.com or 828.456.3517.

• The classic holiday production of “A Christmas Carol” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 13, and 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for students. www.harttheater.org or 828.456.6322.

• The Haywood Community Chorus Christmas Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the First United Methodist Church. The 70-member ensemble will offer a program of new arrangements of traditional carols, some new compositions, and seasonal favorites to

on Raccoon Road. Master gardeners will provide the materials. Cost of class is $20.

Proceeds fund horticultural projects and grants in Haywood County. RSVP by Dec. 4.

828.456.3575.

• The Community Cheer Breakfast with Santa will be from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the First Presbyterian Church.

• The Light of the World Children’s Christmas musical will be at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the First Baptist Church.

• The Holiday Greens Market will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Badcock parking lot on North Main Street. Live greenery arrangement, centerpieces, bundled greens and more.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

“The great search is ultimately the life of the mind anyway. It’s difficult to prevail upon others your own attitudes and that’s what makes you look at yourself.”

— Peter Rowan

ness‚ that refer to as egoless‚ that nothing is completely defined as any one thing permanently‚ that everything is in a state of flux.

When you’re out in the woods and you can hear the state of flux and it’s magic and the light changes. All of the great Buddhist analogies of life‚ I like that stuff.

Metal Night, featuring Amnesis, Hope Sets Sail, Slaves of Conscience, will be at 9 p.m.

Nov. 29 at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva.

Want to go?

Peter Rowan.

Garret K. Woodward photo

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5 The Hometown Holiday Jam & Food Drive with Soldier’s heart (Americana/rock) will be held at 9 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grille in Waynesville.

The Nanta Claus Christmas Children’s Benefit will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13 at Nantahala Brewing.

“The Christmas Shoes” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

Garret K. Woodward: One of the key themes in bluegrass is mortality. You see the big picture‚ you must be aware of the moment onstage‚ soaking it all in.

Peter Rowan: That’s right. Music‚ especially‚ is temporary. It comes and goes. You can’t sustain the highest pitch all the time.

You’ve got to come down from it. I thought

that bluegrass definitely had that balance. It had those tragic songs of daily life as it was lived during the Great Depression. It has a tremendous capacity even now to express those same feelings.

GKW: Do you feel as you’re getting older‚ you’re letting a lot of baggage go? That

Bluegrass legend Peter Rowan will perform on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley.

A 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour will then be followed by dinner and a fireside performance by Rowan. The Darren Nicholson Band will open the show. The intimate evening of music will be in memory of the late Richard Coker, coowner of the ranch, who passed away at this time last year. As of press time, dinner tickets were sold out, with “performance only” spaces still available. www.cataloocheeranch.com or 828.926.1401.

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Smoky Mountain News

The Festival of Lights & Luminaries will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and 13-14 in downtown Dillsboro.

GKW: It’s about one entire journey‚ not making a quick buck and calling it a day. It’s about looking at life as one big process‚ one big exploration.

PR: The thing is‚ if you look after the universe and you look after people that need you‚ you’ll be looked after. That’s just the way it works. The great search is ultimately the life of the mind anyway. It’s difficult to prevail upon others your own attitudes and that’s what makes you look at yourself. All you can do is take care of those people that need taking care of as best you can. You can’t discover their truth for them and they can’t discover your truth for you. On the other hand‚ I’m seeing a lot of people go‚ a lot of surprise people‚ a lot of close people. I never thought it would come to this‚ never imagined these days would come‚ in terms of being older. It’s a wide-open book as far as I’m concerned. In this universe‚ here we are.

Scottish Shortbread

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

They call him the “Tao of Bluegrass.”

It was exactly eight years this month when I first met Peter Rowan. I was 21 and on my first feature assignment as a wetbehind-the-ears journalist still in college. The Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, Massachusetts was our rendezvous point. I sat in that old basement green room, Rowan laid out across a musty couch, as we talked about the magic of music and performance.

Acclaimed for his work with bluegrass godfather Bill Monroe, Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia and other musical icons like David Grisman and Vassar Clements, Rowan is a renowned, Grammy award-winning performer. On Dec. 7, the 72-year-old will be returning to Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley for an intimate fireside performance. And through those almost 50 years of melodic destiny, Rowan remains a torchbearer of acoustic music. His words speak the history of America — it’s rich soils, deep waters and stoic mountain ranges.

Since we first became friends, Rowan and I have crossed paths all across the country, backstage at a festival Michigan, on the streets in Vermont, and now once again at Cataloochee. With his passionate Buddhist outlook on the world, he has become a mentor of sorts to me, this cosmic bluegrass cowboy always riding towards the horizon to destinations unknown. You see, what one learns from his music and persona is that all is possible in the universe when one is pure of heart and remains open to a life well-lived in truth and pursuit of knowledge of self.

With Rowan returning to Western North Carolina, I couldn’t help but recall a conversation we had some time back, where his words echo as loudly today as they did those three years ago.

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This must be the place

you’re seeing more humor in everyday life?

PR: Uh-huh. You can’t hold onto it‚ it’ll kill it. I wish I was erudite in humor. That’s what John Hartford had said. He said his goal was to be able to make people laugh‚ tickle their funny bone and he was very subtle about it. Maybe I see the humor more. I went out in the woods as a kid and discovered silence. You can hear a mockingbird two miles away if you really listen and I used to spend a long time just listening. This notion‚ this Buddhist idea they call empti-

828-456-3551ext 351 www.BalsamSpa.com

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On the stage

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

arts & entertainment

Mouseketeer to host evening of music, stories at WCU Former Mouseketeer Lindsey Alley will present an evening of musical performances mingled with stand-up comedy titled “Blood, Sweat and Mousketears” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

A performer since the age of 6, Alley was cast as a Mouseketeer in 1989 on the Disney Channel’s “All-New Mickey Mouse Club.” She was one of only three cast members to appear in the pilot and all seven seasons of the show, and she had the chance to work alongside such stars as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell.

Alley performed on Broadway in “Hollywood Arms,” written by Carol Burnett and Carrie Hamilton, and in off-Broadway productions including “Grand and Glorious,” “Like It Is,” and “Look Ma…No Ears,” which Alley co-wrote and produced. In addition, her film and television credits include “How I Met Your Mother,” “I Didn’t Do It,” “Bedtime Stories,” “Company Retreat,” “B.L. Stryker,” “Earnest Saves Christmas” and “On the Patio,” her original hit Web series. While on campus, Alley also will present workshops about the entertainment industry and auditions.

Admission is $5 for students and $10 for all others.

828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

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On the street

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Smoky Mountain News

Christmas Layaway

The It’s a Wrap Party featuring the Pride of the Mountains marching band will be Dec. 5 at WCU. WCU photo

WCU to wrap up 125th anniversary celebration No Credit Check, Easy Payment Plans Available West Asheville - 1186 Patton Ave. • East Asheville - 736 Tunnel Rd.

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Cherokee - Across from the casino (open 24 hours) 828.554.0431

268-286

Western Carolina University will wrap up the yearlong celebration of the 125th anniversary of its founding with the It’s a Wrap Party at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Ramsey Center in Cullowhee.

The event will be highlighted by a crosscampus parade led by WCU’s Pride of the

Mountains Marching Band, which will have just returned from participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Members of the campus and surrounding communities are encouraged to wear their purple-and-gold apparel and join the band in the on-campus march. The It’s a Wrap parade is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at Scott Residence Hall and end at the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. wcuevents@wcu.edu.

On the wall Max Cooper photo

Art After Dark continues from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5, in downtown Waynesville.

Enjoy a stroll through working studios and galleries on Main Street and Depot Street. Festive Art After Dark flags denote participating galleries, such as Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86, Earthworks, Jeweler’s Workbench, Burr Studios, Twigs and Leaves Gallery, TPennington Art Gallery, Main Street Artist’s Co-op, Grace Cathey Sculpture Garden and Gallery, Cedar Hill Studios,

Art on Depot, The Mahogany House and the Village Framer As part of the Art After Dark and Holly Days celebration, The Classic Wine Seller will be open for dinner and drinks at 4 p.m., with Sunburst Market also open later. Julie Kinkade will be doing ceramic demonstrations for Art After Dark and at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Earthworks Gallery.

Art After Dark is presented by the Waynesville Gallery Association. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

Want to learn blacksmithing?

An Intermediate Blacksmithing class will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12-13 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

The course is designed to help beginning blacksmiths move on to more advanced techniques and projects. Students should have taken the Blacksmith Fundamentals class, or already have a basic knowledge of hammer techniques, general shaping/squaring/drawing out, heating, quenching, scrolling, and twisting. Project pieces will include spoons and ladles, simple knives, bells, decorative holders, and more. Students will create as many projects as time allows.

Students must wear closed toe shoes (preferably leather), long pants, and cotton clothing, and should bring a lunch. Cost is $175.

828.631.0271 or www.jcgep.org.

• The Stecoah Artisans Drive About Tour will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28-29. Attendees visit and explore numerous galleries and artisans. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• A craft fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Haywood

Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde.

828.452.8080.

• The “Frozen Sing-A-Long” will be screened Nov. 28-Dec. 3 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Tickets are $6 per person, $4 for children and $3 for the Saturday matinee.

Saturday morning cartoons will also be shown at 11 a.m. For screening times, click on www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

ALSO:

arts & entertainment

Art After Dark returns to Waynesville

• The Balsam Crafters Art & Craft Show will be on Nov. 29 at the Balsam Fire Department. Local artisans. 828.226.9352 or 828.269.8604.

• The annual Jackson County Senior Center Craft Festival will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5-6 in Sylva. Local crafters and artisans. 828.586.4944.

• A baby quilt-making marathon will be held by the Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at the West Macon Fire Department in Franklin. These quilts go to MPP and Angel Hospital when done. The kits are already cut. Members and nonmembers welcome. Come to sew, trim, or iron for any or all of the day. Bring your sewing machines and any walking feet appliances you may have.

Bring a side dish for lunch. 828.349.0883.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014 Smoky Mountain News 31

arts & entertainment

On the beat

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The Molly Tuttle Trio will hit the stage in Waynesville on Dec. 5. Donated photo

Smoky Mountain News

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Tuttle, Nicholson to play The Strand

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The Molly Tuttle Trio (Americana/soul) and Darren Nicholson (bluegrass) will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Tuttle, John Mailander and Brittany Karlson create an honest and soulful mix of original and traditional music. They have a deep respect for the past, while also looking toward the future of acoustic music. With a unique, cohesive blend of sensational songwriting, dynamic arrangements and amazing instrumental ability, this trio is more than the sum of their parts. With nearly two million viewers on YouTube and features in

• Metal Night featuring Amnesis, Hope Sets Sail, Slaves of Conscience, The Corbitt Brothers (southern rock), Sam Stringfield (piano/vocalist), LOCAL and Travers Brothership will be performing at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. Metal Night will be Nov. 29, with The Corbitt Brothers Dec. 3, Stringfield Dec. 4, LOCAL Dec. 5 and Travers Brothership Dec. 6. All shows are at 9 p.m., with Sunday performances starting at 5 p.m. Free. 828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

ALSO:

• Mike Pilgrim & Friends (gypsy jazz), Joe Cruz (piano/pop) and Angela Easterling (singer/songwriter) will perform at The Classic Wine Seller in Waynesville. Pilgrim plays Nov. 28, with Cruz Nov. 29 and Easterling Dec. 5. Shows begin at 7 p.m. $10 minimum purchase. 828.452.6000.

• Steve Wearns (singer/songwriter), Pierce Eden (Americana/country) and Josh Wager

“Bluegrass Now,” “Flatpicking Guitar” and “Acoustic Guitar” magazines, Tuttle is making a name for herself in the acoustic music scene as a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and award winning songwriter with a distinctive voice.

Nicholson is the mandolinist for awardwinning bluegrass group Balsam Range. The band recently won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s award for Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year.

Tickets are $18. www.38main.com.

(singer/songwriter) will hit the stage at BearWaters Brewing Company in Waynesville. Wearns plays at 7 p.m. Nov. 29, with Pierce Eden 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and Wager 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Both shows start at 7 p.m. www.bwbrewing.com or 828.246.0602.

• Craig Summers & Lee Kram and the Three Year Anniversary party will be at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. Summers & Kram perform at 6 p.m. Nov. 26 and Dec. 4, with the party at 7 p.m. Dec. 5.

828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Joshua Dean Wager (singer-songwriter) will perform at 9 p.m. Nov. 28 at Tipping Point Brewing in Waynesville. www.tippingpointtavern.com.

• The Hometown Holiday Jam & Food Drive with Soldier’s Heart, Tonology and Dustin Martin & The Ramblers will perform at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grille in Waynesville. Soldier’s Heart plays Nov. 28, with Tonology Nov. 29 and Martin Dec. 5. Shows begin at 9 p.m.

arts & entertainment

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• Find restaurants nearby • Read descriptions and explore menus • View photos and interactive maps It’s that simple!

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arts & entertainment

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In this issue:

Excluded: history is not so kind to some Dirt track racing’s daring lineage Hunting a connection to the spirit world What creeps and crawls within the woods?

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68793

On the beat

Guitarist Ronnie Evans will perform at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City.

Evans is known for playing 50’s and 60’s, easy listening, country and bluegrass. He also plans to include some Christmas music in the concert.

Immediately following the concert there will be a meet and greet reception for Evans and the artists, oil and watercolor painter Cynthia Cochran Kinard and fiber artist Teresa Bouchonnet, whose artwork will be on display at the Center for the Arts through mid-January.

Sponsored by the NC Arts Council, Swain County Center for the Arts and Swain County Schools, the public is invited to attend both the performance and the reception free of charge. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department

Ronnie Evans will play Bryson City on Dec. 6. of Cultural Resources.

Free.

828.488.7843 or www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

WCU music series welcomes Deitz Family

Civic Orchestra to perform at WCU

The 2014-15 First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Concert and Jam Series will kickoff with the Deitz Family at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

The group has been a mainstay of the Jackson County music scene for generations.

The group’s musical style varies from country to bluegrass and also includes some old-time fiddle tunes. WCU presented its Mountain Heritage Award to the family in 2006 in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the preservation of the history and culture of the Southern Appalachians.

The First Thursday concerts and jam sessions will continue at the Mountain Heritage Center through next spring. There will not be a program on Thursday, Jan. 1, but the series will resume Thursday, Feb. 5, with a performance by the Darren Nicholson Band.

The Deitz Family performance of bluegrass and old-time music will be followed by an 8 p.m. jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels can take part in the jam sessions, which also are open to those who just want to listen.

Free.

828.227.7129.

The Western Carolina Civic Orchestra will give its fall semester performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University.

The orchestra is a collaboration between students and faculty from the WCU School of Music and community musicians from Jackson, Swain, Macon, Buncombe and Haywood counties, said Bradley Martin, associate professor of music and conductor of the ensemble.

The performance will feature Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Impresario,” a short, one-act singspiel that tells the comical tale of two dueling sopranos who feud over which is the greatest diva, who will receive star billing and who will get the most pay; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, among the bestknown compositions in classical music and one of the most frequently played symphonies.

The Western Carolina Civic Orchestra is sponsored by the WCU School of Music. It also received a Grassroots Grant from the Jackson County Arts Council, supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Free.

828.227.7242.

Joy to the World

Four Days of Holiday Dazzle Downtown

the

Lord

Begins Friday night with Art After Dark and ends Monday night with the Waynesville Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Main Street.

Thank you for another great year!

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Holly Days

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Concert, artist reception in Bryson City

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36

Books

Smoky Mountain News

Is democracy bad for the country? he story goes that as Benjamin Franklin was leaving the final session of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked him, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a monarchy or a republic?” Without hesitation, Franklin replied: “A republic, madam — if you can keep it.”

A republic is clearly what the framers of the Constitution intended for the United States. That new Constitution contained a series of checks and balances on the three branches of government, and the Bill of Rights attached to that Constitution spelled out the various liberties of the citizens and the states.

The republic that came into being in 1789 was designed by Writer its authors to resist both government encroachments and pure democracy, which these same authors regarded as “mobocracy.”

In The People Have Spoken (and they are wrong): The Case Against Democracy (Regnery Publishing, 2014, $27.99, 230 pages), David Harsanyi offers a controversial thesis: our republic is dying, populism is its murderer, and the democracy replacing the republic will prove itself a dangerous dictator.

He makes the case that our worst enemies are not the usual scapegoats — commentators, politicians, bureaucrats — though these are dangerous and have given rise to the populist radical politics of both left and right. Yet none of these people would have any power over us had we not handed it over to them. According to Harsanyi, the worst enemy of the republic is the American voter.

Americans, as Harsanyi points out, have higher IQs than their ancestors. We truly are brighter, and we have much greater access to information, yet we are correspondingly more

Jeff Minick

T

ignorant about our political system than our grandparents. Michael X. Carpini, dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, concluded a study revealing that “slightly under 1 percent” of

touch most Americans are with government initiatives and programs. In addition to showing us some general beliefs of Americans (29 percent believe in astrology, 28 percent believe a secret elite is conspiring to establish a global government, and so on), Harsanyi demonstrates that few of us know what is meant by the “debt ceiling,” that a recent Gallup poll found that 62 percent of Americans have never heard of Common Core, and that only a few Americans really understand the Affordable Health Care Act, known popularly as Obamacare.

(Disclosure: I have a college degree, two years of graduate school, keep up with the daily news, and teach American history, among other subjects. I confess I have no idea how Obamacare works. I do know my insurance rates skyrocketed and that my carrier informed me that part of the increase in my rates was to help pay for pregnancies. I am 63, widowed, and male, and though I tried to assure the insurance agents that I would resist pregnancy in the foreseeable future, they wouldn’t budge).

Harsanyi addresses other problems as well. In the chapter titled “Democracy of the Dead,” for example, in which he discusses the dangers of failing to pay homage to traditional beliefs, Harsanyi The People Have Spoken (and they are wrong): The addresses the weakness of democCase Against Democracy by David Harsanyi. Regnery, racy when “extended over a large territory.” Though James Madison 2014. 230 pages. addressed this concern in The Federalist Number 10, believing American voters are fully prepared to exercise that a republic could function in what he then their franchise. knew as the United States, Harsanyi points In the first third of The People Have out that “democracy on the scale that it has Spoken, Harsanyi demonstrates how out of reached in the United States may be unten-

Hollifield to hold Robbinsville signing

and the interesting history and genealogy of her family.

Refreshments will be served at the book signing.

828.479.4663.

Writer Mary Ann Hollifield will host a book signing and discussion on her new work Listen — God is Still Speaking from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Graham County Library in Robbinsville.

The book is a collection of poetry and prose inspired by her love of God and the world. Hollifield was born and raised in the hills of southern Ohio, where through loving parents and grandparents she learned a deep appreciation for nature and all of God’s creations.

She spent many hours walking the woods with her staff forester dad and listening to her Grandpa Stewart explain the different cloud formations and what they might produce. She often spent several days with her dad’s parents where she learned of farm life

Learn about publishing Writer Janet Morrison, author of the book The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, will discuss the publishing process at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at the Canton Public Library.

Morrison’s new book features 200 vintage postcards, and highlights Haywood County in two of its chapters. The book was published by Arcadia Publishing as part of its Postcard History Series.

As a newly published writer, Morrison’s presentation on getting her book published will include her experience working with editors and sales personnel, learning how to publicize her book, and more.

Morrison’s presentation should be of special interest to writers try-

able.” Those who have ever had to deal with Social Security or the Internal Revenue Service, whatever their political persuasion, may well be inclined to agree.

Readers will find other observations well worth their time. After reading Harsanyi, I finally understood why the Founding Fathers advocated the electoral college, I fully saw the advantages of gridlocked government, and I read a reasonable argument for not voting.

Though I voted nonetheless, his reasons for not voting gave me pause about voting for “the lesser evil.”

The People Have Spoken is not a long book, but it has taken me several months to read. I argued — and will continue to argue — with some of its premises, and I disliked the way the book ended, with no real solution, but Harsanyi’s critique did cause me to reconsider the idea of democracy, which we have so eagerly tried to export into places like Iraq and Afghanistan. What do we mean by democracy? And if we live in a “democracy,” how do we protect the rights of the minorities in our midst, ranging from those who don’t want to pay for contraception as a part of their health plan to those who wish to protest in the public square? What qualifications do others and I need to bring into a voting booth? If 51 percent of the population decide they deserve certain entitlements, which I am either to pay or receive, what about the 49 percent who don’t go along with the idea? If I decide on any grounds not to vote, do I then have no right to complain about the government?

And how do I confront the situation that all of us, on one issue or another, face on the last page of The People have Spoken? “Despite what we so often hear about it (democracy) being a tool for self-rule, it is more often a mechanism to impose a way of life on others.”

Harsanyi raises these and other troubling questions.

(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. He can be reached at minick0301@gmail.com.)

ing to get their books published for the first time.

828.648.2924.

City Lights Holiday Giving Tree The 16th annual Giving Tree program is now underway at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

The business has partnered with local service agencies who have offered anonymous lists of children in need this holiday season. You can help by providing that child with the gift of a good read. Come by the store and select an ornament from the Giving Tree and match-up a book for the age, gender and language listed.

The store will collect all the books and give them to the agencies in time for the children to receive books for Christmas. All Giving Tree purchases will receive a 20% discount.

828.586.9499.

Cox to present new work

Used book sale in Sylva

Holiday story time with Ruff at City Lights

Swap Shop Gently used:

•Skis •Snowboards • Skier and boarder boots • Cold weather clothing for everyone in your family!

Saturday, December 6 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday, December 7 8:00 am – 2:00 pm 50% Off Sale

(all unclaimed items)

-Sunday 2:30-3:30 pm

Cat’s Lair Building, Cataloochee Ski Area 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Registration/Equipment Drop-Off: - Friday, Dec. 5 3:00 - 7:00 pm -Saturday, Dec. 6 7:00 - 9:00 am Tags & Instructions for sellers available by download from www.cataloochee.com/swap

Smoky Mountain News

Zeata Ruff will be a special guest for holiday story time at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Ruff will read from her book, The Gumdrop Tree: A Christmas Story. During the early 1930s through the 1970s, it was tradition in the Southern Appalachian Mountains for families to find a thorn bush when they went into the mountains to cut their Christmas tree. They would decorate the sharp spires with colorful gumdrops for the children to enjoy.

The Gumdrop Tree is the story of a young girl who wanted to find the tallest, fattest, most beautiful Christmas tree of anyone in her town. It had to be very special. In this tale, Susie takes a long time to pick out the perfect tree for her family. After the tree stands in the corner with its shiny decorations, her mother sends her next door with a food basket for an elderly neighbor.

Susie is very reluctant to leave her beautiful tree.

Upon arriving at the neighbor’s house, Susie discovers the scraggly branch that that Miss Martha calls her Christmas tree. On her way home, she tries to figure out what she can do so that the elderly lady can have a colorful tree.

828.586.9499.

2014 Cataloochee Ski & Snowboard

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

The Jackson County Friends of the Library Used Bookstore sale will begin on Friday, Nov. 28, at 536 West Main St. in Sylva.

All T-shirts, note cards and ornaments are priced at $5 while supplies last. Additionally, the bookstore has been donated a generous supply of language arts materials suitable for high school or college students. The Friends Used Bookstore is a nonprofit with all proceeds benefiting the Jackson County Public Library.

books

Chris Cox will be reading from his new book The Way We Say Goodbye at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

In addition to being an English instructor at Southwestern Community College in Sylva, Cox has been a newspaper columnist in the area for many years. Like his first book, Waking Up in a Cornfield, the new book is a collection of his essays.

Cox began writing columns for the local upstart newspaper, The Blue Ridge Sun, and except for a couple of brief stop-outs, he has been writing columns for newspapers ever since, including gigs with the Watauga Democrat, The Asheville-Citizen Times, The Waynesville Enterprise-Mountaineer, and The Smoky Mountain News, for whom he still writes a bi-weekly column. He has won numerous press awards on both the state and national level.

Like the first book, the new book is a mix of sweet and sorrowful stories, running the gamut from grade-school crushes and a Halloween prank gone terribly, terribly wrong to the eulogy he wrote and delivered for his father’s funeral. www.southwesterncc.edu.

Unsold Equipment Pick-Up: Sunday, Dec. 7 by 2:30 pm All equipment not picked up by 2:30 pm will be donated

For more info, please contact catskiswap@yahoo.com Cash only; all sales final.

268-259

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38

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hings have gone well for the Smokies elk, and they’ve risen from reintroduction experiment to established population. But meanwhile, they’ve outgrown Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spilling over into private lands to find pasture on agricultural fields not intended as gifts to the elk. A land protection project by The Conservation Fund seeks to provide some more suitable places for the elk to go.

“The reason the elk have come out of the park is there are now more elk than there is habitat to sustain them, so the [N.C.] Wildlife [Resources] Commission is going to need to work to create some habitat that both elk and people will enjoy,” said Bill Holman, state director of The Conservation Fund.

In September, The Conservation Fund saw its first major victory in pursuit of that goal when it bought the 561-acre Sheepback Mountain Property, north of Maggie Valley and adjacent to the national park, for about $1.7 million. One million of that came from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund, a significant amount considering that this year the fund doled out $12.7 million to 38 projects statewide.

But the final tract will probably be a good bit more than 561 acres, likely closer to 2,000. Though no contracts have yet been signed, negotiations are wrapping up for The Conservation Fund’s purchase of three properties owned by Sammy Carver, Robert Williams, Sr. and Thornton Hawkins. The three properties touch each other but not the Sheepback Mountain property. However, all four are tied together by their borders with Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“All three property owners are willing to sell it for public benefit for less than fair market value, and we very much appreciate their generosity,” Holman said, adding that all three have in the past been approached by developers and refused to sell.

T

A HOME FOR ELK

If the sale went through, The Conservation Fund would then deed the land to the Wildlife Commission to manage. The goal of that management would be to create more of the meadow-like habitat that many animals, such as warblers, turkey, ruffed grouse — and, of course, elk — need to thrive. Management would likely include logging and controlled burns.

“It was pasture land, open land, which as since most of it has since grown up — some of it quite a bit — there would have to be some habitat manipulation to create some grassy open area and young forest areas to benefit elk and other critters,” said Dave Stewart, land management biologist for the Wildlife Commission.

“All three property owners are willing to sell it for public benefit for less than fair market value, and we very much appreciate their generosity,” Holman said, adding that all three have in the past been approached by developers and refused to sell.

— Bill Holman, The Conservation Fund

House hunting for elk Conservation project seeks to attract elk, tourism The Blue Ridge Mountains fan out below Waterrock Knob.

Erika Zambello photo

The land, managed to draw elk and other meadow-loving creatures, could even someday become an elk game land.

If, that is, the deal goes through, and if elk populations continue to grow, and if they are eventually designated a game species with a season.

A lot of ifs.

“That would really depend on our population and doing some modeling and figuring how many elk we could pull off the landscape and still have a sustainable herd,” said Justin McVey, wildlife biologist for the Wildlife Commission.

“If populations get to be to the numbers that we’d like, we’d like to have a huntable population,” Stewart said.

“Time will tell.”

The draw of having 2,000 acres full of elk, though, wouldn’t be limited to the possibility of some future opportunity for hunters wanting to mount a six-pointer over their fireplace. It would have plenty of benefit in the here and now.

“I love going to Cataloochee, a lot of people love going to Cataloochee, but it’s not the easiest place to get to,” Holman said, “so I think creating some watchable wildlife opportunities that are more convenient to the public will only increase the number of people who come to Haywood County to see the elk and to enjoy all the other great natural resources in the county.”

Getting to Cataloochee, the area of the park with the biggest elk population, involves a harrowing drive up a winding, one-lane route with steep grades, steeper drop-offs and miles of unpaved road. Even for those used to mountain driving, it’s not an easy trip. But nevertheless, visitation to the Cataloochee area of the park has doubled since the elk were reintroduced.

The idea is that the more attractions

there are to lure outdoorsy tourists to Haywood County, the more often they’ll come and the longer they’ll stay.

THE CASE FOR CONSERVATION That’s the impetus behind another project The Conservation Fund has going in Haywood County, which involves about 5,000 acres of land near Waterrock Knob on the Haywood-Jackson county line. That

An example to follow Better views translate to better visitation and enjoyment of the Blue Ridge Parkway, said Parkway public information officer Leesa Brandon, and that’s a lesson that the Haywood Tourism Development Authority seems to know well.

She called the board’s interest in Parkway conservation and commitment to keeping views open — in the years when the Park Service doesn’t have funds to clear overgrown overlooks in the area, the TDA pays to have it done in Haywood County, about $20,000 last year — “a wonderful

land is a conglomeration of easements from The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Trust for North Carolina and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

The goal? To bundle all those acres together and convey them to the National Park Service to serve as an addition to the Waterrock Knob area, located at milepost 451. Right now, the area features a visitor’s center and a 0.6-mile trail up to the knob. It’s a popular place, but Holman thinks it has potential to be even more so.

“It’s close to 5,000 acres that could be

added to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Waterrock Knob and create a lot more opportunities for more trail and more things for people to do when they come to Waterrock Knob,” he said.

For instance, what if there was a trail leading from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob, through the Plott Balsams and down into Maggie Valley and Waynesville?

“It would be a spectacular high-elevaindicator of success.” Other Parkway communities are taking note.

“We did a project just earlier this month up in Roanoke [Virginia] trying to do some vista work, and they really learned a lot from Haywood County about how that project works and how to replicate it more and more on the Virginia side of the park,” Brandon said.

Groups in Virginia had previously done a good bit of work with planting trees to screen unsightly views but hadn’t really done much to clear overgrown pull-offs to open up highquality views.

“That’s a model, really, for the rest of the park,” Brandon said.

tion trail that would drive more recreation opportunities for the public but also provide a reason for people to extend their stay when they come to Haywood County,” Holman told a receptive Haywood Tourism Development Authority last week.

“One of the questions was, ‘Would you stay longer if there was more to do?’ and the answer was yes, they would stay up to two days longer,” commented TDA Executive Director Lynn Collins, referencing a presentation on the topic that Conservation Fund

F

The Canton Library’s Giving Garden got some state recognition by nabbing the “best adult program” award from the North Carolina Public Library Directors Association.

The garden was the backdrop for a variety of programs at the Canton library throughout the year, including several gardening talks, author visits and workshops.

The harvest from the garden goes to those in need.

“Congratulations to Mannie Crone and all of the volunteers involved that made this such a wonderful program and asset

The Sheepback Mountain property, shown in orange, has already been acquired, but negotiations are still underway for the blue, yellow and purple properties. Negotiations for the red properties are also going on but aren’t as far along. TCF map

TWO PROJECTS, SIMILAR GOALS

Business talk for farmers Two workshops to help farmers be more business-savvy are coming up in Jackson County, offered though Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center.

■ “The Triple Bottom Line of Farming and Agriculture” from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Dec. 4, will show farmers opportunities to improve the equity, environment and economy of their businesses.

■ “Pricing and Promotion for Agriculture Businesses” from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Dec. 11, will help farmers identify factors that affect the price they charge while developing promotional strategies.

Free, but registration required. www.ncsbc.net or 828.339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

Buy Haywood is encouraging shoppers to think local on Small Business Saturday — not just by shopping at local stores but supporting local agri-business.

Locally made farm products, from sauces to jams to jerky, can be found on the shelves of local shops, while visiting farm-to-table restaurants and Christmas tree farms also provides opportunities to buy local.

“Support of local agripreneurs keeps farms viable and preserves access to local products while proVegetable plants thrive in the Canton Library’s tecting farmland and the rural Giving Garden this summer. Donated photo character of the region,” said Tina Masciarelli, Buy Haywood project coordinator. for the Canton community,” said Sharon Visit www.buyhaywood.com for a list of Woodrow, director of Haywood County Haywood County producers.

Public Library. “This program took a lot of

We’re having fun — Come join us!

PROGRAMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY • DAY PASSES AVAILABLE 268-221

WAYNESVILLE

Smoky Mountain News

The Waterrock Knob and Wildlife Commission parcels are part of two distinct projects, but they’re connected by the Parkway corridor and by the common benefits they’ll provide to Haywood County in terms of tourism and environmental benefits.

“They’re all complimentary,” Holman said. “All of these projects have the benefits of they help protect Maggie Valley’s drinking water, they protect the integrity of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and they provide great recreational opportunities for the public.”

What they also have in common is that they’re not cheap. Even with the landowners selling for something below fair market value, the 2,000 acres near Sheepback Mountain will likely cost The Conservation Fund somewhere in the neighborhood of $5.3 million, Holman said, though the exact figure could vary.

“When we buy property, we have to borrow money to do it, so the sooner we can convey the property to the Wildlife Commission, the less interest carry costs there are,” Holman explained.

But by turning the property over to be managed for wildlife and ecology, Holman said, landowners are allowing permanent protection for Maggie Valley’s drinking water as well as a bedrock of potential for future recreation and tourism in Haywood County.

“We have been impressed by the conservation ethic of these landowners,” Holman said.

To help The Conservation Fund foot the bill for this project, mail checks to The Conservation Fund at P.O. Box 271, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514.

Remember local farmers on Small Business Saturday

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Stanback intern Erika Zambello made this summer.

Zambello’s project sought to find the economic case for land conservation, drawing largely from a survey of visitors to Waterrock Knob. On average, she said, visitors spent about $68 per person, per day, with the average group staying for 3.39 days. Of the 157 people surveyed, 51 percent said they were staying at a hotel or motel, while 49 percent said they made $75,000 or more, meaning that people who come to sites such as Waterrock Knob have money to spend and will do so as long as they’re visiting the area.

Holman hopes to have the Waterrock Knob project wrapped up — the property consolidated, the land deeded to the Park Service — sometime in 2015.

“We think it’s a great project,” said Leesa Brandon, public information officer for the Parkway.

planning and cooperation from many organizations.”

Supporters of the project include the Haywood County Master Gardeners, Haywood County Cooperative Extension, Haywood County local government, Friends of the Library and the Master Gardener’s Volunteer Association.

outdoors

Canton Library garden wins state award

RECREATION CENTER 550 Vance St. • Waynesville • 828.456.2030 www.waynesvillenc.gov

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outdoors Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

New water quality standards proposed The Environmental Protection Agency is in the midst of reviewing a set of proposed revisions to water quality standards in North Carolina.

The standards were approved by the N.C. Environmental Management Commission in response to federal requirements that state periodically evaluate surface water standards and integrate recent research.

Changes to the standards include: ■ Changing some standards to regulate dissolved metal concentrations instead of total recoverable concentrations where the dissolved metal number more accurately describes the portion of metal that’s toxic.

■ Considering the effect of water hardness on metal toxicity.

■ Instituting health-protective standards for 2,4-D, a widely used herbicide.

■ Updating aquatic life protective concentrations arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium III, chromium VI, copper, lead, nickel, silver and zinc.

■ Clarifying when site-specific standards can be developed after studies are done in accordance with guidance from the EPA. Two public hearings were held in July to gather input on the proposed changes, and a report summarizing the issues and comments is available at portal.ncdenr.org/web/ emc/november-13-2014.

Hunting and fishing resources for disabled sportsmen A directory of handicapped-accessible hunting and fishing sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests is available to help disabled hunters and hikers continue to enjoy the outdoors.

The U.S. Forest Service has fact sheets available for each of the state’s four national forests available online at www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc via the “hunt” and “fish” links at the top of the page.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission also maintains a database of handicappedaccessible hunting, fishing and boat launch locations statewide at www.ncwildlife.org/ hunting/beforethehunt/disabledhuntingprogram.aspx.

The Disabled Sportsmen program through the Wildlife Commission also offers special access, designated hunts and discounted hunting licenses for those with disabilities. It also offers a loaner program of adaptive hunting and fishing gear designed for disabled sportsmen.

Dale Collins photo

Environmental merger chooses new name When the New Year rolls around, the region’s best-known and longest-running environmental organization is changing its name, following a merger with two smaller environmental groups.

The Western North Carolina Alliance will now be called MountainTrue. WNC Alliance recently brought two smaller environmental groups with a more limited geographic focus into its fold: the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance and the Environmental Conservation Organization based in Hendersonville.

The merged organizations will come together under the new name MountainTrue. It was announced at the groups’ Annual Fall Gathering last week and approved by boards and members of the three groups. The goal of the merger is to develop a stronger, regional voice to protect natural resources in WNC while reducing the administrative costs of running three separate organizations.

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outdoors

Students net aquatic creatures to identify during a previous year’s Kids in the Creek program. Donated photo

Call for support to help Kids in the Creek gain traction in new counties students, with the highlight being an all-day fieldtrip to explore the aquatic ecosystem of a mountain river.

The program has been in place in Haywood County for nearly two decades through Haywood Waterways Association — which has inspired watershed groups in neighboring counties to replicate the model.

LTLT launched a new Kids in the Creek program in Macon in 2013 and this year took it to Swain, Jackson and Clay counties.

But LTLT needs to raise money to sustain the program long-term.

LTLT is collaborating with partner organizations such as Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River, the Swain Soil and Water District and the Hiawassee River Watershed Coalition.

The programming costs about $12 per student, so on #GivingTuesday LTLT will offer a special option to give in multiples of $12. www.ltlt.org.

Thanksgiving with Trout (Unlimited) The Tuckaseigee River Chapter of Trout Unlimited will celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey dinner at its next meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the United Community Bank in Sylva.

Attendees should bring a side dish to share and can buy a chance to win a new fly rod made

by Whittier resident and chapter member Jim Mills. The rod is four-piece, 7.5 feet, IM-12 and 3-4 weight and comes in an aluminum case. Election of 2015 officers will follow.

The chapter is one of 431 nationwide and serves Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

Ted Kubit, tkubit@frontier.com.

The Southeast’s biggest fly fishing event, the WNC Fly Fishing Expo, will be held Dec. 5-6 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Asheville, noon to 7 p.m. Dec 5 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6.

The program lineup will include a presentation by Bryson City resident Mac Brown, a guide and master casing instructor, as well as a variety of other top experts in the field. More than 70 exhibitors are expected to attract upwards of 1,000 visitors over the two days.

Showcases of the newest gear, exhibits

from area fly shops, angling organizations and artists, fly tying clinics and fly casting clinics will all work toward the goal of helping anglers sharpen their skills and learn about the latest innovations in the sport.

Fly fishing is a growing sport, both nationwide and in North Carolina, with WNC gaining increasing recognition as the fly-fishing Mecca of the East. $15 adults over 16 and free for children 16 and under. Tickets sold at the door. www.wncflyfishingexpo.com.

Cataloochee Ski Area partners with Elan Skis this season to offer a new multi-day beginner’s package, “Slide in 5.” The “Slide in 5” package includes lift tickets, ski rentals and lessons for any five day, twilight or night ski sessions during the season, and participants who complete all five lessons will receive a FREE set of Elan skis branded with the Cataloochee logo. Lessons last 1 3/4 hours each day of the package. You must be twelve years of age or older to participate in the program.

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Smoky Mountain News

WNC Fly Fishing expo to draw a crowd

A Multi-Lesson Beginner’s Package including FREE Elan Skis

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Land Trust for the Little Tennessee is looking to raise money for its Kids in the Creek program as part of #GivingTuesday on Dec. 2, an effort of charities around the world designed to inspire people to take action to improve their local communities, give back to causes they support and help create a better world.

“Giving Tuesday” is a response to the consumerism of post-Thanksgiving shopping days. It joins the ranks of “Black Friday,” “Small Business Saturday,” and “Cyber Monday” — and aims to focus the public on giving to causes during the holidays.

To participate, “like” LTLT’s Facebook page and join its #GivingTuesday event.

Share the page with others and post a photo of yourself that highlights the LTLT cause and tag it #UNselfie #GivingTuesday #LTLT. Kids in the Creek is a hands-on environmental science program for middle-school

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A new book has come out that treks through the human, political and natural history behind the formation of the Pisgah National Forest.

Since the designation of 80,000 acres as America’s first forestry school and later as the heart of the East’s first national forest, the Pisgah National Forest has grown to include 500,000 acres, a vast history and breathtaking natural scenery.

Pisgah National Forest: A History, was written by author and naturalist Marci Spencer, who released a book last year that chronicles the natural and human history of Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies.

The 208-page book costs $19.99 and is available at bookstores.

Explore National Parks from the fireside With short and chilly days making miles on the trail harder to come by, a lineup of outdoors-themed board games can be a more attractive choice. Check out one of these games that entertain while celebrating the best parts of WNC’s public land: ■ Thru Hike: The Appalachian Trail Board Game is a recent release in which the goal is, fittingly, to reach Mt. Katahdin ahead of the other players. Players advance by answering trivia and species identification questions correctly, or by drawing bonus cards. But emergencies, like coming down with hypothermia or getting lost, can mean backtracking. The game is available online at www.theatgame.com.

■ Jr. RangerLand Great Smoky Mountains Edition is geared toward children, challenging them to gather Explorer Cards to make their way through the park. Cards teach children about native Smokies species and help them discover historical and cultural information about the region.

■ Monopoly: National Parks Edition features more than 60 of the most celebrated sites in the National Parks system, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The game also incorporates the best-known animals that fill these landscapes, and a handful of National Monuments.

AT license plates to fund trail-related projects Projects that promote or protect the Appalachian Trail can tap a special pot of grant money thanks to the sale of specialty AT license plates.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy dedicates a portion of the proceeds from AT license plates to trail-related projects in communities along the AT, from trail programs in schools to trail maintenance projects by local hiking clubs.

Plate sales in N.C. are earmarked for projects along the N.C. portion of the AT. A total of $30,000 will be awarded, with a maximum grant of $5,000 per project.

Applications due Jan. 9. www.appalachiantrail.org/plates.

Smoky Mountain News

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

outdoors

New book chronicles Pisgah’s history

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outdoors

Ski gear swap coming up at Cataloochee Cataloochee Ski Area’s annual Ski and Snowboard Swap Shop will be held Dec. 6-7 in Cat’s Lair Building at the ski area in Maggie Valley.

Used skis, boards, boots and cold weather clothing will be available for sale 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. All unsold items will be offered for 50 percent off 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Those wishing to sell equipment can drop it off 3-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, or 7-9 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6. Unsold equipment can be picked up by 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 but will be donated after that time. www.cataloochee.com/swap or catskiswap@yahoo.com.

Tubing, skating trip planned at Scaly Mountain A trip to Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center Saturday, Dec. 6, will provide three hours of tubing and ice skating through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. It is located in Dillard, Georgia. $60 for tubing, skating, dinner and transportation. Register by Dec. 2 at the Cullowhee and Cashiers/Glenville recreation center, 828.293.3053 or 828.631.2020. Jennifer Bennett, 828.293.3053 or jenniferbennett@jacksonnc.org.

Fun, Affordable Gifts in Downtown Waynesville!

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Smoky Mountain News

The face changes on the hour as melodies play!

Magic Motion Music Clocks

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Just in Time for Christmas:

Affairs of the Heart

————————————————————————————— 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828.452.0526

268-253

43

44

WNC Calendar

Smoky Mountain News

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • WCU at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Nov. 27, televised by NBC. WCU’s band has been selected to lead the event.

• A community Thanksgiving dinner will be held from noon2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, at Tartan Hall in Franklin.

Meal is free, but donations are accepted. Volunteers can help set up starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Volunteer by calling 524.3119 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• A meet and greet with newly elected Haywood County Tax Collector Mike Matthews will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, at the Cross Country School of Real Estate School in Waynesville. Public is invited.

• “Cornhole” will be presented by Haywood County Senior Center in Waynesville at 1 p.m. on Dec. 3.

Registration required. 356.2800.

• The Tuckaseigee River Chapter No. 373 of Trout Unlimited will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at United Community Bank in Sylva. Turkey dinner will be served; bring a side dish to share.

• “What is racism and is it part of the immigration debate?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub in downtown Franklin. Public invited for open exchange of ideas; not debate. 371.1020.

• A MADD candlelight service will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the historic Jackson County Courthouse/public library.

• Wine, cheese and appetizers starting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Macon County Historical Museum followed by dessert at the Scottish Tartans Museum, both in downtown Franklin. This event is part of the Heritage Christmas Progressive Celebration. $30/ticket for all three events. Proceeds benefit Historical and Scottish Museums and Cowee Pottery. Tickets at Historical & Scottish Museums and Franklin Chamber of Commerce.

524.7683 or art4all@dnet.net.

• An outing of snow tubing and ice skating at Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center will be held on Dec. 6. Dinner at Dillard House afterward. $60 per-person fee includes transportation, activities and meal with a minimum of six and a maximum of nine participants. Register at Cullowhee Rec Center or Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center.

• Pick out your own custom-made swag at Cowee Christmas from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. Your choice of Cowee Pottery School ornament to decorate your swag.

This event is part of the Heritage Christmas Progressive Celebration. $30/ticket for all three events. Proceeds benefit Historical and Scottish Museums and Cowee Pottery. Tickets at Historical & Scottish Museums and Franklin Chamber of Commerce. 524.7683 or art4all@dnet.net.

• Hot Chocolate, cookies & festivities from 2-3 p.m. on Dec. 7 at The Stewart Family Homestead Cabin on Coon Creek Road. This event is part of the Heritage Christmas Progressive Celebration. $30/ticket for all three events. Proceeds benefit Historical and Scottish Museums and Cowee Pottery. Tickets at Historical & Scottish Museums and Franklin Chamber of Commerce.

524.7683 or art4all@dnet.net.

• Ultra HD film of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel will be shown at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 at the Highlands Playhouse. $10. 526.2695. highlandsplayhouse.org.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group will meet from 4-5 p.m. on Dec. 1

t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

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 at Waynesville town hall to discuss the Next Generation Leaders Grant. MTinsley@haywoodchamber.com.

• Intensive training, one-on-one management support and more is offered to small-business owners by ScaleUp WNC, which is hosting an event on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Drake Education Center in Franklin. www.scaleupwnc.com.

• A student success seminar focusing on transition to college will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Building 300 at Haywood Community College. 627.4646 or drowland@haywood.edu.

• Smoky Mountain Host, a marketing organization, will hold its annual meeting from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Balsam Mountain Inn & Restaurant. $50 registration fee includes lunch. Register: sharmane@visitsmokies.org, 782.4200 or www.visitsmokies.org/annual-meeting-2014. Info: www.visitsmokies.org.

• A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 for Smoky Mountain Eye Care in Waynesville. 456.3021 or media@haywoodchamber.com.

• A small business seminar for farmers entitled: “The Triple Bottom Line of Farming and Agriculture,” offered

by Southwestern Community College, will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Jackson County Library in Sylva. Registration/reservations required: www.ncbsc.net. Info at 339.4211 ort_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• A class on email will be held at 9:05 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Macon County Public Library.

Registration required. 524.3600 or cwilder@fontanalib.org.

• Open Water Scuba Certification program, presented

by Smoky Mountain Divers Carolinas, will be held Dec. 6. Reservations required: 864.710.1567 or rskillman@smokymountaindivers.com. For ages 11 and up. No experience necessary.

• A class on Facebook and social media will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Macon County Public Library. Registration required. 524.3600 or cwilder@fontanalib.org.

• 12 students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, UNC-Pembroke and Western Carolina University will present research from 2-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Highlands Biological Station. Their research is from their semester-in-residence program at the Highlands Biological Station. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2602.

• A class on Facebook and social media will be held at 9:05 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Macon County Public Library. Registration required. 524.3600 or cwilder@fontanalib.org.

• A small-business seminar for farmers entitled: “Pricing and Promotion for Agriculture Businesses,” offered by Southwestern Community College, will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Jackson County Library in Sylva. Registration/reservations required: www.ncbsc.net. Info at 339.4211 or

• A workshop titled “iPhoneography Made Easy” will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, by Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education in the Cordelia Camp Building in Cullowhee. $89 registration fee includes lunch. photography.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Free GED classes offered by Southwestern Community College, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, SCC Swain Center, Room 101. 366.2000.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• A blood drive will be held by The American Red Cross from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

• A blood drive will be held by The American Red Cross from 8:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Swain County High School in Bryson City.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS

• A blood drive will be held by The American Red Cross from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde.

• 2014 IBMA Award-winner Balsam Range, with special guest Molly Tuttle Trio, will perform a winter concert as a fundraising celebration for the Haywood County Meals on Wheels program at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Colonial in Canton. 346.2442.

• A “Tree of Remembrance” memorial celebration will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, in Harris Regional Hospital’s main lobby. The event is presented by LifePath Palliative Care and Hospice. www.westcare.org or 631.1702.

• “At the Christmas Dessert Tasting” will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Hospice House in Franklin.

Handmade queen-size quilt will be raffled off to benefit Hospice House Foundation of WNC. $5 per ticket or $10 for three.

• A free informational meeting about breastfeeding and support for expectant families will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and the first Saturday morning of each month, at the Smoky Mountain OB/GYN office in Sylva. 506.1185 or 587.8214.

• The 17th annual Turkey Drive by the Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association. Donations benefit Haywood County’s disadvantaged residents. Every $25 will deliver a full meal to a family. www.visitmaggie.com.

• A blood drive will be held by The American Red Cross from 3:30-8 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Bryson City.

• The Jackson County Family Resource Center is in need of slightly used blankets for their Blanket Drive.

Accepting blankets until Dec. 1. Deliver to the Jackson County Family Resource Center, 1528 Webster Rd., Webster. 354.0109.

• An organizational meeting for a Winter Adult Co-ed Volleyball League will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Entry fee to be determined. Open to ages 18 and older as of Jan. 1. Season runs from Jan.14-March 18.

456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.org.

• $10 Fall Fix: get unfixed pets for spay/neuter and rabies vaccination for only $10 through Nov. 30, through Haywood Spay/Neuter. Pet owner must live in Haywood County and sign their pets up at the Haywood Spay/Neuter office, noon to 6 p.m. open Tuesday through Friday. 452.1329.

• Free showings of “Frozen Sing-a-Long” will be held at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. throughout Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 28-29).

• P.A.W.S. Adoption Days first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn at Charleston Station, Bryson City.

• Salvation Army taking food and new toy donations.

Drop off donations at Salvation Army at 290 Pigeon Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. For more information, call 828-456-7111, • Ring the Bell for Salvation Army. Contact Sammy at 456-7111, ext. 2 on where you can ring the bell.

• The City Lights Bookstore’s Holiday Giving Tree is underway. Pick an ornament from the tree and find a book for the age, gender and language listed. All Giving Tree purchases get a 20-percent discount. 586.9499.

• Help the hungry in Highlands by purchasing a $20 gift card at Bryson’s Food Store or a dinner meal certificate ($19.95) at Mountain Fresh Grocery. All donations will be shared between Highlands Emergency Council and the local food bank.

HEALTH MATTERS • A cancer-ribbon shaped luminary display will be on the front yard of Angel Medical Center on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. Cancer ribbon luminaries can be purchased for $10 each night. Proceeds benefit the AMC Cancer Center in the Nantahala Outpatient Center. 349.6639.

• A program on prescription drug abuse and Project Lazarus will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Part of the monthly Tuesdays to Thrive focusing on different health topics the first Tuesday evening of each month. Sponsored by WestCare Wellness and Jackson County Department. www.westcarehealth.org or 586.7734.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Spirit of Christmas program is set for 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Caboose in Bryson City.

Caroling, lighting the town’s Christmas tree, visit with Santa, live music, hot cocoa and cookies. Bring a canned good to donate to the food pantry or new, unwrapped gift for the local toy drive.

• Cookies with Santa will be held from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Motor Company Grill in Franklin.

• A free family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Animated adaptation of a Dr. Seuss classic.

Popcorn will be served starting at 3:20 p.m. 488.3030 • A classic, Christmas-themed movie will be shown at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Free. Bring your own snacks.

• A science club meeting featuring candy experiments will be held from 3:30-4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Macon County Public Library. 526.3600.

• A kids’ art station will be set up to make free holidaythemed crafts from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the old Cowee School in Macon County. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. www.coweeschool.org.

• An “Innovative Basketball Clinic” for ages 6-15 will be offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department on Sunday afternoons from Dec. 7 through the end of February. $15 per session, which includes 30-minute clinic then one hour of team play. 246.2129 or 456.2030.

• Mini-camps will be held for children ages 5-12 on Dec. 22-23 and Dec. 29-30 at Waynesville Recreation

Center. Each camp costs $15 for members ($20/nonmembers). Registration deadline is Dec. 15. tpetrea@waynesvillenc.org or 456.2030.

• A Lego Club meets from 3:30-5 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Waynesville Library.

452.5169.

• Lego Club 4:00pm - 5:30 pm 2nd Thursday Children create their own Lego masterpieces for display (grades K-6); Ages 5 and up at the Macon County Public Library. 526.3600.

• Lego Club, 2nd Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215.

• Teen time Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Waynesville Library. A program for teens and tweens held each week. Each week is different, snacks provided. 3562511 • Homework Help, 3-5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for students in grades two through six, Canton Branch Library. Former schoolteacher-turned-Youth Services Librarian Katy Punch offers homework help on a firstcome, first-serve basis. 648.2924.

•Teen Advisory Group (TAG) - First Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. For ages 13-18. Teens can enjoy snacks while discussing popular young adult books, help plan events and displays for children and teens at the library, and participate in community service projects. Canton Library, 648.2924.

• The American Girls Club meets at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The club meets one Saturday a month, call for details. Club is based on a book series about historical women. Club members read and do activities. Free. 586.9499.

• Family movie time, 4 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. Call for title of movie: 586.2016.

• Lego Club, 4 p.m. second Tuesday, all ages welcome. Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• Explorer’s Club for kids will be held on the third of each month at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Intended for all ages, with a special emphasis on cultural learning for children. Each Explorer’s Club will feature special guests, snacks and crafts that all are pertinent to the theme for that month.

586.2016.

• Games for kids, 4:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday each month at Jackson County Public Library. 5862016.

• Projects and activities after school, 3:30 p.m. on Fridays, for school age kids at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Adventure Club - Tuesdays 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm Grade K-2. Join us for books and hands on activities in the Macon County Public Library program room, located in the children’s area. 524.3600 • Book Club - Wednesdays 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm. Books and hands-on activities for grades 3-6. Macon County Public Library. 526.3600 • Culture Club - First Wednesday of the month, 1 to 2 p.m. Guest speakers, books, photos, crafts and food from different countries and cultures. Macon County Public Library. 524.3600 • Family movie time Thursdays, 3:45 p.m at Albert Carlton, Cashiers Community Library. Free with popcorn. Call for title 743.0215 • Children’s craft time, 4th Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215

• Mother Goose Time, a story time for babies and toddlers (five months to two years) and their parents/caregivers, is held at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at Waynesville Library. 452.5169 • Family Story Time, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Waynesville Public Library. Stories, songs, crafts. 452.5169.

• Family storytime with crafts, 2nd Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Waynesville Public Library. 452-5169

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • The Polar Express-themed train has kicked off for the holiday seasonat the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. Event features hot cocoa, Santa Claus and caroling. www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

• Cashiers Christmas tree lighting will be held on Nov. 28. Guests can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2-5 p.m. at the Village Green, and the tree will be lit at 6:15 p.m. Holiday music, carolers, fire pit, S’Mores and More. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• Downtown Highlands’ Christmas tree lighting festivities start at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29.

526.2112.

• Fifth-annual Fall Arts & Craft show presented by the Balsam Crafters will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Balsam Fire Department.

• The “Christmas in the Smokies” holiday celebration will run from Dec. 1-31 at Fontana Village Resort.

Winter fun, holiday festivities and events. 498.2211 or www.fontanavillage.com.

• “A Season of Light: a celebration of the season’s Multicultural Holidays” will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Pigeon Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville. Free. Participants encouraged to bring two non-perishable food items for Pigeon Center’s food pantry as well as potluck item.

456.7232.

• A Christmas bazaar will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Life Church of Waynesville. 452.9235.

• Breakfast with Santa & Cookie Walk will be held from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Rescue Squad on Bryson Walk in Bryson City. $3. Bring your own camera for photo with Santa. Cookie Walk and Christmas Bazaar start at 9 a.m. at Bryson City United Methodist Church.488.3681 or 800.867.9246.

• Ninth annual “Living Nativity” scene will be recreated from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the 3rd Generation Barn Loft near Canton. Free. Non-perishable food items can be donated for the Community Kitchen. 84 Frank Mann Road.

• Community Cheer Breakfast will be held from 8-11 a.m. on Dec. 6 at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Waynesville. Holiday crafts, full hot breakfast buffet, and Santa.

• Annual Holiday Bazaar is Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in conjunction with the Jackson County Farmers Market at the Community Table. On Dec. 6, Kim Shuler will sing. On Dec. 13, beef stew will be served as a Market Fundraising Feast. 399.0290 or jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Family Movie, 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Swain County Public Library. 488.3030.

• Movers and Shakers story time is at 11 a.m. every Thursday at the Waynesville Public Library. For all ages. Movement, books, songs and more. 452.5169.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

• Teen Time, 4 p.m. on first, third and fourth Tuesdays, for ages 12 and up. Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Seasonal stories, crafts, games and snacks for the family at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville. 356.2511

wnc calendar

• Saturday morning cartoons play for free at 11 a.m. at the Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. 283.0079 or www.38main.com.

Kids Story Time

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wnc calendar

• Franklin’s Winter Wonderland will be held on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. The Nov. 29 event coincides with “Small Business Saturday.” The Dec. 6 event features a gingerbread house competition – sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Free wagon rides start at 5 p.m. each night. Live music, shopping and more. 524.2516 or www.HolidaysinFranklin.com • WCU’s 125th anniversary “It’s a Wrap Party” starts at 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Ramsey Center and includes a cross-campus parade. Free. wcuevents@wcu.edu for info.

• 31st annual Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries event will be Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13 in downtown Dillsboro, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free refreshments, entertainment and more than 2,500 candles. College night is Dec. 5. www.visitdillsboro.org or facebook.com/DillsboroNC. • Franklin’s second-annual Gingerbread House Competition, hosted by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, will be part of Franklin’s Winter Wonderland Celebration on Dec. 5. Deadline for entries is Nov. 24. $25/adults; $10/youth and children. Entry form and rules are available at the Chamber of Commerce or www.visitfranklinnc.com. 524.3161.

• Jasper Mountain Artisan Wares will host representatives from Avon, Mary Kay, Thirty One, Jamberry and others from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Maggie Valley Town Center. Coffee, cider, tea and fresh pastries will be available through Better Bean Coffee House. 450.6399 or thejaspercarrot@yahoo.com.

• Light of the World Children’s Christmas Musical will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at First Baptist Church in Waynesville.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

• William E. Dillard Post 104 of the American Legion will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, at the Jackson County Senior Center. Christmas party. Catered holiday Christmas dinner, $13 per person. Make meal reservation by noon on Friday, Dec. 5. 506.1329.

Military veterans in Jackson and Swain Counties interested in joining Post 104 are invited to Jan. 12 meeting (7 p.m.) at Dillsboro Masonic Lodge.

• WNC Civil War Round Table will hold a Christmas Party for members and guests starting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Quality Inn in Sylva. $25 reservation required; check must be received by Nov. 30 at WNCCWRT, P.O. Box 3709, Cullowhee, NC 28723. Info: 293.5924 or 293.7404.

• Annual Holiday Cheer celebration will be held by the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce from 5-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Laurel Ridge Country Club. $30 members; $35 non-members. 456.3021 or info@haywoodchamber.com.

• A Hometown Christmas Celebration will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Haywood Community College’s auditorium. Event features local music, artisan crafts, gifts, Santa & Mrs. Claus and holiday treats. $8 per ticket. Proceeds benefit Next Step Ministries. Tickets available at Sid’s on Main in Canton, Ammon’s Drive-in & Dairy Bar and Mountaineer. 356.5432 or nextstepministriesinc@gmail.com.

• “A Night Before Christmas” will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 in Downtown Waynesville.

Shops, galleries and restaurants will be open.

Hundreds of luminaries. Live nativity. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• Cherokee Lights & Legends, an opportunity to stroll under the lights at Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, will be held Wednesdays through Saturdays until Jan. 3. 59 p.m. on Wednesday through Thursday; 5-10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; and 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. $5 adults; free for kids under 5. Skates for synthetic rink: $3/30-minute session. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• “Christmas On the Green,” thousands of lights and trees, is on display every night from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day in Cashiers.

• HOLIDAY EVENTS • Franklin Christmas Parade is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Nov. 30. Theme is “A Winter Wonderland Christmas.” $25 fee for non-commercial float and $525 for commercial float. 524.3161.

• Canton Christmas Parade starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4. Theme is WNC Hometown Christmas. 648.2363.

• Highlands Christmas Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6 • Sylva Christmas Parade starts at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6, rain date is Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. 586.2155. Dec. 3 is the deadline for entries.

• Bryson City Christmas Parade will be held downtown at 2 p.m. on Dec. 6. 488.3681.

• Cherokee Christmas Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 by the Cherokee Bear Zoo on Tsalagi Rd. (US 19) to Tsali Blvd. (US 441 N), and then ending by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Enjoy the floats, beauty queens, bands and, of course, Santa.

497.1056.

• Waynesville Christmas Parade is at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Theme is Peace on Earth. Santa Claus makes a special appearance as the guest of honor. Sponsored by the Town of Waynesville, assisted by the Waynesville Kiwanis Club, and organized by the Downtown Waynesville Association. 456.3517.

• Cashiers Christmas Parade at noon on Dec. 13.

743.5191.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Smoky Mountain Christmas Choirs will hit the stage starting at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. $5 suggested donation. 524.1598 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Elvis impersonators will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 20 and 31 at the Cherokee Fairgrounds in conjunction with Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas festivities. $5 adults; free for kids under 5. 554.6490 or www.visitcherokeenc.com • A Christmas Concert will be held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. 524.4755.

• The annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert will be presented by the School of Music at Western Carolina University at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Bardo Center at WCU. $17 adults; $11 faculty, staff and 60 and older; $5 for students and children.

Proceeds benefit School of Music Scholarship Fund.

227.2479 or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Peter Rowan, Grammy-winner and six-time Grammy nominee, performs Dec. 7 at Cataloochee Ranch.

Rowan will be joined by Darren Nicholson Band. $60 ticket includes dinner, reservations are required.

926.1401.

• “Cinnamon GRITS” holiday musical will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 at Western Carolina University’s Bardo Center. $21/adults; $16/WCU faculty and staff; $15 each/groups of 20 or more; $7/students and children. Sponsored by Bear Lake Reserve.

227.2479 or bardoarscenter.wcu.edu.

• Newsong’s The Very Merry Christmas Tour makes a stop at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. $15-30.

866.273.4615 or info@greatmountainmusic.com.

• Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show plays at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center. $24.50-44.50. 800.745.3000.

• A Christmas concert by the Haywood Community Chorus will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Signature Winds Quintet will also perform. Free. Donations accepted.

• Balsam Range will perform at 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Cherokee Fairgrounds in conjunction with Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas festivities. $5 adults; free for kids under 5. 554.6490 or www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• Former Mouseketeer Lindsey Alley will present an evening of musical performances and stand-up comedy entitled “Blood Sweat and Mousketears” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

• Michael Reno Harrell and Sheila Kay Adams, perform “Blue Ridge Christmas” at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the Strand in Waynesville. $18 in advance; $20 on show day. 38main.com or 283.0079.

• Jacob Johnson performs Neo-Acoustic Folk/Funk Christmas music at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Strand in Waynesville. $10 in advance; $12 on show day. $6 for students and children under 12. 38main.com or 283.0079.

• The First-Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Concert and Jam Series continues Thursday, Dec. 4, with a concert featuring the Deitz Family at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center in Cullowhee.

Free. 227.7129.

• The Brasstown Ringers Christmas Concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at First United Methodist Church in Franklin.

• Molly Tuttle Trio performs a soulful mix of original and traditional music at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Strand in Waynesville. Darren Nicholson opens. $18 in advance; $20 on show day. 38main.com or 283.0079.

• “The Christmas Shoes” musical will be presented by the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre on Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 at 134 Main Street in Bryson City.

Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. $10 adults/$5 children. info@smctheatre.com or 488.8227.

• The Manhattan Transfer Swings Christmas at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. $25-35. 866.273.4615 or info@greatmountainmusic.com.

46

at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City.

Exhibiting artists Cynthia Cochran Kinard (oil and watercolor painter) and Teresa Bouchonnet (fiber artist) will hold a meet and greet after the concert.

Free.

• An acoustic guitar concert by Ronnie Evans of Franklin will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6,

• A Christmas concert will be held from 6-7 p.m. each Saturday in December at the corner of Main and Everett Streets in Bryson City.

NIGHTLIFE • Gypsy jazz, Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m., Mike Pilgrim on mandolin, Don Mercz on guitar, and Drew Kirkpatrick on guitar perform at the Classic Wineseller. Mike Pilgrim and Don Mercz have been playing music together for more than 30 years and share an affinity for the passionate and exhilaratingly up-tempo Gypsy jazz music.

• Joshua Dean performs from 9 p.m.-midnight on Nov. 28 at Tipping Point in Waynesville. 9 p.m.-midnight.

246.9230.

• Joe Cruz, Saturday, November 29, 7 p.m., will be back at the Steinway piano at the Classic Wineseller performing the best of the Beatles, James Taylor, and Elton John.

• Singer-songwriter Angela Easterling will perform at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Dinner reservations: 452.6000. Easterling info at www.angelaeasterling.com.

• Joe Cruz (piano, vocals) performs songs made famous by the Beatles, Elton John and James Taylor at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. He’s opened for Chicago, Bonnie Raitt and others. Dinner reservations: 452.6000.

• Dulci Ellenberger (guitar, vocals) will perform

• The Classic Wineseller’s annual Jingle Bell Bash will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. Joe Cruz (piano, vocals) will be joined by wife Tracey, and their two daughters for Christmas carols and holiday music. Song sheets will be available. Dinner reservations: 452.6000. • A game day will occur from 2 to 9 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop & Bar in Sylva. Bring dice, cards or board games. 586.6300.

BOOKS & AUTHORS • George Ellison will be available to discuss writing a new introduction for the third edition of “Our Southern Highlandersâ€? – a collection of essays on mountain life and lore by author Horace Kephart – from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, at the Great Smoky Mountains Association’s Clingmans Dome store location. 888.898.9102, ext. 222 or 254; or www.smokiesinformation.org. • Jackson County Friends of the Library Used Bookstore will hold a sale on Friday, Nov. 28. All proceeds benefit Jackson County Public Library.

910.476.2544 • Local columnist and professor Chris Cox will read from and discuss his new collection of columns, “How We Say Goodbyeâ€? at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000. • Author Zeata Ruff will read from her book, “The Gumdrop Tree: A Christmas Storyâ€? at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

586.9499.

• A lecture entitled “Fuegians, Not Finches: The Meaning of Darwin’s First Contactâ€? will be presented

by Dr. James Moore of Open University, U.K., from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Seminar Room of the Coker Laboratory at the Highlands Biological Station. 526.2602 or msruigrok@email.wcu.edu. • A Haywood county non-fiction book club meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at various locations. 456.8428. • Write a Novel this November at the Canton Library, 3:30-6 p.m. Every Monday in November, meeting room, Canton Branch Library. 648.2924.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

• Holiday Music & Crafts ARTSaturday will be held from 10 a.m.-noon on Dec. 6 at Old Cowee School in Franklin. Free make-and-take holiday cards, decorations, cookies, etc., sponsored by the Arts Council of Macon County. 828-524-7683 or art4all@dnet.net. • A creative arts workshop entitled “Fabric Collage Holiday Cardâ€? will be held from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

with a neighbor in need FFall all brings beautiful colors, but it can also bring anxiety and concern for those who are facing colder wea weather ther and cannot afford hea heating ting for their homes.

• A creative arts workshop entitled “Beginning Spinningâ€? will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Dec. 9. At Haywood Community College.

Creativearts.haywood.edu or 565.4240.

Champion Credit Union is taking a stand and challenging others to help. FFor or ever everyy dollar dona donated, ted, Champion Credit Union will ma match tch tha thatt dona donation, tion, up to $10,000! T Together oogether we can Share the W Warmth armth with residents of Haywood County County..

• Intermediate blacksmithing workshops will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 12 at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Open to adults of any ability level. Ages 1317 may participate with parent present.

631.0271. www.jcgep.org.

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• Intermediate blacksmithing workshops will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Open to adults of any ability level. Ages 1317 may participate with parent present.

631.0271. www.jcgep.org.

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• A creative arts workshop entitled “Deck the Halls Ornament Makingâ€? will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. and from noon-2:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 At Haywood Community College. Creativearts.haywood.edu or 565.4240.

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GALLERIES • The 27th annual Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 in the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University. $4 adults, children 12-under free.

Exhibitors listed at www.mountainartisans.net.

524.3405 or djhunter@dnet.net.

Gift Amount

$

• A craft fair, hosted by Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center, will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. $15 booth space for members; $25 for non-members. 452.8080. Fair is open to the public.

We’ll MatchYour Donation up to a total of $10,000!

• The annual Artisans Drive-About Tour will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28-29, in Bryson City. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/artisans.html. • “ART after DARKâ€? will be held in downtown Waynesville until 9 p.m. on Dec. 5. Artist showings, refreshments, luminaires, and music. • Christmas in the Mountains Indoor Art & Craft Show & Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/events.html.

Outdoors OUTINGS & FIELDTRIPS • Members of the Haywood Waterways Association are invited by the board of directors to a celebration of the Pigeon River watershed from 6-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Lambuth Inn in Lake Junaluska. $15 buffet dinner. RSVP by Nov. 26. 550.4869 or christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com. • Cataloochee Ski Area’s annual Ski and Snowboard Swap Shop will be held Dec. 6-7 in Cat’s Lair Building at the ski area. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec. 7. Drop off items for sale between 3-7 p.m. on Dec. 5 or 7-9 a.m. on Dec. 6.

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Smoky Mountain News

• A baby-quilt-making marathon will be held by the Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 5-6, at the West Macon Fire Department. Bring sewing machine, walking-feet appliances and a side dish for lunch. 349.0883.

In Partnership with:

• Glass-blowing workshops entitled: “Christmas Ornaments with Danielâ€? will be held in one-hour time slots from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Open to adults of any ability level.

Ages 13-17 may participate with parent present.

631.0271. www.jcgep.org.

• “Designing a Buffetâ€? will be presented by Haywood County Senior Center in Waynesville at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 3. Registration required. 356.2800. • A class on “Using Your Own Digital Photosâ€? will be held at 5:45 p.m. on successive Wednesdays (Dec. 3 and Dec. 10) at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Attendance at both is recommended but not necessary. Free. 586.2016.

Sponsor Sponsored ed By:

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

• Author Janet Morrison will give a presentation about how to publish a book at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Canton Branch Library. Following the presentation, Morrison will sign copies of her book, “The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.â€? 648.2924.

• Holiday wreath-making classes will be held from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Cooperative Extension Office in Waynesville. $20 fee includes all materials; proceeds fund horticultural projects and grants in Haywood County. Reserve space

by Dec. 4 at 456.3575.

wnc calendar

• Andrew Danner will play live music at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 at City Lights CafÊ in Sylva.

on Dec. 6 At Haywood Community College.

Creativearts.haywood.edu or 565.4240.

newsdesk crafts

Americana, oldies and originals at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Dinner reservations: 452.6000.

4. #3 - free flier

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Smoky Mountain News Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

wnc calendar

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

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FARM & GARDEN

• The Jackson County Farmer’s Market has moved indoors for the winter. It is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays at the Community Table, located in downtown Sylva off Central Street between the playground and pool. 399.0290 www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• Agriculture-centered small business seminars at SCC, 9 a.m. – noon. Throught Dec. 11, Jackson County Public Library. Must register. www.ncsbc.net or 339.4211.

• A High Tea/Luncheon Fundraiser will be hosted by the Sylva Garden Club from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Nichols House Antiques in Sylva. $10 requested donation goes toward a pavilion in Bicentennial Park.

Tickets can be purchased from club members or at the door.

The Bug Lady

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• WNC Fly Fishing Expo, featuring fly-tying and flycasting clinics, is set for Dec. 5-6 at WNC Agricultural Center in Asheville. A vast array of fly fishing professionals will share knowledge and techniques. info@wncflyfishingexpo.com.

• The Historic Haywood Farmer’s Market will continue through December at a new indoor location at The Folkmoot Center in Hazelwood. Held from 9 a.m. to noon featuring meats, eggs, baked goods, and winter produce.Located at 112 Virginia Ave. 550.4774.

268-248

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• “Make an Outdoor Arrangement” will be presented by Haywood County Senior Center in Waynesville at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2. Registration required. 356.2800.

Fly Fishing the South

CALL KAREN

828-243-9318 thebugladyofwnc@gmail.com thebugladyofwnc.com

this Christmas the stuff of legends.

• Haywood County Master Gardeners Holiday Greens Market will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Badcock Furniture Store parking lot in Waynesville.

HIKING CLUBS Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy 3-mile hike on Sunday, Dec. 7, to Secret Falls in Horse Cove near Highlands. 765.318.9981.

• Friends of the Smokies will hold a Classic Hike of the Smokies and potluck on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Hike is a fourmile, easy round trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 300-foot elevation gain. Potluck afterward. $35. Members get a $10 discount. Register: annalee@friendsofthesmokies.org or 452.0720. Info: friendsofthesmokies.org.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate-tostrenuous work and exploration hike, with elevation change of 800 ft., on Rocky Bald Ridge just off the Appalachian Trail at Wine Springs on Saturday, Dec. 13. 524.5298.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy-to-moderate 1.5-mile hike, with an elevation change of 400 feet, on the Rufus Morgan Trail on Sunday, Dec. 14.

410.852.7510.

• Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • High Country Hikers, based out of Hendersonville but hiking throughout Western North Carolina, plans hikes every Monday and Thursday. Schedules, meeting places and more information are available on their website, www.highcountryhikers.org.

• Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Nonmembers contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org

Open Wednesday – Saturday, Nov. 28 – Jan. 3, at 5 p.m.

(Closed Dec. 24 & 25.)

Happening for the first time, this special Christmas event is located at 545 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. Stroll under the lights through fun, interactive displays that recount ancient Cherokee Christmas legends. Or come for the carnival rides, a 40-ft. Christmas tree, a visit with Santa Claus, and our synthetic ice rink. Tickets are just $5 for adults, $3 for children 6–12, and kids under five get in free. Grab your little elves and join us.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate-tostrenuous nine-mile hike on Monday, Dec. 15, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet going North on the Appalachian Trail from Wayah Crest to Wayah Bald Lookout Tower. 765.318.9981.

VisitCherokeeNC.com | 828.554.6490 49

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MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

AUCTION: Tractors, Tools, Forklift, Boats, Shop & Power Equipment, Specialty & Plumbing Tools, Fiberglass Equipment - Online Only Auction, Bidding Ends DECEMBER 11th @ 6:00PM - Jones County, NC. www.HouseAuctionCompany.com 252.729.1162 NCAL#7889 ABSOLUTE AUCTION Independence, VA. 291 acres - 3 Tracts. Saturday, November 22 10:30 am. 3.5 acres with Warehouse. 10.04 Acres with commercial building. 277 Acres marketable mixed hardwood timber.

Boyer Realty & Auction. Jimmy Boyer VAAR1279.

336.572 2323. boyerrealty@skybest.com

AUCTION HARPER’S AUCTION COMPANY Friday Nov. 28th @ 6:00 p.m.

Big Thanksgiving Day Celebration Free Food, Antiques, Sterling, Furniture, Great Glassware, Pottery, Live Christmas Trees, Christmas Decorations and Gifts, Jewelry and Much More!!!

47 Macon Center Dr. Franklin, NC 828.369.6999. harpersauctioncompany.com Debra Harper, NCAL #9659, NCFL #9671.

MOREHEAD CITY LAND AUCTION, 2.9+/- Acres Prime Commercial Property, Hwy 70 West. OnLine Bidding ENDS December 2 @ 4:00PM. 333' Hwy Frontage, City Water & Sewer. www.HouseAuctionCompany.com 252.729.1162 NCAL#7889 PUBLIC AUCTION Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 10am. 79 Branner Ave. Waynesville, NC. Complete Liquidation of Home Specialty Lumber & Hardware. Inventory, Lumber, Trucks, Forklifts, Trailer. 704.791.8825. ncaf5479. www.ClassicAuctions.com

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The Affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.800.291.2712 for FREE DVD and brochure.

ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control.

FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.

Installation Included. Call 800.807.7219 for $750 Off.

AUTO PARTS BLOWN HEAD GASKET Cracked Heads/Block. State of the art 2-part Carbon Composite Repair! All Vehicles Foreign or Domestic including Northstars!

100% guaranteed. Call Now: 1.866.780.9038 SAPA

CARS *CASH TODAY* We’ll Buy Any Car (Any Condition) + Free Same-Day Removal. Best Cash Offer Guaranteed! Call For FREE Quote: 888.472.2113 SAPA DISABLED VETERAN Is in need of Cheap Transportation for tri-weekly VA Hospital Commute If you can help please call Jeff at 828.316.8930.

DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

R

JOBS WANTED

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HOME BASED BUSINESS Serious impact on retirement for self-motivated people. Create your own safety net. Flex hours. FREE online training! Escalating income potential! project4wellness.com SAPA BE YOUR OWN BOSS! PT/FT No Exp Needed. Training Provided Not MLM No Cold Calling Earn Up to $5000 per month! Set Your Own Hours Schedule your Interviews at: www.bizpro104.com

EMPLOYMENT $1,000 WEEKLY!!

Mailing Brochures From Home.

Helping home workers since 2001.

Genuine Opportunity. NO Experience Required. Start Immediately. www.MailingMembers.com SAPA

ATTN: DRIVERS $$$ Up to 50 cpm + Bonuses $$$ Be Home for the Holidays! BCBS + 401k + Pet & Rider. Free Clinics + Family Friendly. Spanish/English Orientation Available. CDL-A Req. 877.258.8782. meltontruck.com/drivers

GORDON TRUCKING, INC. Ask about our new pay increase!

CDL-A Truck Drivers. Solo & Team Positions. Excellent Hometime. Call 7 days/wk! EOE. 866.646.1969.

GordonCareers.com NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES! Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experienced Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122

HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS HOSPITAL Positions now available: ER and Acute Registered Nurses, MDS Coordinator, Annual Gift Officer, Major Gift Officer, Unit Clerk, Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Tech and Administrative Assistant.

Benefits available the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. PreEmployment screening required.

Call Human Resources.

828.526.1376, or apply online at: www.highlandscashiershospital. org JOIN OUR TEAM! Guaranteed pay for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers! Regional and OTR. Great pay/benefits/401k match.

CALL TODAY 864.299.9645. www.jgr-inc.com THE NAVY IS HIRING Top-notch training, medical/dental, 30 days vacation/yr, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419

OUTPATIENT THERAPISTS Needed to Provide Therapy to Children/ Adolescents and Their Families; in the School, Home and Community. Competitive Salary, Flexible Hours, Excellent Benefit Package. MUST Posses a Current Therapy or Associate License. Submit Resume Via Email: telliot@jcpsmail.org

(828) 452-2227 • (800) 467-7144 (828) 456-6836 FAX

|

info@mainstreetrealty.net

mainstreetrealty.net

268-270

Jerry Smith 828-734-8765 jsmith201@kw.com 268-269

2562 Dellwood Rd. Waynesville

(U.S. Hwy. 19)

Between Russ Ave. & Maggie Valley kellerwilliamswaynesville.com 214-64

268-227

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111

DRIVERS: $3,000 SIGN-ON Bonus. $1,100 plus per week, Great Home Time, Awesome Benefit Package, Dedicated Flatbed. CDL-A 2yrs. Exp. 866.851.9902 DRIVERS: You Deserve a GREAT Paycheck & Benefit Package. E-Logs/Detention Pay after ONE HOUR! Monthly Bonus Program/Weekend Home-Time.

CDL-A/1yr. Exp. 877.704.3773.

101 South Main St. Waynesville, NC 28786

www.selecthomeswnc.com Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals APRIL A PETITE GIRL WITH PRETTY BLACK AND WHITE MARKINGS. SHE IS SWEET, TALKATIVE, ACTUALLY COMES WHEN CALLED, LOVES TO SNUGGLE AND LOVES TO BE NEAR HER PEOPLE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. SANDY AT JUST THE SIZE OF A MUNCHKIN, SHE IS A 2 YR OLD, LONG HAIRED CHIHUAHUA WITH HANDSOME MARKINGS AND SOFT TO THE TOUCH.

Your Local Big Green Egg Dealer

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

268-229

268-264

smokymountainnews.com

BE YOUR OWN BOSS! PT/FT No Exp Needed. Training Provided Not MLM No Cold Calling Earn Up to $5000 per month! Set Your Own Hours Schedule your Interviews at www.bizpro104.com SAPA

ATTN: DRIVERS. $$$ Up to 50 cpm + Bonuses $$$ Be Home for the Holidays! BCBS + 401k + Pet & Rider Free Clinics + Family Friendly Spanish/English Orientation Available CDL-A Req 1.888.592.4752. meltontruck.com/drivers SAPA

FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following position: Automotive Painting & Refinishing Instructor. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com.

Human Resources Office. Phone: 910.678.8378. Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Main Street Realty

EMPLOYMENT

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

ABUNDANT FREIGHT In NC to multiple destinations for Steps & RGNs. Come with your own Step/RGN or pull ours AT NO COST! www.dailyrecruiting.com or 1.800.669.6414

SPANISH LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR Mountain Projects is seeking an experienced Spanish/English bilingual translator to assist our Certified Marketplace Navigators as needed during consumer appointments. This is a temporary grant funded position for the seven far-western counties of Western North Carolina. Candidate must have a valid Drivers License, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record and scheduling flexibility; mileage will be reimbursed. Experience within an education or health care setting is a plus. Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects; 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786, or 25 Schulman St., Sylva, NC 28779 or you may go to our website: www.mountainprojects.org and fill out an application on line. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

AA/EOE

EMPLOYMENT

WNC MarketPlace

LADY WITH 35+Yrs. EXPERIENCE In Retail/Customer Service, Would Like a Part-Time Job, With Compensation Commiserate With Experience. References Available Upon Request. Please Call Victoria 863.206.1077.

EMPLOYMENT

51

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT

PETS

SEEKING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Coordinator for Clean Slate Enterprise. Business, Marketing, Supervision and Excellent Communication Skills Required.

Supervise Residents in Creating and Selling Non-Toxic Products and Offering Cleaning Services.

Prefer Degree. 30 Hours per Week Starting at $16,000.

Contact Marsha at 828.506.4221 and or email resume to: marshacrites52@gmail.com

HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

AVIATION MANUFACTURING CAREERS- Get started by training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494.

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

WEB DESIGNER NEEDED Must Possess Excellent Photo Shop Skills. In Waynesville Office. For more info please visit: www.marketsuperforce.com

PLANTS/SHRUBS SPRUCE CHRISTMAS TREES From 4’ to 15’, $12 each - you cut/dig. ALSO Landscaping Plants: Box Woods, Arborvitae, Maple & Kousa Dogwood. Farm located south of Franklin, 441 to Addington Bridge Rd., to Middle Skeenah Rd., to Whispering Meadows Rd. Call Doyle Chambers 828.884.4584 in Brevard for more info.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

CAN YOU DIG IT? Heavy Equipment Operator Training! 3 Week Program. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance with National Certifications. VA Benefits Eligible! 866.288.6896

www.smokymountainnews.com

LAWN & GARDEN

COLONIAL LIFE Is seeking B2B sales reps. Commissions average $50K+/yr. Training & leads. Sales experience required, LA&H license preferred. Also seeking Sales Managers. Call Grayson Blake at 336.300.6215.

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

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 NC MTNS NEAR ASHEVILLE Owner must sell new log cabin on 1.5ac. Huge porches, vaulted ceiling, 1200sf ready to finish. $74,900, add'l acreage avail.

828.286.2981.

BANNER ELK, NC 10 acre tract adjoining National Forest, huge panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain & access to 2 lakes & 9 parks! Taking a loss, $49,900. 877.717.5263, ext691.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

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. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT AMERICA’S BEST BUY! 20 Acres - Only $99/mo! $0 Down.

No Credit Checks. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE & Owner Financing.

Near El Paso, Texas. Beautiful Mountain Views! Free Color Brochure. 1.877.284.2072 www.TexasLandBuys.com SAPA

HOMES FOR SALE FOR RENT W/ OPTION TO BUY 4/BR Home, Desirable Neighborhood/Mtn. Views, Privacy, One Mile to Lake Junaluska. Master BR/Walk-In Closet, Double Sinks in Bath. Hardwood & Carpet, 2 Fireplaces, LR, DR, Office, Bonus Room- 1/2 Bath, Equipped Kitchen, New Roof, Covered Porch & Patio, Level Fenced Back Yard, Spacious Storage. Move In Ready $1,200/mo. Call For More Info

828.298.7287 BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

VACATION RENTALS CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, North Georgia Mountains. **WINTER SPECIAL: Buy 2 Nights, 3rd FREE** 1,2,& 3 Bedroom Cabins with HOT TUBS! Virtual Tour: www.CavendarCreek.com Call Now Toll Free 1.866.373.6307 SAPA TIMESHARE BY OWNER Most Convenient and Efficient Timeshare Retail/Sales Agency Around. 1.5 Million in Offers Monthly. Packages Start As Low As $299. Get the Most Out of Your Timeshare. Call Now!!

1.888.360.7755 SAPA FLAGLER BEACH MOTEL & Vacation Rentals **Trip Advisor** Certificate of Excellence Furnished Oceanside Studio 1-2-3 Bedrooms, Full Kitchens. FREE WiFi, Direct TV, Pool. Call 1.386.517.6700 or www.fbvr.net SAPA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS! Fall or winter vacations! Cabins, Condos, Homes. Pets welcome.

Nightly, Weekly & Monthly rentals.

Best rates. Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock. Foscoe Rentals 1.800.723.7341 www.foscoerentals.com. SAPA

Great Selection. Great Prices. Great Service. Great People.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400

NEW PAY And Weekly Home Time for SE Regional Drivers! Earn up to $0.42/mile PLUS up to $0.03 per mile in bonus pay! Call 866.291.2631 or SuperServiceLLC.com

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for Stevens Transport! No Experience Needed! New drivers earn $800+ per week!

PAID CDL TRAINING Stevens covers all costs! 1.888.748.4137 drive4stevens.com

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962

Shop us online @ www.taylorfordonline.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

268-265

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 52

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT Convenient Location 19/23 Between Clyde and Canton

5 x 10 = $25 10 x 10 = $40 10 x 20 = $75 • NO CONTRACTS • Nobody Beats Our Rates

828.342.8700 CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT 1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700 maggievalleyselfstorage.com 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.

FINANCIAL

INJURED? IN A LAWSUIT? Need Cash Now? We Can Help! No Monthly Payments to Make. No Credit Check. Fast Service and Low Rates. Call Now 1.866.386.3692. www.lawcapital.com (Not available in NC, CO, MD & TN) SAPA

FURNITURE COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

FOR SALE 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.

FEMALE DACHSHUND 9 lbs., one year, awaiting spay appointment on Nov. 24th. Call 828.293.5629.

BANDIT An adolescent, neutered, black cat. He tries to answer the

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

GET THE BIG DEAL From DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo Free 3-Months of HBO, Starz, Showtime & Cinemax. Free Genie HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket. Included with Select Packages. New Customers Only. IV Support Holdings LLC- An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1.800.849.3514 REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers, SO CALL NOW 1.800.614.5355 SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, Open 10am- 5pm, Mon - Sat. Come & let us find your Scottish Connection!

828.584.7472 or visit us at: www.scottishtartans.org.

CONNOR - Great Dane/Retriever Mix dog – black & white, I was born in spring 2014 and I’m a handsome, energetic pup. I already weigh 53 pounds, so I’m going to be a big boy. I already know how to use a doggy-door to let myself go potty, and I have mastered several commands.

Even though I enjoy playing rough with other big dogs, I do get along with cats and small dogs and I am very respectful of them.

Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

GOOSIE - Domestic Shorthair cat – gray & cream, I am 4-5 years old, and I’m a big beautiful girl. I am front-declawed, which means I need to stay strictly indoors! I’m very sweet and

265-142

MEDICAL GUARDIAN Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800.983.4906. SAPA

Mieko Thomson ROKER/R /REALTOR EALTOR®® BBROKER

Cell (828) 226-2298 Cell

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

Haywood County Real Estate Agents Beverly Hanks & Associates beverly-hanks.com

Is a long-haired, male cat. He is black and white. 877.273.5262

ARF’S NEXT LOW-COST Dog and cat spay/neuter trip is Dec. 1st. Register in advance at ARF’s adoption site in Sylva 1-3 on Saturdays. Spaces limited, so don’t wait to register. You should’nt bring your animal to registration. Do bring income documentation if you wish to apply for free or low-income discounts. For more information, call 877.273.5262.

people-friendly and will seek out your attention, but don’t get along with other cats very well.

Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

SHAKIRA - Domestic Shorthair cat – apricot & white, I am about 8 years old, and I’m intelligent, sweet girl with plenty of energy left but maturity to go with it. I enjoy cuddling but will not “smother” you with my affection.

Many of my teeth have been extracted, but that doesn’t stop me from being able to eat dry cat food. I get along fine with dogs, birds, and other cats, but I do prefer an environment that is more calm than active. Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested: adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY 828.761.2001, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806 We’re located behind Deal Motorcars, off Brevard & Pond Rd.

MOUNTAIN REALTY

MEDICAL

HANDSOME, CHARLI -

ARF (HUMANE SOCIETY OF JACKSON COUNTY) Holds rescued pet adoptions Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 (weather permitting) at 50 Railroad Avenue in Sylva. Animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots.

Most cats $60, most dogs $70.

Preview available pets at www.a-r-f.org, or call foster home.

FREE: BABY GRAND PIANO To church, school or other nonprofit. 828.269.4559.

DISH TV RETAILER. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1.800.405.5081

telephone. He is litter box trained. Call 828.586.5647.

BARNUM - A purebred, 3 year old, male, 28 lb. Beagle. He is sweet, good on a leash, working on house training, and usesa doggie door. Barnum is very laid back, but will definitely let you know if someone is at the door.

Call 828.586.5186.

• • • •

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Emerson Group • George Escaravage — gke333@gmail.com

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com Realty World Heritage Realty realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769 • Linda Wester realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7771

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Catherine Proben — cp@catherineproben.com

smokymountainnews.com

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

PET MATE Large Dog Crate 40x27x30, Clean Good Cond. $45. Large Red Radio Flyer Wagon, 0890 Vintage, little rust $35. Call for more info 828.524.8138.

A tan and white, 2-3 year old Terrier. He is long hair, is friendly, and weighs 23 lbs. Call 828.293.5629.

JULIE - A 2 year-old, female Pit Bull. She is spayed, up-to-date with shots. weighs about 45 lbs., and is housebroken. She had a accident which required removal of her left hind leg. She was abandoned by her owners who left her at the vet’s who did the surgery. She loves to play at her foster home with another dog there who looks just like her. She handles her condition beautifully. Call 828.788.3056.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

ENJOY 100 PERCENT GUARANTEED, Delivered?to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 74 percent PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - The Family Value Combo - ONLY $39.99. ORDER Today 1.800.715.2010 Use code 48829AFK or www.OmahaSteaks.com/mbfvc46 SAPA

HOWDY -

WNC MarketPlace

BULLFROG STORAGE

Pet Adoption

FOR SALE SPRUCE CHRISTMAS TREES From 4’ to 15’, $12 each - you cut/dig. ALSO Landscaping Plants: Box Woods, Arborvitae, Maple & Kousa Dogwood. Farm located south of Franklin, 441 to Addington Bridge Rd., to Middle Skeenah Rd., to Whispering Meadows Rd. Call Doyle Chambers 828.884.4584 in Brevard for more info.

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net 268-228

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

www.smokymountainnews.com

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CD CHANGER

CROSSWORD

72 Gem with a play of colors ACROSS 76 John Hersey’s “A Bell 1 Rest lazily for -” 7 “Fame” singer 78 Prefix with physics 16 Wood-trimming tool 79 Take potshots (at) 20 Ice-block houses 80 Papas who love 21 Bottom-line costs pekoe?

22 Taunt in fun 85 Riches 23 Talks Texas-style while 89 Elite retreat trapped by some rubble?

90 Second part of a play 25 Era-spanning story 91 Not live, as a TV show 26 Legislator in D.C. 93 Shark to watch out for 27 Crowded 95 Team esteem 28 - -Magnon man 97 Gorgeous resident of 29 Part of rpm Rome?

30 “As - often the case 99 Brian of Roxy Music ...”

100 Nest eggs for srs.

31 Things enjoyed at a 103 Aleve rival beer-selling gallery?

104 Cure- - (panaceas) 38 - charge (gratis) 105 Dog trained to load 41 Become swollen ships?

42 Dried out 108 “The Man” Musial 43 “Quiet down!”

111 Seat winners 44 What major flooding 112 Sorority letters may do to an Australian 113 Hideaways state?

115 Hedge shrub 49 Hammy actor 118 Conical-bore instru51 Item swiped for credit ment 52 Sums of cash 120 Boy shopping for fop55 “There is Nothin’ Like pish clothes?

-” (“South Pacific” song) 125 Loathsome 56 Suffix with fool or 126 Very big dog ghoul 127 Broadway’s “Miss -” 57 A law unto 128 See 117-Down 59 Order Barrymore to 129 “The Divine Sarah” stay in? of stage and screen 61 Game with pawns 130 Data-entry person 63 Baby tiger 65 “- Gold” (Peter Fonda DOWN film) 1 Pan toppers 66 SSE part 2 Real meanie 67 Dull color worn by vio- 3 - Bator linists?

4 At once

5 Top medals 6 Twisty paths 7 Little hotels 8 Gave out new hands 9 Summer, in Toulon 10 “On the Media” airer 11 Time of note 12 About, in dates 13 Squirrel food 14 Modify, as a program 15 Set a price of 16 Totally lost 17 Proxima Centauri, e.g.

18 - and zag 19 Sorority letter 24 Game using a large deck 29 Fabricated in advance 30 Ames’ home 32 Wall-to-wall people, e.g.

33 Poi base 34 Jellyfish woe 35 Rapping “Dr.” 36 Main topic 37 Mole’s kin 38 Counsel 39 Singer Yearwood 40 Quick bites 41 F preceders 45 CBS military drama 46 Large tank 47 CPA hirer 48 Ireland’s - Lingus 50 Like a heavy favorite 53 In- - -face 54 Toni Morrison bestseller 58 PC monitor type 60 Ia. neighbor 62 Arenas 64 Plead 67 Rage 68 - -Aryan

69 Bring to ruin 70 Braid anew 71 Fawn nurser 73 Flower part 74 Plea 75 Finds out 77 Many newspapers 79 Mets’ old ballpark 80 Housebroke 81 - Lodge 82 Appalling 83 Takeoff abbr.

84 Kitchen wrap 86 - nitrite (angina treatment) 87 Chou En- 88 Blast stuff 92 Mani- 94 Actor Arkin 96 Make a gaffe 98 “The Lost Weekend” co-star Ray 101 Hope (to) 102 Silk spinner 106 Genuflected 107 Chinese, e.g.

108 Punker Vicious 109 Amorous rendezvous 110 Test, as ore 114 Work without 115 Berra of baseball 116 Valentine’s Day god 117 With 128-Across, sped 118 A bit askew 119 Furry scarf 120 Soviet Union spy org.

121 Ultimate degree 122 Toothpaste tube letters 123 - es Salaam 124 Helpful lead

answers on page 52

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Answers on Page 52

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Lake J is heating up was fortunate to be able to spend a few hours last Saturday morning (Nov. 23) with members of the Carolina Field Birders on one of their trips around Lake Junaluska. It was still a bit chilly around 9 a.m. when we were to meet at the swimming pool area. But the wind wasn’t blowing and the sun had a nice warm feeling to it. Plus we could see a few interesting birds from our vantage point. Nothing warms birders up in the wintertime like seeing birds.

Horned grebes swam and dove in front of us near the pool. Several members had spotting scopes, through which, even in the bad lighting conditions, red-breasted mergansers, ruddy ducks, redheads and others could be seen across the lake near the large parking lot behind Stuart Auditorium. And while we waited for everyone to show up, the soft “mewing” of a yellow-bellied sapsucker could be heard from the trees behind us.

After everyone was accounted for, we carpooled around to the parking lot near Stuart Auditorium and set up shop again. We got great looks at the red-breasted mergansers — most were females but there were a couple of males in the group. There was a raft of

I

20 or more redheads. We also saw a doublecrested cormorant, some ring-necked ducks, more horned grebes, pied-billed grebes, ruddy ducks and more. There were also butterbutts (yellow-rumped warblers) in the trees behind us at the parking lot.

We left the parking lot and went up to the cross. We watched golden-crowned and ruby-crowned kinglets from our vantage point there. We were also treated to a quick stop-and-go from a small group of pine siskins, plus we saw eastern towhees, song sparrows and picked out a Bonaparte’s gull from a group of ringed-bills that flew in and settled on the lake.

From the cross, we made a quick tour of County Road. Along the edges of the pasture and cropland there we were treated to a variety of species. We got common grackles, redwinged blackbirds, brown-headed cowbirds, rusty blackbirds and even an eastern meadowlark. We also found a large group of killdeer in the horse pasture.

My time was running short, and I soon had to leave. But I got in contact with Bob Olthoff and Connie Wulkowicz to see how the rest of the trip went. They were still on a roll. White-crowned sparrows were found at the greenway parking area along Richland

Blue phase snow goose in Jonathan Valley. Chris Bogardus photo Creek across U.S. 19 from the lake. A mature bald eagle also made a grand entrance and perched in a tree just above the group.

But it didn’t stop there. A recent email from Keith Miller, a CFB member whose health has curtailed his ability to join the group on trips, had alerted Connie to the possibility of greater white-fronted and a blue-phase snow goose in Jonathan Valley.

Part of the group took a quick ride to Jonathan Valley — and sure enough they found four greater white-fronted geese and one blue-phase snow goose.

The trip and the trip count ended Saturday with around 57 species. But

nature’s faucet doesn’t turn on and off like that. Bob Olthoff called me Sunday morning as my girls and I were headed to South Carolina. He was at the lake with Connie and others and they were looking at three American avocets. You don’t have to wait for a ‘trip-day’ to find interesting guests at Lake J from now through May. And while the more time you spend there — the more you are likely to see — a quick loop around the lake at any time, especially just after weather events, could put you in the right place at the right time.

(Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

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NEW LOCATION

Our mission is to provide high quality, personalized and compassionate obstetrical and gynecological care to women beginning in adolescence and continuing through menopause.

We strive to consistently exceed the expectations of all of our patients.

Dr. Janine Keever earned her Bachelor's degree at Western Carolina University in 1996. After earning her M.D. at East Carolina University and completing a residency at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, she returned to the mountains to open Smoky Mountain Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2006. Since then, her main focus has been to provide the best possible health care for the women of Western North Carolina. Keever is a skilled surgeon specializing in minimally invasive gynecological procedures, including the 'no scar' vaginal hysterectomy. She is also active in community affairs. Keever lives in Sylva with her husband and adventurous 6 year old son.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2014

Dr. Sabine Kelischek is a board certified OB/GYN physician who has practiced in WNC since 1994. She received her B.S. from Davidson College and M.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While there she also studied Health Policy and International Health at the School of Public Health. Her interest in health policy took her to Washington, D.C. where she served as Legislative Director for the American Medical Student Association.She completed her residency training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and soon thereafter relocated to the mountains to enter private practice. Kelischek loves contra dancing and sings with the Asheville Choral Society. Other interests include gardening, quilting, and literature.

Leah Trombly, WHNP is a board certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the practice in August 2014. She received her B.S. from Mount Olive College in North Carolina, and MSN from Frontier in Hyden, Kentucky. Her clinical specialties include well woman/preventative care, childbirth education, breast health, and weight management. Leah was awarded Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships in 2005 and 2010 to study Spanish in Mexico and Nicaragua and offers bilingual services.

She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant as well as a certified Independent Beachbody Coach. She is an avid exerciser, and is happily married with five wonderful children.

Smoky Mountain News

Kathy Walsh, WHNP is our newest Board Certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. She recently relocated to the mountains from Illinois, where she worked for 31 years in the field of collaborative and holistic care for women. She earned a B.S. from Western Illinois University and MSN from the University of Wisconsin. Her clinical interests range from OB care and birth control to menopause and integrative medicine. She is also a Certified Lactation Educator. She enjoys hiking in our beautiful mountains.

Among her many accomplishments, she is especially proud of raising four fabulous children and finishing the Chicago Marathon.

• • • • • • • • • •

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Yearly Exams and Paps Contraception/ Birth Control Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialized Gynecologic Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Prenatal Care for both Low and High Risk Pregnancies In Office Ablations and Essure Procedures Vaginal hysterectomy specialist Childbirth Education Breastfeeding Support

Both physicians are Board certified by American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Both nurse practioners are Board Certified.

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