Smoky Mountain News

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Dec. 5-11, 2012 Vol. 14 Iss. 27

The price of rewarding kids with fast-food coupons Page 16

WNC pilots new federal Blueways trail program Page 30

CONTENTS

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As need rises, both temperatures and funding for heating assistance drop.

Although government organizations and nonprofits do their best to help everyone, many are concerned that a harsh winter could leave some out in the cold. (Page 6)

News Suspect arrested in Walmart stalker case ............................................................4 Police, KARE offer advice for keeping children safe ..........................................4 Jackson forges ahead with new TDA board ........................................................5 Community organizations partner to keep needy warm this winter ................7 Cherokee banks prep for busy per capita check day ......................................10 New Waynesville ABC store to open next year ................................................12 Schools lose ABC funding after new store announcement ..........................12 Old Maggie ABC store saved from closure for now ......................................13 Confederate flag supporters refuse to give up the fight ................................15 Dieticians question wisdom of rewarding kids with fast-food coupons ......16 Schools look for fun ways to reward good behavior ........................................16

Opinion Town should require transit shelters for elderly bus riders ............................18

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December 5-11, 2012

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Back Then The appropriately named ‘Blue Darter’ ................................................................47 WAYNESVILLE | 34 Church Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789 I NFO & B ILLING | Post Office Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786

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December 5-11, 2012

Smoky Mountain News

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news December 5-11, 2012 Smoky Mountain News

Suspect in Walmart child stalking case out on bail Parents in Western North Carolina breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when police caught and arrested the man suspected of stalking and assaulting an 11year-old girl inside the Walmart Supercenter in Waynesville.

Ryan Scot Davis, 48, of Candler, promptly made his $100,000 bail, however, and is now out of jail while awaiting trail. Davis is a convicted child sex offender who previously served prison time for a similar incident.

Waynesville police alleged that Davis is the same man who stalked an 11-year-old girl around the Waynesville Walmart on the Saturday afternoon after Thanksgiving.

Posing as a security guard, Davis allegedly told her she was suspected of shoplifting. He led her to a stack of boxes, which he had arranged ahead of time to create a cordoned off area obscured from the view of other shoppers. He accused her of stealing and told her to remove her clothes.

When the child refused, the perpetrator released her.

Police were able to piece together what happened using video surveillance tapes from Walmart and later released a picture of the suspect to the public, asking people to come forward and help identify the man.

Media plastered his picture across Western North Carolina.

The Waynesville Police Department received several tips from callers, naming Davis as a suspect, and upon investigation, police found enough probable cause to believe that Davis was indeed the man they were looking for.

Davis is already listed on the Sex Offender Registry. He previously spent six years in prison for taking indecent liberties with a child in Henderson County in 2000.

Hollingsed stated that the circumstances of the 2000 incident are very similar to those that took place at Walmart in Waynesville on Saturday.

The full list of charges is: second-degree kidnapping, indecent liberties with a child and assault on a child under 12. All three are felonies.

Parents urged to use diligence when in public with children

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER hen a strange man approached an 11-year-old girl in Waynesville’s Walmart more than a week ago and asked her to take off her clothes, police say the young girl did the right thing — she refused.

Although the unnamed girl walked away from the incident unmolested and the man in question was quickly apprehended, the incident has brought to light the dangers facing children in even the quaintest of towns and most average of stores.

“We want to believe it is the perfect little nesting place in America, and it’s not,” said Capt. Mike Davis with the Waynesville Police Department.

The recent incident left Roslyn Petty of Canton questioning whether there was anything more she could do to keep her grandchildren and great-grandchildren safe. Petty, who clutched her two-year-old great-grandson to her chest as she left Walmart Friday, said simply keeping an eye on the kids helps keep them safe.

“I just never let him out of my sight,” Petty said. “There is tragedy around every corner.”

Petty lived in Florida in the 1980s and remembers the child abduction of a six-yearold boy from a Sears department store in Hollywood, Fla. He was later found dead and decapitated. The young boy’s death gained national attention and in part, led to the creation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

For Misty Pooler of Waynesville, the episode hit close to home because of the girl’s age — just one year younger than her own daughter.

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“Predators love to take advantage of crowds, too. They are looking for an opening and opportunities to exercise their perversion.”

— Capt. Mike Davis, Waynesville Police Department

safety tips from KARE, it is still crucial for parents to talk about safety and make contingency plans with their children.

If a predator should target a child, one of the best things to do is scream, Davis said.

“Screaming is a great tool,” Davis said.

“Children can really scream loud.”

He also suggested that older children use their cell phones. In the instance of the young girl at Walmart, the man posed as a security guard and accused her of stealing before asking her to undress. Since children are taught to respect authority figures, predators use that to their advantage.

So, if children are apprehended by an unknown adult who accuses them of wrongdoing, they should pull out their cell and tell the person that they must call their parents to meet them.

“Just about every fifth grader has a cell phone,” Schroer said.

If the adult is actually a security guard as they say, then there will be no problem.

However, if the person is a child predator, a quick call to the child’s parents will likely scare them off.

Davis also warned parents to be vigilant and keep their children close, particularly during the holiday season when a lot more people are out shopping.

“Predators love to take advantage of that, too,” Davis said. “They are looking for an opening and opportunities to exercise their perversion.”

While being aware of potential predators is important, parents should not panic right away if their child is missing. Parents should perform a quick sweep of the area to see if the child has simply wandered off, which is the most likely case, Davis said. If they still cannot find their child, then talk to customer service representatives who can call for him or her over the store’s intercom system.

Children should also be taught to go to the front of the store and ask an employee for help if they get separated from their parents, Davis added.

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“My little girl won’t be walking around by herself,” Pooler said assuredly.

Pooler added that she has talked to her daughter about being safe and what to do if a stranger approaches.

Because such events can take place anywhere, Kids Advocacy Resource Effort (KARE) has worked with schools in Haywood County to educate children, kindergarten through fifth grade, on various dangers.

KARE, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and advocating for children who have been Ryan Scot Davis physically or sexually abused, gives different presentations each year depending on what class the children are in. Its programs cover good touch versus bad touch and good secrets versus bad ones.

“The three main rules are: to say no, to run away and to find a trusted adult,” said Julie Schroer, director of KARE. In addition to programming for schools, KARE also offers programs for adults to help them recognize and report potential abuse.

“If you see something that doesn’t look right or feel right, then it may not be right,” Schroer said.

Although Haywood County schoolchildren learn about stranger danger and other

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WCU ALUM ASSOCIATION HOSTS GATHERING Western Carolina University Chancellor David Belcher (speaking), WCU coaches, staff and alumni gathered at Sid’s on Main in Canton on Dec. 6 in an event sponsored by the WCU Alumni Association and the Catamount Club. Belcher gave a brief update on goings-on at WCU while Athletic Director Randy Eaton discussed efforts to improve the university’s athletic department. Scott McLeod photo

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Smoky Mountain News

Thanks to: Smoky Mountain News, The Mountaineer, MedWest, Great Beginnings, Evergreen Packaging, Sid’s on Main, United Community Bank, Haywood EMC, United Way, The Vaught Insurance Agency, John Highsmith, DDS, Sellars Florist, Yarrington Physical Therapy, High St. Baptist Church, Smathers & Smathers Attorneys at Law, Simple Taste Grill, Champion Credit Union, Moss Sign Company, Pisgah Athletic Boosters, Canton Lions Club, Cut Loose Hair Salon, Creative Landscaping, Zavala Rock Mason, Mark Pinkston, Walter Danielewski, Overbay Insurance Services, Mountain Sports, PIMSY, and Urban Athletic

December 5-11, 2012

FROM STAFF REPORTS fter more than a year of wrangling, a new Jackson County tourism authority was finally created this week, its board members officially named, and formal marching orders handed down.

The overhaul of tourism operations in Jackson County are intended to bring a new approach to tourism marketing and promotions, and hopefully increase tourism. Past tourism marketing efforts were stymied by turf wars and duplication of efforts by similar agencies.

The new countywide tourism board will control about $484,000, collected from a tax on overnight lodging. That money is used for marketing and initiatives to sell Jackson County as a destination and attract more tourists to the area.

The newly formed organization is a combination of the two tourism agencies that previously operated separately — one existed for the county as a whole and the other represented the greater Cashiers area.

In a throwback to the old setup, however, the newly created Tourism Development Authority ensures the two geographic area has an equal number of seats, reassuring Cashiers tourism entities that their interests won’t be overshadowed by the county as a whole.

A major point of contention in the tourism overhaul was who a county tourism director would report to: to the tourism board or the county manager? The majority of county commissioners wanted oversight of the tourism director, including hiring and firing power, to rest with the county manager. Some members of the lodging believed that oversight should rest with the tourism board.

After going around and around on the issue, commissioners decided to eliminate all mention of a tourism director position in the

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New Jackson tourism agency launches

by-laws and instead save the debate for a future date.

County Manager Chuck Wooten said once the tourism authority members get situated, they can then decide whether they even want to hire a director and at that point come back to the county to hash out the details of the position.

Of the 15 seats on the newly formed countywide tourism board, 10 are reserved for those in the lodging industry, three for tourism-related businesses and one each representing the Jackson County and Cashiers chambers of commerce.

Some in the lodging industry believed they should account for the sum total of seats on the board, but commissioners believed other stakeholders in the tourism industry should be allowed to serve on the board.

The following list is of the newly nominated board members.

Clifford Meads, manager of the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, was named as the chairman.

Seven members representing Cashiers/Glenville Area • John Woods, Wyndham Resort • Mary Lanning, Hampton Inn & Suites • Bob Dews, Laurelwood Mountain Inn • Clifford Meads, High Hampton Inn • Debby Hattler, Hattler Properties • Brian Peterkin, Cornucopia Cheese Shop • Ken Fernandez, Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Seven members representing the rest of Jackson County • Merrily Teasley, Balsam Mountain Inn • Cherie Bowers, Smoky Mountain Getaways • Julie Stockton, Holiday Inn Express • Vick Patel, Best Western Inn • Jim Hartbarger, Jarrett House • Alex Bell, AB Fly Fishing Guide Service • Russ Seagle, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce One at-large representative • Mickey Luker, Caney Fork General Store * Four non-voting seats on the board are reserved for a Jackson County Commissioner, the Jackson County Finance Officer, executive director of Cashiers Chamber of Commerce and executive director of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

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Bracing for the worst Struggle to afford heating costs hits new high

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER t looked like any wood yard, piles of tree trunks in various stages of processing: long logs still bearing their bark, shorter stacks cut into rounds and neatly split triangles of firewood ready to be shoveled into a piping stove.

But to Richard Reeves, the woodlot at an abandoned factory site in Waynesville, is ground zero in the battle to fight winter’s impending cold.

Reeves, a retired school principal, coordinates a firewood program for the needy in Haywood County through Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church to help those unable to heat their own homes.

“If you could see some of the houses…,” Reeves said. “There are a lot of hurting people in Haywood County who can’t afford fuel oil.”

Last month, the seven-year-old Long’s Chapel program delivered its 1,400th truckload of firewood. Reeves expects to hit the 1,500mark in February. But, it may not be enough.

While nonprofit organizations and charitable programs like this one are scrambling to raise money to help the poor pay for heat — from heating oil deliveries to stopgap measures like space heaters — the past three years has seen a growing breach. Government heating assistance resources have rapidly declined while the number of people needing help has risen.

The chasm has left many disabled, poor and elderly mountain residents worried at the prospect of plummeting winter temperatures without the means to raise the thermostat inside.

Charities are upping their appeal to the community to pitch in and help, including the Share the Warmth campaign led by Mountain Projects, a social aid nonprofit based in Haywood and Jackson counties.

“Without them, I don’t know what we would’ve done,” said 72-year-old Melba Garland. Garland, who lives in Canton, received 100 gallons of heating oil last month thanks to Mountain Projects — a delivery that cost more than $400.

Previously, Garland and her son, who makes minimum wage, were using his small paycheck and her social security payment to buy a five-gallon can of oil every few days to heat their small house. Each purchase was just a Band-Aid. “That lasted two days, then we had to go again,” Garland said.

Garland also has diabetes and suffered a 6 stroke in 2006 — her husband suffered one in

Smoky Mountain News

December 5-11, 2012

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Richard Reeves stacks firewood at a lot in Waynesville. The wood is delivered free to low-income families in Haywood County to help with heating needs. Andrew Kasper photo the 1990s and now lives in a nearby nursing home. Her medical conditions only complicate the potential consequences of an improperly heated home.

However, she can only guess as to how long the 100 gallons of oil will last her.

“I don’t really know, but I’m going to stretch it out,” Garland said. “We try to keep it cut down as low as we can to save what we got.”

NO MORE MONEY Monday marked the first day local agencies and county social service departments began accepting applications for the federal low-income heating assistance funds — one of two primary funding streams available from the government to assist with heating needs in the winter.

That funding is far lower than it’s been in years’ past, however.

In the past two years, the amount of public funding available to North Carolina residents for heating, as well as emergency cooling assistance has dropped from $116 million

“It’d be nice if we could open up our heating oil program to a wider swath of people, but the fact is we don’t want to run out of money.”

— Rusty Wallace, Haywood Christian Ministry assistant director

to $47 million. The funding originates from the federal level, is dispersed to the states, and then to local governments.

And each county is feeling the effects.

Haywood County’s allocation dropped from about $1 million to roughly $350,000.

“It was a very significant cut,” said Haywood County Social Services Director Ira Dove. “We’re hoping that folks can still get the services they need.”

Although funding for fuel assistance saw a spike in 2011, and critics say pre-2011 funding was more in-line with current levels. The cost of heating fuel sources has risen, and many residents are still struggling to find their feet in a lagging economy.

Haywood’s Social Services Department has already used about half of its federal money, after receiving it in July.

In addition to aiding low-income residents with heating costs, a portion of the assistance funds are specifically designated for crisis situations — providing temporary relief to people who fall victim to a heating or cooling related emergency, such as a broken furnace or air conditioner or a utility cutoff notice.

Some residents request the emergency funding following a medical ailment that makes the cold, or extreme heat, life threatening. Or, some have young children in the house with breathing conditions aggravated by temperatures above or below a certain threshold.

Dove said despite rationing efforts to conserve the pot of emergency assistance funds — because of the cool-

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Meaning caseworkers had to refer people in need to nonprofits and other charities for help until the next funding stream — namely heating assistance money for low-income residents — became available Dec. 1. And that’s if the person would even qualify.

Low-income heating assistance is available to the elderly and disabled below a certain income, far below what many consider a living wage. A person making more than $1,200 per month isn’t eligible, yet just 100 gallons of fuel can cost $400 to $500 — almost half a month’s salary.

The low-income heating assistance funds

are administered on a first-come first-serve basis. Last year, Jackson County ran out of funding by the end of the first month it started taking applications.

This year, the county has about $56,000 in low-income heating assistance funds to give out — roughly $15,000 less than last year.

Moss estimated qualified households receive an average of $250 from the program, paid directly to the heating oil, propane or electric company. A $15,000 cut could mean 60 households in Jackson County will not receive the help this winter.

Occasionally, local agencies receive con-

tingency funds in January — a late influx of surplus money — but this year, Moss is not holding his breath, neither for those funds nor any substantial boosts to the funding stream in the near future.

“I don’t know, but if you look at the trend from this year and last year, we’ve seen decreases,” Moss said. “It’s a possibility while we get through these economic times, we may continue to see cuts.”

Last winter was the first time in a while that no additional funds came through mid-

Smoky Mountain News

er nature of the mountain climate, the early cold spell that brought snow before Halloween in WNC still managed to gobble up those funds by November, well before the dead of winter.

And the story is the same in other mountain counties. Last week, Macon County, which contracts with CareNet to administer emergency heating assistance funds, had only $13,000 left, and Jackson County was already in the same boat as Haywood.

“We’re already out,” said Randal Moss, an income maintenance supervisor with Jackson County’s Social Services Department.

December 5-11, 2012

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER rom charity golf tournaments to bluegrass concerts to spare change jars, nonprofits lending a helping hand with heating costs for the needy use a variety of means to get people to pitch in for the cause.

Now in its second year, nonprofits in Haywood have come together under the Million Coin Campaign, which rallies residents to purge their pockets of spare change in one of many collection jars blanketing the county. The slogan for the campaign says it all: “Cash Conquers Cold.” The coins are being amassed in a large container in the lobby of the Waynesville Police Department. Once full, the money will be divided among several charitable groups, including Haywood Christian Ministry, Mountain Projects and Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter to help needy residents stay warm in the winter months.

Local firefighters recently pitched in by standing outside Waynesville stores with boots in hand to solicit spare change from passersby.

Mountain Projects spearheads the Share The Warmth Campaign, an annual fundraising push to raise money for heating assistance for the needy. The agency kicked off Share the Warmth on Monday with an announcement that Champion Credit Union will match dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 in donations made by the public.

Mike Clayton, president of the credit union, said he hoped to fork over all the money because the need in the community is great.

“It’s not a drug head or a dead beat — these are people who have become disenfranchised,” Clayton said. “People living on fixed incomes, buying medicine, food and fuel, and they can’t do it all, so what might get slighted is the heat.”

Twin sisters Eva and Ellie Plemmons were among the first donors at the Share the Warmth kick-off at Champion Credit Union in Canton this week. They are also featured in the credit union’s commercials for the campaign along with their mother Rachel.

“When I told the girls what it was they ran to their rooms and dumped out their piggy banks to donate to the cause,” Rachel Plemmons said.

Their contribution: $4.69. But, it’s a start.

One of the largest benefits in town is Haywood Christian Ministry’s annual golf fundraiser, hosted by the Waynesville Inn and the Laurel Ridge Country Club.

The summer event has been occurring for nearly 20 year and last year earned more than $100,000 in donations from local business owners, donors and participants.

The ministry then uses the money for its heating program that helps low-income families with propane, kerosene and heating oil needs. The program helps heat hundreds of households per year.

“It’s a God-send,” said Rusty Wallace, assistant director of the ministry, of the golf event. “We really, really depend on it to help with that program.”

Sometimes a little tricky math can even go a long way to keeping Eva and Ellie Plemmons (above) donate money to a heating assistance fund at the someone warm this winter. Some Champion Credit Union in Canton. Coins gathered for heating assistance programs (top) efforts come from utilities themare deposited in a collection box in the Waynesville Police Department. Andrew Kasper photos selves. Haywood Electric Membership Corporation lets customers “round up” their monthly bill to the nearest dollar “People living on fixed incomes, with the extra change put in a pot and given back to lowincome customers, most of them rural residents who have buying medicine, food and fuel, and trouble paying their heating bills.

“The most you’re going to pay is 99 cents per pop,” said they can’t do it all, so what might Ken Thomas, manager of marketing and communications at get slighted is the heat.” the utility. “Nobody is going to miss that, and nobody’s going to mind doing it.”

— Mike Clayton, Champion Credit Union president Operation Round-up, and another a similar program by Progress Energy, raised nearly $100,000 to contribute toward energy bills in Haywood County this winter.

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Nonprofits getting creative for funds

S EE H EAT, PAGE 8 7

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H EAT, CONTINUED FROM 7 winter, according to Dean Simpson, chief of Economic and Family Services at the N.C. Division of Social Services.

This year is a big question mark, and Simpson won’t know until January.

Those extra funds can be a lifeline for mountain counties, which don’t garner any additional benefits from the state based on their cold climate and tend to spend their heating assistance funding quickly if the weather is cold.

After an initial cold surge this fall, daytime temperatures have been relatively warm but still drop down at night. If they stop bouncing back, or fall further, there could be a rush of people looking for help.

Simpson encouraged residents who can’t grab government-heating aid to look elsewhere.

“They should look at other community resources also,” she said.

AS TEMPERATURES DROP, SO DOES FUNDING

Nonprofits and charities are already bracing for a possible influx of residents seeking help. But the directors of those groups worry about what will happen when the government resources dry up and their organizations are the only outlets left for elevated numbers of needy residents.

Rusty Wallace, assistant director of Haywood Christian Ministry, said his organization had to tighten restrictions on monthly payouts and tighten qualifications for who can receive heating assistance after the cold winter two years ago drained the organization of its resources too early in the season.

“We are also mindful that other programs will be running out of money, or have already run out of money because of federal cutbacks,” Wallace said. “The last thing we want to happen is to have a brutal winter and be out of funds.”

The charity limits its assistance to lowincome households that have someone above the age of 70, under the age of 5, or with a serious health condition.

Many receiving the aid are living on fixed incomes, such as a social security or disability check and food stamps, and there is little chance their situation will improve, Wallace said. Others are unemployed, single mothers with several small children and a poorly insulated trailer.

Federal heating assistance funding in North Carolina by fiscal year. *2013 numbers may be subject to change

“There’s very little we can do to help their situation,” Wallace said. “They’re the ones who are going to keep coming back to us.”

In 2011, the ministry provided heating oil, propane or kerosene to more than 250 households. In 2010, a more frigid winter, the program helped heat nearly 300 households.

Wallace said the ministry would like to expand the program to help more people in need, but they don’t have any more money to offer.

“We hate to see people go without,” Wallace said. “It’d be nice if we could open up our heating oil program to a wider swath of people, but the fact is we don’t want to run out of money. We don’t want to have a situation where it’s desperate.”

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Patsy Dowling, director of the nonprofit Mountain Projects, said she has seen those desperate situations. Her organization partners with Haywood County Social Services to help administer government aid in addition to raising funds of its own to provide heating assistance.

She characterized this year as the lowest point in four years for public heating assistance. And she dreads the possibility of turning people away if funding can’t meet the need.

“When you tell a person who just had chemotherapy there’s no funding and they have to go home and be cold, it’s one of the most heart-wrenching things you can do,” Dowling said. “And I’ve had to do that.”

GREEN LIVING

Smoky Mountain News

December 5-11, 2012

TACKLING A SHORTAGE

Furthermore, she explained that cuts to heating assistance might seem to help a government’s bottom line, but carry a swath of hidden costs. An improperly heated home can cause problems for children and make it difficult for them to go home and study.

Cold temperatures can also put stress on people’s bodies and cause them to become ill.

In some of the most serious cases, people who don’t have proper heat will resort to hazardous substitutes with the potential to start fires or fill a residence with toxic gas.

She said one family she worked with had pulled a gas grill inside the house for heat.

Another woman in a wheelchair resorted to turning on her oven and leaving it open for warmth.

“It can be a matter of life and death,” Dowling said.

And with funding on the ropes, even the charitable organizations have to stretch a dime to help as many in need as they can.

Some organizations have found that certain types of space heaters help in emergency situations to heat one room when it’s not feasible or too expensive to heat an entire house.

The Haywood chapter of Disabled American Veterans recently bought five ceramic space heaters to give out. Previously, the organization helped fill heating fuel tanks, but found that in light of rising fuel prices, a space heater might be a more effective solution.

“Now that the heating oil is so high we found our money will go further with the space heaters,” said Charles Warren, the junior vice commander of Disabled American Veterans. “But, every situation is different.”

The organization advises veterans in need to go through the local Social Services Department first to exhaust all other forms of assistance, but when that’s inadequate, they’ll pitch in.

The local chapter provides many services to a number of disabled veterans, heat is just one of them. The chapter helps as many as 20 or so veterans per year with heating needs, stretching its already strained resources.

And such is the guessing game that every organization providing heating assistance has to grapple with. Both of those numbers — the available funding and number in need — fluctuate with each year.

“You know it all depends on the weather,” Warren said.

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Cherokee banks brace for rush when casino checks go out

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER wice a year, Dorothy Posey arrives for her job at Mountain Credit Union in Cherokee knowing one thing: the lines will be long.

Not the sort of long by normal bank standards, like the 10-person-deep line that might form during the peak of Friday afternoon payday traffic. But so long that the line from the teller’s counter will snake out the credit union’s front door and continue to pile up outside.

“When we pull up (to work), they will be in line at the drive-thru already,” said Posey, general manager at Mountain Credit Union.

“It will be very crowded and very busy all day.”

It’s the closest thing to a modern day bank-run. The only exception is that the banks in Cherokee are prepared for it.

The busy banking days are always associated with the distribution of per capita checks. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians get twice-annual payments from casino profits.

This December, each enrolled member living on the Cherokee Indian Reservation received a check worth $3,326 after taxes.

When talking to seasoned bank managers in Cherokee, they are perplexed why the busy bank day phenomenon would be even interesting enough to make news. To them, it is something that happens every year, twice a year. No big deal.

“To us, that’s what we do,” said Carla Jamison, general manger of First Citizens Bank on Tsali Boulevard in Cherokee. “We are used to it.”

Although per capita day is a regular part of life in Cherokee, like Christmas or Fourth of July, it is unique to the Eastern Band and other tribes that distribute a portion of its casino earnings among its people.

The first couple of years of working so called per cap days — the name given to days when enrolled members flood into banks with their checks — were a bit nerve-racking. But, now, Posey is blasé about the whole thing.

Smoky Mountain News

December 5-11, 2012

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“They are receiving money, and they are in a good mood,” Posey said. “People do realize now that they are going to stand in line.”

This year, however, lines at the bank Monday were not nearly as long as usual because First Citizens Bank in Cherokee decided to open its doors Saturday, when checks technically come in the mail. Usually people must wait until banks are open on Monday to cash or deposit them, but First Citizens gave people an immediate option.

But, people who decided to wait were still steadily flowing in and out of Mountain Credit Union Monday. The credit union was not open Saturday so its customers had to either wait or use another bank.

CALLING IN REINFORCEMENTS

In recent years, the tribe has offered enrolled members the option of directly depositing the money into their accounts rather than being mailed a check. This has cut down on the number of people who make a trip to the bank on per cap day.

Still, the banks, which typically A steady stream of people flowed in and out of the Mountain Credit Union in Cherokee Monday cashing or have three or four tellers on duty, depositing checks tribal members receive from casino profits. Caitlin Bowling photo must call in the reinforcements on per cap day. Not only are more long with no end in sight. But, she also offers tellers added, but other employees must also them advice: stay calm, count your money be on hand to help with other bank business, “They are receiving and smile. such as setting up an account. money, and they are in a Jamison said she reminds tellers that no The only real preparation that banks must matter what day it is, they can only handle do is ensure that they have enough money. good mood. People do one customer at a time and should simply Banks in Cherokee must load their vaults focus on taking care of each individual as they with more bills than usual leading up to per realize now that they are approach the teller window, not worry about cap day because of the high volume of busigoing to stand in line.” the line of people waiting. ness that will transpire. The banks do not Plus, in general people don’t mind spend- want to run out of money.

— Dorothy Posey, ing extra time at the bank to cash or deposit Banks schedule the money deliver as close Mountain Credit Union their check. It’s a sort of social hour, in fact, to per cap day as possible, however, to make where community members enjoy catching sure it is not lingering in its vault for too long “We don’t come in early or anything,” up with each other. for fear that someone might try to rob the Posey said. “Everybody knows what’s going to “Everybody’s happy. They are conversing bank. happen so we are here, and we’re ready, smil- with each other,” Jamison said. “They wait Despite the volume of cash flowing out on ing.” their turn, and it’s fine.” per cap day itself, a heist is not the main conWhen a new teller starts at First Citizens Posey described the atmosphere at cern. No savvy robber would target a bank Bank, Jamison gives him or her a rundown of Mountain Credit Union on per cap day as a when dozens of people are crowdwhat the day will be like — the lines will be big party. ing the lobby and lines are stretch-

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What would you do with an extra $3,900 or so this December?

For many enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the cut of casino profits that they receive twice a year — which amounted to $3,912 per member this December — will go toward bills and maybe some Christmas gifts.

“Birthdays, Christmas and bills,” said Crystal Hicks, a 33-year-old woman from Painttown, listing off how she plans to spend her check from the tribe. “That’s what mine goes to every year.” She has to buy for two birthdays in December, along with Christmas, so the per capita checks couldn’t be better timing.

Hicks was part of a steady stream of foottraffic coming in and out of Mountain Credit Union in Cherokee Monday to cash

“Birthdays, Christmas and bills. That’s what mine goes to every year.”

— Crystal Hicks, Painttown

or deposit their checks.

Steven Welch of Birdtown also said his money will go toward bills. When asked whether he will set aside a little bit of the cash, surely, to buy himself something special, Welch simply said, “Well, maybe, if there is some leftover.”

The checks aren’t a huge windfall, and it seems many tribal members use them to make ends meet or cover recurring household expenses.

Paul Ensley Jr. said half his money goes for child support and the other half will cover bills.

For those under 18, their per capita checks are placed in a trust fund until they come of age. Once young enrolled members graduate high school or turn 21, whichever comes first, they receive all the accrued money in a lump sum. The school system in Cherokee has incorporated personal financial management as part of student curriculum.

“The kids are the ones who get the big money,” said Ensley.

Bi-annual casino windfall

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Smoky Mountain News

ing into the parking lot.

“The real worry is the day before,” Posey said. “If you can make it with your cash until per cap day, you are good.”

In the days leading up to per cap day, the Cherokee police are more vigilant and keep a particular eye on banks on the reservation, Posey said.

Mountain Credit Union does not hire special security for per cap day because a Cherokee police officer is usually stationed at the bank. They aren’t necessarily there for security, but instead serve outstanding warrants to people they haven’t been able to track down.

United Community Bank, which sits just outside the reservation boundary in Jackson County, hires off-duty Jackson County sheriff ’s deputies to protect the bank.

“Far as I know, this is the first time this year,” said Major Shannon Queen with the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office.

“I don’t know what they have done in the past.”

United Community Bank increased its security this year after being robbed previously, according to an email from the bank’s manager to Jackson County Sheriff Jimmy Ashe in May. A United Community Bank company spokesperson contacted for this story refused to comment on any aspects of banking on or around per cap day, citing security concerns.

According various bank representatives and law enforcement, per cap days are incident-free for the most part. The only nuisance for police is traffic.

In the past, Posey said she has received calls from police telling her that cars waiting to pull up to Mountain Credit Union’s drive-thru window were stopping traffic on nearby U.S. 441.

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This December, each enrolled member in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians received a check worth $3,912 before taxes. That amount is up about $200 from the last per capita check in June, which was up over the amount from last year.

The tribe’s profits have fluctuated between $210 million and $225 million in recent years. Half of casino profits go to support tribal programs — from education to health care to quality-of-life amenities — while the other half is split among the tribe’s 14,000 enrolled members in the form of the per capita checks.

The only exception is children, whose money is kept in a trust fund until they come of age.

The amount of each check has steady increased as the casino earns more and also pays off the debt from its recently completed $633 million expansion. The checks can be used as an economic indicator, showing how well the casino is fairing.

Per capita distribution has been increasing steadily since 2009, following two years of recession driven decline in casino revenues. If revenues remain on the steady upward trend seen over the past three years, the checks could hit their pre-recession high in another year.

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Will two pay off?

Waynesville to break ground on ABC store

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER onstruction on a new ABC store in Waynesville could begin as early as January at the cost of $1.3 million, including the land.

The Waynesville ABC Board hopes to capture a portion of the customers who visit the Waynesville Commons shopping complex.

Even if they live in Maggie Valley or Canton, maybe they will buy their liquor in Waynesville due to the convenience factor.

“People like to do one-stop shopping,” said Joy Rasmus, general manager of the Waynesville ABC store.

For now, Waynesville plans to keep its existing store open as well. That begs the question: will the new store bring in enough extra sales to cover all the extra costs?

Along with annual construction debt, the new store will mean additional overhead and salaries. It will have to net enough new sales — not just siphoning sales from its existing store to the new store — to make it work.

But Earl Clark, chairman of Waynesville’s ABC Board, suspects that it will.

Last fiscal year, the Waynesville ABC store did about $2.1 million in sales. That number is expected to jump 10 percent this year. And, once the new store opens, sales between the two are estimated to increase another 10 percent.

But the ABC Board does not have any pre-

December 5-11, 2012

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ABC store diverts money that schools once got

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER aywood County Schools will lose about $30,000 in yearly revenue now that the Waynesville ABC Board has decided build a second liquor store.

The town shares a cut of profits from liquor sales with the county and law enforcement.

Haywood County in turn shares its cut of ABC profits with school system.

During the last five years, Haywood County Schools received on average $30,000 annually from Waynesville’s ABC operation, and during two of those years, the award was more than $40,000.

However, the school system will get exactly zero dollars this fiscal year. Profits normally made by the Waynesville ABC store will instead go toward building a new store beside the Walmart Supercenter.

The ABC Board has secured a $1.3 million loan spread over 10 years to build and open the new store. Any profits will likely be sucked up by the annual debt payments, at least for the first few years.Tthe school system stands to lose more than $300,000 in revenue during the next 10 years until the construction is paid off.

News that Waynesville planned to end its 12

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But that was before new stores — such as Belk, Rack Room Shoes and Michael’s — opened around it, increasing the attractiveness of the location and presumably driving up real estate values.

In addition to the land, the ABC Board will spend another $500,000 to $750,000 on the construction and the initial stocking for the 5,600-square-foot store.

The simplicity of the building’s interior will keep costs and construction time down.

“It’s not going to be that big a job to build a building,” Clark said, adding that they hope to open the new store within eight months of

starting construction.

Although the outside will feature wood and stone, giving it an upscale, natural look, the insides will consist of only a few rooms — a storage space for all the liquor, a shelving display area, an office for the store’s general manager and a break room.

The ABC board met with Mountain Design, a Waynesville-based architectural firm that designed the new store, this week to put the project out to bid. Interested contractors will have 30 days to respond with an offer to build the store.

To cover the cost of the project, the ABC Board secured a 10-year, $1.3 million loan.

Although the loan must be paid within a decade, the board hopes to pay it off sooner.

“We would love to be able to pay this thing off in seven or eight years,” Clark said.

The only ABC store in Waynesville, currently, is situated in a strip mall on Walnut Street, where it has been since 1967. The building is only 3,500 square feet and is not adequate enough given the business that the ABC store does.

“We have been outgrowing this place for a long time,” Rasmus said.

The board leases the building for $2,550 a month, but its contract is up next October. The board will decide next year whether to renew the lease.

make money, I think,” Clark said.

In fact, if the new store equals more profits, as the board hopes, then it will mean more money for the school system each year, Clark added.

Haywood County Schools once received money from Maggie Valley’s ABC operations as well. However, those contributions dried up in 2005 when Maggie’s ABC Board decided to put the profits toward building a store in Dellwood.

The new store opened in 2009, and Maggie is still working to pay it off.

The premise of the new store was to increase revenues off the ABC operation, but so far, that hasn’t happened.

Although $30,000 is not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things — the school system has a $14.36 million budget — it is just one more place the schools are losing money.

“It’s not a devastating blow, but it’s another straw on the camel’s back,” said Bill Nolte,

assistant superintendent of the Haywood County Schools.

Unlike other monies given to the school system, Haywood County Schools were not restricted in how it spent the ABC store funding. It could pay for pens and pencils or maintenance or even an employee’s salary.

“It wasn’t line-itemed to pay for Bobby Joe or Susie Q,” Nolte said. “But, it probably would pay for a classified employee.”

During the last four years, Haywood County Schools has lost 129 full-time positions. Either people were laid off or open positions were simply not filled. If someone leaves a job, the school system must decided whether it is necessary to replace them, and given the decline in jobs within the school system, the answer is, more often then not, “yes” “Most of them are (key) now because we have lost so many positions,” Nolte said.

cise estimates on how much its expenditures will increase with the addition of the second store, Clark said.

When Maggie Valley opened a new store three years ago, it kept its old store open. It learned the hard way running two ABC stores don’t mean twice the profits — in fact, the strain of running two stores led to losses.

That’s something the Waynesville ABC board will gauge as it goes. If it proves unwise Waynesville’s ABC Board hired Mountain to run two stores, the old Design, a Waynesville-based architectural one would be closed at firm, to draw a mock-up of what the new ABC that point, Clark said. store will look like.

Rasmus said regulars at the Walnut Street store were not happy to hear it could close when the new store opens.

“The customers have been quite upset,” Rasmus said. “Of course, you are not going to keep nothing open and lose money on it.”

Waynesville’s ABC in October purchased the piece of property near Super Walmart for $500,000. It sits just behind Hardee’s on the Walmart entrance drive off South Main. The ABC Board had long considered buying the land near the ever-busy Walmart Supercenter but was unsure whether it could get a fair price.

“We felt like we got a pretty good deal on it,” said Clark. The land is worth $284,400, according to the most recent county appraisal.

profit-sharing arrangement with the county — and as a result the schools — came as a surprise to Haywood County school leaders. The payments are ending, effective immediately, leaving a $30,000 hole in the school’s budget.

The school system hadn’t been informed, however, and only learned about the profit distribution being suspended in the newspaper.

The Haywood County Board of Education sent a letter to the ABC Board in September expressing its dismay and asking for more information on the matter.

“We have not received any direct information or documentation explaining the announced cuts. Without direct, accurate information, we cannot plan for our current or future budgets,” the letter reads. “We understand the distribution may be cut for 10 to 15 years. We hope this is not accurate because that would be devastating.”

School leaders spoke with Waynesville ABC Board officials, who apologized and explained that a miscommunication had occurred. The board said it had not intentionally neglected to tell school leaders about its plans.

A few years after opening the new store, the ABC Board hopes to start pumping profits back into town and county coffers again, said Earl Clark, chairman of Waynesville’s ABC Board.

“In the short term, it many affect the town and county a little bit. In the longer term, it will

Fate of liquor stores in Maggie Valley in holding pattern for now

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER aggie Valley’s ABC Board has put any plans to close one of its two liquor stores on the backburner for now.

“It is doing better than we thought it was initially,” said Colin Edwards, an ABC Board member.

Ever since Maggie opened a second ABC store in Dellwood in 2009, the ABC board has struggled to afford the overhead of two stores, without a sizeable uptick in revenue to justify both. As a result, the town has debated whether to close one of the two — and if so, which one? During the first three years of running two stores, the board lost more than $96,000.

“It was in such bad shape,” Edwards said.

Maggie’s new store was strategically built two miles beyond the official town limits, practically on Waynesville’s doorstep. Maggie annexed a satellite tract of land on U.S. 19, technically making it

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part of the town proper, to build the ABC store on Waynesville’s outskirts. As hoped, the store has successfully drawn business away from Waynesville’s ABC store.

But, between overhead and salaries for two stores, plus construction debt on the new store, Maggie’s ABC operation was losing money. Only now is it breaking even.

The board must pay $62,000 annually toward the debt it owes on its Dellwood store. And, as of its most recent earnings reports, the two ABC stores have nearly $64,000 left after expenses —just enough to cover its debt payment.

“We aren’t as bad as we think we are sometimes,” said Fred Moody, chairman of Maggie’s ABC Board at its meeting last month. The ABC Board is still 10 years away from paying off the debt it owes on its newest store, however.

Last year, some Maggie aldermen questioned whether the stores were properly managed after spending back-to-back years in the red.

“When they decided to build the Dellwood store, they never did their homework to see how that store would affect the Maggie Valley store,” said Edwards, who was an alderman at the time. “It’s pulled business away.”

Following a power shift on the Maggie

stores are no longer running a deficit, they would like to keep them both open.

“As long as they are both making a profit, we can keep them,” Edwards said.

Although the ABC Board projects that the tide is starting to turn for its stores, the old ABC store near town hall in the heart of Maggie is still drawing fewer walkin customers than its Dellwood counterpart, which draws people from a much broader geographic area.

“In the wintertime, we get basically dead,” Nancy Helsel, general manager of Maggie’s ABC stores, said of the store in Maggie proper.

The old store’s bottom line is “When they decided to build bolstered by the sale of mixed beverages, or rather liquor purchases the Dellwood store, they never made by restaurants and private did their homework to see clubs. The Dellwood location receives the majority of walk-in how that store would affect buyers.

The conversation about closing the Maggie Valley store. It’s the ABC store by town hall is not pulled business away.” done forever. Several changes could influence the stores’ bottom lines — Colin Edwards, ABC Board member — and which one, if any, would be the better one to close. board also made it mandatory that two Waynesville is building a new ABC employees sign all checks, whereas only store near the Walmart Supercenter, which one was required before. could detract from Maggie’s revenues, and “Before, there weren’t no checks and Jackson County has talked about opening balances in place,” Edwards said. an ABC store near the Qualla Boundary, The ABC Board could further cut which would take away some of Maggie’s expenses by closing its old store and only Cherokee customer base. operating the Dellwood location, but “There are so many factors to all of board members said that as long as the this,” Edwards said.

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One store too many?

Valley Board of Aldermen last year, the town’s ABC board saw some changes of its own as well. Aldermen increased the number of people serving the ABC board from three to five, injecting new oversight to the town’s ABC operations. The stores have since reduced their expenses, which Edwards credited as the reason the stores are now breaking even.

The new five-person board hired a new accountant at a cheaper rate and saved money by switching to the state’s employee insurance plan rather than buying private coverage, Edwards said. The new

December 5-11, 2012 Smoky Mountain News

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Heating assistance applications needed One-time assistance with heating expenses is now available for low-income disabled or senior citizens through county social services departments. The funding provides for a onetime payment for heating assistance for qualified low-income households that include disabled persons or at least one member who is age 60 or older. Call or stop by the social services department in your county for more information.

Grief support groups offer holiday program MedWest-Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care, in conjunction with Wells Funeral Home Care Connections, will host a “Hope for the Holidays” program from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 11.

The program will take place in the Faith Classroom at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one is encouraged to attend for fellowship and refreshments and to learn helpful ways to cope with grief during the holiday season. Live holiday music will be provided by local musician Leslie Hipps.

MedWest-Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care offer a year of bereavement support for any community member who has experienced the death of a loved one, whether or not the loved one was a MedWest-Haywood patient.

828.456.3535 or 828.452.5039.

Love lights a tree December 5-11, 2012

Franklin’s Relay for Life “Love Lights A Tree” ceremony for cancer victims and advocates will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the gazebo on Main Street, in conjunction with Downtown Franklin’s Winter Wonderland event.

The Trulls will play music, and there will be a guest speaker. Names “in memory of,” “in honor of” or “in appreciation of” will be placed on ornaments and gold luminary bags to honor victims, advocates and donors of the cause.

Small ornaments are $5, while larger ones are $7. The purchaser can pick them up after the event. Proceeds will go to Relay for Life of Franklin.

Contact Shauna Maxon at 828.332.0075 or 828.524.1128.

Smoky Mountain News

Grant funding available for youth projects

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The Give Change, Get Change committee of the Jackson County Youth Leadership Council is accepting applications for youth organizations to receive between $200 and $1,400 in grant money.

The projects must be original ideas from youth that can target, but are not limited to, the prevention of bullying, substance abuse and boredom in Jackson County.

Groups must be comprised children, ages eight to 18. They may have an adult sponsor, but the ideas must come from the children.

Applications are due by Monday, Dec. 17. The grant money will be given out in late January, and the project must be completed by March 4.

828.586.4009 or email heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

How we got here

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Confederate group refuses to surrender Haywood County leaders may have won a battle, but it’s unclear who will win the war over what can and cannot be displayed — particularly when it comes to the Confederate Flag — on county property.

A philosophical fight broke out in August over miniature Confederate Battle Flags being stuck in the ground around the base of a Confederate Memorial on the lawn of the historic courthouse in Waynesville. Confederate supporters say the flags were meant to honor Southern heritage and Civil War veterans, but county leaders got complaints from some who see the flags as divisive and offensive symbols of past racism.

The scuffle turned into a full-blown standoff when the county board of commissioners temporarily prohibited the flags from being displayed until it could craft a policy detailing when, where and what can be placed on county property by outside groups.

Haywood County had no such policy on its books previously. The county attorney got to work crafting one, however, and presented a draft version to the board of commissioners last Monday.

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“Please instruct the County Maintenance staff that the display of the Mississippi State flag comports in every way with the interim ‘Display Policy’ adopted by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners … and therefore should not be removed or molested in anyway.”

— Letter from Kirk Lyons, chief trial counsel with the Southern Legal Resource Center

And, sure enough, they found one — the Mississippi state flag. The flag has three stripes, one blue, one white and one red.

Most importantly, however, the Confederate Battle Flag is depicted in the upper, left-hand corner.

Kirk Lyons, chief trial counsel with the Southern Legal Resource Center, was jolly and chuckled when he talked about finding the loophole while sitting outside the Haywood County historic courthouse last Friday with the state flag of Mississippi in hand.

“Please instruct the County Maintenance staff that the display of the Mississippi State flag comports in every way with the interim ‘Display Policy’ adopted by the Haywood

County Board of Commissioners … and therefore should not be removed or molested in anyway,” Lyons wrote in a letter to county attorney Chip Killian.

Because the Mississippi state flag is a government flag, it will remain on county property.

“The county is not going to take any action at this time,” Killian said.

The language allowing the display of any “official government flag” was intentionally left vague. Limiting the policy to only the Haywood County, N.C. and U.S. flags would pose a conundrum every summer when the Folkmoot International folk and dance festival comes to town.

Large flags from other countries are draped from the historic courthouse during the two-week festival. Without the proper language in place, those flags could no longer be flown on county property.

However, an official county display policy is not yet set in stone.

“I think the whole thing is under review,” Killian said.

It appears the county would have to modify the language if it wants to close up the loophole.

At the earliest, the board of commissioners will vote on the policy at its Dec. 12 meeting.

While the proposed policy would ban displays of the Confederate Battle Flag at any time under any circumstance, the First National Flag of the Confederacy could be displayed from 7 p.m. May 9 to 7 a.m. May 11 to celebrate Confederate Memorial Day, unless permission is otherwise requested.

Just because they found a loophole does not mean that Confederate flag proponents are willing to settle for the Mississippi state flag forever. Lyons called the policy unconstitutional and said he and others will continue 15 to fight against it.

Smoky Mountain News

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER he ongoing Confederate flag tug-of-war in Haywood County took an unusual turn last week.

Confederate supporters banned from flying the Confederate Battle Flag on the courthouse lawn have taken to flying the Mississippi state flag instead. The move by Confederate supporters aims to side-step a new county policy that would ban displays of the Confederate Battle Flag.

While the county is still working out the exact language, its proposed policy — as well as the interim policy now in effect — allows official government flags only.

But, defenders of the Confederate Battle Flag found a loophole in that language. It stipulates only official government flags are allowed on county property — and it just so happens there’s a government flag out there that contains the Confederate Battle Flag as part of its design.

Confederate supporters scoured state, county and even city flags around the nation that they could display legally while continuing to fight for the right to exhibit the Confederate Battle Flag itself.

December 5-11, 2012

About 15 protestors outside the Haywood County historic courthouse Friday (left) proudly held the Mississippi state flag, which features the Confederate Battle Flag. Kirk Lyons, chief trial counsel with the Southern Legal Resource Center, held a small Mississippi state flag and wore a replica of Confederate soldier garb (above) while protesting outside the Haywood County historic courthouse Friday. Caitlin Bowling photos

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Rewarding students with fast-food coupons raises concerns

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER ome schools are thinking twice about the long standing practice of passing out fastfood coupons to children as rewards.

For years, stacks of coupons liberally dished out to schools by fast-food companies have offered a cheap and easy way to pat students on the back.

Got perfect attendance? Have a free cheeseburger. Made honor roll? Here’s a free milkshake.

But, some schools in Western North Carolina are starting to “just say no.”

One of those is Waynesville Middle School, where fast-food coupons for free fries have been traded in for somewhat healthier fare like smoothies and chicken tenders.

During the past year, several teachers at Waynesville Middle raised concerns about passing out coupons for unhealthy fast food to students. Yet, it was hard to totally wean the school off the free giveaways.

“For a corporation to donate things is wonderful for us as a school because we don’t have a lot of money,” said Christine Basulto, the lead teacher at Waynesville Middle.

After discussing the issue among teachers this summer, the school asked McDonalds if it could provide coupons for healthier menu items instead.

“It was important to us that we weren’t handing the kids a Big Mac. I feel we have

December 5-11, 2012

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found a happy medium,” said Basulto.

Still, it’s not perfect. The parent that hits the drive-thru with a free coupon in hand rarely pulls away with only that item.

“We can’t control what else they purchase,” Basulto said.

Therein lies one concern with the free fastfood coupons that are nearly ubiquitous in schools.

“Instead of walking in for a free Frosty and walking out with a free Frosty, they are walking out with a Frosty, burger and fries,” said Adam Zolotar, a family physician in Chapel Hill and vice president of N.C. Institute for Medicine.

Not to mention the fast food likely purchased for the rest of the family members in tow.

“This isn’t charitable work. This is marketing. And we are using our children for marketing,” Zolotar said.

If kids get a fast-food coupon, parents certainly have an option whether to use it or not, pointed out Bill Nolte, assistant superintendent for Haywood County Schools.

“If you get a coupon, if you think it is not healthy, don’t use it,” Nolte said.

In Haywood County, individual schools have their own discretion over what type of rewards to offer students — and it may often come down to what the school can afford.

“We are down $5 million and 129 full-time positions over the past seven years,” Nolte said, citing the financial realities faced by schools.

As a result, the coupons offered for free by

A pat on the back nudges students in the right direction

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER hile the free pencil or end-of-year pizza party hasn’t totally gone the way of the dinosaur, schools in Western North Carolina are getting creative these days when it comes to rewarding students.

At North Canton Elementary in Haywood County, two students who earned the coveted “Principal’s Award” were recently treated to lunch with the principal — in style. The head cafeteria worker spread a white linen table cloth over one of the lunchroom tables, set it with real silverware and donned a chef ’s hat before coming out to serve the kids.

“Everybody could see that and say ‘Oh that’s what I want to do,’” said Julie Smith, a second-grade teacher at North Canton.

Rewarding positive behavior — rather than simply punishing bad behavior — is the backdrop for many of the new incentive programs being tried by schools.

At North Canton Elementary, every student was issued a necklace at the beginning of the year and can earn beads when they are caught doing good. The Parent Teacher Organization put up around $1,200 to buy all the necklaces and beads to get the incentive program started, Smith said.

Students also collect “punches” on a punch card, which 16

Smoky Mountain News

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Eighth-grade students at Waynesville Middle School who met reading goals are treated to a quarterly reading celebration. Schools have begun to question the traditional use of fast-food coupon giveaways as incentives and look for alternate ways to reward students. fast-food restaurants have become a standard fixture. While fast-food companies have added healthy items to their menus in recent years, truth be told, a coupon for a yogurt parfait probably doesn’t excite kids as much as traditional fast-food fare.

“Fast-food is something most kids respond to pretty well,” said Lib Jicha, a social worker at Cullowhee Valley Elementary in Jackson County.

Nonetheless, Cullowhee Valley ruled out the idea of fast-food coupons when brainstorming rewards for a new perfect attendance program it rolled out this year, except perhaps for Subway coupons.

“We talked about if we were going to do fast

food that we wanted it to be a healthy option,” Jicha said.

It isn’t always clear exactly how the coupons make their way into the classrooms. As far as the teachers are concerned, coupons seem to randomly show up in their boxes during the course of the year.

Such was the case with six Shoney’s coupons that recently appeared in the box of Julie Smith, a second-grade teacher at North Canton Elementary. Smith in turn gave the coupons — good for a free kid’s meal — to six students who consistently did well in class.

Earlier this year, both Smith’s daughters came home from school with a Burger King coupon — good for a

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they wear in a lanyard around their neck during the day.

Ultimately, the less time teachers spend on discipline, the Collect enough punches, and students can get into the more time they can spend on teaching, Cutherbertson said. school dance or other after-school events, like a popcorn and In fact, the strategy has been promoted at the state level movie night, for free. as one of the best ways to achieve a school-wide shift in Swain County Schools have also jumped on the positive behaviors. The method even has its own acronym: PBIS, or reinforcement band wagon. At East Elementary, students earn positive behavior intervention and support. paper “high-fives” across a huge specRecognition doesn’t always have to trum of good behaviors, whether be an actual object or prize to makes “The whole idea is to catch students feel special. At Cullowhee they’re in the hallway, the bathroom or a school assembly.

Valley Elementary, students with perthem doing good and use “The whole idea is to catch them fect attendance get their name on a positive reinforcement.” doing good and use positive reinforcebulletin board and called out over the ment,” said Catherine Cuthbertson, loudspeaker every nine weeks — that, — Catherine Cuthbertson, school psychologist with Swain and a free pencil. At the end of each Swain County school psychologist County Schools. semester, they will also be treated to a Every week, the names of students special pizza party. who get “high-fives” are put in a drawing for the chance to pick Waynesville Middle School has ratcheted up its incen- J a prize from a treasure chest. The chest of prizes are simple — tives for perfect attendance this year — and perhaps more a top, a bouncy ball, handclappers, even Star Trek figures importantly for being on time. Every month, the school donated by Cutherbertson’s husband. stages a special event for students who come to school on On top of the “high fives,” every student has their own star time every day, ranging from a kickball game to a pizza chart posted in their classroom. Teachers give out stars when party to a movie. the student does something good, but the goal is to catch every Most schools reward attendance every quarter, but students student, at some point in the week, doing something good. have responded well to having a fresh slate every month.

“Then they will know what it feels like to be rewarded for “Being able to dangle that incentive carrot more frequently good behavior. It tries to get them cycling in the right direcpaid off,” said Christine Basulto, the lead teacher at Waynesville tion,” Cutherbertson said.

Middle. “We’ve had a significant drop in tardies.”

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CONTINUES THROUGH DEC. 24

“This isn’t charitable work. This is marketing.

And we are using our children for marketing.”

58 Commerce St. • Waynesville HISTORIC FROG LEVEL 828.456.8441 HOURS: MON-SAT. 10-5

— Adam Zolotar, vice president of N.C. Institute of Medicine

HAYWOOD PEDIATRIC & ADOLESCENT MEDICINE GROUP, P.A.

welcomes Dr. Tyler Vereen as she joins Dr. Stephen Wall, Dr. Steven Hammel, Dr. Karin McLelland, Dr. Trew Stansky, Dr. Sarah Evers, Anne Sarzynski, CPNP and Lillian Norris, CPNP.

Institute of Medicine has been studying the cause of the epidemic.

“Essentially, we move less and eat more,” Zolotar said.

Kids are spending too much time in front of a screen, and not enough time moving. But the quality of food children consume has also declined — and a fast-food culture is part and parcel to that.

“There is an awful lot of interest in the fastfood industry getting our kids hooked at an early age,” Zolotar said.

Schools should be more savvy in turning down the unhealthy freebies, according to said Gordon Filepas, a national health author and expert on ending childhood obesity.

“Using fast food as a reward couldn’t be more wrong,” Filepas said. “It is like a drug dealer standing at the edge of a playground and saying ‘I’ll give you a free bag of this stuff, go try it.’”

Filepas, who recently published the book Lean And Healthy To 100, said it is a stretch to call fast-food “food” at all. That underscores what he believes is a simple solution to childhood obesity — eating nutritious, mineral rich, whole foods.

“America is the most overfed and undernourished country on the planet,” Filepas said.

“It’s such a privilege to join the Haywood County Community and to help meet the pediatric needs of our families. I look forward to learning from the children here as much as becoming a contributing member of this beautiful community.”

Dr. Vereen graduated from Clemson with her B.S. in Biochemistry and earned her medical degree from University of South Carolina, School of Medicine in Columbia. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia.

Dr. Vereen is board-certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

To contact Dr. Vereen and Haywood Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Group, P.A., please call 452-2211.

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Smoky Mountain News

Several fast-food restaurants — including Bojangles’ and Zaxby’s — host monthly fundraising nights for school PTOs. Families earn money for their school by eating at the designated restaurant on a designated night. At Junaluska Elementary, a frequent participant in these fundraising nights, literature is sent home with every student telling parents what night to eat out and where.

The practice is fairly widespread. Zolotar, the family physician in Chapel Hill and vice president of N.C. Institute for Medicine, has had his children come home from school with a sticker affixed to the shirts instructing them to eat at Chick-Fil-A that night as a fundraiser.

“They are actually manipulating our chil-

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December 5-11, 2012

A MARKETING PLOY

dren to consume fast food for the purpose of raising money for the PTO,” he said. “We can’t use our kids as marketing devices for fast-food restaurants.”

Especially not in today’s society, when more children than ever are overweight. In North Carolina, 30 percent of children ages 10 to 17 are overweight or obese, according to the 2012 Child Health Report Card put out by the N.C. Institute for Medicine.

An Early Childhood Obesity Prevention task force under the auspices of the N.C.

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99-cent kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. Apparently the school had scored enough of the coupons to give one to every student.

But as with the Shoney’s coupons, the vouchers incited parents to buy something, too, in order to cash in their kid’s freebie.

That begs the question: can any business send home promotional coupons with school children as a marketing device?

Coupons passed out as rewards don’t always come from eating places. At Swain Middle School, a stack of coupons recently showed up from the Fun Factory, a kids’ amusement center in nearby Franklin. The coupons — good for a free hour of play — initially came into the central office. They were dispensed out to the schools, and then down to the teachers.

“Teachers can give them out for whatever they like,” said Susan Walker, the secretary at Swain Middle.

In most cases, it seems the coupons are funneled through a school’s Parent Teacher Organization before ultimately making their way into kids’ hands. Since the coupons actually come through the PTO, the school itself has an armslength relationship with the business dishing out the coupons.

“There is a board policy about the school supporting one business over another, but the PTO can,” said Sherri Arrington, the principal of Junaluska Elementary in Haywood County.

While the coupons seem like a good deal to the PTO volunteers who amass them, the schools aren’t always sure what to do with them when they show up.

Just last week, Arrington found herself in possession of eight coupons for a free Frosty at Wendy’s, courtesy of the PTO. Arrington decided to give them to bus drivers to reward students who consistently have good behavior on the bus. But, she realized the coupons can have their pitfalls.

“One reason I am not really crazy about handing these out in the classroom is if you hand out a free milkshake and you take your kid through there, they say, ‘Oh I want a hamburger, too,’” Arrington said.

17

Opinion A small but important investment in public transit Smoky Mountain News

“Waynesville would be breaking new ground for an ondemand system.”

– Philan Medford

seem a relatively unimportant issue, but in truth it is Itverymay symbolic because it recognizes a reality that is upon us.

I’m talking about a request that will come before the

Waynesville Town Board this month concerning public transit benches and shelters at large retail centers. Mountain Projects transit director Susan Anderson hopes the town will pass an ordinance requiring stores to install waiting areas for public transit patrons.

Haywood Public Transit does not run regular routes like typical city buses. Instead, it operates “on-demand” as patrons call to arrange for rides. The system makes up to 60,000 trips a year, mostly for elderly and disabled patrons. Customers who request a ride, though, may have to wait up to two hours for pick-up since the schedule is always in flux.

“It takes us a little while to get to them. That leaves them there standing with bags or standing with a (shopping) cart. It is really difficult for (the elderly and disabled) to stand outside

North Carolinians have it right

To the Editor: BINGO! Most North Carolinians caught on that Barack Obama’s economic failures are not so much ineptness but rather his agenda.

The more people collecting unemployment insurance, receiving welfare checks and using food stamps the more dependency on government. This is the Obama administration’s dream — big government, big spending, and higher taxes to pay for it all.

Recently I saw an election bumper sticker that said “Osama Dead; Auto Industry Alive,” and of course, “Vote for Obama.” North Carolinians know that Osama Bin Laden is dead but al-Qaida is not. This was proven when al-Qaida attacked the U.S. in Benghazi, Libya, where four Americans, including a U.S Ambassador, were murdered by al-Qaida militants. For days and weeks Obama and high members of his administration tried to tell us the attack was not a planned al-Qaida attack but was spontaneous because of an anti-Islam video. We now know the truth — al-Qaida is alive and well.

The auto industry is alive? North Carolinians see that the auto union is alive!

Obama used taxpayer money to bail out General Motors, leaving the union intact while destroying the investments of pension and bond holders, terminating hundreds of dealerships — thus thousands of jobs — and devastating the business of many auto suppliers.

North Carolinians wisely voted for Romney/Ryan, for Republican Gov. Pat Mc Crory, and for the continuation of a Republican legislature. Now North Carolinians must insist that our state leaders

a store for 15 minutes or more,” said Anderson.

Right now, Waynesville has an ordinance requiring shelters only if a business is on a regularly-timed transit route. Since there are no regular routes, the ordinance is irrelevant to the current situation.

Here’s the reality in Haywood County. Almost 22 percent of the population is over 65, and that percentage is expected to rise quickly during the next few decades. It, like most of Western North Carolina, is much older than the rest of the state, where 13.2 percent of the population is over 65.

In addition, 12.3 percent of the county’s population lives below poverty. That means it is a struggle for many of those elderly folks to afford a car even if they are still able to drive.

Editor In addition to planning for the growing aging population, it’s also important that we encourage public transit where applicable.

Small towns and rural areas don’t typically have the popula-

Scott McLeod

18

maintain our state sovereignty as the Obama agenda’s big federal government tries to chip away at our states’ ability to govern as constituents wish.

Carol Adams Glenville

Displaying Confederate flag is not illegal To the Editor: It is apparent that history is still being written and revised by the victors and their descendants. I read this past week a letter that attempted to describe the ancestors of many Haywood County residents as “traitors” and said that honoring them is disgraceful.

That is very far from the truth.

Let me first offer some historical context to answer the charge of treason. Treason is defined as “the betrayal of one’s own country by waging war against it or by consciously or purposely acting to aid its enemies.” That definition would certainly include the actions of men like Thomas Jefferson, George Mason and others in their defiance to King George and the reprehensible actions of the Crown against her “citizens” in the forms of unfair taxes and levies. These “patriots” chose to dissolve their ties with England and form their own country.

The sectional crisis that existed between the industrial North and agricultural South came to its eventual head: war. Failing to have their grievances addressed by the federal government, Southern leaders felt no choice but to dissolve the Union. The South and the citizens of the region chose to exercise what they felt was their right. Even Abraham Lincoln, before he became president, stated in 1848

tion centers that would make large-scale public transit investments feasible. But providing comfortable shelters is something we can do, and it would very likely encourage more people to use the limited transit system we do have. That makes this a good idea for the transit patrons, for the retail stores who will get the business, and for the community at large.

As this idea moves forward, it is important that a lot of thought and planning go into the location of the shelters. As Philan Medford pointed out, it seems much smarter for a shelter at Ingles to be near the entrance to the store rather than across the parking lot. This kind of common-sense approach often spells the difference between success and failure — i.e., use versus non-use — when it comes to pubic transit.

Waynesville has made a name for itself as a leader in smart land use and planning among the small towns in Western North Carolina. Taking this small but important step to promote public transit and help those who rely on it would strengthen this reputation.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LETTERS on the floor of Congress: “Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government and to form one that suits them better.” This statement holds true for the people of the South.

In 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. U.S. Grant. He did not surrender the entire Confederate States of America or its resources at that point. Several other Confederate armies surrendered later. The federal government later gave equal veteran status to Confederate soldiers and offered them the same benefits as their Union counterparts (Veteran’s Benefits US Title Code 38) and recognized them as “Civil War” veterans. Why would we do this for traitors?

The state of North Carolina in 1961 (HR Resolution 1058) does allow a flag of the Confederacy to be flown over the State Capitol on certain days as long as a U.S. flag is flown in equal display. Flying a flag of the Confederacy on county property does not violate this policy as long as the U.S. flag is flown in connection with this action. The state constitution does not prohibit the flying of a Confederate flag. And in the context of the State’s Historic Sites flag policy, these flags can be designated as historical in meaning.

This issue is bigger than the symbol of a Confederate flag flying on county property.

It is a test of upholding our nation’s founding principles. Do we respect the right of individuals to express themselves regardless of how we view their form of expression, or do we allow censorship to happen? County property should reflect the opinions of all citizens and not just a select few. Censoring

the Confederate flag or other displays does just that.

H. Kip Rollins Waynesville

HCC appreciates fire response To the Editor: The following letter was sent to firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement personnel for all those who helped with HCC’s recent fire: The purpose in my letter is to thank all of you who responded to the recent fire at Haywood Community College. We often forget the services of firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement personnel until we are in a time of crisis.

While the circumstances were unfortunate ones, I watched in amazement at the skill that all of you displayed as you worked together in minimizing the loss to Haywood Community College. The competence, proficiency, and expertise that all of you displayed was impressive. Above all, your spirit of cooperation contributed in a positive way to helping reduce the potential for a more loss to the college.

I hope that Haywood Community College can continue to strengthen its partnership with all safety units throughout the county.

Working together, we can all assist in making Haywood County the pleasant place for which it has become known.

Again, thank you for your professionalism. The college welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs as well.

William C. Aiken Interim President Haywood Community College

A new writer launches a promising literary career

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Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

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BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Specializing in hand-cut, all natural steaks, incredible burgers, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

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PPÉTIT Y’A A L ON

December 5-11, 2012

LUNCH DINNER CATERING

B

Thomas Crowe

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tentious� — because it was taken from a line

by Thomas Wolf — and insinuating that Cash’s whole intention in using such a title was little more than a ploy to project some “reflected glory� onto his first-time efforts.

Methinks this reviewer friend doth protest too much!

What I have gleaned from Cash’s new novel is this — it’s one of the best reading experiences in recent years. All during the time it took to read this book (which didn’t take long because I couldn’t put it down), I kept thinking about how much it reminded me of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. I marveled at how Cash’s language was simple yet sophisticated, and how I was taken cleverly, yet deeply, into the storyline and into the lives (in fact the souls) of his characters. I came away from reading this novel exclaiming to the world that Cash had written the Southern Appalachian version of To Kill A Mockingbird.

In the end, Cash’s book belongs, I believe, in our current contemporary canon of Southern Appalachian fiction as penned

by Charles Frazier, Wayne Caldwell, Ron Rash, Silas House and Pam Duncan. While at times disturbing (which any good story is wont to be), this book is as kind to Cash’s home of Madison County and the land that defines it as Harper Lee’s was to her home town of Monroeville, Ala. I tire of these selfimportant mountain “sages� and New York know-it-alls who feel that they have to demean rather than empower younger writers who dare to be even a little poetic or peculiarly penchant of place.

On the other hand, I applaud and echo the sentiments of Fred Chappell, who is willing to embrace a little humility and write “this is one of the most powerful novels I have ever read.� Or, as Ernest J. Gaines so prophetically puts it: “I think this could be the beginning of a long, fruitful career.�

(Thomas Crowe is a frequent contributor to Smoky Mountain News. He can be reached at newnativepress@hotmail.com.)

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

L

ince the publication of Wiley Cash’s debut novel A Land More Kind Than Home earlier this year, I have been listening to the buzz of conversation about this “remarkable new book� written by a Western North Carolina native. The book seems to be on everyone’s lips. Finally unable to resist my own curiosity, I bought a copy so I could see for myself what all the fuss was about. It only took the first few pages until I was hooked.

No less a writer than Clyde Edgerton states that Cash’s first novel “sings with talColumnist ent.� Gail Godwin acknowledges the novel’s “great cumulative power.� Yet, there are those among us who seem to be so threatened or so self-impressed and territorial that the idea of such a young turk invading their marked territory comes off as an anathema.

One recent review attacked Cash saying that the novel was “shallow,â€? full of “undeveloped props,â€? “clichĂŠsâ€? and had “characters from a zombie movie.â€? What Wiley has actually done in his book is to update some of those past stereotypes by placing his story in a contemporary setting and crafting a book that is “beautifully writtenâ€? (Clyde Edgerton) and is “pitch perfectâ€? (Rikki Ducornet).

In another instance there are review comments that nitpick that the young narrator’s language is “too sophisticated� or that members of the rural community church in the story are little more than a “shuffling multitude� — which of course they are, because this is a book told from the first-person perspective of the three major characters. It is not a political survey and therefore dares to leave something to the imagination.

The final blow to my sensibilities came with a comment calling the book’s title “pre-

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Custom Christmas Card Special

71741

ORDER YOUR 180 N. Main St. | Waynesville NC Catering | Take out | Dine-in HOLIDAY SMOKED TURKEY 828-452-7524 OR HAM TODAY! blueridgebbq@gmail.com Closed Monday | Tue - Thursday 11:00-8:00 | Fri- Saturday 11:00- 9:00 | Sunday 11:00- 4:00

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tasteTHEmountains friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where guests can enjoy a great meal at a great price.

Booking Holiday Parties Now! From 2 to 100 people let us help you with your event.

117 Main Street, Canton NC 828.492.0618 • SidsOnMain.com Serving Lunch & Dinner

MON.-THURS. 11 A .M. TO 9 P.M. • FRI. & SAT. 11 A .M. TO 10 P.M. SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 A .M. TO 2:30 P.M.

71429

Thursday Dec. 6th • 8pm Adam Bigelow & Friends

Saturday Dec. 8 • 4:30-7 pm Photos with Santa Claus. Terri Clark Photography. Bring a canned good and we will email photo to you.

Tues.- Fri. 11a-9p & Sat. 12 noon - ‘til

628 E. Main Street • Sylva

December 5-11, 2012

828.586.1717 • soulinfusion.com

ARTISAN BREADS & PASTRIES

HOLIDAY HOURS

Smoky Mountain News

DEC. 8 8 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

BREAKFAST • LUNCH TAKE-OUT • EAT-IN • CATERING

Scratch-Made Fresh Daily Breads • Biscuits • Bagels Cakes • Pies • Pastries Soups • Salads • Sandwiches Fair Trade Coffee & Espresso

18 North Main Street Waynesville • 452.3881 www.citybakery.net MON-FRI: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

SAT: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. SUN: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

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ASHEVILLE: 60 Biltmore Ave. 252.4426 & 88 Charlotte St. 254.4289

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.

BRYSON CITY BAKERY AND PASTRY SHOPPE 191 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.5390 Offering a full line of fresh baked goods like Grandma used to make. Large variety to choose from including cakes, pies, donuts, breads, cinn-buns and much more. Also serving Hershey Ice Cream. Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Join us for cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting) and familystyle dinners on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Our bountiful family-style meals include prime rib, baked ham, and herb-baked chicken; cookouts feature steaks, ribs, chicken and pork chops, to name a few.

Every dinner is complemented with an assortment of seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts, and we offer a fine selection of wine and beer.

Breakfast is also served daily from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. Please call for reservations.

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

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

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.

COPPER LEAF CAFÉ & COFFEE 3232 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville.

828.926.4486. Open Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enjoy the atmosphere and charm of the Copper Leaf Café’s signature sandwiches and salads featuring Boar’s Head meats & cheeses. Home-made soups served daily as well as “made from scratch” desserts. Full service Espresso Bar and a unique selection of gifts. Located next to High Country Furniture and Design.

CORK AND BEAN 16 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy organic, fair-trade, gourmet espresso and coffees, a

select, eclectic list of wines, and locally prepared treats to go with every thing. Come by early and enjoy a breakfast crepe with a latte, grab a grilled chicken pesto crepe for lunch, or wind down with a nice glass of red wine. Visit us on Facebook!

prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

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

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended.

4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours; Friday through Sunday and Mondays, 7 a.m. to noon. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966.

Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites. Joey & Brenda O’Keefe invite you to join what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

CORNERSTONE CAFÉ 1092 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.4252. Open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh meats purchased daily, great homemade breakfast, burgers made to order.

Comfortable and friendly atmosphere, with curb service available. Make lunch easy and call ahead for to go orders.

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

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.926.1820 Open Daily 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed Tuesday. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

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

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

Tuesday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes.

Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Come for the restaurant’s 4 @ 4 when you can choose a center and three sides at special prices.

Offered Wed- Fri. from 4 to 6. frogsleappublichouse.org.

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

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

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

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous

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

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

MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee.

828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices. Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet. Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

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.

MILL & MAIN 462 W. Main St., Sylva. 828.586.6799.

Serving lunch and dinner. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Pizza, pasta, outstanding homemade desserts, plus full lunch and dinner menus.

All ABC permits. Take-out menus available.

MOONSHINE GRILL 2550 Soco Road, Maggie Valley loacted in the Smoky Falls Lodge. 828.926.7440.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Cooking up mouth-watering, wood-fired Angus steaks, prime rib and scrumptious fresh seafood dishes. The wood-fired grill gives amazing flavor to every meal that comes off of it. Enjoy creative dishes made using moonshine. Stop by and simmer for a while and soak up the atmosphere. The best kept secret in Maggie Valley. themoonshinegrill.com MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.

tasteTHEmountains Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections.

Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Opend for lunch and dinner 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. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. TIki Bar open (weather permitting) Friday, Saturday & Sunday beginning April.

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

Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, cal-

Hand-cut, All Natural Steaks Fresh Fish • Salads & Nightly Specials

CityLightsCafe.com 71313

Mad Batter Bakery & Café

71426

NOW SERVING WINE AND BEER

zones and seafood. Also serving excellent prime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take out available. Located across from the Fire Station.

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.

THE SWAG COUNTRY INN Hemphill Road off of Hwy 276.

828.926.0430. Serving a 4-course gourmet dinner seven nights a week at 7:00, with a social hour and hors d'oeuvres on the dog trot beginning at 6. Also offering the chef's gourmet picnic at noon every Wednesdays on Gooseberry Knob, BBQ Cookout every Thursday night and Sunday brunch each week. Daily backpack lunches are also available for hiking. Bring your own wine and spirits. Reservations required.

THE TIKI HOUSE SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR 2723 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.944.0445. Fresh seafood made to order. Oysters raw, steamed, or fried. Handcut steaks. Live music, cocktails, petfriendly patio dining with a nice fountain.

Friday patio music starts at 7 p.m. and Saturday night after dinner. Live bands and a dance floor.

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day.

Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

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

ITALIAN

MEDITERRANEAN

STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD SANDWICHES ———————————— OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK 1863 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98

DECEMBER SPECIALS ✣

Pizza by the Slice ✣ Choose 2 for $6.95 Three Cheese, Pepperoni, Mediterranean or Red & Green ✣ Grilled cheese-baguette ✣ ✣ Hot Holiday Sandwich ✣ ✣ Gorgonzola Apple & Cranberry Enchilada ✣ LOCATED ON THE WCU CAMPUS, CULLOWHEE

293.3096

69411

SUNDAY, DEC. 9 • 11 A.M.-2 P.M. Brunch buffet will include visits with Santa, a card making craft station for children & holiday stories and music.

$19.95/ADULTS • $9.95/CHILDREN

Smoky Mountain News

SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO 628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS). 828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until.

Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal.

Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine. Home-Grown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready.

CREPES, PANINIS, SOUPS, SALADS, GOURMET PASTAS WINE & BEER

December 5-11, 2012

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

December 8 • 7 pm - Live Music William Borg Schmitt

S PRING S TREET, D OWNTOWN S YLVA

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

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

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

OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane.

828.456.3333. Classic fireside dining in an historic mountain lodge with cozy, intimate bar. Dinner served nightly except Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Signature dinner choices include our 8oz. filet of beef in a brandied peppercorn sauce and a garlic and herb crusted lamb rack. Carefully selected fine wines and beers plus full bar available. Open year round. Call for reservations.

71442

visit maggievalleyclub.com for full menu and hours of operation

RESERVATIONS

CAN BE MADE BY CALLING

926-4848.

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Breweries helping kids

NANTAHALA

T

Bryson City

t

Alongside their special holiday selections and “ugly sweater contest,” the brewery will hold its 2nd annual “Nanta Claus Christmas Children’s Benefit” at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15, where it will be accepting toy donations in-person or through the mail for local families in need.

“We live and work in one of the poorest counties in the state,” said Joe Rowland, owner of Nantahala Brewing. “As a successful small business, it was our responsibility to help hardworking, less fortunate families celebrate the holiday. It’s important for us to give back to our community and encourage other businesses do the same.”

HEINZELMANNCHEN

Sylva

The brewery will be holding an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, with $1 from each pint sold going to The Community Table, a nonprofit providing food and nutritious meals for families who otherwise would go without.

HEADWATERS

f

Waynesville

Marine Brandon Wilson (left), who is also the Director of Veteran Services for Haywood County and coordinates local “Toys for Tots” events, stands with his fellow soldiers during a recent toy drive at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Donated photoy

There will be an “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Concert” held at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8. Attendees are encouraged to bring a toy donation (under $10) for the Christmas Angel Program. Music will be provided by the Caribbean Cowboys.

Christmas, craft beer & charity

TIPPING POINT

Waynesville

Besides live music and holiday brews on Thursday, Dec. 20, the brewery will be accepting toy donations the entire day. Until then, they’re selling the $1 “children’s trains” and raffle tickets for a kid’s electric Harley Davidson motorcycle, with donations also going to “Toys for Tots.” The event begins at 11:30 a.m., with music starting at 7 p.m. There is no cover charge.

FROG LEVEL

Waynesville

Patrons will be asked for a $20 donation – or preferably two packaged toys – to get into the anniversary celebration on Friday, Dec. 14. With the array of musicians performing, there will also be holiday brews on tap. The event begins at 6 p.m.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER For Clark Williams, it’s all about giving back.

Owner of Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville, Williams is celebrating not only the first anniversary of starting his business on Dec. 14, he’s merging the milestone with the annual “Toys for Tots” drive, which collects donated items for children who might otherwise have a dismal Christmas.

“It’s actually the soul of why we’re here,” he said. “If a business isn’t giving something back to the community it serves, why be in business?”

Lending their musical talents to the cause, the Darren Nicholson Band will be filling the taproom with the finest bluegrass the mountains have to offer.

“This is a positive, fun incentive to get people out to support a cause,” said Nicholson, mandolinist for beloved group Balsam Range.

“I’ve seen a big change with the growth of breweries in Western North Carolina. They’re really trying to show the positive sides of their business and their place in the community.”

Thinking about his own 11-year-old son, the musician wants other children to have the

g W

“If a business isn’t giving something back to the community it serves, why be in business?”

— Clark Williams, owner of Frog Level Brewing y

same chance to find their own Christmas miracle wrapped under the tree.

“Christmas is a huge deal for us,” he said.

“Naturally, I want to do my part to make sure other kids have a good holiday experience. This event will be a lot of fun and we hope to make life better for our neighbors.”

Frog Level isn’t the only WNC brewery taking this initiative. Also in Waynesville, Tipping Point Brewing will be holding a “Toys for Tots” charity event on Dec. 20, coupled with their anniversary and holiday celebrations to acknowledge the support they receive from surrounding communities.

“Everybody who enjoys craft beer seems to have a good attitude,” said Tony Rogers, co- g owner of the Tipping Point. “They’re jolly people that always want to give back.”

Started by the United States Marine Corps in 1947, “Toys for Tots” is a renowned foundation that collects Christmas gifts and monetary donations for children and families who are w R less fortunate, especially during the holiday season.

Collecting and giving out the toys is nearly as rewarding for the volunteers as it is for the children themselves. Brandon Wilson, a Marine and the head the Haywood County

WCU art majors stage year-end exhibit

Garret K. Woodward photo

“I was fortunate to have a good Christmas. I couldn’t imagine a kid not having one, it breaks my heart.”

“You’ve got to give back,” Rogers said.

Next week’s toy drive at Frog Level isn’t the first for the brewery. It also held a successful toy drive and barbeque benefit in October.

A retired Marine himself, Williams sees the pairing of craft beer and charity as a perfect fit, something that hopefully will continue for many more holidays to come.

“Craft beer is a local product, brewed and consumed by local folks,” he said. “It ties us together within the community. When these things comes together, coupled with the charitable event contributions directly benefiting the community, it’s a recipe for success.”

Candlelight Shopping Unlimited Fun Magical Memories Thousands of Holiday Lights

Saturday Evening December 8 6 to 9 p.m.

Shops, Galleries & Restaurants Open

Carolers from area Churches: Hazelwood Presbyterian %JWTEJ Ŗ *C[YQQF %JTKUVKCP *QOG 'FWECVQTU Ŗ $GVJ 'FGP %JWTEJ Ŗ 9C[PGUXKNNG (KTUV 2TGUD[VGTKCP %JWTEJ Ŗ *C[YQQF %QOOWPKV[ $CPF Ŗ 6WUEQNC $CPF 'PUGODNG Ŗ (KTUV $CRVKUV %JWTEJ ő$GVJNGJGO /CTMGVRNCEGŒ YKVJ .KXG 0CVKXKV[ Ŗ 5QPI5RKPPGTU Ŗ 5KIPCVWTG 9KPFU Ŗ (KTUV /GVJQFKUV *CPFDGNN %JQKT Ŗ )KPP[ /E#HGG Ŗ 2QGVT[ 2GQRNG Ŗ /KMG 2KNITKO Ŗ ,WPCNWUMC /WUKE 5VWFKQ Ŗ #PIKGŏU &CPEG #ECFGO[ Ŗ 5#06# Ŗ *QTUG &TCYP 9CIQP 4KFGU

Smoky Mountain News

— Tony Rogers, co-owner of Tipping Point Brewing

MAIN STREET WAYNESVILLE

December 5-11, 2012

chapter of “Toys for Tots,” has delivered toys to children in person at Christmas in his uniform.

“To a kid, you’re not only a hero, but also Santa Claus. The feeling is more than any gift you could ever get,” said Wilson, who is also director of veteran services for the county.

Though he continually had a warm and generous Christmas during his childhood, Wilson feels it’s important to help those that might not be as lucky as he was growing up.

“Families are struggling to keep on the heat, buy groceries and give to their children,” he said. “Christmas is hard and everyone goes through hard times. As a country, we should be sticking together and help one another out.”

Falling under the Western North Carolina “Toys for Tots” program, Haywood County has been participating in the charity for 12 years. According to Wilson, 2,300 toys were collected in Haywood last year, with another $2,000 in donations. Through the collected items and monetary contributions, the program was able to help 2,169 families in Haywood, with this year’s goal to provide assistance to 3,200 or more.

“There’s a huge need for this everywhere in the country, but as economic times are hard it seems to hit our rural communities worse, making the need here bigger,” said Rogers. “I was fortunate to have a good Christmas. I couldn’t imagine a kid not having one, it breaks my heart.”

With a mother, father and brother all serving in the Marines, Rogers knows all too well the mission of “Toys for Tots.”

“A Night before Christmas”

arts & entertainment

Art students from Western Carolina University will exhibit their work through Friday, Dec. 14, at the WCU Fine Art Museum. A reception for the exhibit will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 6.

The exhibit features the studio art production of students graduating with Bachelors of Fine Arts.

Participating students are Sara Byerley, Cristen Cameron, Courtney Crigger, Malissa Gispert, Jason Inman, Tomas Pazderka, Ashley Robichaux, Rachel Stevens and Myriah Strivelli.

The WCU Fine Art Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission and parking are free. www.fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or rtichich@wcu.edu or 828.227.2464.

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arts & entertainment

Christmas shows take the stage at Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center From WWII Christmas memories to an audience sing-along, the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is bringing a full line-up of holiday performances to the stage in Franklin this month.

• Overlook Theatre Company will present “Christmas Memories: Postcards from the USO” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8, and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9. A lively cast of talented actors, singers and musicians will take a trip back to a celebrate Christmas, World War II style. Festive music, Hollywood stars and side-splitting comedy honoring and cheering soldiers will remind audiences there is no place like home for the holidays. Tickets are $13 each.

• There will be an old-fashioned

Christmas carol sing-a-long at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13. Friends and family of the theatre will enjoy sounds of the season as they echo throughout the auditorium, reminding them of their most cherished Christmas memories and traditions. Tickets are $7.

• Jim Brickman, the best-selling piano artist of all time, will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. Brickman’s talent for songwriting and his engaging personality has earned him album/radio hits, Grammy nominations and numerous music awards. To celebrate the Christmas season, he will delight audiences with beautiful music and heart-felt songs. Tickets are $29. www.GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

Christmas parade to roll through Cashiers

December 5-11, 2012

The 38th annual Cashiers Christmas parade will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 8.

Entries for “Songs of the Season” will feature popular holiday songs and invite the audience to a sing-a-long. Grand Marshals will be Raggedy Ann and Andy (who, through their creator’s family, have called Cashiers home for more than 60 years).

There will also the “First Edition” parade keepsake ornament, appearances by The Rosman Band and the 2012 “Spirit of our Community” award winners.

The parade is sponsored by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.

828.743.5191 or www.cashierschamber.com.

A GUARANTEED GRE AT NIGHT OUT

KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND S AT UR D AY, DE C E MB E R 2 9

‘Nutcracker’ ballet to grace WCU’s stage Holiday classic “The Nutcracker” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

More than 70 dancers from the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville will travel to Cullowhee to perform the show. Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet is the interpretation of a young girl’s dreamy Christmas Eve, including an epic battle between mice and an army of miniature soldiers, the transformation of a beloved nutcracker into a handsome prince and a journey to the land ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The event is sponsored by WCU’s Arts and Cultural Events Performance Series. Tickets are $10 per person. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479.

PHOTO CREDIT: A. STREIBER

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A Christmas journey in Franklin The Brasstown Ringers handbell group and Carolines Women’s Chorale will present “Visions of Christmas” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Franklin.

Journey with the groups from the deserts of Arabia, to the fields of the shepherds, to Bethlehem and into our modern-day world.

The Carolines, who are based in Franklin, will perform a distinctive mix of traditional and more recent Christmas music. They are

directed by Beverly Barnett and accompanied

by Urs Tolotti.

The Brasstown Ringers mix traditional tunes such as “O Holy Night and “Lo, How A Rose” with unusual carols such as Puerto Rican based “Carol of the Wise Men” for their part of the evening. The handbell group is directed by Pat Meinecke and will be joined by violinist, Victoria Gobble, on two of their pieces.

The Carolines will sing in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. and the Brasstown Ringers will perform in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. The programs are sponsored by the Arts Council of Macon County.

828.524.4530 or dseverfall@yahoo.com.

‘A Christmas Carol’ hits HART

Visit Santa’s workshop with festivities in Cherokee arts & entertainment

Christmas festivities will be hosted in downtown Cherokee by the Cherokee Historical Association from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 14 and 15.

There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, singing by choral groups and a storyteller.

In Santa’s workshop, children can create a special ornament to keep or give as a gift. The retail area will be open for those shoppers looking for that unique handcrafted item for the special person on their list.

Coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider and homemade treats will also be available.

828.497.2111 or 828.497.1125.

Santa comes to Cullowhee

Charles Dickens’ classic work “A Christmas Carol” is coming to the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville this month.

It will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 and Dec. 14 and 15. Afternoon performances will be at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

Evening performance tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $7 for students and children. Matinee performance tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $6 for students and children.

828.456.6322 or www.harttheatre.com.

Santa will make an appearance at “Christmas in the Park” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Recreation Park in Cullowhee. Enjoy hot chocolate for $1. Along with Santa, there will be Christmas lights, and snow if it is cold enough for a snow maker to function. Bring canned food to donate to the United Christian Ministries Food Pantry.

Santa Claus will also be at a breakfast held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Jackson County Senior Center. The breakfast is $5 “All-YouCan-Eat” per person, with free admission for ages 10 and under.

The senior center will also be hosting a “Cookies with Santa” from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17. The event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Jackson County Recreation/Parks Department and the Jackson County Senior Center.

828.293.3053.

December 5-11, 2012

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arts & entertainment

71438

A cappella holiday show comes to WCU

Vox Audio takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

Without pre-recorded tracks or instruments, the five vocalists of Vox Audio use only their voices to create texture, rhythm, bass and even “guitar solos.” In addition to their a cappella interpretations of holiday standards, their repertoire includes a mix of contemporary pop, classics, jazz, hip-hop, country and original compositions.

The show is part of WCU’s Galaxy of Stars Series, presented by the WCU College of Fine and Performing Arts with support from the WCU Friends of the Arts organization. Next up in the series is New York-based musical comedy group the Water Coolers at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27.

Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for groups and WCU faculty and staff, and $5 for children and students. The event is sponsored F. Patrick McGuire and David S. McGuire Dentistry.

828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

Bookstore

PENNY GRAHAM

Sylva resident, presents and reads from her new book, The

Button Sisters

Saturday, Dec. 8th at 3 p.m.

3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

December 5-11, 2012

Waynesville brings Christmas downtown with packed performance line-up Downtown Waynesville will be hosting “A Night before Christmas” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.

The event will include numerous Christmas choral groups and musicians, candlelight shopping, thousands of holiday lights, with plenty of shops, galleries and restaurants open for the evening. Santa Claus will also be going up and down the streets to greet the little ones.

Local church carolers and musicians will perform throughout the evening. The First Baptist Church will recreate a “Bethlehem Marketplace” with a live nativity and village of Bethlehem in their parking lot on South Main Street.

Caroling groups will be from Hazelwood Presbyterian Church,

Legal Services for a Strong Mountain Community Nathan Earwood • David D. Moore

Smoky Mountain News

559 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 828.339.1010 • earwoodandmoore.com

The Smoky Mountain Brass Band will celebrate its 31st season of providing music to Haywood County and Western North Carolina with their annual Christmas concert at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Hazelwood Baptist Church in Waynesville.

The event is free and open to the public. www.smbrass.com.

Wine and music in downtown Waynesville

your friendly, local blue box — smoky mountain news 26

Brass band to play free concert Dec. 15

Keyboardist/vocalist Billy Hurricane will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville as part of the ongoing ““Friday Night Live Music Series” hosted by the downtown Waynesville wine bar and restaurant.

Situated inside The Classic Wineseller is Angelino’s Ristorante, which begins serving dinner at 5:30 p.m.

On Friday, Dec. 14, there will be a Shafer

Beth Eden Church, Waynesville First Presbyterian Church and Haywood Christian Home Educators.

Other music will be performed by Ginny McAfee, Haywood Community Band, Tuscola Band Ensemble, students from Junaluska Music Studio, SongSpinners, Signature Winds and First Methodist Church Hand Bell Choir and Production Paranoia Bluegrass Teen Band, “Poetry People” Michael and Scott roving downtown, FunShine Faces will be set-up at at Main Street PERKS, Mr. Tom “The Balloon Man” will be outside City Bakery, and Angie’s Dance Academy will perform outside United Community Bank. www.downtownwaynesville.com or 828.456.3517.

Vineyards Wine Dinner with wines from 2004.

Alongside the music that night, the menu will be prepared specially by Chef Josh Monroe of the Chef’s Table.

On Friday, Dec. 21, harpist Betina Morgan will perform a variety of music, including folk, show tunes, Christmas music and more. www.classicwineseller.com or 828.452.6000.

ported by a grant from the Jackson County Arts Council. The Western Carolina Civic Orchestra receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

828.586.2016.

Music, mirth and Join in Christmas carols good cheer at Colonial during holiday concert Blue Ridge Orchestra will be doing a variety A free “Community Christmas Concert” presented by the Western Carolina Civic Orchestra Strings will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Jackson County Public Library.

The celebration will begin with caroling on the courthouse steps, led by Gayle Woody and members of the orchestra. Beginning at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, the orchestra will play classical pieces by Bach and Beethoven.

The audience will be invited to join in for a selection of favorite Christmas carols. Come “with bells on” to help perform “Jingle Bells.”

The program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library and is sup-

of holiday selections for their upcoming performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the Colonial Theatre in Canton.

Selections will be from the Nutcracker Suite, Hansel and Gretel, Bugler’s Holiday Good Tidings of Great Joy, A Christmas Narrative for Orchestra with narrator Miguel Cooper, “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson and Voices of the Orchestra “All Hayle to the Days” Admission is $15 per person, $10 for Friends of the Blue Ridge Orchestra and $5 for students. www.blueridgeorchestra.org or www.cantonnc.com.

Craft students at Haywood Community College will hold their annual “Holiday Craft Sale” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, in the student center auditorium at HCC. Pieces in the sale were created by members of Haywood Studios, the craft club organization for students in the Professional Crafts program at HCC. The four mediums in the professional craft program are clay, fiber, jewelry and wood. Students taking continuing education craft courses, from quilting to upholstery, will have their work on display as well.

The event is free and open to the public. www.haywood.edu.

f

2012 Waynesville Christmas Parade From the top: Donald Moody starts his tractor to pull the Beau Monde Salon & Spa float; Mrs. Claus and Baxter gearing up for the parade at the Animal Magnetism Pet Services float; Dixie Beard & Moustache Society “Homecoming Dance King and Queen” (Warren and Mary Ashe) prepare to hit Main Street; a handful of folks on the Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation float. Garret K. Woodward photos

Craft workshops serve up DIY holiday gifts Make your own holiday gifts with two upcoming crafting workshops put on by Haywood Community College’s Continuing Education Department.

• The Twined Basketry Workshop will have three sessions held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska. Students will learn the twined technique and complete a small basket. Instructor supplies all the colorful hand

dyed reeds, tools and patterns. Cost is $15.

• The Holiday Felting Workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the HCC main campus in Clyde.

The class will cover making forms in felt and projects will vary. Cost is $58, which includes instruction, wools, silks, and all supplies necessary for a completed project.

Students should bring several hand towels, a sponge and a large plastic bag.

828.565.4240.

Jackson artists exhibit wares for holiday sale The annual “Season to be Green” holiday open house will run from noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

Numerous local artists will be giving demonstrations and offering locally made, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, which include glass and metal ornamental jewelry, vases and platters, sculpture, fireplace tools, butter knives, glass ornaments and unique holiday pumpkins. There will be holiday cookies, hot chocolate and holiday music also.

Jackson County Green Energy Park uses methane landfill gas and other renewable energy sources to power small business incubation/fine arts production, eco-tourism and environmental education to the region.

The event is free and open to the public. w w w. j c g e p . o r g / y o u t h - a r t s . h t m l or www.facebook.com/JCGEP or 828.631.0271.

Nature’s Essence Inside

Country music sensation Scotty McCreery will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

In 2011, America fell in love with McCreery when he won American Idol and

Smoky Mountain News

Scotty McCreery comes to Cherokee

Wax potpourri bowls...

Home fragrance without the flame

December 5-11, 2012

Bring

immediately made a name for himself with his deep country voice, strong sense of self, small-town roots and unwavering integrity and conviction. His debut single, “I Love You This Big”, became a Top 15 hit and enjoyed the highest-charting debut for a new artist since 1984. Tickets are available online or at the venue. www.ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

arts & entertainment

Haywood Studios offers student craft pieces during holiday sale

Affairs of the Heart

————————————————————————————— 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828.452.0526

27

arts & entertainment December 5-11, 2012

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

The stuff of dreams Important 20th century poet discovered in new book s the poet Yvan Goll lay in a hospital in Paris dying of leukemia, a continuous line of some of the most celebrated artists and writers of the first half of the 20th century formed to donate blood to keep Goll alive while he struggled to finish his final volume of poems Dreamweed. With the blood of poets and painters coursing through his veins, he completed his masterwork and quickly died.

Such stories are the stuff of legends. His Dreamweed book would later be published posthumously in Germany under the title of Traumkraut.

But it was never translated into English.

That is until now, and it is Jackson County author/translator Writer Nan Watkins who has given us a brilliant translation of Goll’s last poems.

As someone who by all rights should have been and should now be a household name in the U.K. and the U.S., Yvan Goll was born in 1891 in Alsace-Lorraine. A central figure in the German world of Dada and Expressionism alongside Hans Arp in the early 20th century, Goll subsequently joined forces with Breton, Apollinaire and Eulard as a founder of the French Surrealist movement.

Goll’s manifesto on surrealism predated that of Breton — an important literary fact that is little known. He later founded his own press, Rhein Verlag, and published books of poetry illustrated by such artists as Picasso, Leger, Dali, Braque, Chagall and Tanguy. An early friend of James Joyce, Goll published Ulysses in German for the first time.

As well as being a pre-eminent poet and translator, Goll was a playwright of enormous influence. His plays, such as “Methusalem” (1922), were the foundation upon which

Thomas Crowe

A

Ionesco built his “Theatre of the Absurd” and was the launch pad for Artaud’s “Theatre of Cruelty.” Goll is generally considered to be the connecting link between Jarry and Ionesco.

He is best known as a poet for his collections Traumkraut (Dream Grass) and Le Chanson de Jean Sans Terre (Landless John), published in New York in 1958 in translations by numerous American poets, including W.S. Merwin, Kenneth Rexroth, William Carlos Williams, Kenneth Patchen and Galway Kinnell. His Manifesto of Realism, in which he called for “a poetry of mystical realism,” appeared in 1948.

The author of some 50 books of poetry, plays, fiction and essays, Goll emigrated to New York City in 1939 at the time of the Nazi invasion of France during World War II, living at the center of the city’s artistic life along with fellow émigrés Marc and Bella Chagall.

In New York he became the celebrated editor of Hemispheres magazine through which he published the work of French and American poets — including Kenneth Rexroth, André Breton and Philip Lamantia — and several volumes of both his and his wife Claire’s poetry in English and French. During these years, he befriended William Carlos Williams, James Laughlin of New Directions, and Kenneth and Miriam Patchen, among others, and spent several summers at the MacDowell Colony.

After the war, Yvan contracted leukemia and he and Claire returned to France, where he spent his last days and where he wrote his opus Truamkraut and where, upon finishing the text for the book that would ultimately secure his reputation as a poet in both Germany and France, Goll died in 1950.

The entry in the Who’s Who in Twentieth Century Literature says he died “with a French heart, a German spirit, a Jewish blood and an American passport.”

Recognized in Europe as one of the greatest bilingual writers of the 20th century, Goll is relatively unknown in the U.S. The princi-

pal reason for his lack of fame in this country is that very little of his work has been translated into English, and those translations have been in small-run limited editions. Among these are Selected Poems published by kayak magazine and distributed by City Lights Books in 1968; Lackawanna Elegy, translated

by Galway Kinnell and published by Sumac Press in 1970; and Selected Poems published

by Mundus Artium Press in 1981. But his major works such as Dreamweed and 10,000 Dawns were never seen in this country until now in Watkin’s translations.

In Dreamweed, comprised of death-defying poems and love poems, we are witness to a creative genius as he contemplates the nature of his own mortality and comes to grips with the deepest sense of his own spirituality. In their surreal images, these poems

29

his life, as well as what awaits him in the “life beyond.” In his poem “Snow Masks” Goll writes:

Overnight the snow Made my death mask.

White was the snow’s laughter And it turned my shadow into a carnival costume.

Suddenly a storm of golden triangles Raised the ringing city Off all its hinges.

In thousand-year-old light The towers of time Were set free from their anchors.

Overnight the snow Made my dream face come true.

In her introduction to Dreamweed, Nan Watkins writes: “In these Dreamweed poems, death becomes Yvan Goll’s familiar, and love is his salvation in a winter world of pain. The snow creates a death mask for him. Yet he continues to seek and question.

Ultimately, it is love that sustains him as his earthly body crumbles to dust and his spirit rises from the confines of his hospital bed to soar freely among the stars in the vastness of eternal night.”

Finally, it is Madison County, North Carolina’s own Keith Flynn (Editor/Publisher of the Asheville Poetry Review) who has the last word on Yvan Goll in his quote on the back cover of the book. “A man face to face with death has nothing to hide. In these magnificent and stirring last poems, the great Yvan Goll is recording nothing less than the disintegration of the European soul, using the intellectual resources of a highly influential and cosmopolitan imagination. One of the finest and most revered poets of the 20th Century, Goll receives the tender treatment he deserves in these remarkably vivid and masterful translations.” I certainDreamweed by Yvan Goll translations by Nan Watkins. ly couldn’t have said it any better.

Black Lawrence Press, 2012. 136 pages.

And, AMEN! Thomas Crowe is the publisher of New Native Press and author of several collections of not only defy gravity but take us to realms poetry. He lives in the Tuckasegee community of only visited in dreams. In his exaggerated metaphors, we can feel his anguish and yet his Jackson County and can be reached at newnativepress@hotmail.com elation regarding what he has experienced in

Author releases new adventure book

sion for the Great Smokies.

828.586.2016.

Writer Linda Dickert will read from her book, The Mountains Belong to Me, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, in the Community Room at the Jackson County Public Library.

The book is an accumulation of life experiences in the most sacred places on earth. The poetic conversations guide you through emotions Dickert felt as she took a journey through the universe of ideas. Dickert was born in Asheville and grew up with a great pas-

Authors to speak at Blue Ridge Books Blue Ridge Books in downtown Waynesville will host two talks and book signings by authors this weekend.

• Helen Scott Correll will be presenting her new book

Middlewood Journal: Drawing Inspiration from Nature at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8. Setting out from her house, fondly named Middlewood, in the piedmont of South Carolina, she takes long, wandering walks along Meetinghouse Creek with her dogs to observe and draw the nature of her landscape.

• Frank Etier, author of The Tourist Killer, will be presenting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. In the book, Claudia Barry is planning what she hopes will be her last assignment — the killing of Brian Farrell, the head of the London-based ITTA Corporation and one generally unsavory character. www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

30

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

SCOUTING A SMOKIES BLUEWAYS TRAIL

Recreation abounds, but knowing where and how to tap it can be a mystery

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER he mountains rising above the valleys have long been the main attraction for tourists planning a trip to Western North Carolina, but a regional initiative between local government and private entities is looking to capitalize on the recreational

T

potential riding on the rivers beneath.

The creation of a N.C. Smokies Blueways Trail will link the paddling, fishing, swimming and boating spots on rivers and lakes in the region under one banner.

However, figuring out how and where to go to enjoy the region’s lake and rivers — from Wildlife Commission fishing piers to forest

service paddling put-ins — can be a mystery to locals, let alone tourists.

“This is an opportunity to leverage our assets in tourism,” said Ryan Sherby, interim executive director of the Southwestern Commission, a regional economic development entity.

Sherby, a paddler himself who lives in Bryson City, believes the region needs to start marketing itself as a grade A tourist and water recreation destination.

Tourism has been often overlooked because it was viewed as seasonal and low paying, he said. But that’s changing.

“There’s a slow shift in acknowledging the tourism sector is a viable sector in this economy,” Sherby said. “Tourism brings real money.”

The first step in creating a Smokies Blueways Trail is simply to map all the water recreation assets in the region — indeed, that alone is the crux of the Blueways trail initiative.

Sherby hopes it will provide a guide for tourists

looking to raft, kayak, swim, fish or participate in other water-related activities.

The creation of the Blueways Trail will be paid for by a $85,000 Duke Energy Foundation grant.

Of the grant money, $5,000 will be used for mapping. Western Carolina University staff and students will use another $5,000 to create a multimedia guide to promote a section of the Tuckasegee River near campus.

The remainder of the money will be used to market the region’s lake and river recreation through Smoky Mountain Host, a regional tourism promotion entity.

IN THE LIMELIGHT The timing is opportune. The creation of the Blueways Trail coincides with the build-up to the 2013 Freestyle World Championships being held on the Nantahala River.

Sherby hopes to have the mapping portion of the new Blueways Trail prepared by the start of the international kayaking competition as well to capitalize on the increased traffic and showcase the local water hotspots.

The event is the premier competition for freestyle boating — a type of paddling not based on a race, but instead performing tricks such as flips and somersaults with kayaks and canoes.

The event is expected to draw 10,000 people in early September, most of them boaters coming for the competition but also looking to enjoy the local rivers.

“The ultimate goal is to have (the maps) ready for the 2013 games,” Sherby said. “So we can share with those tourists other recreation opportunities in region. They may want to go fly-fishing or know where public river access is.”

But, the recreation maps will also have a lasting use after the weeklong competition has ended.

S EE B LUEWAYS, PAGE 34

Coalescing with rivers and lakes Several developments in the field of aquatic recreation —everything from kayaking to fishing to motorboating — are paving the way for an organized push from tourism industry leaders to highlight the Blueways Trails of the Smokies.

The short list of unfolding events includes: ■ Duke Energy, which operates 10 hydropower dams on five rivers in the region, is constructing new river and lake access areas as well as a series of whitewater releases from its dams.

■ The world freestyle paddling competition coming to the Nantahala Gorge next September is expected to draw thousands of visitors and work as a stage to showcase the water resources of the region.

■ The N.C. Smokies Blueways Trail in the making (see related article).

The wheels are already turning as to how these loosely connected events can be wielded as an organized money-making machine to boost local tourism dollars and bring economic growth to the area.

Last week, a group of representatives from county, state and tribal governments as well as tourism-based business owners and marketing agents met at a summit put on by Smoky Mountain Host, a regional tourism marketing entity, to discuss the untapped potential of the region.

One of the biggest boons to water-based recreation in the region is the new amenities being rolled out by Duke on both rivers and lakes.

In coming years, Duke Energy will make numerous recreational improvements on the rivers and lakes in exchange for federal permits to operate a series of 10 hydropower dams in the region. The new recreational amenities were required for Duke to continue to use public waterways to create electricity.

This time around, recreationists have a lot to look forward to as the new agreement promises improved water access, wildlife viewing areas, boat camping and fishing trails.

Also, as part of the new agreement, a handful of times per year, Duke will release water from its dams on the upper Nantahala and Tuckasegee to create world-class whitewater downstream. The inaugural release on the Upper Nantahala River this fall was a widely popular event for boaters.

Mark Singleton, executive director of American Whitewater, a national organization of paddling enthusiasts headquartered in Sylva, helped negotiate for the recreational improvements with Duke Energy in the licensing process. His organization was one of a group of stakeholders representing conservation and recreational interests.

The results of negotiations will change the face of paddling in the region, he said.

“What you have is this whole new mix of recreational products coming into the region as a result of the Duke relicensing,” Singleton said.

The list includes some 30 or so lake and river access points on the Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Little Tennessee and Oconaluftee rivers.

Some are designed with bathrooms, concrete boat ramps and parking areas, while others may consisted of a new fishing pier at an existing access area.

“Each one of those access areas is a pretty big deal,” Singleton said. “It connects people to the river.”

The creation of a N.C. Smokies Blueways Trail will highlight many of the new river and lake improvements Duke Energy has planned.

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Over the fiscal cliff – and into the abyss First Mate McConnell: “Cap’n the ship is headed straight for that iceberg and there’s no way we kin stop her in time!”

Captain Boehner: “Don’t worry mate. I have a plan.”

FM McConnell: “What kin we do?”

Capt. Boehner: “Open all the bilges. We’ll sequester sea water!”

FM McConnell: “Cap’n that’ll sink the ship.”

Capt. Boehner: “And the iceberg will be averted.”

FM McConnell: “Genius! Pure genius!”

Bryson Farm Supply & Natural Food Store

Natural & Organic Foods Fresh Made North Carolina Mountain Cheeses North Carolina Fresh Coffees NC Local Grass Fed Beef, Pork, Chicken Also for your Pets: Natural & Holistic Dog and Cat Foods

Smoky Mountain News

Fresh Trees and Wreaths Daily

December 5-11, 2012

If you don’t know about monetary precipices the “fiscal cliff ” is where we, as a nation, are headed on Dec. 31, 2012 if Congress can’t, as they couldn’t last year, come to terms about how to correct our course of deficit and right the ship of state.

If nothing changes, at midnight Dec. 31, the terms of the Budget Control Act of 2011 will go into effect. Besides an end to Bush era tax cuts, the Budget Control Act calls for spending cuts (sequestration) to more than 1,000 government programs.

National parks, national forests, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are just a few of the environmental agencies that will suffer from rolling over the fiscal cliff. The Natural Resources Defense Council has a download that points out concerns of numerous environmental watchdog organizations: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/sslesing er/when_congress_comes_back_from.html Some highlights from the list include: closing of national park service campgrounds and visitor centers, plus the loss of park rangers. The National Wildlife Refuge system could see the loss of 200 or more science jobs plus a reduction in law enforcement personnel. National forests will see trail closures and less capacity for wildfire control. The EPA as well as the NOAA will be sorely hamstringed when it comes to research and/or enforcement. Things like clean air, clean water, and healthy, safe recreational opportunities will once again be put on the back burners.

If that grand ole Republican Teddy Roosevelt could, indeed, loose his bronze steed from the steps of the New York Museum of Natural History a’la “A Night at the Museum,” he would undoubtedly be charging the Hill to avert the “fiscal cliff.”

Roosevelt was a dedicated conservationist.

He created five national parks and 150 national forests. He also passed the Antiquities Act, which allows the govern-

ment to protect areas and/or objects of historical, natural and/or scientific significance as national monuments. All of these parks, forests and monuments are dead in the crosshairs of hefty funding cuts.

Of course, many other policies like defense cuts are also being pushed to the precipice. Payroll tax cuts, tax breaks for businesses and tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans are set to expire. The lynchpin in negotiations appears to be an increase (or the expiration of the Bush cuts) in tax on America’s wealthiest citizens. Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner, minority whip Mitch McConnell and most of the other Republicans who signed an oath to Grover Norquist and the Americans for Tax Reform vowing to never raise taxes for any reason say any kind of tax hike is out of the question. The Obama Administration and supporters say that some kind of tax increase on the wealthy has to be part of the package.

Roosevelt with John Muir.

And what Theodore Roosevelt Collection Harvard Library photo are these draconian, Machiavellian tax increases Mr. Obama wants to impose?

Basically, letting the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent or so of Americans expire. Today the top .1 percent of households in America is paying a tax rate that is roughly half of what they were paying in 1960. And anything more, according to today’s Republican banner-carriers, is simply socialism and/or class warfare.

“The only reason Democrats are insisting on raising rates is because raising rates on the so-called rich is the Holy Grail of liberalism,” according to McConnell. “Raising tax rates is unacceptable … Frankly, it [tax increase on the wealthy] couldn’t even pass the House. I’m not sure it could pass the Senate.”

Compare that to Roosevelt: “The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government. Not only should he recognize this obligation in the way he leads his daily life and in the way he earns and spends his money, but it should also be recognized by the way in which he pays for the protection the State gives him.”

(Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

1552 E. MAIN STREET | SYLVA 828-586-6969 | www.brysonfarmsupply.com

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outdoors December 5-11, 2012 Smoky Mountain News 32

Is the chestnut making a comeback?

PARI hosts meteor shower program An astronomy laboratory in the Pisgah National Forest will host a meteor viewing night 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14, at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI).

The public is invited to learn about meteorites and how to find and identify them. Each attendee Mike will receive Reynolds a free meteorite sample to take home and will have the opportunity to see PARI’s expanded meteorite collection, which includes a specimen from 1492.

The activities will include celestial observations using PARI’s optical and radio telescopes as well as a presentation featuring Mike Reynolds, who has spent 36 years in astronomy and space sciences.

“His talk will coincide with the peak of the Geminid meteor shower,” said PARI Education Director Christi Whitworth.

After the program, there will be a campus tour, a trip to the exhibit gallery and an observing session. The program will take place regardless of the weather.

Attendees should dress for cold and wear comfortable walking shoes. Each participant will also have the opportunity to have a photo taken with a PARI telescope and will receive a subscription to the PARI newsletter.

Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. Evening at PARI programs cost $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military and $10 for children under 14. Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or 828.862.5554.

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Volunteers and scientists planted 200 American chestnut seedlings in the Nantahala National Forest that are hopefully blight resistant in efforts to restore the mighty giant to its rightful place as king of the Appalachian forest.

The project is part of the the American Chestnut Foundation’s restoration program to return the tree to its native range.

This planting is part a larger project to plant and monitor more than 4,000 American chestnuts in six national forests in the eastern United States. American chestnuts once made up 25 percent of eastern hardwood forests but were nearly wiped out by the chestnut blight in the 20th century.

“Being in a position to help restore the American chestnut is the professional opportunity of a lifetime,” said Paul Berrang, regional geneticist for U.S. Forest Service’s Eastern Region.

Once considered the king of the eastern forests, American chestnuts stood up to 100 feet tall and numbered in the billions. They were a vital part of the forest ecology, a key Chestnut Seedlings at Meadowview Farm. Donated photo food source for wildlife and an essential component of the human economy.

In 1904 the fungal pathogen responsible for chestnut blight — accidentally imported from Asia — spread rapidly through the tree population. By 1950 it had killed virtually all the mature trees from Maine to Georgia. Several attempts to breed blight resistant trees in the mid1900s were unsuccessful.

In 1983, a group of scientists formed began a special breeding process, which in 2005 produced the first potentially blight-resistant trees.

Now assisted by nearly 6,000 members and volunteers in 23 states, The American Chestnut Foundation is undertaking the planting of these special breeds in select locations.

Community conversation about streams and people League of Women Voters of Macon County will host a program at noon Thursday, Dec. 13, in Tartan Hall in Franklin. The group will focus on the links between land use and ecosystem health and on collaboration between the community the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory.

The program — called the Coweeta Listening Project (CLP) — tries to make the studies of the Coweeta Long Term Ecological Research Program (LTER) meaningful and useful to individuals and the local communi-

ty, and to make connections between scientific study and everyday choices like lawn

Manicured streams are bad practice for wildlife. care.

For example, many landowners maintain lawns or crops up to the edges of streams, 71320

apply fertilizer and pesticides, and remove wood debris from the streambed.

However, altering streams and streamside forests in this way shrinks the stream, degrades habitat, increases rainwater runoff and warms the water temperature — all to the detriment of the health of the stream and wildlife.

But many people are unaware of the ecological consequences of their actions.

Rhett Jackson, a professor of hydrology at the University of Georgia, will speak and lead the conversation.

Jackson conducts research on the effects of human land use activities on stream and wetland habitat and geomorphology.

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selves. The phenomenon is also a testament to how interdependent species are to one another in the aquatic ecosystem. The large gravel nests built by river chubs in turn attract a host of other fish. “Scientists have counted at least 13 other fish species that spawn over bluehead chub nests (there may be many more) and at least one, the gorgeous yellowfin shiner, rare in North Carolina, appears to require chub nests for successful spawning,�

Land trust protects entrance to protected area A creek flowing through the protected property.

Sponsored By:

In Partnership with:

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>LÂťSS 4H[JO @V\Y +VUH[PVU \W [V H [V[HS VM ARDEN Â&#x2039; /LUKLYZVU]PSSL 9VHK (YKLU 5* Â&#x2039; CANTON Â&#x2039; (JHKLT` :[YLL[ *HU[VU 5* Â&#x2039; Area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gaining a gateway to the other lands we have protected at Burleson Bald has been a priority for SAHC.â&#x20AC;? said Jay Leutze, SAHC representative and local author. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are thrilled to add this tract to the other lands we have protected.â&#x20AC;?

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Smoky Mountain News

In November the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased 89 acres at the southern end of the Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in a move to protect vulnerable conservation lands and pristine views.

The tract, in the Highlands of Roan, adjoins and provides a key gateway to hundreds of acres that the organization has protected in past years as well as lands in state-designated scenic areas.

The now-protected property is adjacent to and visible from hundreds of acres of public lands. The purchase also saves White Oak Creek, a tributary of the North Toe River, from potential harm. The creek flows through the property. The property is also close to the Roan/Cane Creek Mountain Important Bird

This Holiday Season

December 5-11, 2012

The Little Tennessee River in Macon County landed a spot on the N.C. Wildlife Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;top nineâ&#x20AC;? list of spots to enjoy wildlife and wildlife-associated activities in the state.

North Carolina has a wide diversity of ecosystems and species. From elk to red wolves, from Venus fly traps to bobwhite quail, the state is home to more than 825 species of fish and wildlife, 175 species of butterflies, and over 625 flora species.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;top nineâ&#x20AC;? list obviously doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t include all the special places the state offers hunters, anglers, campers, paddlers, hikers, photographers or birders, but it tries to capture a cross-section of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty and uniqueness.

A brochure highlighting Snorkeling in the Little Tennessee River opens your eyes to a just what makes the Little whole new world of aquatic wildlife.

Tennessee River so special suggests a novel way to explore the mountain aquatic ecosystem: by according to the Wildlife Federation. donning a snorkel mask and glimpsing life Other spots on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;top nineâ&#x20AC;? wildlife below the surface. list include: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fantastic place to go â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fish-watchâ&#x2013; Green River Game Land, mountains ing.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like bird-watching in the water,â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013; Wilson Creek, mountains according to the Wildlife Federationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; writeâ&#x2013; Stone Mountain State Park/Thurmond up on the river. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pull on a dive mask and a Chatham Game Land Complex, mountains snorkel, and you can slowly ease your way â&#x2013; Cowanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ford Wildlife Refuge, Piedmont into riffles and the heads and tails of pools â&#x2013; Hanging Rock State Park, Piedmont and check out some of the most brilliantly â&#x2013; Roanoke River, coast colored wildlife on display.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013; Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife RefugeIn particular, from April to June, hunPungo Unit, coast dreds of fish can be seen swarming over â&#x2013; Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, gravel mounds built up on the river bottom coast as spawning grounds by the fish themwww.ncwf.org.

outdoors

Little Tennessee heralded for wildlife spotting

WAYNESVILLE Â&#x2039; >HSU\[ :[YLL[ >H`ULZ]PSSL 5* Â&#x2039;

33

Smoky Mountain News

December 5-11, 2012

outdoors

B LUEWAYS , CONTINUED FROM 30

34

BLUEWAYS OF THE APPALACHIANS The initial Blueways Trail will focus on four rivers — the Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Oconaluftee and Little Tennessee. The project has being heralded as a pilot project under a new National Blueways System, under the auspice of the U.S. Department of Interior.

The idea to highlight river-based recreation through national system of “trails” is part of America’s Great Outdoors initiative launched by President Barack Obama in 2011.

Last spring, the Connecticut River was designated the first of these Blueways Trails.

The Smokies project is already on the Department’s radar, along with a handful of other rivers, as pilot projects for this expanding series of national waterways.

Once completed, the N.C. Smokies Blueways Trail will have to apply for formal federal designation, however, according to Betty Huskins, a tourism and marketing consultant and project manager in the region and also a member of the U.S. Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council.

Huskins feels the N.C Smokies Blueways Trail has a good shot at getting the official federal designation — especially since it is in on the ground floor of the initiative.

“We have been included as one of the pilot projects,” Huskins said. “They want to work with areas that they see have potential.”

The 400-mile Connecticut River, which was given the honor only as recently as May, stood out because of coordinated conservation efforts along the river corridor by citizens, local government and nonprofits. Local organizers are hoping to replicate the model in WNC. As part of the Duke grant, $5,000 will go to visual arts students and faculty at WCU for a video and photo project on section of the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County near campus.

Information on plants, fish, geology, history and recreation from that section of the river will be synthesized into an interactive website and mobile app to promote the Blueways project. That segment could serve as an information-gathering model as the water trail system expands.

FROM PAPER AND TEXTILES TO PADDLES AND LURES Although the Blueways initiative is a new concept, bringing tourists to Western North Carolina for water-related recreation is no feat.

The formula has worked for at least two water-based recreation destinations in the region: ■ Cherokee has become a world-renown fishing destination utilizing aggressive fish stocking and marketing techniques to entice anglers.

■ The Nantahala Gorge funnels thousands

of tourists into it narrow walls with the promise of churning whitewater and a great time in the great outdoors.

According to a local economic analysis, recreation on the Nantahala River has an $85 million impact on WNC and sustains more than 1,000 jobs. The Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is one of the largest outfitters on the river, is also the largest employer located in the Swain County.

Although sometimes overlooked in the quest to lure golfers or other perceivably more affluent tourists, Sutton Bacon, CEO of the NOC, demonstrated that granola-eating, paddle-toting boaters are actually an economic force to be reckoned with.

The typical visitor to WNC who comes for outdoor recreation has a household income of $89,000 per year, spends an average of two or more nights in the area and spends nearly $800, Bacon wrote in a report.

Nationwide, Americans spend an estimated $646 billion on outdoor recreation.

And developing the region’s ability to attract those visitors, may be a more worthwhile way to grow the economy.

“The public lands and waters in our region are the pathway to a growing and sustainable prosperity — a type of prosperity

that cannot be outsourced overseas,” Bacon wrote in an email. “Whereas extraction and manufacturing industries have come and gone.”

That type of outdoor tourism in Swain County, although it remains one of the poorest in the region overall, has given Jackson County Manager Chuck Wooten something to think about. He said it is apparent his county is not likely to attract new industry so he is excited at the prospect of having new recreation opportunities on the Tuckasegee to pitch to potential water-goers.

“There’s a lot of money being spent on outdoor recreation,” said Wooten. “There’s no reason we couldn’t have, maybe not an NOC, but something of its size.”

Wooten said the WNC Fly-fishing Trail based in Jackson County and created by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce has already showed success in attracting outdoor recreationists.

And the timing couldn’t be more perfect to expand such a campaign to bring outdoor enthusiasts.

“We ought to publicize and advertise with all the resources we have,” Wooten said. “I don’t know that (outdoor recreation) has been overlooked — I think it’s been taken for granted.”

72006

outdoors

Have you ever been to a small town Christmas Parade?

Join us as we celebrate our

38th Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade

December 5-11, 2012

Saturday, December 8th at 2 pm Downtown Bryson City

Complete with floats, marching bands, homecoming queens, and more!

Smoky Mountain News

Make this a new holiday tradition for your famlily for years to come!

For more information please contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce.

35

outdoors

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Run In 2013â&#x20AC;? event starts at 11 a.m. and follows a flat route mostly on paved roads but with a short jaunt on packed dirt trail. Registration for the run/walk before Dec. 20 is $20, while race day registration is $25 and begins at 9:30 a.m. A long-sleeved, wicking shirt is guaranteed to the first 115 people registered.

To register www.imathlete.com or stop by the recreation center in Cullowhee.

Hot-topic land use video to be aired

Shake off the champagne with a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run Runners and walkers looking to start the New Year right can take part in a 5kilometer run and walk on Jan. 1 at the Jackson Recreation Center in Cullowhee.

Members of the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River and local residents will meet on Thursday, Dec. 13, to plan for the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming film series.

In January, the Watershed Film Series will host a showing of the documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;LAND (and how it gets that way).â&#x20AC;? The movie is about farming and land use practices. The show will be followed by a discussion led by Robert Hawk, Extension Agent for Swain and Jackson counties.

The December planning meeting will be held at the Bryson City United Methodist Church and will start at 5:30 p.m. with a social gathering and snacks. At 6 p.m. the meeting will start.

The organization is also planning a movie series night in March as a prelude for Earth Day activities in April.

828.488.8418.

December 5-11, 2012

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;People stop me to tell me that

my teeth

More bears on the road than ever in NC The North Carolina black bear license plate brought in $123,500 in the last quarter to support park improvements on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the highest quarterly total since the plate debuted in 1999.

License plate owners from across the state have now collectively raised more than $3 million.

One of the projects provided for by plate revenues includes educating Park visitors about safe viewing of the Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s herd of more than 100 elk by the Elk Bugle Corps volunteers. Plate money also helps provide the Parks as Classrooms program, which provides hands

on learning for children in the Park as well as funding for interns who work in park teaching programs and on trails. Another program supported by plate funding is the prevention of wild ginseng poaching through public outreach and monitoring.

The Smokies plate is available from any local North Carolina license plate agency office or from the N.C. Department of Transportation website. www.friendsofthesmokies.org or 828.452.0720.

Nominate your favorite wildlife protector The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has begun accepting seek nominations for an award recognizing those who make outstanding contributions to wildlife diversity in the state. The award is called the Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award and nominations will be accepted through Jan. 30.

The winner will be announced in July.

Quay, the first winner of the award, was a volunteer and retired zoologist.

Those interested must fill out a form and complete an essay. Nominations from 2010 and 2011 will be automatically be considered as well, while nominations submitted prior to 2010 will be considered upon request.

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Fixed to this place like strings to a guitar, our music is as loyal as its fans. It stays near the people and the venues that helped bring it to life. Jazz, country, rock, folk, bluegrass, newgrass and more ~ all live here. They were born in artists who call this state home. And the same places that inspired greats like John Coltrane, Nina Simone, James Taylor and The Avett Brothers ~ may also inspire you.

WNC Calendar BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Issues & Eggs, “NCDOT Highway 209 and Interstate 23/74 Intersection,” 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, Gateway Club, 37 Church St., downtown Waynesville. 456.3021.

• The Spanish Club at Southwestern Community College will watch “A Better Life” from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 5, in room 110-111 at the Macon Campus.

• Free 90-minute computer class on basic email, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 5, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Space limited. Bring cell phone to verify email account. Call to register. 586.2016.

• Information sessions for parents and students interested in Jackson County Early College High School, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5; and Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, lobby of the JCEC Building, next to the Holt Library at Southwestern Community College Sylva’s campus.

339.4468.

• The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University committee meetings, 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, fifth floor of the H.F. Robinson Administration Building, WCU. • The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University quarterly meeting, 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, board room of H.F. Robinson Administration Building, WCU. • Free 90-minute computer class on Basic PowerPoint 2010, 5:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, Jackson County Public Library. Space limited. Call 586.2016 to register.

• Free 90-minute computer class on Basic Microsoft Word, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, Jackson County Public Library. Space limited. Call 586.2016 to register.

• The Power of Email Marketing Seminar, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, room 102 Southwestern Community College Annex, behind the Macon County Courthouse. Light lunch provided. $7, chamber members; $15, non-chamber members. Register by Dec. 11, at 524.3161.

COMMUNITY & EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS • Coat giveaway, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Rockwood United Methodist Church, 288 Crabtree Mountain Road, Canton. Anyone in need of a warm coat for winter is welcome. 648.6870.

• Students from Western Carolina University’s School of Teaching and Learning will host a cultural awareness event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Killian Building and a yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 8, in the parking lot of Stanberry Insurance in Sylva to raise funds for a trip this spring to Finland, to study schools that are ranked No. 1 in literacy test scores. 227.2061 or rqscales@wcu.edu.

• Haywood Waterways Association annual Membership Dinner 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, Lambuth Inn, Lake Junaluska. $15, RSVP to 226.8565 by Monday, Nov. 26 or to christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com.

• Free genealogy workshop to discuss DNA tests in genealogy research, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 8, Moss Memorial Library, 26 Anderson St., Hayesville.

Conducted by Larry Van Horn, noted local family historian, syndicated genealogy newspaper columnist and genealogy instructor/lecturer.

• Parents Night Out, 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Rehoboth Baptist Church, Waynesville. 456.3104.

• Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table Christmas Party 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, Sylva Inn (formally Comfort Inn) on US 23/74 just east of Sylva.

Come in period dress. $25 per person. Chuck Beemer, 456.4212 or Chris Behre, 293.9314.

• Franklin Open Forum, “What is at the bottom of the

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. fiscal cliff?” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, 58 Stewart St., downtown Franklin.

(Below and behind Books Unlimited.) Opportunity for open exchange of ideas (dialog not debate). 349.0598.

• Coats for Kids of Jackson County is accepting donations of good condition used and new children’s clothing and items (tops, pants, dresses, sweaters, shoes, coats, hats, gloves). Drop off locations include Cullowhee United Methodist Church and Sylva Walmart.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, new adoption center at the Waynesville Industrial Park, off Old Asheville Highway.

Pet photos available online at www.sargeandfriends.org or www.petfinder.com or 246.9050.

VOLUNTEERING • Angel Medical Center Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop needs volunteers for six-hour shifts. The Thrift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Jennifer Hollifield, director of volunteer services, 349.6688.

• The Haywood Volunteer Center has many openings for volunteers. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: If you are over 55 years of age, you can receive a limited amount of mileage coverage and supplementary insurance while you are volunteering. 356.2833. www.hjvc.org.

• The Haywood County Meals on Wheels program is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to Haywood County residents who cannot fix meals for themselves.

Drivers are needed in the following areas: Tuesdays— Route #3, Clyde; Fridays—Route #9, Beaverdam; Tuesdays—Route #10, Bethel; Fridays—Route #14, Hyatt Creek/Plott Creek; Thursdays—Route #19 Cruso; Thursdays—Route #22, Jones Cove. Jeanne Naber at 356.2442 or jnaber@haywoodnc.net.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Haywood County Historical and Genealogical Society maintains a museum located in the historical courthouse in room 308. The HCHGS is seeking articles and objects of historical value to Haywood County that anyone would like to share. 456.3923.

• Haywood Volunteer Center needs respite work, domestic violence hotline volunteers, meal delivery drivers, mediators, craft instruction, house building, foster grandparenting and office work. 356.2833

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • Western Carolina University Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, Hinds University Center in the Grand Room, Western Carolina University.

1.800.RedCross or go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor code Cats to schedule your appointment or for more information.

• Western Carolina University Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, Greek Village Commons Building, Western Carolina University. 1.800.RedCross or go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor code Cats to schedule your appointment or for more information.

• Lowe’s Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 1716 N. Main St., Sylva. 1.800.RedCross or go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor code Lowe’s to schedule your appointment or for more information.

Haywood • American Red Cross New Covenant Church Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, 833 Lee Road, Canton. Deborah Martin, 627.9000. All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

• American Red Cross Waynesville Masonic Lodge Blood Drive, noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, East Marshall St., Waynesville. 452.9586. All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

Swain

• Community Care Clinic of Franklin needs volunteers for a variety of tasks including nursing/clinical, clerical and administrative and communications and marketing. The clinic will provide volunteer orientation and training for all individuals. 349.2085.

• Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Blood Drive, 3:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, Robinson Gap Road, Bryson City. Nancy, 488.6880 for more information or to schedule appointment.

• Meals on Wheels currently seeks volunteers to deliver meals in Haywood County. The routes include: Allens Creek (Thursdays), Jonathan Creek (Mondays), Hyatt and Plott Creek (Wednesdays & Fridays), Saunook (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Volunteers should expect to spend one and a half to two hours delivering. 356.2442 or jnaber@haywoodnc.net.

• American Red Cross Macon Bank Inc. Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, One Center Court, Franklin. Melanie, 524.7000, extension 2356 for more information or to schedule appointment.

• The Volunteer Water Inventory Network (VWIN) is looking for people to work one to two hours every second weekend of the month at Hyatt Creek, Raccoon Creek and Jonathan Creek. Supplies provided. Volunteers pick up empty bottles, collect water samples, and return full bottles. 926.1308 or haywoodwaterways.org. Early evenings are the best time to call.

• Agencies throughout Haywood County are seeking volunteers for many different jobs, including helping with Haywood Christian Ministries, REACH hotline and thrift shop, the Elk Bugle Corps for the National Park and many more. 356.2833.

• The Bascom in Highlands seeks volunteers to help at arts center. Volunteer opportunities include office, gallery docent, benefit events, hospitality, flowers, installation, studio, library, landscaping, parking, recycling and building. No prior knowledge of art or museum experience is necessary. 526.4949, mshambaugh@thebascom.org or www.thebascom.org/volunteer.

Macon

HEALTH MATTERS • Flu shots, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Home Care service building on the Haywood MedWest campus. No appointment necessary. The Home Care building is located directly behind MedWest-Haywood. $20. Home Care will accept traditional Medicare and will file the insurance for the beneficiary. Vaccines available for everyone over 18 years of age. 452.8292.

37

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 fintness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings Pomeranz and Dr. Harvey Tritel will conduct the services. Phyllis Cardoza, 369.9270.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Senior trip to Community Christmas Celebration, Thursday, Dec. 13, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. Deadline to register is Dec. 10. Leave the Waynesville Recreation Center at 5:30 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. $14 per person for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or $17 for nonmembers. Price includes ticket and transportation.

456.2030 or email recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.

• Laughter Yoga Club, 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville.

Suzanne Hendrix, certified Laughter yoga leader. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your own giddy vocalizations. 452.2370.

• Clip and Save Coupon Club, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays, Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville.

• “Senior and Fit,” a 12-week program, 11 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. 456.2030.

• Happy Wanderers senior group holds several events coordinated through Haywood County Parks and Recreation. 452.6789.

• For information on resources for older adults in Haywood County, call 2-1-1, or by cell phone 1.888.892.1162; www.nc211.org or www.haywoodconnections.org. 452.2370.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Science & Nature • Evening at PARI, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, 1 PARI Drive Rosman.

Coincides with peak of Geminid meteor shower. Includes celestial observations using PARI’s optical or radio telescopes. Guest speaker is Mike Reynolds, who has spent 36 years in astronomy and space sciences.

Reservations required. $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military and $10 for children under 14.

Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or call 862.5554. For additional information contact PARI Education Director Christi Whitworth at cwhitworth@pari.edu. 862.5554.

Literary (children)

RECREATION & FITNESS • Jackson County Recreation/Parks Master Plan public input meetings, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, Jackson County Recreation Center; 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, Cashiers Library Meeting Room. 293.3053

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • Shabbat, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Mountain Synagogue, 216 Roller Mill Road, Franklin. Martin

• Family Night, Cookies: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice. 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Write On! Tween creative writing class, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 6, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva.

586.2016.

• Children’s Story time, Can’t Catch Me, 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time, Miss Sally, Legend of Christmas Tree, 3:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 7, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

wnc calendar

• Bryson City Anime Club, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City, 488.3030.

• Meditation with Corina Pia, 10:30 a.m. Saturday Dec. 8, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time, Rotary Readers, 11 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 10, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

Food & Drink • The Classic Wineseller presents Billy Hurricane, keyboard and vocals, Dec. 7; Shafer Vineyards Wine Dinner, Friday, Dec. 14; and harpist Betina Morgan, Friday, Dec. 21. 20 Church St, downtown Waynesville.

452.6000 CLASSSICWINESELLER.COM or info@classicwineseller.com.

• Harris Monthly Grief Support Group, 3 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 18, Chaplain’s Conference Room MedWest-Harris, Sylva. 586.7979.

Nutcracker,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. $10. 227.2479 or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Silent Night, Holy Night, Christmas musical, 11 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 9, adult choir, East Sylva Baptist Church. www.eastsylvabaptist.org.

in Cashiers. 226.1096.

• Christmas Bazaar, Dec. 6-7, Cherokee Ceremonial Grounds Building, highway 441 North, Cherokee.

497.2037

• Smoky Mountain High School Chorus Holiday Concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Bardo Arts Center, WCU campus. Free. 586.2155.

• Haywood Studio’s annual Holiday Craft Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 7, Student Center auditorium at Haywood Community College. Clay, fiber, jewelry, and wood. All work created by students. 627.4521.

• Christmas in the Park, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Recreation Park in Cullowhee. For ages 10 and under. Enjoy hot chocolate for $1 and see Christmas lights and snow (depending on temperature). Bring canned food items to donate to the United Christian Ministries food pantry. 293.3053.

Macon • Ladies Night Out, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, Angel Medical Center Cafeteria, Franklin. Program, weight management.

Swain • MedWest-Swain WNC Breast Cancer Support Group, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11, private dining room next to the cafeteria at MedWest-Swain, Bryson City. This group meets the second Tuesday of every month. Mary E. Mahon, RN, 631.8100.

• Breakfast Buffet, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday, American Legion Auxiliary of Waynesville, Legion Drive. $6 donation. Proceeds to veterans and community.

• Stone Soup Gathering, 5 p.m. every Sunday, Fellowship Hall, Bryson City United Methodist Church.

Free.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS & LOCAL GOVERNMENT Dems • Haywood County Democrats holiday open house, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, party headquarters, 286 Haywood Square, Waynesville. Bring a covered dish and wrapped presents for families whom the DSS is assisting this season. A special Christmas drawing will be held at noon. 452.9607 or visit haywooddemocrats.org.

GOP

December 5-11, 2012

• 20th annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner, 7 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 8, Grove Park Inn, Asheville. $50 per person. Headliner will be North Carolina Governor-elect Pat McCroy. For required reservations, contact Trish Smothers, 243.2187 or tasmothers@yahoo.com.

• Congressman-elect Mark Meadows will headline the Republican annual Prayer Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, Jarrett House, Dillsboro. Prayer message will be delivered by The Reverend Wesley Price of the Watauga Baptist Church in Macon County. For reservations, call Ralph Slaughter, 743.6491, by email to Jim Mueller jimmei77@frontier.com or email jacksonctygop@yahoo.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Smoky Mountain News

Haywood • “Hope for the Holidays” 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.11, Faith Classroom, First United Methodist Church, Waynesville. Hosted by MedWest-Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care, in conjunction with Wells Funeral Home Care Connections. Anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one is encouraged to attend for fellowship and refreshments, and to learn helpful ways to cope with grief during the holiday season. Jennifer Jacobson, 456.3535 or Robin Minick, 452.5039.

• Men’s Only Grief Support Group, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11, First Presbyterian Church, 305 Main St., Waynesville John Woods, 551.2095 or jhwoods55@yahoo.com or call MedWest-Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care, 452.5039.

Jackson

A&E FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • Saturday Night Out in Sylva, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, The Basement @ Mainstreet Bakery, featuring local artists and the Where’s Mike Jones? Band. Hors d’oeures by Mainstreet Bakery, beer by The French Broad Brewery as well as wine and other refreshments. Tickets are pre-sale only ($15 includes food, beverage and music) and can be purchased at Mainstreet Bakery & Café. Kid Friendly.

• Applications for new grants from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership are due by Dec. 14; funding will be announced in April, 2013. Grants are available for the preservation, interpretation, development, and promotion of heritage resources in agricultural heritage, Cherokee heritage, craft heritage, music heritage and natural heritage Applicants must provide at least a one-to-one match. Further details http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/ or www.blueridgeheritage.com.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Helen Scott Correll, author of “Middlewood Journal: Drawing Inspiration from Nature” 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St. Waynesville.

456.6000 or blueridgebooksnc.com.

• Frank Etier, author of “The Tourist Killer,” 3 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 9, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St. Waynesville. 456.6000 or blueridgebooksnc.com.

• Linda Dickert, author of “The Mountains Belong to Me,” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, Community Room, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016 • Coffee with the Poet with Carol Bjorlie, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 20, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. Bjorlie will play the cello and read from her new collection, Behind the Cello. Coffee with the Poet series meets every third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m.

586.9499.

HOLIDAY GIVING • Maggie Valley Police Department is accepting Toys for Tots through Dec. 21. To donate, call 926.0867.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

• General Cancer Support Group for men and women, 5 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, Harris Medical Park conference room at 98 Doctors Dr., Sylva. Mary E. Mahon, RN, 631.8100.

• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents the Polar Express, through Dec. 29, Bryson City. Tickets start at $39 for adults, $26 children ages 2-12. Children under two ride free. 872.4681. www.gsmr.com.

• Man to Man Support Group for prostate cancer patients and survivors, 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 10, Harris Medical Park conference room at 98 Doctors Dr., 38 Sylva. Mary E. Mahon, RN, 631.8100.

• Canton Christmas Parade, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6.

235.2760.

• Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents “The

• 12th annual Appalachian Christmas Celebration Dec. 6-9, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Waynesville. Lake Junaluska Singers Concert, Voices in the Laurel concert and craft show. www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or 800.422.4930.

Tickets for the matinee performance of the Lake Junaluska Singers and the Voices in the Laurel preshow are $16.50 for adult reserved ($15 general admission) and $8 for children, age 8 and under.

800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas.

• Music, Mirth & Good Cheer, A Family Holiday Concert by the Blue Ridge Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, Colonial Theatre, 53 Park St., Canton. $15 general admission; $10 for Friends of the Blue Ridge Orchestra; $5 for students. Tickets available online www.blueridgeorchestra.org.

• Love Lights a Tree ceremony 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, Gazebo, Main Street, downtown Franklin. $5 for a small ornament, $7 for larger ornaments. Shauna Maxon, 332.0075 or 524.1128. Proceeds to Relay for Life of Franklin.

• Voices in the Laurel Christmas concert featuring the poetry of Robert Frost, traditional and international Christmas carols and a medley from “The Polar Express,” 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at historic Stewart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Tickets for the matinee performance of the Lake Junaluska Singers and the Voices in the Laurel preshow are $16.50 for adult reserved ($15 general admission) and $8 for children, age 8 and under. 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas.

• Cashiers Christmas Parade, noon to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8, downtown Cashiers. 743.5191, www.cashierschamber.com.

• 37th annual Festival of Christmas Past, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarland Visitor Center, 1420 Little River Road, Gatlinburg. Free. 865.436.1207.

• “A Night Before Christmas” 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, downtown Waynesville. Shopping, candlelight carolers, Santa, horse drawn wagon rides, and more.

No pets. www.downtownwaynesville.com or 456.3517 • Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Jackson County Senior Center $5, All-You-Can-Eat, free for ages 10 and under.

• Cherokee Christmas Event, 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 15, 564 Tsali Blvd. (across from the museum), Cherokee.

Horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, Santa’s workshop. Coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider and homemade treats. 497.1125.

• Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries, dusk to 9 p.m., Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-17, downtown Dillsboro.

Sing-alongs, horse-and-carriage rides, WCU students in renaissance costumes, children’s art in the courtyard, and Santa and Mrs. Claus at Town Hall. www.visitdillsboro.org or 800.962.1911.

• An Evening with Santa, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Jackson County Family Resource Center (Old Webster School Building, Webster). For Jackson County families.

• Community Christmas Concert, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Jackson County Public Library. Concert opens with caroling on the Courthouse steps, led by Gayle Woody and members of the orchestra. 586.2016.

• Brasstown Ringers and Carolines Women’s Chorale present “Visions of Christmas” 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at First United Methodist Church, 66 Harrison, Franklin. Goodwill offering taken at the end.

• Brasstown Ringers present “Visions of Christmas” 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, First Christian Church, 470 Enka Lake Road, Candler. Goodwill offering taken at the end.

• The First Leon, youth Christmas play and musical, 6 p.m. Dec. 16, East Sylva Baptist Church, www.eastsylvabaptist.org.

• Cookies with Santa, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, Jackson County Senior Center, free, 293.3053 • Smoky Mountain High School Band Concert, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 18, Bardo Arts Center on the WCU Campus. Free. 586.2155.

• Jackson County Farmers Market Holiday Bazaar 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 8 and Saturday Dec. 15, Community Table on Central Street, Sylva. Next to Sylva Pool and Poteet Park. Locally handmade gifts, vegetarian brandied mincemeat, hand painted and personalized, jewelry, locally raised pork gift boxes, zipper pulls and crocheted items. Produce, eggs, chicken, baked goods, and more. Visit us on Facebook, jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org or call Jenny, 631.3033.

HOLIDAY GIFT MAKING • Holiday Gift Creation at Stecoah Valley Center.

Register at 479.3364 or stecoahvalleycenter.com.

Christmas Victorian Tea – 1 to 3 p.m. Wed. Dec. 5. $45; Underground Railroad Messenger Doll—10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, $20 (includes materials); Corn Shuck Angel or Doll – 1 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13. $25, includes materials.

• Holiday Centerpiece and Tree Class, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, Southwestern Community College Macon Campus, room 110. $50. To register, call Latresa Downs, 339.4426.

• Twined Basketry Workshop, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.; or 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Harrell Center, Lake Junaluska. All ages. $15. Hosted by Haywood Community College Continuing Education Department. 565.4240 or register at Student Services or mail in registration form, found at http://www.haywood.edu/UserFiles/continuing_education/CERegistrat ion_Form_inservice.pdf.

• Voices in the Laurel Winter Silent Auction, noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Harrell Center, Lake Junaluska.

• “Season to be Green” holiday open house, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Jackson County’s Green Energy Park. Purchase handcrafted glass, metal art and ceramics being made. www.jcgep.org/youth-arts.html or 631.0271.

• Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale, 10 a.m. to 4.p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, Folk Art Center, milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville. 298.7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.

• Holiday Felting Workshop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, $58 includes all supplies for a completed project. Bring several hand towels, sponge, large plastic bag and an apron or overshirt. 565.4240 or

register at Student Services or mail in registration form, found at www.haywood.edu/UserFiles/continuing_education/CERegistration_Form_inservice.pdf.

• Saloon Five, DJ Gallo, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday, Dec. 7, Essence Lounge, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

• Western Carolina Civic Orchestra fall concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, recital hall, Coulter Building, Western Carolina University. Free. 227.7242.

• Christmas Memories: Postcards from the USO, 7:30 p.m. Dec.7 -8, and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. $13.

GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The Classic Wineseller presents Billy Hurricane, keyboard and vocals, Dec. 7; Shafer Vineyards Wine Dinner, Friday, Dec. 14; and harpist Betina Morgan, Friday, Dec. 21. 20 Church St, downtown Waynesville.

452.6000, classsicwineseller.com or info@classicwineseller.com.

• HART Theatre presents a special preview evening of “A Christmas Carol” to benefit Haywood Spay Neuter, 7 p.m. Dec 6, 182 Richland Creek, Waynesville. $15, 452.1329.

• “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Dec 7, 8, 14, and 15; 3 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16; and 2 p.m. Dec. 15, at HART Theater, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Tickets for evening performances are $20, adults; $17, seniors; and $7, students. Discounted tickets to matinees are $16, adults; $14, seniors; and $6, students. For reservations, call 456.6322 between 1 and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or go to www.harttheatre.com.

• Contagious, DJ Moto, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, Essence Lounge, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

• Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight, Thursday, Dec. 13, Essence Lounge, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

• Music Benefit for Full Moon Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Black Mountain.

Featuring guitarist Trey Merrill, singer/songwriter Paco Shipp, singer/songwriter David Cody, and others.

664.9818 or email info@fullmoonfarm.org. www.fullmoonfarm.org.

• Old-fashioned Christmas carol sing-a-long, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. $7, GreatMountainMusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

• Reception for Western Carolina University art students, 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, WCU Fine Art Museum. Student exhibition runs through Friday, Dec. 14. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 7 p.m. Thursdays. Admission and parking are free. atfineartmuseum.wcu.edu.

Participating students are Sara Byerley, Cristen Cameron, Courtney Crigger, Malissa Gispert, Jason Inman, Tomas Pazderka, Ashley Robichaux, Rachel Stevens and Myriah Strivelli.

• Artist reception for Pamela Haddock, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street, downtown Asheville. Gallery hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 251.5796 or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com.

• Ceramic Firing Techniques featuring Linda Christianson and the WCU Ceramics Department, through Dec. 5, Jackson County Green Energy Park, 100 Green Energy Park Road, Dillsboro. www.jcep.org.

• Glass classes: Glass Tumbler, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 45minute time slots, Saturday, Dec. 15, Jackson County Green Energy Park, $40. Payment due at registration.

No experience necessary. Ages 13-18 may participate with parent. Wear cotton clothing (no polyester) and closed shoes and long pants. 631.0271 or www.jcgep.org/classes.php.

• North Carolina Glass 2012: In Celebration of 50 Years of Studio Glass in America, exhibit through Friday, Feb. 1, Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University.

• The Cherokee County Arts Council and the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center are offering classes made possible with grants through Handmade In America and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. For details: 479.3364, kathleen@cherokeeartscouncil.org, or www.cherokeeartscouncil.org/craft-labs-for-artists/

FILM & SCREEN • Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Call library for movie title. 586.2016.

• Free Bob Hope and Bing Crosby 1952 movie classic set in Bali, 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. Free popcorn and refreshments.

Due to production studio guidelines, the library may not include movie titles in its print advertising. Call for title. 488.3030.

• Food for Thought Film Series, “Grow,” free documentary film, 6 p.m. Monday Dec. 10, Clayton Municipal Complex, highway 76 West. Award-winning documentary, filmed in Georgia, follows a new generation of sustainable farmers. 706.782.7978 or smlcinc@windstream.net.

• Free family movie, a contemporary holiday classic, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. Free popcorn. Studio guidelines prevent the library from including movie title in its print advertising. Call for title. 488.3030.

DANCE • Second Sunday Contra Dance, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, Community Room on the second floor of the old courthouse in the Jackson County Library Complex in Sylva. Anne Marie Walter will call the dance to the music of Out of the Woodwork. Potluck dinner will follow. Bring covered dish, plate, cup and cutlery and a water bottle. No experience necessary.www.dancewnc.com.

• The Tuesday Quilters meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on N.C. 107. Bring your machine and whatever quilt you are working on.

• WMI Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) Jan. 7-Feb.1, 2013 in Asheville. This 30-day course provides certification in NC EMT-basic, National EMT- Basic and Wilderness EMT.

• The WNC Fiber Folk Group meets weekly from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in the Star Atrium of the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu.

Landmark Learning, 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org

• Thursday Painters meet at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your project and a bag lunch and join us for a day of creativity and fun. All artists are welcome. 349.4607.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS

• Franklin Green Drinks hosted by Macon County Chapter of WNC Alliance, third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rathskeller in downtown Franklin. Green Drinks is a time for local folks to get together and socialize and talk about environmental or social justice issues.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • 2nd annual Reindeer Dash 5K, 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Bryson City.

• Grayson Hall Memorial 5K and 1-mile fun run, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Little Tennessee Greenway, Franklin. Hosted by the Franklin Cross Country team.

Benefits Franklin High School scholarships.

• 113th annual Christmas Bird Counting with Highlands Plateau Audubon, 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14.

Binoculars available. $5 chili will follow. Call Brock Hutchins at 787.1387 or 404.295.0663 or brockhutchins@bellsouth.net for location and other details.

$20, register online at active.com. $15, students, but can’t be done online. Register before Dec. 7 and get a free t-shirt. Denise Davis, 524.6467 or denise.davis@macon.k12.nc.us.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Sunday, Dec. 16, easy 2mile hike up an old road to Mud Creek Falls. Meet at 2 p.m. at Smoky Mountain Visitors Center in Otto. Drive 12 miles round trip. Call leader Joyce Jacques, 410.852.7510 for reservations. Visitors welcome but no pets please.

• Run In 2013 5k Run and Walk, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, Jackson County. Pre-register by Dec. 20. $20 race day registration, $25 at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.imathlete.com or stop by the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Long sleeved TECHNICAL t-shirt guaranteed to first 100 registered participants.

• Sons of the American Legion Turkey Shoot, 9 a.m. every Saturday, Legion Drive, Waynesville. Benefits local charities.

• 3rd annual Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, April 6, Western Carolina University.

Online registration now available at imathlete.com.

Registration fees are $40 for the half marathon and $20 for the 5K through Thursday, Feb. 28. Fees increase to $60 Friday, March 1 for the half marathon and $25 for the 5-K. Online registration will close Tuesday, April 2, but race day registration will be available at $80 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5-K. Facebook fans also can “like” the WCU Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5-K for race updates, course changes and information. http://halfmarathon.wcu.edu.

• The local Audubon Society is offering weekly Saturday birding field trips. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Highlands Town Hall parking lot near the public restrooms, or at 8 a.m. behind Wendy’s if the walk is in Cashiers. Binoculars available. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 743.9670.

• The Gorges State Park is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining existing trails and campgrounds in the park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Bring gloves, water and tools supplied. Participants need to be at least 16 years old and in good health. Registration not required. Meet at 17762 Rosman Highway (US-64) in Sapphire.

966.9099.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • WMI - Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WFR Recert), Dec. 7-9, Cullowhee. Three-day course recertifies WFR, includes adult and child CPR. Landmark Learning, 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org.

• Coweeta Listening Project, noon, Thursday, Dec. 13, Tartan Hall, Franklin. Topic is streams and people.

Bring bag lunch and a drink. Guest speaker is Rhett Jackson, professor of hydrology at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Macon County.

HIKING CLUBS • 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.

Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org • High Country Hikers, based in Hendersonville, plans hikes Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Participants should bring a travel donation and gear mentioned on their website: main.nc.us/highcountryhikers. 808.2165 • Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • Mountain High Hikers, based in Young Harris, Ga., leads several hikes per week. Guests should contact hike leader. www.mountainhighhikers.org.

• Ski and Snowboard Lessons, register at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Lessons are 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 13, 27 and Feb. 3, 10, and 24 at Cataloochee Ski Resort, Waynesville. Ages 8 and up.

Lift ticket valid from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. $170, includes lift, ski or snowboard rental and lesson; $135, includes lift and lesson; $85, season pass holder with your own equipment. 293.3053.

• Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, located in East Tennessee, makes weekly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as surrounding areas. www.smhclub.org.

• WMI - Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Dec. 1321, Cullowhee, and Jan. 5-13, 2013 in Asheville.

• Diamond Brand’s Women’s Hiking Group meets on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, e-mail awilliams@diamondbrand.com or call 684.6262.

This nine-day comprehensive wilderness medical course is the national standard for outdoor trip lead-

Smoky Mountain News

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS

ers. Landmark Learning 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org.

December 5-11, 2012

• Vox Audio, a cappella group, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University. Vox Audio uses only their voices to create texture, rhythm, bass and even “guitar solos.” Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for groups and WCU faculty and staff; and $5 for children and students. 227.2479 or tobardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• The Waynesville Public Art Commission seeks an artist for its fourth outdoor public art project to be located in the Mini Park at the corner of Main and Depot Streets. The theme of the piece is Wildflowers of the Smokies to honor the historic connection between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Town of Waynesville. The selected artist will receive $12,500 for proposal development, fabrication and installation. www.townofwaynesville.org or call Town of Waynesville at 452.2491.

ARTS GROUP MEETINGS

wnc calendar

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Karaoke, 8 to midnight, Thursday, Dec. 6, Essence Lounge, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

• Art sale, It’s a Small, Small Work 2012, through Saturday, Dec. 29, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Art sale of artwork 12 inches or smaller by more than 80 artists from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in North Carolina. Most artwork priced between $20 and $80. None over $300.

Encaustic works, painting, printmaking, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, collage, fiber, sculpture, woodworking, metal, jewelry, photography, and more. www.haywoodarts.org and on Facebook. 452.0593.

• Benton MacKaye Trail Association incorporates outings for hikes, trail maintenance and other work trips.

No experience is necessary to participate. www.bmta.org.

39

PRIME REAL ESTATE

INSIDE

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ARTS & CRAFTS

MarketPlace information:

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

“ARTISAN IN THE MOUNTAINS” Is excited to offer retail space to aspiring artists and crafters.

New to the community of Clyde, we present a unique opportunity for dealers to sell year round with minimal expense.

No long term commitments.

Space available now!

828.565.0501 or email: artisaninthemountains@ gmail.com

Rates: ■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $35 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

AUCTION

Classified Advertising:

AUCTION Construction Equipment & Trucks, December 14, 9am, Richmond, VA. Excavators, Dozers, Dumps & More.

Accepting Items Daily. Motley's Auction & Realty Group.

804.232.3300. www.motleys.com.

VAAL#16

Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

INC.

R

DI

SC OV ER E

ATR

PE

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

RESTAURANT EQPMNT. AUCTION Wednesday, December 12 at 10 a.m. 196 Crawford Rd. Statesville, NC. Equipment from 6 Restaurant/ Bars, Gas Equipment, Refrigeration, Seating, Pizza/Bar Equipment. www.ClassicAuctions.com.

704.791.8825. ncaf5479.

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

71746

SPECTACULAR AUCTION Friday Dec. 7th at 4:30pm.

Fantastic Items to be sold!

Partial Listing: Gorgeous furniture, glassware, primitives, antiques, collectibles, pocket knives, used furniture household, box lots & TONS MORE! View pics & details @ www.boatwrightauction.com, Boatwright Auction, 34 Tarheel Trail, Franklin, NC 28734, 828.524.2499, Boatwright Auction NCAL Firm 9231

ELECTRICAL BOOTH ELECTRIC Residential & Commercial service.

Up-front pricing, emergency service. 828.734.1179. NC License #24685-U.

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING 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 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

AUTO PARTS DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

CARS - DOMESTIC DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 877.752.0496.

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES A SODA/SNACK VENDING ROUTE Machines & Prime Locations Available. $9K Investment Required. Guaranteed $ Flow.

800.367.2106 ext. 6077.

EARN OVER $6,000 A WEEK From Home. No Experience Required. Free Youtube Video Shows You How. 1.347.690.5640; www.LazyTrillionaire.com SAPA

EMPLOYMENT $1200 WEEKLY GUARANTEED Mailing Our Company Loan Applications from Home. No Experience Necessary. FT/PT. Genuine Opportunity! FREE Information! (24/7) Call 1.800.279.3313 SAPA YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com REGIONAL, OTR, IC, Teams & Company Drivers. Home Weekly! Great Pay, Excellent Benefits, 401k & Bonuses. Class A CDL & 1 year OTR Exp. Req. Epes Transport. 888.293.3232. www.epestransport.com TANKER & FLATBED Independent Contractors! Immediate placement available. Best Opportunities in the trucking business. CALL TODAY 800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!

One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com.

SAPA WANTED: LIFE AGENTS. Potential to Earn $500 a Day. Great Agent Benefits. Commissions Paid Daily. Liberal Underwriting. Leads, Leads, Leads. Life Insurance, License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

MOVIE EXTRAS Earn up to $300 per day. No experience required. All looks and ages.

Call 1.877.744.4964 SAPA

R

EMPLOYMENT

APPLY NOW, 12 Drivers Needed. Top 5% Pay & Late Equip. Guaranteed Home for Xmas. Need CDL Class A Driving Exp. 877.258.8782. Or go to: www.ad-drivers.com AVERITT OFFERS A CAREER With room to grow. CDL-A Drivers and Recent Grads. Great Benefits.

Weekly Hometime, Paid Training.

Apply Now! 888.362.8608. AVERITTcareers.com. Equal Opportunity Employer.

DRIVER $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months and 12 months. Choose your hometime. $0.03 Quarterly Bonus. Requires 3 months recent experience. 800.414.9569. www.driveknight.com

DRIVERS: CDL-A Star of the Road. Tuition reimbursement up to $5000. New Student Pay & Lease Program. Up to $5000 Sign On Bonus!

877.521.5775. www.usatruck.jobs GYPSUM EXPRESS Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers. Road & Regional Positions. Call Melissa, 866.317.6556, x6 or apply at www.gypsumexpress.com

10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

-- JOB LISTINGS -REP-RETAIL SALES

JOB# 159560

INCREASE SALES THROUGH MARKETING. STRONG PRESENTATION, CUSTOMER SERVICE, SALES CLOSING SKILLS. NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN CLOSE SALES, BEAT QUOTAS, AND RACK UP COMMISSIONS. 1-2 YRS SALES EXP IN A COMMISSION ENVIRONMENT REQ. EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS REQ. ADMINISTRATOR OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIVISION JOB# 159377 THIS POSITION WILL SERVE AS THE OPERATIONAL OVERHEAD CONCERNING DAILY ACTIVITIES. THESE INCLUDE: OVERSEEING OPERATING STAFF, ESTABLISHING AND ENFORCING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, COORDINATION AND PARTICIPATION IN THE HIRING PROCESS AND SERVE AS A LIAISON BETWEEN OPERATING CREWS AND THE RESCUE SQUAD BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

CLASS A LINEMAN-OVERHEAD

JOB# 159139

CLASS A LINEMAN IS A SKILLED POSITION IN THE CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR OF ELECTRICAL OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. MUST BE CAPABLE OF LEADING CREW MEMBERS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE FOREMAN.

CABLE INSTALLER

JOB# 158986

IMMEDIATE NEED FOR 7-10 INSTALLERS IN THE AREA. LOOKING FOR EXP, BUT ARE WILLING TO TRAIN. MUST HAVE A GOOD DMV REPORT AND A VALID NCDL. MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG SCREENING.

NURSE AIDE 1

JOB# 158971

CNA'S NEEDED FOR HOME HEALTH CARE. NEW CNA GRADUATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY, BUT MUST BE LISTED ON THE NC NURSE AIDE 1 REGISTRY.

ASBESTOS WORKER

JOB# 158838

PERFORM ASBESTOS ABATEMENT IN NC, SC & TN. PROJECTS GREATER THAN 70 MILES AWAY FROM CORPORATE OFFICE WILL PROVIDE $20 PER DIEM PER DAY PLUS HOTEL EXPENSES.

SUPPORT TEAM MEMBER

JOB# 158690

PART TIME. CAN BECOME FULL TIME. ASSIST DD ADULTS WITH DAILY LIFE ACTIVITIES, MAY INCLUDE JOB SEARCHES. HS/GED, VALID NCDL, OWN TRANSPORTATION.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

JOB# 157477

EMPLOYER REQ 3 YRS EDITING EXP; NEWS AND PRINT MEDIA EDITING PREF. 3 YRS EXP EDITING, WRITING, PHOTOGRAPHY AND PAGINATION REQ. BACHELOR DEGREE IN JOURNALISM, MEDIA, ENGLISH, OR RELATED IS REQ.

Puzzles can be found on page 45.

These are only the answers.

smokymountainnews.com

DRIVERS Class-A Flatbed. Home Every Weekend! Up to 37c/mi. Both ways. Full Benefits. Requires 1 year OTR Flatbed Experience. 800.572.5489 x227. SunBelt Transport, Jacksonville, FL.

Great Smokies Storage

December 5-11, 2012

CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT And Construction is a fast growing and expanding company in Western North Carolina and is seeking an office manager/sales representative. The job will consist of basic accounting, data entry, drafting letters and other documents, research, sales and customer service. Our company is very diverse in the products and services that we provide to WNC and attribute a lot of our success to that diversity so our employees have to be adaptive to new projects and tasks.

Our company consists of four main branches. Grading and Excavating, Trucking/hauling, ready mixed concrete/ aggregate materials, concrete paving/ concrete finishing.

This person needs to have a good work ethic and independent initiative. The entry level Pay Rate is $8.00 per hour, but the profit sharing in the company will be the real opportunity. This position is expected to evolve into a management position as the company continues to grow. To inquire about this opportunity call 828.736.1812.

71745

WNC MarketPlace

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial Aid if Qualified Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

1.866.724.5403. SAPA

EMPLOYMENT THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OFFICE OFFERS ADDITIONAL JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE TO ANY PERSONS RECEIVING FOOD & NUTRITION BENEFITS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS (FORMALLY ESC) AT 828.456.6061, EXT. 201 OR 203 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.*

If interested go to your local Employment Security Office or call 828.456.6061 41

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL CAREERS BEGIN HERE Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

SCHEV authorized. Call Now 1.877.206.7665 or go to: www.CenturaOnline.com SAPA NOW HIRING! National Companies need workers immediately to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD stands, hair barrettes & many more. Easy work, no selling, any hours. $500/week potential. Info 1.985.646.1700 DEPT NC - 4152 (Not valid in Louisiana) SAPA

www.smokymountainnews.com

December 5-11, 2012

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!

One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com.

SAPA

42

EMPLOYMENT HEAD START TEACHER Two Positions - One in Haywood Co. and One In Jackson Co. Candidates must have a B-K or BS in Early Childhood Education, computer skills, will be responsible for classroom paperwork, have the ability to work with diverse populations and community partners, have 2 years experience in Pre-K classroom and have good time management skills. This is a 10 month position with full time benefits of health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement, and short term and long term disability.

Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, Inc. 251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville 28786, or 25 Schulman St, Sylva, 28779. Pre-employment drug testing required.

EOE/AA.

Barnabee- Had a somewhat rough and lonely start in life. But with proper food, care and lots of love, this adorable Maine Coon mix is right on track again. Having other kitten playmates (hint, hint) has really helped him come around.

Bessie - One happy dog! She cannot wait to say hello to you and her tail is always wagging. Bessie is a very pretty, young female Walker Hound and she is incredibly friendly and sweet. We love the little pink spot on her nose!

EMPLOYMENT QUALITY DRIVE-AWAY, Inc., One of the nation's leading driveaway freight transporters, is hiring CDL A and B drivers to move freight out of our VA, NC, and 21 other locations. Non-forced dispatch, competitive rates, and minimal unloaded miles. Please call today at 1.866.764.1601 or log onto www.qualitydriveaway.com for more information.

TANKER & FLATBED Independent Contractors! Immediate placement available. Best Opportunities in the trucking business. CALL TODAY 800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com TRANSFER DRIVERS Need 20 contract drivers, CDL A or B to relocate vehicles to and from various locations throughout U.S. No forced dispatch. Call Now 1.800.501.3783 or go to: www.mamotransportation.com

FINANCIAL BUY GOLD & SILVER COINS 1 percent over dealer cost. For a limited time, Park Avenue Numismatics is selling Silver and Gold American Eagle Coins at 1 percent over dealer cost. 1.888.470.6389 BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

FINANCIAL $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates. Apply Now By Phone! 1.800.568.8321. wwwlawcapital.com Not Valid in CO or NC. SAPA GOLD AND SILVER Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888.478.6991 PAYOFF ALL YOUR Unsecured debt now! 15 year old Company. Rated A+ with BBB. Bad Credit OK. 1.800.844.5049 www.FederatedFinancial.com SAPA

FURNITURE OAK PANELED TOOL CHEST 27x32x17 - Has Inside Tray, would make a great coffee table. $150. Call for more info 828.627.2342

LAWN AND GARDEN 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 MANTIS DELUXE TILLER. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE.OneYear Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book!

888.485.3923 SAPA

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LUMBER WORMY CHESTNUT LUMBER 10 Boards - 13” x 5/4 x 12’.

Some 6 feet sections. $400 828.627.2342

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 9 am - 4 pm & Thurs. 9 am - 3 pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone # 1-828-586-3346 TDD # 1-800-725-2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

Prevent Unwanted Litters And Improve The Health Of Your Pet Low-Cost spay and neuter services Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 145 Wall Street

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $3997.00 Make & Save Money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship.

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 1.800.578.1363, Ext. 300N.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT 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. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1.800.669.9777.

EVER CONSIDER A Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888.418.0117.

SAPA GEORGIA INVESTMENT PROPERTIES Single family rehabbed homes in Macon near I-75! Leased & cashflowing w/manager available.

Starting @ $16,000. Buy & create future wealth! ONLY 60 remaining!

Call Owner 1.404.550.6900.

SAPA

Pet Adoption MILA - A two year old Elkhound

Lab mix pups. Three females and two males. Beautiful, thoroughly socialized, fat, and playful. Avoid the Christmas rush. These will go fast. Call 828.293.5629.

KIMBA - A 3-4 year old Sloughi/Shepherd mix. She is tan with beautiful brown eyes.

She is housebroken and friendly.

Kimba needs lots of exercise.

828.226.6209.

ROXANE - A young, playful Aussie mix. She weighs 20 lbs., is good with other pets, and is working on house training.

Roxane is white and gold with one blue eye. 877.ARF.JCNC. RASCAL - A cute terrier/corgi mix who is 3 years old. He weighs just 16 pounds. He is neutered, housebroken, and current on all his shots. He plays well with other dogs, but he is frightened of people. His not a lapdog, nor does he like to be on a leash. He is a good porch dog; he'll sit there all day and bark to let you know if someone is coming. He doesn't run off once he is used to being at his new home. Call 226.4783.

mix. She weighs 27 lbs., and is blackish colored. She needs work on puppy behavior. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC. CLARA - A 2-3 yr old "Whatizit?"

She weighs 68 lbs., is friendly, and shaggy. Call 877.273.5262.

SUSAN - Two year old great cat.

She is very affectionate, litter box trained, and is good with other cats and dogs. She is quite talkative. 828.586.5647 CUDDLES - Female, Terrier/ Hound mix. She got her name because she likes to cuddle. She is very friendly with people and gets along well with other dogs She is white with brown spots.

Cuddles is 2-3 years old and weighs 26 pounds. She is making progress on being housebroken. Call 828.226.478.

ARF HAS KITTENS And adult cats. Adorable, fixed, ready to go. Call foster home for details.

828.508.7222

VISIT ARF ON SATURDAYS 1-3 To register for December 10th low-cost spay/neuter trip. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC for more information. Limited number, so register early and don't get left out

MACY - Chihuahua Mix dog –

recently had 9 pups, who have all been adopted through ACN, and now I’m ready for a forever home of my own. I’m very shy, but extremely sweet and gentle. I get along fine with kids, and will do well with almost any family once I settle in. $125 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 258.4820 or animalcompassionnetwork.org.

BUFFY - Domestic Shorthair cat – gray tabby. I am about 2 years old and I’m a sweet girl who likes to sit and observe the world, but I also find people very interesting and would love to curl up on your lap or try to type on your computer. $100 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 258.4820 or animalcompassionnetwork.org.

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.

MEDICAL ATTENTION DIABETICS With Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking!

Call 877.517.4633. SAPA CANADA DRUG CENTER Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 877.644.3199 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

SAPA

CRS, GRI, E-PRO

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA Sufferers with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 877.763.9842.

71758

101 South Main St. Waynesville

MainStreet Realty

MEDICAL ALERT For Seniors- 24/7 monitoring.

FREE Equipment. FREE Shipping.

Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 866.413.0771 NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES Train to become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed.

Careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.512.7122

71332

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

Broker/Owner

www.ronbreese.com Each office independently owned & operated.

71317

Great Smokies Storage 20’x20’

160

$

INDOOR & OUTDOOR

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

FURNITURE

2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

92

Pro/file

TUPELO’S

Ron Breese

$

mainstreetrealty.net

WE SAVE YOU MONEY

Mountain Realty

10’x20’

(828) 452-2227

facebook.com/smnews

SMN 71338

ANIMAL COMPASSION NETWORK Pet Adoption Events - Every Saturday from 11a.m. to 3p.m. at Pet Harmony, Animal Compassion Network's new pet store for rescued pets. Dozens of ACN dogs, puppies, kittens and cats will be ready to find their permanent homes. The store also offers quality pet supplies where all proceeds save more homeless animals. Come see us at 803 Fairview St. (behind Province 620 off Hendersonville Rd), visit www.animalcompassionnetwork.org, or call 828.274.DOGS.

Ann Eavenson

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA Sufferers with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888.470.8261.

SAPA

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

smokymountainnews.com

brown. I am a young adult gal who was rescued after being dumped at a local business, literally thrown from a moving car, but I have thrived in foster care and am now ready to go to a loving home. I can be shy at first but warm up quickly, and I’m very sweet with a good disposition. I love to play with other dogs and I’m used to being around cats, but small children can be a bit too much for me sometimes. I love to run fullspeed in the yard, so my new home must have a fenced yard. $125 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 258.4820 animalcompassionnetwork.org.

MARLEY - Shepherd Mix dog – black & tan. I am a mediumsized girl about 2-3 years old. I

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

Ann knows real estate!

ATTENTION DIABETICS With Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking!

Call 888.284.9573.

December 5-11, 2012

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.

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

MEDICAL

WNC MarketPlace

FIVE, 10 WEEK OLD - Yellow

HOMES FOR SALE

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

43

71754

MEDICAL

Mike Stamey

DIABETES/CHOLESTEROL/WEIGHT LossBergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save $15 off your first bottle! 877.815.6293.

SAPA

WNC MarketPlace

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • • •

Ann McClure — beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

71757

The Real Team

JOLENE HOCOTT • LYN DONLEY MARLYN DICKINSON

Real Experience.

Real Service. Real Results.

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com

828.452.3727

EXIT Realty — exithometownrealty.com

MOUNTAIN REALTY 1904 S. Main St. • Waynesville

Haywood Properties — haywood-properties.com

Bruce McGovernn

• Steve Cox — haywoodproperties.com

Cell: 828-283-2112

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Chris Forga — forgarentalproperties.com

McGovern Property Management 284 Haywood St, Suite B Waynesville Way NC

December 5-11, 2012

• Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

www.smokymountainnews.com

71756

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com Realty World Heritage Realty — realtyworldheritage.com • • • • • •

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WEEKLY SUDOKU

Super SUPER CROSSWORD FRESHENING FRANCHISES

CROSSWORD

89 Guesstimate words 90 Gas in lights 91 Nebraska natives 92 Neighbor of Croatia ACROSS 95 Jury’s event 1 Fellow crew member 98 “The heat -!”

9 Social levels 99 Longoria of TV 15 Set of morals 102 End of the riddle 20 Food of the gods 106 “Gimme -!” (start 21 Orange-and-black of a cheer at Iowa) bird 108 Cartoon shriek 22 Hotel queen 109 “- Town” Helmsley 110 “I do,” e.g.

23 Camp shelter with a 111 Riddle’s answer rounded roof 120 Part of POW 24 1982 Fleetwood Mac 121 City in southwest hit Ireland 25 City on the Rhone 122 “Get Smart” star River 126 - -Turkish War 26 Start of a riddle 127 Some fishers 29 Skiing need 128 Optometric exams 32 Sterile hosp. areas 129 Paint coat 33 Make believe 130 Can’t stand 34 Mag. team 131 Sudden drop 35 Riddle, part 2 44 Category DOWN 45 Oft-dunked cookie 1 Doleful 46 Knocked off 2 Doc bloc 47 “Hava -” (Jewish 3 Big name in early folk song) PCs 50 12-step affiliate 4 Before a big early group 20th-cen. conflict 52 Neutral, e.g.

5 Light-loving insect 54 Certain Scot 6 Cruising 55 Riddle, part 3 7 Color shade 62 Congeal 8 Scarfs down 63 Here, to Pierre 9 Accomplices 64 Help wrongly 10 Stimulation 65 Riddle, part 4 11 Window component 76 Anecdote 12 Rundgren or Bridges 77 Roxy Music’s Brian 13 Tickled red Muppet 78 “- Rock” (Simon & 14 Spotted in the vicinGarfunkel hit) ity of 79 Riddle, part 5 15 Hyundai model

16 Byte beginner 17 Of detective Sherlock 18 “- some advice” 19 Houses, to Jorge 27 Tillage tool 28 Inflation subj.

29 Biol. or zool.

30 Bobby Orr’s org.

31 With 113-Down, acorn producer 36 - me tangere (touch-me-not) 37 Port near Algiers 38 - shui 39 Carrot, e.g.

40 Othello’s betrayer 41 Gladly 42 Speak sharply to 43 Waffle brand 48 Grassy tract 49 Wholly 50 High: Prefix 51 Film style 53 Yank rivals 55 Learning loc.

56 1960s TV Tarzan Ron 57 Kirk’s diary 58 M.Sgt., e.g.

59 Cube’s six 60 Home: Abbr.

61 Erwin of early films 66 King James Bible suffix 67 Rural “uh-uh” 68 Personal flair 69 Old Spanish money 70 Pa’s bro 71 North Pacific salmon 72 Smokes 73 Old witch 74 - Darya River

75 Singer Cooke 79 Irate crowd 80 Spanish gold 81 Ill-fated 1940s warship 82 “Sula” author Morrison 83 Tooted thing 84 Camelot wife 85 Discharge 86 Seattle loc.

87 Flapjack eatery, briefly 88 Mama’s ma 93 Not correct 94 To - (perfectly) 96 Penitent types 97 Least soft 99 Pindar’s H 100 Dog treater 101 Eruption emission 103 Did an axel 104 Sky sphere 105 Laid turf on 106 Seething 107 U.S.-Can.-Mex. pact 112 Cube of hay 113 See 31-Down 114 Desist 115 Sheltered, nautically 116 Garden west of Nod 117 Vary wildly 118 Billfold fillers 119 - the Great (kiddielit detective) 123 “A Fool Such -” 124 “Jersey Shore” airer 125 Compass dir.

answers on page 41

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December 5-11, 2012

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bi-monthly magazine that covers the southern Appalachian mountains and celebrates the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental riches, its people, culture, music, art, crafts and special places. Each issue relies on regional writers and photographers to bring the Appalachians to life.

In this issue: Mountain tales of lawmen and lawlessness Quilts piece together family histories Blacksmithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iron will perpetuates an old trade The qualified guesswork of winter forecasting PLUS ADVENTURE, CUISINE, READING, MUSIC, ARTS & MORE

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The appropriately named ‘blue darter’

W

George Ellison

BACK THEN lies, “chicken hawks” were despised and shot on sight. Writing in Birds of the South (1933), North Carolina naturalist Charlotte Hilton Green — normally a mild-mannered, bird-loving sort — waxed eloquent in her chapter titled “Two Bad Hawks” on the vices of these species: “The two hawks responsible for the hatred and suspicion which farmers have for birds of prey as a whole are the sharpshinned and the Cooper’s. These two villains of hawkdom are the ones that continuously raid poultry yards and war upon small birds ... Liking young ‘fryers’ as well as any good southerner, if these hawks once make a successful raid on the poultry yard, they are likely to make daily visits ... either until they literally clean out the farmer, or the farmer brings down the hawk.”

Naturalist Scott Weidensaul thinks the late twentieth century inclination of the “two bad hawks” to ravage bird feeders came about because of the nationwide decline of chicken coops and yards. His description of a sudden “blue darter” attack is vivid: “Within a few seconds the soothing tapestry disintegrates. What a moment before had been a flock of songbirds gathered peacefully at a feeder is now a frenzy of alarm calls and flashing wings .... One junco is an instant too slow in fleeing and is pinned to the ground dead, its blood a few flecks on the snow. The sharp-shinned hawk, slim and brown, daintily plucks its meal and begins feeding.”

The modern bird watcher’s reaction is likely to be exactly the same as that of the old-time chicken owner: Outrage! After all, these are our birds, aren’t they? Shouldn’t

we get a gun and wait for the next attack with vengeance in our hearts?

“The answer, of course, is that no matter how protective we may feel about the birds we feed, they are wild animals, and predation is natural part of their lives (indeed, most are themselves predators, feeding on a variety of invertebrates),” Weidensaul correctly notes.

“Hawks are simply the next step in a long and complicated food chain.”

Normally, these hawks are observed not around feeders but in woodlands or open fields. Here in the Smokies region, they are more frequently spotted in winter. But summertime sightings support the theory that both species nest here sparingly. It’s my impression that the sharpshinned is slightly more common in the southern mountains, but the Cooper’s may be spotted more often due to its inclination toward hunting in open habitat.

Sharp-shinned (10-14 inches) and Cooper’s hawks (14-20 inches) are similar in appearance. Adults are slate blue above and barred rusty brown beneath, with short

rounded wings and long slender tails. The females of both species are always the larger birds, so that a large 14-inch long female sharp-shinned is very similar to a small 14Elizabeth Ellison illustration inch long male Cooper’s hawk.

To distinguish between sharpshinned and Cooper’s hawks, quickly observe their size, tails, and flight patterns. In addition to the size differences, the sharp-shinned species has a tail squared at the tip and a comparatively shallow, irregular wing beat. The Cooper’s species has a tail rounded at the tip and flies with deep, deliberate strokes, often with three flaps and a glide.

George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees. In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

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December 5-11, 2012

hen I was a boy my favorite sport was baseball. I was a pitcher. I didn’t have any idea where the ball was going … or care … but I could throw hard. I liked the game and I liked the language associated with the game: “high hard one” … “powder river” … “chin music” … “circus catch” … “ rhubarb” … “dying quail” … “frozen rope” … “blue darter.”

The connotations associated with “blue darter” in the late 1940s and early 1950s are interesting: (1) in baseball it was a low hard-hit line drive (a “frozen rope”); (2) in street slang it was an ignited fart with substantial methane content (usually activated in a darkened movie theater); and (3) in ornithological circles it was a woodland hawk. Herein we’ll turn our attention to number 3.

While observing your backyard bird feeder this winter, you may be startled Columnist by a blue flash that suddenly rockets into the scene and snatches one of your resident cardinals, nuthatches, chickadees, or titmice. The “blue flash” will have been either a sharp-shinned or a Cooper’s hawk, the infamous “chicken hawks” of rural lore that primarily feed on other birds. Because of their slate-blue backs and lightning-quick movements when swooping or tracking prey through brush, they are also widely known in the South as “blue darters” or, less frequently as “blue dollars.”

During the Great Depression era of the 1930s, when chickens were essential items in the home economies of many southern fami-

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Maggie’s Galley Gateway Club High Country Style Fun Things Etc.

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Waynesville Public Art Commission would like to thank the following community area businesses for their outstanding support in promoting and selling of the Waynesville Public Art Commission’s Taste of the Great Smokies Cookbook. All of the cookbook sales profits will be used in support of future public art projects.

December 14th at Noon 456 W. Main Street, Sylva, NC Tranzon Fox, NCAF 4953

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Smoky Mountain News December 5-11, 2012