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

December 7-13, 2016 Vol. 18 Iss. 28

Gatlinburg men relive escape down fiery mountain Page 4 Professor, alumnus nominated for literary award Page 22

CONTENTS On the Cover: The dry spell in Haywood came to an end Nov. 8 when residents voted in favor of allowing beer and wine sales. Many businesses in the rural communities of the county are already going through the county permitting process that will allow them to sell alcohol at their establishments like James Ferguson. (Page 6)

News Rain quells wildfires across the region ........................................................................3 Gatlinburg men relive escape down fiery mountain ..................................................4 Newspaper archives reveal Pearl Harbor reactions ..................................................9 WWII vet reflects on conflict, atomic bomb ............................................................10 Swain band performs at Pearl Harbor Anniversary ................................................10 Haywood Commission selects new chairman ........................................................12 Maggie Chamber restructures membership options ............................................13 Macon man admits to igniting small wildfires ..........................................................14 Feedback being gathered on Jackson’s comp plan ..............................................15 Community Almanac ........................................................................................................17

Opinion Castro rebuffed U.S. for 50 years ................................................................................18

A&E WCU professor, alumnus nominated for Dublin Literary Award ........................22

Outdoors Tradition and science meet in Cherokee forest plan ............................................34

The Naturalist’s Corner

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Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

Granddaddy of ‘em all ......................................................................................................47

Smoky Mountain Indian Motorcycle 82 Locust Dr, Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 452-7276 - WWW.SMSH.CO 2

After the fire W

hen hurricane-force winds met burning, bone-dry forest, the city of Gatlinburg transformed overnight on Nov. 28-29 from lively tourist town to panicseared disaster area. Gusts clocking in as high as 87 miles per hours blew balls of fire down from the blaze’s origin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, catching residents and visitors by surprise in the days following Thanksgiving. People raced to evacuate, to escape the flames that threatened to consume the entire city.

One week later, rains had quelled the fire, which occupied 17,006 acres with 58 percent containment as of Tuesday, Dec. 6. But 14 people had lost their lives, more than 145 had been injured and 1,753 structures had been damaged or destroyed. The fire left wounds that will take time to heal.

From a Red Cross shelter to the rubble heaps checkering the city to a Texas Roadhouse restaurant where a pair of fire survivors took a much-needed break over beer and steak, stories of loss, anger and hope abound in Gatlinburg.

A checkerboard of devastation Fire levels some areas and leaves others untouched

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER GATLINBURG — Just before hitting the McDonald’s along U.S. 321 east of Gatlinburg on Dec. 2, traffic slows to a crawl.

Then, to all but a stop. Hundreds of homeowners, business owners and residents line up in anxious anticipation as to what they’ll find when they finally make it through the checkpoint. An intact home, landscaped with magically unsinged shrubs? Or a pile of ash, nothing left except perhaps a few concrete steps leading to a nonexistent porch?

After the checkpoint it’s smooth sailing.

The cars spread out, and suddenly it seems like there’s way too much road for the amount of traffic available to fill it. Gatlinburg is supposed to be crowded. Even on the worst day

Connatser is grateful to still have a job, as the Hampton — like the rest of Gatlinburg’s main drag — escaped the flames. She and her staff are busy washing linens and airing out the rooms to banish the smell of smoke. The building will soon be back in a pre-fire state, she said, and she expects the same will be true of many other businesses downtown.

“We have every faith that it’s going to be that way sooner rather than later,” Connatser says. “Our community is just amazing.”

Other parts of the city weren’t so lucky.

Up on Ski Mountain Road, Sam Cox, 72, was pacing the parking lot, gazing at the rubbled remains of what had once been his rental properties and commercial buildings.

“They stayed till they saw the fire coming down the side of the mountain,” he says,

Lucky to be alive Gatlinburg men relive harrowing escape down fiery mountain items, some personal effects such as the ashes of Luciano’s deceased father, and the Doberman, Red. Then, they were off, hurtling down Ski Hill Road. Fulton drove, and Luciano filmed. The video, which has amassed countless views after being published on news outlets worldwide, shows lines of flame burning on the periphery of frame as the truck speeds downhill.

“When I saw that big tree, I thought seriously, this is it. We might not make it out.”

— Michael Luciano

S EE E SCAPE, PAGE 5

of the year, it’s supposed to be full of tourists headed to Ripley’s Aquarium, the Ole Smoky Distillery or any of the countless tourist shops lining the streets downtown.

Today, the sun is shining, the sky is blue — and, somehow, downtown is empty. Every few seconds, a vehicle will drive past, usually belonging to some branch of law enforcement. Stepping on the sidewalk feels like stepping onto an empty stage.

Duck inside the Hampton Inn, and at first glance things look normal. There are Christmas decorations in the lobby, an employee at the front desk. But the air is full of smoke, and windblown leaves and dirt are scattered on the floor.

“No one expected it to do what it did,” says General Manager Christie Connatser. “I think it really caught a lot of people off guard, myself included.”

When the fire hit on Monday night, Nov. 28, Connatser had already left for the day. She wishes she’d known what was about to happen. She would have stayed, she said. Instead, she had to talk her employees through the crisis via telephone as they got the inn’s guests to safety.

pointing to three concrete steps next to what had been a rental cabin before the fire converted it to a pile of ash. Luckily, its inhabitants made it out.

The brick walls of the commercial buildings are still standing, but little else. Roofs, windows, garage doors — all gone. A Jeep was left parked outside, and all that’s left of that is the metal frame. Even the glass and the tires have vanished. A grove of trees borders the developed area, and those are still standing. The ground is burned only a few feet inside the forested area.

“I’m still trying to figure out how the fire engulfed this whole area without going back into the mountains,” Cox says.

He figures he’s lost about seven or eight structures, though several of his other business interests are still standing.

“It means I’m not going to be nearly as busy,” he says wryly.

Across the street, husband and wife Kathy Moore and Robert Hintz have parked to see what’s left of Ski Mountain Chalet Rentals, where Hintz has worked for the past 25 years.

Though most of the village’s rental properties

Smoky Mountain News

Then, they reach an impasse. A downed telephone pole blocked the road, and they’re forced to turn around in search of an alternate route.

“That ended up being where hell started,” Luciano said. “It did not end until we got to the very bottom.”

It was hot inside the truck, maybe 110 degrees with the AC on. Smoke was thick all around, driving visibility to almost nothing as Fulton strove to keep the speed up. All around, cabins were going up in flame, the busted-out window frames filled with flickering orange. Propane tanks burst with regularity, sending out waves of heat that the two men could feel inside the truck.

Smoke rises from the Chimney Tops 2 Fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Nov. 27. NPS photo

December 7-13, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER GATLINBURG — It started with an ember.

One single ember, falling from the sky into Michael Luciano’s front yard in Chalet Village in Gatlinburg.

The Chimney Tops 2 Fire had been burning the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the past several days, pumping smoke into the air and casting an orange glow to the sky. Smoky air was the new normal, but on this particular day — Monday, Nov. 28 — the smoke was a bit thicker, the orange glow of the nearby fire a bit brighter. And then, the ember.

“I turned my camera off on my phone. I went in and got my stepbrother. I said, ‘We need to get on the ATVs and we need to check out the area,” said Luciano, 37.

They hadn’t driven but a few hundred yards when they found the fire, burning hot and approaching the cabin across the road from his house. Luciano was shocked.

There’d been no warning, he said. No warning at all.

“The news was on all the time. TV was still on. Power was still on up until the time we evacuated,” he said. “The power went out while we were loading the truck up.

There was no warning at all. None.”

Not even on the ham radio that Luciano and his stepbrother and roommate Anthony Fulton, 30, keep for just such an emergency.

They spent only 90 seconds inside the house, rushing to gather a few emergency

S EE DEVASTATION, PAGE 4 3

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Where to go from here Fire survivors wait and wonder in Red Cross shelter

Fire survivor Olga Alvarez gives a cheerful thumbs-up to evacuated tourist Lee McDaniel, who she met in the Red Cross shelter. Despite losing her home.

Alvarez remained cheerful. Holly Kays photo

Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER GATLINBURG — Coaches and team jerseys were absent from Rocky Top Sports World Friday morning, but the sports-complex-turned-Red-Cross-shelter surged with activity as Dec. 2 began.

Cots studded with personal belongings filled the basketball court. Children laughed and chased each other up the curved staircase to the second floor. Fold-up tables covered with packaged food and toiletries lined the wall, and the concession stand — located behind a pair of portable massage chairs where volunteers were hard at work relaxing the muscles of shelter residents and first responders — held a team of volunteers whipping up a hot breakfast for those who had been displaced by the fire.

Though the number of people housed at Red Cross shelters had diminished substantially from the 1,400 people served the first night, the organization’s two shelters still held 200 people. Dec. 2 was the first day that survivors would be allowed back in the city to check on their belongings, so the building was full of comings and goings.

“Everything hunky-dory here?” asked a volunteer as she stopped by a table in the sunny lobby where three fire survivors were breakfasting.

“If it gets any better I’m going to buy a house up here,” replied Lee McDaniel.

There wasn’t any sarcasm in his voice. In fact, McDaniel, 73, and his wife Jody, 68 — both from New Orleans — had spent the past half hour talking about how wonderful the people of Tennessee had been to them.

“I went through Katrina in New Orleans,” said Jody. “I only wish that people reacted like the people here.”

Despite the near-death experience of Monday night, their faces were relaxed, their attitudes cheerful.

“It was smoky all day, so that’s why we had the curtains closed like dumb idiots,” Jody said. “We didn’t know what was going 4 on. When it (smoke) overtook our room we

couldn’t breathe. I called the front desk and she said, ‘We’ve been trying to reach y’all.’ I said, ‘Really? We’ve been right here.’ She said, ‘Honey, you have to evacuate.’ I opened the curtain and everywhere, each way you looked, was fire. Unbelievable.”

She and Lee were the last guests to leave Towns Square Resort that night. They got separated on the way down in the confusion of smoke and wind. Jody took the elevator and Lee, whose military training prohibited him from using an elevator when alarm bells were ringing, took the stairs. He stashed their stuff in the laundry room on the way down.

Lee and Jody were grateful for the hospitality shown them in the shelter, and while they were eager to start the drive back to New Orleans, the McDaniels had no hesitation in pledging that they’d make their Thanksgiving trip to Gatlinburg again next year.

Olga Alvarez, 54, shared their sunny smiles as she breakfasted across the table.

But unlike Lee and Jody McDaniels, Alvarez had no home to go back to.

“I’m so sorry,” Jody said.

“I’m not,” replied Alvarez. “It was just material things. As long as my uncle and the dogs got out, I’m good.”

Alvarez had been staying with her “adopted” uncle Chuck off of Cherokee Orchard Road when the fire came. She’d been on the balcony since 2 p.m. that day, recording everything on her phone. She could see buildings going up in flame all around her.

“It was bad,” she said.

They all got out — Alvarez, Chuck and the two dogs — but both Chuck’s and Alvarez’ residences are gone. Or so, at least, she assumes. Alvarez still hasn’t been able to get back on the property, though the police have told her that everything in that area is destroyed. She’s at least glad to know that she still has a job — the hotel where she works as a housekeeper is still standing.

As of Monday, Dec. 5, she was still staying at the shelter, unsure of what to do next.

Somehow, though, Alvarez stayed positive. She laughed and smiled all through

breakfast, doling out hugs with abandon.

“There’s too many people out there that are already upset because of everything they lost,” she said. “If I see them crying, I’ll be the first one giving them a hug.”

It’s probably because of the example her grandparents set, she said. During her upbringing in New York City, her grandfather was a pastor and her grandmother made it a point to get up early and fix breakfast for drug addicts and homeless people in the neighborhood.

“We’ll live,” she said. “We’ll find something eventually.”

Over in the opposite corner of the lobby, Ligia Quiroz was having a harder time being confident in the future. She and her husband Santos had lost everything. They escaped without much besides their third-grade daughter Sobrina and the car.

“We just ran out of the house with just the things that we had and a bag of clothes that we were going to take to the laundry,” said Sobrina.

Bright-eyed and smiley, Sobrina is the only one in her family who speaks English. She served as the bouncy translator between her mother and The Smoky Mountain News reporter, relaying the words with a smile that didn’t always match the weight of the meaning.

It was horrible, Ligia said. It looked like the fire was going to consume the town — she was terrified.

After fleeing the fire, Sobrina reported, they set about looking for a hotel, grateful to finally find one — that one being the Red Cross shelter at Rocky Top. As to what happens after this, they’re not sure. They’ve been in Gatlinburg for eight years, but now their house is gone, and near-

ly all their possessions. They don’t have any relatives in the area. When asked whether the family planned to stay in Gatlinburg or go elsewhere, Ligia had no answer.

“We don’t know yet,” she said.

Across the room, Leverne Scott, 62, and his wife, Sharh, were preparing to leave for their home in Florida. They were eager to get out of the shelter, and to see what was left of the possessions they’d left in the hotel, but they weren’t shy about admitting they were going to miss their adopted family — specifically, volunteers Joan Miller, Dawn Cotter and Alivia Cotter, who were tagging along with the Scotts to see the hotel where they’d been staying when the fire came.

“We plan on being together the rest of the day,” Leverne said.

Miller and the two Cotters — Joan is Dawn’s mother and Alivia’s grandmother — have been at the shelter every day since the fire. They’ve kept busy with finding people clothes to wear, schlepping them back and forth to Sevierville and driving them to their motels.

“This community is really a close-knit community,” Dawn said. “Even if Red Cross wasn’t here, these people would still have been taken care of.”

Neither she nor Joan lost their homes or their jobs in the fire. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t been impacted. Dawn, for one, has lived in Gatlinburg for 25 years.

“It hits home,” she said. “The wedding chapel I got married in is burned. The restaurant I had my baby shower in is burned. People we work with, their homes are gone. If you think about it, 25 years is your life here. It’s just a shame.”

Fire converted buildings to heaps of ash off of Ski Mountain Road in Gatlinburg.

Holly Kays photo

DEVASTATION, CONTINUED FROM 3 are still standing, the office building is gone, part of an area about the size of a football field that’s nothing but rubble. A burnedout truck, a row of singed washing machines with no walls surrounding them, the skeleton of an office building.

The couple lives off of Glades Road.

They watched the orange glow fill the sky all night long the night of the fire, but thankfully their home was spared.

“We were scared. We packed up our

cars with all the important stuff,” Moore said. “We just basically sat and watched it all night.”

It’s devastating, she said, to see how much was lost, how many lives were impacted. But driving through Gatlinburg today gave her hope.

“When you watch it on TV they continually loop the worst areas,” she said, but that’s not the whole story.

“What strikes me,” she said, “is there are a lot of areas where you can’t even tell that there’s anything wrong.”

I

Report arson The Chimney Tops 2 Fire that spread to Gatlinburg, like all except one of the fires in Western North Carolina, is believed to be human-caused, and authorities are investigating its origin.

• Anybody who hiked or knew someone who hiked the Chimney Tops Trail on Wednesday, Nov. 23, should interview with the investigative team to provide much-needed information. Call 888.653.0009, email nps_isb@nps.gov, tweet to @SpecialAgentNPS or fill out a survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ TipLine_InvestigativeServicesNPS. • North Carolina and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are offering up to $10,000 for information leading to conviction of someone responsible for setting wildfires in WNC. Contact Jackson County at 828.631.1125, Macon County at 828.349.2600 or the BIA at 800.472.7766.

Lend a hand The Chimney Tops 2 Fire destroyed or damaged more than 1,600 structures, and those who would like to help the survivors have multiple options to do so.

• The Gatlinburg Relief Fund, established by the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will directly benefit impacted families. The fund is being managed through SmartBank. Donate at www.smartbank.com.

• The My People Fund, established by The Dollywood Foundation, gives 100 percent of donations directly to affected families. Donate at www.dollywoodfoundation.org.

• The Red Cross has been providing a variety of services, such as food and shelter, to displaced families. Donate at www.redcross.org and note that you would like your donation to be used for the response in Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountain News

hot spots, said Warren Bielenberg, public information officer for the fire. Some demobilization is even underway.

The rain prompted the N.C. Forest Service to lift its burn ban, with some counties following suit. However, burn bans are still in place for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the national forests. And while recent rains have put a dent in the drought, they haven’t vanquished it. Pigeon Forge is still 5 inches short of where it would be on a normal year, and Asheville is more than 10 inches short.

“The drought is still in place, and that is going to take time and more moisture, regular moisture,” said Tim Engrav of the Joint Information Center in Asheville. “If some of that regular moisture stops coming through, things could start to dry out again, so there’s still a concern for that.

Everybody’s being cautiously optimistic that the weather has shifted.”

“They were blowing up left and right. It was total devastation,” Luciano said. “The further you went down the worse it got.”

Luciano narrates the video with panicked disbelief. There was no warning, he says.

Every single cabin is on fire. No warning at all. Every single cabin.

“Trees, telephones down,” Fulton said.

“Telephone poles have like 300 pounds of tension on either side, but once that burns it’s just falling over.”

What if they encountered another telephone pole, Luciano wondered. What if Wylie Oakley Road was blocked off, too?

Were they about to die?

Then, they came to the tree. A huge, bowled-over tree, the trunk covering the right side of the road and the thinner top part covering the left.

“When I saw that big tree, I thought seriously, this is it,” Luciano said. “We might not make it out.”

It was certainly possible — on the way down they passed a body, likely someone who’d succumbed to smoke inhalation Michael Luciano, far left, and his stepbrother Anthony Fulton, far right, while fleeing. enjoy an evening at Texas Roadhouse in the days following their harrowFulton backed up and rammed ing escape from the fire. Jason Liberadzki sits next to Luciano. Holly Kays photo the truck forward, somehow making it over the branches and fied that his house had survived. Dinner back onto the road. But it wasn’t long before would be on him, he told the group gathered they encountered another obstacle — a around the table.

“I’ve worked many wildfires with the stopped car, blocking the road. On the video, Luciano screams and curses. If the car doesn’t Forest Service, and a man can defend his home with a garden hose on a standard creepmove, they’re done.

“I’m cursing, screaming. I’m banging on ing wildfire, but when you have wind it’s all his window,” Luciano said. “The man cracks over,” said Luciano’s friend Jason Liberadzki, his window and it’s an old guy. He goes, ‘I can’t who is a volunteer firefighter and manages see.’ I said, ‘Just pull over a little bit. If you can’t water operations for the neighborhood as an independent contractor. “It was like no wildsee you can follow our taillights down.’”

It worked. The man got in line behind fire I’ve ever been part of.”

He was the first one on the scene after the them. At exactly 9:11 p.m., they made it to the bottom, where flashing police cars blocked fire roared through Monday night, anyone from going back up the mountain. Liberadzki said, checking on the damage to There was a man at the bottom, a resident of water infrastructure. It looked “like a war.

Chalet Village, who waved Luciano and Like a bomb went off. There were fires everyFulton down to say that his wife and daugh- where, still smoldering.” He remembers the ters were still up there. Would the brothers first lost pet he found in the remains, a cat with burned fur that meowed like a crying please, please, take him up to get them.

Those cabins had burned, Luciano said. child. Getting the creature to animal control for eventual reunion with his family was a They’d all die if they went back up there.

“The look on his face was just pure loss,” small victory amid the chaos.

The shock has begun to subside, at least Luciano said. “Once we got down I was no longer thinking about death. I was thinking, slightly, for Fulton and Luciano. “I’ve calmed ‘Thank God we made it.’ But to see that man down a little bit,” as Luciano puts it. To realhave to worry about his wife and two daugh- ize that he has life when he so easily could ters — the look in his eyes was just devastat- have lost it that night — it’s humbling.

“There’s not one cabin in my video except ing. Just terrible.”

But they had to press on, continuing on where the fires hadn’t reached yet that was gridlocked U.S. 321 toward Pigeon Forge. not on fire,” Luciano said. “It was just the They sat there for about 15 minutes, not mov- worst thing that could have happened to this ing, watching fire loom on both sides of the town, but it will rebuild. The trees will come road. If felt like a lot longer than 15 minutes. back. Everything will be OK. I’m just lucky to “Then we got into Pigeon Forge and it was be out of there with my life.”

December 7-13, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t took mere hours for the Chimney Tops 2 Fire to escape the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sweep down to engulf parts of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Monday, Nov. 28. But as wind fueled the roaring fire, rain was on its way.

The first drops of precipitation fell late Monday night, continuing into a steady rain Tuesday morning. More rain came on Wednesday, and precipitation resumed Sunday, Dec. 4, with rain still falling as of press time Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The water has had a big impact on the firefighting.

“All that rain has had a tremendous impact,” said Mike Proud, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service stationed at the command post in Pigeon Forge. “We have not had any rainfall intensities that are triggering any debris or mudflows, so that’s good. A nice light-intensity rain for a long duration is what we’re looking for as the best-case scenario, and thankfully that’s what we’ve had over the past few days.”

Since Nov. 30, the Pigeon Forge command post has received 3.75 inches of rain, Proud said, enough for lighter fuels like twigs and grass to absorb so much water they’re not really flammable. If rain continues, heavier fuels like logs could soon be in the same situation.

However, there’s still no consensus on weather the past week’s rain will end wildfire season for good. Periodic rain will need to continue for fire danger to stay low.

“This rain will put a damper on fire season for at least a couple of weeks,” Proud said. “If the pattern continues with systems every couple of days, it will definitely suppress the fire activity for another month or so.”

The prognosis is much more positive than it’s been in a long time. In North Carolina, nearly all of the fires are at 100 percent containment, with many firefighting teams now demobilizing. And, with rain falling for the third day straight, the Chimney Tops 2 Fire stopped growing.

Crews were even able to work on interior

just complete calm,” Luciano said. “It was like nothing happened.”

They stopped at Walgreens to get some toiletries. Luciano called his mother.

“She was teared up,” Luciano said. “She said she prayed for God to put a blanket over the house and over the vehicle. A wet blanket.”

Perhaps that’s what happened. The truck and its inhabitants made it out safely, and the house survived the fire. Luciano has been relentlessy busy in the days since. His video footage propelled him to unsought notoriety.

His phone never stops buzzing. He’s been interviewed for countless articles and broadcasts and ignored requests for countless more.

Dinner at the Pigeon Forge Texas Roadhouse Friday, Dec. 2, provided his first opportunity to relax since the fire came. And it was a celebration, because he’d finally veri-

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Rain quells wildfires across the region

E SCAPE, CONTINUED FROM 3

5

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Haywood County wipes the dust off the bottle Alcohol referenda brings change to rural communities

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he State of North Carolina has long had a conflicted relationship with alcohol; although largely unregulated during colonial times, it became an irritant to the agrarian, conservative majority of 19th-century voters who, like much of the nation, watched the ultimate administration thereof descend from federal to state to, finally, local authorities in the early 20th century.

Since then, cities and counties in North Carolina have come full circle, but continue to wrestle with a complex issue that includes social, economic, judicial and religious viewpoints overlaid by ever-present concerns about individualism, collectivism, traditionalism and progressivism.

At the intersection of all those -isms lies Haywood County, where residents recently voted overwhelmingly to permit sales of beer and wine in areas of the county that haven’t legally sold alcohol for more than 110 years, if ever.

Pro or con, yea or nay, the voters who enabled this measure on a local level will be the first to assess its social and economic impact — how it changes the character of the isolated communities it will no doubt affect, and whether the expected economic boon is worth it.

December 7-13, 2016

T

FAMILY TRADITION “This might be the first legal beer sold in Fines Creek,” said James Ferguson.

The alcohol permitting process

Smoky Mountain News

lthough it is now legal to sell wine and beer outside of incorporated municipalities in Haywood County, businesses can’t just start slinging suds — a thorough permitting process is in place to ensure the responsible issuance of retail permits.

James Ferguson, owner of Ferguson Supply in Fines Creek, is one such applicant.

“The process is a process in itself,” Ferguson said.

Haywood County Commissioner and Marathon gas station owner Kevin Sorrells, however, doesn’t think it’s all that bad.

“It looks imposing, because it’s a lot of gathering,” he said. “But once you have everything together, it’s really not.”

Both Sorrells and Ferguson are correct — 6 the process isn’t onerous, but there are plen-

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Ferguson is the third-generation owner of the 99-year old Ferguson Supply and Fines Creek Café gas station/hardware store/lunch counter that sits nestled at a peculiar intersection on Betsy’s Gap Road (N.C. 209) in Fines Creek.

At Ferguson Supply, one can find anything from keys to tees and feed to seed, along with various sundries, cold soda and a damn good country fried steak. And more than likely in the near future, cold beer.

“After prohibition was lifted in the ‘30s, then it was wet. But there was so much — I remember as a kid, there was joints all over the county — beer joints everywhere. And there was a killin’ about every week or two. All you had back then was a sheriff and three deputies for the whole county. People just got fed up with it,” Ferguson said, “and voted the county dry.”

Ferguson, who’s been active in Democratic politics and on community boards for more than five decades, doesn’t ever remember alcohol being sold at the store.

“My father died in 1961. I was off down in Florida and doing this and that, and I wasn’t but 22 at the time. My brother was 21. We took the store over,” he said. “My brother run this store for 40 years. I was a silent partner in it. But we were partners in everything — if either one of us had a dime, the other one owned a nickel of it.”

Cancer took Ferguson’s brother at the age of 59 in 1999, but Ferguson ran the store with his brother’s widow until becoming sole proprietor around 2002.

“I liked it a lot better when my brother was running it,” he laughed.

Ferguson says he was 12 years old when Haywood County was voted dry around 1950.

Prior to that, he recalls some interesting scenery on the mile-long walk from home to

his grandfather’s store.

“Many times and there’d be a drunk in a ditch wrapped around a fruit jar, “ he said, again laughing. “And that was commonplace back then. Just a lot of white liquor.”

People, Ferguson said, treated alcohol

not as a social lubricant but rather a minderasing drug.

“People didn’t just drink, they — they drank and got drunk,” he said. “There wasn’t much sociable to it — they’d just do it to get drunk.”

ty of rules and conditions and it does indeed require time and money to submit an application to the state ABC commission.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old unless managing a business that sells only beer and wine, in which case they can be 19; they must also be a resident of North Carolina unless they are serving as a director, officer or stockholder of a corporate entity and are not responsible for daily business operations.

Residency is likewise not required if the applicant has granted power of attorney to a state resident who can accept process service and manage the business’s permits.

Additionally, applicants may not have any felony convictions or alcoholic permit revocations over the past three years and no alcoholic beverage offenses or misdemeanor controlled substance offenses over the last two years.

To apply, the applicant must first visit the ABC’s website and download 11 different forms ranging from the application itself to compliance documents, which must be filled out by local building, fire and zoning officials after inspections have been completed.

Those inspections carry with them a fee; additionally, in most cases, the application fee itself for retail permitting is $400, but can run as high as $1,000 for restaurants, hotels and private clubs.

The next step is to be fingerprinted at the sheriff ’s office; this too, involves a fee of $38.

Once those steps have been completed, the entire packet of forms — without the fingerprint card — must be turned in to Haywood County manager’s office.

There, the county manager will sign the local government opinion form after conversing with the sheriff ’s office, rendering a yes or no opinion on if the permit should be issued.

All materials are then returned to the applicant and assuming a “yes” from the county, applications and fees are then submitted to the ABC commission.

Before a permit is issued, the ABC seeks to ensure that both the applicant and the establishment are suitable recipients thereof; this includes not only the applicant’s “reputation, character and criminal record” but also the building’s compliance with zoning and fire codes, and the number and type of parking facilities nearby.

The ABC also considers how, exactly, the permittee will fit in to the social fabric of the community by taking into consideration the types of businesses in their neighborhood, as well as the permittee’s proximity to churches, church schools or public schools, which must be further than 50 feet away.

Permits are non-transferable and are issued for indefinite use, except when ownership of the permitted establishment changes.

State ABC records as of Dec. 5 show the only permits already approved by the ABC are on-premises beer and wine for the Waynesville Pizza Company on Felmet Street, and off-premises beer and wine for the Sorrells Merchandise Company.

Haywood County Planning Department Director Kris Boyd said that as of that same date, he’d seen only six applications come across his desk, including Sorrells’ and Ferguson’s.

The others include the Time Out Market, located almost 2 miles north of Sorrells’ place on Jonathan Creek Road, the Gift and Tobacco Barn on Carolina Boulevard in Clyde, the Food Lion in Clyde, and a yet-toopen pizza place in the Food Lion plaza.

Restaurants like Jukebox Junction in rural Bethel can now sell alcohol, if owners so choose.

Cory Vaillancourt photo.

“We have a lot of second-home people. These people are always coming in here, they go rushing back to the cooler and say, ‘Where’s the beer?’ ‘Sorry, this is a dry county.’ And they look at you real blank-like and say, ‘Well what the heck’s a dry county?’”

— James Ferguson, Ferguson’s Store

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IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER About 15 miles due south of Fines Creek in eastern Haywood County — as the crow flies — lies the idyllic Bethel community.

Like Fines Creek, it’s a small, out-of-theway place that hasn’t changed much since it was founded in the 1780s.

Home to several churches and a few modest eateries like the 1950s-themed Jukebox Junction, Bethel’s known as a conservative, religious community. Unlike Fines Creek, voters in Bethel’s Pigeon precinct voted against selling off-premises beer and against off-and on-premises wine.

Unfortunately for them, they’ll have to fall in line with the rest of the county, which leaves Dr. Roy Kilby, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church on Pigeon Road, worried about changes to the area’s social fabric.

“They’re not selling it for the good of the community, they are selling it to make money.

To take advantage of people’s weaknesses is immoral.”

— Dr. Roy Kilby, Bethel Baptist Church pastor

S EE ALCOHOL, PAGE 8

ust after the secular American Revolution, many Americans also experienced a theological revolution; from the 1790s through the 1830s, a religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening saw Protestant denominations — especially Baptists and Methodists — rise to new levels of popularity.

With that popularity came a stricter attitude towards alcohol. By the 1820s, religious revivalism had helped inspire the national Temperance Movement, which would become established in North Carolina by the 1840s, culminating in a petition for prohibition being presented to the North Carolina General Assembly in 1852.

The petition went nowhere, however, as intoxication was not the most pressing social issue of the day in much of the United States from the 1850s through the 1880s.

As both the Civil War and Reconstruction ended, the Temperance Movement again competed for national attention, finally gaining a foothold in North Carolina in 1903 with the passage of the Watts Act, which limited the manufacture and sale of liquor to incorporated towns and resulted in de facto rural prohibition.

In 1905, the Ward Law further limited that sale to incorporated towns with populations greater than 1,000.

In 1908, North Carolina became the first state in the South to ban the production and sale of alcohol altogether, with the 62-38 percent passage of a statewide referendum.

When the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on January 16, 1919 — ushering in the Prohibition Era — the only thing that changed in North Carolina was how fast the bootleggers had to travel.

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Through the 1920s, the same national prohibition that helped create Al Capone in Chicago also helped embolden whisky smugglers throughout much of Appalachia; Western North Carolinians frequently drove winding mountain backroads to Virginia and South Carolina to both distribute and procure their wares outside the purview of authorities.

The 18th Amendment was repealed in December 1933, but distribution networks that had been in place for decades prolonged the necessary existence of Appalachian bootleggers, who simply modified their vehicles to outrun law enforcement.

In the process, they became modernday folk heroes — like Maggie Valley’s “Popcorn” Sutton — and left a vast cultural imprint on the spirit of the South that led to the rise of motorsports juggernaut NASCAR as well as folkloric melodies like Mitchell County native Scotty Wiseman’s “Good Old Mountain Dew.” But not everyone in North Carolina relished the imagery conjured by these roadracing lawbreakers shilling their corrupted mores through isolated mountain towns.

Voters decided in November 1933 that the state wouldn’t even hold a convention to consider repealing the 18th Amendment, so when the federal government relinquished control of alcohol to the states, North Carolina in turn allowed counties themselves to decide whether or not to sell alcohol.

The 1937 Alcoholic Beverage Control bill created what is known today as the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.

Once the ABC system became established, any city or county that voted to permit the sale of beer and/or wine could do so.

Similarly, any county could vote to permit the sale of distilled spirits containing more than 21 percent alcohol, but only at a county-run store, and only by the bottle.

Many counties took no immediate action to authorize alcohol sales, as rural religious conservatives still dominated urban progressives. This trend continued through the post-WWII baby boom, when several failed referendum attempts were made in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

Since then, isolated communities in rural Haywood County have remained completely dry.

Smoky Mountain News

“We see what it’s done to Asheville – breweries, prostitution, homosexuality,” he said. “Wrong does not breed right, wrong breeds wrong.”

Kilby may be overstating the effect alcohol might have on his community; a manager at Jukebox Junction said that they’d chosen not to sell alcohol, and said they wanted it to remain a “family restaurant.”

But Kilby has worked with abuse and addiction in Haywood County for almost 40 years and can cite “any number of cases” as to why the county’s alcohol vote is a mistake.

“I talked with a family just this week — he just got off alcohol after being on it many years; he nearly wrecked his marriage,” Kilby said. “And that’s one of the good cases.”

According to Kilby, the presence of alcohol in a community teaches young people “at an early age” that alcohol is permissible, when the Bible clearly states that it is not.

“The only thing alcohol is good for is as an antiseptic — not a drink. To clean surgical tools. The Bible speaks ‘Wine is a mocker, and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is a fool.’”

A Spiritual Affair: The history of alcohol in Haywood County

December 7-13, 2016

UNEASY RIDER Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher has a lot more than three deputies nowadays, all of which are needed to maintain law and order across the 555 square miles of the county.

According to the most recent data from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Highway Safety Research Center, there were 953 reportable crashes in Haywood County in 2014; six of them were fatal, and half of those were alcohol-related.

That same year, exactly 400 impaired driving cases were disposed in the county; 242 resulted in a DWI conviction on some level.

Christopher said he isn’t sure if DWI stops will increase or, as Ferguson supposes, decrease as a result of the measure.

“That is a variable that is really just hard to be able to speculate,” Christopher said.

“Whether it’s going to increase the DWI situation or decrease it, we don’t know.”

He also said he’s unsure about what impact, if any, the growing number of estab-

lishments serving alcohol will have on the resources of the department.

“I don’t think it will affect us — we hope it won’t affect us,” he said. “We’re just going to have to wait and see what the numbers are as far as the number of calls we get in reference to people trying to buy alcohol in different locations underage, that sort of thing. We’re just going to have to play this by ear and see what happens.”

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Attitudes towards and education about alcohol have certainly evolved since that time, and with them, Ferguson’s store; he says he’s planning on selling alcohol for offpremises consumption, meaning you won’t be drinking a beer with that country fried steak unless you get both to go.

“I really didn’t want to get in to that,” he said of on-premises sales. “I’ll see what happens, but, I’m not sure the community would appreciate that.”

Ferguson is mindful of the residents of Fines Creek — a settlement his family’s anchored for more than a century — but says he’d heard little opposition to his plans.

“Least I ever seen — it passed by about 65 percent,” he said referring to the five recent Haywood referenda. “Every vote they ever had, there’s always been opposition — organized opposition. I never heard a word nowhere this time.”

The referendum results supported what Ferguson said. Feguson is the Democratic Party’s precinct chair in Fines Creek 1, and both beer and wine off- and on-premises sales were approved by voters in the preceinct, suggesting that residents aren’t worried about returning to the days of lawless addiction Ferguson saw as a child.

“It’s not going to make any change,” he said. If anything, Ferguson said, it will help his business while making the roads cleaner and safer.

“We have a lot of second-home people,” he said. “Lot of campers, lot of cabin people.

These people are always coming in here, they go rushing back to the cooler and say, ‘Where’s the beer?’ ‘Sorry, this is a dry county.’ And they look at you real blank-like and say, ‘Well what the heck’s a dry county?’”

He says their search for alcohol doesn’t end there.

“Then these guys go all the way to Waynesville almost, and very seldom they won’t crack one open before they get home.

And then you got beer cans on the side of the road, because they don’t want an empty can in the vehicle with them if they get stopped.

They buy it at home, you literally stopped all that traffic from riding on the road.”

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ALCOHOL, CONTINUED FROM 7 Kilby also refutes the argument that Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Galilee, noting that when grapes are pressed in a winepress, what comes out isn’t wine — it’s just regular old grape juice.

“God did not intend us to misuse that,” he said.

When pressed, Kilby wouldn’t even acknowledge the economic benefit to business owners now free to sell beer or wine as they see fit.

“There’s nothing good that comes out of alcohol. They’re not selling it for the good of the community, they are selling it to make money,” he said. “To take advantage of people’s weaknesses is immoral.”

TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN

December 7-13, 2016

This past spring, Haywood County Commissioners voted to place the alcohol referenda on the ballot. Then-Chairman Mark Swanger said that doing so would serve as “the ultimate public comment,” meaning a vote was a way to let the citizens of the county decide the issue.

Commissioner Mike Sorrells abstained from that vote because he owns a Marathon gas station and convenience store on Jonathan Creek Road, but now that the measure’s passed, he’s already received his temporary permits to sell alcohol there.

“It kind of puts us on equal footing with other businesses throughout the area,” Sorrells said. “It was an economic fairness

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Ally's Bars (Mills River)

issue, really, because you can go 4 miles up the road and get anything you want.”

He thinks that the wider availability of alcohol may actually cut down on drunk driving.

“I think it could possibly do that,” he said.

“I’ve had a lot of people express that they don’t have to drive now. They’re able to stay closer to home, and they can pick it up right

“I don’t think it will affect us — we hope it won’t affect us. We’re just going to have to play this by ear and see what happens.”

— Greg Christopher, Haywood County sheriff

after work and go right home. So I think that could potentially help.”

Although the character of the Jonathan Creek area isn’t as remote as other areas in the county, Sorrells doesn’t see it changing much in the future as the result of the expanded availability of alcohol.

“I don’t, because it’s pretty obvious that people are drinking beer down there,” he said. “I pick up beer cans in my parking lot on Friday and Saturday nights, so it’s obvious that it’s going on whether I have (alcohol for sale) or I don’t.”

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Smoky Mountain News

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Locals react to Japanese attack

The 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor

Newspapers from around the region report on the Pearl Harbor attacks.

75 YEARS LATER:

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The USS Arizona burning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creative Commons Residents of Western North Carolina went about their usual business on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941. Holiday shopping was on the agenda for many, as were the usual weekend rituals of time spent with family, and time spent in church.

While great swaths of the region congregated in their various houses of worship just before 1 p.m. local time, they could have had no idea that half a world away, at an American Naval base in an American territo-

Stories in the Mountaineer told of a Norman Rockwellesque community gathering in shock around their radios on Sunday, staying up late into the night to catch news of the attack. Those who didn’t own radios at the time “packed” Main Street establishments that did.

Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER n Thursday, Dec. 4, 1941, newspapers in Western North Carolina revealed cities in full holiday swing — ads for Philco tube radios, canned Christmas hams and silk stockings filled their pages, along with announcements for holiday parties and special sales.

The war that had been raging across Europe for more than two years was still a faroff conflict of little note to most Americans.

On June 22, Nazi Germany double-crossed former ally Soviet Union by launching a surprise invasion. On Sept. 3, the gas chambers were tested at Auschwitz for the very first time, and on Dec. 5, the Germans abandoned their efforts to capture Moscow.

If the war in Europe wasn’t notable to much of America, the war in the Pacific was even less so; for almost a decade, the Japanese Empire had been brutally slaughtering its way through much of south and southeast Asia.

That July, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt froze Japanese assets in the United States in response to Japanese aggression, and suspended diplomatic relations; a month later, he enacted an oil embargo, which would prove to be the last straw.

December 7-13, 2016

Dec. 7, 1941.

It’s a date that conjures numerous images and thoughts. The USS Arizona engulfed in smoke and flames. Fighter pilots zooming across the sky with the “rising sun” emblazoned on the sides of their aircraft. Machine guns blasting upwards, bombs being dropped down onto unsuspecting soldiers and civilians.

When the Japanese bombed the U.S. base at Pearl Harbor on that dark day, our country not only found itself now pulled into World War II, it also signaled a turning point in our history that still reverberates into today — politically, economically, and socially.

With over 2,400 Americans killed at Pearl Harbor, it was the largest foreign attack on U.S. soil until the World Trade Center in 2001. What Pearl Harbor represents is where the line in the sands of time was drawn. It’s where Appalachian farm boys grabbed their rifles and became national heroes, where housewives grabbed their tool belts and built war machines. It was the unification of a nation that had the weight and fate of the world on its shoulders as the likes of Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito salivated at the idea of complete domination and destruction.

My late grandfather was there — front and center — at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Enlisted in the United States Army, Frank Kavanaugh was a 21year-old from rural Upstate New York, ready to see the world on his own, unbeknownst to the real dangers that lay on the horizon. He rarely spoke of his time at Pearl Harbor, and also of his experience during several key battles in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. But, he did however conduct an interview on Pearl Harbor in 1994 (Google: Home Town Cable Frank Kavanaugh).

And as the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor rolls around, we celebrate those brave men and woman of “The Greatest Generation,” who answered the call of war in hopes of defeating the Axis powers in an effort to create a better tomorrow in the face of peril and utter doom.

— By Garret K. Woodward, staff writer

ry that most of them had never heard of, hundreds of Japanese aircraft rained destruction upon the unsuspecting servicemen, many of whom were just waking up.

News reached the mainland relatively quickly, however most area newspapers were published only weekly, on Thursdays. And although Roosevelt’s historic “day which will live in infamy speech” had been broadcast by radio across most of the United States Dec. 8, many residents of Asheville, Bryson City, Franklin, Sylva and Waynesville only found out that the U.S. was at war on Dec. 11 when their local papers hit the streets.

The Bryson City Times headline, in large, all-caps type proclaimed “U.S. DECLARES WAR ON AXIS POWERS.” Other stories on the front page carried calls for enlistment and notified citizens that the Army had moved “over 800 men of the third battalion of the 39th infantry” from Fort Bragg to the area to protect “hydro-electrical plants” belonging to the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The Times also announced a meeting at the Bryson City Courthouse for the evening of Dec. 15, sponsored by the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other local civic clubs. The purpose of the meeting, according to the story, was to “organize the county into a unified group for aiding in the defense of our nation and our homes.”

Another local paper, the Franklin Press and Highlands Maconian, issued a similar headline on Dec. 11 — “Congress Declares War On Japan” — just above calls from the Navy for Western North Carolinians to enlist.

Roosevelt’s speech was reprinted in its entirety, right next to a story titled, “Recruiting Stations Packed as Men Flock to Volunteer.”

The Jackson County Journal’s Dec. 11 edition wasn’t much different than Bryson City or Franklin’s paper, except for its use of dated and culturally insensitive language that wouldn’t make it into most papers today.

Its headline “U.S. is at War with Nipponese” used an archaic term for the Japanese people, and in the subhead called the attack “treacherous” and “dastardly,” none of which is particularly outrageous. However, another front-page headline “Huns and Wops Declare War on United States” certainly seems cringe worthy by today’s standards, if even for announcing that the Germans and Italians were now America’s enemies.

The Asheville Citizen focused more on European developments than the attack on Pearl Harbor; with the U.S. declaration of war on Japan, Japan’s Axis allies — Germany and Italy — immediately sprung to her defense, declaring war on the United States Dec. 11.

On the Citizen’s front page, transcripts of speeches by Benito Mussolini and Adolph Hitler were reprinted, including Hitler’s recent speech to the Reichstag in which he said, “The sincere efforts of Germany and Italy to prevent an extension of the war and to maintain relations with the U.S.A. in spite of the unbearable provocations which have been carried on for

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‘A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY’

S EE PEARL HARBOR, PAGE 11 9

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Witness to history World War II vet reflects on conflict, atomic bomb

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER urning onto Qualla Road in Waynesville, the meandering route goes from pavement to gravel to dirt within a half-mile. By the time you realize it has been a little while since you’ve seen a mailbox, a small cabin appears in the tree line to the left.

Pulling into the driveway, an older model Dodge Neon sits atop it with a “World War II Veteran” plate attached to the back bumper. Knocking on the front door, a voice echoes from inside. “Sounds like we have some company,” Robert Bridgman said, swinging open the door, extending a shaky, welcoming hand, a “World War II Veteran” hat hanging off his head.

“When you’re 17 years old, war is exciting, to be in it and to fight for your country,” the 92-year-old said. “But, we lost a lot of men in World War II, and I knew many people who didn’t come back.”

Born in Cotter, Arkansas, in 1924, Bridgman was the son of a railroad worker, bouncing around the South throughout the Great Depression, with stops in Kentucky, Chattanooga and eventually Charleston, South Carolina. And it was on Dec. 7, 1941 when a 17-year-old Bridgman was exiting a movie theater when he heard the fateful news.

“I came outside and somebody said the U.S. base in Pearl Harbor had been bombed by the Japanese,” he said. “And it didn’t ring a bell with me at all. I didn’t know where Pearl Harbor was.”

Once Bridgman realized the seriousness of the attack on the military installation in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the United States

December 7-13, 2016

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entrance into World War II, he also got the thought in his head that he wanted to sign up and serve his country.

“But, my father, who had been in World War I, he didn’t like the idea of me jumping into the war,” Bridgman said. “So, he sent me to Pearl Harbor a little while after the attacks, to work in the Navy yard as a laborer.”

When Bridgman reached the crippled Hawaiian base, the property was in disarray, with sunken battleships still sitting in Pearl Harbor, the damage still vivid from Dec. 7.

“Pearl Harbor was terrible,” Bridgman recalled. “Everything was just bombed out.

You had the USS Arizona at the bottom of the harbor (where it still resides) and the USS Oklahoma upside down, both with dead soldiers still in the hulls.”

Bridgman remembers standing on the dock in Pearl Harbor and watching the USS Oklahoma get righted in 1943. But, following years of salvaging and stripping of her parts, the ship eventually sank in a storm as it was being towed to San Francisco in 1947.

While working in the Navy yard, Bridgman was there first-hand when the “West Loch Disaster” occurred. On May 21, 1944, U.S soldiers were loading massive amounts of ammunition and fuel into ships headed to Saipan when an explosion rang out. The enormous fireball killed 160 and wounded 400, destroyed 20 building and nine ships.

“There were body parts everywhere, everywhere,” Bridgman winced.

And on Oct. 21, 1944, Bridgman, now 20 years old, signed up to join the Navy.

“I got the wild idea to be in the Navy,” he said. “I thought they’d send me back to the States for boot camp and maybe I’d be home in six weeks. But, they didn’t even cut my hair before I was assigned to the USS San Marcos.”

A landing ship dock, Bridgman wan-

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A World War II veteran, Waynesville resident Robert Bridgman stands in the guest room of his Jonathan Creek home, in front of a photo of an atomic bomb test explosion at the Bikini Atoll in 1946, an event that Bridgman himself witnessed first-hand. Garret K. Woodward photo

75 YEARS LATER: dered around the Pacific on the vessel as World War II came to a close. And while others finally went home, Bridgman remained in the Navy, eventually finding himself at the Bikini Atoll in July 1946 — test site for several atomic bomb explosions.

Bridgman stood there on his ship, mere miles from “ground zero” of the detonation, with the bull’s eye target being the USS Nevada (another victim of the Pearl Harbor attacks), which was painted bright red to distinguish it from the dozens of other battleships and vessels surrounding the test site.

“The first atomic bomb missed its target (USS Nevada), so they detonated another one, and there she was — the Nevada — still standing there,” Bridgman said. “It was as if the whole sky caught fire. It was terrifying.

Not a lot of us still around that witnessed those bombs.”

Well, wasn’t that because a lot of those there W at those test sites got cancer and passed away?

“Yeah, and it’s funny, though, because the Navy never told us about how dangerous the radiation was,” Bridgman said. “You just do your job and hope you get out safely.”

Following his discharge from the Navy, Bridgman ended up studying civil engineer- w ing at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. From there, he taught at vocational schools in Canton and Asheville for decades. These days, Bridgman, a widower who was married for 61 years, sits in his cabin with his cat, often coming “into town” — to run some errands. It’s a quiet life, but a w good life in his eyes, as he smiles when thinking back on the long and bountiful road that w is his journey.

“Seems like every time a war comes along, Uncle Sam tries to get in it,” Bridgman said. “But, with World War II, we g had to get involved. I got lucky, though — I was able to come home.” w

Smoky Mountain News

Swain band performs at Pearl Harbor Anniversary

T Swain County High School marching band students arrived in Hawaii on Saturday in preparation for their Dec. 7 performance in honor of the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR he Swain County High School marching band was noticeably absent from the annual Bryson City Christmas Parade last weekend, but they had a good reason.

By the time this week’s newspaper hits the stands Dec. 7, the marching band will be at the U.S.S. Navy Battleship Missouri Memorial preparing to perform at the commemoration ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

“We are extremely honored to represent not only our school and community, but all of the United States in attending this very special ceremony to honor the lives of those who gave so much at Pearl Harbor,” said Band Director

Donated photo

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Karen Lanning. “It is amazing that we will be there on the actual 75th anniversary, and something that none of us will ever forget.”

The battleship where they will perform inA a mass band along with other marching bands from across the country was the site of the Empire of Japan’s surrender to Allied forces in 1945, which ended World War II. Lanning is excited that her students will get the opportu-p nity to participate in this historic event while also paying tribute to the military personnel w who lost their lives during the attacks.

“To be able to honor the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice is humbling and moving. This is a living history lesson for all of us who are fortunate enough to get the privilege of

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PEARL HARBOR, CONTINUED FROM 9

December 7-13, 2016 Smoky Mountain News

going on this trip,” she said. “We could never thank the brave men and women of Pearl Harbor enough for their sacrifices, nor could we even begin to thank all of the people who helped us get here so we could experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The Swain County High School marching band received the invitation from the mayor of Honolulu Kirk Caldwell to perform in Hawaii after a successful performance in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., in 2014. Swain County is representing all of North Carolina, as it is the only high school band chosen from the state.

The Swain High School Band Boosters Association played a key part in making sure all the band students could participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Swain County Band students have an opportunity to represent our county while performing in a mass band at this commemoration ceremony with students from all over the United States and Japan to honor those who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attacks,” said Amanda Buchanan with the booster club.

Watch the live feed of the band performance by visiting http://www.channel808.tv/ 2016/75thpearlharbor/.

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years by President Roosevelt, have been frustrated. Germany and Italy have been finally compelled, in view of this, and in loyalty to the Tri-Partite act, to carry on the struggle against the U.S.A. and England jointly and side by side with Japan for the defense and thus for the maintenance of the liberty and independence of their nations and empires.”

The Waynesville Mountaineer’s focus was more local; its headline, “Haywood Ready to Help Win War” was indicative of the flurry of area activity that had begun to take place in response to news of the Japanese attack.

Stories in the Mountaineer told of a Norman Rockwell-esque community gathering in shock around their radios on Sunday, staying up late into the night to catch news of the attack. Those who didn’t own radios at the time “packed” Main Street establishments that did.

Monday was “marked by little business activity” as President Roosevelt’s noontime address was broadcast. The situation hovered “like a pall” over Waynesville, but by Wednesday people had “more or less settled down to acceptance of the grim reality, with a deep realization of the gravity of the situation.”

As astonishment gave way to more practical concerns, citizens of Haywood County began to explore ways in which they could conduct themselves during their new wartime reality.

Like in Bryson City, a “county-wide patriotic rally” was planned for Dec. 15, as was a “Food for Defense” meeting of preachers, teachers, and farmers.

Private industry got in on the act as well — Wellco Shoe Corporation announced it would become the first plant in the area to offer payroll deductions for workers who wanted to buy war bonds, which cost $18.75.

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Haywood Commission selects new chairman

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER n addition to welcoming newly-elected Commissioner Brandon Rogers and welcoming back newly re-elected Commissioner Kevin Ensley at its Dec. 5 meeting, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners selected Commissioner Kirk Kirkpatrick to serve as chairman.

Commissioner Mike Sorrells said selecting Kirkpatrick wasn’t a tough choice. “Not really difficult at all,� Sorrells said. “He’s the longest-serving commissioner and he’s been in this position before, and I think it was pretty unanimous that it was his call.

If he wanted it, we were going to move forward.�

Kirkpatrick, a Democrat, replaces long-

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“Kirk’s served as chair in the past and done a good job, and has a lot of experience here on the board, so I think it was a mutual agreement between all five of us. I think he’ll do us well.�

Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

— Brandon Rogers

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Left to right: Commissioners Mike Sorrells, Kevin Ensley, Chairman Kirk Kirkpatrick, Bill Upton, and Brandon Rogers. Cory Vaillancourt photo time Chairman Mark Swanger and served previously as chairman from 2008-2010.

When asked what it felt like to be back in control, Kirkpatrick was reflective. “It feels like taking on responsibility that’s important to the county,� he said.

His priorities center squarely on infrastructure.

“I think one of the most important things we have to look at is taking care of our buildings, monitoring solid waste, and then taking care of our employees as well,� he said.

Kirkpatrick’s leadership comes at a time when the county has a number of important long-range development issues to address, including affordable housing and high-speed

internet. And although he’s aware he’s following in Swanger’s footsteps, he said he’s more than willing to walk his own path. “Certainly Mark was a very good leader and a good chairman for many years. Our styles are just a little bit different. I think Mark’s a little more hands-on. I’m more for allowing Ira [Dove, Haywood County manager] or making sure Ira does his job, the job that he’s paid to do,� he said. “I’m a little more hands-off, and what I want to make sure to do is involve all five commissioners in all decisions as well. Mark did that as well, but I’d like to do it a little bit more. I see my role not necessarily as that of a leader, but as a facilitator to make sure all five commissioners are informed and we all make decisions together.�

Newly-minted Republican Commissioner Brandon Rogers agreed with Sorrells’ assessment. “Kirk’s served as chair in the past and done a good job, and has a lot of experience here on the board, so I think it was a mutual agreement between all five of us,� Rogers said. “I think he’ll do us well.�

Rogers also said he was looking forward to serving the county in his role as a commissioner, and is excited about beginning to work on some of the issues he’d campaigned on this fall. “I’d like to hit the ground running,� he said.

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Maggie Chamber restructures membership options

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Teresa Smith, executive director of the Maggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce tells members about the new chamber membership structure. Jessi Stone photo into it.”

Scott Nielson, co-owner of Cabbage Rose Gifts and a chamber board member, said he’s excited about giving every business the opportunity to become involved in the community through the chamber’s many efforts whether it’s the arts & crafts fairs, barbecue festival or decorating the valley for

special occasions.

“Some people will worry about more people wanting the free membership, but I think once they’re in there and see the benefits they will up their membership,” he said.

For more information, contact Smith at teresa@maggievalley.org or 828.926.1686. www.maggievalley.org.

December 7-13, 2016

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Small Town Christmas Right Here at Home

Smoky Mountain News

The top tier is an Executive Partner ($1,000) and includes the additional benefits of banner advertising at the chamber’s WNC BBQ Festival and the event website, ability to post your business’ videos on the chamber’s YouTube channel, four tickets to the annual dinner and more.

Smith made the announcement at Tuesday morning’s Rise and Shine event at the Maggie Valley Pavilion. The monthly business-networking event is also a new initiative hosted by the chamber and the town to encourage more cooperation and collaboration between businesses in the valley.

Only a handful of people attended the first event last month, but about 15 business owners and town staff attended the December event.

“We hope this will help increase our membership,” Smith said. “We want businesses to share information and attend meetings like this one.”

Maggie Valley is a small town but some business owners still say they feel disjointed and out of the loop when it comes to what other businesses and the chamber are doing. Chamber members that attended the Rise and Shine event seemed to be pleased with the change.

“I think offering a free membership is the best thing because it will include the whole community — right now those who can’t afford it don’t feel like they’re important,” said Tina Snow, chamber member and owner of Momma T’s Mountain Made.

Snow said having a broader member base would also help her when visitors ask for referrals on where to shop and eat. She uses the chamber website as a source but fears she may be missing opportunities to help other business owners if they aren’t included on the chamber website.

“That’s always been a problem in the past,” said Rose Beck with Poppy’s Little Knife Store. “The chamber only promotes members so you don’t know about what the other businesses are doing.”

New chamber member Christine Chamberlain, owner of Organic Beans Coffee Co., said the new tier structure would allow new businesses to feel included as they try to build their businesses.

“Then they can work their way up to a higher membership cost,” she said.

Changing the structure could be a risky move — what if members choose the free option over the paid options? Without revenue from membership dues, the chamber wouldn’t be able to operate. New chamber board members don’t think it will be a problem.

Dave Angel, owner of Elevated Mountain Distilling and a new member on the chamber board, said he thinks it will encourage more businesses to get involved with the chamber for perhaps the first time.

“Offering something more affordable is a great way to introduce people to the chamber,” Angel said. “Once they get involved and see what the chamber can do for them they’ll see you get what you put

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR aggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is responding to criticism in the community by restructuring its membership options for businesses.

The new structure will create different tiers of memberships to fit a business’ specific needs instead of a set annual cost — and the bottom tier membership is absolutely free.

“This idea stems back to several years ago when Mayor Ron DeSimone worked with the chamber on the Moving Maggie Forward plan to bring businesses together,” said Chamber Executive Director Teresa Smith.

Smith said the late mayor’s vision was to have one dues-paying organization to include every business in the valley so the community could move forward cohesively instead of being divided into several different groups and clicks competing for business and advertising dollars.

While the chamber currently has about 180 members inside and outside of Maggie Valley, Smith said she has been trying to think of a way to make business owners feel more included. After all, having a wellinformed and cohesive business community is beneficial for everyone. Communication is essential to offering the best hospitality in the quaint tourist town.

The current chamber membership structure ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the size of the business, though most businesses in Maggie Valley fall into the $200 range. The new structure would offer options from free to $1,000 a year.

Having a tiered chamber membership structure is not a new concept — Smith said about 30 percent of chambers nationwide use the tiered approach because not all businesses fall into the “one size fits all” model. She said the new model would be implemented starting in May when chamber members renew their membership fees.

A free membership includes the basics like receiving all correspondence from the chamber including monthly reports, receiving referrals from the chamber, attending chamber events and training, a new member listing on the newsletter, a chamber member decal and more.

The second tier is called a Business Partner membership ($225) and includes mostly everything the chamber’s old membership structure did — listings on the website and in the visitors guide, discounts on business liability insurance, eligibility to vote in chamber board elections and eligibility to serve on a chamber committee or the board of directors.

The third tier is a Premier Partner ($500), which includes all the benefits of the first two tiers plus bold listings on the website, visitors guide and the chamber’s mobile app, a banner ad displayed on the website, a banner displayed at the chamber’s Arts & Crafts shows and two tickets to the chamber’s annual dinner and awards ceremony.

Affairs of the Heart

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

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Macon man admits to igniting small wildfires

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR Franklin man is facing federal arson charges after admitting to setting fire to two separate areas in Macon County about a month ago.

Keith Eugene Mann, 49, was arrested Nov. 30 on one count of destroying real property of the United States by means of fire. While Mann was not responsible for the larger wildfires plaguing the surrounding national forest in Macon County, he did confess to starting the Grape Cove fire near Board Tree Road in the Nantahala National Forest and the Jones Creek fire near Jones Creek Road.

According to the criminal complaint, a wildfire was reported Oct. 27 on U.S. Forest Service Road 388, commonly referred to as Board Tree Road, and the initial investigation of the fire determined that it was set intentionally. Further investigation revealed that five other fires had been set in close proximity to the Grape Cove fire; however, they appeared to have gone out on their own.

Over the course of the investigation of these small fires that burned about 15 acres, law enforcement located several wooden stem matches.

Court documents also allege that Keith Mann called 911 on Nov. 22 to report a wild-

Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

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fire at the end of U.S. Forest Service Road 763, commonly referred to as Jones Creek Road. USFS firefighters responded to the fire and were able to contain the fire to about one acre.

“I responded to the fire, but due to the smoke and the fact it was dark, was unable to locate the area of origin,” Special Agent Brian Southard with the U.S. Forest Service stated in Keith Eugene Mann the criminal complaint.

“Upon leaving the area of the fire I made contact with an individual who provided me with some information regarding a suspicious vehicle they observed in the area.”

The source told Southard that he saw a white, mid-sized Chevrolet pick-up truck

enter and exit the Jones Creek Road area several times within an hour’s time. The source said the driver — “a large male wearing a neon green shirt or vest” — was the only occupant in the truck.

Southard said he returned to the fire site on Nov. 23 and observed a small cardboard box located at the origin of the fire, with numerous burned wooden stemmed matches next to the box. He then listened to the 911 call Mann had made the day before, in which Mann said he was “just riding around” Jones Creek Road in his white pickup truck when he spotted the fire.

Southard made contact with Mann at his residence on Nov. 29 to ask about the wildfire he reported. At first, Mann said he didn’t set any fires and claimed he was riding around Jones Creek Road around 9:30 p.m. Nov. 22 “looking for a deer sign” when he saw a black truck driving at high speed that could have been responsible for the fires. Once he spotted the fire at the end of the road, Mann told Southard he drove out of the area to South Macon Elementary School where he had cell phone service to call 911.

Mann also told Southard that about a month ago, he had been riding around Board Tree Road where he found another fire. However, he said he didn’t report it because he had heard that the one who

reports the fire is usually the on suspected of setting it. Once Southard told Mann he did have reason to believe he had set the two fires, Mann admitted to igniting both of them. He added that he had set several fires in the Board Tree Road area about a month ago using kitchen matches but had a hard time getting them to burn because it was in a damp area.

“I asked Mann why he set the fires and he stated, ‘I guess I was just bored.’ Later in the interview, Mann advised he didn’t know why he set the fires other than the fact he ‘wanted to see something burn,’” Southard recalled in the complaint. “Mann stated his wife had recently left him and he didn’t have ‘much to live for.’”

Mann was arrested and had his initial appearance Nov. 30 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell. Mann’s probable cause hearing was set for Monday, Dec. 5.

The charge of destroying real property of the United States by means of fire carries a mandatory penalty of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. The U.S. Forest Service is leading the investigation assisted by the Macon County Sheriff ’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Richard Edwards is in charge of the prosecution.

Arson is also suspected in the larger wildfires in Macon County and law enforcement is seeking additional suspects.

Planning Jackson’s future

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@SmokyMtnNews

transportation. Peters agrees that’s likely to be an important goal to pursue going forward. She’d like to see a ramped-up greenway system that connects all the towns in Jackson County, serving as a tool for both recreation and transportation. The county could even take it a step forward, she said, and aspire to something like the Virginia Creeper Trail that goes through Abingdon and Damascus in Virginia, attracting large numbers of visitors every year.

Such an amenity, she said, would serve only to enhance the tourism economy on which Jackson County depends.

“I kind of look at it from the perspective of a rising tide raises all ships, so if we can get more tourists and permanent residents,

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“My wife and I probably fit the profile of most people that are relocating to Jackson County, which would be younger people — or, more specifically, college students that might stay in the community,” Littlefield said. “There definitely is an issue with rising costs and there is also an issue with the quality of house.”

However, he questions what the proposed solutions to those issues might mean in practice. Objectives within the plan include “develop quality housing for the county’s workforce” and “research public/private/nonprofit partnerships to provide more housing options.” Littlefield wants to know how those goals might be funded — through subsidies or new government programs?

“Anytime there’s anything publicly funded, it’s actually taxpayer-funded so I’m interested to see where the money for this is going to come from,” he said.

The issue with addressing Jackson County’s housing shortage is that the kind of housing that’s needed isn’t governmentsubsidized low-income housing. Rather, it’s inexpensive habitations for working families, and that’s up to private enterprise to provide. Littlefield suggests reviewing county policies to see where regulations could be rolled back to encourage development of needed housing.

Jackson County has a lot to gain from addressing the housing problem, said Sylva businesswoman Bernadette Peters. Many people who work at Harris Regional Hospital and Western Carolina University pay their property taxes elsewhere because they can’t find anywhere to live in Jackson.

“They make their money here and they leave. They don’t spend their money here and it’s partly because they can’t find the right housing for what they can afford,” Peters said.

Transportation was another common topic that night. Jackson County’s population is growing, but the county’s mountainous terrain makes it hard to accommodate all those cars.

“I’d personally like to see more multimodal stuff,” said Sarah Thompson, director of the Southwestern Commission and a member of the steering committee. “I think the population around here is bent to active transportation, but we’re not set up for it.

There’s only so much you can do with roads.

We don’t have a lot of space for them.”

References to multi-modal transportation — whether that be foot, bike or bus — are rampant in the plan, appearing as part of the objectives for everything from education to economic development to

December 7-13, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER aking their way around a room studded with tables, informational posters and documents for review, Jackson County residents took advantage of their first opportunity — Tuesday, Nov. 29 — to see where county leaders envisioned steering the county over the next 25 years.

The Jackson County Comprehensive Plan, every inch of which has been discussed and debated for two years in a steering committee representing a variety of sectors, is now nearing the finish line for adoption by the county commissioners. But first, it’s going on tour to gather public comment as to what might be missing or misguided in the draft plan. The first stop on that tour was Nov. 28 at the Jackson County Center on Aging, where 47 people — 14 of them steering committee members — came to look over the information and offer comment. Overall, the feedback seemed to be positive.

“It’s clear that there was a lot of work put into this, and it’s awesome — the maps and amount of preparedness and information that’s in it is great,” said Leigh Ann Young, a member of the Webster town board. “The turnout is also ensuring the community is paying attention.”

However, attendees had their share of comments, as well as some criticisms.

Pat Thomas, for instance, was shocked to see that a new animal shelter was not mentioned anywhere in the plan. Jackson County’s subpar animal shelter has been the subject of public discussion for the past couple years, with commissioners forming a task force — which Thomas chaired — to determine what features a new shelter should have. However, when a building estimate came back much higher than expected, the project was put on pause as commissioners began to focus their attention on upgrading the health department building.

“There’s nothing — nothing on the shelter here,” Thomas said.

Similarly, Cullowhee resident Rick Bennett was disappointed that the plan didn’t mention development of a river park in Cullowhee. Bennett is a member of the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor, a group that’s been working for years to plan and fund a river park along the rundown area where Old Cullowhee Road meets Wayehutta.

Cullowhee resident Aaron Littlefield, meanwhile, didn’t have criticism so much as he did some questions. Littlefield, 24, has had some personal experience with the housing issues described in the plan.

A series of community meetings has been scheduled to take input on the draft Jackson County comprehensive plan, which outlines goals for the next two decades covering everything from education to infrastructure.

All meetings will be drop-in sessions running from 5 to 7 p.m. with planning staff and materials on hand.

■ Monday, Dec. 12, at the Cashiers Library on 249 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers.

■ Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Savannah Community Building on 4752 U.S. 441 South, Sylva.

A draft of the plan is available at www.jacksonnc.org/planning.html under the heading “Comp Plan.”

everyone’s going to do better,” she said.

Young, meanwhile, hopes to see caution in how that growth is planned, particularly when it comes to the roads. Webster is a small, rural community, and allowing too much traffic to flow through it would drastically change its character, she said.

“We’re very hesitant about the new roads because they are impacting our small town in terms of traffic,” she said. “It’s diverting through our little community.”

Helen McCaskill, meanwhile, was full of praise for some recent road projects. She wanted to say thank you for the “beautiful bridge and the path connecting the community college and roundabouts.” The county’s headed in a positive direction, she said, and additions such as the Eastern Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and the Department on Aging building are wonderful.

However, she hopes that the comprehensive plan will translate into an expanded water and sewer network. She and her husband own two adjacent lots in Cullowhee but can’t get water and sewer on them. And that’s impacting their ability to sell one of the lots, which they would like to do.

The Nov. 29 meeting was just one of five planned throughout the county, with the steering committee planning to look through the comments and consider how the plan could be revised before it’s presented to commissioners for adoption.

“I hope it will lead to some good discussion,” said Commission Chairman Brian McMahan.

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Preliminary comp plan comments yield mix of praise and concern

Be heard

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news

n a i C h c hristmas a l a p p A Friday, Dec. 9

Handel’s Messiah Concert – 7:30 p.m.

Appalachian Christmas Craft Show – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Cockman Family Concert – 2 p.m.

Point of Grace Christmas Concert – 7:30 p.m.

Visit lakejunaluska.com/christmas or call 800-222-4930 Reserved seating: $23 (limited availability) General admission seating: $18

Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

Saturday, Dec. 10

Handel's Messiah concert

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Community Almanac

Smoky Mountain News

breakfast; Creekwood Farm RV Park collected supplies and Dr. Coy Brown’s office put together eye care packages.

Pratik Shah, general manager at Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn, was instrumental in coordinating the effort. After the last fire crew checked out of the Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn, all remaining donations were distributed to the Open Door prior to Thanksgiving.

New group takes over Bryson City Cemetery

Lake Junaluska hosts Belk photo shoot When the clothing outfitter Belk was searching for a place to shoot its new catalog, the mountain and lake backdrops at Lake Junaluska were a perfect fit for its Columbia clothing line.

Belk used Lake Junaluska on two separate occasions. The canoes and kayaks Lake Junaluska rents out each summer were used as props for the photos, most of which were taken at the beach near the Aquatic Center. The catalog was released Thanksgiving week. www.lakejunaluska.com.

Ladies Night Out holiday recipes

Hospice House receives $700 grant

Chef Sean Ruddy will be speaking on holiday recipes Dec. 13 at the upcoming 2016 Ladies Night Out Program in Franklin.

The group will also be taking donations for Toys for Tots. Most campaign sites are able to assist children up to age 12, but in many local communities, local support is such that the age limit may be extended to 14-16.

This program will be held at 4 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Angel Medical Center in Franklin. All women are invited to attend one of these meetings.

Hospice House Foundation of WNC (HHFWNC) was recently awarded a $700 grant from the Graham County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation.

The mission of HHFWNC is to raise funds for a hospice inpatient facility that will serve the six far western counties of NC (including Graham, Macon, Jackson, Swain, Clay, and Cherokee), the Qualla Boundry, and northeast Georgia. To date, $2.5 million has been received/pledged toward this $5 million Capital construction project. The facility will be centrally located in Franklin and will serve an estimated 200 hospice patients per year.

828.524.6375 or send donations to Hospice House Foundation of WNC, P.O. Box 815, Franklin, N.C. 28744.

Youth applicants sought for mentoring program Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County is currently recruiting boys and girls ages 6 to 14 who could benefit from an adult role model, in the Canton and Waynesville area.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring program whose mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Any single parent/guardian/counselor/grandparent of a youth boy or girl, ages 6 through 14, who is seeking an adult mentor for their child should contact the local agency at 828.356.2148 or haywood@bbbswnc.org.

The program is free.

Haywood Chamber supports firefighters Haywood County Chamber of Commerce rallied support and supply donations from its membership to help the hundreds of firefighters from around the country staying in the area to fight wildfires.

Dr. Mike Gillespie’s dental office created and delivered 100 care packages; Tina Masciarelli from Buy Haywood partnered with Frankie’s Italian Trattoria and Coffee Cup Café to provide a hot farm-to-table dinner and

The members of First Baptist Church will transfer the Dessie Coffey Fund, which was established decades ago for the purpose of cemetery maintenance, to Friends of the Bryson City Cemetery.

The donation represents an important step forward in the work of the fledgling organization and recognition of the value of its ongoing efforts to restore the cemetery to its former glory as a place of beauty and historical significance.

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the blood off the floor of the chopper, it was all the same color. We all bleed the same color.”

Before Baker spoke, county commissioners from throughout SCC’s service area addressed the gathering to thank veterans for their service. They also struck a similar tone of healing the nation’s racial and political divides.

A video of Baker’s speech is available at https://youtu.be/JuIXXSHSzsU.

Cashiers Chamber recognizes members

Cashiers Chamber of Commerce named this year’s Spirit of our Community Award Winners at its recent Annual Meeting and Celebration ceremony. The following people were honored: Terry Beye, Citizen of the Year; Dr. Mel Livernois, Volunteer of the Year; Margaret McRea, Educator of the Year; Josh Crawford, Businessperson of the Year and High Hampton Inn & Country Club, Becky & Will McKee, received the Evergreen Award.

• A password management workshop will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in the Macon County Public Library Computer Lab. This class addresses the challenges that come from having to keep numerous passwords and introduces ways to make passwords more secure and easier to manage. Registration is required due to limited space. We can offer additional sessions whenever a class is full.

To register for a class, visit the Reference Desk or call 828-524-3600. To receive announcements of the library’s computer & technology classes, join our email list here: http://eepurl.com/cldSWn Donations to further the purposes and work of FBCC, which are fully tax deductible, can be sent to Friends of the Bryson City Cemetery, P. O. Box 2223, Bryson City, N.C. 28713. www.friendsofthebccemetery.org or hallowed.ground@friendsofthebccemetery.org.

Vietnam vet discusses unity at SCC ceremony Two days after one of the most divisive elections in American history, Vietnam veteran Tom Baker delivered a profound message of unity during Southwestern Community College’s Veterans Day celebration.

With community leaders representing various counties and political parties in attendance, Baker told of his wartime experiences delivering supplies and picking up wounded soldiers in Vietnam.

“I loaded white soldiers, I loaded black soldiers, I loaded Hispanic soldiers, Native American soldiers, and Asian American soldiers onto my chopper,” Baker recalled. “At the end of the day when I was tasked with washing

• Ladies Night Out, a partnership between Macon County Public Health and Angel Medical Center to provide free monthly programs on a variety of health topics for women, recently donated to REACH of Macon County’s emergency shelter. Ladies Night Out is held at 4 and 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at AMC on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

ALSO:

• KARE recently celebrated 25 years with a sold out crowd during the 2016 Festival of Trees event to raise money toward its mission to end child abuse. More than 150 businesses in Haywood County and beyond donated items for the auction and many individuals and businesses decorated Christmas trees.

• Friends of the Scottish Tartans Museums will have a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 7 to 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at Fatz Restaurant in Franklin to help continue Scottish heritage projects like Taste of Scotland and Highland Games demonstrations. Tickets cost $7 and are on sale at Scottish Tartans Museum and Stewart’s Jewelry.

Opinion Life in Gitmo was idyllic, but the danger was real F Smoky Mountain News

idel Castro’s death should remind us that we are oftentimes more powerless and rudderless than our country’s leaders like to admit when it comes to foreign policy.

And that’s a timely lesson as a president who promised change prepares to leave his office to a president-elect who also promises change. Castro is a nagging symbol of how difficult it is even for a country as big and powerful as the U.S. to steer the world in the way we think it should go. Oftentimes, despite our best intentions or our horrible mistakes, we just can’t have it our way.

And so it has been with Fidel, who has bedeviled every U.S. president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. The banana republic dictator who aligned himself with the Russians in the Cold War held onto power longer than anyone expected, and in doing so just 90 miles away he was a constant source of embarrassment to the U.S. I have a personal history with Fidel, sort of. When I was a child, from age 6 to 8, my family lived on the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. My dad was an instructor with FTG (the Fleet Training Group for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet), so we — my dad, mom and two older brothers — picked up and moved to base housing.

Despite the geopolitical tensions surrounding our relationship with the Soviet Union that were all-too-real during the time I was there from 1965-68, Gitmo (the Navy’s slang term for the posting) was an idyllic place for a kid. We loved the Caribbean sun, played sports, went to cookouts and parties at the beach

Media clueless to how it has killed itself To the Editor: The traditional news media (newspapers) have killed themselves through poor writing, a lack of balanced reporting, advocacy journalism and an all-around snooty attitude toward their readers/listeners/viewers (“shut up and read/listen/view what we tell you to because we know best”). Increased per issue costs, constant advertisements and big juicy scandals such as the plagiarism affair with Jayson Blair at the Grey Lady (New York Times) 13 years ago didn’t help the industry either.

The two names who lately have seemingly contributed the most towards the demise of traditional media (which started with the opinionated disinformation by Walter Cronkite on the CBS Evening News television broadcast after the Tet Offensive in 1968 http: //tinyurl.com/hsyrfvg) are Jestin Coler and Paul Horner.

Coler was highlighted recently in a piece that NPR did last Wednesday (http://tinyurl.com/hfrquso) on his company Disinfomedia and the various Internet fake news platforms he has created. Coler is a registered Democrat and he “got into fake news around 2013 to highlight the extremism of the white nationalist alt-right.” That hate-filled aspiration doesn’t seem to have worked out very well for Jestin.

Horner, another leftist, runs the Internet fake news site National Report where he attempted to torpedo Donald Trump’s presidential ambitions except it backfired on him when

with other Navy families, made up intricate army games while using the military bunkers that were scattered throughout the hills, and rode out hurricanes in the squat, flat-roofed, cinderblock military housing units.

My memories of just how bad it was between the U.S. and Castro come from a hazy collection of childhood recollections that only came into focus years later. On some Saturdays a siren would sound across the base, and every family had to pack up suitcases and prepare for evacuation. A military inspector (sometimes my Dad was one of these, so we Editor were a bit lax at times) would come to random doors to make sure everyone was ready. If you didn’t pass inspection, there were repercussions when reporting for duty on Monday.

Twice in the years prior to when we lived in Cuba — once during the Bay of Pigs in 1962 and again when Cuba shut off water to the base in 1964 — families were evacuated.

Then there was the 17.4-mile fence that was erected in 1961 that separated Gitmo from the rest of Cuba’s Oriente province.

Every time we went to the beach, we would see the young sentries patrolling the Cuban side, and my mom would often wave, encouraging us to do the same, and they would wave back. At the time it seemed a game — young boys, probably 17 or 18, pressed into military service for the revolution, probably more

Scott McLeod

18

Trump managed to get to 270 electoral votes despite Horner’s Soviet-style agitprop campaign. Horner, who allegedly expressed chagrin with that outcome evidently doesn’t understand the meaning of blow-back. Tisk, tisk.

To the forgotten man, the media actually is easily defined. It is whatever media platform purports to write/speak the news; and yes, The Smoky Mountain News gets lumped in with rags such as Fuzz Busted, because anything in 2016 that is not too blatantly trying to sell stuff to the forgotten man is the media.

I remember as a boy what it was like to watch my grandfather read the papers on a Sunday afternoon, and I came to do so also. He became informed on events near and far and derived great pleasure from the experience.

Today, I subscribe to two newspapers and pick up from the box another two free papers regularly. This is mostly for reasons of nostalgia, as it doesn’t seem to be as pleasurable to read the papers for me as it was for my grandfather. And so it goes.

Nota bene: Jon McNaughton’s painting “The Forgotten Man” is probably the inspiration for the phrase in current usage and as such is entirely apropos.

Carl Iobst Cullowhee

We must remain vigilant on environment To the Editor: As President Obama’s impressive term winds down and the focus shifts to specula-

curious about us than we were about them, waving to Americans on the other side of a fence. But the minefield between our fence and theirs was no joke, promising death or maiming to any Cuban who tried to defect.

Gitmo did provide a haven for many Cubans who fled to it during the chaos immediately after the 1959 revolution, often just a stopover for peole who eventually moved to Miami. I remember stories of family members trying to make it through the fences or even trying to swim over to the U.S. base, and harrowing accounts of some being attacked by sharks during the relatively short journey.

Despite a reign in which almost 7,000 political opponents were killed or simply just disappeared and tens of thousands of others fled for their lives, Castro played to the hilt his part as a thorn in the side of the greedy, capitalist, gringo Americans for more than 50 years. Sometimes we forget, but the ideals of his revolution were lost quickly in Castro’s iron-fisted, self-serving regime. In his heyday he was a ruthless dictator who helped bring us to the brink of nuclear war during the Bay of Pigs fiasco.

Castro was one of the last links to the Cold War standoff between us and the Soviets in which the threat of nuclear war was very real. His death marks the end communism in the Western Hemisphere, which is great news for Cuba’s people. In the ebb and flow of movements and wars and charismatic leaders that produce what we eventually call history, a page has been turned.

(Reach Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LETTERS tion about an uncertain, perhaps ominous, future, we do well to recall —and celebrate — the achievements of the past eight years. Over fierce, sometimes malicious, opposition, our 44th president is leaving us a significant trove of lasting benefits. In the area of environmental protections alone, as the Sierra Club reminds us: • The economic stimulus, instituted after the 2008 meltdown left by the Bush administration, invested $90 billion in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green jobs and technology. As a result, wind-generated electricity has grown three-fold, and solar electricity generation has increased 30-fold (even my wife and I have put 20 solar panels on our roof ).

• The auto-industry bailout spurred car and truck manufacturers to agree to increase fuel economy standards to 36.6 mpg by 2017 and 54.5 mpg by 2025, avoiding tons of carbon pollution and pushing a transition to electric vehicles (even I now drive one).

• The EPA has instituted significant air and water safeguards affecting coal-fired power plants, including its Clean Power Plan that calls for cleaning up carbon pollution from existing plants.

• The Defense Department has recognized climate change as a security risk, and put in place a growing number of energy-saving practices.

• Over 20 new national monuments have been designated, protecting 265 million acres of land and water — more than any previous

president.

• Prompted by a 2014 agreement between the U.S. and China, a breakthrough global climate agreement has been reached in Paris.

• The Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline has been rejected, a big step toward keeping large parts of our earth home from becoming uninhabitable in our lifetimes by keeping more and more fossil fuels in the ground.

• The Interior Department has placed a moratorium on new coal mining leases on public lands.

And the list goes on.

While we have President Obama to thank for taking these steps to protect our environmental habitat, we know that he could not have done it without the support — and pressure — from the people’s climate movement.

That’s us!

So, now with a new administration peopled by climate deniers about to enter the stage, we must redouble our efforts to maintain these gains, keep our global commitments, and protect our planet and our children’s future — already threatened by everworsening climate disasters. Here in Western North Carolina we can look to — and support — organizations like the Creation Care Alliance, Mountain True, Appalachian Voices, Haywood Waterways Association, Dogwood Alliance, Southern Environmental Law Center, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, as they lead us in this crucial effort.

Doug Wingeier Waynesville

A small-town weekend packed with big meaning

Susanna Barbee

A

If you have a medical appointment this week, you might want to wish your nurse a happy National Nurses Week. This annual event is designed to celebrate the important role nurses play in health care. Of course, while nurses and doctors can help you in many ways, you can do a lot of good for yourself by adopting healthy living habits, such as eating right, exercising frequently, and so on. But you can also do much to help your financial health.

• Diversify. Rebalancing is important. But a balanced portfolio should also be a diversified portfolio. If you only owned one type of financial asset, such as U.S. growth stocks, you could take a big hit during a market downturn. But different types of financial assets don’t always move in the same direction at the same time, so by owning a wide variety of investments – U.S. stocks, international stocks, government securities, corporate bonds, real estate, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on – you may help reduce the efHere are a few suggestions: fects of market volatility on your portfolio. Keep • Stay invested. During times of market in mind, though, that diversification by itself volatility, it can be temping to head to the invest- can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss. ment “sidelines” until things “cool off.” Going to • Maintain realistic expectations. If you exthe sidelines can mean a few different things – pect the financial markets to always move upyou could simply not invest anything for a while, ward, you will be disappointed many times. or you could move a substantial portion of your Market downturns are a normal part of the inportfolio to “cash” instruments, which are safe vestment process, and they will always be with in the sense of preserving your principal but us. Once you accept this reality, you will be less offer almost nothing in the way of return or prolikely to make questionable decisions, such as tecting against inflation. If you’re not investing abandoning a long-term strategy. If you’ve deduring a market downturn, or if you’ve moved signed an appropriate strategy, possibly with the heavily into cash, you might well miss out on the help of a financial professional, you can stick beginning of the next market rally. with it through all market environments.

• Rebalance your portfolio. It’s a good idea By following the suggestions mentioned to periodically rebalance your portfolio to make above – staying invested, rebalancing your portsure it still reflects your goals and your comfort folio as needed, diversifying your holdings and level with risk. Over time, and without any efmaintaining realistic expectations, you can go a fort on your part, your portfolio can become unlong way toward maintaining the fitness of your balanced. For example, following a long “bull” financial situation. market, the value of your stocks could have risen to the point where they make up a greater T his article was written by Edward Jones percentage of your portfolio than you had infor use by your local Edward Jones tended. When that happens, you may need to Financial Advisor. rebalance by adding bonds and other fixed-income vehicles.

Jack C Bishop Jr, CFP Financial Advisor

Jack Bishop III AAMS® Financial Advisor 209 Walnut Street, Waynesville, NC 28786

828-452-4048 www.edwardjones.com

Smoky Mountain News

confirmation mentor at Long’s Chapel.

Further, both girls have and do swim with Smoky Mountain Aquatic Club (SMAC) and are rock stars in the eyes of my 7-year old who is in his first year on the swim team. Parents Brad and Judy are integral members of our community and wonderful friends to many.

At Mud Dabbers’ open house, every guest walked away with a free handmade pottery cup which I thought was incredibly giving.

The place was bustling with shoppers yet it was quiet and serene. Younger daughter Marna played Christmas music on the piano and guests were given apple cider and cookies. The boys and I stayed there for almost an hour buying a couple of items for ourselves as well as some Christmas gifts. It’s so gratifying spending money and know it’s going directly back into a family of our own.

Saturday afternoon, we stopped at Barber’s Orchard Fruit Stand to buy apples before they ran out. We then attended a birthday party at Smoky Mountain Jumphouse. As kids played, parents caught up and talked about school events, holiday plans, and parenting. We’re lucky to have an establishment like this to wear our kids out and give us adults some time to chit chat.

That evening, a good friend and I enjoyed a farm-to-table meal at Frog’s Leap Public House. We sat at the cozy bar and ordered some red wine, a local cheese plate, a variety of salads, and truffle fries. Those truffle fries are truly addictive. If you’ve never tried them, you’re missing out. Believe me.

After dinner, we traipsed over to The Classic Wineseller for dessert and live music.

Every time I visit that place, I can’t help but wonder if it was a speakeasy during Prohibition. It just has that feel. I can sense the fringed dresses, bobbed haircuts, and gin all around me. As we left, I mentioned this to our server, and she said there’s on old door in the place that connects to a tunnel running under Main St. I’m sure that tunnel was used for some bootlegging back in the day.

My 7-year old has taken violin lessons since he was 4 from Deborah Horn at Junaluska Music School. On Sunday, she had her students entertain the patrons at Log Cabin Frozen Treats in Maggie Valley. How fun it was to watch so many talented young musicians and to see my own child grow in his skill and confidence.

Not one time this past weekend did I venture to Walmart or Best Buy or Lowe’s. I know sometimes these places are necessities and I’m thankful they provide jobs for many, but admittedly, I love going an entire weekend without having to enter any of them.

This past year has changed me. I’m not yet sure how these deep changes will ultimately affect my life, but I know they’ve made me appreciate simple joys that are always at my fingertips. I’ve learned that when the anxiety comes, a day spent in my town with my people can bring perspective and healing.

And for that, I’m so very thankful.

December 7-13, 2016

fter three months of internal darkness and coping with grief, this past weekend offered some soothing reprieve. Over the years, I’ve realized I’m a person who desires to see the world but adores her small town. For me, a place like Waynesville is a perfect home base, a haven to recharge.

Despite my love of travel and adventure, I have no real yearning to ever live anywhere else. Maybe it’s from my nostalgic Columnist childhood in Weaverville or my attachment to the ethereal Blue Ridge Mountains, but it feels good to know this about myself and own it.

This past weekend I was immersed in my community and local establishments, and Sunday night as I settled in to read before bed, I felt peaceful, relaxed.

Friday evening, I helped with Girls Empowerment Night at Junaluska Elementary. The counselor asked me several months ago if I could help, and I agreed. On Friday afternoon, however, I felt a tiny bit of nagging regret that I had committed. Part of me just wanted to stay in the warm house and watch Christmas movies, but I’d made an obligation and I upheld it. This turned out to be a good choice.

As the mom of two boys, I’m rarely around little girls for long. As a female myself, I feel a natural attachment to women of all ages, so the minute I walked into to the JES cafeteria and heard giggles and talking galore, I could feel myself smile from the inside out.

The goal of the evening was to empower girls in the upper elementary grades. The students were divided into groups and attended different sessions including yoga and internal wellness, manners and etiquette, self-esteem and confidence, and team building. Then there were a couple of fun sessions such as beauty shop and dance party. At the end of the night, we wrote positive attributes on the T-shirts and each girl walked across the stage to say her name and an empowering trait.

Such as, “My name is Susanna, and I’m unstoppable.”

I was the group leader to 10 third-grade girls to whom I became very attached by the end of the night. It was an amazing evening, and I love that by living in a small town, I will see these sweet girls grow into young women then into functioning adults. I hope they remember the feelings they had last week. I plan to remind them in any way I can.

On Saturday, my boys and I went to the open house at Mud Dabbers Pottery on Balsam. We’re friends with this sweet family and have been for a long time. I taught the Dodson’s older daughter when I was teaching at Waynesville Middle. She’s now a freshman in college. I served as the younger daughter’s

Should You Retire in “Stages”?

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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.

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

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

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

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

spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

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

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

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

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available.

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

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville.

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

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

828.246.0927. Open Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.

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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

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

Christmas cookies, pastries & desserts Breakfast - Lunch - Coffee - Donuts & More Monday - Saturday 7-4 | Sunday 9-3 18 N Main St. in the heart of Waynesville

828-452-3881

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

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

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Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Closed Tues.

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Smoky Mountain News

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WCU professor and alumnus nominated for Dublin Literary Award

ovels written by a Western Carolina University professor and by his former student are among the 147 titles in the running for the 2017 International Dublin Literary Award, widely acknowledged as one of the top — and most lucrative — honors in the publishing world.

Ron Rash, WCU’s Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture, is nominated for his Above the Waterfall, while David Joy, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WCU, is among the nominees for his Where All Light Tends to Go. The works by Rash and Joy are on the awards’ “longlist,” along with books by authors from around the world, as selected by librarians from 40 countries. That larger collection of literary contenders will be pared down by an international panel of judges. The “shortlist” of nominees will be announced in April, with the winner of the award to be revealed in June. The Dublin Literary Award carries a cash prize of more than $100,000.

The news that a faculty member and a two-time alumnus have been nominated for the significant award has created a

N

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

In their words David Joy (left) and Ron Rash (above). Donated photos

buzz of excitement around the Coulter Building, home to WCU’s Department of English, said Brent Kinser, head of the department.

“To be named as a longlist finalist for the prestigious International Dublin Literary Award is a nice honor,” Kinser said. “To have two writers associated with the same school, as in our very own Ron Rash and David Joy, is a remarkable achievement, one that says volumes about both writers and the English department to which they belong, one as a professor and the other as a former student.

“Ron and David remain bright stars in the crown of a department that has many and various stars in it. We’ll all be looking forward to the announcement of the shortlist in March and hope to see their names again. Now that will be the cause of major celebration,” Kinser added.

Rash, an award-winning author, came to WCU in 2003 as the university’s first Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture. Above the Waterfall tells the story of the sheriff of a rural county who is nearing retirement and a park ranger who is haunted by her past and how their paths

cross when a local man is accused of poisoning a trout stream. Rash’s latest work, The Risen, hit bookstores in September. He is author of six other novels, including The New York Times bestseller Serena, and numerous collections of short stories and poetry.

While pleased to be on the longlist himself, Rash said he was delighted at the inclusion of one of the English program’s graduates. “I am proud of David and proud of all of the English department’s teachers, especially Pam Duncan and Deidra Elliott, who taught and encouraged David at WCU,” Rash said.

Joy earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature in 2003 and his master’s degree in professional writing in 2007.

His debut novel Where All Light Tends to Go is about a young man trying to break out the cycle of violence of his drug-making and abusing family. His second novel, The Weight of This World, is scheduled to be published in March.

“Sometimes an award nomination is plenty enough even if you don’t take it home and, with the International Dublin Literary Award, just being on that list is aplenty,” Joy said.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

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Smoky Mountain News

HAZELWOOD

December 7-13, 2016

“I’m glad you’re here right now.”

Standing in line at the Old Europe coffee shop in downtown Asheville, I said that to my old friend, Jerica. It was a rainy Sunday evening and we’d just gotten out of a documentary screening (about Tim Leary and Ram Dass) at the Grail Moviehouse. While I was mulling over the cosmic nature and theme of the film and what our place is in the universe (as per usual), I looked over at Jerica and smiled.

It had been years since we’d last seen each other, which was probably at some random after-hours house party in the wild college town that’s Plattsburgh, New York. Let’s see, that would have been around 2009 or so. I had just returned back home after a

stint as a small-town newspaper journalist in Eastern Idaho. Jerica was finishing up her undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

And here we were, wandering the streets of Asheville, rehashing foggy memories of nights running around downtown Plattsburgh, red paint buckets in hand, ready for whatever the unknown night had to offer. It was a time before Jerica took off to Indonesia and greater Southeast Asia to conduct research about the rapidly disappearing cultures there. It was before I bounced around the United States, writing stories for pennies in an effort to get enough gas in the tank to make it to the next subject, eventually landing in Western North Carolina in 2012.

It was before mutual friends got married and started families. It was before some of the folks simply dropped off the radar, where

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Indonesia to Carolina and back again

familiar face from way down that timeline comes into view that you realize not only how far you’ve come in your pursuits, but also just who and what was there in the beginning when initial dreams seemed like mountaintops high above your starting point at the trailhead of your desired route.

Strolling in the slight drizzle of downtown Asheville, Jerica and I sipped our coffees, the banter never ceasing, as if topics were tennis balls eagerly and joyously hit back and forth over the net of thought and sentiment.

She spoke of her work, running around Indonesia and trying to find out just how globalization is either positively or negatively affecting the native people, their heritage and economies, natural resources and outlook on the future. I spoke of my time here, wandering The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host throughout Southern Appalachia, the Jingle Bell Bash with Dulci Ellenberger & trying to track down the rich culKevin Williams at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. ture of those who inhabit these The Festival of Lights & Luminaries will be held ancient mountains, where there’s from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9-10 in downtown an increasing urgency to preserve Dillsboro. and perpetuate these artisan and traditional trades before they’re The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will lost forever. host popular Western North Carolina act Porch What remains is the notion 40 (rock/funk) at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. that no matter where you are or There will be a live radio play production of the what you’re doing, there are peoclassic film “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7:30 p.m. ple just like you — around the globe — trying everyday to also Dec. 9-10, 12 and 16-17, and at 2:30 p.m. make that difference in our Dec. 11 and 18 at the Smoky Mountain world, all of which bringing us Community Theatre in Bryson City. closer to a better place for “The Nutcracker Ballet” will be performed at humanity and the natural world.

7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. You might not think what you’re 17 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the doing has an impact on the grand Performing Arts in Franklin. scheme of things. But, when you put it into the context that the grand scheme is also working for positive wholeheartedly who that person (me) was change, that you’re one entity among bilback then. lions (of people and possibilities), then you But, with Jerica in Waynesville this week, can see the true value of your intent and purI find those dots being connected with such pose right in your own backyard. clarity, where my life is one long and evolvAnd it is within those interactions with ing timeline, and not just chapters of a book that comes to a close every few years, a fresh, old friends that brings about that renewed sense of self, those added logs onto your blank page emerging with no reference to internal fire just when you felt the blaze what came before it. starting to putter out. There’s a reason those It’s not that I don’t acknowledge where I individuals came into your life those many came from. It’s more of a whirlwind of dayyears ago, and there’s a reason you still cross to-day shenanigans and obligations within paths with them further down road on the Southern Appalachia that occupies the conjourney of life. fines of my mind. To which, it isn’t until a you find yourself asking, “What did ever happen to them?” It was also before some of that social circle also fell victim to drug overdoses or the depths of depression and an eventual suicide — their essence forever remembered in conversation with those who knew them well, and loved them.

It’s surreal, and somewhat jarring, when a voice from your past suddenly reappears.

After living in Haywood County for the better part of the last five years, I sometimes find myself so removed from that past life in Plattsburgh that it almost seems like some half-asleep dream where I sort of remember being there, and yet I’m not sure I remember

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arts & entertainment

On the beat

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PORCH 40 AT THE WATER’N HOLE

The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host popular Western North Carolina act Porch 40 (rock/funk) at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. In recent years, the band has opened up for the likes of Blues Traveler, Marshall Tucker Band and REO Speedwagon. $5 at the door.

Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

JINGLE BELL BASH AT THE WINESELLER The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host the Jingle Bell Bash with Dulci Ellenberger (left) & Kevin Williams at 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

Spring registration for Junior Appalachian Musicians underway WNC's Largest Selection of Granite & Quartz.

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Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) is now accepting applications for the spring semester. Students will learn to play and sing traditional Appalachian mountain music, gain confidence, and give back to the community with live performances throughout the year.

JAM is open to all Jackson County students in grades 3-12, with professional instruction in guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and auto harp. Class will meet from

3:15 to 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons in the music room in the north hall of Cullowhee Valley School. Class dates are Jan. 10 to April 25 for $95. The fee includes instruction by JAM faculty in small and large groups, “JAMily” meeting and practice time, and special appearances by Jackson County Visiting Artists sharing music, dance, and storytelling.

JAM is sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council and supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.

The deadline for student registration is Dec. 20. Contact Mairi Padgett (JAM parent) to enroll: 828.506.8252 or mairi.padgett@gmail.com.

When I sing

BY THOMAS CROWE G UEST FEATURE eralding from just down the mountain in Greenville, South Carolina, Bear Rinehart is the front man for the rock group NEEDTOBREATHE. He has that rare quality of voice that allows him to stand out from other singers in his genre. Not only does Rinehart have the chops, he’s also a talented songwriter and musician.

After many years of paying their dues, NEEDTOBREATHE is now playing to arena crowds and spreading their enlightened message, both home and abroad. I’ve been following their rise to prominence for the past three years. With each new album, I didn’t think that they could possibly get any better. But, in each case, and with their latest record “Hard Love,” they have proved me wrong.

How is that possible? It’s because these guys are special. They work together as a group. They have a group sensibility that takes them higher. They’re raising the bar in the rock world, and hopefully in the world beyond.

Editor’s Note: The following interview was conducted at the Bon Secour Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina on Nov. 11.

H

TC: I’m fascinated maybe most by the love songs. They’re reminiscent, somehow, of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan’s love songs. They also remind me of the Sufi poets Hafiz, Rumi and Kabir. These songs of yours have a spiritual quality. I’m thinking the songs could as easily have been written to God as to your former girlfriends. Can you enlighten me as to who the recipients are of these songs?

BR: I honestly think the love songs we write are very specific when it comes to the

“I think my relationship with nature, God, and love are all intertwined in a way that they could never be fully separated.”

— Bear Rhinehart

subject, but a healthy bit of ambiguity lies in the language and metaphor. Sometimes the best way to get the point across is in an otherwise unrelated analogy. In “BE HERE LONG,” I’m actually talking about my newborn son, but the idea of death was the only thing that I thought represented the emotion properly. I try to call up an emotion that is real in these songs. Most people relate to the song because they’ve lost someone close to them, but that’s what’s great about song writing in my opinion.

The song is much larger than the circumstance if done correctly. To answer the question more directly, I think my relationship with nature, God, and love are all intertwined in a way that they could never be fully separated.

On the beat

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host the Jingle Bell Bash with Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams Dec. 9, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Dec. 10 and 17, and James Hammel (pop/jazz) Dec. 16. All events begin at 7 p.m.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Dec. 7 and 14, a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Dec. 8 and 15, and Shotgun Gypsies Dec. 17. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

ALSO:

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a community music jam from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15. 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

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Glitter Bomb Burlesque with Bob Fleming & The Drunk Girl Chorus Dec. 7, Chris Monteith Karaoke Dec. 9, I Heartbreak (hip-hop) Dec. 10, Alex Culbreth (country/blues) Dec. 16 and John The Revelator & Scott Low (Americana/rock) Dec. 17. Shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. www.nonamesportspub.com.

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

Dec. 17. All skill levels welcomed.

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) Dec. 9 and Joe Cat (singer-songwriter) Dec. 10. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

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

TC: One last question. I’d like to know what the story is behind the band’s name?

BR: It comes from a story we heard about Socrates, [where he] was beside a lake teaching a group of students, when one of the students asked, “How will I know when I’m truly seeking after the purpose in my life?” Socrates walked over to the student and stuck the student’s head under water. The student began gasping for air and Socrates said, “When you need that purpose as much as you need to breathe, that’s when you’ll know.”

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

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host a weekly Appalachian music night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays with Nitrograss. 828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Porch 40 (rock/funk) Dec. 10. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Woodwind Concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 7, a Brass Ensemble Concert at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and a Faculty Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, all in the Coulter Building. The WCU Honor Band will also be at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Fine & Performing Arts Theatre. www.wcu.edu.

Smoky Mountain News

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

828.488.8898.

by and listen. Free. 828.488.3030.

TC: Do you want to add anything here that we’ve not covered in the more formal questions that you’d like people to know?

BR: I would add that I don’t think being in a band or writing songs ever gets easier. It requires everything from you every time.

That gets harder and harder as time goes on, but it’s something that we’re very proud of.

We’ve always been a music first band.

Usually the music comes first and then either Bo (Rinehart, guitar) or I write the lyrics.

When we don’t have the energy to do this any longer, we’ll hang it up. We realize that our commitment and surrender to the process is what keeps people listening.

December 7-13, 2016

Thomas Crowe: I’m interested in knowing what literary and musical influences, what life experiences made you the Bear Rinehart that you’ve become, and how all that gets into your own writing and music?

Bear Rinehart: My earliest influences came from the fact that my father was a

TC: I’m interested in your recurring themes of love, peace, social politics — you were a political science major at Furman University — dreams and beauty. I think of songs like “Happiness.” Can you talk about these themes?

BR: The themes that you’re talking about in my mind are results of an inner struggle.

We write songs about our own individual battles — how to love and be loved, how to succeed and be humble, how to work and enjoy, how to dream and be content, how to mature and be youthful.

TC: You use the phrase “these hard times” on “The Outsiders,” and you use the refrain “who is going to save us now?” in “Maybe They’re On To Us” on “Reckoning.”

So, with issues such as climate change, wars all over the world, the problem of overpopulation, who is going to save us now?

BR: I don’t believe that we’re working towards a utopian society. People are flawed and society follows suit. I’m always trying to question the things, people, or institutions I depend on to get by. How many of those things are destined to fail? The hope I have is in humanity — the ability to live and persevere. I think God made us that way.

Bear Rinehart.

arts & entertainment

An interview with Bear Rinehart

preacher and the gospel music that I heard and sang in church. I loved the grandiose themes of hope and survival in those hymns and how they inspired people, including myself. Later, I was listening a lot to The Black Crowes, who were a big influence on me. I went to a Black Crowes concert here in this arena when I was young and went out and bought a guitar the next day. Then, songwriters like James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, and their acoustic-gone-electric recordings were big for me. I’ve always liked songs with heavy language, songs with reference. It hasn’t been until later in my life that I’ve gotten into reading poetry and writers like John Steinbeck, who is one of my favorite writers.

No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Glitter Bomb Burlesque with Bob Fleming & The Drunk Girl Chorus at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Free. www.nonamesportspub.com. 25

On the street arts & entertainment

The 21st century counterculture

Want to taste the local flavors?

The “Taste of Local” will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at Ingles Markets in Waynesville.

Support local food entrepreneurs as you meet more than 20 local suppliers and sample their products that are sold at Ingles. Some of the participants include: Ally’s Bars (Mills River), Annie’s Breads (Asheville), Boojum Brewing (Waynesville), City Bakery (Asheville), Hickory Nut Gap Meats (Fairview), Mimi’s Mountain Mixes (Hendersonville), Roots Hummus (Asheville), Sunburst Trout (Waynesville), Tribal Grounds Coffee (Waynesville).

December 7-13, 2016

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Smoky Mountain News

• The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre and Empire Distributing will host an evening of fine dining and wine at 7:30 p.m. Friday,

• A showcase on the life and times of Horace Kephart will be on display through March 31 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. 828.227.7129.

ALSO:

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

Dec. 10 and 17 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

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

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

On the stage Do you know the meaning of Christmas?

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“The Revival of the Hippie Counterculture” talk and discussion with Michael Lenz will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Lenz will be presenting his new book Hippie Revival & Collected Writings. The book addresses the resurgence of hippie values and its spirit through the avenues of long essays, reflections, poetry, haiki and guest writings.

Flower power, peace and love. This is usually what comes to mind when we think of the hippie movement in the 1960s. However, there was also a strong sense of self-reliance, spiritual awakening and social change among this unique community. In recent years there has been a revival of the hippie counterculture with a re-emergence of many of the hippie ideals such as: the reemergence of self-sustaining communes, the growing popularity of meditation, the liberalization of anti-marijuana laws and the budding of environmental awareness.

Topics to be covered include: Meditation & Eastern Spirituality, communes, non-violent political protest, Marijuana reform, Earth consciousness and sustainability.

Dec. 16, at Harmons Den Bistro located in the new Daniel & Belle Fangmeyer Theater at HART in Waynesville. Only 20 spots available for this four-course and wine event. Cost is $75 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. To RSVP, call the box office at 828.456.6322.

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“The Promise,” a dramatic Christmas Musical will be presented at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Hazelwood Baptist Church in Waynesville.

The Adult Choir, “Compass” Children’s Choir, and “Exalt” Worship Arts Ministry will share the story of the long-awaited promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. As the story unfolds, you will discover the true meaning of Christmas and the reason Jesus came as a baby over 2,000 years ago.

Everyone is invited and admission is free. A nursery will be provided and a finger-food reception will follow the musical. For more information or directions, call the church office at 828.456.9434.

MET Opera on the big screen There will be a “Live via Satellite” screening of the MET Opera’s “L’Amour De Loin” at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Aquitaine, 12th century. Jaufré Rudel, Prince of Blaye, yearns for a distant love but is convinced he will never find it. A pilgrim from overseas asserts that the woman he seeks does exist. Jaufré can no longer think of anything but her. Back in the East, the pilgrim meets the Countess of Tripoli, Clémence, and tells her that a prince-troubadour celebrates her in his songs as his “love from afar.” Offended at first, she later begins to dream of this strange and distant lover. And the story continues.

Tickets are available online at www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

• Comedian Chad Daniels will perform at 9 p.m. Dec. 9 in UC Illusions at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

On the wall John Highsmith photo

Get on the ‘Appalachian Mural Trail’

With the help of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, the Appalachian Mural Trail Group began accomplishing its vision on Dec. 1.

Located in Jackson County, the Appalachian Mural Trail Group plans to place and locate historical outdoor murals celebrating Appalachian heritage within driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

“Murals created by artists living in the towns and communities, telling the stories of mountain heritage with feeling, makes this an exciting project designed to interpret mountain heritage,” said Doreyl Ammons Cain, project director.

In the beginning the project was titled

“The Majesty of Mountain Heritage” and a large mural was created and displayed throughout the far western counties. Since then other murals have gradually developed, “On Hallowed Ground” in Dillsboro, “Cakewalks” in the Jackson County Library, the history of Cumberland Gap at their National Park Visitor’s Center and “Golden Threads” musical heritage mural at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville.

Communities near the Blue Ridge Parkway are invited to apply to be on the Appalachian Mural Trail by contacting Doreyl Ammons Cain at 828.293.2239 or visiting www.muraltrail.com where an application is available.

Under the photography depths The Sylva Photo Club will present “Underwater Photography” by Dr. John Highsmith at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Cullowhee Methodist Church at Western Carolina University.

Highsmith has been taking photographs since he was 16, and has over 20 years experience in scuba diving. He lives in Clyde where he has a cosmetic and implant-dental practice. He has traveled worldwide and will be present stunning images of aquatic sea creatures photographed from around the globe. Highsmith will be sharing techni-

cal information, and his thought process behind the creation of these images.

Share and Tell will follow using the theme of the program. The theme for the month of December is “Festive.” Download pictures on a USB drive for sharing.

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

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

arts & entertainment

The ‘On Hallowed Ground’ mural in Dillsboro.

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

The 2016 exhibit features 60 artists and almost 200 individual works of art for sale.

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

December 7-13, 2016 Smoky Mountain News 27

arts & entertainment

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On the wall • Cullowhee watercolorist Craig Forrest will showcase a 15-piece collection of new works throughout the month of December at the It’s

By Nature gallery in downtown Sylva.

828.631.3020 or www.itsbynature.com/upcomingevents. • The exhibit entitled “Fear No Artâ€? by Isabella Jacovino, an artist and author of many dark-epic fantasy novels, will be on display throughout December at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. An artist reception will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8, at the library. Using the grit, grime and socially provocative nature of “guerilla art� as a foundation and blending influences from Dadaism alongside digital elements of bricolage and mixed media techniques, the exhibit offers an exploration of “anti-art� where in concern for “traditional� aesthetics are not present.

ALSO:

• There will be a “War-Hammer Makingâ€? blacksmithing course taught by Brock Martin (pictured) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10-11 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. For more information of this workshop, class fees, the JCGEP, and more, click on www.jcgep.org. • The exhibition “Contemporary Clay: A Survey on Contemporary American Ceramicsâ€? will run until Dec. 16 in the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University. The exhibit will show the diversity of the medium, exploring traditional and non-traditional functional objects, mixed media installations and the continuing evolution of ceramics and pottery. www.wcu.edu.

December 7-13, 2016

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828.631.0271 or www.jcgep.org.

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Smoky Mountain News

7 Locations Serving you in Western North Carolina

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

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

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On the tree

Celtic Woman Christmas show Renowned music group Celtic Woman will be performing “Home For Christmas: The Symphony Tour” at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

In just a few short years, the unique musical ensemble has emerged as both a spectacular commercial success and a genuine cultural phenomenon. Their evocative, uplifting music has transcended national and cultural borders to touch the hearts of a devoted fan base that spans the globe.

The group is the product of the musical vision of David Downes, who had previously been musical director of the pioneering Irish-themed stage show “Riverdance.” Downes envisioned a creative entity that would combine the elemental appeal of traditional Irish music with modern production and staging.

For tickets, visit www.celticwoman.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call 800.745.3000.

The WNC Civil War Round Table cordially invites the public to join its members and guests at its Christmas Party on Monday, Dec. 12, at the Comfort Inn in Sylva.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social cocktail hour and cash bar. This will be followed with a buffet-style dinner catered by John Faulk. The dinner will be comprised of a choice of entrees, multiple sides with bread, beverage, and choice of desserts.

The featured speaker of the evening will be North Carolina native Woody Harrell who will present to the audience, “Col. David Stuart Brigade on the First Day of Shiloh.”

Harrell, after spending his career with the National Park Service has had ample time to learn of Stuart’s plight and the events of day one at Shiloh. Harrell retired after 22 years as park superintendent at Shiloh, three years past.

The evening will include selecting a winner for the Civil War Chess Set Raffle. Tickets remain available from members or by mail (one for $5 or three for $10) by contacting Mardy Ashe at 828.508.2266 or mardy.ashe@gmail.com.

Those attending are requested to come in “dress casual’ or period dress. Tickets are $30 a person, and those wishing to purchase may do so by mailing payment to WNCCWRT Attn: Dinner P.O. Box 3709 Cullowhee, N.C. 28723 If you are unable to get your reservations/funds in by mail before Dec. 6, you may RSVP by person to Richard Smith at 828.293.5934 or kenandcou@gmail.com and pay at-the-door.

The Polar Express train excursion hits the tracks through Dec. 24 at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot in Bryson City.

In 1985, Chris Van Allsburg wrote The Polar Express, a story of a magical train ride on Christmas Eve. The train takes a young boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus.

The excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness. 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.

Ticket prices begin $42 for adults, $28 for children and free for infants. Prices vary for all groups with other trip packages. For more information or to purchase tickets: 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

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

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

• Santa at the Museum: 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a free photo opportunity with jolly St. Nick.

Cookies and cocoa served in the lobby.

• Christmas Past: Mountain Traditions: 5 to 7 p.m. This brand new program is designed with the whole family in mind. Kids get to decorate the cabin tree with traditional Appalachian decorations, as well as making

their own popcorn, cranberry, or paper string to take home for their tree. Cookies and cocoa provided in the visitor center lobby.

800.867.9246.

‘Nutcracker Ballet’ returns to Franklin “The Nutcracker Ballet” will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Tickets are $8 for students, $12 for adults.

866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

Cherokee Lights & Legends The Cherokee Lights & Legends Christmas will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.

Stroll under the lights through fun, interactive displays that tell ancient Cherokee Christmas legends. See the lighting of our 40foot Christmas tree, have a visit with Santa, and take a spin on the synthetic ice rink.

Families will also find a bonfire with Cherokee storytelling, two bouncy houses, a nine-hole mini-golf course, face painting, balloon animals, the opportunity to create a ParT-Pet (similar to a Build-a-Bear®), and free cotton candy and popcorn. There will also be a New Year’s Eve fireworks show.

Admission is free to the celebration. Skating and photos with Santa are both $5, with most activities inside the Exhibit Hall at $7. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

‘It’s A Wonderful Life” radio play There will be a live radio play production of the classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 12 and 16-17, and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 students (ages 6-18) and free for children ages 5 and under. www.smctheatre.com.

Lights & Luminaries returns

The Festival of Lights & Luminaries will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9-10 in downtown Dillsboro.

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

Shops and restaurants will provided complimentary refreshments, music and voices raised in song, and have opportunities to purchase special selections for Christmas giving.

Experience old-fashioned horse and buggy rides, and a live nativity scene at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church. The church Fellowship Hall will be open for a break from the cold where refreshments will be provided.

Rudolph and Santa’s elves will be strolling the streets passing out candy canes, and Christmas wishes may be made at Santa’s Workshop in Town Hall.

There will be a free shuttle service from Monteith Park.

29 www.visitdillsboro.org.

Smoky Mountain News

Polar Express returns to Bryson City

December 7-13, 2016

Civil War Round Table Christmas

All are invited to Lake Junaluska Dec. 911 for an “Appalachian Christmas,” a weekend of concerts and a craft fair.

This year Lake Junaluska welcomes Point of Grace for a special Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. This multi-platinum country-gospel group is one of the most acclaimed artists in Christian music. In their latest album, “Directions Home,” they collaborated with legends like Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs.

The group has two Grammy nominations and 13 Dove awards, and their talent is marked by flexibility, vocal range and inspiring melodies.

The celebrations kick off with a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. “Messiah” is a baroqueera music composition by George Frideric Handel, composed in 1741-1742. This year’s performers includes Joyce Guyer, principal artist at the Metropolitan Opera

for 16 seasons; Mary Gayle Green, professor at Appalachian State; Randall Outland, voice teacher and performer; and Ed Davis, who has sung for numerous performances in this area. They will be accompanied by strings, trumpet, an organ and a chorus.

The Cockman Family will play a matinee concert at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

Their signature bluegrass-gospel sound, warm family atmosphere and instrumental proficiency will delight the audience.

The Appalachian Christmas Craft Show features dozens of local artisans from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. You can find one-of-a-kind gifts including pottery, natural soaps, jewelry and stained glass.

The craft show will take place in the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska.

Individual concert tickets are now on sale.

Concert tickets are $18 for general admission.

All concerts are held in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. To purchase concert tickets, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or call 800.222.4930.

Lodging packages are also available at one of Lake Junaluska’s hotels. Packages include meals, lodging, tickets to all three concerts and two tickets to Christmas at Biltmore.

arts & entertainment

Point of Grace, craft show at ‘Appalachian Christmas’

Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

arts & entertainment

On the tree

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First Methodist Christmas Cantata The chancel choir at First United Methodist Church will present its annual Christmas Cantata at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the church sanctuary in Sylva.

The cantata titled “Joy to the World” is comprised of a variety of musical selections that express the meaning of the season. The program will feature inspirational songs and traditional Christmas carols. Vocal solos and instrumental music will be included in the program. Tommy Ginn is director of the chancel choir.

The Sylva Ringers, a community hand bell group, will play Christmas music in the sanctuary to kickoff the cantata. The hand bell music will set the tone for what is expected to be joyful, inspiring choral performance. Lorie Meservey is director of the hand bell choir.

Actors from the church will portray the nativity scene as the Christmas story is read from the Bible. A children’s group lead by Valerie Tissue will be dancing to some of the musical selections.

Following the cantata, heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Christian Life Center. The public is invited to be a

part of this program, First United Methodist Church’s gift to the community.

828.586.2358.

‘Snowkus Pocus Cirque Holiday Show’ The “Snowkus Pocus Cirque Holiday Show” will usher in the season in an acrobatic way at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

Performers will present wintry vignettes, including a bendy ballerina inside a living snow globe, a snowball battle between the North Wind and Jack Frost, and an aerial snow ballet.

Tickets will be available at the box office and online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu, or by calling 828.227.2479. Tickets purchased in advance are significantly discounted: $5 for students, $13 for WCU faculty and staff, $18 for general admission, and $15 per ticket for groups of 20 or more. On the day of the event, regular ticket prices apply: $10 for students, $18 for WCU faculty and staff, and $23 for general admission.

The event is part of the 2016-17 Arts and Cultural Events series at Western Carolina University.

Civic Orchestra Christmas concert The Western Carolina Civic Orchestra will present the annual Community Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

The performance is sponsored by the JCPL and the Jackson County Arts Council. The JCAC will also be serving refreshments. The Jackson County Genealogical Society and the Jackson County Historical Society will welcome visitors.

The musical celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. with caroling on the library steps, led by Gayle and Phil Woody. The Western Carolina Civic Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Damon Sink, will begin the concert at 7 p.m.

The vocal soloist will be Nancy Honeytree Miller, daughter of former conductor of the Civic Orchestra, Bill Henigbaum, who considers Sylva her home away from home. She is a 45-year veteran of playing guitar and singing original Christian songs in all 50 United States and 37 countries.

Nancy Honeytree Miller.

The orchestra will be joined by area students who study violin and cello with Cathy Arps and Elizabeth Butler. The Western Carolina Civic Orchestra is sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council from a Grassroots Grant, supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, call the library at 828.586.2016. This free event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library. www.fontanalib.org.

On the tree

• The Cherokee Christmas Parade will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in downtown.

Floats, bands, Santa and more.

• “A Night before Christmas” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 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.

• The “Falala” holiday showcase will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Sam Love Queen Auditorium at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. Performances by the Blue Ridge Big Band, Celtic Crew, Possum on a Whale and Blackberry Jam. Pies and beverages provided by the Friends of Folkmoot. In lieu of admission, consider contributing to the Campaign for Folkmoot. www.folkmoot.org or 828.452.2997.

• Santa will make an appearance from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. There will be holiday refreshments and more. During the event, children will be offered the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap, mail a letter to the North Pole and receive a keepsake ornament.

• “Christmas in the Park” will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Jackson County Recreation Park in Cullowhee. Visit with Santa, hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting. 828.293.3053.

• The “Christmas In My Hometown” musical celebration will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Smoky Mountain Center of the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $15. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

A HART Christmas The stage production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will be performed at 2 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and 17-18 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

What happens when the worst kids in the history of the world find out there are free snacks at Sunday school? They decide to audition for the annual Christmas pageant. The Herdmans have taken over the holiday and insist on playing all the good parts. It’s disgraceful.

They’ve never heard the Christmas story, and have no idea who Mary, Joseph or the wise men are. Will the pageant be canceled? Will the other kids even show up to participate? Will this be the worst pageant ever? Find out as “Kids at HART” present the classic Christmas tale.

Adult tickets are $10, students $5. To purchase tickets, call 828.452.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• Award-winning Christian act MercyMe will perform a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Tickets start at $27. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

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• “Christmas with Santa” will be at 9 a.m.

Dec. 9 in the Fine & Performing Arts Theatre at Western Carolina University. Packed full of sing-a-long tunes, this show is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Best for grades K-5th.

• The Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation giftwrap project will be held through Dec. 24 at Mast General Store in downtown Waynesville.

Organizers are in need of donated wrapping materials and volunteers to work three-hour shifts at Mast General Store. Shoppers can bring their purchases to the gift-wrapping table in the lobby and volunteers will box and wrap the holiday gifts for a donation to Sarge’s. To donate wrapping materials, bring the items to Sarge’s Adoption Center, 256 Industrial Park Drive in Waynesville, from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Supply donations may also be taken to Mast General Store. To sign up, visit www.sargeanimals.org/mastgeneral-gift-wrap or call 828.400.5713.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Brasstown Ringers will be showcasing two local performances of their annual Christmas program “Holiday Memories” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. Musical selections will include holiday favorites and traditional carols, along with several sacred songs arranged for hand-bell choir. All performances are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.

• “Andrea’s Student Christmas Piano Recital” will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Recital Hall in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University.

74 North Main Street, Waynesville

December 7-13, 2016

• The “12 Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt” will be Dec. 13-24 in Waynesville. Pick up bingo cards for the hunt from downtown businesses. There will also be an “Old Fashioned Christmas” celebration from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 17 in downtown. Refreshments, vintage cars, a visit by Santa (3 to 6 p.m.) and more. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• “Cookies with Santa” will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College in Sylva.

The event is provided by the Jackson County Smart Start and Local Interagency Coordinating Council.

arts & entertainment

• The Cashiers Christmas Parade will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 10, in downtown. If you’d like to enter a float in the parade, visit www.cashiersareachamber.com or call 828.743.5191.

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

It’s OK sometimes to just take a dip f course, we’re intended to read from cover to cover many books — novels, histories, biographies, and more. It would make little sense to begin Mark Helprin’s novel A Soldier of the Great War on page 340 of its 860 pages. We might open and commence reading Paul Hendrickson’s Hemingway’s Boat, on page 241, but we’d miss some of the main points of this fine biography.

There are, however, “dipper” books — anthologies, collections of essays, short stories, poetry, certain histories, cookbooks, books on fashWriter ion and film — into which we can dip where we like. We scan the Table of Contents for something interesting, or we simply open the book and are instantly hooked by some article or observation, and so we dip here and there in the book. We may even end up reading the entire thing by wandering all over the place, an essay on page 198, a poem on page 40, a story on page 221 followed by an account of an Africa safari on page 244.

Here in no particular order are some new books into which I have dipped lately, books that might interest you or serve as holiday gifts.

First up is Tristan Stephenson’s The Curious Barista’s Guide to Coffee (Ryland Peters & Small, 2015, 192 pages, $24.95). This handsome volume with its many photographs

by Addie Chinn includes chapters on the history of coffee, roasting and grinding coffee, different brewing methods, and coffee-based drinks and desserts. My favorite chapter was “Espresso and Milk: A Match Made In Heaven” in which the author covers lattes, cappuccinos, and other concoctions, even giving instructions on the art of pouring your latte into those decorative hearts and flowers made by your local barista. If you have a coffee-lover in your life and you’re looking for a gift, you just found one.

In The Company Of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs (Artisan, 2016, 358 pages, $35), Grace Bonney and photographer Sasha

Until two weeks ago, I had never heard of Celia Rivenbark, a columnist and writer out of Wilmington, North Carolina. Then I picked up a copy of some of her collected essays, You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start In The Morning (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2009, 242 pages, $13.99) and became an instant admirer. Rivenbark is as Southern as bourbon, grits,

than as celebrities.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Eye-Popping Oddities (Ripley Entertainment, Inc., 2015, 256 pages, $28.95) provides, if nothing else, grand entertainment for children and grandchildren. A man pulling a truck with his nose; a celebration of six fingered people; “bone” trucks; the heaviest man on record; the man who eats snakes and frogs: these and other narratives kept my own grandchildren enraptured, hopefully without giving them nightmares or inflicting them with some sort of psychological damage. The cover of the book with its popping eyeballs also snared their attention.

and beauty contests, and is laugh-out-loud funny in the bargain. (Fortunately, I read some of these essays seated on the back porch of a house in a quiet neighborhood. Had I read them in a café or bookshop or any other public place, people would have stared at the guy larking it up all on his lonesome). The titles of these pieces alone give a sense of Rivenbark’s humor: “Gwyneth Paltrow Wants to Improve Your Pathetic Life,” “It Is What It @#$%^-Is,” “Miss North Carolina Is Too Nice to Hate,” “Strapped For Cash: Try Cat Whisperin,’” and others. An example of her work: In “Poseable Jesus Meets Poser Ken,”

Jeff Minick

O

Israel give us an impressive look at women in the world of business, craft, and art. Each short chapter includes an interview with one of these women along with photographs of her, her workplace or home, and in the case of artists, her work. Most impressive about this book is that these women come across as engaged human beings with real talent rather

ALSO:

Rivenbark reviews the Biblical action figures found in her local Walmart, writing “With toys like this, it’s only a matter of time before one Sunday School kid says to his buddy, ‘My Goliath can kick your Samson’s ass.’”

If you have a grammar nerd in the family — I confess I am a semi-nerd — then a fine gift may be found in Stephen Spector’s May I Quote You On That? A Guide to Grammar & Usage (Oxford University Press, 2015, 396 pages, $15.95).

What sets Spector’s book apart from other similar works is his extravagant use of quotations to make his points concerning the intricacies of the English language. Woody Allen, Winston Churchill, Lady Gaga, Mark Twain: these and several hundred others make an appearance here. You can read this book to learn more about grammar and usage, as the subtitle indicates, but you can also thumb through it just for the sheer pleasure provided by the quotations and by Spector’s concise writing.

Finally, there is Neil Gaiman’s The View From The Cheap Seats (William Murrow, 2014, 522 pages, $26.99). Known for his science fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels, in Cheap Seats Gaiman gives us his take on reading, writing, and books and authors he has loved. In the “Introduction,” he even tells us that Cheap Seats is a dipper book by writing “you are under no obligation to read them (the essays and speeches) all, or to read them in any particular order.” So far, I have enjoyed his thoughts on the importance of libraries, ideas, and reading as well as his take on C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and G.K. Chesterton. An ideal gift for those who love Gaiman’s work, science fiction, comics, and literature in general.

Enjoy!

(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher.

Minick0301@gmail.com.)

• Blue Ridge Books (Waynesville) will offer a unique opportunity to browse and purchase handmade gifts from Ecuador. The event will occur from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 14.

All proceeds from the sale of these blankets, scarves, bags and jewelry go to support a library system for the children of the remote Andean regions of Ecuador. For more information, visit www.read-organization.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Going forward by looking backward Tradition and science meet in Cherokee forest plan

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ver the course of thousands of years lived in the Southern Appalachian mountains, the Cherokee people had pretty well developed a system of relationship with the land that ensured they harvested what they needed to live while leaving enough

O

to ensure future generations would yield the same benefit.

But then there was the arrival of Europeans, years of conflict, the removal, and the establishment of the Qualla Boundary under the supervision of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It’s been a long time since Cherokee land was truly managed in the Cherokee tradition, but with the impending approval of a new forest management plan the pendulum is swinging back closer than it’s been in a long time.

“As we looked at the revision of the tribe’s forest management plan, we noticed that its focus was on pre-commercial intent, and not

to say that’s a bad thing but there was not a strong cultural focus component that really identifies who we are as aboriginal people in this region,” said Tommy Cabe, forest resources specialist for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Since the formation of the Qualla Boundary, forestry practices there had pretty much mirrored what was going on elsewhere in the Southern Appalachians. In the earlier years, clear-cutting was common, with little to no effort put into restoring the landscape afterward. From the 1960s onward, forestry on the Qualla Boundary — again, like in much of the surrounding area — gained a bit

Clockwise from top left: Tommy Cabe climbs a snowy slope to conduct ramp research. In November, Cabe accepted the EcoForester Award from the nonprofit EcoForesters on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A tribal employee takes forest measurements. Donated photos

more diversity, with more emphasis on thinning, taking inventory of resources and managing for overall forest health.

“But the plan still didn’t cover the cultural interest to the degree we have started to place back into our landscape in the past 20 to 25 years,” Cabe said.

So, when it came time to create a new forest management plan, the EBCI engaged EcoForesters, an Asheville-based nonprofit, to help write a plan that would prioritize cultural values and traditions. The nonprofit took to the project with gusto, even bestowing its annual EcoForester Award on the EBCI for “promoting the use of positive-impact forestry within the Cherokee community and with landowners and stakeholders throughout their ancestral homeland.”

The plan has been approved by the tribe but is still awaiting final approval from the BIA. It has many of the markers of a traditional forest management plan but takes some detours to emphasize management of

resources that have special significance to tribal members. For instance, Cabe took a day to walk the forest with a local basketmaker, who taught him about what kind of tree makes the best basket material. It’s well known what a white oak should look like for traditional timber harvest, but the specifications of a white oak destined to become a basket are much less well defined. What Cabe learned from his outing with the basketmaker was that a 6-foot log between 6 and 10 inches in diameter — as long as it doesn’t have any sucker sprouts or burls on it — can produce two medium-sized baskets. Each of those baskets goes for about $800.

“We can take that information and we can look in the forest and areas where we’re going to manage for oak regeneration or oak stems, and we can reach an objective down the road to preserve a basketmaker’s resources and also the need for moving hardwoods off the landscape in a more culturally friendly way,” Cabe said.

Of the 57,000 acres of forest on the Qualla Boundary, only about 5,000 are part of the tribal reserve land — the EBCI’s version of public land. In addition to implementing the forest plan on the public acres, Cabe will have the added challenge of conveying to landowners the importance of the cultural resources contained on their individual properties.

Perhaps there’s a landowner looking to harvest a timber stand that contains some of those smaller white oaks that are perfect for baskets but would become little more than slash in a commercial timber sale. Armed with knowledge of what trees are most useful to basketmakers and what their economic value is, Cabe could suggest that the landowner connect with a basketmaker before harvesting the larger trees.

Basketmaking is just one example of where cultural values can intersect traditional forest management. For instance, Cabe said, what about a situation in which a productive patch of ramps is located in the midst of a high-value forest? By taking into account the cultural and economic value of the ramps, foresters could make a better-informed decision about when and whether to harvest the trees.

In one sense, much of Cabe’s work involves quantifying what the Cherokee people have already known for generations. A prime example would be the work he’s doing to pave the way for Cherokee people to be able to gather plants inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A federal rule change this year made it possible for members of federal tribes to gather inside national parks, but the tribe and the park must complete a planning process before gathering can begin.

Ramps are much less common now than they used to be. That’s often attributed to the tendency of non-Indian people to gather them by digging up the whole plant, rather than cutting them to allow for regeneration, Cabe said. In addition, the Cherokee method involves harvesting only every fourth plant, leaving the remaining three to repopulate the patch.

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New species named for Fontana

To test the hypothesis that the Cherokee method is more sustainable, the EBCI is growing test plots to compare the impacts of traditional Cherokee harvest to those of non-native people.

“We are actually putting that method to vigorous scientific protocol to prove our method is the best,” Cabe said.

Forestry isn’t the only realm where that is happening. Cherokee schools are working to get native foods like sochan — also known as green-headed coneflower — and ramps served in school cafeterias. But first, they must complete analyses on nutritional content and acidity to get them approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cabe said.

Cherokee traditions evolved for a reason, but in the modern world of data-driven decision-making the tribe is finding itself with the task of scientifically explaining what its members have known for generations.

“We were scientific and not knowing we were scientific,” Cabe said. “But we knew that preservation was important.”

However, there will always be a limit to the ability of science to explain Cherokee ways, Cabe said. And that’s OK. “Most indigenous tribes place an amount of energy toward practices that were spiritual, so there comes a component to where science is going to have to say, ‘We can’t measure that,’” Cabe said. “To the Indian it’s not going to be an obstacle, but to scientists it might be frustrating. You just know. Like an elder told me, you just know.”

Going forward, the EBCI is only looking to increase its exploration of native plants and how, in the year 2016, those plants and the traditions surrounding them can continue to grow in importance. The tribe is in the process of creating a department of agriculture that would encompass not only Cabe’s work but also various types of farming, ranging from Western-style production of chicken or tomatoes to the raising of native greens and grains.

“Going into 2017 I think it’s going to be like, ‘Roll the sleeves up and let’s get busy,’” Cabe said.

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Smoky Mountain News

The Rockport™ by Lopi® combines beautiful European castings with optimum performance and solid construction to bring you the perfect mid-sized wood stove.

Premium materials like iron, steel, real masonry brick and crystal clear ceramic glass are brought together in a fusion of classic elegance and durability designed to heat your home and family for years to come, even when the power goes out. The Rockport™ features revolutionary patented HybridFyre® technology, making it one of the cleanest burning and most efficient wood stoves in the world!

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December 7-13, 2016

Cast Iron Beauty That is Built to Last!

outdoors

A new-to-science lichen species discovered in March 2016 has been named after Fontana Dam due to its discovery in the forest above Fontana Village.

The lichen was found by scientists Sean Beeching, Malcolm Hodges and Paul Davison during a break at the Tuckerman Workshop, the leading workshop in the study and documentation of lichens.

The workshop was held at Fontana Village this year.

The lichen was named A. fontana, a moniker that commemorates Fontana Village and Resort as the place of discovery was well as its meaning “of springs,” a reference to the abundance of water that sustains biodiversity in the area.

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outdoors

Navigate the old-fashioned way

We are proud to accept insurance plans from these local employers: Bookstore Call today to learn more about your specific coverage

The City Lights Bookstore 18th Annual Giving Tree is underway

828.456.3211 smokymtneye.com

Learn to explore using only a map and compass with a tutorial offered 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Cullowhee Recreation Center.

The program will cover the basic features of maps and compasses, as well as their benefits and limitations.

Free with registration required by Dec. 10 at www.rec.jacksonnc.com. 828.293.3053.

Give the gift of a good read!

3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

Make this Christmas the stuff of legends.

Discover the Smokies

December 7-13, 2016

Get the inside scoop on Friends of the Smokies’ plans to kick off the second century of National Park Service stewardship with a program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at REI in Asheville.

With its program “Discover the Smokies,” Friends of the Smokies will discuss the programs, hikes and camping excursions it has planned toward the goal of engaging and educating communities surrounding America’s most visited national park.

Free, with registration required at www.rei.com/learn.html.

December 2–31, Fridays and Saturdays, from 5–10 p.m. (closed Dec. 23–24)

Smoky Mountain News

Stroll under the lights through festive, interactive displays featuring ancient Cherokee Christmas legends.

Or come for our 40-ft. Christmas tree, a visit with Santa, our Christmas Carnival and Christmas Parade, and a spin on our synthetic ice rink. There’s plenty of inexpensive entertainment (cash only), and admission is free. Grab your little elves and join us at 545 Tsali Blvd., in Cherokee, NC.

VisitCherokeeNC.com | 828.359.6490 36

Nominations sought for conservation award Leaders in the conservation of wildlife diversity in North Carolina are sought for nominations for the annual Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award, presented by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Nominations, due by Jan. 31, 2017, should include a detailed essay describing the nominee’s contributions to nongame wildlife conservation in the state.

Nominations received in 2015 and 2016 will be considered alongside new nominations.

The award is named for N.C. State professor of zoology and self-described “fulltime volunteer and unpaid environmental activist,” the late Thomas Quay. This will be the 12th time it has been presented.

Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.ncwildlife.org by clicking on the scrolling “Thomas L. Quay Award” icon at the bottom of the page.

Bird the holidays away U.S., Canada, Latin America and beyond.

The data can be used for a variety of purposes, including analyzing the effect of climate change on winter bird distributions.

■ The Franklin Bird Club’s Christmas Bird

Male wood duck. William McReynolds photo

Count will be held 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14. The group will divide into five teams, each with its own meeting location. At 5 p.m., the group will reconvene at Lazy Hiker Brewing to enjoy a brew and review findings from the day. Loaner binoculars are available.

Last year, 27 participants counted 3,420 birds representing 65 species, ranging from

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

Is a Will Enough?

Steady rains over the past week have caused the N.C. Forest Service to lift burning bans for 32 counties, including Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain.

However, bans are still in effect for some jurisdictions, including the national forests, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some counties still maintain a burning prohibition that prevents burning from taking place within 100 feet of a building.

The rains have dampened fuels but have not vanquished the drought. As of Thursday, Dec. 1, six counties were still classified as experiencing exceptional drought, the highest classification possible — Jackson, Macon, Swain, Graham, Clay and Cherokee counties.

Drought maps are updated weekly on Thursdays.

The N.C. Forest Service ban was first issued for the 25 westernmost counties on Nov. 7, with an additional 22 counties included Nov. 21 as drought conditions worsened and wildfires burned more than 73,000 acres in Western North Carolina.

What Dad REALLY Wants for Christmas.

HUNTING & OUTDOOR GEAR | FIREARMS | ARCHERY Smoky Mountain News

FREE LUNCHEON SEMINAR

State burn ban lifted

December 7-13, 2016

Count, now in its 117th year, will feature a variety of local opportunities for expert and novice birders alike to participate in this annual birding experience.

The Christmas Bird Count is responsible for the largest citizen science database in the world, with the CBC now mobilizing more than 2,400 counting groups comprised of more than 60,000 individuals located in the

Wildfires burned more than 73,000 acres in Western North Carolina this year. Donated photo

outdoors

As December unfolds, birders across the globe will embark on a quest to tally as many birds and species as possible over the course of a single day in a 15-mile radius.

The Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird

333 sightings of the American crow to single sightings of Wilson’s snipe, the American woodcock and the winter wren.

Sign up with Rita St. Clair, rstcl10609@aol.com.

■ On Friday, Dec. 16, the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society will start its count at 7:30 a.m., gathering at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands. A chili lunch will be provided from noon to 3 p.m. at the Hudson Library in Highlands.

Expert guidance and loaner binoculars will be provided.

Last year, 22 counters fanned out to see or hear 1,139 birds representing 38 species, with notable sightings including 75 wild turkeys, 51 American goldfinches and 46 mallard ducks.

Sign up with Brock Hutchins, brockhutchins@bellsouth.net.

■ The Great Smoky Mountains Christmas Bird Count will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, starting from the Gatlinburg area. Sign up with Warren Bielenberg, web9272@msn.com.

■ The Balsam Christmas Bird Count will be held Friday, Dec. 30, running from approximately 7 a.m. to dusk.

The area will be divided into four sections, with each section leader designating a starting place and time.

Participants will meet at Bocelli’s for dinner afterward.

Last year, 19 participants recorded about 65 species, including 10 red crossbills, the only crossbills reported in North Carolina. Because the weather was mild and the Blue Ridge Parkway was within the count area, birders also glimpsed red-breasted nuthatch, golden-crowned kinglet and black-capped chickadee.

Sign up with Don Hendershot, ddihen1@bellsouth.net. www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count.

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ASHEVILLE

Institute for the Environment students pose for a picture in the field. Donated photo

Explore the Appalachians through the eyes of student research Fresh from a semester spent living and learning on the Highlands Biological Station campus, 10 University of North Carolina students will present their respective research findings from 2 to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, in the seminar room of Coker Laboratory in Highlands.

The students arrived in August to begin coursework on mountain biodiversity, conservation biology, Southern Appalachian culture and landscape analysis, with research also a significant component of the program. In addition to a diverse array of

research topics, students collaborated on a capstone project studying the health and ecology of the Whitewater River in order to understand how human activity in the uplands affects the Savannah River Basin.

Free, with refreshments provided.

Applications are now open for this year’s program, called Institute for the Environment, with an application deadline in February 2017.

Located at 265 North Sixth Street.

828.526.2602. www.highlandsbiological.org/unc-ie.

Smoky Mountain News

Annual soil and water poster contest open

38

Haywood County students in grades three through nine will get a chance to share their messages on the importance of soil and water with this year’s annual contest through the Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The theme for this year’s contest is “Soil and Water — Yours for Life.” Students in third through fifth grades may enter a poster illustrating their take on the topic. Students in sixth grade can enter an essay or slide show, students in seventh and eighth grades can enter a speech, and students in ninth grade can enter a computer-designed poster.

Each contest offers prize money, and winners go on to compete in a regional contest. Students in public, private and home schools are welcome to enter. Contest deadline is Friday, Jan. 27.

Contact Gail Heathman for contest rules, gheathman@haywoodnc.net 828.452.2741, ext. 3.

Holiday bazaar coming to Jackson market The Jackson County Farmers Market will take a festive twist with the coming of its annual holiday bazaar 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, at The Community Table in Sylva.

In addition to typical farmers market items, shoppers will find an assortment of crafts, herbal products, baked goods, greet-

ing cards, woolen products and beeswax creations.

On Dec. 10, the market will also feature the monthly market tasting fundraising event, with sugar cookies, hot cocoa and coffee available for sale.

During the winter months, the market operates 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Community Table on Central Street for one Saturday each in January and February with the weekly market resuming in March. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Community meetings for the public to offer input on the future of Jackson County will be offered by the Jackson County Planning Department, N.C. DOT and the Southwestern Commission from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Cashiers Library and Dec. 13 at the Savannah Community Building.

• Mike Wolf, Frank Fritz and their team are excited to return to North Carolina. They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout the region this fall. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855.old.rust.

• Cruise in Maggie Valley event is held from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday at 2771 Soco Road. Vendors: $10 per space. Cruising@MaggieValleyAntiques.com.

• Coloring Club will be hosted on the second Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Canton Library.

Color pencils and color pages supplied. For ages 8 to 108. 648.2924.

• Beginners Chess Club is held on Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 8-108 invited to participate. 648.2924.

• Qualla Boundary Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • The Haywood Chamber of Commerce will hold its December Issues & Eggs program from 8-9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Special guest is Christopher Chung, director of the economic development partnership of North Carolina. $15 for members, $17 for nonmembers.

Preregistration required: www.HaywoodChamber.com or 456.3021.

• Haywood Community’s College’s Small Business Center will offer a “HR Basics for Small Business” seminar from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, in room 3021 of the Regional High Technology Center in Clyde. 627.4512 or SBC.Haywood.edu.

• A password management class will be offered at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, in the Macon County Public Library Computer Lab in Franklin. Learn how to make passwords more secure and easier to manage.

524.3600.

• The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College will offer an “Intro to Quickbooks Online” seminar from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Room 203 of Building 200 on the college’s campus in Clyde.

SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Friends of the Scottish Tartans Museums will have a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 7-10 a.m. on Dec. 10 at Fatz Restaurant in Franklin. Proceeds support heritage projects. Tickets: $7 and on sale at Scottish Tartans Museum, Stewart’s Jewelry and at the door.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• A charity shopping event is scheduled for 10 a.m.noon on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Browse and purchase handmade gifts from Ecuador. Proceeds support a library system for children in the remote Andean regions of Ecuador. Blankets, scarves, bags and jewelry. Info on READ/LEER: www.read-organization.com. Info on Blue Ridge Books: 456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

• The Sarge’s gift wrap project will be underway during regular store hours til Dec. 24 at the Waynesville Mast General Store. Bring purchases to the gift-wrapping table and get your gift wrapped for a donation to Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation. Sign up to help wrap: www.sargesanimals.org/mast-general-gift-wrap.

400.5713.

• The Canton Senior Center Advisory Council is holding a raffle for a “Basket of Gifts and Gift Certificates.”

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased from council members or at the Senior Center (648.8173). Drawing is on Friday, Dec. 30, at the Senior Center. Need not be present to win.

HOLIDAY GIVING • The ninth annual Community Food Drive is being conducted by the Town of Waynesville through Dec. 9. Nonperishable items accepted at the following town offices during regular business hours: Police Department/Development Services Office, Municipal Building, Hazelwood Office, Fire Station 1, the Waynesville Recreation Center, and the Old Armory.

456.4838.

VOLUNTEERS • Haywood Regional Medical Center is currently seeking volunteers of all ages for ongoing support at the hospital, outpatient care center and The Homestead. For info or to apply: 452.8301 or stop by the information desk in the hospital lobby. If specifically interested in becoming a hospice volunteer: 452.5039.

• STAR Rescue Ranch is seeking volunteers to help with horse care, fundraising events, barn maintenance and more at the only equine rescue in Haywood County.

505.274.9199.

• Volunteer Opportunities are available throughout the region, call John at the Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center today and get started sharing your talents. 3562833 • Phone Assurance Volunteers are needed to make daily or weekly wellness check-in calls for the Haywood County Senior Resource Center. 356.2816.

HEALTH MATTERS • The Macon County Cancer Support Group will have its annual Christmas Party at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, in the cafeteria of Angel Medical Center in Franklin.

Bring a finger food and inexpensive gift to exchange.

• Mountain Projects will offer assistance with health insurance enrollment at noon on Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Canton Library. Reservations: 452.1447.

Smoky Mountain News

39

through the Affordable Care Act is currently open and lasts until Jan. 31. 452.1447 or 800.627.1548.

• A support group meeting for those with Parkinsons Disease and their caregivers will be held at 2 p.m. on the last day Wednesday of the month at the Waynesville Senior Resource Center.

• Free acupuncture clinics will be offered for Haywood County Veterans at 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 as well as at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17 at 1384 Sulphur Springs Road in Waynesville. 356.5577.

• A support group for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis, family and friends meets at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Heritage Room at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Sponsored by Greater Carolinas Chapter of National MS Society. Info: 293.2503. Offered in cooperation with the Southwestern Commission Agency on Aging.

• A monthly grief support group sponsored by The Meditation Center meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 East Main Street in Sylva. Info: www.meditatewnc.org or 356.1105.

• Inner Guidance from an Open Heart will meet from 68 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 East Main Street in Sylva.

Info: www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105.

• Dogwood Insight Center presents health talks at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

• Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes are available at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Classes are offered bimonthly on an ongoing basis. Register or get more info: 586.7907.

• Angel Medical Center’s diabetes support group meets at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the AMC dining room. 369.4166.

• A free weekly grief support group is open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at SECU Hospice House in Franklin. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life Bereavement Team. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• A monthly grief processing support group will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care in Clyde.

452.5039.

• A Men’s Night Out will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the hospital. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 E. Main St. in Sylva. www.meditatewnc.org or 356.1105.

• A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized

by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day. 586.4009.

• A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

RECREATION AND FITNESS

• “Get Covered Jackson” – an opportunity to learn about affordable care health insurance options – will be offered by Mountain Projects, Inc., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Jackson County Department of Social Services in Sylva. 476.9090.

• Sonshine Yoga Ministries is offering a four-week yoga series to celebrate the Advent season with sessions from 6:30-8:15 p.m. on Dec. 8, 15 and 22 at the Waynesville Country Club’s Blue Ridge Room. Advance registration required: www.sonshineyoga.com.

• Assistance with Marketplace Open Enrollment is available through Mountain Projects. Enrollment

• Zumba! Classes are held from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays through Dec. 13. $5 per class. More classes scheduled

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 starting Jan. 10 ($60 for 15 classes). 648.2363 or parks@cantonnc.com.

POLITICAL • The Swain County Democratic Party will have an organizational meeting for the Bryson City 2 precinct at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Swain County Democrat Headquarters at 122 Everett Street in Bryson City.

736.3470.

• A lunch-and-discussion group will be held by the League of Women Voters at noon on the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. RSVP for lunch: lwvmacon@wild-dog-mountain.info or 524.8369.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • George Ellison will present “Literary Excursions in the Southern Highlands” on Dec. 7 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

• The Theme Team Book Club will be presented by the Waynesville Library from 2-4 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Pick any book from a chosen them; each participant gets a chance to discuss his/her book. Signup required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Canton Book Club meets at 3:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, at the Canton Library.

648.2924.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 926.6567.

• Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina – an effort to help area residents commit to a healthier lifestyle, will meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

• Haywood County Senior Resource Center is looking into starting a weekly Euchre Card Group. If interested, contact Michelle Claytor at mclaytor@mountainprojects.org or 356.2800.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 1011 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members.

456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 • Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center.

Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

wnc calendar

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases.

Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Pinochle game is played at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Hearts is played at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Katy at the Canton Library at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 for a special evening storytime. We will be reading and learning about animals that hibernate and building bear caves in the children’s room. Please call 648-2924 for more information.

• Christmas Tree Engineering will be the topic of Science Club at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Family Game Time is from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600. For ages 5-up.

• A Winter Reading Challenge starts Dec. 15 at Haywood County libraries. Stop by any county library for a reading bingo card. Complete challenge by Feb. 1.

• Homeschool Book Explorers, ages 8-12, meet at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, at the Canton Library. Each month, read books from one genre before meeting and share with group. Snacks, hands-on activity and socializing. 648.2924.

• Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) is now accepting applications for the spring semester. Instruction in traditional Appalachian mountain music: guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and autoharp. Grades 3-12.

Classes meet from 3:15-4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays starting Jan. 10 at Cullowhee Valley School. Register by Dec. 20: 506.8252 or mairi.padgett@gmail.com.

• A classic Christmas movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Canton Library.

648.2924.

• A teen movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Christmas theme. 648.2924.

• A family friendly movie will be shown at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Waynesville Library.

356.2507.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Family story time for ages zero to six years old is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• A family story time is offered at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Fines Creek Library.

Stories, music and craft. For ages 1-6 and their caregivers. 627.0146.

A&E HOLIDAYS

• “Plug in and Read” – a digital story time – is offered for ages 4-6 and their caregivers at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Waynesville Library.

648.2924.

• The Folkmoot Fa-la-la is from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 9 in the Sam Love Queen Auditorium in Waynesville. Music from Blue Ridge Big Band, Celtic Crew, Possum on a Whale and Blackberry Jam. 452.2997 or Folkmoot.org.

• A Tuesday Library Club for ages 5-12 meets at 4 p.m. each Tuesday (except for the fifth Tuesday on months that occurs) at the Canton Library. Hands-on activities like exercise, cooking, LEGOs, science experiments and crafts. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will host its annual “Holiday Bazaar” from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 17 in Sylva. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

KIDS MOVIES • The Second Tuesday Movie Club meets at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Waynesville Library. Info: 356.2507.

• A family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. A Christmas classic about Buddy the Elf who doesn’t feel like he fits in with other elves at the North Pole. Info, including movie title: 488.3030.

• Santa Claus and other Christmas activities will be held from now till Dec. 17 at the Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City. 800.867.9246.

Letters to Santa: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop a line to Santa. All materials provided. Santa at the Museum: 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a free photo opportunity with jolly St. Nick on the porch of the cabin located in the museum.

Cookies and cocoa served in the lobby.

• Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries runs from 5-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10.

• Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas will be cel-

ebrated from 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through December, except for the Dec. 23-24. Enjoy interactive displays of Cherokee legends, ice skating, a 40-foot Christmas tree and more at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. 800.438.1601. Admission free with fees for activities.

• The “Christmas In My Hometown” musical celebration will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Smoky Mountain Center of the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $15. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• “Christmas with Santa” with be at 9 a.m. Dec. 9 in the Fine & Performing Arts Theatre at Western Carolina University. Packed full of sing-a-long tunes, this show is the perfect way to get audiences of all ages into the Christmas spirit. Best for grades K-5th.

• A Night Before Christmas will be on Saturday, Dec. 10 in downtown Waynesville. Live music, caroling, Bethlehem Market Place, wagon rides, Santa and more.

6 to 9 p.m.

• Cashiers Christmas Parade, “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly” will be Dec. 10 at 12 p.m. 743.5191.

Parade entries now being accepted.

• Cherokee Christmas Parade will be Dec. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parade route is from the Cherokee Bear Zoo to The Museum of the Cherokee Indian. 800.438.1601.

• Visit with Santa from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Dec. 24, at The Factory in Franklin. 349.8888 or FranklinFun.com.

• “The Promise” – a dramatic Christmas Musical – will be presented by Hazelwood Baptist Church at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 265 Hazelwood Ave. in Waynesville. 456.9434.

• “Cookies with Santa” will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College in Sylva. The event is provided by the Jackson County Smart Start and Local Interagency Coordinating Council.

Smoky Mountain News

December 7-13, 2016

• The Canton Library offers a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) program each

month. At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, make “snow” from different recipes. Children will use their observation skills to decide which recipe makes the most realistic snow. Children ages 6-12 are welcome to attend. Please call 648-2924 for more information.

mobile technology to help you get a lot less mobile.

Log on. Plan a trip.

And start kicking back.

40

• The Nativity story “Let it Be, Christmas, The Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, Joh, Paul, George and Ringo” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Clyde Central United Methodist Church.

Suggested donation: $10. All money goes to Elida Homes. 627.2287.

• Harris Regional Hospital is offering an opportunity to meet Santa from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 15, in the main lobby in Sylva. Cider, hot chocolate and holidaythemed refreshments. Keepsake ornament.

• Christmas in the Park will be held on Friday, Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Recreation Park in Cullowhee. Visit Santa, roast marshmallows and enjoy other activities. 293.3053 or http://www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Kids Crew Christmas is from 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 17 at The Factory in Franklin. Christmas craft, scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, visit with Santa (noon-4 p.m.) and receive a free gift. 349.8888 or FranklinFun.com.

• Cookies with Santa is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Kids can wear pajamas to a special holiday program at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

FOOD & DRINK

• The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre and Empire Distributing will host an evening of fine dining and wine at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Harmons Den Bistro located in the new Daniel & Belle Fangmeyer Theater at HART in Waynesville. Only 20 spots available for this four-course and wine event. Cost is $75 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. To RSVP, call the box office at 828.456.6322.

• “Brown Bag at the Depot” – an opportunity to gather with neighbors – is at noon every Friday at Sylva’s newest park at the corner of Spring and Mill Street along Railroad Ave. For info, contact Paige Dowling at townmanager@townofsylva.org.

• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro.

Watch the demonstrations, eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.

• A game day will occur from 2-9 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop & Bar in Sylva. Bring dice, cards or board games.

586.6300.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

• The “Snowkus Pocus Cirque Holiday Show” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Performers present wintry vignettes. Preregistration required: tcbowers1@catamount.wcu.edu (for WCU students); or hensley@wcu.edu (all others).

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Woodwind Concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 7, a Brass Ensemble Concert at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and a Faculty Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, all in the Coulter Building. The WCU Honor Band will also be at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Fine & Performing Arts Theatre. www.wcu.edu.

• Handel’s Messiah featuring a regional choir and orchestra is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Stuart Auditorium in Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas.

• “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be performed by Smoky Mountain Community Theatre Dec. 9-10 & 12 and 16-18 in the Gem Theater in Bryson City. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Monday; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. bellla@hollins.edu.

• Comedian Chad Daniels will perform at 9 p.m. Dec. 9 in UC Illusions at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• Celtic Women: home for Christmas, The Symphony Tour will be held at Harrah’s in Cherokee on Dec. 9 at 9 pm. Tickets are $42 and up. www.harrahcherokee.com.

• The MET Opera’s performance of “L’Amour De Loin” will be presented live via satellite at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center at 507 Chestnut Street in Highlands. Tickets available at highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 526.9047.

• The Cockman Family will perform bluegrass/gospel at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Stuart Auditorium in Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas.

• Point of Grace (contemporary Christian) will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Stuart Auditorium in Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas.

• Award-winning Christian act MercyMe will perform a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $27. To purchase tickets, click on www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• HART’s holiday production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will be held Dec. 10-11 and 17-18. www.harttheatre.org.

• The chancel choir at First United Methodist Church will present its annual Christmas Cantata at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11 in the church sanctuary in Sylva.

586.2358.

Smoky Mountain News

• Graceann’s Amazing Breakfast is 8-10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Sapphire Room at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. $8.50 for adults; $5 for children.

Includes coffee and orange juice. 743.7663.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Rising country/rock singer Joe Lasher Jr. will perform his show “Me, My Guitar and the Songs I Wrote” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at The Orange Peel in Asheville; 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Mars Hill Radio Theatre; and at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at The DFR Room in Brevard. For more information or to purchase tickets, click on www.joelasherjr.com.

December 7-13, 2016

• The “Taste of Local” will be held from 3 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15, at Ingles Markets in Waynesville.

Support local food entrepreneurs as you meet more than 20 local suppliers and sample their products that are sold at Ingles. Some of the participants include: Ally’s Bars (Mills River), Annie’s Breads (Asheville), Boojum Brewing (Waynesville), City Bakery (Asheville), Hickory Nut Gap Meats (Fairview), Mimi’s Mountain Mixes (Hendersonville), Roots Hummus (Asheville), Sunburst Trout (Waynesville), Tribal Grounds Coffee (Waynesville).

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 452.6000.

wnc calendar

• The annual Christmas concert sponsored by the Jackson County Library and Jackson County Arts Council is set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Library in Sylva. Performance by the Western Carolina Civic Orchestra. 586.2016.

• “The Nutcracker Ballet” will be performed at 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

• “Andrea’s Student Christmas Piano Recital” will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Recital Hall in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University.

• Award-winning Christian act MercyMe will perform a

41

wnc calendar

Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $27. To purchase tickets, click on www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Music and Clogging is held from 8-10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at the Stomping Ground at 3116 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 926.1288.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • DIY at the Library presents marbled coasters at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Waynesville Library.

Learn how to make coasters from sculpy clay. Materials provided; sign-up required: 356.2507.

• The Appalachian Christmas Craft Show features dozens of local artisans from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10. You can find one-of-a-kind gifts including pottery, natural soaps, jewelry and stained glass. The craft show will take place in the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska.

• A War-Hammer Making Class will be offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. With Brock Martin from WarFire Forge. Cost is $300 and due at registration; materials included. Pre-registration required.

Participants work out a war-hammer from a block of hardenable steel. Jackson County residents get a 10 percent discount. 631.0271. www.JCGEP.org.

• The WNC Civil War Round Table will have its Christmas Party at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12, at the Comfort Inn in Sylva. Buffet-style dinner. Speaker is N.C. native Woody Harrell, who will present “Col. David Stuart Brigade on the First Day of Shiloh.” Civil War Chess Set raffle. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. Party tickets are $30 per person. RSVP: 293.5934 or kenandcou@gmail.com.

December 7-13, 2016

• Bingo is offered at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Canton Library for adults 18 and older. 648.2924.

• A discussion on “The Revival of the Hippie Counterculture” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. Led by Michael Lenz. 524.3600.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • An art reception featuring photography of Cold Mountain Photographic Society will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. View photographs and meet the photographers. Info on displaying artwork: 926.2800.

• "Recent Work" Craig Forrest, Cullowhee watercolorist, will present a 15 piece collection of new works at It's

By Nature gallery in downtown Sylva. Show will run throughout the month of December. 678 West Main Street, Sylva. 631.3020 or itsbynature.com/upcomingevents

Smoky Mountain News

• A “Fear No Art” exhibit featuring the work of Isabella

R. Jacovino will be on display from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Sylva. www.irharrisbooks.com.

• “Contemporary Clay,” curated by Heather Mae Erickson, is an exhibition that examines the evolving, expanded field of clay and ceramics. It will run through Dec. 16 in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• The exhibit “Emissaries of Peace: 1762 Cherokee & British Delegations” features Cherokee clothing, feather capes, beads, and other artifacts. It is currently on display at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and also available for travel. www.cherokeemuseum.org or bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org.

• Artist Melba Cooper will be exhibiting her stunning series of paintings, “POLLINATION,” at Cullowhee Mountain Arts’ (CMA) Studio in downtown Sylva. www.cullowheemountainarts.org/up-in-the-studioevents or 342.6913.

• A showcase on the life and times of Horace Kephart will be on display through March 31 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. The Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart Collection is composed of 127 objects, including Kephart’s tent, sleeping bag, backpack and the writing desk. The exhibit will display many of these objects in a campsite setting. 227.7129.

• The “Photography of Bayard Wootten” exhibit is on display through Nov. 23 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

• The Haywood County Arts Council’s exhibit entitled “It’s a Small, Small Work” is on display through Dec. 24 at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Sixty artists and nearly 200 individual works of art for sale. www.HaywoodArts.org.

• As part of the Arts Council’s Integrated Arts initiative, a sampling of works by renowned Macon County sculptor Nelson Nichols (www.nicholssculpture.com) will be displayed at this event. Executed in stone, bronze, and wood, Nichols’ sculptural body of work reflects his unique style, Spiritual Expressionism, encompassing anatomical/figurative pieces in classical realism, a series of abstract interpretations, a series illustrating universal/spiritual concepts, and an environmentally inspired series including sculptures of

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endangered/threatened species. Admission is by donation; $7 is suggested. arts4all@dnet.net or 524.ARTS (2787).

• Cullowhee watercolorist Craig Forrest will showcase a 15-piece collection of new works throughout the month of December at the It’s By Nature gallery in downtown Sylva. 828.631.3020 or www.itsbynature.com/upcomingevents.

Outdoors • A Fly Rod Building class will be presented by Tommy Thomas, former president of the National Chapter of Trout Unlimited, from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from through Dec. 15 at Haywood Community College. Register: 565.4240.

• Haywood Waterways Association’s annual holiday dinner is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8. Steve Fraley from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will be the guest speaker. Year in review, awards ceremony and silent auction. $15 per person. RSVP by Dec. 1: Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 476.4667.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to comment on Duke Energy’s proposed sustainable energy project through Dec. 13. Info: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grsm and click on “Mt. Sterling Sustainable Energy Project.”

• A “Discover the Smokies” program, presented Friends of the Smokies, will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at REI in Asheville. Friends of the Smokies will cover the programs, hikes and camping excursions planned for engaging and educating communities surrounding America’s most visited national park. Registration required: www.rei.com/learn.html.

• The Franklin Bird Club’s Christmas Bird Count will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Club will divide into five teams then reconvene at 5 p.m. at Lazy Hiker Brewing. Sign up: rstcl10609@aol.com.

• The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society will start its count at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, at the KelseyHutchinson Founders Park in Highlands. Chili lunch from noon-3 p.m. at Hudson Library. Sign up: brockhutchins@bellsouth.net.

• Registration is underway for ski/snowboard lessons at the Cataloochee Ski Resort. For ages 8-up. Sundays for five weeks: Jan. 8, 22, 29, Feb. 5 and 12. Lesson is from 1:30-3 p.m.; lift ticket valid from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Lift only: $109; lift and lesson: $135. 293.2053 or www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

FARM AND GARDEN • Local farmers can stop by the Cooperative Extension Office on Acquoni Road from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every

fourth Friday to learn about USDA Farm Service Agency programs in the 2014 Farm Bill. Info: 488.2684, ext. 2 (Wednesday through Friday) or 524.3175, ext. 2 (Monday through Wednesday).

• The Macon County Poultry Club of Franklin meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Rd, Open to the public. 369.3916.

• A community tailgate market for local growers is open from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. 734.3434, info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Community Table building on Central Street in Sylva until outdoor hours resume at Bridge Park in March. The market will be held weekly through Dec. 17 and then be held one weekend each in January and February. Info: 393.5236. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Registration is underway for the Run 2017 5K Run & Walk, which is Jan. 1 at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 293.2053 or www.rec.jacksonnc.org

HIKING CLUBS • The Carolina Mountain Club will have its annual seven-mile Cookie Hike with a 1,200-foot ascent on Dec. 7. For info and reservations, contact leaders Ken and Carol Deal at 274.7070 or cnkdeal@charter.net.

• The Carolina Mountain Club will have a shorter, alternate-route, four-mile “Cookie Hike” with a 300foot ascent on Dec. 7. For info and reservations, contact leader Diane Stickney at 333.3207 or magenta9@charter.net.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will hold a Christmas Social from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, in Celebration Hall at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship off Lakeside Drive, 85 Sierra Dr. Bring an appetizer.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy, six-mile hike, with an elevation change of 300 feet on Saturday, Dec. 10, on Camp Branch Forest Service Rd. Reservations: 421.4178.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy twomile hike with an elevation change of 630 feet on Sunday, Dec. 11, to Rufus Morgan Falls – named for the club’s founder. Reservations: 369.7352.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 5.8-mile hike with a 1,800-foot ascent on Dec. 11 at Looking Glass rock. For info and reservations, contact leader Lee Belknap at 698.9394 or rivergypsy@sprintmail.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 6.5-mile, moderate-to-strenuous hike with an elevation change of 1,000 feet on Saturday, Dec. 17, to Trimont Ridge on the Bartram Trail. Reservations: 772.263.3478 or 970.692.3865.

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These are only the answers.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

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TO BE MAILED TO GOOD LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS. PROCEEDS GO TO CONTINUING OUR NON-PROFIT LOCAL BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT! DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING THIS FORM WITH PAYMENT OF $5.00 FOR EACH NAME IS DECEMBER 10, 2016. SEND TO: RGC SANTA LETTER, 136 RAVEN ROCK RD., WAYNESVILLE, NC 28786. QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 828-452-9306 OR EMAIL TO: ENHEFNER@BELLSOUTH.NET CHILD’S NAME _______________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS: STREET OR PO BOX _______________________________________ CITY ___________________STATE________ZIP___________ TRADITIONAL__________OR RELIGIOUS____________LETTER

EMPLOYMENT

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PEER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS Meridian is seeking Peer Support Specialists to work within a number of recovery oriented programs within our agency. Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a HS Diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills. If you are seeking some basic information about the role of Peer Support Specialists within the public behavioral health system, please go to NC Peer Support Specialist Certification Site: http://pss.unc.edu/ You do not have to be a certified peer support specialist prior to employment. For further information about these positions, visit the employment section of our website at: www.meridianbhs.org If interested, apply by completing the mini application and submitting your resume.

LUCKY - THE ADOPTION CENTER'S RESIDENT CANINE COMEDIAN. HE APPEARS TO BE MOSTLY YELLOW LABRADOR RETRIEVER, MIXED WITH SOME TYPE OF BULL DOG, GIVING HIM A UNIQUE APPEARANCE. HIS BRIGHT BLUE EYES ARE SLIGHTLY CROSSED, AND HE NEEDS TO LOSE A FEW, OKAY SEVERAL, POUNDS. BEST OF ALL, LUCKY IS SWEET AND LOVING, MR. HUCK A HANDSOME MEDIUM HAIRED SILVER GRAY KITTY, ONLY ABOUT 7 MONTHS OLD. HE IS A FRIENDLY, OUTGOING CAT AND LOVES ATTENTION. HE'LL BE A TERRIFIC FAMILY FELINE FRIEND FOR HIS LUCKY ADOPTERS.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

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46

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answers on page 42

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Answers on Page 42

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Granddaddy of ‘em all his year will mark the 117th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC.) The CBC is the longest-lived and largest citizen-science project in the world.

The count began in 1900. It was the brainchild of Frank Chapman, one of the officers of the fledgling Audubon Society.

Chapman created the “bird census” as an alternative to the traditional Christmas “side-hunt,” a contest where groups would shoulder their arms and hit the fields and/or woods — the team that came back with the greatest number of corpses would be declared the winner.

Chapman’s endeavor on that Christmas Day back in 1900 included 27 participants who conducted 25 CBCs. A total of around 90 species of birds were recorded.

The 116th CBC included 76,669 individuals participating in 2,505 CBCs. Counters tallied 58,878,071 birds representing 2,607 different species – about one-fourth of the world’s known bird species. There were 1,902 counts in the U.S., 471 in Canada plus another 132 in Latin America, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.

There will not be 75,000 bespectacled

T

scientists in white lab coats followed by their statisticians evaluating and recording all the species observed afield. There will be you and me and some birders better than us, and some birders not so good. Not every birder participating in a CBC will be able to

Male (left) and female purple finch - hopefully they will hang around till the 30th. Don Hendershot photo

differentiate between a female sharpshinned hawk and a male Cooper’s hawk.

But 99 percent of participants do know what a robin looks like and a cardinal and a chickadee and most can count. The science is not pristine, but the data is invaluable.

More than 200 peer-reviewed studies have been published that include CBC data.

Audubon’s “2014 Climate Change Report” relied heavily on CBC data, as did the EPA’s 2012 report on climate change. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s “State of the Birds 2009” also incorporated much CBC data.

The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center,

which has joined with Audubon to make CBC data more relevant and more accessible recently noted, “The CBC’s current relevance is as a comparative historical source of information on bird changes, a coarse means of capturing large bird changes, and a conservation-oriented recreational pursuit by birders. There are better ways of measuring changes in wintering bird populations. On the other hand, since the CBC system is already in place at no cost to anyone but those who participate and over long periods of time interesting trends are documented, the running of CBC’s by birders should not be discouraged.” In other words, you’re doing good — keep it up.

The Carolina Field Birders will be conducting our 13th annual CBC (we began in 2001 but one year was cancelled due to snow and ice and treacherous roads) on Dec. 30. Anyone interested in participating should contact me at ddihen1@bellsout.net or by phone at 828.646.0871.

We generally start between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and knock off around 5 p.m. The count is followed by an “after-count” tally at Bocelli’s in Waynesville. All participants and their families are invited to the tally where we count the day’s species.

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

December 7-13, 2016 Smoky Mountain News 47

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Smoky Mountain News December 7-13, 2016