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December 2-8, 2015 Vol. 17 Iss. 27

Candidates sign up to run for commissioner seats Page 4 Boojum Brewing signs distribution deal Page 28

From Our Family To Yours,

CONTENTS On the Cover: Granting $836,000 since 1994

Thank You! The Advisory Board of The Fund for Haywood County thanks the following donors and grantees for their efforts to address Haywood County’s greatest needs and opportunities – helping people in need, protecting natural and cultural resources, supporting our youth, and so much more.

Donors

December 2-8, 2015

News Sign-up period open for commissioner seats ..........................................................4 Old Town Bank acquired by Entegra ......................................................................10 Cell tower companies eye Jackson County ..........................................................13 Schools sue state for education funds ..................................................................15 Chinquipin seeks more housing capacity ..............................................................16 Jackson rec board pushes for indoor pool ............................................................18 Jackson leaders plan for growing court needs ....................................................20

Opinion

(July 2014-October 2015)

Bill and Jerry Allsbrook Larry and Cris Ammons Louise Baker Michael Beadle Tim and Nyda Bittmann-Neville Wilma Boatwright Dan and Betsy Boyd Raymond Caldwell Steven and Bess Crider Elizabeth Culbreth and John Vanderstar Larry and Nancy East Parrish and Aimee Ezell First United Methodist Church (Canton) Tim and Julia Freeman Najeeb and Dionne Ghaussy Wells and Kathy Greeley Doris Hammett Don and Nancy Haynes Laura Holland Ron Huelster and Voni D’Angio George and Laura Ivey Susan Jenkins Rolf Kaufman

The number of children in the foster care system across Western North Carolina has been on the rise in the last two years and the number of available foster homes is not meeting the current demand. Several counties and private agencies are working to recruit and license new foster posters in an effort to keep local children from being placed in a foster homes hours away from their families. (Page 6) Jessi Stone photo

Investing in what’s best about WNC........................................................................24

John and Carrie Keith Bruce and Susan Kingshill Christine and Thomas Mallette Scott and Lori McLeod Mark and Shelley McNeill Peggy Melville Barton and Jennifer Paschal James and Robin Phelan Jeremy and Kassie Phillips Becky Prevost Sonny and Marty Prevost June Ray P.K. and Betty Rutherford Bennie and Ruth Sharpton Thomas Smith Laura Soltis Donald and Barbara Stanton Lorna and Peter Sterling David and Kelly Sutton John and Suzanne Tannehill Melissa Van Noppen Sarah and Derek Wenzel Nicole Wilhelm Ken and Debbie Wilson Ken and Kathy Wilson

A&E Boojum Brewing signs distribution deal ................................................................28

Outdoors Trail improvements coming to Fontana ....................................................................40

Back Then Horseshoe Rock phenomenon attracts writers’ attention ................................40

STAFF EDITOR/PUBLISHER: ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: ART DIRECTOR: DESIGN & WEBSITE: DESIGN & PRODUCTION: ADVERTISING SALES:

CLASSIFIEDS: NEWS EDITOR: WRITING:

Grantees

Smoky Mountain News

($145,460 in grants, July 2014-November 2015)

Aspire Youth and Family

Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter

Clothes to Kids of Haywood County

Haywood Waterways Association

F.I.R.S.T.

Mountain Projects

Folkmoot USA

REACH of Haywood County

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation

Girls on the Run of WNC

Town of Waynesville (Mib and Phil Medford Endowment Fund grant)

The Fund for Haywood County also recognizes and thanks The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for partnering with us on many of these grants and related efforts.

If you want to learn more about our grantmaking and how you can help, please go online to www.FundforHaywoodCounty.org or call Fund for Haywood County Advisory Board chair George Ivey at (828) 648-2710.

Thank you for caring for the future of Haywood County!

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BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER he race for Haywood County commissioner has begun to take shape with the candidate sign-up period now officially underway, with four Democrats and one Republican running for commissioner as of press time Tuesday afternoon. The deadline for candidates to register is Dec. 21.

Two of the five seats on the Haywood board of commissioners are up for election in 2016. A primary election in March will narrow down the field, with two candidates from each party advancing to the general election in November.

One of the seats up for election is held by Democrat Mark Swanger, who’s not running again after a 12-year reign, much of it as chairman. Swanger stepping down opens the door for at least one newcomer on the county board, but it hasn’t triggered a tidal wave of candidates so far.

To the contrary, the ballot for commissioner was looking rather spartan until now.

This time last week — with mere days to go before candidate sign-up got underway on Dec. 1 — no Democratic candidates had publicly announced that they would run, despite a recruiting committee courting and vetting prospective candidates.

Two candidates who decided to run said they did so in part because they saw a need for quality leadership that didn’t appear to be getting filled.

“I saw a need in the community and saw there was nobody stepping back and said it’s my time,” said Charles Boyd, who owns a landscaping business and serves on the Haywood Community College board.

Boyd said he got several phone calls from what you’d call “high-ranking Democrats” in

the county asking him to consider a run.

“I got drafted, you might say, but now that I’ve decided to run we are going to give it 150 percent,” Boyd said.

Steve Brown also answered the call for Democratic commissioner candidates.

“At certain times you have to make a decision to step up and get involved. We need people that are willing to step up,” said Brown, a nonprofit director.

A third candidate to emerge wasn’t motivated by the idea of a leadership void. It was something she wanted to do regardless of whether there were 100 other candidates or none at all.

“I have been thinking about this for two years,” said Robin Black, an accountant with a past stint on the school board.

Black hadn’t let on to party leaders that she was considering a run until this week, right before the filing period began.

“I didn’t want anyone to know my plan. I felt like it was me and my family’s decision and when we made it I told everybody,” Black said.

Black said she is a lifelong Democrat — her grandfather was a Haywood County commissioner and he would roll over in his grave if she was anything but — however she describes herself as an “extremely” fiscally conservative Democrat who believes in limited government.

A fourth candidate jumping into the Democratic primary is an anti-establishment candidate who has been just as likely to side local Republican party activists as his own Democratic party leaders in recent years.

“I don’t want people to be look at me as a Democrat, I don’t want people to be looking at me as a Republican, I don’t want people looking at me as an independent,” said Terry Ramey, who ran a wrecker business for years. “I

Here’s who is running on the Democratic ticket of the Haywood Commissioner’s race so far:

community college level for three decades. Boyd has been an appointee on the Haywood Community College board for 12 years, along with involvement in numerous community causes.

Boyd said he wants to keep the county on the right track and moving forward.

“I’d like to make sure we preserve the inner structure of our county and keep it functioning at a high level,” Boyd said. “I have always had an aspiration to run for public office. I hope I can make a difference to the community.”

Boyd said protecting education will also be a priority of his.

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• Robin Black, 53, is a certified public accountant and owns her own accounting firm, making her highly knowledgeable about the government accounting and budget process. She also served on the school board for four years, and was chair of the school finance committee during that time.

“I believe we need a fiscally responsible, budgeted-minded female on the board that has years of experience dealing with government accounting, and running a business,” Black said.

Black points out there have been only two female commissioners in the history of Haywood County.

“I believe women have a different perspective. They are business owners, they are working women, they are housewives, they are mothers — they need a voice,” Black said.

• Charles Boyd, 67, owns WNC Landscaping and taught horticulture at the high school and

• Steve Brown, 62, was co-owner of the hometown hardware store Cline-Bradley for 20 years, and has spent the past 20 as a nonprofit director for the Haywood County Schools Foundation, the Haywood hospital foundation and currently the Arc of Haywood County, which serves individuals and their families with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Brown said the second half of his career as a nonprofit director has given him experience working with boards and the many personalities involved to accomplish a vision.

am a Democrat all the way, but I’ve got friends who are Republicans and a lot of Democrats get mad about it, but I stand on my own two feet. I believe in doing what’s right for all the people.”

Ramey said he sees himself as just as much of a Democrat as any of the other candidates in the mixed-up world of party politics these days.

Party affiliations are no longer tidy lines to define candidates along, especially in local politics, with a wide spectrum of beliefs in each party and crossover where moderate Republicans and conservative Democrats meet.

“There is no real true Democrats like there used to be. You can’t find them anymore,” Ramey said. “People are voting for the person now.”

More candidates could emerge before the sign-up period concludes on Dec. 21.

Regardless, the lineup even as it stands so far gives primary voters distinct options to choose which flavor of Democrat they more closely identify with, and whose leadership style or philosophy they want to put forward on the party’s ballot in the general election.

“I think there is going to be a wide variety of candidates,” Ramey said.

REPUBLICAN BALLOT

Meanwhile, Republicans running for commissioner have kept their cards close to their vest. So far, only Commissioner Kevin Ensley has announced that he will run as a Republican, vying for his fourth term on the county board.

More are sure to come, however. A schism in the local Republican Party promises to make for a competitive primary — with candidates representing a spectrum of views.

A wildcard in the race could come in the form of an independent candidate not affiliated with either party, but it could be months before such a candidate is known.

Unaffiliated candidates have until June 24 to register, but to get on the ballot, they would need to collect around 1,700 petition signatures, equivalent to 4 percent of the registered voters in the county.

“I feel like one of my strengths is building consensus to reach a goal,” Brown said.

Brown said he is running to preserve the positive qualities that have made Haywood County a good place to grow up, work and raise a family.

“I want to offer a vision for the county and use my past experience and expertise to lead Haywood County for the next generations coming along,” said Brown.

• Terry Ramey, 61, ran a towing business, service station and a mechanic shop catering to big-rigs, and also worked at Dayco. Ramey said the current board of commissioners isn’t all bad — he doesn’t disagree with them all the time, nor does he agree with them all the time — but said they have become out of touch with the people and have toed the party line too much.

“I’ve been going to commissioner meetings for years and all I see is people bickering back and forth, people saying stuff to commissioners and commissioners getting mad and saying stuff to the people. I think you can agree to disagree with people without saying stuff to try to degrade each other. I think I’ve got a strong enough voice to where I can bring unity between all of them.”

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

SWAIN COUNTY

The Macon County Board of Commissioners will have two seats up for election in 2016.

Incumbent Paul Higdon says he plans to run for a second term, but Macon County Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin will be seeking a higher office next year. Corbin signed up Dec. 1 to run for state House District 120 since Rep. Roger West, R-Marble, decided not to seek another term. Since Corbin’s commissioner term is up next year, the seat will be up for grabs whether Corbin is elected to the House or not.

Higdon has been self-employed for 17 years in the family business, Sewer Solutions, and he

is also a partner in Reuse Innovations. Both companies deal with wastewater development and construction. While he is often the lone “no” vote on spending issues, he feels like he adds another perspective on the board and creates more discussion among commissioners.

“I’ve mostly been in the minority vote for spending projects, but I still believe in a limited but efficient government,” he said.

Higdon also is proud of the board’s decision to hire County Manager Derek Roland during his first term in office.

“I was instrumental in selecting our county manager and I think we did a good job — he’s the most capable county manager around.”

As of press time Tuesday, no one had signed up to run for either of the commissioner seats. The primary election has been accelerated in North Carolina from May to March 15. The deadline for candidates to sign up to run for office is noon on Dec. 21.

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Smoky Mountain News

MACON COUNTY

Neither of the Jackson County commissioners whose terms will end in 2016 wasted any time letting their plans for the next four years be known. Within minutes of the three-week election signup period opening, both Mark Jones and Vicki Greene had put their names down to be on the ballot next year.

Jones and Greene are both Democrats, with Jones, who represents Cashiers, the longer-serving of the two. He’s been on the board since 2006, and works at High Hampton Inn & Country Club as morning manager, having long served as general manager. Greene, who represents District 3, first took office in 2012. Before that, she spent 36 years with the Southwestern Commission, eventually rising to the position of assistant director.

Greene said she hopes to gain reelection so she can help guide the county through upcoming challenges such as dealing with the consequences of a property revaluation expected to drastically lower the county’s tax base, as well as hiring a new planning director and addressing the many capital projects vying for commissioners’ support.

However, she said that, if re-elected, this term will be her last. She’ll be 69 when the next election rolls around in 2020 and at that point will want more time for pursuits such as travel and volunteering.

“I am a part-time commissioner, but there are times when it’s more than a part-time job,” she said.

Other offices up for election in Jackson County this year are the school board seats for districts one and three, currently held by Elizabeth Cooper and Matt Wilke.

— by Holly Kays, staff writer

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December 2-8, 2015

As candidate sign-ups get underway, Swain County commissioner incumbents plan to seek another term.

Commissioners David Monteith and Steve Moon are both up for re-election next year.

While they haven’t yet officially signed up to run again, they both said they planned to do so.

Monteith, retired market manager at Ingles who is now a Swain County school bus driver, is currently serving his fifth term as commissioner and says he wants to try for another term so he can see some current projects through to fruition.

“I’ll go ahead and try one more and see what happens,” he said. “I’ve never been one to play politics — I’ll register to run and if people want to put me in again I’ll try to get things done.”

Getting the Swain County Heritage Museum off the ground has been a long-term priority for Monteith. While he was instrumental in supporting the project and securing funding for it 16 years ago, he said the project didn’t move forward for many years.

But the museum — on the corner of Everett and Main streets in Bryson City — finally opened in 2014. It’s an accomplishment Monteith is very proud of, but he would still like to see more added to it. If another building was added to the museum, he said, there would be room to display several historic pieces, including 1930s farm equipment and a sorghum machine the county has on hand.

Monteith also is proud of several new fishing piers that have been installed along the river in Swain County to give residents and tourists more access to the Tuckasegee River and Lake Fontana. Many of these projects have been paid for with state and federal grant money instead of local dollars. Since the federal government owns 87 percent of the land in Swain County, Monteith said he would continue to fight for federal grant money to fund needed projects in the county.

Moon, a retired tire shop owner, has served as a county commissioner for 10 years and served as a school board member for six years before becoming a commissioner.

Incumbents to run again in Jackson

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! news

Sign ups are underway for commissioner seats

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news

In search of a forever home

North Carolina Foster Care Facts The number of children in the North Carolina foster care system has fluctuated in the last five years.

• 2009 ...............................................9,500 • 2010 ...............................................8,759 • 2011 ...............................................8,275 • 2012 ...............................................8,140 • 2013 ...............................................8,722 www.datacenter.aecf.org

Haywood County Expenses

No. of Reunification children rates

2010-11....$886,039 .........100.......56% 2011-12....$992,994 .........101.......83% 2012-13....$1,200,006 ......110.......56% 2013-14....$1,069,320 ......101.......50% 2014-15....$1,249,674 ......106.......48% 2015-16 (July 1 to present) .............$390,875 ......................N/A

Macon County Expenses

Tabitha and Trevor are two foster care children who have stayed at Broyhill Children’s Home in Clyde and gone on to have successful lives.

Donated photo

December 2-8, 2015

Number of children in foster care on the rise

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR n a perfect world, every child would have a loving family and a safe home to return to at the end of the day, but it’s not a perfect world. The reality is that thousands of children are removed from their homes each year in North Carolina.

Foster care agencies continue to see the number of foster care cases increase and the opportunities to reunify those children with their biological parents decrease. It’s a trend many Western North Carolina counties are experiencing.

Swain County Department of Social Services has 16 more children in the system than last year, which is a large jump for a county with a small population of 14,000.

“We don’t really see a cause for the trend because the economy has slowly gotten better in the last couple of years,” said Swain DSS Director Sheila Sutton. “But we have seen a lot of substance abuse and it takes parents a long time to get treatment and to get better before they can get their kids back. It can take more than a year, so you’re looking at a very rare chance at reunifying them within a year.”

Sutton said there also are many cases of children being taken away from single mothers who can’t make a living wage, can’t afford child care for several kids and don’t have a family support system nearby to help them.

Donna Lupton, director of social work for Haywood County, said social workers want 6 to do everything possible to keep children

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with their family through the in-home prevention program. However, when a child continues to be in danger, there is no choice but to petition the court and remove the child from the home.

When that happens, the options are to place the children with other family members or in a licensed foster home. The problem is there are an average of 100 children in the foster care system and only about 40 foster homes in Haywood County.

The caseload to foster home ratio presents a number of problems for social workers — child safety workers are stretched thin, budgets continue to increase, and children have to be placed in homes far away from their family.

FOSTERING FARTHER AWAY Because of the shortage of foster homes in the region, foster children have to be placed in licensed homes all across the state.

Depending on the child’s needs, they might have to be placed in a foster home qualified to provide more specialized care.

“Kids can be anywhere from 2 miles to 100 miles from Haywood County — it all depends on the availability of homes,” said Foster Care Supervisor Paula Watson. “Even if we place a kid out of state with a family member, we have to visit them there once every three months, so we might have to go to New Jersey, but we also partner with other local DSS agencies to visit those homes once a month.”

Sutton said many children taken into foster care in Swain County are dealing with trauma and mental health issues and need to be placed in a mental health facility or a

licensed therapeutic foster home, which are far and few between.

No matter how far the child is located from their home, their social worker is required to visit them in their foster home at least once a month and make an effort to ensure children can visit with their biological parents on a regular basis. Some social workers drive hundreds of miles a day to meet these requirements.

“We’re totally responsible for these kids,” Lupton said. “And we’re not sure their needs are being met unless we are seeing them monthly face-to-face.”

Lupton said placing children in foster homes far away from their support system is not an ideal situation when DSS’s goal is to reunite children with their biological parents.

When children are hours away from their parents, weekly visitations often turn into monthly visitations or no visitations at all.

Social workers are so overloaded with cases that the agencies find it hard to designate a person just to recruit more foster parents and get them trained so they can get licensed through the state.

REUNIFICATION EFFORTS Placing a child in a foster home is only supposed to be a temporary fix until the child can return home to his or her biological parents or guardian. Lupton said the goal is to reunify parent and child within a year, but in reality the average time for a child in foster care is about two years.

When a child is removed from the home, the social workers work closely with the parent to come up with a plan of action. The

No. of Reunification children rates

2011-12....$109,515 .........43.........75% 2012-13....$165,545 .........49.........91% 2013-14....$264,855 .........60.........50% 2014-15....$232,470 .........57.........66% 2015-16 (Four months) .............$104,805 .........47.........N/A

Swain County Expenses

No. of Reunification children rates

2011-12....$422,000 .........43.........55% 2012-13....$339,000 .........37.........85% 2013-14....$388,000 .........44.........48% 2014-15....$425,000 .........50.........20% 2015-16 (budgeted) .............$550,000 ........53.........N/A

Jackson County Expenses

No. of Reunification children rates

2011-12....$257,243 .........35.........20% 2012-13....$350,183 .........44.........72% 2013-14....$216,007 .........39.........33% 2014-15....$259,929 .........41.........72% 2015-16 (July 1-present) .............$89,330 ..........53.........N/A

social worker clearly lays out what the parent needs to do before the child can return home, which could include counseling, parenting classes, getting a job or finding safe housing.

If a parent has to seek drug or alcohol abuse treatment, the process can take much longer.

“Substance abuse is a big mitigating factor — more so than serious physical abuse,” Watson said. “We have parents who can’t take care of their children properly because they choose substances, but we can’t let children live in homes with active substances to the point they test positive for drugs.”

Sutton said it was becoming more and more difficult to get parents to engage in the

S EE ADOPTION, PAGE 8

Compassionate parents needed

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR onna Lupton, director of social work in Haywood County, admits that fostering a child or teen isn’t for everyone.

Even if someone decides they want to try it, there is an extensive process that must be completed. The process is designed to weed out people who may want to do it for the wrong reasons. On the other hand, the shortage of foster homes makes her social workers’ jobs more difficult than they would be otherwise.

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SHORTAGE OF FOSTER HOMES

RECRUITING EFFORTS Haywood County DSS is in the midst of actively recruiting new foster parents to keep more foster care children in the county.

While other counties are also trying to recruit, it’s hard for foster care social workers to devote more time into recruiting and training classes when they are already overextended trying to meet the needs of all the foster care children.

Lupton said Haywood DSS got out of the licensing process for a while because the department didn’t have enough manpower to devote to it. With only nine foster care social

How to become a foster parent There are several private and public agencies in Western North Carolina that provide training and licensing to become foster parents.

• Haywood County DSS – 828.452.6620 • Swain County DSS – 828.488.6921 • Macon County DSS – 828.349.2124 • Jackson County DSS – 828.586.5546 • Children’s Hope Alliance – 704.872.4157 • Baptist Children’s Home – 336.474.1200 the specific goal of increasing the number of foster care homes in the county. She conducts the 30-hour training classes for potential foster parents twice a year. Her goal was to increase the number of DSS certified foster homes from five to 10 by next year, but based on the number of people signed up for the training, Haywood could have as many as 20 certified homes.

Swain County DSS Director Sheila Sutton

Couple opens their home, heart for foster children

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WEEDING OUT THE WEAK As soon as they relocated to Haywood County this August and settled into their new Crabtree home,

Caroline Kernahan and Elizabeth Balof-Bird are pictured with their biological daughter Claire. The couple is in the process of becoming foster parents. Donated photo Kernahan and Balof-Bird signed up for the foster parent training classes through the Department of Social Services.

In the meantime, they’ve done their best to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for the roller coaster ride that is coming their way.

They are excited, nervous and anxious — and with good reason. Becoming licensed foster parents is a long and arduous process. It includes 30 hours of initial training fol-

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR s Caroline Kernahan talked about why she wanted to be a foster parent, her 4-year-old daughter Claire climbed into her lap and asked when her new brother or sister would be coming to stay with them.

“Soon, honey,” Kernahan replied before sending her daughter back into the living room with a snack. “A lot of this process is above her level, but we’ve tried to prepare her for another child coming into her home as best we can.

We just tell her some children’s parents can’t take care of them right now and they might need to come stay with us so we can keep them healthy and happy.”

Preparing their young daughter has been only a small hurdle on the way to becoming foster parents. Kernahan and her wife Elizabeth Balof-Bird have been working toward being foster parents for nearly six years, and it looks like the process is finally coming to fruition. With only one more home visit and some more paperwork, the couple should be licensed to care for foster children within a month or so.

“We’re told we could have our license by the end of January and could have a placement immediately,” Kernahan said with a sigh of relief. “The classes teach you that you can never really be prepared so I don’t know if I am, but I’m ready to try.”

lowed by an additional 20 hours of training every year after that to maintain the license. They also have to take CPR and first aid classes, go through in-depth interviews, background checks, health physicals for everyone in the house including pets and numerous home visits and inspections.

“You have to really want to do it badly to jump through all those hoops,” Kernahan said. “They pry into every portion of your private life.”

There’s simply too much at risk for DSS not to extensively vet people wanting to be foster parents. Rachel Young with Haywood County DSS said the screening process is extensive so people who want to foster for the wrong reasons won’t make it through. The last thing social workers want is for children to be re-traumatized after placing them in a foster home. When she goes for a home visit, Young said she checks everything in a home from tasting the water to inspecting the way the family stores its cleaning chemicals.

“We pretty much pry into every aspect of their lives making sure we know the homes to prevent anything else from happening to that child,” Young said.

Even though foster parents do receive a monthly stipend to make sure the child has what he or she needs, they must prove they have the financial means to care for the child without the stipend. The stipend is paid a month after the child is placed in a foster home, but the cost of having the child is instant. Many children need new shoes, clothing and medical care as soon as they are placed in a foster home.

Young said the training sessions help prepare foster parents for how to deal with a variety of behavioral problems they could encounter with foster children. Best-case scenario, the child has been traumatized simply from being

December 2-8, 2015

Counties in Western North Carolina have a shortage of foster care homes. On average, Haywood County has about 100 children in need of foster care in the system at any given time, but there are only 40 certified foster homes available to them. Only five of those are certified through DSS, while the others are certified through private agencies.

“Thirty-five of those homes are private — they are not under our control,” Lupton said.

“We have to go through those private agencies to place kids there.”

Swain County has three licensed foster care homes and 50 children in the system this year. Macon County has 20 foster homes and 47 children in the system, while Jackson County has 14 foster homes and 53 foster children.

While the goal is to keep children within an hour’s drive from their birth parents, that isn’t always possible given the shortage of foster homes. A majority of children removed from their home in Haywood County have to be placed in foster homes located hours away from the family. In addition to the trauma a child experiences when being removed from their home, they also have the added stress of being far away from all their family, friends and school.

Having foster children spread throughout the state also makes it difficult for their social workers to keep a watchful eye on them.

“Our foster care workers are on the road three to four days a week traveling to visit our children because we have to do home visits once a month,” Lupton said.

said Swain is not actively recruiting new foster parents right now because of a limited number of social workers and a major transition the department is going through with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The county has always handled foster care cases on the Qualla Boundary, but the tribe decided several years ago to create its own Department of Social Services that would also include foster child services.

Until that transition is complete, Sutton said it would be hard to determine how many children will still be in the care of Swain DSS. Right now the department has its hands full with 57 foster care children and only four foster care social workers. If many of the foster care children living on the boundary are transferred to the care of Tribal Family Safety Services in the near future, Swain County DSS may be able to focus on better recruitment efforts.

“Right now we’re just trying to support the tribe in any way we can,” Sutton said.

Dallas Pettigrove, director of Tribal Family Safety Services, said the agency is currently working to license 40 homes just for the Qualla Boundary.

Even though counties may not be actively recruiting, anyone wanting to become foster parents should contact the local DSS office to find out when they can begin the training classes. Haywood County will begin a training class in the spring that is held from 5:308:30 p.m. each Tuesday for 10 weeks.

“If we want to keep our foster home base we have to keep recruiting because a foster family’s situation may change — they could have their own kids or could adopt kids from the system and are unable to take in anymore,” Young said.

news

Foster home shortage a challenge for WNC counties

workers to oversee 100 foster care cases, licensing new foster homes just wasn’t feasible.

“We couldn’t do it the way we wanted to, but it was costing us more to place children in private (licensed) homes,” Lupton said. “So once we got the number of cases down to a manageable number, we decided to begin to recruit and train families that can be available just for us.”

Rachel Young is an adoptions and licensing social worker coordinator with Haywood DSS. Her position was created in March with

S EE FOSTER, PAGE 8 7

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ADOPTION, CONTINUED FROM 6 reunification plan, which could be why Swain County’s reunification rate has decreased. In 2014-15, Swain County had 50 kids in the foster care system, and only 10 were able to return home.

Watson said the same thing is happening in Haywood County. Even though social workers have planning sessions with parents, school officials or health care providers to develop a plan for reunification, they can’t force parents to participate.

“We make every reasonable effort with parents to make sure they are given every opportunity possible to get their children back,” she said.

The process is still far from over when a child is able to return home. The process begins gradually with supervised visits and then unsupervised visits, overnight visits and eventually permanently back in the home.

Social workers continue to make regular visits until they are assured the child is safe and secure back home. Sutton said the courts wouldn’t consider closing a case until the child has had a smooth three months back in the home.

If reunification isn’t an option, social workers begin putting together a plan for long-term foster care or adoption.

“Seventy-five percent of kids not able to return home are adopted by foster families,” Lupton said. “So if we want to keep our foster home base, we have to keep recruiting because foster homes are only allowed to

Smoky Mountain News

December 2-8, 2015

FOSTER, CONTINUED FROM 7 removed from their home. However, that is usually the tip of the iceberg. Children are often removed from the home because they are being neglected or abused, there is drug abuse in the home or because the family has experienced some kind of tragedy.

Kernahan has no doubt that the training sessions are meant to scare off those who may not be ready for the challenge. Given the shortage of foster homes in the area, she wishes the process were a little easier for those who want to become foster parents.

“I’m not perfect and I feel like they want us to be perfect,” she said. “You definitely get the feeling they’re trying to scare you off by telling you worst-case scenarios, but you also know they are trying to scare you off so the remaining people are in it for the right reasons.”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

In many ways, raising someone else’s child can be more difficult than raising your own — something Kernahan is starting to understand. She and Balof-Bird decided to have their own child before fostering to have a better grasp of parenting.

While having a child has definitely taught them a level of personal sacrifice and patience, taking in foster children will teach them a new level of compassion and flexibility. Even if your style of parenting and discipline is successful with your own children, there has to be a different set of rules and 8 expectations for a foster child depending on

have five kids in the home, whether they are foster kids or biological.”

OTHER CHALLENGES Besides the increasing demand for services, social workers face other challenges in making sure their children are being provided for. They don’t just want their foster children to have a roof over their heads — they want them to lead normal lives just like any other kid in the community.

A new state law requires that foster children are given the same opportunities as other children, including the ability to participate in after-school programs, sports, have birthday parties, go to sleepovers, attend their prom and get their driver’s license.

These might seem like simple things, but even simple activities become complicated in

Adopt a foster child for Christmas Many children in foster care aren’t able to spend the holidays with their families.

Without the help of social workers and donations, some children wouldn’t have any gifts to open on Christmas morning.

If you would like to shop for a specific foster child’s Christmas gifts or sponsor a child by making a monetary donation, call your local Department of Social Services.

what they’ve been through.

Paula Watson, foster care supervisor for Haywood County DSS, said children taken from their home without much warning have gone through enough change and can’t be expected to immediately abide by a new set of house rules without some transition time. They need time and endless patience as they try to adjust.

“It’s much different fostering than being a parent,” she said. “You absolutely have to be flexible with your time and energy.”

Before starting the foster care classes, Kernahan said she wasn’t aware of the “shared-parenting” expectation for foster parents. DSS’s first priority is to have reunification between the child and their biological parents, which means foster parents have to be willing to make every effort to keep that parent/child relationship going as long as social workers deem it a safe situation.

“North Carolina puts a huge emphasis on shared parenting with the biological parents, so you have to be willing to work with the parent if there aren’t any safety issues,” Young said. “Some parents fail just because they’ve never seen good parenting, but through shared parenting they can learn a lot from the foster parents and the foster parents can learn from biological parents ways to make the child’s transition more comfortable.”

Foster parents are responsible for getting the child to DSS once a week for visitation with the parents. If a child isn’t allowed parental visitation or if the parents fail to show, the foster parents are still expected to make every effort to keep them connected —

Many foster care and adoption agencies were on hand last month in Asheville to help people consider all their options for fostering and adopting children. Jessi Stone photo the foster system.

“A lot of people are under the impression that the state pays for all aspects of foster children, but we spend lot of time during the year fundraising to buy Christmas for 53 children,” Sutton said.

Lupton said many children in foster care, especially teenagers, wouldn’t have any Christmas gifts but for the generous donations from people and groups in the community.

Watson said the biggest challenge of her job is seeing children go through so much trauma that they struggle in even the best of

foster homes. They can become their own worst enemies by being defiant and disruptive in a foster home or running away. Even though foster children who turn 18 can sign an agreement and stay in the system while they attend college, some are so eager for freedom that they leave the system and attempt to face life on their own.

“They’ve been through such emotional harm that we see them struggle and we feel helpless to help them,” Watson said. “The exact resources they need may not be at our fingertips and we have to put Band-Aids on it until we can find it.”

even if it’s only through emails, letters or phone calls.

“The foster parent is partners with the social workers and the biological parents and we have to accept that,” Kernahan said.

“No matter what your personal feelings are (toward the biological parent), you can’t share that with the child — you can’t damage that relationship.”

The biological parents are given a picture of the foster parents so they can put

With a support system of social workers and children’s court advocates, foster parents quickly become accustomed to having people in and out of their homes each month checking in on the family.

“You really have to open up your life to be a foster parent because you’ll have two or three different social workers coming into your home on a monthly basis,” Young said.

“North Carolina puts a huge emphasis on shared parenting with the biological parents, so you have to be willing to work with the parent if there aren’t any safety issues.”

Despite all the obstacles and a little fear of the unknown, Kernahan and Balof-Bird can’t wait to begin helping children who need a home. Because of Claire’s young age, they are looking at only fostering children up to the age of 10 at first to make sure Claire is comfortable with other children in the house. If all goes well, they are open to fostering teenagers.

Even though they were told in their training classes that fostering is not a fast track to adopting a child, Kernahan and Balof-Bird still have the long-term goal of some day adopting if the opportunity presents itself.

They haven’t mentioned adoption to Claire for fear of getting her hopes up. They know it will be hard for all of them to see a child leave their home whether they stay for a few months of a couple of years. Either way, Claire seems like she’s more than ready to have a sibling. Her New Year’s resolution was to have a baby brother or sister.

“I know it will test us, but we feel like it will be worth it and we feel like we have a lot of love to give,” Kernaham said.

— Rachel Young, Haywood County DSS

faces to the names of the people caring for their children. Foster parents have to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding the biological family’s situation. That means Kernahan can’t call her mother and vent about what is going on with her foster child and parent, but she can discuss any issues with her social worker.

Lastly, Young said all privacy goes out the window when you become a foster parent.

READY TO RECEIVE

Broyhill provides family setting for foster kids

L

ents. It’s not uncommon for a parent to take their children to Broyhill while they deal with a family crisis like finding a job or housing.

“If there is an immediate crisis situation and they need to place children here spur of the moment, we provide that service until they can develop a permanent plan,” she said.

The five cottages on the Broyhill campus are just like homes with large living, kitchen and dining areas and shared bedrooms. Each cottage has a married couple acting as residential childcare workers or “house parents.”

“If you’re not called, you can’t do this job.”

— Rita Leonard

Broyhill upbringing brought peace to Brunck

E

R

and the Christmas tree reached up to the ceiling. A few days prior, about eight of the girls and Rita were busy in the kitchen cooking a Thanksgiving meal to eat together.

“The holidays are especially hard for them — only two of them may be able to go home to see their families on Christmas day,” Rita said.

One of the hardest things for the Leonards to deal with is seeing the hurt on the children’s face when they don’t get a phone call or a visit from their parents. Seeing their disappointment can be heartbreaking for the temporary parents, but they are there to pro-

“Broyhill was a safe place I could go and they took care of my needs. It was a place — now looking back — that I called home,” she said. “They gave me the stability I needed and a nurturing environment. It was a place I could lay the groundwork to be successful later on.”

Brunck said the childcare workers at Broyhill truly cared about the children. It was clear they weren’t just collecting a paycheck — they were called to be there and help others. Of course she didn’t always appreciate the structure and boundaries in place at Broyhill at the time, but now — with a 20/20 hindsight perspective — she knows they had her best interest at heart.

Brunk lived at Broyhill from the age of 14 to 19 Roberta Brunck (center) is pictured with her children Noah and thanks to home’s transitional living program. So Hannah. Brunck grew up in Broyhill Children’s Home. Donated photo even after she aged out of the foster care system, her Broyhill network was still there to help as she your only parents, and it’s even harder to be torn away attended college. Even at that age, they were still teaching from your siblings as well. her important life skills.

“I went through so many foster homes because they all “Kids don’t always take advantage of all that. There are had other kids in the home and it was just hard — it’s hard always people who care and want to help, but a person has to mix that many families and it be a success. I just couldn’t to be willing to receive that help if they want to be successfind my niche where I fit,” she said. “But at Broyhill we ful and grow into something different,” she said. “I don’t could all be on the same campus but not necessarily in the know if I would have been as successful without the supsame home.” port network encouraging me.”

Despite all of the hardships, Brunck has defied the odds Her support system at Broyhill taught her that she by graduating high school, going to college, getting married didn’t have to be who her parents were and that she could and raising her own family in a house of faith and love. She lead a better life. Another lesson she learned was how to attributes her success to her support network at Broyhill and everyone else who has shown her love throughout her life.

S EE B RUNCK, PAGE 10

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR oberta Brunk could have easily become a victim of circumstance. Growing up in an abusive home and being moved around to different foster homes and schools could have permanently shaped her life and set her p up for disaster, but she didn’t let that happen.

“In the foster care system people can become so hard and usually a product of their environment, but I’ve been so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life that truly love me and changed the way I think,” Brunck said.

“They taught me that I don’t have to be like that.”

Brunck was removed from her home when she was 10 years old after she and her two younger siblings endured years of abuse at the hands of their mother’s boyfriend.

Brunck and her siblings were separated and placed into three different foster homes. They only got to see each other for one hour once a month — if all their schedules worked out. She always hoped that her mother would leave her abusive boyfriend, but she didn’t. She gave up parental rights in exchange for having the 52 counts of abuse and neglect against her and her boyfriend dropped.

Brunck moved through three different foster homes before she and her siblings were reunited at Broyhill Children’s Home in Clyde. No matter how toxic a family environment may be, it’s always hard to be torn away from

Rita and Tom Leonard have been childcare workers at Broyhill Children’s Home for two years. Jessi Stone photo

December 2-8, 2015

Morgan admits it isn’t an easy job to deal with a house full of children who are dealing with the trauma of being removed from their homes. Despite the challenges, several of her couples have worked there for 20 to 30 years.

“I look for people who have life experience and feel called to the ministry,” Morgan said.

“It has to be a passion and a calling — it’s the hardest job you’ll ever love.”

Tom and Rita Leonard have been at Wall Cottage for two years and are currently caring for 12 girls ages 8 to 16.

“If you’re not called, you can’t do this job,” Rita confirmed. “Keeping up with 12 kids and trying to love them all and give them all the same attention can be hard.”

Even with a full house, the Leonards do their best to make it feel like home. The cottage is nicely decorated with Christmas décor,

news

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR inda Morgan, executive director at Broyhill Children’s Home in Clyde, said she’s seen the pendulum swing many times during her 42 years working in the system. Some years the cottages at Broyhill are sparsely occupied, but the children’s home has been at capacity with 50 children for a solid two years.

“Over the past two years demand has increased by 40 percent, so there’s definitely more children being placed outside of their home,” Morgan said. “We’re taking in more younger children now, which is evidence that there is a lack of foster homes in the area.”

While Broyhill does take in children eyounger than 8 if they are trying to keep a ogroup of siblings together, the goal is typically to place younger children in a foster home ninstead of a group home. But desperate times -call for desperate measures. Broyhill is curnrently housing two sets of siblings with nyounger children, including a 14-month-old. e Broyhill, a Baptist Children’s Home facili-ty, is a group home meant to temporarily thouse foster children until they can return home or be placed in a more permanent foslter home. Even though the home is a private lagency, it’s an important emergency resource efor social workers all over the region in immerdiate need of a bed for a child in the middle of tthe night. Broyhill also is a good option for a group of siblings in foster care who don’t want to be separated.

Morgan said Broyhill works closely with departments of social services in 17 counties to place foster children. Because Broyhill is privately owned, it can also accept children who are still in custody of their biological par-

vide a constant in the children’s lives.

“The most difficult part is to see the hurt, trauma and neglect these children experience at such a young age,” Morgan said. “That’s why we want to give them a loving and nurturing environment here.”

Sonya and Bobby Dalke were watching a 14-month-old baby in Carolina Cottage as they spoke about the challenges and rewards that come with their work. They’ve spent four years as childcare workers at Broyhill and have eight children age 12 and younger in their care at the moment.

With six children and 17 grandchildren of their own, they have had plenty of experience in parenting, yet nothing quite prepares you for helping foster care children cope with a number of issues. And when they are too young to express their feelings, it’s even harder to decipher what they are dealing with.

As a Christian-based ministry, Bobby said they teach the children about a loving heavenly father in addition to teaching them what a loving family is supposed to act like. They sit together as a family to eat, they talk about each other’s day and they all have chores and responsibilities in the home.

“We’re a substitute family and we’re trying to show them what a family looks like so one day they’ll know how to have their own family,” Sonya said.

Morgan is very proud of the success stories that have come out of Broyhill. Many children end up finding forever homes or stay at Broyhill through the transitional living program and go on to college. One former Broyhill resident went on to earn a master’s degree in social work so she could give back to the system that helped her through foster care.

“We try to encourage them that they can do whatever they want to do and give them hope,” Bobby said.

9

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B RUNCK, CONTINUED FROM 9 forgive others in order to find peace. Not only did she break the cycle of abuse, she found a way to forgive her mother. When Brunck was pregnant with her first child, she found out that her mother finally left her abusive boyfriend and they slowly began to mend their relationship. Brunck cared for her during an extended illness several years ago and was by her side this past January before she passed away. Seeing how amazing the hospice nurses were with her mother and her entire family is what led Brunck to return to college to become a hospice nurse herself.

“My love and compassion for people is what makes me want to be a hospice nurse,” she said. “I want to help people during their last days and help people die with grace.”

It takes a special kind of person to help people through the most difficult part of life.

Brunck travels around the state through

There are always people who care and want to help, but a person has to be willing to receive that help if they want to be successful and grow into something different.”

Smoky Mountain News

December 2-8, 2015

— Roberta Brunck

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Baptist Children’s Home sharing her story of forgiveness and redemption. In 2013, she decided to put her story to paper and published her book I Choose Forgiveness. The short book tells the heartbreaking story of her childhood abuse, her time in foster care and how she chose forgiveness over a lifetime of resentment.

Brunck still lives about a mile away from Broyhill and visits with the staff and children there at least once a week.

“We cook supper together and the kids crawl into my lap and I read stories to them and tell them how proud I am of them for their accomplishments at school,” she said.

Even though she knows it can be hard, Brunck encourages people to be a positive influence on children by becoming foster parents. She knows only one small action or a few words of encouragement can make a world of difference in a child’s life.

“I know it’s hard and it’s not always fair and definitely not easy and you’re not going to be able to make a difference with all of them, but it’s worth it being able to invest in someone’s life with the possibility it will take root,” she said. “There’s no guarantee of how your own kids will turn out, but you show them the right way to do things, and to me that’s what life is all about.”

With everything she has been through, she considers herself lucky for her family and the opportunities put in front of her on a daily basis. She’s lucky to have a 14-yearold daughter and a 17-year-old son who will never know what it’s like to not have supporting and loving parents to care for them.

Macon Bank acquires Old Town under new name of Entegra

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER ld Town Bank, a local start-up bank based Waynesville, is selling to Macon Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Franklin, for $13.5 million.

Old Town Bank has prided itself on being a locally governed hometown bank since its founding in 2006. That won’t change, according to Old Town CEO Charles Umberger. “They share our vision of community commitment, of being a local institution that’s committed to their communities,� said Umberger, citing Macon Bank’s roots going back more than 90 years in Macon County. “We weren’t going to partner up with someone who didn’t share those cultural values.�

Macon Bank CEO Roger Plemmons pledged to maintain the local flavor that has made Old Town a popular and prominent player in Haywood County. “Old Town customers can expect to continue to be served by the same friendly, knowledgeable banking professionals they

O

have come to rely on over the years,�

Plemmons said.

Meanwhile, Macon Bank has recently changed its name to Entegra, effective as of October. While Macon Bank’s footprint had expanded over the years — from nearby Jackson and Cherokee counties to branches further afield in Polk and Henderson — its name remained geographically tethered to Macon. It made a tough decision to Roger Plemmons forgo the cherished identity and historic brand recognition of Macon Bank to help it expand into a larger region.

Entegra is also acquiring two more bank branches this month in Upstate South Carolina, namely Anderson and Chesnee, which will Charles Umberger bring its total number of branches to 15.

Both Macon Bank and Old Town Bank managed to ride out the tsunami that swept the mountain real estate market and the resulting carnage that pulled other small local banks under.

“These are two strong organizations who weathered some difficult times, who had strong local boards and strong local managers, who stuck to their knitting and stuck to the game plan and said ‘We are going to make it to the other side,’� Umberger said.

Old Town did not sell to Macon Bank out of distress. It was making money and could “We are not leaping into the arms of a have remained independent, but partnering with rescuer. We are two survivors who are Entegra enhances its combining forces strategically to be capacity to serve customers. able to provide better services “You have two organizations that are combining throughout our region.� out of strength, not com— Charles Umberger, Old Town CEO bining out of weakness,�

Umberger said. “We are not leaping into the arms of a rescuer. We are approximately $1.1 billion in assets, $675 two survivors who are combining forces million in loans, and $817 million in deposits.

Old Town Bank has $113 million in assets, strategically to be able to provide better serv$65 million in loans, and $92 million in ices throughout our region.�

Old Town Bank launched just nine years deposits.

The sale of Old Town is expected to close ago, but its presence feels more established than its years on paper suggest. It became in the first quarter of 2016. It has been unanian instant player in the business scene, due mously approved by the board of directors of in part to the influential members on the both banks, but is subject to routine regulatobank’s founding board of directors. It was ry approval. The shareholders of Old Town embraced as a community partner, spon- Bank also must approve the sale in a vote dursoring myriad local causes that earned it a ing a special shareholder meeting, where seat at the table. And it became a go-to proxy votes may be submitted.

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Local banks forge partnership

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Plemmons said the acquisition of Old Town is a “natural complement� to Entegra’s growing footprint. “This transaction utilizes a portion of our excess capital as we execute on our strategy of selective expansion into contiguous markets,� Plemmons said.

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Cell tower companies eye Jackson A

dle that, and in some cases they just don’t exist or they’re lacking tremendously,” Jeleniewski said.

In August, commissioners approved the revised cell tower ordinance the planning board had spent the past year working on, attempting to bring the 15-year-old document up to date. Now, Jeleniewski’s up to his ears in cell tower applications and inquiries.

But thus far, only two are on the table.

CROWN CASTLE Crown Castle wants to build a 120-foot monopole tower on Gana Sita Road, half a mile from the Cashiers crossroads. It’s the same location and same height as the tower the company had originally proposed in its application this spring. The company pulled the application, it said in a letter to the county, because it wanted to wait until the ordinance revision was complete and go through the newly outlined process, which routes cell tower applications through the board of commissioners rather than through the Planning Board.

The tower, which would house Verizon antennae, would be located on land owned by the Zachary family, within 40 feet of the property line separating the Zachary property from land owned by the Barr family. That location had sparked lively protest from the Barr family, who contend that its placement will impede their plans to eventually develop the land.

Meanwhile, the Zachary family said it’s taken pains in its lease to stipulate that the tower be as unobtrusive as possible and that it chose the location simply because it’s the

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exit, giving cell service to an area known to contain dead spots.

“There’s always been coverage issues out there, and I do get complaints that there is not good service out that way,” Jeleniewski said.

The tower would be built to accommodate Verizon but also allow co-location for other providers.

HE UALLA TOWER It will be some time before commissioners get around to holding a public hearing The second cell tower application on the and acting on the application, however. The table comes from Florida-based SBA Crown Castle application is “We’re going to get a lot of applications wanttheir primary ing to do new towers because of the demand.” concern right now.

Jeleniewski is — John Jeleniewski, Jackson County’s code compliance officer currently in the midst of completing his staff review and expects to Communications. see commissioners start looking at the appliThe company wants to build a 180-foot cation after the first of the year. tower right along U.S. 74 at the Cherokee

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At the time, the planning board had recommended that Crown Castle consider an alternate location and that it look at making the tower higher. The planned 120-foot height would allow excellent coverage for the Verizon antennae that would go there, but trees would prevent antennae from other providers wanting to co-locate there from getting much coverage at all.

The original application had a sense of urgency to it because the only tower currently providing service to Cashiers had a lease set to expire in September. But that lease was extended, giving Crown Castle, the county and the property owners some breathing room on the timeline.

A public hearing next week will gather input from the community before commissioners decide whether to approve the application, which will be presented to them in a quasi-judicial hearing the same day.

December 2-8, 2015

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER n application to build a new cell tower in Cashiers is back on the table, after the company, Crown Castle, yanked its original request in June.

And it’s not the only application that John Jeleniewski, Jackson County’s code compliance officer, has on his desk. A second application from a different company — SBA Communications Corporation — proposes to build a new tower in the Qualla area near the U.S. 74 exit for Cherokee. The same company, Jeleniewski said, is talking about putting a second tower nearby, though it hasn’t yet identified any potential property.

He expects the applications to keep coming.

“We’re going to get a lot of applications wanting to do new towers because of the demand,” Jeleniewski said.

That’s something that Larry Perry, the consultant the county hired earlier to help evaluate Crown Castle’s original application, warned the county about this summer.

“You’re going to have a lot more applications coming through,” Perry had told the planning board in June, when they were considering the application for the Cashiers tower. “You’re going to have roughly eight more towers coming into Jackson County between now and this time next year.”

Increased demand stemming from heightened use of wireless communication means that more capacity is needed to process all the smartphone apps, tablet browsing and wireless sharing done today.

“You need the facilities to be able to han-

■ What: A company wants to build a cell tower that would provide service in the Cashiers area after the lease on the existing tower in town expires. Before commissioners vote on whether to approve the application from Crown Castle, which would primarily house Verizon antennae, they will hold a public hearing.

■ When: 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.

■ Where: The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library on 249 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.

■ How: Anyone wishing to speak will have three minutes to voice an opinion. Written comments can be sent to Angie Winchester, clerk to the board of commissioners, at angiewinchester@jacksonnc.org or 401 Grindstaff Cove Road Sylva, N.C. 28779. A copy of the application can be reviewed in the Planning Department, also located at 401 Grindstaff Cove Road.

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Public hearing planned for proposed Cashiers tower

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was probably unconstitutional,” said Chad Donnahoo, attorney with the Campbell Shatley law firm in Asheville. “Richmond County took the ball and ran with it.”

The state fought Richmond County’s case, claiming the fine for improper equipment violations wasn’t really a fine. The state called it a “surcharge.”

But the N.C. Court of Appeals saw through the semantics and ruled against the state in September.

“The court said it is actually a fine and all the school boards across the state are now joining in,” Smathers said.

Richmond County Schools arguably had a lot at stake. Over the past four years, the improper equipment fine there has amounted to $1.3 million, which the state was ordered to repay.

“By law, our students are entitled to these funds.

Our board felt that it was important that we stand up for our students and fight for these resources.”

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— Dr. Chris Baldwin, Macon County Schools superintendent

Smoky Mountain News

The state was apparently bracing for this outcome. State lawmakers have already made changes to the disbursement of the improper equipment fine and are now giving it to school systems as the constitution calls for. The state likewise made necessary adjustments in the state budget to pay for housing inmates in county jails.

But in order to recoup back fines, each county must go through the process of signing on to a lawsuit.

“It should be a very simple and uncomplicated matter,” Donnahoo said.

More than 30 school districts across the mountains — including Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain — are joining forces under a single lawsuit against the state being handled by the Asheville-based firm Campbell Shatley.

A similar suit has been filed on behalf of about 40 school districts in the eastern part of the state by the Raleigh-based firm Tharrington Smith.

The amount each school system stands to gain varies based on the number of improper equipment charges dished out in that locale.

“Some counties that have interstates and major highways running through them have a lot more,” Donnahoo said.

It also depends whether the prosecutors and judges in a particular county routinely used improper equipment as a plea tool in reducing speeding tickets.

December 2-8, 2015

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER chool systems across the mountains are signing on to a lawsuit against the state to recoup hundreds of thousands of dollars that they say were improperly diverted from public school coffers.

Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain school boards are among dozens of counties statewide to join the suit.

The suit claims that the state legislature wrongfully siphoned off fines for traffic violations that should have been earmarked for public schools.

“The state constitution says all fines and forfeitures must to go to the local school board,” explained Pat Smathers, attorney for the Haywood County school board.

However, that wasn’t happening when it came to the fine paid by motorists for “improper equipment.” The state has been keeping the money over the past four years to pay for housing inmates.

School systems have filed suit demanding that the money collected through improper equipment fines be returned.

“By law, our students are entitled to these funds. Our board felt that it was important that we stand up for our students and fight for these resources,” said Dr. Chris Baldwin, superintendent of Macon County Schools.

The statute of limitations means schools can recover only three years’ worth of the back fines. That would amount to $82,500 in Haywood, $95,500 in Jackson, $42,500 in Macon and $34,000 in Swain.

While the fine for improper equipment is only $50, it’s common to see hundreds of these tickets given out in a county over the course of a year. Improper equipment could be as simple as a burned-out headlight, but the majority of improper equipment charges actually stem from speeding tickets.

Drivers trying to avoid the higher insurance rates that follow a speeding ticket routinely strike a deal with the court to reduce the speeding ticket so it won’t go on their driving record, in exchange pleading to a charge of improper equipment.

The state legislature tacked a new fine of $50 onto improper equipment charges in 2011 and funneled the proceeds into a state penal fund to foot the bill for housing misdemeanor inmates in county jails instead of state prisons. The state hoped to save money by packing low-level inmates off to county jails and paying the counties to house them using revenue from the newly invented fine.

“They were trying to pay for the justice system using funds that were supposed to go to the school system,” Smathers said.

The case is expected to be a slam dunk, thanks to a trailblazing lawsuit by the school system in Richmond County dating back to 2012.

“When the General Assembly passed the legislation, everyone kind of opined that it

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Schools sue state for diverting education funding to inmates

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Company looks to revive Cashiers development Commissioners will vote on development agreement following public hearing

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER n the nearly eight years the Cashiers-area Chinquapin development has been around, just 30 of the planned 200 lots have been sold, and only six homes have been constructed. But now the property is

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Be heard?

December 2-8, 2015

What: Before commissioners vote on whether to let the new owners of the 2,000-acre Chinquapin property near Cashiers increase the capacity of their planned development by 200 units, bringing the total to 400 units, Jackson County residents will have a chance to give their input in a public hearing.

When: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.

Where: Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library on 249 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.

How: Anyone wishing to speak will have three minutes to voice an opinion. Written comments can be sent to Angie Winchester, clerk to the board of commissioners. angiewinchester@jacksonnc.org or 401 Grindstaff Cove Road Sylva, N.C. 28779.

under new management, and its owners at Waterfront Group hope to double the number of units, estimating full build-out of the hoped-for 400 home sites within five years.

“Our cost of doing business has gone way up, but there’s still people who want this product,” Elliott Harwell of Cornelius-based Waterfront told Jackson County commissioners this month. “This is not something we’re looking to do overnight. It’s going to take time. And we don’t want to oversupply the demand, but we do feel that there are still people that want this type of product.”

The product he is referring to is high-end housing in the mountains where homeowners can relax in a wooded property surrounded by a 700-acre conservation easement while still carrying on business using the Internet. The original plan was a good one, Harwell said, and the new ownership wants to keep much of it intact. But not all of it.

The Carlton family, the previous owners of the property, had held the Chinquapin land since the 1970s, putting 700 acres of it into a conservation easement in 2005 and starting the process of conveying it to Trillium Links & Village for development in 2006.

Then, the recession hit.

“Those folks who had planned to relocate there decided to keep that money in the bank,” said Commissioner Mark Jones of Cashiers.

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Trillium The proposed development couldn’t finish plan shows estate lots in the development, and the purple and gray, cluster Carlton family homes in red and yellow took ownership and undeveloped space in of the 2,000 green. Donated graphic acres once more, hashing out a 2012 development agreement with the county but making little headway on realizing its plans since then.

“It was developed about just in time for the economy to crash,” Harwell said. “The former developer didn’t do anything wrong. It was just bad timing.”

The market’s picking up a bit more now, but “The market trend has gone from larger, Waterfront wants to deviate from the origihuge houses with yards to maintain to (what) nal plan to build only large, estate-style we were wanting to offer — a homes. product with smaller, less main-

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The original 2012 agreement ■ 200 estate lots with a minimum 1-acre lot size ■ 700 acres set aside for a conservation easement that allows limited development for outdoor recreation amenities ■ 204 acres set aside for green space ■ Amenities, including a 150-acre golf course

The proposed new agreement

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■ 228 estate lots, including the 80 already platted ■ 172 cluster homes, which are typically built on smaller lots while preserving the land around them ■ 904 acres for greenspace, including the original 700-acre conservation easement and more than 200 acres of green space ■ The golf course, which hasn’t been played or maintained in years, will be repurposed as cluster development surrounded by green space

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Smoky Mountain News

tenance on the homeowner, just a different product within the same community,” Harwell said.

To that end, the proposed development plan includes 172 cluster homes, a type of development in which homes on small lots are surrounded by preserved land. It’s a sought-after option for people who like the setting but don’t want the upkeep and cost of a larger property, Harwell said.

All told, the Chinquapin property encompasses 2,000 acres — a little over 3 square miles. Of that, 700 acres are set aside as a conservation easement that can’t be built on. The proposed master plan would keep another 204 acres as green space — the same number determined in the 2012 development agreement — building on the remaining 1,100 or so acres.

When Chinquapin originally struck its deal with the county in 2012, no zoning rules laid out regulations for subdivision development. Those rules came later, and Chinquapin is grandfathered into the pre-ordinance era. However, the development does have to abide by the original development agreement it made with the county and get any changes approved by commissioners. And before commissioners can approve any changes, they have to get input from a public hearing.

When commissioners spoke with Harwell in November, their impression seemed to be favorable, if a bit surprised at Waterfront’s optimistic projections.

“You’re taking a big chance, or they (Waterfront) know something about this future economy that has not been shared with me,” said Commissioner Vicki Greene.

To which Harwell mentioned another development Waterfront did in Banner Elk, where he said $30 million of property has been sold in the last three years.

“When we bought it in 2012, people said the same thing,” he said.

At this point, commissioners seem to feel good about Waterfront’s proposal.

“If you see the site, you’ll know how well it’s taken care of, how wide the roads are,” Jones said.

“It really is a first-class operation.”

Commission Chairman Brian McMahan took that sentiment a step further.

“These folks have demonstrated to me that they are going to be very responsible,” he said. “I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t want to approve this.”

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Jackson rec board pushes for indoor pool

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t’s been more than two years since Jackson County finished a recreation master plan declaring an indoor pool a top priority, and leaders of the county’s Parks and Recreation Department and Recreation and Parks Advisory Board are itching to see the idea move closer to reality — this fall they voted to make getting a feasibility study done their number one goal.

“Everybody we come in contact with — 70, 75 percent of them — say we need an indoor pool,” said David McCoy, chairman of the advisory board.

That chorus was reflected in the survey that went with the 2013 master plan, which polled 763 people, 534 of whom said that they’d be willing to support funding for a centrally located indoor swimming pool.

“There are just so many positives that outweigh the negatives,” McCoy said. “Of course the cost to keep it up is a big thing — the initial building cost — but done in the right way, in a proper way, I really feel like it will be something everybody in the county can use.”

Smoky Mountain News

December 2-8, 2015

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BRINGING IT TO

According to Waynesville’s aquatics director Luke Kinsland, one of the most important benefits of having a pool is being able to teach people how to enjoy water safety. However, running a pool is nearly always a moneylosing endeavor. Donated photo

COMMISSIONERS Rusty Ellis, the county’s recreation director, relayed that message to Jackson County Commissioners at their November work session, telling them that Jackson’s lack of an indoor pool is causing the county to lose money when residents go out of county to use a pool and that it’s holding back membership at the recreation centers.

“We get hit up every day at the rec center: ‘When is the indoor pool going to come?’”

Ellis said.

It would probably cost somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 to get a feasibility study done, which would look at the cost involved to build and maintain a pool and help commissioners weigh the pros and cons of the decision, Ellis said. He asked that commissioners get a study done sooner rather than later. A pool would allow local swim teams to have their meets locally, let the county partner with Harris Regional Hospital to provide water therapy and could even

bring in USA Swimming meets.

Some commissioners seemed to see Ellis’s point of view.

“With some mobility issues, I for one know the value of water and nonimpact exercises,” said Commissioner Mark Jones.

“We’re losing money to them (Jackson County residents) going outside the county,” added Chairman Brian McMahan.

But building a pool is far from being a cheap endeavor. Pools can cost millions of

dollars to build and hundreds of thousands per year to maintain. They’re rarely, if ever, moneymakers. They’re nearly always money losers.

And the indoor pool question is far from being the only capital question commissioners have to consider. They’re looking at a $1.4 million renovation of the county’s Skyland Services Center, contemplating doing either a renovation of the Health Department building or con-

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structing a new building, and they’re also fac- Kinsland said, though that number can ing a space shortage in the Justice Center. jump higher if some major equipment issue Then there’s expansion of the Green Energy crops up.

It’s next to impossible to pay those costs Park and clamor to build a new animal shelter. All that is playing out against the back- with pool revenue, which typically sits drop of a county revaluation that’s expected between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, to deliver a much-reduced tax base for the Kinsland said. During the 2014-15 fiscal year, the pool pulled in $41,320 from programs coming fiscal year.

So while commissioners are aware of the such as swimming lessons, pool parties and arguments in favor of building a pool, some swim meets. That doesn’t count rec center board members say it’s not something that’s memberships, which include access to many amenities beyond the pool. going to happen any time soon.

It’s clear from the number of pool parties “Right now it’s not a priority,” McMahan said, adding that commissioners won’t likely and swim teams and lap swimmers and famidiscuss the issue again until their January lies that come through the doors that the planning retreat, which is when the topic of a pool’s an important asset to the community, and that importance goes beyond the simple feasibility study could next come up.

Commissioner Vicki Greene’s stance is joy of splashing around in calm water, Kinsland said. even less enthusiastic than that.

“Teaching people how to swim is one of “We need to provide community recreation opportunities for Savannah and Qualla the main things because during the summer before we even think about an indoor swimming pool,” she said.

The indoor pool question is far The county recently purchased a 2.3-acre property in Savannah that it from being the only capital intends to use for a park, but no question commissioners have headway has been made on providing recreation in the Qualla area. to consider. They’re looking at a Greene wants to see both projects to $1.4 million renovation of the the finish line before entertaining the thought of building a pool, and county’s Skyland Services she carries some overall skepticism about the county’s ability to afford Center, and they’re also facing such a resource, as well as its capacia space shortage in the Justice ty for use.

“You’re talking about putting a Center. Additionally, a county couple hundred thousand dollars a year into additional operating costs,” revaluation is expected to Greene said. “Will it be used? I’m sure deliver a much-reduced tax it will be used. But it is something the majority of citizens in Jackson County base for the coming fiscal year. support? I don’t think so.”

To that last point, pool supporters would no doubt mention the results of months, a lot of people are going out visiting the 2013 survey, in which 70 percent of bodies of water and a lot of them don’t even respondents said they’d support funding an know how to swim, so to me you’re investing indoor pool, 73 percent said the county in community safety,” he said. needed more indoor pools and water parks, In that sense, having a pool pays off, and 73 percent said it was important to con- Kinsland said. But in real dollars, it never struct an indoor pool. In all three questions, will. That’s just the nature of public pools. the pool garnered the highest number of pos“The rule of thumb is in dealing with an itive responses of any of the options. But the indoor or outdoor pool, you’ll lose money,” 763 people who participated in the survey said Rhett Langston, Waynesville’s Parks and are but a subset of the county’s more than Recreation director. “You’re not going to 40,000 residents. make money. It’s not going to be a money“The ones who would use it are very making or profitable business.” vocal,” Greene said.

For Waynesville, however, the investment calculation is a bit different than for County. Waynesville owns its own OOKING TO AYNESVILLE Jackson electric utility, and the proceeds are what In the case of Waynesville’s indoor pool, made the rec center’s construction possible. finding users hasn’t been a problem, accord- Jackson County’s main means of revenue ing to the pool’s aquatics director Luke generation is property taxes, and with a revaluation expected to downsize the value Kinsland.

“We have a ton of groups come here from of the tax base going into effect for the all around the region,” Kinsland said. upcoming fiscal year, the county is facing Asheville, Hendersonville, Jackson County — tightened purse strings.

McCoy said he recognizes that reality, but you name it — individuals and groups in search of water find their way to Waynesville. he still feels passionately about the project Waynesville built its pool in 2000 at the and hopes to see it at least inch off the startsame time as its recreation center, which is ing block.

“I think a good, thorough feasibility study adjacent — the combined price for the facilities was $5.5 million at that time. Each year, needs to be done,” he said. “Just get into it maintenance and staffing costs total some- and just see the pros and the cons and just see where between $150,000 to $200,000, what the outcome will be.”

enrollment process. Career counseling services are also available to guide you as you choose a major and career path. For more information regarding enrollment, programs of study, or financial aid, call 828.627.4500.

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Running out of space Jackson leaders plan for growing court needs

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he start of business Thursday, Dec. 10, will mean the coming-to-order of five different court sessions in Jackson County, a giant figure for a county with only two actual courtrooms at its disposal. To meet demand, courts will be squirreled away wherever there’s space — in the commissioners’ boardroom, in the county law library, in the old courtroom that’s now the community room of the Jackson County Library.

Though the county’s stuck with stop-gap measures for that week in December — four courts per day are scheduled for Dec. 7-9, five for Dec. 10 and two for Friday, Dec. 11 — commissioners are trying to figure out a more permanent solution. They have to, because Superior Court Judge Bradley Letts has told them they have to. In North Carolina, counties are responsible for providing adequate court facilities, and judges have the authority to decide whether a facility is adequate or not.

“He (Letts) has pointed out the fact that two courtrooms just are not serving the needs of Jackson County,” County Manager Chuck Wooten said, paraphrasing a directive Letts has expressed multiple times over the past couple of years.

Jackson County has just two courtrooms in its more than 20-year-old building, and increasingly that space is coming up short.

According to court schedules, 2013, 2014 and 2015 all had three days in which three or more courts were scheduled on the same day, exceeding the capacity of the two-courtroom building. Dec. 10 takes the prize for

December 2-8, 2015

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most courts scheduled in a day, with five.

The question of space is now entering the realm of immediate need rather than of future possibility. Commissioners have to decide what to do about it.

“If we can find a way to come up with a third space that could buy us enough time — six, seven, eight years — then we can figure out what we’re going to do permanently,” Commission Chairman Brian McMahan said at the commissioners’ November work session.

As of now, that’s what commissioners are talking about most seriously — not, as sug-

Smoky Mountain News

Security officers welcome courthouse visitors through the Jackson County Justice Center’s new single-point-ofentry system. Holly Kays photo

necessarily line up with actual court use.

Sometimes a court session scheduled to take four days finishes up in three, or sometimes the same judge is responsible for multiple court sessions in a day and so is able to consolidate.

On the other hand, the county’s court space experiences demands not reflected on the court schedule. Most Wednesdays, the magistrate judge needs a courtroom, and the clerk of court often resorts to using her office for the cases she handles — not the most secure situation.

And it’s not just about the courtrooms themselves. A well-designed courthouse includes space for juries to assemble and attorneys to meet. It has triplicate elevators and passages to keep juries, opposing parties and the public separate.

“Courthouses are unique,” Letts said.

“They’re like a hospital or a jail. You just need to do unusual things you wouldn’t do in a normal building.”

LOOKING FOR A WORKAROUND But commissioners sounded loath to get behind the $10 million-plus addition Heery had suggested in 2014, with the conversation instead centering around possibilities to make the existing space work.

For example, if the county builds a new Health Department building — another capital need commissioners have been discussing — then they could make space in the existing justice center by moving administrative offices out of that building.

“If we can relocate code enforcement, building inspection, all those folks down there (the existing Health Department building) — even relocate planning so we’ve got code enforcement and planning all in one location — that frees up that whole corridor downstairs with the exception of tax. Then you can move tax collections upstairs to where planning was

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gested in a study the former board commissioned from Heery International last year, that they build an extra 36,000 square feet of space.

“Is it more cost-effective to build a judicial building than it is to take this space and convert it? That’s one of the things that needs to be looked at,” Wooten said.

It makes sense that the courts need more space, Commissioner Mark Jones said, because the county itself has grown.

Between 2000 and 2010 alone, the county’s population grew by 21.6 percent, according to U.S. Census data. And between 2010 and 2014, the population grew an estimated 1.8 percent. Today, 7,860 more people live in Jackson County than lived there in 2000, census data says, and more people need more services of all kinds, including courtrelated ones.

Of course, the court schedule doesn’t

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Share the Warmth at Canton Armory

“From Pearl Harbor to 9-11, will America always be at war?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum, which will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, located at 58 Stewart Street in downtown Franklin.

Franklin Open Forum is a moderated discussion group, meeting at (Below and behind Books Unlimited). Those interested in an open exchange of ideas (dialog not debate) are invited to attend.

Call 828.371.1020.

A Winter Wonderland Festival fundraiser to benefit the Share the Warmth Heating Assistance Program will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. Dec.10 at the Canton Armory.

The festival is presented by Champion Credit Union in partnership and Ms. Arty Pants Creation Station to keep families warm in their homes through the winter.

Advance tickets $15; $20 at the door.

Champion Credit Union will match all ticket sales up to $5,000.

Admission includes a spaghetti dinner, a Ms. Arty Pants Creation Station experience; photo booth, face painting and more.

Program on seasonal depression offered Senior Life Solutions at Swain Community Hospital will offer a two-part educational series titled “Holiday Challenges – Dealing with Depression and Anxiety,” from noon to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 and 19 at Swain Community Hospital.

The sessions will be led by licensed clinical social worker John Stoeckel. The two events will complement each other and can be attended individually or in succession.

“Our community education series is open to anyone who may feel stressed or overwhelmed when thinking about the holidays. The series will offer simple support and strategies to cope with those feelings,” said Amanda Kirl, program director for Senior Life Solutions.

Everyone is welcome to attend and may register by calling 828.488.4044.

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Class on dementia communication offered Learn helpful strategies for communication in the face of dementia during a free class at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Haywood County Senior Resources Center in Waynesville.

What works, what doesn’t and why? We will discuss ways to maximize successful encounters and minimize barriers. Our goal will be to build bridges, not walls.

Dr. Lisa Verges will lead this program. She is a psychiatrist with MemoryCare, a community based non-profit charitable organization providing care for patients with dementia and education and counseling for their caregivers and families.

Call or stop by the Center to register.

828.356.2800.

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Smoky Mountain News

to pay for it.

While that will provide a temporary fix for the space issue, it’s not a permanent solution. Actual court space is only the tip of the iceberg as far as justice center needs are concerned. More courts means more juries, and juries need a separate room to go to for deliberation. More courts also mean more defendants, more plaintiffs, more attorneys and more spectators. Ideally, those groups of people all have their own entrances and exits to the courtroom, preventing conflict when sparring parties cross paths.

In fact, according to the study Heery did last year, even if all non-court-related functions left the building, the Jackson County Justice Center still wouldn’t have enough space to accommodate court needs for the coming years.

This isn’t the first time this year Letts has approached commissioners about shortcomings in the justice center. He appeared at their planning retreat in January to talk about two “issues I’ve been bringing to your attention for 10 years” — space and security.

At the time, security was the more pressing issue, with no screening in place at the courthouse and unmonitored entrances and exits throughout the building.

Letts’ request prompted commissioners to approve a single-point-of-entry system for a price tag of $343,000, plus $140,000 annually in salaries for additional security personnel. The system went into effect Sept. 28.

828-944-0890

2020 Dellwood Road (Beside Sunoco Gas) Monday-Saturday 10-6

December 2-8, 2015

right next to finance,” McMahan said by way of suggestion. “The whole bottom floor can be converted for court.”

Dietz concurred with that way of thinking, indicating that he wouldn’t support a new justice center building and expected constituents wouldn’t either.

“If we start telling people we have to build a new one, that’s not going to go over real well,” he said.

“I can’t say it goes over with me real well, either,” Commissioner Vicki Greene agreed.

Commissioners came to a consensus that Wooten should start talking to Heery — the same company that planned and built the new Haywood County courthouse — about getting together a proposal for creating extra space in the justice center, but that solutions should concentrate on commissioners’ desire to work with what they’ve got. That goes for the stop-gap measures they’re looking at to make do for now, too.

“If were going to have to do potential expansion later, let’s not waste money,” McMahan said. “Let’s incorporate into this study to make sure it’s what we need now.

We don’t want to build something now and then five years later throw it away.”

For the near future, the county will likely make some changes to its law library and the commissioners’ boardroom so those spaces will be more suitable to holding court. That will buy commissioners the time they need to figure out what to do and how

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21

Where there is a will, there is a way.

As an Army Ranger, Rangger, Kevin Dylus has always a fought fo to protect the lives livves es of others. others He never nevver er imagined that trimming a tree t ffor o his in-laws would w lead to the battle of his life. fe A branch broke, twisting t downward into into Kevin, and crushed his pelvis and leg.

December 2-8, 2015

When told that walking w might be a challenge, chhallenge, Kevin ffought o on with help help from the rehabilitation rehabilitation specialists and Home Healthh nurses at CarePartn CarePartners. ners.

Not only did Kevi Kevinn walk – he ran. He climbed, c and ultimately he passed passsed the Army physical physiccal required to return to acti activ active ve duty. duty Whether you’re trying t to be well, get well or stay well, Missionn Health and CarePar CarePartners tners offer off f ffeer you and your family family access to the best fam best people, resources and advanced addvanced technology to t help you achieve and exceed exceeed your y goals. g

Smoky Mountain News

To hear more personal p stories llike ike Kevin’s, visit: missionmission-health.org -health.org /KevinSMN /KevinnSMN

Bee Well.

Well ell. l. Ge Get W G Well. ell ell. l. SStay tta tay ay Well.

Weell ll. l.

22

Education

Smoky Mountain News

Fulghum named Innovator of the Year Cheryl Fulghum, Haywood Community College’s distance learning coordinator, was recently named Innovator of the Year, Western Region by the NC Community College Association of Distance Learning.

NC3ADL is an educational, nonprofit organization that supports and promotes distance learning (also known as e-learning, digital education, or digital learning).

In addition to serving as learning management system administrator and distance education coordinator, Fulghum is tasked with providing professional development for faculty who teach online.

Describing one aspect of her job as ‘cheerleader for faculty,’ the award was given for expanding her cheerleading focus for online instruction to include on-ground teaching topics. Fulghum and her Distance Learning team developed, coordinated, and staffed a wide-ranging schedule of professional development best practice workshops for faculty and staff covering many 21st century learning and teaching practices.

Swain student finalist for national scholarship Swain County High School senior Heather Whitt, who participates in Southwestern Community College’s Upward Bound program, is a QuestBridge CollegeMatch Finalist.

The QuestBridge program connects highachieving, deserving students with full scholarships at select colleges and universities. Out of 13,264 applications, 4,895 students were selected as finalists based on academic, financial and extracurricular credentials. This Heather Whitt year’s recipients will be announced in December.

Each recipient will receive a guaranteed full, fouryear scholarship worth more than $200,000 to one of 36 partner colleges including Columbia, MIT and Stanford.

Contact Kesgen at akesgen@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4281.

HCC Student awarded nursing scholarship Gracy Hughes, a Haywood Community College Nursing student, is the recipient of the Ruby H. Haney Woodmen of the World Nursing Scholarship.

The scholarship is funded by the Woodmen of the World, now called Woodmen Life, in memory of Ruby Haney. Haney was a member of Woodmen of the World and retired from HCC in 1990 as nursing department head with more than 30 years of service.

Hughes, a Murphy resident, came to HCC for the LPN to RN Nursing Bridge program. She is already a LPN and works part-time in a family practice doctor’s office. She wanted to expand her level of skills by

becoming a Registered Nurse. She was born in India but moved to the United States in second grade.

Swain student earns Pinnacle Scholar Award Berea College in Kentucky has given Katharine Murray, a Swain High School senior and a participant in Southwestern Community College’s Upward Bound program, a Pinnacle Scholar Award of Excellence.

The award is presented annually to high school seniors in order to celebrate their academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Winners demonstrate significant accomplishments in either science, music or service. Murray’s award was based on her service within her community. As current president of the Interact Club at Swain High, she is able to coordinate both resources and members to become involved in projects impacting the area.

Individually, Murray’s service is multifaceted, impacting elders, animals and children through both hands-on service and advocacy.

Murray’s long-term goal is to work with youth, both nationally and internationally.

LEARN program established at WCU Western Carolina University, in collaboration with the University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University, received $1.8 million from the National Science Foundation to support first-generation college students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math programs, better known as STEM. The grant will provide scholarships to students majoring in STEM disciplines and create an innovative living-learning community that will provide additional supports and opportunities for students to succeed and graduate in fields that drive innovation and economic growth.

First-year students will live in the same residence hall, take core disciplinary classes together,

work with mentors and engage in a 12-week research apprenticeship with faculty. Contact kwochka@wcu.edu or aimorrison@wcu.edu.

Shining Rock awarded $50,000 grant Shining Rock Classical Academy, Haywood County’s only charter school, was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Louis Calder Foundation.

Shining Rock was one of only two schools in the state to receive a grant award at the event, which recognized state leaders in education, both public and private, and to celebrate a decade of hard work

by Parents for Educational Freedom.

Shining Rock was identified and chosen as a grant recipient because of its outstanding curriculum and one-of-a-kind outdoor experiential learning program.

The proceeds of the grant will be used for transportation expenses to help the school better fulfill its mission of rigorous, outdoor experiential education for all of its students, as well as to meet the school’s most basic daily transportation needs.

SCC receives career preparation grant Southwestern Community College has been awarded a $1,000 grant from Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professions to establish mentorship relationships for students in SCC’s early childhood education program and students who plan to continue their studies in preschool-12th education programs at WCU. SCC students will connect with employed professionals who are alumni of WCU’s program.

“The Pathway Partners program will broaden the professional development and support for our Early Childhood Education students who aspire to earn four-year degrees in these fields,” said Michael Despeaux, career planning and placement counselor.

Contact m_despeaux@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4212.

23

• Karl Gillespie, a sixth-generation native of Macon County, was recently sworn in as a member of Southwestern Community College’s board of trustees.

Gillespie, president of National Communications, was appointed

by Gov. Pat McCrory and replaces Jerry Sutton.

• Jerry Sutton of Franklin will be honored for his three decades of service on the Southwestern Community College’s board of trustees during a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the building that bears his name: The Jerry Sutton Public Safety and Training Center in Franklin. The public is invited.

• Haywood Community College is offering a free adult high school program. Anyone over 18 interested in pursuing a diploma should bring a sealed copy of their transcripts to the 300 Building on the HCC campus.

828.565.4182.

ALSO:

• Southwestern Community College is now offering high school equivalency exams at the most-affordable rate on the market. SCC is now offering the HiSET® exam as a paper-based option in Jackson and Macon counties. Additionally, SCC continues to offer Pearson Vue computer-based testing as well as GED preparatory classes and a wide variety of Educational Opportunities programs.

828.339.4486 or devonnej@southwesterncc.edu.

• Haywood Community College is encouraging past students to reenroll and complete their college education. HCC offers traditional day classes, evening courses, online courses, and a hybrid mix of face-to-face and online courses to meet the varied needs of students. To register, call 828.627.4500.

• Southwestern Community College has partnered with FATV to provide a number of informative online videos, which can be seen at www.southwesterncc.edu/financial-aid, to answer common questions while providing information that can be helpful when students are making educational plans.

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Investing in what’s best about WNC W

Scott McLeod

hile I was living in Elizabethtown in southeastern North Carolina in 1988, Walmart opened a brand-new store. Most everyone was excited, and how could you blame them? The retail giant hadn’t yet taken over the world, although it was already by then the largest retailer in the U.S. But how could you argue with the cheap prices all the one-stop variety, especially in an area that was poverty-stricken as textile mills were shuttering their operations?

Wallace Leinwand had become a professional acquaintance when I was a Editor newcome to town, a trusted source of town history and an expert on civic affairs of the community.

He owned a family clothing store on the main street of town (a quick search on the Internet finds that it has survived), a typical department store of the type common in most small towns.

But way back then, over lunch at a downtown burger joint where I was an eager reporter at my third newspaper job, I remember him bemoaning the coming of the huge discount retailer. I can’t recall his exact words, but he was wise enough to see the writing on the wall, savvy enough to realize that Walmart and other national big boxes would bring irrevocable change to the main streets of small-town America.

Wallace Leinwand nailed it. But the Walmart phenomenon wouldn’t have happened if Americans had not already began abandoning their downtowns for malls and two-store shopping centers in the suburbs. At my second newspaper job in Zebulon, they built a Food Lion and a Belks out on the bypass, along with a few fastfood restaurants. Downtown businesses suffered.

The boarded up main street stores of many small Southern towns remain their most striking feature. In many places that change predicted by my friend in Elizabethtown has been more like a bad nightmare.

But not here, not in the mountains of Western North Carolina. As places across the country try many different ideas to breathe life back into their downtowns, ours are thriving. As my wife and I strolled up and down Main Street this past Saturday night, I was reminded once again of how much I enjoy downtown Waynesville, Sylva, Bryson City, Franklin, Canton, Highlands and Cashiers.

And at this time of year, as we rush through the holidays, I try not to take things for granted — like the stores, galleries, restaurants and pubs that make these downtowns so fun. Yep, I’ll drop a few dollars at the big box this holiday season, but I’ll probably spend more at our downtown establishments. For me, shopping on main street feels more like making an investment in what’s best about this region.

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

This holiday, it’s a family united hen I was 12 years old, there were few things I liked better than the Dallas Cowboys. Definitely my Farrah Fawcett poster. Maybe Fudge Royale ice cream. But not much else.

Every Christmas, I wrote Santa and appealed to him to coordinate with Sears to bring me a new Dallas Cowboys jacket with the same fake wool blue torso and the same fake leather silver sleeves, with the team emblem on the chest. These NFL team jackets were pretty popular in those days. You’d see Dolphins jackets and Vikings jackets and Raiders jackets and Steelers jackets all over the schoolyard, as their proud owners brandished them like shields on a battlefield.

By far the most commonly worn jacket was the hideous burgundy and gold of the Washington Redskins. There were three or four of us who had Cowboys jackets, but there must have been twice as many — maybe three times as many — Redskins jackets tarnishing the landscape. I was not yet a teenager when I surmised that the popularity of the Redskins in our small North Carolina town must be due to proximity, combined with a stunning lack of discernment and good taste on the part of our citizenry. Washington, D.C., was closer than Dallas, and the local CBS affiliate showed Redskins games every week, which made me so furious that I kept my Nerf football close at hand so that I could hurl intermittent perfect spirals at Redskin quarterback Billy Kilmer’s head throughout the game while waiting on updates on the Cowboys game.

Even worse, almost all of my relatives were Redskins fans, and when the two teams played each other on certain Sunday afternoons of my childhood, I felt like George Armstrong Custer and my grandmother’s living room felt like Little Bighorn. I was literally surrounded by Redskin fans, and there I suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune unless Roger Staubach or

W

Politicizing at WCU is just a bad idea To the Editor: It is my understanding from an article written in the Asheville Citizen Times that Western Carolina University is considering the establishment of a Center for the Study of Free Enterprise at Western Carolina University. I also understand that this center would be established with $2 million in seed money coming from the Charles Koch Foundation.

As both an alumnus and a former faculty member of WCU, I have some questions and concerns. It is my understanding that the Charles Koch Foundation will provide

Tony Dorsett rescued me with a particularly stellar performance, and the Cowboys prevailed, whereupon I would don my Cowboys jacket and prance through the living room like a gangly peacock, thrusting a drumstick bone toward my uncles and cousins as if it were a sabre.

“Take that!” I would say. “And that! In the name of Tom Landry, I rebuke you!”

I was relishing Columnist these memories this Thanksgiving, gathered together once again with these same relatives over those familiar and reassuringly heaping plates of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry salad, deviled eggs, and whatever else could be squeezed onto a small corner of our huge paper plates, while we watched football, just as we have for several decades. While these rituals have remained, allegiances have shifted. We are no longer a house divided. There are no more Cowboys jackets, no more Redskins toboggans. No arguments over who is better, Billy Kilmer or Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett or Charley Taylor, Tom Landry or George Allen.

Now, we are united in our love of the Carolina Panthers. Ever since October of 1993 — when the NFL granted us a franchise — we have been behind the team all the way, following every game, every season, every draft pick, and every coaching change with incredible focus and intensity. Our old teams are like jilted lovers — we still pull for them, vaguely, when they are playing other teams — but there is no passion left in it, and we are barely aware of the life they’re leading now without us there to care so much about it.

Chris Cox

24

LOOKING FOR OPINIONS The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints are welcome. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786. $2 million in seed money to get the center going. I also note that the estimated budget for the new center will be $3.4 million per year.

For the first year, where is this other

We’re obsessed with the Panthers now, and now is a good time to be obsessed with them. In case you haven’t noticed, the Panthers are entering the month of December with a perfect 11-0 record. Before the season even started, the team lost its best wide receiver with a knee injury and even the beat writer for the team’s own hometown paper predicted the team would go 9-7 — not bad, but not too great either.

Now, fans are beginning to believe that the team just might go undefeated and win the Super Bowl, which has not been done since the Miami Dolphins pulled it off in 1972. And that possibility, however unlikely, has everyone just a little amped up. For example, my nephew and his wife are expecting their son to arrive in January. One wall of his room is painted black with two huge blue stripes and an enormous Panther between them. Not exactly clouds, butterflies, and rainbows.

The NFL team jackets have been ditched for Panther tee shirts and sweatshirts and pullovers. We study the rest of the team’s schedule like we’re cramming for a math test, looking for possible pitfalls in our perfect season. We design game plans for all five of the remaining regular season games, and we experience anxiety worrying about getting a lead and then going to the dreaded prevent defense or going too conservative on offense. We need to run our offense for all four quarters, and we need to keep putting pressure on the other quarterback. We have to let Cam Newton be Cam Newton!

Clearly, we have all missed our calling as NFL coaches or television analysts. We’re still crazy after all these years, but at least now we’re all in it together.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. His most recent book, The Way We Say Goodbye, is available at regional bookstores and at Amazon. jchriscox@live.com.)

$1.4 million to come from? The article quotes Dr. Edward Lopez, BB&T Distinguished Professor of Capitalism, as stating that the center will become self-supporting. What is the time estimation on this and how much of the university budget of WCU will be tied up over this period of time until it does become self-sufficient?

And thirdly, if the center is to become self-supporting, where is this money to come from? We are looking at a cost of $1.4 million the first year and $3.4 million each year thereafter until such time as it becomes self-sustaining, whenever that might be.

Several years ago, WCU was offered money by a large bank (BB&T if I remember correctly), but

F

HRMC praised for patient care

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

Serving the freshest homemade sandwiches, wraps, and entrees such as country fried steak and grilled flounder. Full salad bar and made from scratch sides like potato salad, pinto beans and macaroni and cheese. www.appleandys.com APPLE CREEK CAFE 32 Felmet St., Waynesville. 828.456.9888.

Traditional Lunch Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Family Style Lunch Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Family Style Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Home to an extensive build your own sandwich menu as well as specialty salads, soups burgers and more. With local ingredients and made-from-scratch recipes using a variety of good-for-you ingredients Apple Creek Cafe is sure to become your favorite spot.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza

at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

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

best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items.

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. We serve three meals a day on Friday and Saturday, and some Sundays.

Join us for family-style breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-caneat. Lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. In the evening, social hour begins at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 7 p.m., with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer.

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

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

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

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun

REEKSIDE COYSTER HOUSE & GRILL

321-16

CREEKSIDE DINING CRAFT BEER & FULL BAR Daily Specials

TRADITIONAL LUNCH MENU Mon.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

FAMILY STYLE DINNER Wed.–Sat. 4:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

FAMILY STYLE LUNCH TUESDAY: 75¢ Oysters after 4pm WEDNESDAY: AYCE Fish & Shrimp THURSDAY: AYCE Crab Legs FRIDAY: Surf-N-Turf Special SATURDAY: Seafood Trio SUNDAY: Low Country Boil

Sunday Only 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

SATURDAY BLOODY MARY BAR Serving Food until 10 p.m. Weekdays and until 11 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays Closed Mondays

828.586.1985

438 Skyland Drive • Sylva Exit 85 to Skyland Dr., two blocks from McDonalds

Smoky Mountain News

To the Editor: This is in praise of our new hospital, “new” meaning the Haywood Regional Medical Center, now run by Duke University and Lifepoint.

A couple of weeks ago, I had total hip replacement surgery, done by Surgeon Dr. Gerald King. He is superb! He also is a kind, compassionate, caring man who has genuine concerns about the welfare of his patients (I’m now calling him St. Gerald!).

The nursing staff of the fifth floor orthopedic wing was terrific. The anesthesiologist was terrific. The lady who cleaned rooms was terrific. The cafeteria staff was terrific. The physical therapist was terrific (and a special thanks to Mitch, the taxi driver.)

The picture is clear, is it not? You don’t need to go to Asheville. We have a great hospital right here.

Thanks to all.

JoAnna Swanson Waynesville

tasteTHEmountains

December 2-8, 2015

with it came the caveat the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand had to be required reading. It was rejected by the Faculty Senate at that time as it rightly should have been. The educational policy of an educational institution does not need to be established by outside influence from non-educational institutions that are promoting their own economic and sometimes political agenda. All ideas should be open to discussion and inspection in classes at a university. I don’t know if the money from the Charles Koch Foundation comes with any strings or not. I think that is only part of the problem.

The public perception of the acceptance of this money will be damaging to the reputation of Western Carolina University. Faculty and staff have not received appreciable cost-of-living raises since 2008. The University of North Carolina system recently gave major raises to the majority of the chancellors of the system. I do not begrudge Dr. Belcher his increase. He was underpaid to begin with and is well worth the increase, but the public perception is bad. Tie this to the fact that the new president of the University of North Carolina system was obviously a political appointee, and that the self-sustaining Center on Work, Poverty, and Opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill was closed within the past year, again for obvious political reasons, it gives indications of the politicization of the University of North Carolina system, at least in the public mind.

I am not sure that Western Carolina University wants to be a part of this perceived politicization. At least I know as an alumnus that this is something that I would not like to see happen.

Luther Jones Sylva

32 FELMET STREET

OFF N. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE

TO GO ORDERS: 828-456-9888

AppleCreekCafe.com

25

C heers to the

New Year

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

in

Style

1819 COUNTRY CLUB DR. MAGGIE VALLEY, NC RESERVATIONS REQUIRED PIN HIGH BAR & GRILLE 828-926-4848

Smoky Mountain News

December 2-8, 2015

WWW.MAGGIEVALLEYCLUB.COM

tasteTHEmountains real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

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

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

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

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

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.3551. Reservations recommended.

4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 2 pm. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Chef Ed Kaminski prepares American cuisine from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com .

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.

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and

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

Wednesday-Saturday dinner starting at 4:30

p.m.; Sunday Noon to 8 p.m. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

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

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours: Friday-Monday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. 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. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

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

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at

Café Deli & So Much More

Help Us Feed Those In Need This Holiday Season

Bring 3 food items to be donated to BRCO’s food pantry and receive 15% OFF your meal.

Sunday 9-3 Monday-Friday 8-3

26

6147 Highway 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Station) breakingbreadcafenc.com • 828.648.3838

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OFFER IS GOOD UNTIL DEC. 23, 2015.

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2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

restaurant. Locally owned and operated.

Family oriented business.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

SOUTHERN BOOT, LOUISIANA CUISINE 67 Branner Avenue, Waynesville.

828.246.0053 Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Southern Boot serves delicious Louisianian food while providing a friendly music venue for musicians of all ages. Feel at home no matter where you’re from. Greeting all customers at the door with a smile.

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

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

ITALIAN CUISINE

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1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98

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.

LUNCH & DINNER TUES. - SUN.

www.pasqualesnc.com

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TWIN MAPLES FARMHOUSE 63 North Hill Street, Waynesville.

828.452.7837. Open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located just two blocks from downtown Waynesville, Twin Maples is available for weddings, receptions, family reunions, birthday parties, showers, luncheons, corporate meetings and retreats.

FRIDAY, DEC. 4 7:00 PM

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

828.369.9890. Established here in 1998.

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!)

Cygne

42 Montgomery St. Waynesville 321-15

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m and Sunday 7:30 a.m to 9 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

ROB’S HOT DOG SHACK 42 Montgomery St., Waynesville 828.707.7033. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rob’s serves gourmet hot dogs and has homemade side items. Outdoor and indoor dining, café style

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Tapping into the next level

Kelsie and Ben Baker of Boojum Brewing Company in Waynesville. The brother/sister duo, co-owners of the brewery, recently celebrated their first year in business, and also signed a large distribution contract to sell their products around Western North Carolina. Their flagship brew, the King of the Mountain Double IPA, will also be available in cans starting this month. Donated photo

Boojum Brewing celebrates one year, signs distribution deal

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER It’s been a dream come true for Kelsie Baker.

“This first year has really been a whirlwind of learning and getting our feet under us,” she said. “The public reception has been beyond what we could have hoped for, and we want to do everything we can to keep people excited and proud to have us here.”

Co-owner/manager of Boojum Brewing Company in Waynesville, Baker and her family have quickly established themselves as one of the “must try” craft beer destinations in Western North Carolina. Amid a highly competitive industry — locally, regionally and nationally — where your reputation resides in every beverage poured, Boojum (who celebrated its one year anniversary last month) has risen to the upper echelon of flavor, style and selection. Between its off-site brewery and downtown taproom, the business is a social and economic beacon within the community.

“The best thing is when someone tells us that

we make their favorite beer. With all the amazing craft beer around Western North Carolina, that really means something,” Kelsie said.

Though from Florida, the Bakers always had a cabin in Maggie Valley. Their longtime relationship with Haywood County, one filled with passion and love, is what made the decision easy when they were looking around as to where to place the brewery.

“We love it here. When you start a business like this one, you have to be sure about the place you’re opening it in,” Kelsie said. “As time goes on and we get to meet more and more great people, see other new and exciting businesses pop up, and get to experience more of the incredible outdoor life here, it just reinforces that we made the right decision. We definitely count ourselves lucky that the place we wanted to live for some many reasons also just happens to have one of the best craft beer scenes in the country.”

And though their beers are beloved by locals and tourists alike, the biggest smile on Kelsie’s face these days is due to Boojum signing what is, quite possibly, one of the largest regional distribution contracts in recent memory. Teaming up with Budweiser of Asheville (an independent, family-owned company who sells Anheuser-Busch products, and is not

“From day one, we’ve always said that we want to keep it fresh and exciting, to never cut corners.”

— Kelsie Baker, Boojum Brewing Company co-owner

owned by them), Boojum will now be sold around 12 Western North Carolina counties, as well as in Ingles grocery stores.

“It was the right time for us, and we’re very happy with the decision,” Kelsie said. “It means that people will start seeing our beer on tap a lot more often, and starting this

month they’ll be seeing it in stores.”

The distribution deal came about with Boojum’s brewery expansion. In order to justify the new equipment purchases and increasing demand, a partner was needed to make sure the distribution and sale of their products not only went smoothly, but also was monetarily beneficial for the brewery once the investment was made.

“With our new fermenters coming online in October, we had to decide whether we were going to invest in self-distribution — people, trucks, time — or find a partner to help us do this,” Kelsie said. “In the end, we decided that we wanted to focus all of our efforts on making our brewery and taproom great rather than on distribution.”

With her brother, brewmaster Ben Baker, at the production helm concocting hop-heavy brews and delicious seasonals, Boojum will increase its numbers from 800 barrels this year to a projected 2,500 or more for 2016.

The brewery currently runs on a 15-barrel system (465 gallons per batch), with five 15-barrel fermenters and two 30-barrel fermenters.

They also have three bright tanks and recently purchased six bourbon barrels for aging certain styles.

“Demand dictates a lot of what we do, and we aren’t sure of what the demand for different styles will be quite yet,” Kelsie said. “We did a bit of distribution this year, but our capacity was much lower, so only a few styles were available at the time. This coming year will be another huge learning experience for us as we figure out what people want.”

But, even with all the preparation, encouragement and hard work, even with all the beers poured and signing an extensive distribution deal, what remains at the foundation of Boojum is the more important ingredient — consistently making quality craft beer.

“From day one, we’ve always said that we want to keep it fresh and exciting, to never cut corners,” Kelsie said. “We’re really passionate about what we do — always experimenting, reading, learning new techniques and ideas.

We use high quality, difficult to get hops, yeasts and flavorings (i.e. real raspberries and peanut butter), and these things are expensive and generally more difficult to work with, but the result is a much better product.”

When asked about the challenges that were either overcome or unexpected throughout the last year, Kelsie spoke about how her family, and everyone involved with the brewery, has literally taken on every role possible (from brewer to marketer, bartender to accountant, janitor to line cook), all in hopes of ensuring the current success and future potential of Boojum.

“One thing this past year has taught us is that if you want to start a craft brewery and feel ownership for it, you have to be willing and able to pretty much do anything that is needed,” she said. “With the people here in Western North Carolina and in the craft beer industry, it’s an amazing feeling to have all these people supporting you and being excited about what you’re doing.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Garret K. Woodward photo

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Smoky Mountain News

Stepping into the side porch at my mother’s childhood home, one immediately smelled the small woodstove my grandfather would always be stoking. Up the stairs to the kitchen where my grandmother resembled some Las Vegas plate spinner with the amount of Thanksgiving dishes already made, the amount still left to do and serve to perfection. It was sitting in the living room and watching football with my uncles, making room for my little sister on the couch, and how the cozy nature of what lay inside that house illuminated the darkness that set in when day turned to night, when my grandparents eventually left this earth years later or when my parents sold that old farmhouse my senior year of college. The beauty of it all, and how my little sister will make room this year on the couch for a freewheeling toddler, my niece.

They say you can’t go home again.

Maybe not the home you grew up in or in the presence of those who knew and loved you best, but the idea of “home” itself shifts and molds into present day situations amid the endless possibility of what tomorrow just might bring. For me, home is the road these days. It’s the idea that as long as you never forget that small town way up north, then “home” will always be atop your dashboard as you look out at what lies ahead, where the answers to any and all questions sit on the horizon, that glowing dreamlike place where those long lost faces and dusty memories reside.

It’s awfully quiet in here, and I don’t care what they say, the holidays are tough for us family tree outlaws.

December 2-8, 2015

It’s awfully quiet in here.

As the rest of the newspaper heads out the door for home (or somewhere they used to call “home”), I sit at my desk. Relaxing Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will have back into my chair and staring out a “Pint Night” craft beer release party with of the window, I’m not looking at Darren Nicholson of Balsam Range anything in particular, with (Americana/bluegrass) at 6:30 p.m. thoughts drifting into that blueThursday, Dec. 3. bird sky outside.

Like clockwork, I get a little The final Art After Dark of the year will quieter around this time of the continue from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in year. The holiday season always downtown Waynesville. does that to me, and probably to you, too. Another whirlwind year BearWaters Brewing Company (Waynesville) in the cosmos winds down like will have The Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues) at snowflakes falling from above. All 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. those scattered dots of humanity Award-winning bluegrass band Dailey & ricocheting around the world, all Vincent will kick off the holiday show season in a hurry to sit across the table with their Christmas Show at 7:30 p.m. from those they love the most, Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Smoky Mountain who know them better than anyCenter for the Performing Arts in Franklin. one, for good or ill (but mostly good).

“Appalachian Christmas” at the Lake Family. It’s a word and a tangiJunaluska Conference and Retreat Center will ble thing I often ponder, somedeliver the nostalgic charm of mountain thing I try to embrace amid its eluhospitality to visitors on Dec. 11-13. siveness. Being down here in Western North Carolina, over a thousand miles and untold hours And being out here, like many other famfrom my hometown in Upstate New York, ily tree outlaws, we’re all willing to sacrifice I’m pretty far from my blood and kin. And whatever it was we left behind in exchange though I’m aware of the importance of famifor experiences, opportunity, and, most of ly, I also keep running — a moving target all, to never stop dancing in the buzzing that doesn’t want to be dragged back to the light of irresponsible enlightenment. But, for start. every new friend we make, unknown back I’ve been out here in the abyss from road we turn down, sunset we bask in or awhile now. The moment that high school sunrise we awaken into, there have been diploma was placed in my hand I took off. innumerable moments alone, in a Motel 6 Never look back, never apologize for taking during a blizzard somewhere in Kansas, an to the open road. Back then, I didn’t know empty bar just outside of Salt Lake City, a what I was searching for. All I knew was if I midnight sidewalk in Manhattan where all kept looking for it, it would reveal itself to you hear is your own footsteps. me in due time.

The abyss isn’t for the weak of heart or

Back then I didn’t know what I was searching for. All I knew was if I kept looking for it, it would reveal itself to me in due time.

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arts & entertainment

This must be the place

those lacking in determination. I’m out here for many reasons, known and unknown. The road is long, and arduous, but bountiful to those whose eyes are always aimed forward, whose head is upward, in awe of the stars and the games God seems to play with us.

Run, and never stop. Keep moving, and never slow down. And when you do take a moment to lay your head down, on some wooden floor or friend’s couch or bed of a femme fatale, you slide into twilight dreams that contradict the old adage, “You can’t go home again.”

I don’t care what they say, the holidays are tough for us family tree outlaws. I remember that town. Rouses Point — small town America way up on the Canadian border. I remember my father shoving logs into our woodstove, the cold floors of our old farmhouse, and my mother’s voice echoing up the stairs for me to get out of bed. It was my boots crunching in the hard snow of our driveway and the way the sun fell behind the trees way across the silent cornfields as we got into the car and headed for my grandparents.

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December 2-8, 2015

arts & entertainment

On the beat WCU presents romantic, contemporary works Western Carolina University’s School of Music will present a recital featuring faculty members at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Coulter Building in Cullowhee.

Featured performers are Zsolt Szabo on trombone, Ian Jeffress on saxophone, and accompanying on piano, Lillian Pearson and Lyn Burkett. Szabo will be performing selections from a new arrangement for trombone and piano of Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, two movements from “Four Serious Songs”

by Johannes Brahms, and Lawrence Borden’s “Conditions of a Solitary Bird.”

Jeffress will give a premiere performance of two new works written for him, “Nanomusic III” by Bryan Burkett, a composer living in Cullowhee, and “News Flash” by Andrew Hannon, a faculty composer at Appalachian State University. In addition to works for solo trombone and saxophone, Szabo, Jeffress and Pearson will perform a trio work of “Gnomology” by Carl Schimmel. Jeffress and Lyn Burkett also will perform Baljinder Sekhon’s “Gradient,” a work for saxophone and piano.

Free.

828.227.7242.

Holt to showcase Appalachian sounds, stories Four-time Grammy Award winner David Holt will perform at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, in the Sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Holt will be joined by musician Josh Goforth.

Holt is a musician, storyteller, historian, television host and entertainer, dedicated to performing and preserving traditional American music and stories. He plays 10 acoustic instruments and has released numerous award-winning recordings of traditional David Holt (left) and Josh Goforth. Donated photo mountain music and southern folktales. In 2002, Doc Watson and Holt won two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Folk Recording for “Legacy,” a threealbum collection of songs and stories reflecting Watson’s inspiring life story.

An evening with Holt offers tales, ballads and tunes told, sung and played on the banjo, slide guitar, guitar, harmonica, bones, spoons and jaw harp. His audiences are constantly involved, learning to play the paper bag, applauding the vitality of his clog dancing, listening to the haunting sound of a 122 year old mountain banjo, or being spellbound by a ghost story.

Free, with all donations going towards the event programming at FUMC. www.fumc-waynesville.com or 828.456.9475.

• BearWaters Brewing Company (Waynesville) will have ClawHoss Trio on Dec. 4, The Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues) Dec. 5 and The Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) 6 p.m. Dec. 11. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.bwbrewing.com.

• City Lights Café (Sylva) will host Cygne Dec. 4, Clyde’s On Fire Dec. 6 and Trippin’ Hardie Dec. 11. All shows begin at 7 p.m. www.citylightscafe.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have Sean Bendula (Americana/folk) Dec. 4, Angela Easterling (Americana/folk) Dec. 5 and Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Dec. 11. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. There will also be a Christmas Show with Jacob Johnson ($10 per person) at 7 p.m. Dec. 10. The “Jingle Bell Bash” with Sheila Gordon will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 12.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

ALSO:

• First Presbyterian Church (Franklin) will host a “Concert for CareNet” at 3 p.m.

Dec. 6. First $1,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar. www.franklin-chamber.com.

MountainEats.com

Smoky Mountain News

Let your smartphone be your guide!

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

An online dining directory for Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 866.452.2251 30

On the beat

HAZELWOOD VILLAGE

Nutrition Facts

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will have Bobby G Dec. 4, Jacked Up Joe Dec. 5, Porch 40 (rock/funk) Dec. 11 and Ben Morgan & Jesse Stephens Dec. 12. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Dec. 2 and 9, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Dec. 3 and 10. All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

ALSO:

• John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown) will host David Brose and Kathleen Seacrest at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. www.folkschool.org or 828.837.2775.

• Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden (Waynesville) will have Heidi Holton (blues/folk) at 9 p.m. Dec. 4. Free.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will hold community music jam from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 17. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. Free. 828.488.3030.

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December 2-8, 2015

• Mixer’s (Franklin) will have Soco Creek (country/rock) Dec. 5 and Moonshine Creek (country/rock) Dec. 12. All show begin at 9 p.m.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Natty Love Joys (roots/reggae) Dec. 4, Red Leg Huskey (Americana) Dec. 5, If Birds Could Fly (Americana) Dec. 11 and Bob Shirley & Friends Dec. 12. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. www.nonamesportspub.com.

• A back porch old-time music jam will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 and 19 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. All welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will have Jimandi (folk/rock) every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and a rotating series of local performers on Fridays at 9 p.m. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

December 5–January 2, each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 6–9 p.m. (closed Dec. 24–26) Bring your family for a stroll under the lights through fun, interactive displays that recount ancient Cherokee Christmas legends. Or come for the lighting of a 40-ft. Christmas tree, a visit with Santa, and a spin on our synthetic ice rink. There’s more inexpensive entertainment than we can mention, and admission is free. Grab your little elves and join us here at 545 Tsali Blvd., in Cherokee, NC.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will have a “Pint Night” craft beer release party with Darren Nicholson of Balsam Range (Americana/bluegrass) 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

Free. www.tippingpointtavern.com.

• Water’n Hole & Grill (Waynesville) will have Red Leg Huskey (Americana, $5) Dec. 4 and Woody Wood Family Band (Americana, $5) Dec. 5. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

Smoky Mountain News

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Mile High (rock) Dec. 2, Karaoke with Jason Wyatt Dec. 4 and Tony LaFalce (singer-songwriter) Dec. 5. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

arts & entertainment

EVENT CENTER

serving size : ab out 50 p ag es

VisitCherokeeNC.com | 828.359.6490 31

arts & entertainment

On the street

On the wall

Wine pairing dinner at Grandview Lodge

Art After Dark in Waynesville

There will be a special wine pairing dinner with Chef Sandra Stefani at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Grandview Lodge in Waynesville.

Four-course authentic Italian sampling meal paired with Stefani’s favorite Argentinean wines, with a never-ending Spanish cava. $45 per person plus tax and gratitude. Reserve by Friday, Dec. 4.

828.246.2409.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. There are also still seats available for the 23rd annual “Champagne Tasting Extravaganza” from 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3. Tickets for the extravaganza are $40 per person. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

ALSO:

December 2-8, 2015

• A “Yoga 101: De-stress for the Holidays” class will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the auditorium at the Waynesville Public Library. Signup required. 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec 2 and 9 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 828.452.6000.

• There will be a “Tasty Tuesday: Winter Seasonals” at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 at Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

On the stage

Smoky Mountain News

Audition for ‘Blackbeard’s Ghost’

32

Auditions will be held for the upcoming radio re-creation of “Blackbeard’s Ghost and the Queen Ann’s Revenge” from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Breese Gymnasium at Western Carolina University. The auditions will consist of reading small sections of the script that will be available to view in the office of WCU’s School of Stage and Screen (Stillwell 233). No prior acting experience is required. A signup sheet with audition time slots also will be posted in the office. The radio show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17, in the Bardo Arts Center. Tickets are $10 and will go on sale Jan. 11. Proceeds are used to fund academic scholarships. psavage@wcu.edu.

The final Art After Dark of the year will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in downtown Waynesville.

Enjoy a stroll through working studios and galleries on Main Street and Depot Street.

Festive Art After Dark flags denote participating galleries, such as the Haywood County Arts Council, Earthworks, Burr Studio, Jeweler’s Workbench, Twigs and Leaves Gallery, TPennington Art Gallery, The Mahogany House, Grace Cathey Sculpture Garden & Gallery, Cedar Hill Studios and The Village Framer.

Burr Studio will be featuring artist Lisa Hoffman, who will be engraving and etching her glass ornaments. Cedar Hill Studio will be featuring a demo by Susan Lingg. She is a self-taught artist, enjoying the process of painting in mixed media of watercolor, handmade paper and acrylic. Cedar Hill will also host Paul & Lisa Malcolm (who will be playing violin) in the backroom with Steve Whiddon performing outside.

The Arts Council will continue the “It’s a Small, Small Work” showcase, which provides a unique opportunity for budding artists to exhibit their work, as well as the opportunity for more seasoned artists to test their boundaries.

Community members also have a chance to purchase work from new and established artists at reasonable prices.

A work by painter Susan Lingg.

Twigs and Leaves Gallery would like to thank their loyal customers for a wonderful year as they celebrate the holiday season during Art After Dark. Guests will be have the opportunity to make a greeting card to be given to Meals on Wheels recipients. They will be doing this again during the “Night before Christmas” event from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

The Village Framer will feature members of Makers Foundry, a collective of graduates from Haywood Community College. Members will offer a wonderful selection of beautiful handmade scarves, pottery and house wares providing a great opportunity for special gifts. Providing demonstrations and refreshments. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

• Artists interested in showcasing their work in the Haywood County Arts Council Gallery & Gifts must submit applications by Dec. 15.

Only artist members may apply to show in the retail space.

Applications available at www.haywoodarts.org. Submission should be brought to the gallery in downtown Waynesville or sent to gallerygifts@haywoodarts.org.

ALSO:

• A benefit for Cullowhee Mountain ARTS, the “Gala Imagine” will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Grand Ballroom at Western Carolina University. The event will include an evening of artisan wine and beer, dinner and music. There will also be art greeting cards, silent auction, door prizes and more. Holiday or “Re Imagined” attire

suggested. Funds raised from the Gala undergird the organization to continue its scholarship programs for our regional public school teachers, artists and writers, and provides funds for WCU student assistantships.

Tickets are $60. www.cullowheemountainarts.org or 828.342.6913.

• The annual “Fireside Sale” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. The event showcases fine crafts made by Folk School instructors and other talented artisans. Shoppers can browse for forged iron, jewelry, quilts, turned wood, fiber, photography, and much more. Visit the Folk School’s Craft Shop during the Fireside Sale, and save 15-percent on a great selection of finely made crafts. The Craft Shop

HCC fiber student awarded Dendel Scholarship

Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Fiber student Diane Ardanowski was recently awarded the Dendel Scholarship from the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA) for $3,000.

This scholarship is made possible by the generous donation of the late Gerald and the late Ester Dendel to foster studies in the fiber arts. Along with the scholarship, Ardanowski received a student membership with HGA. Since high school, Ardanowski has collected textiles. She worked in the fashion industry on and off since the age of 16.

Originally from New York, Ardanowski moved to Los Angeles where she spent 15 years before moving back to the east coast.

But it wasn’t until she began HCC’s Professional Crafts Fiber program that she learned how to weave.

“Sometimes I can’t sleep because I want to come to school to weave,” she said. “The HCC instructors are incredibly supportive with their time and energy. There’s a lot of creative energy in the Creative Arts Building. We get ideas from each other. It builds community.”

Ardanowski noted through HCC’s Professional Crafts program, students get experience working on deadlines and learning how to manage their time. “Participating in exhibits gets your name out there. You get to know not only the local community but also the local fiber community. I can’t imagine how much harder it would be without getting the business perspective.”

Ardanowski works as a studio manager for an Asheville yoga studio. After graduating from HCC, she hopes to work for a local fiber company or open her own fiber studio.

“The HCC program is intense,” she said.

“It’s amazing how far we come and what we learn. Receiving this scholarship is a huge honor. It says something about this program and the quality of it.”

828.627.4672.

will offer these savings from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24. www.folkschool.org or 828.837.2775.

• The film “Phoenix” will be screened at 7 p.m. Dec. 2-4 and 8-11, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 and 12, and 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets are $6.50, with a $3.25 matinee pass for 2 and 4 p.m. showings. www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

• The films “Amy” (Dec. 3), “Shaun the Sheep” (Dec. 4), “Mr. Holmes” (Dec. 5), “Ant-Man” (Dec. 10) and “Minions” (Dec. 11-12) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Showtimes are 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee also on Saturday. Free. For a full schedule of dates and times, click on www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

On the holidays

BRASSTOWN

BRYSON CITY • The Swain County Genealogical & Historical Society will host a holiday auction at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 at the SCGHS library on Main Street. All proceeds will be used to purchase a projector and new computer.

Items are currently being sought for the auction. Refreshments served.

• The Appalachian Toymaker & Storyteller will be making wooden toys and telling tales on select dates and times at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachian. www.psalmsofthesouth.com or 828.488.5705.

CANTON • The Canton Christmas Parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in downtown.

Professional motorcross racer Shane McElrath will be the Grand Marshall. Free hot chocolate, with food trucks onsite.

828.235.2760.

• The “Winter Wonderland Festival” will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Canton Armory. Spaghetti dinner, Ms. Arty Pants Creation Station Painting Experience, photo booth, face painting, and more. All ticket sales to benefit the “Warmth

Smoky Mountain News

• The 41st annual “Biggest Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies” will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown. Floats, fire trucks, classic cars, beauty queens and Santa. www.greatsmokies.com/christmas.

The Smoky Mountain Rollergirls and the Lil’ Nemesisters will also be collecting nonperishable food items during the parade for the Bryson City Food Pantry.

• The Nanta Claus Christmas Children’s Benefit will from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Nantahala Brewing. Attendees asked to bring toy donations. Several holiday craft beers to be on tap and worst sweater contest. Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• The 12th annual United Methodist Women’s Cookie Walk and Bazaar will be at 9 a.m.

Dec. 5 at the United Methodist Church on Main Street. Homemade holiday treats.

828.488.8970.

• A stage production of the “Babes in Toyland” musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5 and 11-12 and at 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 and 13 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. The musical — with memorable songs by Victor Herbert — weaves together various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes into a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza.

December 2-8, 2015

• A dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will be presented at 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

Bob Grove will don period costume and adopt varied characters’ voices as he changes his tune from “Bah, Humbug!” to “Merry Christmas!” At 8 p.m. that evening, the acclaimed Brasstown Morris Dancers will present an energetic holiday performance.

• David Vowell will celebrate the holidays with a serious and humorous stories and songs at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

• The Brasstown Ringers’ Holiday Concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the John C. Campbell Folk School. The talented regional ensemble will showcase Christmas favorites along with spirited new selections.

Donations are welcome.

• A Christmas party will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Santa Claus will make a special appearance, and will listen to good girls’ and boys’ Christmas wish lists. Kids will also enjoy music, dancing, games, and refreshments. At 8 p.m. that evening, a Holiday Contra Dance will welcome couples and singles of all experience levels, including beginners. Listen to local musicians, bring refreshments to share, and catch the holiday spirit. www.folkschool.org or 828.837.2775.

arts & entertainment

Christmas in Appalachia

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. info@smctheatre.com or 828.488.8227.

• Breakfast with Santa will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Bryson City Rescue Squad. $3. Bring your own camera for photos. 828.488.3681 or 800.867.9246.

• The Polar Express themed train is now running at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. The classic children’s book comes to life as the train departs for a special visit at the “North Pole.” Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. The train arrives to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa boards the train, greeting each child and presenting them with their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the depot. For times and prices, click on www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

• The holidays will be in full swing during the Lego Club gathering at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Marianna Black Library. Legos and duplos for children ages 3 and up. Create your own “Winter Wonderland.” Free.

828.488.3030.

33

December 2-8, 2015

arts & entertainment

On the holidays Lights & Luminaries brings Christmas wonder to Dillsboro The Festival of Lights & Luminaries will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4-5 and 11-12 in downtown Dillsboro.

With more than 2,500 candles in white bags lining the streets, the lights set the town aglow, the town will create a winter wonderland at the corner of Front and Webster streets.

Inviting aromas slip from inside the open shops where you are provided complimentary refreshments, music and voices raised in song, and have opportunities to purchase special selections for Christmas giving. Lavishing then in the warm glow of the holiday evening, you can experience old-fashioned horse and buggy rides, and the real reason for the season in the middle of town with a live nativity scene at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church.

The church will showcase the Nativity at 6:30 p.m., with the Fellowship Hall open for a warm break from the cold where refreshments will be provided.

Children will love the Christmas atmosphere for they will find Rudolph and Santa’s elves strolling along the streets passing out candy canes, and they can share their wants and wishes at Santa’s Workshop in Town Hall.

The former Bradley’s building will be open for entertainment, and Haywood Smokehouse will provide warm drinks for folks to enjoy and warm up while listening to the local musicians and singers.

At Riverbend Frozen Delights, the talking

bear, “Dills,” will entertain while festivalgoers enjoy winter ice cream. And at Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop, Carmela Brooks will entertain inside with song and guitar.

Dogwood Crafters will have music each night, plus “millions” of cookies.

Inside the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory a bluegrass group will be performing favorite Christmas tunes all four nights.

The C.J. Harris Parlor at Riverwood Shops (located behind Oaks Gallery) will be open for the third year the four nights of Dillsboro’s Luminaries.

This year Bob and Susan Leveille will present a Scots-Irish theme with activities for children young and old. Hostesses will offer refreshments and hot cider, the reading of stories, decorating the live tree and other fun surprises for all. Across from Oaks Gallery, Karen Barnes at Riverwood Pottery invites you to stop by and visit with her.

• Friday, Dec. 4: Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College Night. The university’s Pride of the Mountains “Purple Thunder” premier winter drum line will kick off the festival at 6 p.m. On this first night, Dillsboro merchants will offer a 10-percent discount to WCU and SCC students, faculty, and staff who show their College ID card when making purchases. WCU and SCC festival attendees also will be able to enter a drawing for a basket of merchandise and gift certificates donated by the merchants.

WCU’s Early Music Ensemble, an a cappella style group will perform music from the Renaissance period, and WCU Athletics’ mascot Paws will be present as “Santa Paws.” Beginning at the Jarrett House,

SCC’s Spanish club will be caroling throughout the town in Spanish and English. At Tunnel Mountain Crafts, Craig and Kim Neidlinger of “12th Fret” will entertain from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Dec. 4-5: Set up in front of Dogwood Crafters will be a 4-H fundraiser silent auction for summer camp scholarships. The group will provide decorated wreaths where individuals are encouraged to bid on the wreaths over the two evenings of the Festival. The wreaths will go to the highest bidders at 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5. You do not need to be present to win. For more information, contact Heather Gordon, 828.586.4009.

At Dogwood Crafters, guitarist Ron Smith will entertain during both nights. The old Bradley’s General Store will feature the Victory Baptist Church Choir on Dec. 5.

• Friday, Dec. 11: Open Invitation for Choir Night. Church groups are invited to sing Christmas Carols at various places in Dillsboro. Please contact Lisa Potts at 828.586.5391 or drop by in person at Venturo’s Bakery. The Dillsboro Chocolate Factory will have the Smoky Mountain Ensemble Band in front of store from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The old Bradley’s General Store will also have soloist Tammy Drinnon.

• Saturday, Dec. 12: The old Bradley’s General Store will welcome guitarist and singer John Morgan, who will play intermittently with the Faith Baptist Youth Group.

All events during the Lights & Luminaries celebration are free, with parking and shuttle transportation available at Monteith Park. www.mountainlovers.com.

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END OF SEASON

Heating Assistance Program,” with Champion Credit Union to match all ticket sales up to $5,000.

• The Canton Christmas Home Tour will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $10, children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Canton Museum or Polly’s Florist on Main Street in Canton or at any of the homes the day of the tour. The Canton Educational Foundation organizes the tour and the all the money made from the day goes toward the Miss Labor Day Scholarships. For a ful list of participating homes, visit www.cantonnc.com.

• The “Christmas Worship in a Stable” living nativity scene will be recreated from 5:30 to 6:10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the 3rd Generation Barn Loft on Frank Mann Road. In addition, patrons will have the opportunity to donate a non-perishable food item at the Manger for The Community Kitchen soup kitchen. Free.

CASHIERS • The 41st annual Cashiers Christmas Parade will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Cashiers Crossroads. A rain date will be 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Featuring the theme “O, Christmas Tree,” to promote the local choose and cut fraser fir industry, a “Grand Prize,” “Christmas Star Trophy” and “Commemorative Awards” will be given. www.cashiersareachamber.com.

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

Floats, bands, Santa and more.

• The Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays from Dec. 5 through

SALE

Smoky Mountain News

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DEC. 4 & 5 • 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

604 W. Main St. Downtown Sylva

First Friday of each Month 6-9 p.m.

May through December

WAYNESVILLEGALLERYASSOCIATION.COM 34

Funded in part by Haywood County Tourism Development Authority • 1.800.334.9036 • visitNCsmokies.com

Operated by the Jackson County Visual Art Association

jcvaa.blogspot.com 321-11

Visit Us At Our Upstairs Gallery Located Between Hollifields and Guadalupé Café

On the holidays WCU Percussion Ensemble for “The Nutcracker Suite.” In the spirit of the holidays, the School of Music also encourages the audience to bring canned food items, which will be delivered to the Community Table, a Jackson County nonprofit food bank. Reserved seat tickets are on sale now.

Prices are $17 for adults, $11 for WCU faculty, staff and those 60 and older, and $5 for

CLYDE

students and children. Group rates are available for advance purchase only. Proceeds benefit the School of Music Scholarship Fund. For tickets or information, visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or call 828.227.2479.

FONTANA • The “Christmas in the Smokies” holiday celebration will run from Dec. 1-31 at Fontana Village Resort. Winter fun, holiday festivities and events. 800.849.2258 or www.fontanavillage.com.

FRANKLIN

• “Christmas in the Park” will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Jackson County Recreation Park. Fire pit, light scenes and decorations in the park, with a special visit from Santa Claus. Refreshments for sale, as well. www.mountainlovers.com.

• The stage performance of “3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-yule” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The performance is part of the 2015-16 Galaxy of Stars Series at WCU. Wearing mullets on their heads and stomping their feet, these unique vocalists whoop and holler through holiday music, providing head-to-toe fun for the whole family. Ticket are $21 for adults, $16 for WCU faculty and staff, $15 apiece for groups of 20 or more, and $7 for students and children. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479.

• The annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert will be presented by Western Carolina University’s School of Music at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in the Bardo Arts Center. Performances by the Jackson County Youth Chorus and WCU student ensembles, Concert Choir and University Chorus and special appearances by Pavel Wlosok, WCU associate professor for jazz studies, and the

• “Cookies with Santa” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Macon County Community Building. $5.

• The “Christmas Cantata & Play” will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Victory Baptist Church, located between Dillsboro and Franklin on U.S. 441. Free.

• The second annual Cowee Christmas will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Old Cowee School. Arts and crafts sale, live demonstrations, Santa Claus, live music, exhibits, and more. Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. www.coweeschool.org.

• The Brasstown Ringers will celebrate the holiday season with a performance at 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 at the First Methodist Church. The talented regional ensemble will showcase Christmas favorites along with spirited new selections. Donations are welcome.

828.524.4530.

• A special “Christmas with The Lettermen” concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. The legendary group will perform their hits as well as traditional Christmas favorites. Tickets start at $23. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The Raleigh Ringers will perform at 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Smoky Mountain

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Smoky Mountain News

CULLOWHEE

• Rockapella will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Since the early ‘90’s when they first achieved national television fame on PBS’s “Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?,” they’ve toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of vocal music fans, while keeping it all fresh along the way. Tickets start at $20. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• “Silver Bells & Cocktails” will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Tessentee Farms. Hosted by REACH of Macon County. Tickets are $100 a seat or a table for $1,000. Live music, local beers, wine, champagne, auction, and more.

828.369.5544 or aanderson@reachofmaconcounty.org.

• The “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Tickets are $12. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Award-winning bluegrass band Dailey & Vincent will kick off the holiday show season with their Christmas Show at 7:30 p.m.

December 2-8, 2015

• “The Christmas Story, A Classic Carol Celebration” will be presented during worship at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Clyde Central United Methodist Church. The cantata is a blend of familiar and lesserknown carols reflecting a variety of musical styles and moods. A covered dish meal to honor the choir will be held following the service. Free and open to the public.

828.627.2287.

• Haywood Community College’s Creative Arts Department will host a holiday craft sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the Mary Cornwell Gallery of the Creative Arts Building. The show consists of art from students in the Professional Crafts Programs and continuing education from all mediums including wood, metal, clay, fiber, and more.

Artists and instructors will be on hand.

Students in the program represent a wide range of experience. The arts and crafts at the holiday sale showcase students’ technical skills learned in the program as well as their individual style and creativity. creativearts.haywood.edu.

Center for the Performing Arts. Since its founding in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers has been dazzling audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, including famous rock ‘n’ roll tunes arranged just for handbells. Tickets are $17. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The High Mountain Squares will host their “12th annual Toys for Tots Dance” from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Macon County Community Building. Admission is one new unwrapped toy. Western style square dancing, main/stream and plus levels. All welcome. www.highmountainsquares.com.

• Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be from 7 to 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at Fatz Café. $7 per person. Professional portraits available.

A benefit for the Relay for Life of Franklin.

828.342.9804.

• The Heritage Christmas Progressive Celebration will be Dec. 4-5. There will be holiday wine, cheese and appetizers at 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Macon County Historical Museum, followed by dessert at the Scottish Tartans Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The celebration continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Historic Cowee School. Patrons will receive an evergreen Christmas sway and Christmas ornament fired by the Cowee potters. Tickets are $30 per person. Tickets are available at the Scottish Tartans Museum and the Macon County Historical Museum.

arts & entertainment

Jan. 2 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.

Interactive displays of Cherokee legends, ice skating, carnival rides, bonfire, mini-golf, and more. Admission is free, with varying prices for skating and other activities. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• The Holiday Homecoming celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Holiday crafts, cider, traditional music and more.

35

Smoky Mountain News

December 2-8, 2015

arts & entertainment

On the holidays

36

Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

This talented group has performed together since 2007 and has won thirteen International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards and twenty-three awards from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music (SPBGMA). They received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2011 and won a Dove Award for Best Bluegrass Album for “Singing From The Heart” that same year. In 2013, Daily & Vincent received their second Grammy Award nomination for Best Bluegrass Album for “The Gospel Side of Dailey & Vincent.” Some of their hits include, “When I Stop Dreaming,” “By the Mark” and “I Believe.” Tickets start at $18 each. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The Macon County Arts Council’s free crafts and music workshop for children, Holiday ARTSaturday, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center gym. This annual event for elementary school-age children and young families offers make-and-take evergreen swags, ornaments and cards, cookies to decorate and eat, face painting by Macon Faces, caroling with keyboardist Lionel Caynon, and more. The Suminski Family sponsors ARTSaturday to honor the grandparents of Macon County. ARTSaturday is part of the Heritage Center’s Cowee Christmas, an all-day celebration featuring open studios, arts and crafts demonstrations, shows and sales, food, a tree lighting, and a 6:30 p.m. concert by Blue Ridge (concert admission $10). Schedule and details at www.cowwschool.org. ARTSaturday is produced by the Arts Council of Macon County, with partial funding from the North Carolina

Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

HIGHLANDS • The Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown. www.highlandschamber.org.

• A holiday charity concert to benefit the Hospice House Foundation of WNC will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. The “WNC Christmas Jam” with Emporium will also include a silent auction, and more. $30 per person. www.highlandspac.net.

LAKE JUNALUSKA • The “Appalachian Christmas Craft Show” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Harrell Center. 828.454.9474.

• “Appalachian Christmas” at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will deliver the nostalgic charm of mountain hospitality to visitors on Dec. 11-13. The annual festive weekend features live music, hearty meals and local artistry. Festivities include Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring the Lake Junaluska Singers and regional orchestra and choir; Classic Sounds of Christmas, a concert by the Lake Junaluska Singers; the Appalachian Christmas Craft Show, showcasing the work of dozens of local artisans; and a matinee concert by The Cockman Family, a local treasure. All events are open to the public. Individual concert tickets and two- and three-night lodging packages are available. Tickets are $22.50 for reserved seating, $17.50 for general admission seating. Children ages 18 and under may attend for free in general admission seating.

Packages include lodging, meals, concert tickets and tickets to visit the Biltmore

Estate. For more information on the event schedule or to buy concert tickets, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or call 800.222.4930.

STECOAH • The Christmas in the Mountain indoor arts and crafts show will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

SYLVA • The Sylva Christmas Parade will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown.

• The Holiday Bazaar will be from 3 to 9 p.m.

Gallery One in downtown. Christmas and holiday gift ideas. Several artists will offer their works (paintings, photographs, knitted pieces, jewelry, and glass work) at a discount (up to 30-percent off the usual price).

These artists include Pam Haddock, Jim Smythe, Tim Lewis, Joseph Meigs, Tim Jacobs, Clint Hardin, Ginny Welsh and Fitzallen Eldridge. Iva Veazey will be playing on the piano during the sale. Presented by the Jackson County Visual Arts Association.

• The “Christmas Extravaganza” gingerbread man decorating with The Krektones will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at The Cut Cocktail Lounge in downtown.

• Breakfast with Santa will be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Jackson County Senior Center. $5 for breakfast, free for children ages 10 and under.

828.586.4944.

• The Creative Community Workshop with host “Making Decorative Snowmen with Cheryl Beck” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Jackson County Public Library.

Participants will transform an ordinary tube sock into a charming snowman. Free.

828.586.2016.

WAYNESVILLE

Dec. 10-11 at the Barkers Creek Community Building. The event will include over 30 craft vendors and a “Toys for Tots” charity collection. There will also be face painting, children’s activities, food samples, and more.

Any toy donation will be given a ticket for a special raffle. Free. 828.226.7814.

• The “End of the Season Art Sale” will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5 at

• The Waynesville Christmas Parade will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, on Main Street in downtown. www.downtownwaynesville.com or 828.456.3517.

• “Holly Days” will be held Dec. 4-7 in downtown. Music, art, authors, demonstrations, and more. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• A special holiday dinner celebrating the season in various cultures and religions will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center. $10 per person.

828.452.7232.

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arts & entertainment

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December 2-8, 2015 Smoky Mountain News

â&#x20AC;˘ The Haywood Community Chorus will hold their Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the First United Methodist Church.

The performance will feature John Rutterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest extended work, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gift of Life.â&#x20AC;? In addition, to performing four movements of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gift of Life,â&#x20AC;? the 66 member chorus will sing several Rutter favorites. Admission is free, but donations accepted. â&#x20AC;˘ The Folkmoot Family â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fa-La-La-Laâ&#x20AC;? musical event will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Hazelwood. Local musicians will be performing holiday tunes and guests are encouraged to sing a long. The holiday concert will include performances by Voices In The Laurel, Saxophone Wassails of the Community Band, Karin Lyle and Blackberry Jam. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-18 years old, and under 5 years old are free. Ticket includes homemade pie, hot cider and a hot chocolate bar. â&#x20AC;˘ The holiday production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Home For Christmasâ&#x20AC;? will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10-12 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $7 for students. www.harttheater.org or 828.456.6322. â&#x20AC;˘ The Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders will host a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas Open Houseâ&#x20AC;? from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at their headquarters located behind Sagebrush Steakhouse on Russ Avenue. Free. â&#x20AC;˘ The Blue Ridge Big Band will host â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Big Band Christmasâ&#x20AC;? at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at The Strand at 38 Main. Traditional-style 18-piece American big band performing classic jazzy Christmas compositions. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students. www.38main.com. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Night before Christmasâ&#x20AC;? will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, on Main Street in downtown. Shops, galleries and restaurants are open late. Hundreds of luminaries line the sidewalks. Enjoy carolers, live music, Santa, storytelling, and old fashioned wagon rides. Stroll through the Tour of Bethlehem with a live nativity and bustling first century marketplace. www.downtownwaynesville.com. â&#x20AC;˘ The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twelve Days of Christmasâ&#x20AC;? will be Dec. 13-24 in downtown. www.downtownwaynesville.com. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Story time with Santaâ&#x20AC;? will begin at 10 a.m.

Dec. 19 at The Strand at 38 Main. Pictures will be able to be taken. www.38main.com. â&#x20AC;˘ A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebration of the Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Multicultural Holidaysâ&#x20AC;? will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Pigeon Multicultural Development Center. The event will include a potluck dinner, a sharing of holiday customs from different cultures and music from a variety of traditions. The event is $10 per person, with proceeds going to the center.

828.456.7232. â&#x20AC;˘ The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community Christmas Cheer Breakfastâ&#x20AC;? will be held from 8 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, at the First Presbyterian Church. Family pictures with Santa, with Christmas music presented by the Tuscola Band Ensemble. Donations accepted.

828.456.3243 or 828.926.1421.

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On the holidays

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

‘Dead White Guys’ ideas still relevant hatever our denominations or religious beliefs, many of us are familiar with the old adage of this season: “Peace on earth, good will toward men (with “men” meaning “all people).” Spoken by an angel to shepherds near Bethlehem, these sentiments sound comfy as a pair of slippers and a cup of hot chocolate.

Very inclusive. Very P.C. And very much a mistranslation.

Correct translations of this passage from Luke read as follows: “Peace on earth toward men of good will” or “On earth peace to those on whom Writer his favor rests.”

“Good will toward men” doesn’t cut it. Given the history of our planet, these words never did measure up, and today’s world proves no exception.

As we enter this Christmas season, we are engaged in a world war. It is not a war of frontlines and identifiable enemies, it is not a war that differentiates between civilians and soldiers, it is not a war that honors the Geneva Convention, but it is a war and it is being fought around the globe. Europe, Mali and other countries in Africa, select countries in the Middle East, Indonesia, Australia, the United States: these nations and regions are under siege by Muslim radicals who believe their religion gives them the right to kill, enslave or brutalize those of other faiths.

Meanwhile, a recent Reuters/Ispos survey reveals that 58 percent of Americans “don’t identify with what America has become.” Lest you think this figure consists of disgruntled conservatives, please know that 45 percent of those who no longer recognized their country as their own were Democrats.

(Self-disclosure: I haven’t identified “with what America has become” for at least 20 years).

These two circumstances — our shadow war with Islamofascism and feeling like strangers in our own country — are surely linked. Wars are often won or lost because of ideas, and the West has spent the last 50 years turning its back on its own history and culture. Many among our elite urge us to tolerate other cultures whose practices would have once raised our contempt — stoning adulterers, throwing gays from rooftops, killing children — while at the same time denigrating Western ideas. Only a quarter of a century has passed since

Jeff Minick

W

Jessie Jackson and a band of his followers protested the Western Culture Course at Stanford University with “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Western culture’s got to go.”

Ah well, no worries there. In campuses around the country the teaching of Western culture and history doesn’t have

example, in a chapter titled “Who Should Be In Charge?” Burriesci gives us Plutarch’s study of Lycurgus, a man who by his sterling character and wisdom reformed a dysfunctional Sparta. In addition to offering Violet tips for life to be gained by such a study of such books, Burriesci subtly reminds the rest of us what happens when clowns and the corrupt lead a country (think of the candidates in all parties now running for president).

Another example: from Plutarch’s Alexander the Great, Burriesci cites the importance of courage, using his own failed courage as counterpoint. While in college, a gang of drunken frat boys attacked Burriesci in a bar.

His friend, Sean Lee, came to his rescue, but while the drunks were beating Sean Lee, Burriesci stood by without helping. He writes:

“I stood there watching. I did nothing. I was terrified.

“Hours later at the emergency room, Sean sat on an examination table. His face was swollen, his lip was fat and bleeding, his nose looked broken, and both his eyes were black and blue. I had a relatively minor cut on the side of my head.

Dead White Guys: A Father, His Daughter and “He lit a cigarette in the emerthe Great Books of the Western World by Matt gency room. Man, that guy was Burriesci. Viva Editions, 2015. 288 pages. cool! Before the doctor came and told him to put it out, he exhaled a long train of smoke and looked up at me. to go anymore. It’s long gone. “’Why didn’t you do anything?’ he And yet … some defenders of Plato, asked.”

Aristophanes, Jefferson and others are still battling in the trenches. One of these Burrieschi then goes on to discuss the brave souls is Matt Burriesci. In Dead importance of Alexander’s courage in White Guys: A Father, His Daughter and inspiring and leading his soldiers. the Great Books of the Western World Throughout Dead White Guys, Matt (Viva Editions, 2015, 250 pages, $17.95), Burrieschi artfully draws life lessons Burriesci presents a lively defense of the Western canon and the value of the liber- from these great thinkers, lessons in prudence, justice, faith, all of the essential al arts in Western civilization. parts of character. He shows us the cruBurriesci decided to write Dead cial part played by such ideas in our White Guys after his daughter, Violet, lives. In this book he has given his was born prematurely and nearly died. daughter a wonderful gift.

He intended the book as a gift for More importantly, perhaps, Violet’s eighteenth birthday, by which Burrieschi reminds the rest of us that the time, he writes, the ideas of the authors ideas of thinkers as diverse as Plato, he discusses “will be more important Saint Augustine, Montaigne, John Locke than at any point in human history.” He and others provided the basic building adds that “these authors will teach you blocks for Western culture. They were how to think, not what to think.” ideas worth fighting for and even dying In 26 chapters, each of which he for. devotes to writers as varied as Plato and And they still are.

Karl Marx, Burriesci tells us why these (Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. His dead white guys remain important and novel, Amanda Bell, is available on why our failure to value them and their Amazon and at area bookstores. ideas may have disastrous consequences minick0301@gmail.com.) both for the West and for the world. For

Meigs to present short story collection Artist and former Western Carolina University professor Joseph Meigs will present his short story collection Artists’ Tale at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Kathryn Byer said of the collection, “When Joseph Meigs spins a tale, you can expect it to be sharp-witted, observant and downright entertaining. After all, Meigs is a latter-day Renaissance man — Shakespeare scholar, cinema aficionado, popular university professor and an artist himself. So, he knows the territory about which he writes, and he knows its inhabitants’ quirks, fears, passions and jealousies.”

828.586.9499.

• New York Times bestselling writer William R. Forstchen will present his new work One Year After from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Books Unlimited in Franklin.

828.369.7942.

• Author Ann Woodford will present her book When All God’s Children Get Together: A Celebration of the Lives and Music of African American People in Far Western North Carolina at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

ALSO:

• Author Joseph M. Edwards recently released his autobiography Life in Mikey’s Mind. The book is a personal account of growing up in the late 1940s and early 1950s. www.amazon.com.

• Writer Carroll Jones will read from his sequel to the historical novel Master of the East Fork at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

Holiday spirit at Macon Library There will be two upcoming holiday events at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

■ Christmas storytime in the living room will be at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 featuring Christmas stories and caroling, with a visit from Santa Claus. Cookies, juice and coffee will be served.

■ Celebrate the New Year with a “Black, White and Fun All Over” children’s New Year’s Eve Party at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. Stories, crafts, music and snacks. Children are encouraged to dress in black and white or as their favorite black and white animal.

828.524.3600 or cdando@fontanalib.org.

Church to release cookbook A reception for the release of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church cookbook will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

The Shepherd’s Table is a collection of favorite recipes from members of the Sylva church. The recipes are classic church cookbook dishes but with emphasis on healthier options including organic and local food. There are even recipes for organic household cleaning products. Included with the reception will be delicious samples of recipes featured in the cookbook.

The cookbook is $12 and the church’s profits will support all its ministries.

828.586.9499.

December 2-8, 2015

Smoky Mountain News

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Outdoors trail projects Trail improvements coming to Fontana More on the horizon

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Smoky Mountain News

Forest Service starts work on $380K trail project

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ational forest trails around Fontana Village are in for an overhaul, thanks to a federal grant that’s putting the final piece in a years-long funding puzzle.

Between 2013 and 2015, the U.S. Forest Service has pulled in a total of $380,000 in grants to work on the area, but it’s just now getting going on the project the money was intended to support — 9 miles of upgraded trails in the Nantahala National Forest that will connect to the roughly 28 miles of trail that Fontana Village Resort, in Graham County, maintains on its own property.

The project will include replacing bridges throughout the 9 trail miles involved, winnowing down a maze of user-created trails connecting Fontana Village and the national forest to a few official ones on Forest Service land and upgrading the trails to accommodate horses, hikers and bikers — right now, they’re designated only for hikers, though some bikers venture out that way.

Both the 2013 grant — a $200,000 award for Fontana Loop Trail No. 157 — and the 2014 grant — an $80,000 award for Bee Cove Trail No. 421 — involve bridge replacements.

All three, including the 2015 grant of $100,000 to upgrade user-created trails connecting Fontana Village and Fontana Loop Trail, will involve upgrading the paths to multi-use trails.

“Overall, one of the biggest purposes for doing this work is to convert the trails from a single use to new multi-use trails,” Gee said.

“They used to just be hiking trails, and we are converting them to hiking, biking and equestrian trails.”

Bikers do sometimes use the trails as they are, but because of the rickety bridges along the way, that can be dangerous, said Fontana Village’s recreation director Jonathan Peoples.

“I weigh 150 Work has already begun on the portion of the trail project outlined in green, which connects to Fontana Village Resort. Next up pounds, and they is the yellow area, Bee Cove Trail. Funding was most recently secured for work in the red area. USFS graphic would wobble when I walked “We’re doing some thinking within our across them,” Peoples said of the bridges. “I expanded recreation opportunity. recreation program about how we can make would get off the bike and walk across all “It’s putting Fontana Village a little more some different recreation opportunities more three of them.” on the map and (we’re) just really seeing an visible and easier for the general public to Connectivity is another big incentive to opportunity with this program to secure some identify,” said Angela Gee, district ranger for complete the project, Gee said. By upgrading funding to address some of the trail issues,” the Cheoah and Tusquitee districts of the the Forest Service trails and tying them in betGee said of the designation, given by the nonNantahala. ter with the Fontana Village trails, users will profit Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Administered by the N.C. Division of wind up with a much larger network to Specifically, issues such as user-created Parks and Recreation, the Recreational Trails explore. trails that lead to erosion and impact habitat, Program — which supplied the funding — “Connecting trails on national forest sysand bridges just waiting to cause an accident.

N

aims to support projects that expand recreational opportunities for everything from hiking to off-road driving while promoting resource-based tourism. This year’s grants totaled $6 million, dispersed between 35 North Carolina counties.

The forest surrounding Fontana Dam, a tiny municipality built around Fontana Village Resort, was a logical focus for Gee, whose districts encompass some of the most remote reaches of the Nantahala National Forest. The Appalachian Trail passes right through the town, and with Fontana Dam earning designation as an A.T. Community this spring, the area stands to capitalize on

The Fontana Village area wasn’t the only spot to get funding under the most recent granting cycle from the federal Recreational Trails Program, administered by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Funding also went to: ■ Ivestor Gap/Graveyard Ridge Trail Project, phase two. A $100,000 grant to the Pisgah National Forest will fund renovation and maintenance of a 2-mile section of the Graveyard Ridge Trail, a popular route accessible from the Graveyard Fields Overlook at mile 418.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Haywood County section. The work will address failed culverts, washouts and drainage issues.

■ Backwell Gap Horse Trail. A $50,000 grant will help pay for an environmental analysis looking at rerouting the popular equestrian trail in the Standing Indian Area of the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin.

During heavy rains, water often floods a trail section that runs parallel to Long Branch. A reroute would fix the problem but requires an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. The reroute, if allowed, would be about 1.25 miles long.

tem land is always a plus,” she said.

The work won’t be completed overnight.

Even though the Forest Service has landed grants for both 2014 and 2015, it doesn’t yet have those funds in hand. Work has just begun on the Fontana Loop Trail, the project funded with the 2013 grant. Those upgrades are likely to finish in early 2016, delivering a 3-mile multi-use trail connecting to Fontana Village and sporting several new bridges and a relocated trail section for increased safety.

Once the grant funds come through for the 2014 and 2015 projects, the Forest Service will have two years to complete the work. That means that the Bee Cove Trail project will likely finish up in 2017 and the upgrades of usercreated trails around Fontana Village will likely be complete in 2018.

With lots of forest to explore, there are plenty more opportunities for trail development in the Nantahala, but Gee said she’s waiting on the outcome of the Forest Management Plan to think much beyond the 9 miles for which the Cheoah district currently has funding. The management plan, a final version of which is scheduled for release in 2017, has been in development since 2014. Its pages will contain the blueprint for the next two decades of recreation, conservation, tourism and a host of other activities, in the national forest.

But in the meantime, she’s excited about this project and the new opportunities it will soon provide.

“More people are able to get out on those trails and use them,” she said, “so that’s kind of a key aspect.”

Meteors, stars and planets, oh my! outdoors

Crisp wintry weather makes for perfect sky-watching weather, and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman is planning a pair of opportunities for stargazers to get their fix.

■ A night sky observing session with PARI astronomers will be held starting 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11. The evening will entail an outdoor presentation looking at the planets and constellations visible this time of year, with an option to move inside if the weather is nasty. A campus tour and trip to the on-site Exhibit Gallery will follow.

RSVP by 3 p.m. Dec. 11 to www.pari.edu or 828.862.5554. $20 for adults; $15 seniors and military; free for children 10 and under.

■ Sky-watchers will gather 10 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Dec. 13, to watch the Geminid meteor showers. One of the more reliable meteor showers for viewing, the Geminids will peak at 1 p.m. Dec. 14, making the nights of Dec. 13 and 14 the best time to watch. PARI’s outdoor planetarium

is an optimal viewing location.

Reserve a spot at www.pari.edu or 828.862.5554. $15 per person and free for children 10 and under. The event will be cancelled in case of overcast skies.

Learn how Appalachian animals welcome winter

Rockslide temporarily closes 14 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Smoky Mountain News

A rockslide has kept the 14-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Maggie Valley and Cherokee closed for a week and counting.

A motorist discovered the slide at milepost 467 last Tuesday (Nov. 24) around dawn and reported it to rangers. At the widest and deepest spots, the slide is 30 feet wide and 8 feet deep.

There is no expectation of additional slides in the area, but the entire 14 mile section of the parkway from Maggie Valley to Cherokee had to be closed — from milepost 455 to 469.

This time of year, all work is weatherdependent, but Parkway officials initially estimated it would take a week to clean the

debris and stabilize the slope. If more stabilization is needed than originally thought, or if winter weather restricts access, the closure could take even longer. The Parkway will be doing the work using its own staff.

Rockslides happen more often in the winter than at other times of year because the often-daily freeze-thaw cycle of water in the cracks between rocks systematically weakens them and can cause slope failure.

When cruising the Parkway, it pays to be cautious and watch out for loose and falling rock.

Meanwhile, repairs to a tunnel on the parkway around Mount Pisgah have caused a parkway closure between Waynesville and Asheville through spring. Repairs to the Buck Springs Tunnel at Milepost 407 have caused a closure from Milepost 405 where N.C. 151 intersects with the Parkway to milepost 408 near Mt. Pisgah. Before heading to the Parkway, check for closures at maps.nps.gov/blri/road-closures/.

December 2-8, 2015

Cold weather is coming, and the Welcome Winter event at the Highlands Biological Station will offer a hands-on look at how plants and animals adapt, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Highlands Nature Center.

Held after the Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, the event will include a chance to touch the thick furs local animals use to survive the cold, a botanical scavenger hunt to show that some plants stick around for the winter and an opportunity to make a natural Christmas ornament for birds using pinecones and birdseed. And, of course, plenty of hot drinks.

Free. www.highlandsbiological.org or 828.526.2623.

SORBA end-of-year celebration Nantahala Area SORBA (Southern Off Road Bicycling Association) is having their ENDO year shindig, raffle and fundraiser at Innovation Brewery in Sylva from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Celebrate accomplishments of the mountain biking community if 2015, learn about exciting plans for 2016, and have the opportunity to win sweet prizes. nasorba.com.

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outdoors December 2-8, 2015

Exercise to spread Christmas cheer People looking to expand their exercise palate while raising money to bring Christmas to underprivileged children will have a chance with the Saturday Sampler Fitness Fundraiser from 10 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee.

Eight different classes — everything from Zumba to strength training to Pilates — offered in 10-minute intervals will give participants a chance to try a variety of exercises.

There is a minimum donation of $10 to benefit The Christmas Connection, but participants are encouraged to raise more money than that, with the person raising the most money earning a free one-month membership to either the Cashiers or Cullowhee county recreation center.

A charity of Jackson County, The Christmas Connection is a volunteer-run endeavor that aims to provide toys and clothes to children of Jackson families based on the approximately 1,100 referrals it receives each year for children in need.

The event is open to people without rec center memberships at no additional cost.

Sponsored by the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and The Christmas Connection Advisory Group. bfarmer@wcu.edu or 828.227.3804.

Lawsuit claims Wildlife Service not doing enough for wolves A lawsuit alleging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is falling down on its job to protect the world’s only wild population of red wolves, which inhabit a five-county area in eastern North Carolina, has been filed by a trio of environmental groups. The suit questions why the USFWS has suspended the red wolf reintroduction program.

“The Service is evidently trying to drive the Red Wolf Recovery program into the ground, despite wide public support,” said Tara Zuardo, wildlife attorney at the Animal Welfare Institute, who is bringing the suit along with the Red Wolf Coalition and Defenders of Wildlife.

The suit comes on the heels of a court battle over coyote hunting in red wolf territory.

The suit forced the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to end nighttime hunting of coyotes in red wolf territory, where hunters have been known to mistake red wolves for coyotes and kill them accidentally.

However, the Wildlife Commission called for an analysis of the entire red wolf reintroduction program. Their ask resulted in the program being put on hold while the USFWS conducted a feasibility study on future reintroduction efforts, resulting in the second lawsuit.

“This species can’t afford to wait another minute,” said Jason Rylander, senior attorney for Defenders of Wildlife.

The USFWS said the program has only been suspended temporarily.

Red wolf. USFWS photo “We are committed to red wolf recovery and are working to have a revised strategy in place in 2016,” said Leo Miranda, assis-

tant regional director for ecological services in the USFWS’s southeast regional office.

— by Holly Kays, staff writer

THE FAMILY CARE CENTER The holiday season is upon us.

Smoky Mountain News

Have you ever wanted to treat yourself to a “healthy new you”?

We can help you set your goals and reach them at the Family Care Center.

Call 828-554-5565 to make an appointment.

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December 2-8, 2015

Naturalist and historian George Ellison will preview his upcoming collection of essays, Literary Excursions, at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

The book is a collection of 50 essays that have appeared throughout the years in publications including The Smoky Mountain George Ellison. Donated photo News, Chinquapin: The Newsletter of the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society and the Asheville Citizen-Times — including fullcolor illustrations by his wife, Elizabeth. It will be published in 2016 by The History Press.

In addition to readings from the book and displays of Elizabeth’s artwork, the program will include discussion about the nature essay and how it differs — and doesn’t — from a typical newspaper or magazine column, as well as the pervasive influence of databases such as Wikipedia on natural history writing.

Ellison has three previous titles with History Press and has written introductions for reissues of titles such as Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s Myths of the Cherokees, among other titles. As a naturalist, he often conducts workshops and field trips through the wild places of the Southern Appalachians.

Free. Sponsored by the Southern Appalachian Plant Society. sapsncga.blogspot.com

Better Quality, Better Prices

Woodward to read at the Rickman Store Smoky Mountain News

Catch a reading by the author of Wherever Waters Flow, a collection of short stories set on the Needmore tract along the Little Tennessee River, 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, at the Rickman Store in Macon County.

Author Doug Woodward enjoys writing outdoor adventure articles, short stories and poetry, and he is currently working on a new book that chronicles the adventures of his wife and their four children as they all learn lessons from time spent in wilderness and immersion in simpler cultures.

Hosted by Friends of the Rickman Store as part of the Cowee Christmas celebration taking place all day at Cowee School next door.

828.369.5595.

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outdoors

NC leaders balk at federal carbon control plan North Carolina has issued a draft plan to comply with federal carbon-control rules, but the plan falls short of federal requirements for state carbon-control plans.

That’s because North Carolina, along with 23 other states, has filed a lawsuit protesting Environmental Protection Agency rules that would restructure how energy is generated and consumed in the United States.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality — formerly known as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources — believes those rules are outside the authority the Clean Air Act grants. DEQ’s proposed rules only address its plan to make the state’s electricity generating units more effective.

“The proposed rule will have very little, if any, environmental benefit, and many of the provisions regarding carbon capture and storage are overstated,” said DEQ

Secretary Donald van der Vaart of the disputed portion of the federal rules. “This rule will not achieve significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and relies on unproven technology that could be technically and economically impractical.”

Environmental groups, however, have decried the state’s plan as an ineffective document that is “designed to fail,” in the words of Gundrun Thompson, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center.

“It is disappointing to see the Department of Environmental Quality once again putting politics before pollution cleanup,” Thompson said, adding, “Instead of using the Clean Power Plan as a political football, DEQ should take advantage of the Clean Power Plan’s flexibility to design a plan that could continue boosting North Carolina’s clean energy economy.”

DEQ is working on a backup plan should the lawsuit be unsuccessful.

The carbon control plan is currently out for public comment. Email comments through Jan. 15 to daq.publiccomments@ncdenr.gov. www.ncair.org/rules/draft.

Explore Deep Creek waterfalls A hike through the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will wrap up Friends of the Smokies’ 2015 Classic Hikes series on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

The 5.5-mile hike will take in the 80-foot Toms Branch Falls, along with the Juney Whank and Indian Creek waterfalls, concluding with a trip to the Bryson City Visitor Center for hot drinks, holiday sweets and a visit to the heritage museum housed there.

Asheville hiking guide and author Danny Bernstein will lead the hike, discussing the native trout management projects Friends of the Smokies funds in the Deep Creek area and the place’s history as home to one of the park’s first trails, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps soon after the park’s creation. $10 Friends of the Smokies members; $35 nonmembers with one-year membership included. Registration proceeds benefit trail restoration in the park.

Register by Dec. 6 at www.friendsofthesmokies.org/calendar.

Toms Branch Falls.

Donated photo

2016 Soil and Water Conservation poster contest

December 2-8, 2015

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Serving Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Graham, Clay & Cherokee Counties, and the Qualla Boundary.

828-452-1447 800-627-1548 Now in our third year of providing Certified Marketplace Navigator Services The Navigator program is supported by a Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number NAVCA150247-01-00 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.

“We All Live in a Watershed” is the theme of this year’s statewide poster, essay and speech contest sponsored by Soil and Water Conservation District.

Teachers can have students participate in the contest as a class assignment or students can enter the contest on their own.

Students compete at the county level and winners advance to the regional and state level.

Children in third through fifth grade can enter a poster contest, sixth graders can submit an essay or slide show, seventh- and eighth-graders can compete as public speakers, and ninth-graders can enter a computer design contest.

Submission deadlines vary by district but are generally scheduled for late January.

Contact your county’s Soil and Water Conservation District office.

Get your green on A market featuring all the green arrangements, swags and pine boughs you’ll need for Christmas decorations will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the KFC parking lot on Russ Avenue in Waynesville.

Organized by the Haywood County Master Gardeners, the Holiday Greens Market will raise money to fund horticultural projects and grants in Haywood County.

Winter break day camp for kids in Waynesville A pair of adventurecentered camps for kids in pre-K to seventh grade will be offered over winter break, Dec. 21-23 and 28-30, at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

Camps will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, packed with winter activities including hiking, playing in the snow — if there is any — and swimming in the rec center pool, along with environmental education components. $65 per camp for rec center members; $80 non-members. Space is limited. Organized by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. 828.456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

Camp will include plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure. Donated photo

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • The World Series of Poker will hold a circuit event through Dec. 7 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. www.harrahscherokee.com or www.wsop.com.

• A back porch old-time music jam will be held from 13 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee.

• A meeting for Helping the Homeless volunteers is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Carpenter Community Building in Franklin. 202.3103 or www.maconnewbeginnings.org.

• A reception in honor of Jerry Sutton, who served on Southwestern Community College’s Board of Trustees, is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Jerry Sutton Public Safety and Training Center in Franklin.

• The William E. Dillard Post 104 of the American Legion will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, at its new facility in Sylva. It will be the annual Christmas party. Post and Ladies Auxiliary members planning to attend must phone or text their name and number of meal reservations to 399.0861 by noon on Thursday, Dec. 10. www.sylvalegion.org, 293.5385 or jknicholl@frontier.com.

• Haywood County Public Library will hold a Winter Reading Challenge starting Tuesday, Dec. 15. Pick up a BINGO card at either the Waynesville or Canton library; cards will be filled with different reading activities for every age range. Once completed, cards may be returned for a free book. Challenge runs through Feb. 1.

Waynesville Library is holding a kickoff from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17. 356.2507.

• A presentation on the importance of being social will be given at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the Open Door Center for Spiritual Living in Sylva. 477.4380.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • The Haywood Chamber of Commerce will host “Issues & Eggs” from 8-9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Guest speaker is Dr. Dean Russell of Executive Performance and Solutions, Inc. • Online marketing and social media business coach Martin Brossman will present two seminars on Dec. 3 for Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center. “Obtaining Positive Online Reviews” will be from 1-4 p.m. on SCC’s Macon Campus while “Getting More Business by Getting on Local Directories for Business Owners” is from 6-9 p.m. in the Burrell Building on SCC’s Jackson Campus. Registration required: www.nsbc.net. Info: 339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• “From Pearl Harbor to 9-11, will America always be at war?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, in Franklin. 371.1020.

• A series of free seminars designed to help entrepreneurs leverage the selling power of eBay will be offered through Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 7-8 at SCC’s Macon Campus. Presenter Nick Hawks, a toprated eBay Power Seller, will offer the seminars from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday and from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday. Registration required: www.nsbc.net.

Info: 339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• Haywood Chamber of Commerce Holiday Cheer is set for 5-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. $35. Holiday networking, live and silent auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bard. http://www.haywood-nc.com/events/HolidayCheer-1466/details.

Smoky Mountain News

Day scholarships. Tickets are on sale at Polly’s Florist and Clyde’s Florist.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • A benefit raffle is currently underway at the Canton Senior Center. The prize is a gift basket valued at over $1,000, filled with gift certificates and other goods.

Funding, in general, has been cut over the years, with proceeds from the raffles going to their numerous programs. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Canton Senior Center and the Haywood County Senior Resource Center. Drawing is Dec. 9. 356.2813.

• Contributions are being sought for the Glenville Area Historical Society’s historical museum, which plans to open next year. historicalsocietyglenvillearea@yahoo.com or 743.1658.

• The Swain County Genealogical & Historical Society will host a holiday auction at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, at the SCGHS library on Main Street. All proceeds will be used to purchase a projector and new computer. Refreshments served.

• A “Celebration of the Season’s Multicultural Holidays” will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Pigeon Multicultural Development Center. The event will include a potluck dinner, a sharing of holiday customs from different cultures and music from a variety of traditions. The event is $10 per person, with proceeds going to the center. 456.7232.

• Tickets are available for a charity concert supporting Hospice House Foundation of WNC. Featured act will be Emporium, a six-piece band from Asheville, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $30. www.highlandspac.net. For info on Hospice House Foundation of WNC, contact Michele Alderson at 524.6375 or 421.2831.

• The Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department (JCPRD) will host a Saturday Sampler Fitness Fundraiser to benefit The Christmas Connection from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Cullowhee fitness facility. Minimum donation is $10. The department will waive its $5 daily pass fee. Christmas Connection provides new toys and clothing for children of county families who need assistance during the holidays. bfarmer@wcu.edu or 227.3804.

• Cullowhee Mountain Arts will hold its second annual benefit celebration at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Western Carolina University Center Grand Ballroom in Cullowhee. “Gala Imaginé” will benefit CMA, a grassroots non-profit committed to nurturing the arts throughout the region. Decorations, artisan wine and beer, chef-inspired dinner, artist-designed greeting cards, door prizes, drawings and more. $60 per person.

Purchase at www.cullowheemountainarts.org/GalaImagine or by calling 342.6913.

• Winter Wonderland Festival is scheduled for 5:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 at the Canton Armory. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door; all proceeds benefit the “Share the Warmth” heating assistance program; Champion Credit Union will match ticket sales up to $5,000. Admission includes a spaghetti dinner, face painting, photo booth, Ms. Arty Pants Creation Station and more.

• “Silver Bells & Cocktails” will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Tessentee Farms. Hosted by REACH of Macon County.

Tickets are $100 a seat or a table for $1,000. Live music, local beers, wine, champagne, auction, and more. 369.5544 or aanderson@reachofmaconcounty.org.

• The 211th MP Company Family Group is holding a Chili Fundraiser from 3-8 p.m. on Dec. 12, at the Clyde National Guard Armory. $8. Chili, drinks and dessert.

Deliveries made locally. 246.8419.

HOLIDAY GIVING • The Smoky Mountain Rollergirls and Lil’ Nemesisters will skate and collect nonperishable food items at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Bryson City Christmas Parade. Donations will go to the Bryson City Food Pantry.

• The High Mountain Squares will host their 12th annual Toys for Tots Dance from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin.

Admission is one new unwrapped toy. Western style square dancing mainstream plus levels. Everyone welcome. 371.4946, 342.1560, 332.0001 or www.highmountainsquares.com.

• Toys for Tots drive on from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at the Smoky Mountain Holiday Bazaar located at Barkers Creek Community Building. Free admission.

Bring an unwrapped toy to be entered into a raffle. Door prizes, drawing contest for kids, face painting, food samples/vendors, holiday displays from local crafters, and several more free activities. More information on Facebook.

VENDORS • Vendor applications are being accepted for WinterFest Smoky Style, which is Feb. 26-28 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Weekend rental fee is $75 if paid by Dec. 15; $100 after. seaycharlesl@yahoo.com.

HEALTH MATTERS • A refresher training for Emergency Medical Technicians is scheduled for Dec. 2-4 in Cullowhee.

Program meets core National Registry of EMT’s requirement for recertification. 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.edu.

• LifePath Hospice and Palliative Care will hold its annual Tree of Remembrance ceremony at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Harris Regional Hospital cafeteria and private dining room with an opportunity for memorial and honorary ornaments to be placed on the tree. Hot chocolate, coffee, cider and desserts will be served. 631.1702.

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All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Medical Center in Franklin. Donations will be accepted for the Lions Club and its White Canes Fundraiser.

• A free program on “Communication Skills in Dementia” is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Haywood Senior Resource Center. Leading the program will be Dr. Lisa Verges, a psychiatrist with MemoryCare, a community-based, non-profit organization. Stop by the center to register or call 356.2800.

• The Macon County Cancer Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, in the cafeteria of Angel Medical Center in Franklin. Light refreshments and free gifts.

• Senior Life Solutions at Swain will offer a two-part educational series titled “Holiday Challenges – Dealing with Depression and Anxiety” from noon-12:45 p.m. on Dec. 17 and Dec. 19 at Swain Community Hospital in Bryson City. 488.4044.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • A “Yoga 101: De-stress for the Holidays” class will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, in the auditorium at the Waynesville Public Library. Signup required.

356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• The Canton Armory will be open to the public for walking starting Dec. 8. Hours are 8-10 a.m. on Monday through Friday unless the facility is booked. 648.2363.

POLITICAL CORNER • The Town of Canton will hold oath of office ceremonies and reception for the Board of Aldermen at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Colonial Theater in Canton.

• A “People’s Pilgramage for the Paris Climate Talks” is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6. Sponsored by Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina.

• Swain County Democrat Cherokee-Whittiers precinct will have a potluck and meeting from 5-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Birdtown Gym. 736.9500.

• Occupy/WNC General Assembly meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Dogwood Wellness Center. GPS address is 114 West Hemlock Street, Sylva NC 28779 but location in Dillsboro. 7439747.

• Jackson County NAACP Membership Meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Open Door Center for Spiritual Living on Sylva. 743.9747.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • Vine of the Mountains Church is hosting the Advent series “The Light that Leads us Home” at 10 a.m. on Sundays in December at its location in the Frog Level district of Waynesville. www.thevine.cc.

• First Presbyterian Church (Franklin) will host a “Concert for CareNet” at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6. First $1,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar. www.franklinchamber.com.

• A free educational lunch-and-learn event on “boomeritis” will be presented by Harris Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at noon on Friday, Dec. 4, in the Harris Regional Hospital’s boardroom. Lunch will be served. Register by calling 631.8889.

• The “Christmas Worship in a Stable” living nativity scene will be recreated from 5:30-6:10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the 3rd Generation Barn Loft on Frank Mann Road. It will feature a short walk-through of live cast and animals, background music and scripture to illuminate a sense of awe and peace remembering the true meaning of Christmas. In addition, patrons will have the opportunity to donate a non-perishable food item at the Manger for The Community Kitchen soup kitchen. Free.

• The Haywood Educational Foundation will present its Canton Christmas Tour of Homes from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $10 per person; children under 12 are free. Funds raised support the Miss Labor

• “Do I Take a Tylenol or Call an Ambulance?” is the title of a Ladies Night Out presentation by Dr. Anita Renshler, family nurse practitioner from Angel Medical, at 4 and 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the cafeteria of Angel

• The 12th annual United Methodist Women’s Cookie Walk and Bazaar will be at 9 a.m. on Dec. 5 at the United Methodist Church on Main Street. Homemade holiday treats. 488.8970.

wnc calendar

• “Appalachian Christmas” at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will deliver the nostalgic charm of mountain hospitality to visitors on Dec. 11-13. www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or call 800.222.4930.

• “The Christmas Story, A Classic Carol Celebration” will be presented during the 11 a.m. worship on Sunday, Dec. 13, at Clyde Central United Methodist Church. Free; open to the public. Covered dish meal will follow the service. 627.2287.

• Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members. 926.0106.

• Winter Shabbat Services are held at 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month by Congregation Bamidbar in the Fellowship Hall of Andrews Methodist Church in Andrews. 369.9270.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • A “What Do I Read Next” event is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Waynesville Library Auditorium.

• New York Times bestselling author William R. Forstschen will present his book “One Year After” from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Books Unlimited in Franklin. 369.7942.

• Local author Doug Woodward will read from his book “Wherever Waters Flow” and his collection of Needmore short stories at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Rickman Store in Macon County. 369.5595 or visit Friends of the Rickman Store on Facebook.

• Ann Woodford will present “When All God’s Children Get Together: A Celebration of the Lives and Music of African-American People in Far Western North Carolina” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000 or blueridgebooks@ymail.com.

December 2-8, 2015

• Artist and former Western Carolina University professor Joseph Meigs will present his short story collection “Artists’ Tale” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• Naturalist and historian George Ellison will preview his upcoming book “Literary Excursions” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

524.5234.

• Carroll Jones will read from the sequel to his historical novel “Master of the East Fork” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

456.6000, www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

• Author Joseph M. Edwards recently released his autobiography “Life in Mikey’s Mind.” The book is a personal account of growing up in the late 1940s and early 1950s. www.amazon.com.

Smoky Mountain News

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• Reservations are being accepted for a senior trip to see Christmas at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The trip is Dec. 10. Organized by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Cost is $10. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Bryson City. Library provides Legos and Duplos for ages 3 and up. 488.3030.

• The Appalachian Toymaker & Storyteller will be making wooden toys and telling tales on select dates and times at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachian. www.psalmsofthesouth.com or 488.5705.

• Christmas storytime is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Macon County Library in Franklin. cdando@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

Christmas stories, carols and a visit from Santa Claus.

• A Polar Express Special Event is scheduled for 34:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Macon County Library in Franklin. cdando@fontanalib.org or 524.3600. Wear pajamas.

• Reservations for the Winter Break Mini Camp through the Waynesville Recreation Center are on sale for pre-K through seventh grade. Deadline is Dec. 15.

Offered twice: Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30. Times are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day. Cost is $65 for members per mini-camp or $80 for nonmembers. tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov or 456.2030.

• The Robot Zoo, an opportunity to see how real animals work by exploring biomechanics of robots, is on display through Jan. 3 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. www.ncarboretum.org.

KIDS MOVIES • The films “Shaun the Sheep” (Dec. 4), “Ant-Man” (Dec. 10) and “Minions” (Dec. 11-12) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Showtimes are 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee also on Saturday. Free. For a full schedule of dates and times, click on www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• A family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Movie is a holiday adventure about the supersecret toy-making facility Santa Claus keeps hidden beneath the North Pole. For info, including movie title, call 488.3030.

• Family movies will be played at 1 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the Macon County Library. Call the library for titles.

524-3600.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • The final Art After Dark is from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 in Downtown Waynesville and Historic Frog Level. Stroll through participating galleries.

Waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

• The “Christmas in the Smokies” holiday celebration will run through Dec. 31 at Fontana Village Resort.

Winter fun, holiday festivities and events.

800.849.2258 or www.fontanavillage.com.

• The second annual Cowee Christmas will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Old Cowee School. Arts and crafts sale, live demonstrations, Santa Claus, live music, exhibits, and more. Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. www.coweeschool.org.

• The Macon County Arts Council’s free crafts and music workshop for children, Holiday ARTSaturday, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center gym.

Elementary school-age children and young families can make-and-take evergreen swags, ornaments and cards, cookies to decorate and eat. Face painting, tree lighting and more. Concert (admission is $10) by Blue Ridge at 6 p.m. www.cowwschool.org.

• Cherokee Lights and Legends event will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays starting Dec. 5 through Jan. 2 at the Cherokee Fair Grounds. Lights display, live Santa Claus, synthetic ice rink, bizarre, food vendors, interactive legend exhibits and a 40-foot Christmas tree. Food. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. $5 for everyone 13 and over; $3 for ages 6-12; children five and younger are free. friehusk@nc-cherokee.com, angehern@nc-cherokee.com, 359.6492 or 359.6473.

• A holiday Lego club meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at Marianna Black Library in

• The Festival of Lights & Luminaries will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 4-5 and 11-12 in downtown Dillsboro.

• “A Night before Christmas” will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Shops, galleries and restaurants are open late. Hundreds of luminaries line the sidewalks.

Enjoy carolers, live music, Santa, storytelling, and old fashioned wagon rides. Stroll through the Tour of Bethlehem with a live nativity and bustling first century marketplace. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

HOLIDAY EVENTS • Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will hold a holiday community music jam from 6-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3. 488.3030.

• A North Pole Express community party will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. 586.2358.

• The Brasstown Ringers will celebrate the holiday season with a performance at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the First Methodist Church in Franklin. 524.4530.

• The Heritage Christmas Progressive Celebration will be Dec. 4-5. There will be holiday wine, cheese and appetizers at 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Macon County Historical Museum, followed by dessert at the Scottish Tartans Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The celebration continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Historic Cowee School. Patrons will receive an evergreen Christmas sway and Christmas ornament fired by the Cowee potters. Tickets are $30 per person. Tickets are available at the Scottish Tartans Museum and the Macon County Historical Museum.

• “Holly Days” will be held Dec. 4-7 in downtown Waynesville. Live music, art, authors, demonstrations, and more. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• Breakfast with Santa will be from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Jackson County Senior Center. $5 for breakfast, free for children ages 10 and under. 586.4944.

• Santa Claus will start training for the big day with 200-foot rappels down Chimney Rock from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 5-12, at Chimney Rock State Park. 800.277.9611.

• The Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders will host a “Christmas Open House” from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 5-6 at their headquarters located behind Sagebrush Steakhouse on Russ Avenue. Free.

• The 12th annual United Methodist Women’s Cookie Walk and Bazaar will be at 9 a.m. on Dec. 5 at the United Methodist Church on Main Street. Homemade holiday treats. 488.8970.

• First Presbyterian Church will hold a “Community Christmas Cheer Breakfast” from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, in Waynesville. Family pictures with Santa, Christmas music by the Tuscola Band Ensemble, Christmas carols with the Presbyterian singers and a Christmas Boutique. 456.3243 or 926.1421.

• “Cookies with Santa” will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Macon County Community Building. $5.

• A Christmas Dance is set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 at

• The “Twelve Days of Christmas” will be Dec. 13-24 in downtown Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• Christmas Story Time in the living room is set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, in the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Christmas stories, caroling and a visit from Santa Claus. Cookies, juice and coffee will be served. 524.3600 or cdando@fontanalib.org.

• The Holiday Homecoming celebration will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Holiday crafts, cider, traditional music and more.

• A Christmas party will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Santa Claus will make a special appearance, and will listen to good girls’ and boys’ Christmas wish lists. Kids will also enjoy music, dancing, games, and refreshments.

At 8 p.m. that evening, a Holiday Contra Dance will welcome couples and singles of all experience levels, including beginners. Listen to local musicians, bring refreshments to share, and catch the holiday spirit. www.folkschool.org or 837.2775.

•Breakfast with Santa will be held Dec. 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Canton Armory.

• The Polar Express themed train is now running at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. The classic children’s book comes to life as the train departs for a special visit at the “North Pole.” For times and prices, click on www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

PARADES • The Canton Christmas Parade “Miracle on Main” is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, starting with the tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton. The Town will provide free hot chocolate as long as supplies last. Food trucks will also be onsite for food purchases. Bring a can of food to donate.

235-2760.

• The Highlands Christmas Parade is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

• The Sylva Christmas Parade, “The Songs and Sounds of Christmas” is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Dec. 5. Parade starts at the Sylva fire department with a rain date of Dec. 6 at 3 p.m.

• Western Carolina University’s School of Music will present a recital of contemporary and romantic works featuring faculty members at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 in the recital hall of the Coulter Building on the WCU campus. http://tinyurl.com/h448f6f or 227.7242.

• The First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Series will feature Highway 74 at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Free. 227.7129.

• Cygne performs Dec. 4 at City Lights Café in Sylva.

• A stage production of the “Babes in Toyland” musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4-5 and 11-12 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. The musical — with memorable songs by Victor Herbert — weaves together various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes into a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. info@smctheatre.com or 488.8227.

• The Folkmoot Family “Fa-La-La-La” musical event will be from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Hazelwood. Local musicians will be performing holiday tunes and guests are encouraged to sing a long. At this event, Folkmoot is auditioning its newly renovated auditorium by opening its doors to the community. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-18 years old, and under 5 years old are free. Ticket includes homemade pie, hot cider and a hot chocolate bar.

• Sean Bendula (Americana/folk) performs at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

Free. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Mountain Community Chorus and the Young Harris College Community Band will hold concerts on Friday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 6, at Young Harris College in Georgia.

Friday’s concert starts at 7 p.m.; Sunday’s at 3 p.m.

• Angela Easterling (Americana/folk) performs at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Auditions for the upcoming radio re-creation of “Blackbeard’s Ghost and the Queen Ann’s Revenge” will be held from 1- 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, in Breese Gymnasium on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. The show will be presented on March 17. psavage@wcu.edu.

• Dailey & Vincent (bluegrass) perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $18. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The Raleigh Ringers will perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $17. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert will be presented by Western Carolina University’s School of Music at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee. Tickets are $17 for adults; $11 for WCU faculty, staff and those 60 and older; $5 for students and children. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.2479.

• The Blue Ridge Big Band will host “A Big Band Christmas” at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at The Strand at 38 Main. Traditional-style 18-piece American big band performing classic jazzy Christmas compositions. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students. www.38main.com.

• The Haywood Community Chorus will hold their Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

Admission is free, but donations accepted.

• Clyde’s On Fire performs Dec. 6 at City Lights Café in Sylva.

• The Cherokee Christmas Parade will be at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown. Floats, bands, Santa and more.

• The Waynesville Christmas Parade “Joy to the World” is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 7. downtownwaynesville.com.

• The 41st annual Cashiers Christmas Parade is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring the theme “O Christmas Tree.” www.cashiersareachamber.com.

FOOD & DRINK • A free wine tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. There are also still seats available for the 23rd annual “Champagne Tasting Extravaganza” from 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3. Tickets for the extravaganza are $40 per person. www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

Smoky Mountain News

• Breakfast with Santa will be from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Bryson City Rescue Squad. $3.

Bring your own camera for photos. 488.3681 or 800.867.9246.

• Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be from 710 a.m. on Dec. 12 at Fatz Café. $7 per person.

Professional portraits available. A benefit for the Relay for Life of Franklin. 342.9804.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT

December 2-8, 2015

• The annual tree lighting “Winter Wonderland” ceremony and candlelight service will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 on the Franklin town square, with free cider, cookies, wagon rides and live music. 524.3161, www.franklinchamber.com or www.holidaysinfranklin.com.

the Waynesville Recreation Center. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

wnc calendar

Free. More than 2,500 candles in white bags will line the streets. Complimentary refreshments, open shops and music. Western Carolina Univeristy’s “Purple Thunder” drum line performs Dec. 4; silent auction for decorated wreaths is Dec. 4-5; Choir night is Dec. 11; guitarist and singer John Morgan performs Dec. 12. www.mountainlovers.com.

• Reservations are being accepted through Dec. 4 for a wine-and-food pairing dinner, which is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at Grandview Lodge. $45 per person, plus tax and gratuities. 246.2409.

• There will be a “Tasty Tuesday: Winter Seasonals” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

47

wnc calendar

• John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown) will host David Brose and Kathleen Seacrest at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7. www.folkschool.org or 837.2775.

• A dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

• The holiday production of “Home For Christmas” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 10-12 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $7 for students. www.harttheater.org or 456.6322.

• David Vowell will celebrate the holidays with a serious and humorous stories and songs at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

• A Christmas Show featuring Jacob Johnson is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. $10 per person. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Joe Cruz (piano/pop) performs at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free.

452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Tickets are on sale for a performance by magicians Penn and Teller, who will be on stage Dec. 11 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. 800.745.3000.

• Trippin’ Hardie performs Dec. 11 at City Lights Café in Sylva.

• The stage performance of “3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-yule” will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

Ticket are $21 for adults, $16 for WCU faculty and staff, $15 apiece for groups of 20 or more, and $7 for students and children. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.2479.

Smoky Mountain News

December 2-8, 2015

• The Brasstown Ringers’ Holiday Concert will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

The talented regional ensemble will showcase

48

Christmas favorites along with spirited new selections. Donations are welcome.

• Tickets are on sale for Lake Junaluska Singers’ presentation of Handel’s Messiah, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Tickets start at $17.50. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/singers/concert_tickets/ or 800.222.4930. lakejunaluska.com.

• The “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-18 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $12. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The “Jingle Bell Bash” with Sheila Gordon is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Tickets are on sale for the Cockman Family, a bluegrass/gospel band, in Concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Tickets start at $17.50. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/singers/concert_tickets/ or 800.222.4930. lakejunaluska.com.

• Tickets are on sale for Lake Junaluska Singers’ Christmas Concert, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Tickets start at $17.50. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/singers/concert_tickets/ or 800.222.4930. lakejunaluska.com.

• Four-time Grammy winner David Holt will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. He’ll be joined by Josh Goforth. Tales and ballads. Free, donations go toward event programming at FUMC. www.fumc-waynesville.com or 456.9475.

• Rockapella will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $20. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Tickets are on sale for a performance by rapper Waka Flocka Flame, who will be on stage Thursday, Jan. 14, at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center. Advance tickets are $5 for students and $10 for nonstudents or $15 at the door. 227.7722 or ramsey.wcu.edu.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Annual Haywood County Master Gardener WreathMaking event is Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Office in Waynesville. $20, includes materials.

Reserve spot by calling 456.3575 or mgarticles@charter.net.

• Haywood Community College’s Creative Arts Department will host a holiday craft sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, in the Mary Cornwell Gallery of the Creative Arts Building. creativearts.haywood.edu.

• Crafts & More Extravaganza will be Dec. 4 & 5 from 9 to 4 at the Whistlestop Mall. Holiday crafts, soaps, baked goods, plants, survival stoves, books, jewelry, and more will be for sale. Home-based businesses are included. Music, raffles, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit The Fathers House building renovation fund. 369.6180 for information or vendor forms.

• The “End of the Season Art Sale” will be held from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Dec. 4-5 at Gallery One in downtown. Christmas and holiday gift ideas. Several artists will offer their works (paintings, photographs, knitted pieces, jewelry, and glass work) at a discount (up to 30-percent off the usual price). These artists include Pam Haddock, Jim Smythe, Tim Lewis, Joseph Meigs, Tim Jacobs, Clint Hardin, Ginny Welsh and Fitzallen Eldridge. Iva Veazey will be playing on the piano during the sale.

• The monthly Creating Community Workshop is

scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, in the atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Free. Transform an ordinary tube sock into a snowman for decorating a mantle, shelf or table. Led by Cheryl Beck. 586.2016.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will have a Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at the Community Table in Sylva. 399.0290.

• The Christmas in the Mountain indoor arts and crafts show will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• A wreath-making class will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Cooperative Extension Office on Raccoon Road in Waynesville. Master gardeners will provide the materials. Cost of class is $20. To register, call 456.3575 or mgarticles@charter.net.

• The annual “Fireside Sale” will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. The event showcases fine crafts made by Folk School instructors and other talented artisans. Shoppers can browse for forged iron, jewelry, quilts, turned wood, fiber, photography, and much more. Visit the Folk School’s Craft Shop during the Fireside Sale, and save 15-percent on a great selection of finely made crafts. The Craft Shop will offer these savings through Dec. 24. www.folkschool.org or 837.2775.

• Early registration deadline is Dec. 12 for Dulcimer Winter Weekend at Lake Junaluska. $159 for dulcimerplaying participants before Dec. 12; $199 after. $40 for non-playing participants. 800.222.4930, www.dulicmeru.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• The “Christmas Extravaganza” gingerbread man decorating with The Krektones will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, at The Cut Cocktail Lounge in downtown.

wnc calendar December 2-8, 2015

Smoky Mountain News

49

ART SHOWINGS AND wnc calendar

GALLERIES • An artist reception for Kay Smith will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Her work, the month-long “Blooming Flowers” art exhibit, will feature a collection of 21 vibrant flowers by Smith. Open to the public, with refreshments and a visit with the artist available. www.kaysfineart.com.

• The 10th Annual Autumn Juried Group Exhibit of the Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association Asheville Region entitled “Southern Appalachian Splendor Through the Seasons,” will be hosted through the New Year by the Green Sage Cafe in Asheville. www.cnpaasheville.org.

• A classic holiday movie will be shown at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room. Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand one another but don’t realize they’re falling in love through the post as each other’s anonymous pen pal. 524.3600.

• Registration is underway for the Run in 2016 5K Run, Walk & Fun Run, which is set for 11 a.m. on Jan. 1. Entry fees are $20 if received by Dec. 30 or $25 on race day. 293.3053 or jeniferpressley@jacksonnc.org.

• Fine Feathered Friends and Flowers, oil paintings by Mary Webster, will be on display at the N.C. Arboretum through Jan. 3 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. www.ncarboretum.org.

• Adult movie time, 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• The Mountain Heritage Center is hosting the exhibit “Collecting for the Community,” an exploration of the diversity and variety to be found in Western North Carolina. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Thursdays.

• A contemporary exhibit is open at the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

The exhibit is intended to challenge the way beliefs about the natural world are formed. Entitled “Connections: Diane Fox & Beauvais Lyons,” the exhibit pairs photographs by Fox with lithography by Lyons. The exhibit remains at WCU through Friday, Jan. 15. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Admission and parking are free. 227.3591 or fineartmuseum.wcu.edu.

FILM & SCREEN • The films “Amy” (Dec. 3) and “Mr. Holmes” (Dec. 5) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

Showtimes are 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee also on Saturday.

Free. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• The film “Phoenix” will be shown from Dec. 2 to Dec. 13 at The Strand in Waynesville. Showtimes available online at 38main.com.

• A new movie starring Bradley Cooper, Rachel

Outdoors • Trout Unlimited Cataloochee’s Christmas Party is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Rendezvous. RSVP to tucataloochee427@gmail.com by Dec. 2.

• The Haywood Waterways Association’s annual membership meeting is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Lambuth Inn in Lake Junaluska. $15 per person; holiday buffet dinner. RSVP by Dec. 3: 476.4667 or Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com.

• The public is invited to join astronomers for an observing session of the winter night sky at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman. Reservations required by 3 p.m. on Dec. 11. $20 per adult; $15 for seniors/military; children 10 and under are admitted free. www.pari.edu or 862.5554. Info: schappell@pari.edu.

• Observations of the Geminid meteor shower are scheduled for 10 p.m.-midnight on Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman. Reservations required by 3 p.m. on Dec. 11. $15 for adults; children 10 and under are admitted free. www.pari.edu or 862.5554.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market is held each week until Christmas indoors at the Community Table on Central Avenue next to the pool and Poteet Park from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

HIKING CLUBS • The Nantahala Hiking Club will have a five-mile hike to William’s Pulpit on the Bartram Trail, with an elevation change of 800 feet, on Saturday, Dec. 5. For more info, contact leader Mary Stone at 369.7352.

• Nantahala Hiking club will have a 2.5-mile hike with a 200-foot elevation change on Sunday, Dec. 6.

For more info, contact leader Kay Coriell at 369.6820.

• A 5.5-mile Classic Hike of the Smokies is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8. Hike has an elevation gain of 600 feet to Juney Whank, Indian Creek and Toms Branch waterfalls. $35 for new members; $10 for existing members. Register by Dec. 6: friendsofthesmokies.org/calendar.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 7.5-mile “Cookie Hike” on Dec. 9. Elevation gain of 800 feet. For info, contact leaders Ken and Carol Deal at 274.7070 or cnkdeal@charter.net.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a shorter, 3-mile version of its “Cookie Hike” on Dec. 9. Elevation gain of 400 feet. For info, contact leader Diane Stickney at 333.3207 or magenta9@charter.net.

• Nantahala Hiking Club will have a seven-mile hike of Smokemont Loop on Saturday, Dec. 12, in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Elevation gain is 1,300 feet. For info, contact leader Keith Patton at 456.8895.

• Nantahala Hiking Club will have a 7.5-mile hike starting at the tunnel on the road to nowhere on Saturday, Dec. 12. Elevation change of 700 feet. For info, contact leader Gail Lehman at 524.5298.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 5.4-mile hike with a 750-foot ascent from Craven Gap to Folk Art

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings Center on Dec. 13. For info, contact leader Dick Zimmerer at 989.0480 or dd1zz@yahoo.com.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have an eight-mile hike from Pink Beds to Clawhammer and return on Dec. 16.

Elevation gain of 2,300 feet. For info, contact leader Randy Fluharty at 423.9030 or rfluharty54@gmail.com.

OUTDOOR CLUBS • The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office. The club is for adults and children and includes a monthly meeting with a program and a support network for those raising birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

• The North Carolina Catch program, a three-phase conservation education effort focusing on aquatic environments, will be offered through May 15. The program is offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free for members; daily admission for non-members. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• An RV camping club, the Vagabonds, camps one weekend per month from April through November. All ages welcome. No dues or structured activities. For details, write lilnau@aol.com or call 369.6669.

• The Tuckaseigee River Chapter No. 373 of Trout Unlimited meets at 6:30 p.m. on first Tuesday of the month at United Community Bank in Sylva. Dinner is $5.

• The Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the second Tuesday of the month starting with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Rendezvous restaurant located on the corner of Jonathan Creek Road and Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 631.5543.

• Cold Mountain Photographic Society is a camera/photography club for amateurs and professionals who want to learn about and share their knowledge of photography with others. Must be 18 or older to join. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the conference room of MedWest Health and Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Drive in Clyde. More information at www.cmpsnc.org or info@cmpsnc.org.

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FARM AND GARDEN • Applications are being accepted for the Haywood County Extension’s 2016 Master Gardener Class.

Trainings are Tuesday mornings from Jan. 5-April 19.

Apply by Dec. 30. 456.3575 or sarah_scott@ncsu.edu.

• Master Gardener Greens Market will be open on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the KFC parking lot in Waynesville. Greens for arrangements, swags, centerpieces, etc. Proceeds from the market go to fund horticultural projects and grants in Haywood County.

• Haywood County Arts Council will host artists from the Haywood Art Studio Tour at the Gallery & Gifts Space in Waynesville. www.HaywoodArts.org.

December 2-8, 2015

• A classic movie starring Greer Carson and Walter Pidgeon will be shown at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, in the Macon County Public Library’s Meeting Room.

Based on a true story: Edna Gladney lost her son when he was young then later opened an orphanage for children whose parents are unknown. 524.3600.

• Guided tours of WATR Discovery Trails at Monteith Farmstead Park in Dillsboro can be scheduled by calling 488.8418. For youth or adult/civic groups.

• A new documentary narrated by Forest Whitaker about a small group of workers overcoming corporate greed to end slavery and abuse in America’s fields will be shown at 2 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room.

• The Haywood County Arts Council’s “It’s a Small, Small Work” will run from till Dec. 26 at the council’s Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville. Most prices will be between $50-$125, with nothing over $300. www.haywoodarts.org, info@haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.

Smoky Mountain News

McAdams and Emma Stone will be shown at 2 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Macon County Public Library’s Meeting Room. A celebrated military contractor returns to the site of his greatest career triumphs.

524.3600.

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December 2-8, 2015

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REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

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533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LAWN & 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

PLANTS/SHRUBS

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FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

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Prevent Unwanted Litters!

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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. All dwellings advertised on an equal opportunity basis.

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

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Also Available for Sale!

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OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

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For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

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321-05 321-22

52

67 ACRES OFF PRESSLEY CREEK IN CULLOWHEE NEAR WCU. Includes 2/BR 2/BA, 1600 sq. ft. house, workshop & garage.

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——————————————

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MOUNTAIN REALTY

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Mountain Home Properties

321-61

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ORIENTAL STYLE WOOL RUG With pad, 8.5 ft. x 12 ft. $280 828.877.2446

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74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

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321-65

Mountain Realty

Ron Breese Broker/Owner

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find us at: facebook.com/smnews

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • • •

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OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Approx. 450 sq. ft., Kitchenette with Microwave, Sink and Undercounter Fridge. 2 Seperate areas for 2 Offices and a Storage Room in Back. All Heat, AC & Util. are Included at $695/mo. High Traffic Area at 850 N. Main St. Waynesville. Contact Sharon 828.421.8812

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The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

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December 2-8, 2015

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

73 Engine fuel sold all over the country?

79 Razor option ACROSS 80 Lampoon 1 Pink bird 81 Combo punches 9 — -jongg 85 Things that destroy 12 Return 87 Cousin of a 401(k) 20 Spray types 89 Austrian peak 21 Simian beast 90 Inner Hebrides isle 22 The college world 91 Muscle jerk 23 Displayed collection 92 Slammer used by a of choice coffees? global crime-fighting 25 Lawfulness agency?

26 Spanish for “those” 96 En — (all together) 27 Displayed collection 99 Tree with acorns of animals 100 Rate 28 Certain Nebraskan 101 The Netherlands 30 Most draftable before 1939?

31 Brew for a Brit 107 Stuff in soap 33 Group of connected 108 “Ooh —!” electric generators?

36 2012 Robert Pattinson 109 Name of 11 pharaohs film 40 Las Vegas’ state: Abbr. 110 Actress — Dawn Chong 41 Stale-smelling 112 Generic dog 42 Period when some 116 Radiating heat or buttercup-family plants light, say are grown?

46 Vast, grassy Argentine 118 Entertainer Rita did a pressing job? plain 122 Greatest 51 Actress Wynter 123 “... man — mouse?”

52 One day — time 124 Came into, as debt 53 Biol., e.g.

125 People going 54 One driving too fast “Achoo!”

56 Touchdown area 126 — degree 58 “Neon” tank swim127 Their names are hidmers den in eight answers in 61 Daddy deer this puzzle 62 Group overseeing quadrennial games?

67 Cartoonist Bil of “The DOWN 1 Stardom Family Circus” 2 Most August-born folks 70 “It’s — -brainer!”

3 Western U.S. oil giant 71 Wee one 4 — scale of hardness 72 Beijing locale THE ARTIST WITHIN

5 “It — far, far better ...”

6 Yuletide beverage 7 Doughnut coating 8 Capital near Lillehammer 9 West of film 10 Cook’s tie-on 11 2002 #3 hit for Cam’ron 12 Actor Rory 13 Liner locales 14 Refrigerator stick-on 15 Writer LeShan 16 Under 17 — acid 18 Person quoting 19 Inuit canoe 24 Metallic veins 29 Bullets, e.g.

31 Dr.’s gp.

32 Tedious list 34 YSL part 35 Variety 36 A-F link 37 Joie de vivre 38 — a hand 39 Iquitos natives, e.g.

40 Supersecret org.

43 News note 44 — part (play on stage) 45 Noonday nap 47 Principles of artistic beauty 48 Cato’s 1,503 49 The Evita of “Evita” 50 Soccer site 54 Cul-de- — 55 It follows chi 57 Margarine 59 General — chicken 60 — -tiller 63 Ark unit

64 Prefix with 72-Across 65 Redact jointly 66 Oxy target 67 Tree knots 68 Accept avidly 69 Skylit courts 74 It airs “Fresh Air” 75 “How — I to know?”

76 Whirl 77 Hang laxly 78 Like a live ball 82 Stirred to life 83 Obligation 84 Devitalizes 86 Austen title 88 Middle name of Elvis 89 Just swell 92 Compound variants 93 Guitarist Cline 94 Italian father 95 Sugar ending 97 Make it there 98 Schick tool 101 Members of the masses 102 Japanese noodle soup 103 Beethoven’s “Fuer —” 104 Offscourings 105 Yellow fruit 106 Of — (in some way) 107 Helmsley or Lewis 111 “There’s — in the air” 112 Citadel 113 Concerning 114 Moose, e.g.

115 10:1, e.g.

117 “— who?!”

119 Stadium cry 120 Here, in Haiti 121 Stocking flaw

answers on page 54

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WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 54

Horseshoe Rock phenomenon attracts writers’ attention “As for the Horseshoe Rock, it is one of those curving balds of solid rock. The depressions found on the rock are quite a curiosity, because of their great number, uniform size, and arrangement in long straight rows running parallel close together and at regular intervals; in fact, everything about them is so regular as to border on the supernatural …. One can visualize a herd of ponies coming up Horseshoe Rock from below by leaping past its more perpendicular part and then riding on in military formation abreast of one another to the top where they vanish in thin air.”

— T.W. Reynolds, High Lands (1964)

BACK THEN sion of sand in water. But water flow on the summit of the dome would have been of insufficient volume and force to create the

A hiker on Horseshoe Rock. Donated photo

A

314-22

JUST IN...

SOCKS Edgy quotes combined with elegant imagery for those daring, funky ladies and guys with a good sense of humor.

Affairs of the Heart

Smoky Mountain News

George Ellison

depressions via granular erosion. A “lightning expert” advised that small depressions “collect water, which attracts lightning” that makes larger depressions.

The correct answer — albeit less dramatic than lightning strikes — was supplied by the state geologist for North Carolina, who replied to the Reynolds’ query as follows: “Your description and sketches indicate that the depressions are the result of weathering. As the weather acts on the rock, some portions being less resistant, and others, more so, the less resistant are moved away by various processes, including solution, thus leaving the depressions behind.”

In geology texts, these depressions are defined as “weathering pits” or “solution pits.” They form where certain minerals weather more rapidly than others.

Accordingly, the “weathering pits” on Horseshoe Rook were formed like a linear series “hoof prints” by the chance deposition of ancient minerals.

Faith Hunter, a native of Louisiana reportedly living in South Carolina, has obviously spent some time in Western North Carolina and has actually visited Horseshoe Rock.

Hunter is a prolific writer of fantasy, paranormal, and thriller novels. These are genres I don’t normally follow, but I chanced upon her work when I googled up “Horseshoe Rock.” One of her many series of novels and stories is devoted to a character named Jane Yellowrock, who has no memory of her life or family before she was 12 except for “a granite mountain” that had

Carolina in the Nantahala National Forest.”

So she journeyed to WNC on her trusty dirt bike (what else?) and “took State Road 281 through the hills” until she “spotted a sign that said “Wolf Mountain Road.”

The next day she returned and located Horseshoe Rock, “where standing in the lowering clouds, their mist snaking over the ridge into the valley below, I looked out over the world below. Horseshoe Rock was bigger than I could remember … bigger than anything I could ever remember seeing.

Yet it was familiar. I had been here before. Several … no.

Many times before.”

So there you go. Three entirely different writers (counting me) latched onto the same spot for entirely different reasons: historical, journalistic, and novelistic. I haven’t been back to Horseshoe Rock — but, if I do, I’ll be surprised if I don’t find those hoof prints in stone right where I left them 15 years ago.

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)

December 2-8, 2015

s a collector of books about Western North Carolina, I am curious about the authors and the places they write about. Horseshoe Rock, a granite outcrop at 4,000 feet in the remote northeastern portion of Jackson County, has been visited and written about by at least three authors. Those would be me; T.R. Reynolds, the eccentric Highlands local Columnist historian and adventurer; and Faith Hunter, author of paranormal fantasies like Skinwalker in her “Jane Yellowrock” series, which features a full blooded Cherokee woman who happens to be is a hunter of rogue-vampires.

Reynolds’ books include High Lands (1964); Born of the Mountains (1964); Cherokee and Creek (1966); and The Southern Appalachian Region (Hitherto Untold Stories) 2 vols. (1966). He was at times cranky when describing his adventures, and he wasn’t the finest prose stylist this side of Wilma Dykeman; nevertheless, he wrote from direct experience.

Having read about Horseshoe Rock in High Lands, it wasn’t long before I decided to visit the place myself. That was in the fall of 2001. At 4,000 feet the morning air was brisk. Gray mist swirled up out of the valleys obscuring distant vistas. But I was not disappointed. The outcrop exposure was much more expansive than anticipated. Indeed, the contiguous cliffs form a huge horseshoelike curve on the eastern front of Wolf Mountain.

The ancient “hoof prints” are clearly etched into the rock strata.

There are numerous high-elevation granitic domes and rock faces in Western North Carolina, including Sunset Rock overlooking downtown Highlands that display similar features. But as Reynolds noted, the ones at Horseshoe Rock are perhaps unique in regard to their linear patterns.

As to the origins of the “hoof prints,” Reynolds consulted various “authorities on such matters. One of those was of the opinion that the depressions were created — like potholes in a stream — by the circular ero-

been “pitted by tears.”

Having researched the Internet, she determined that the most likely site to recover her past self and her lost family was “Horseshoe Rock in Jackson County, North

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

55

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