Smoky Mountain News

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Dec. 11-17, 2013 Vol. 15 Iss. 28

Unlikely love story lands Cherokee mom in prison Page 14

Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam turns 25 Page 26

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CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: The restaurants on the WCU campus that were destroyed by fire may not have the opportunity to re-occupy their long-time locations, but the Cullowhee community has come together in an outpouring of support for the owners and their employees. (Page 8) Ashley T. Evans photo

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Santa arrives early for Haywood families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Leader of World Methodist Council gives sermon at Mandela funeral . . . . .7 Macon hires new, 28-year-old county manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sylva mayor-elect turns down position, Moody to return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 WCU trustees get earful about legislative decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Unlikely love story lands Cherokee jailer in prison for three years . . . .14-17 Maggie Valley town board vows to reform its ways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Jackson retains “economically distressed” classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

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Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts open house . . . . . . . . . .24 Warren Haynes prepares for 25th Christmas Jam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Outdoors The Smoky Mountain News outdoor gear guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

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news December 11-17, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

Cherokee elders file suit against bear zoo Two months after sending a notice informing the Cherokee Bear Zoo of their intent to sue the roadside menagerie for violations of the Endangered Species Act, two enrolled elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have filed a lawsuit challenging the zoo’s abusive practice of confining bears, including ESA-protected grizzly bears, to concrete pits.

The elders’ lawsuit argues that these pits — which deny the bears the opportunity to express any natural behavior — violate the ESA’s prohibition on harming protected animals, and it seeks forfeiture of the bears.

“It’s shameful that the Cherokee Bear Zoo is still displaying intelligent, sensitive bears in tiny concrete pits,” said tribal elder Amy Walker, who filed the lawsuit along with fellow elder Peggy Hill. “It’s obvious to anyone who sees them that these bears are suffering, and they will continue to suffer every day until they are sent to a sanctuary where they’ll finally receive the care they need.”

The elders contend that the following violations occur at the Cherokee Bear Zoo: • The pits that the bears are kept in range in size from about 300 to 1,300 square feet — a tiny fraction of the size of a bear’s normal range in the wild.

• The pits deny the bears opportunities to forage, hibernate, nest, and satisfy their most basic needs. Instead, they are forced to beg for food from tourists.

• Because of their inadequate environment, the bears exhibit signs of severe psychological distress, including incessant pacing and circling.

• The zoo has housed grizzly cubs in bird cages, as well as the concrete pits, and used the young animals for photo shoots.

Once they are deemed to be too large for photo shoots, they are sold or otherwise disposed of.

Earlier this year, the 11 bears who had been held in similar conditions at Chief Saunooke Bear Park were taken to an animal sanctuary in Texas, where they have trees to climb, ponds to swim in, and fresh, nutritious food to eat.

Christmas comes early in the Valley Massive giveaway helps hundreds of Haywood families

a Christmas charity event in Tennessee began to unravel.

He was staying at Smoky View Cottages, owned by Terri Crider, who knew Strickland from his previous bike trips to the valley.

Crider happened to be nearby when Strickland fielded a phone call from the local liaison for the Tennessee charity event. He got

BY B ECKY JOHNSON off the phone shaking his head, and Crider STAFF WRITER asked what was wrong. he mother lode of charity operations was “I was standing in the right place at the less than 24 hours away, and the dauntright time. I said, ‘Why not do it in Maggie? ing punch list should have had Johnny We got a lot of poor people here, we got a lot Strickland sweating bullets. of needy people here,’” Crider recalled. “He He’d rolled into Maggie Valley with three said ‘Could you get me 1,000 needy people?’ tractor-trailer loads of merchandise — with and I said, ‘Sure.’” an estimated value of $350,000 — to pass out Strickland called Miller and to hundreds of needy families in pitched the venue change.

Haywood County. The unparalleled “I said, ‘Pray about this. Let’s do Christmas giveaway had been a toy and food giveaway in months in the making, but now Maggie,’” Strickland said. game time was here.

They instantly decided to do Towering pallets of unopened “Christmas in the Valley,” a name boxes, column after column of them, that ended up sticking. were queued up waiting to be Crider corralled a team to lay the unpacked, sorted and sifted groundwork locally for such a massive through. A din of voices ricocheted gift-giving operation. They would across rows of tables as volunteers need dozens of volunteers, a staging wrestled the colossal mountain of and pick-up site, and a way to get the toys and clothes into submission. word out to those most in need.

“Where’s the size 7 boys?”

The town of Maggie Valley “Is there a table for movies yet?” offered the use of the Maggie Valley “Will they be able to get through Community Pavilion.

The down here?”

Mechanized Cavalry of the Sons of Space was already at a premium Volunteers sort and organize a mountain of toys and clothes in the Confederate Veterans — a netinside the Maggie Valley Pavilion, preparation for the Christmas in the Valley charity giveaway for work of biker friends Strickland the staging site for the charity needy families in Haywood County. belonged to — provided a stable of event. The stream of boxes coming volunteers for the staging and setoff the trucks bulged out of the Miller, who lives in Mississippi, owns a up, along with local veterans’ groups, churchentry bays, overflowing into tents as quickly as the volunteers could erect them in the company that makes protective clothing for es, schoolteachers, and others. the medical and dental industries.

As for alerting needy families? steady drizzle.

Strickland is retired, twice — once from The school system, along with the departBut Strickland, with coffee in hand, calmly cruised the chaos, unrattled by the count- Coca-Cola and once as a pastor — and now ment of social services, partnered to identify devotes his life to his non-profit charity, families and send invitations home in kids’ down to his charity giveaway. book bags.

“I do this year-round,” said Strickland, Network of Promise.

“The Lord has been good to me. I’ve made The event went off successfully, with more who lives in Florida. “We come into town and than 800 families leaving with boxes of food, we don’t ask for a penny. We do it because the all the money I need,” Strickland said.

The windfall of goodwill landed on the blankets, clothes and Christmas gifts during Lord has told us to do it.”

Strickland and his friend and fellow char- doorstep of Haywood County thanks to a Saturday’s event.

“If you can imagine the parents’ joy and ity organizer, Ron Miller, have been called by serendipitous twist of fate.

Strickland was on a motorcycle trip to the child’s joy, it makes it all worth it,” Miller the Bible’s teachings of generosity. “’I was hungry and you fed me … I was naked Maggie Valley in August when his plans to do said. “It is unbelievable.”

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and you clothed me,’” Miller said, quoting the Gospel of Matthew. “It is my core value to minister to others like Jesus ministered to us.”

But their 21st-century version of biblical altruism comes in the form of big rigs bearing shipments of Star Wars toys and Disney DVDs. So where did it all come from?

“It’s hard for us to explain how we procure it all,” Strickland said.

The simple version is Strickland and Miller get corporations to donate their leftover and over-stocked merchandise, amassing it bit by bit over the course of the year.

“In the corporate world, you just get to know the right people to make it happen,” Strickland said.

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Elijah is taken away by a chariot of fire that rises out of the river Jordan, and his disciple Elisha asked Elijah to leave a “double portion of your spirit.”

“The mantle is passed on and it is in your hands,” Abrahams said. “People like Madiba do not die, rather they continue to live in people’s heart.”

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa, which Abrahams led, is a transna-

More To read a story on the life of Bishop Ivan Abrahams and his life in South Africa during apartheid, visit www.smokymountain news.com/archives/item/10025.

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ishop Ivan Abrahams, the South African general secretary of the World Methodist Council who lives at Lake Junaluska, gave the sermon at the funeral of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg.

Mandela was the leader of post-apartheid South Africa who led the country down a peaceful path after the movement he led helped bring an end to the white-led government and decades of minority rule. Abrahams was the bishop of the Methodist Church of South Africa when he was chosen to lead the World Methodist Council two years ago, the first person of color to hold that position.

On the podium with world leaders who gathered for the event, Abrahams called Mandela a “true patriot” who “transformed our nation and changed the world.”

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Abrahams was appointed presiding bishop in 2003. Mandela was a member of the church. He was appointed general secretary of the World Methodist Council in 2011.

Fund for Haywood gives $40,000 in grants

Community Foundation’s People in Need focus area grant cycle, and were funded in part by the Janirve Legacy Fund, CFWNC Fundholders and The Fund for Haywood County.

The Fund for Haywood County, an affiliate of The Community Foundation, was established in 1994 by a group of local residents as a permanent endowment and resource for charitable efforts that benefit the entire county. To make a tax-deductible contribution to The Fund for Haywood County, donate online at www.cfwnc.org, with a stock gift, or by mail to The Fund for Haywood County, P.O. Box 627, Waynesville, N.C., 28786. Contributions of any size are welcome and will enable the Fund to support more programs with local dollars.

“We are pleased to join with CFWNC and other partners to fund these grants that will make such a difference for the nonprofit organizations and the people they serve in our community,” said The Fund for Haywood County Advisory Board Chair George Ivey.

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Mandela was, he said, a “colossus amongst world leaders, a friend to all and an enemy to none.”

Later in the sermon, Abrahams recalled the story of Elijah, the prophet recognized

by Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths.

December 11-17, 2013

Rev. Ivan Abrahams, the general secretary of the World Methodist Council, shown on worldwide television speaking at the funeral of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Fund for Haywood County has approved $40,000 in People in Need grants to local nonprofit organizations that provide critical services for economically disadvantaged people. The grants were made in partnership with The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) and include: • A $20,000 grant to Aspire, Youth and Family Inc. for the Kids at Work! program. This grant matches funds received from the State to train at-risk children in cooking-based workplace and life skills.

• A $20,000 grant to the Thirtieth Judicial District Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Alliance to enable the Alliance to continue its Rural Response Team for Underserved Child Victims Exposed to Violence program.

These grants were awarded as part of The

news

Abrahams gives sermon at Mandela funeral

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Cullowhee businesses reflect on past, look ahead after WCU fire

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER ark clouds hung above Cullowhee last Friday morning. And as the rain fell on the mountain community, tears slid down the face of Suzanne Stone.

“I’m numb,” she said. “I rotate between crying and disbelief. It’s like losing your home.”

Stone’s small, independent business, Rolling Stone Burrito, burned on Nov. 21 in a fire that has been ruled “electrical in nature.” Mad Batter Bakery & Café and Subway were also casualties in the early morning blaze that consumed the small strip mall complex on the campus of Western Carolina University.

“It was a second home for me and my employees,” Stone said. “It was like that for a lot of people. It wasn’t just a restaurant, it was home to people, and now it’s just a horrible loss.”

Stone sat with her friend Jeannette Evans, owner of the Mad Batter, at The Point coffeehouse adjacent to the campus. The duo became neighbors when Rolling Stone moved into the location five and a half years ago. Mad Batter itself had occupied the property for more than 15 years.

“Mad Batter was my life,” Evans said. “It was a vocation; I dedicated my life to it. It was fun and engaging, something new and different every day. This will be a long process after the fire. We’re working on it, and looking at our options.”

December 11-17, 2013

D

EARLY MORNING CHAOS

Smoky Mountain News

It was a normal morning on the WCU campus. Stone had stopped into her business to get ready for the day, then headed over to the Mad Batter for her usual conversation and coffee with Evans. At around 8:45 a.m., Evans was working in the back kitchen with one of her employees. She noticed a small amount of smoke and the smell of something burning.

“The smell got undeniable,” she said.

“We went around and turned off all of the ovens. Then it appeared the intake hood was bringing in smoke from outside.”

The smoke began billowing more into kitchen and up into the dining area. Evans told her customers to get out of the building, that there might be a fire, and called the facilities department. While she did this, Stone ran over to check on her business.

“I opened the door to this white, wispy fog inside,” Stone said. “I didn’t notice anything when I was in there earlier. After we saw the smoke, the Subway manager called 911.”

Soon, numerous fire departments converged on the scene from as far away as Canton. Vicious flames shot out of upstairs windows, while a cloud of smoke rose above the campus. Within hours, the structure was 8 a smoldering, burnt-out shell.

On Nov. 21, an electrical fire occurred at a strip mall on the Western Carolina University campus. The blaze destroyed Rolling Stone Burrito, Mad Batter Bakery and Café, and Subway. Mark Haskett photo for WCU

“Jeannette and I stood there and held each other,” Stone said. “We were just in total shock.”

In the following days the building was boarded up and the investigation began for legal and insurance purposes. But the only thought on Stone’s and Evans’ minds was for their employees, now jobless and heading into the holiday season.

“Our employees used their paychecks to go to school, to pay their rent, to go out,” Stone said. “My employees are like family to me, and they’ve been with me for a long time.”

“I’ve had some real long-term employees, too, many with me over a year, with one having worked for me nine years,” Evans added.

“Yes, we have renter’s insurance for the business, which kind of helps us out, but our employees lost everything.”

Both businesses had renter’s insurance.

At the time of the fire, Rolling Stone employed seven students, while another eight worked at the Mad Batter and 15 at Subway. Fundraising efforts are currently underway at several Jackson County businesses and WCU to assist the students and local residents who are now without a job.

“Our emphasis is to get our employees through the holidays,” Stone said.

SOCIAL CENTERPIECE For the tightly-knit community of Cullowhee and WCU, Rolling Stone and the Mad Batter had become a gathering spot for meetings, celebrations or just for the heck of it. Offering local, organic food and beverages, the locations were a safe haven for finals week or if students just wanted to take a break from the day and relax in a welcoming space.

“Yes, we have renter’s insurance for the business, which kind of helps us out, but our employees lost everything.”

— Jeannette Evans, Mad Batter Bakery & Café

Want to help?

There are numerous fundraising efforts currently under way in Jackson County to assist all of the employees of the WCU strip mall fire who are currently out of work and without a paycheck heading into the holidays. The events are as follows: • Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro will offer free meals to employees of the businesses lost in the fire. On Dec. 14 and 21, the bistro will also donate 15 to 20 percent of its sales to those employees.

• The Cullowhee Methodist Church is currently accepting donations. Email: cullowheemc@frontier.com.

• Jack the Dipper ice cream shop will assist by donating 10 percent on Dec. 14 and 21.

• Signature Brew Coffee will donate $1 from each bag of coffee bought.

For more information on how to help, you can contact Rolling Stone Burrito or Mad Batter Bakery & Café on Facebook.

“They were by far the best places to have lunch on campus,” said junior Amanda Mauro, a forensic anthropology and psychology major. “The atmosphere was relaxed, with great music and awesome food.”

Mauro also pointed out the importance of having independent establishments within the confines of the university.

“Small business is an essential aspect to our campus. It brings a sense of community,” she said. “When a community supports a local, small business, it’s essentially supporting a certain way of life that differs from corporate America.”

Supporting small businesses on campus is a priority for the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor, or CuRvE. The organization describes its mission to “facilitate the beautification and revitalization of the downtown Cullowhee area extending along Old Cullowhee Road and leading up to the former main entrance to the campus of Western Carolina University.”

“The Mad Batter and Rolling Stone Burrito were more than mere food and drink establishments,” said Mary Jean Ronan Herzog, a founding member of CuRvE. “They were part of the community, not apart from the community. They were meeting places.

You could refresh body and spirit by getting out of class, heading over and say hello to colleagues, students and friends from the community, hear local gossip, catch up with friends, or meet your next appointment.”

A professor of education at WCU, Herzog is chair of the faculty senate. She currently serves as the chair of CuRvE’s steering committee. A 25-year resident and educator in Cullowhee, she remembered when the strip mall was the Towne House, a beloved dining establishment at the school from the late 1940s to mid-1980s.

Herzog’s twin daughters worked at the Mad Batter when they were in high school.

“Jeannette was their first boss and they learned a lot about hard work and initiative from her,” Herzog said. “She started her business in a tiny section of the old Towne House, and over the years she grew it to a full-service restaurant that would be competitive with the best of them in Asheville — and I would say the same thing for Rolling Stone Burrito.”

THE MASTER PLAN While investigators and WCU officials piece together the timeline of the blaze, determine insurance payouts and figure out what to do with the property, the notion of the school’s Master Plan has come into the spotlight. (See accompanying story) The Master Plan — officially adopted by trustees just last week — calls eventually for a multi-story, mixed-use facility on the property where the fire occurred. According to WCU Chancellor David O. Belcher, that project would be at least a few years down the road.

“If we follow this plan, there would have come a moment to make a decision to build a new facility,” Belcher said. “The concept that currently exists would be a bottom floor with retail, several floors tall with apartments.”

Both Stone and Evans were aware of the Master Plan. They knew the current building would probably have to come down at some

Above: the boarded up WCU strip mall following the fire. Below: Suzanne Stone (left), owner of Rolling Stone Burrito, with Jeanette Evans, owner of Mad Batter Bakery and Café. Garret K.

WHERE TO NOW? By last Friday afternoon the smell of smoke still wafted from the structure. Every window was covered with plywood, while charred signs lay in empty parking spots blocked off by a row of Jersey barriers.

“Today we took down the signs, signs we painted in our garage, signs we cut and designed the logo for,” Stone said. “Taking

S EE FIRE, PAGE 10

facility and enhanced stands and a new press box on the west side of E.J. Whitmire Stadium.

• A possible mixed-use facility featuring dining and retail space on the ground floor and residential space on upper levels.

During an afternoon of open discussions and committee meetings on Thursday (Dec. 5) prior to the board meeting, some members of the board asked what impact a Nov. 21 fire that damaged three businesses in the commercial strip in the center of campus might have on projects proposed in the Master Plan.

University officials say they are unable to speculate on the future of the site at this point. The university received a report late last week from the State Construction Office on the structural integrity of the building, and are awaiting a cost estimate for repair or replacement of the building from architects hired by the university, as required by the N.C. Department of Insurance.

Additional information about WCU’s master planning process can be found at the website masterplanning.wcu.edu. Additional information and updates about the fire can be found at the website fire.wcu.edu.

9

Smoky Mountain News

ever be the same?’ The fire reminded me how important sense of place is to us.”

Important though these businesses are, their fate will not be decided quickly. Belcher noted that when a tree branch crashed into the old Jenkins House, the university’s club for faculty and staff, the building remained dormant for more than a year before the insurance payouts came through.

“If we built a new facility, and they (the burned-out businesses) were part of the picture, everyone would be excited for that,” he said. “But we have so little to go on right now because we don’t have the information from the state agencies.”

Herzog believes the school wants to support the restaurant owners. “I think the WCU administration, starting with Chancellor Belcher, is sincerely interested in the business owners and employees, and collectively, I have the sense that they value the three independent businesses that were burned in the fire,” she said. “I think they will do what they can to help remedy the situation.”

The plan is based on enrollment projections that anticipate more than 11,000 students studying on the campus in Cullowhee by the year 2023, and the need for approximately 486,000 gross square feet of additional interior space to accommodate the needs of those students.

December 11-17, 2013

point. But there was also a clause in their lease that stated they had “first right of refusal,” which meant that if a new facility were constructed on the property, Rolling Stone and the Mad Batter would have the option to move into it.

“We had that ‘first right of refusal,’ but now we don’t because we don’t have a lease any more,” Stone said. “If a new developer comes in, we don’t have a place.”

Stone said she couldn’t compete for a new spot in that possible new building. Her budget for rent wouldn’t be able to match that of a national chain.

“If something like a Taco Bell came in and was able to pay a certain rent, I couldn’t,” she said. “And I realize the developer is there to make money, and that’s their job, there’s no fault against that, but my chances to get a space in a new building are pretty remote.”

Belcher is aware of this concern about losing local businesses with deep ties to the institution. Like the restaurant owners, the school doesn’t have all the answers, and won’t for some time.

“It was great to have outlets like that (Rolling Stone/Mad Batter/Subway) because Cullowhee is a relatively small place, and they were a gathering place for our community,” he said. “It’s frustrating for everyone involved and it’s really out of our control until we know more.”

A loyal customer of both Rolling Stone and the Mad Batter, WCU Professor Maurice Phipps, also a CuRvE member, is concerned about making sure there is room for small, independent businesses in the Master Plan.

Midtown Cullowhee, where these firestricken buildings lie, needs independent businesses, he said. “Downtown Cullowhee, also marred by boarded up buildings, is starting to develop new businesses, but it has a long way to go.”

Another CuRvE member and dean of the WCU Honors College, Brian Railsback, expressed similar sentiments.

“The small, independent businesses, like the Mad Batter and Rolling Stone, help distinguish our community and give us a sense of what it means to be Cullowhee,” he said. “I ran into one resident who has lived here for at least 40 years and he asked, ‘Will Cullowhee

Woodward photos

A new campus Master Plan endorsed Friday (Dec. 6) by the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees is designed to closely link physical facilities of the university, including future construction and renovation, to goals of its recently approved strategic plan.

The Master Plan is meant to provide “a flexible framework for growth,” said Keith Storms of Hanbury, Evans, Wright and Vlattas, a firm specializing in campus design and planning.

The plan is based on enrollment projections that anticipate more than 11,000 students studying on the campus in Cullowhee by the year 2023, and the need for approximately 486,000 gross square feet of additional interior space to accommodate the needs of those students. Currently, about 7,800 students out of WCU’s total enrollment of 10,107 live and study in Cullowhee.

Approval of the plan, which was drafted with the guidance of a 16-member task force, comes after a 17-month process that included numerous public forums designed to collect input and feedback from university students, faculty and staff and from residents of surrounding communities.

During that process, the task force and the master plan consultants presented numerous options for land use and future development. Feedback from the campus and community led to a preferred land use plan that focuses on reinforcement of the existing academic core of campus, reconnects that core to the historic hill area of WCU and seeks opportunities for strategic development around the new Health and Human Sciences Building on the university’s West Campus.

In presenting the Master Plan to the board for its consideration, Chancellor David O. Belcher called it “a living document, one that is not set in stone but will be a guide to us as we go forward.”

Highlights of the plan, which attempts to take advantage of natural synergies among academic programs without creating “academic silos,” include: • Construction of a new science building of approximately 130,000 square feet that would replace the existing Natural Sciences Building and create a “science quad” by incorporating renovations to the existing Stillwell Building.

• Construction of a new building for the College of Business and additions to the existing Forsyth Building, which is home to most business programs.

• Consolidation of programs in the College of Fine and Performing Arts to new and existing space near the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

• Enhancing pedestrian connectivity across campus, especially between the academic center of campus and the historic area. The plan envisions a signature building located between the upper and lower areas of campus that would house existing

programs in student engagement and related activities.

• Additional revitalization of the historic hill area of campus, including improvements in transportation flow and new residence hall and dining space for 300 additional students.

• Creation of a new main entrance to campus on N.C. 107 that links the traditional campus with the newer West Campus, with a new visitor center and enhanced public parking for visitors attending fine arts, athletics and entertainment events at the Bardo Arts Center, Ramsey Regional Activity Center and athletics fields.

• Phased development of two buildings for private/public partnerships adjacent to the Health and Human Sciences Building on the West Campus while reserving steeply sloped land as an environmental preserve.

• Enhancing views of and recreational opportunities along Cullowhee Creek as it flows through campus by removing invasive vegetation, and using existing green space in the floodplain of the creek for recreation and athletics fields.

• Improvements to athletics facilities including a new field house, indoor practice

news

WCU campus Master Plan wins approval of Board of Trustees

those signs down was almost like admitting it’s not going to be there. It’s a true loss, deep within my heart.”

Exiting the building, a WCU facilities worker scanned the property. He shook his head. “It’s a mess in there.”

Joni Newell, co-owner at the Cullowhee River Club next door, stood nearby. She looked up at the structure.

“It’s very sad. We miss seeing our friends every day,” she said quietly. “It’s been nice to have a sense of community with the other businesses. We all know each other and all help each other. We hope they can come back.”

Plastered across one of the boards, facing the campus, was a large banner that read, “Whee Love You.” “That’s sweet, and that’s just another example of how beautiful and wonderful this community has been to us,” Evans said, referring to the banner. “People appreciated the organic nature of our locally owned businesses and their unique character.”

WCU and the Student Government Association are planning a fundraiser in January for those affected by the blaze.

“The businesses that were lost meant a lot to the university and to the student body,” said SGA president Ryan Hermance.

“They have been there since I have been a student, and have been there for many alumni who have come and gone before me. The fire was very devastating and the university and the SGA are working together to help those directly affected.”

Evans said she would rescue her equipment and relocate the Mad Batter somewhere in Cullowhee. She has recently applied for unemployment, and said she has learned how difficult it can be for people in dire financial situations.

“I think about those families being laid off, and I can relate to the hardships many North Carolina families are currently facing,” she said.

Stone is still unsure of the next chapter for Rolling Stone, but for now she’ll continue to sell their signature hot sauce (untouched in the fire) and return to her former occupation, mental health counseling.

“Jeannette and I, we’re going to take different routes probably from here. We’ll probably never be side by side again, but the bond is still there,” Stone said. “Even if we could get back into that property, it could be years down the road.”

Stone and Evans said they wanted to thank everyone in the community: the fire responders, the WCU administrators, their former and current employees and loyal customers for their support throughout the years and during this difficult time. The fire may have burned down the building, but the cherished memories remain.

“I had a blast running Rolling Stone Burrito,” Stone said, tearing up. “We’re so proud of it and it has been an amazing experience.”

“This community is so amazing, and we’re appreciative for all of the support,” Evans added. “Keep supporting us and look out for what happens next.”

Ghost Town cited for safety violations after gunslinger injury Ghost Town in the Sky has been cited for safety violations by the North Carolina Department of Labor stemming from an injury during one of the amusement park’s theatrical gun fights.

The gun fights are a signature attraction at the Maggie Valley theme park, staged several times a day on a mock-up street of an Old West town at the center of the park. The gunslingers use blanks, but somehow, veteran gunfighter Robert Bradley was hit by a projectile from a gun during a show in July.

The citation was issued this week following a several month investigation. It carries a fine of $2,000 and demands abatements.

The Maggie Valley amusement park was given 15 days to respond to the citation.

“They have 15 days to pay the fine, contest the citation or request an informal conference,” said Dolores Quesenberry, communications director at the Department of Labor.

The owner of the park, Alaska Presley, told The Smoky Mountain News that she had already requested a conference with the department.

“The citation is not permanent yet,” she said.

The citation states that the business was in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by not furnishing to employees a

place of employment “free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.”

The citation specifically cited Ghost Town in the Sky for two hazards: the use of revolvers and shotguns capable of firing live ammunition, and the fact that triggers had been removed from the revolvers used in the mock gunfights.

The citation recommended that the firearms used in mock gunfights be replaced or modified so that only blanks could be fired, and that revolvers have trig-

“The citation is not permanent yet.”

— Alaska Presley, Ghost Town in the Sky owner

gers installed. Up to now, the firearms used in the gun fights at Ghost Town could be shot simply by pulling and releasing the hammer.

Bradley, a longtime Ghost Town gunsligher who went by the stage name “Apache Kid,” has not worked at the park since his injury. Bradley is suing Ghost Town to retrieve some of the memorabilia at the park that he claims belongs to him.

Bradley also says the shooting wasn’t an accident, and believes someone tampered with the gun that shot him.

Maggie Valley police said last month the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

December 11-17, 2013

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FIRE, CONTINUED FROM 9

Smoky Mountain News

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Our 15th GIVING TREE program is underway.

December 11-17, 2013

You can help by providing that child with the gift of a good read. Come by the store and select an ornament from our

GIVING TREE

and match-up a book for the age, gender and language listed.

We will collect all the books and give them to the agencies in time for the children to receive books for Christmas.

All

Smoky Mountain News

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER t just 28 years old, Derek Roland might be the youngest county manager Macon County has ever seen, but what he lacks in age he makes up for in passion, enthusiasm, charisma, diplomacy, confidence and smarts — all the attributes of a natural leader.

Those qualities ultimately tipped the scale for Macon County commissioners when they named Roland as the county’s new manager last month.

“He absolutely looked everyone square in the eye and said ‘I know I am young, but I have the degree I need and the training for this job and I can do this job,’” Macon Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin said.

“That gave him a leg up.”

But the real leg up for Roland was likely his Macon County lineage going back several generations.

“He knows the culture of Macon County.

He knows the needs of Macon County. He has a feel for the pulse of Macon County.

That offsets any shortcomings on the experience side,” Commissioner Paul Higdon said.

Roland, who previously served as the Macon County planner, said nothing is more important to him than seeing Macon County prosper and he won’t let the community down.

“Everybody is scared to fail to some degree. But if I fail in this position it is not like I failed as county manager on the coast somewhere or in another state. I can’t just go back home,” Roland said.

“If I fail in this position, I fail the people who have helped make me into the person I am today. My family, my coaches, my teachers — it would be letting them down, and that is something I will not do,” he said.

Commissioners said they are confident Roland will rise to the occasion.

“He is a quick study. There is no challenge he has ever failed on,” said Higdon. “I am excited we have a young guy in there that has a passion for Macon County and a passion for performance and a fresh outlook.”

Roland’s first day on the job is Monday, Dec. 16.

His starting salary is $100,000. That’s $35,000 less than the salary of former Macon County Manager Jack Horton, who retired this year after a 30-year career as a manager for several counties.

Higdon said being able to save a little money for taxpayers on the county manager salary was a plus in Roland’s corner.

The county got 38 applications for the job. Commissioners narrowed the field down to four whom they invited for interviews.

Roland wasn’t necessarily everyone’s top pick at the outset. But he was the only candidate in the end that all the commissioners were able to support unanimously. And that

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Macon goes local in picking new manager

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Roland isn’t exactly a stranger to Macon County government, having served as county planner from 2009 to 2012.

Despite protracted and polarized debate over steep-slope development regulations during that time, he emerged unscathed. As a neutral facilitator in the process, he provided the data, the research, the PowerPoint presentations, the pros and cons of various options — but didn’t try to pull the strings.

Roland said that’s how he sees his role as a county manager as well.

“A manager’s place is to work at the direction of the commissioners. The commissioners have been elected by the people of this county,” Roland said. “I have no personal agenda coming into this job.”

Roland said he will lead the county as efficiently and effectively as possible down the path commissioners lay out.

After three years with the county, Roland took a new job as Franklin’s town planner in early 2012. He also went back to school to get his masters in Public Policy Administration from Derek Roland will begin his new job as Western Carolina University, Macon County manager next week. Becky Johnson photo complementing his undergrad degree from WCU in was important to them. business administration.

“If you split your vote on the county Serving as Macon County’s manager is manager it says, ‘Well, you have some people Roland’s ultimate career goal, not just a stepwho didn’t really want you here to start ping stone. While he’s reached that goal with,’” Corbin said. early, he doesn’t plan on going anywhere. He Roland told commissioners in his interbuilt a house on his grandfather’s land and view that he was willing to take the job with- hopes to stay here forever. out the protection of an employment con“The things we do in Macon County will tract. That is rare for a county manager, who affect generations that follow,” Roland said. can be vulnerable to the shifting political He’s now got to prove himself, but has winds of local politics and election cycles. plenty of fans pulling for him.

But Roland told commissioners he was “Derek feels a lot of pressure to do a good willing to let his performance speak for itself. job, probably more pressure than if he “He said, ‘Anytime it is not satisfactory, wasn’t from here,” Corbin said.

I’ll go down the road,’” Higdon said.

“He is a quick study. There is no Commissioners said county staff are supportive challenge he has ever failed on. I am of the selection and willing excited we have a young guy in there to show Roland the ropes in areas that are new to that has a passion for Macon County him — like managing the county’s $46 million annuand a passion for performance and a al budget or dealing with fresh outlook.” human resources issues across a staff of 364.

— Macon Commissioner Paul Higdon “We have some of the most experienced and wellqualified department heads around. They By hiring Roland, commissioners were want to see Derek succeed, and I think they able to take a stand against the ongoing chalwill tell you that,” Commissioner Ronnie lenge of “brain drain,” Beale said. Losing the Beale said. “He has the willingness to learn best and brightest young people is an oftenand be a quick study.” discussed dilemma in local economic develRoland said he will definitely lean on opment circles. department heads during his learning curve.

“Hiring somebody local for this job is the “They are very sharp and very capable,” best thing in the world,” Beale said. “Derek Roland said.

Roland has a real heart for this county.”

GIVING TREE purchases will receive a 20% discount.

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Matheson wins election but says no to mayor’s job

BY S USANNA RODELL positions available in his office. After MANAGING E DITOR Bonfoey informed her that no positions were meeting of the Sylva Town Board took available, she decided to run for mayor. an unexpected turn last week when Matheson won the mayoral race in mayor-elect Christina Matheson November. But within days, Bonfoey conannounced that she would not be able to tacted her to let her know that an assistant accept the office. The board then appointed district attorney position in his office had outgoing Mayor Maurice Moody to continue become available. “At that point it became in office until the next municipal election. obvious that if I were offered the position, Danny Allen, who was narrowly defeated there would be a conflict,” Matheson told for a seat on the town board in November, The Smoky Mountain News. “Much as I was appointed to fill the seat left vacant by would like to do both [jobs], I couldn’t.”

Matheson, who also Matheson said resigned from the she wrestled with the “I could have been sworn town board. decision. She still has Moody’s and not been formally in today only to resign Allen’s will be the offered the ADA job, when my employment fourth and fifth though she has been appointments to the assured this will hapbecame final. I don’t feel board in four years. pen. In her stateFour of the six curthat is in the best interests ment to the town rent board members board, she said, “I of the town.” are there by could have been appointment. sworn in today only — Christina Matheson Matheson delivto resign when my ered a prepared employment became statement in which she explained that she final. I don’t feel that is in the best interests was expecting a job offer that would make of the town.” her ineligible to hold the office of mayor.

“In the two or three weeks it would take As Matheson explained it, she had begun to offer the job, it would have been a negaexploring job options early last summer and tive for the town if I’d been sworn in as had contacted District Attorney Mike mayor,” Matheson said. “No one would have Bonfoey to inquire whether there were any been in a position to function as mayor. The

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Maurice Moody

Christina Matheson

mayor said he would remain in the position, so it was a natural move. It allowed for integrity, consistency and leadership from the top. I knew he would be there, that he would continue to guide the board and they would move forward.”

Matheson cited several factors in her decision to choose the job in Bonfoey’s office over the mayoral job. One factor was her desire to follow in the footsteps of her father, Marcellus Buchanan, who was Jackson County’s elected solicitor (now district attorney) for more than 20 years.

Another factor was economic.

“I so wanted to serve as mayor,” she said.

“When God opens two windows for you, you can’t go through both of them. And the posi-

tion as ADA is a paid position with benefits.”

Moody, who had already cleared out his office, has agreed to stay on for two more years.

“It came as somewhat of a surprise,” he said. “I had already taken my pictures home and everything.”

“I was not anticipating this, but it’s really an honor for fellow board members to ask you to stay on,” he said. “It makes you think you must have been doing something right.”

In the end, he said, “I have enjoyed my years on the Sylva board, so it was a fairly easy decision to make. I decided it would be the easiest transition if Chris was not going to be able to take the position.”

Moody said he does not intend to run for office again.

Smoky Mountain News

December 11-17, 2013

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“Students could come in and express their concerns and get answers from police and legal counsel,” he said.

“Since I’ve been involved with SGA, I’ve heard concern from students not feeling safe on campus,” he went on to say. “By and large we have a very safe campus, but there’s a feeling, due to some dimly lit areas, or people coming from backgrounds that are not so safe, like Charlotte, where there’s a higher crime rate than in Jackson County.”

Hermance said the forum reached 100 to 200 students. “We had way more attendance at that forum than any of tuition and fees forums. It was one of the highest attendances we’ve had at any forum.”

The SGA resolution cited several provisions of the voting rights bill: the elimination of student ID cards as an acceptable form of identification for voting; the elimination of same-day voter registration; and the shortening of the period for early voting.

The WCU board also approved tuition and fees for the 2014-15 academic year, which included no increase in tuition for in-state students. Fees will increase by 1.85 percent.

For undergraduates, with some fees eliminated and others raised slightly, the increase would come to $52 per year.

The board approved an increase of $18 per year in the health services fee and $42 per year in the student activity fee. There will be no increases in the athletics or education and technology fees.

Out-of-state students will face a legislatively mandated 6 percent increase in tuition.

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KIDS Place is focus of Dec. 12 program The Macon County League of Women Voters will host a program about KIDS Place at noon on Dec. 12 in Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.

Alisa Ashe, director of KIDS Place, will speak. KIDS Place is a private, nonprofit, nationally accredited children’s advocacy center that provides services for

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Smoky Mountain News

Class A Office/Professional space, 1850 sq. ft. abused children and their caregivers.

KIDS Place has been serving the community for 22 years.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, national organization with a focus on citizen participation in government and community. Monthly information meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at noon at Tartan Hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. The public is always invited and welcome.

December 11-17, 2013

BY S USANNA RODELL MANAGING E DITOR aculty and student representatives at Western Carolina University expressed concern last week over recent legislative actions in Raleigh.

At the Dec. 6 meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees, Student Government Association President Ryan Hermance reported that a resolution at the SGA Senate’s October meeting had expressed disappointment with House Bill 589, which restricted voting rights in several ways and made it more difficult for students to exercise their right to vote.

The resolution passed unanimously, with 30 voting in favor and none against, Hermance said.

And Mary Jean Ronan Herzog, Chair of the Faculty Senate, expressed concern over faculty retention in the absence of salary raises in recent years, due to cuts in funding for higher education.

“I personally know of six faculty members who are searching for jobs right now in other states,” Herzog said.

The SGA resolution cited several provisions of the voting rights bill: the elimination of student ID cards as an acceptable form of identification for voting; the elimination of same-day voter registration; and the shortening of the period for early voting. “[T]he Senate holds that open and easilyaccessible elections are vital to the welfare of college students in a representative democracy,” the resolution stated. It went on to assert that all three provisions caused unnecessary inconvenience to students attempting to exercise their voting rights. “[T]he SGA Senate of Western Carolina University expresses disappointment with regard to changes in North Carolina voting laws which will adversely affect student voting, and urges the North Carolina General Assembly to reconsider the current structure of said laws,” the resolution stated.

Hermance also reported that the SGA held a forum before Thanksgiving on safety on the campus, in light of recent legislation allowing concealed weapons to be carried on college campuses.

CHRISTMAS TURKEY “CARD” SHOOT

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Faculty, student representatives at WCU frustrated by Raleigh

627 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Waynesville.

Shown by appointment only.

Call Jeff Kuhlman at 828-646-0907.

13

news

Jailer’s love saga comes full circle

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER ho knows what Anita Vestal saw in Jeffrey Miles, or why she sprang him from jail and ran away with him, or how she justified leaving her husband and four young children behind, possibly forever.

He was a young, lanky black man from urban Atlanta with a gangster swagger, accused of a ruthless double murder.

She was a heavy-set Cherokee woman who had lived her whole life in rural Appalachia, came from a good family and had four kids under the age of ten.

Their lives should never have collided. But a tragic and bizarre series of events landed Miles in a jail where Vestal worked.

Miles’ money had run out during a drug binge and party spree at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and he went on the prowl for a house to rob. A violent home invasion ended in bloody execution-style murders, with Miles behind the trigger.

But that didn’t matter to Vestal when they peeled out of the Swain jail in her minivan the day of the carefully-planned escape. Vestal had slipped Miles the jail keys, taken over the jail’s control booth to ensure no one else saw him slip away on camera, and then ducked out herself.

Miles stripped off his striped orange jumpsuit and Vestal ditched her uniform and badge. They stuffed them under the back seats, changed into a waiting set of street clothes, stashed in the van by Vestal ahead of time, and headed west.

“Why did she do this? I can’t give you a good reason why. People do things all the time that don’t make any sense,” Assistant District Attorney Ashley Welch told jurors in Vestal’s court trial last week. “She just wanted to be with him.”

Indeed, what Vestal did defied all logic, her attorney, Chris Siewers, admitted to jurors.

“For some reason she fell from the sky.

Jeffrey Miles charmed her somehow,” Siewers said. “You can go back and debate for hours about why that happened but in the end it doesn’t really matter. You have all been in love at some point in your life. You haven’t done something like let Jeffrey Miles out of jail. But you have been in love.”

As for Miles, no one knows whether he saw Vestal as more than just his ticket out of jail. During the manhunt following his escape, detectives and cops quietly surmised that Vestal was surely dead in a ditch somewhere, left to die once she’d served her purpose.

Vestal’s distraught family even searched back roads and overlooks for signs of her dumped body.

But three weeks later, the two were found — still together.

They made it to California, where Miles had friends, and had hunkered down in a motel room. Vestal’s truck was spotted by local cops, who were tipped to the possibility Miles might turn up there.

Last week, Vestal was sentenced to three years in prison for the jailbreak that she plot14 ted and executed on Miles’ behalf back in

Smoky Mountain News

December 11-17, 2013

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Anita Vestal leaves the courthouse after her trial. She will serve three years for helping murderer Jeffrey Miles escape from jail. Becky Johnson photo March 2009. Prosecutors had tried to pin Vestal with charges of accessory after the fact to first-degree murders, but jurors found her innocent on those counts (see related story).

“Despite the fact she made a terrible, terrible mistake, she is not a bad person. She had never been in any kind of trouble before that point,” said Vestal’s father, Ronnie Blythe.

She was lucky to be out on bail while waiting trial — with a bond of just $125,000.

“She was never considered dangerous or a threat in any way. What she did was an affair of the heart. As stupid as it may have been, I think that is pretty much what motivated it,” Blythe said. “The court never saw her as a threat, or even a threat to try to run. She said from the beginning, ‘I did it. I don’t know why. I am sorry.’ ” Vestal was 32 when she first set eyes on Miles in his jail cell. She’s now 37.

Her kids, now 9 to 14, were living with her until last week, when she was escorted away in handcuffs to start serving her brief sentence.

The past four years awaiting trial have been bittersweet for Vestal. ““I just tried to live life, but I knew this was coming,” Vestal said during a court recess last week, talking about her inevitable prison

time once the trial concluded. “I’ve come to terms with it. I’m ready for it to be over.”

She and her husband separated shortly after the jailbreak. He left Bryson City, where they lived, trying to start over somewhere away from the finger-pointing and whispering that followed him everywhere he went in the small town.

Vestal didn’t take the stand during the trial, and she wouldn’t talk to the media openly about what happened, or why she did it.

But jurors got a glimpse of what went on inside her head in a recording of a phone call she made to her dad after being arrested in California.

“I don’t know. I just went crazy,” Vestal said to her dad.

Miles, who was 27 when he escaped, will spend the rest of his life in prison serving consecutive life sentences.

The violent home invasion and robberies perpetrated by Miles along an isolated country road in the small town of Bryson City haven’t been forgotten.

“The homicide of Scott Wiggins and Heath Compton shook the whole community,” Welch said during Vestal’s trial. “Jeffrey Miles is the type of person our worst nightmares are made out of.”

INFATUATION

It’s unclear how Vestal was able to plot the escape without other jailers or inmates being tipped off. Inmates live in bunkhouse quarters, and Vestal regularly entered the group living quarters to carry out her duties. But there were always other inmates around.

Cameras were everywhere, and were constantly being monitored from a central control room.

The two apparently passed notes undetected, however. The day of the escape, jailers searched the trashcans in Miles’ cell and found a torn up letter from Vestal.

It wasn’t torn up very well, however, and the jail administrator Ginny Hyatt easily pieced it back together with tape.

The letter outlined how the escape would go down, and showed Vestal’s feelings for Miles.

“Nobody is going to get in the way of our future,” Vestal wrote.

Miles’ friends from Atlanta were also locked up in the Swain County jail on the same charges of first-degree murder. Miles wanted Vestal to break them out as well. But Vestal refused in the end. She told Miles in the letter that she didn’t trust them, and

ticular setting. She was backed up against the door. Any time you are like that, you don’t have time to react if something goes wrong in the pod,” Walls testified in court. “They were there for a while and I advised my supervisor at that time what was going on.”

Walls never heard any more about it, but his observations were passed up the chain of command to the jail administrator, Ginny Hyatt. She in turn told the sheriff, Curtis Cochran, and they called a meeting with Vestal.

“We reminded her what Mr. Miles was charged with, the severity of the crimes, and to do her job and let that be that,” Cochran recounted in his testimony during Vestal’s trial.

Cochran said Vestal didn’t say much in response, other than “OK.” “She is very quiet,” Cochran said. “To be perfectly honest with you, Anita was a good worker.”

During the jail courtship, the enamored Vestal got a sizeable tattoo as a sign of her devotion to Miles.

The tattoo bore the name of Miles’ gang “Thou Wou” along with the words “Go The Don,” which was Miles’ gang nickname.

“She was in deep with him, ladies and gentlemen,” Assistant District Attorney Jim Moore told the jury at Vestal’s trial, showing them photos of her tattoo. “She is part of them now.”

In court, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Welch displayed a pair of Miles’ boxer shorts that he had worn in jail, which were later recovered from the back of Vestal’s minivan. Donning a pair of rubber doctor’s gloves

‘AWAY FROM THERE’

country town, away from her extended Cherokee family, away from the same friends and people she’d been surrounded with since childhood. Possibly smothered by the limitations of her own life, stretching out the same as it had been since the day she was born, Vestal may have seen Miles as an escape, however fleeting.

In a phone call to her husband after being arrested, Vestal hinted that she’d been unhappy.

“You know how it was before,” Vestal said, according to a recording of her side of the phone call.

And she made a reference to wanting to be “away from there.” On the other end of the line, her husband told her he loved her.

“Still?” Vestal asked.

Moore claimed that Vestal was blinded by her desire to be with Miles and couldn’t bear the thought that he might go away forever.

“She was never going to be able to see him again. He was going to prison for the rest of his life and the only thing she could do was to break him out,” Moore said.

By all accounts, Vestal comes from an upstanding family in Cherokee. Vestal’s father and mother, both Cherokee, separated when she was young, and she was raised by her father, Ronnie Blythe.

Blythe is a polished and respected businessman who runs Cherokee Office Supply, doing a brisk business with hundreds of companies and clients in the region.

Perhaps Miles offered the allure of another life — away from the constraints of a small

S EE VESTAL, PAGE 17

“What she did was an affair of the heart. As stupid as it may have been, I think that is pretty much what motivated it.

The court never saw her as a threat, or even a threat to try to run. She said from the beginning, ‘I did it. I don’t know why.

I am sorry.’”

— Ronnie Blythe, Anita Vestal’s father

first, Welch held the boxers up to the jury box, displaying the word “DON” written across the front in black permanent marker.

Vestal has a new tattoo now, the initials of her steady boyfriend, Jess McCoy, who has lived with her for the past two years. His red initials on her wrist — J.M. — are coincidentally the same as Jeffrey Miles’.

A

“This isn’t a run-of-the-mill death.

This is a brutal execution-style murder in your own home when your doors are locked and you are supposed to be safe.”

— Ashley Welch, Assistant District Attorney

“After you found out about this escape, did any of you take more precautions? Were you scared?” Welch said.

“This is the man who is brutal, who is vicious, who is unpredictable and he is deadly. Ms. Vestal broke everyone’s trust and formed a relationship with this nightmare.”

But in the end, prosecutors lost the argument that Vestal should be on the hook for accessory. There is a critical legal element they were unable to prove.

There’s no doubt Vestal helped Miles escape. But the lynchpin is whether Vestal knew Miles was guilty at the time.

“Folks, she let him out of the jail,” Vestal’s attorney, Chris Siewers, admitted to jurors. “There is no way to sugarcoat that. You don’t understand what Anita Vestal did, and you don’t like what she did. I am not going to sit here and defend her on that.”

But it came down to one question: Did Vestal know Miles was in fact guilty of the murders, or did she think he was innocent?

“They have to prove that she knew. And there is no evidence of that,” Siewers said. “They want you to assume. But

Smoky Mountain News

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER nita Vestal, a former Swain County jailer, was sentenced to only three years in prison last week after a jury convicted her for carrying out a jailbreak and running away with an inmate who was in custody, charged with a brutal double murder.

But Vestal faced the prospect of more than 20 years had the jury also convicted her of more serious charges — namely several counts of “accessory after the fact” for the crimes committee by the man she helped escape.

Ronnie Blythe, Vestal’s father, said the family had been tormented by the thought of Vestal going away for accessory to murder.

“We were very concerned about the big charges placed against her. We were beside ourselves with worry about that. We always felt they were unfounded charges,” he said.

Prosecutors argued during the month-long trial that Vestal knew what Jeffrey Miles had done when she carried out his jailbreak — and thus should go down as an accessory.

“She knew good and well what Jeffrey Miles had done.

But all she cared about was being together forever with him,” said Assistant District Attorney Ashley Welch.

Trying to tie Miles’ heinous crimes to Vestal, prosecutors attempted to rekindle the fear and outrage that had swept through the small town following the murders.

“Even total strangers are not safe when Jeffrey Miles is around. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill death. This is a brutal execution-style murder in your own home when your doors are locked and you are supposed to be safe,” Welch told jurors.

She then reminded them of the uneasiness that permeated the community following Miles’ escape.

December 11-17, 2013

Vestal dodges long prison term

the oath you took as jurors says you are not allowed to assume.”

In an interview after the trial, one of the jurors said they all thought Vestal probably knew. But they couldn’t be sure.

“They couldn’t prove it. They couldn’t prove she knew,” said Juror Timothy Holder.

And so they had to find her innocent on the accessory charges.

“We erred on the side of caution,” Holder said.

The jury deliberated for a day and a half before returning the verdict. There were just two holdouts who refused to budge initially. More than once, the jury sent notes into the courtroom saying they were unable to reach a consensus, but the judge kept sending them back in, and eventually the holdouts were brought over to the majority, Holder said.

“We had to weigh a lot of factors. It was hard,” Jane Rogers, the jury foreman, said in an interview after the trial. “We took it very seriously.”

Rogers said the jurors felt very sorry for the Wiggins family and their loss, however.

“Our heart goes out to them,” Rogers said.

Several members of the Wiggins family sat through Vestal’s trial. It was the third time they’d had to endure the blow-by-blow account of Wiggins’ death in that very same courtroom as the various defendants in the murder case came to trial. Each time, they had to start the healing process again, they said.

“I am glad this part is over,” said Christie Jones, Scott Wiggins’ sister.

Jones said her family was angry at Vestal for what she did initially, but they said locking her away for a long time as an accessory to murder wouldn’t have done anything to heal their grief and pain.

“You kind of can’t believe somebody can be that stupid,” Jones said.

news

feared one of them would “snitch” on Miles.

“Ain’t nobody going to hurt you never again, I promise you that,” Vestal wrote in her letter.

The letter emerged as critical evidence against Vestal in the trial, used by prosecutors to portray the lengths she would go to for him.

“She couldn’t wait to be together forever with Jeffrey Miles and she did everything she could to make sure that dream of her’s was going to happen,” Assistant District Attorney Ashley Welch said. “In a way she got what she wanted because now every time somebody hears the words ‘Jeffrey Miles’ they are going to think ‘Anita Vestal.’ So maybe they aren’t together in person, but they are together in spirit. So in a way she got what she wished for.”

There were signs, albeit subtle ones, of Vestal’s budding infatuation with Miles.

Garland Walls, who worked in the jail’s control room monitoring video feeds from cameras mounted throughout the jail, was the first one to notice Vestal fraternizing with Miles.

It was the day of the Daytona 500, and inmates were gathered in the common area to watch the race on TV. Vestal, a shift sergeant at the jail, was in the common area with the inmates.

It’s not necessarily unusual for jailers to venture into the inmates’ quarters. And it’s not necessarily unusual for female jailers to guard male inmates.

But Walls witnessed an interaction between Vestal and Miles that he described as “flirtation-type stuff.”

“She was way too close to him in that par-

15

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A CHERISHED HOLIDAY TRADITION! news

Ronnie Blythe and Diane Wiggins hug following the trial of Swain jailer Anita Vestal last week.

Vestal, who is Blythe’s daughter, helped the man who shot and killed Wiggins’ brother escape from jail. The two families are distant relations. Vestal’s grandmother and Wiggins’ dad were first cousins. Becky Johnson photo

VESTAL, CONTINUED FROM 15

Saturday, December 14 6-9 p.m.

On the night of downtown Waynesville’s “Night Before Christmas” celebration

he Smoky Mountain News is moving to a new office in 2014, so join us as we celebrate our final Christmas at our Church Street location. We’ll have food, drinks, and entertainment in the form of the various characters that make up the SMN staff. Come help us make it a memorable night (we’re probably not getting our security deposit back anyway).

Smoky Mountain News

MIND-BOGGLING

It seems Vestal regretted running off with Miles fairly quickly.

“I didn’t know how to get myself out of this mess,” Vestal told her husband in a phone call after being arrested in California.

“I was trying to figure out a way to call you, but I didn’t know who to call or if the phones were tapped.”

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE December 11-17, 2013

Blythe hopped a plane to California to see his daughter as soon as she was arrested and then drove her truck back across the country.

The jail keys had been left under a seat. Once he returned, he hand-delivered the stolen keys from the Swain County jail back to the Swain County sheriff.

Vestal’s uncle, Larry Blythe, is the longtime vice chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Larry even made an appearance in court, sitting through part of the trial in a show of solidarity, a testament to the value of family loyalty in Cherokee culture.

“We certainly still love Anita and didn’t want her to feel like we abandoned her because she had made a terrible mistake,” Ronnie Blythe said. “It is nothing as a parent that you can ever turn your back on your children for. We certainly didn’t cast her out by any means.”

Ironically, Vestal’s family tree also includes Scott Wiggins, one of the men murdered by Miles.

Vestal’s grandmother on her dad’s side and Wiggins’ dad were first cousins. Wiggins’ dad had once been the sheriff of Swain County.

Both families — Vestal’s and Wiggins’ — sat through the trial, just benches apart. And it became apparent they shared more than a common lineage. The same man had inflicted ruin in both families’ lives.

When the trial concluded, Vestal’s father and Wiggins’ sister locked in a long, sorrowful embrace in the parking lot, clutching each other tightly for nearly a minute before climbing into their cars and returning to pick up the pieces of their respective lives.

A video recording of Vestal calling her husband after her arrest in California was played during the trial. Vestal didn’t cry or break down. She seemed hollow and detached, as if calling home to check in while away on a business trip.

“Are the kids awake? Are they in the bed or what? Is everybody all right? Is granny all right?” Vestal asked.

Her husband’s side of the conversation didn’t come through in the audio. But he seemed to ask, repeatedly, whether she was all right, and if she’d been coerced or threatened to do what she’d done.

“I’m all right … I don’t know…. I don’t know…. No, I did this on my own,” Vestal said in a series of replies. “We were staying at a hotel since we got out here. I’ve not done nothing. I stayed in the hotel room and that’s it.”

Her voice wavered only once, realizing she had let her children down, and fishing for some sort of affirmation to lessen her own despair.

“I’d been one hell of a mom until about four weeks ago, huh?” Vestal said.

Vestal told her husband she was afraid to come back home, afraid to face people and afraid of what they would say.

“I know everybody is going crazy down there. I might come back in to Bryson City and they try to shoot me. You know how it is with black people out there,” Vestal said in the phone call to her husband. “Basically what they are going to say is, ‘You are a n—— r lover. You helped a n——r get out of jail.’

And that’s what I am scared of coming back there for.”

With Vestal now in prison, her children are being split up among different family members. One will live with Vestal’s father, one will live with their dad, and two will go live with a sister-in-law in Utah.

“It will be good for them. It will get them away from here and away from the circumstances,” said Ronnie Blythe, Vestal’s father.

As for Vestal, she wants to start over herself — in a new town. When she gets out of prison, she will be 40.

“She indicated she would just like to start over, in a new place, a new start,” Blythe said.

“It has been a real difficult time for us and for her, and for the people involved. We are glad it is over.”

17

news

Tangible evidence of Jesus left behind for us to find

Taming unruly meetings in Maggie a goal for new town leaders

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER aggie Valley town leaders hope to create a new tone and tenor for town meetings, with “civility” being the operative word.

Maggie meetings have a long history of being contentious and rancorous at times.

Debate sometimes devolves into a volley of accusations and criticisms between board members and the audience. Town board members are now looking at ways to preserve an open dialogue with the audience during town meetings, with caveats.

“I always hoped as a small town we could have a level of dialogue with the public. It is still my desire to have some of that, but it has come to my attention there has to be some decorum and some rules, and we have to set some limitations,” said Mayor Ron DeSimone.

The town board discussed ways to rein in public comment last week at its monthly “agenda-setting” meeting — an informal session that’s a precursor and rehearsal of sorts for its official meeting held the following week.

Alderman Mike Eveland said if the public doesn’t oblige, the town may have to revoke its generous public comment policy.

Maggie Valley meetings have a more robust public comment arena than most towns.

Legally, local governments have to allow public comment, but it’s usually confined to the beginning of the meeting and limited to three minutes per person. But in Maggie Valley, audience members occasionally chime in during the meeting.

“The free dialogue with the board from the crowd just doesn’t work. We are going to have to set some ground rules for public comment,” DeSimone said.

But DeSimone said he doesn’t want to restrict people to just three minutes, though.

“I would like to do more than that,” DeSimone said.

“We have to find a way to do that,” Eveland agreed.

But, “We don’t necessarily have to let one person talk for 30 minutes,” Alderwoman Saralyn Price said.

Eveland joked the town should buy a giant egg timer, holding his hands up shoulderwidth apart.

However, Alderman Philip Wight questioned whether the meetings are really out of control.

“They aren’t out of control unless there is a hot topic,” said Wight. “If there is a hot topic, how else are people supposed to address their government?”

Wight was unable to make the agenda setting meeting last week, but said he would be against any effort to shutdown the public from having a voice in their government.

Price said she has a problem with audience members bashing town employees dur-

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Maggie Valley’s two newly elected board members, Janet Banks and Mike Eveland, conferred with fellow town leaders last week on ways to bring more civility to town meetings. Becky Johnson photo

A new sheriff in town New meeting protocols in Maggie Valley come amid political and leadership changes for the town: a new majority on the town board and a new town manager.

Two seats on the five-person town board were up for election in November, and both were won by challengers — Mike Eveland and Janet Banks. They both campaigned on a platform of cooperation and unity, pledging to move past the divisiveness that has hamstrung the town in recent years.

Whether discord at Maggie Valley meetings is inevitable or can be cured is anyone’s guess.

It won’t be the first time new board members have vowed to work together in the best interest of the valley and put personal conflicts aside. Indeed, that was a platform of Mayor Ron DeSimone when he ran for mayor and won two years ago.

But the new day for Maggie Valley once again failed to manifest, and after a honeymoon period, the divisiveness crept back, as ing the public comment session. That shouldn’t be allowed, she said.

But DeSimone said that’s easier said than done.

“It is a dynamic situation that is moving,” DeSimone said of the public comment periods. “You are trying to keep people from saying a derogatory things about anybody. But you have no idea what is going to come out of their mouth until it comes out of their mouth.”

The town moved its formal public comment period from the traditional slot at beginning of the meeting to the end, hoping that questions from the public about various issues would be answered during the course

it had in the past.

“I have certainly done some learning under fire the past two years,” DeSimone said.

The board was locked in a two-to-two stalemate on some issues over the past year because it only had four members — instead of the usual five. A vacancy on the board was created when a former alderman moved away last year. Typically, the other board members would have appointed someone to fill the vacant seat. But the divided board was unable to agree on an appointment, so they waited until election time to let voters choose a replacement.

Now the town board now has a plurality.

Along with the vacant seat finally being filled, one of the sitting alderman, Mike Matthews, was ousted in last month’s election.

And lastly, the town also has a new town manager. Nathan Clark, who had served as town planner for nearly a decade, was named town manager last month after the former town manager resigned amid controversy.

of the meeting.

But there is a downside. Sometimes, the board will have already voted on an issue that audience members planned to speak out on.

“That is a legitimate gripe so I try to engage the public through the meeting on certain issues,” DeSimone said.

JOINING FORCES As aldermen formulated their strategy for new meeting protocols last week, it sounded at times as if they were prepping against a guerilla attack.

S EE MAGGIE, PAGE 19

Jackson still ‘economically distressed’

MAGGIE, CONTINUED FROM 18

Jackson voids tax bill for Anglican Church

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we haven’t had a chance to think about it yet,� said DeSimone, who has ended up in plenty of debates with audience members himself.

Eveland said if a board member wants to respond, they should raise their hand and wait to be acknowledged by the mayor before piping up. That way, DeSimone can act as a referee or potentially save a board member from losing their temper when firing back. “I might be all worked up because someone called me a bobo,� Eveland said.

Another wildcard at town meetings has been surprise topics brought up for discussion — or even for a vote — at the 11th hour.

Sometimes, aldermen would act in concert with audience members to force discussion of an issue that wasn’t on the agenda.

From now on, once the agenda is crafted,

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WILL IT WORK? The various meeting protocols discussed last week give DeSimone more control than he’s had in the past.

He can control who speaks at meetings and whether an issue gets put on the agenda. Items can’t be discussed unless they are on the agenda. He can also control the message with other aldermen in his pre-meeting one-on-one discussions.

DeSimone has been criticized by some residents and two of the other aldermen for unilateral, top-down decision making over the past year.

Their has been a public outcry at some meetings in an attempt to hold the mayor accountable, Wight said. “That would go away if we started having honest, open government,� Wight said.

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— Maggie Valley Mayor Ron DeSimone

need to file for a tax-exempt status. “I actually helped him take the measurements,� Murphy said.

Commissioner Mark Jones, who lives in Cashiers, confirmed Murphy’s assertions about the renovation and construction dates. “They have been doing what a tax-exempt entity would do in the time they have been open,� Jones told fellow commissioners.

McMahon said his office was following standard protocol when it sent the disputed $2,752 tax bill to the church. “Everyone has to make application to gain a tax-exempt status. If you fail to file in January, you have to file a reason for good cause,� he said. “The state statute does not specifically say what is ‘good cause.’�

The board voted 4-1 to excuse the tax bill, with Chairman Jack Debnam voting against the move. After the meeting, Debnam said his vote was in support of county staff who followed normal procedures and deserved support for their actions.

December 11-17, 2013

Leaders from Christ Anglican Church in Cashiers convinced Jackson County commissioners to waive their property tax bill for 2013 even though they applied for a taxexempt application after the Feb. 1 deadline.

Father Jim Murphy explained to commissioners that the church acquired the property in September 2012 and renovations continued until May 2013. After construction was finished, the church filed for its tax-exempt status. “I know ignorance is no excuse,� said Murphy. “But we have already been a benefit to the community. Already we are attracting parishioners from Bryson City, Cashiers, and even Transylvania County.�

Tax Assessor Bobby McMahon was actually at the church taking measurements for the assessment when Murphy learned of the

“The free dialogue with the board from the crowd just doesn’t work.

We are going to have to set some ground rules for public comment.�

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Eveland stressed the importance of the board having “each other’s backs.�

The board agreed that if they are civil with one another, even when they disagree amongst themselves, that it would help set the overall tone for meetings. “If this board is showing courtesy to each other, we stand a better chance,�

DeSimone said.

The board discussed several ways to make their meetings more orderly and productive — like not getting into a tit-for-tat with audience members. Even though it might make board members seem aloof, they should merely listen rather than try to respond, said DeSimone. “Someone who walks in the door, they have their thinking process already done.

But it is the first time we are hearing it and

Jackson County retained its status as one front of potential new business or industry. of the economically distressed counties in Wooten, though, thinks Jackson County North Carolina according to just-released should move from a 1 to a 2 ranking when the rankings, but county manager Chuck Wooten Department of Commerce releases new evalthinks some of the factors in that ranking are uations in 12 months. improving and others are “distorted.� “Unfortunately, since our poverty rate is “I would expect in 2015 above 19 percent and our popthat if we have done better on ulation is less than 50,000, by the poverty rate, we’ll see our ECONOMIC statute we have to be a tier 1,� poverty rate and our tier rankWooten told commissioners.

TIER RANKINGS ing improve,� Wooten told The recently released rank2013 2014 county commissioners at a ings for 2014 list Jackson’s Haywood 3 2 meeting last week. poverty rate a 19.5 percent.

Jackson 1 1 The N.C. Department of Only 29 North Carolina counSwain 1 1 Commerce ranks counties as a ties have a higher poverty rate.

Macon 2 2 1, 2, or 3 based on several ecoWooten, who was previousnomic factors, with a 3 rankly a vice chancellor at Western ing going to those with the strongest Carolina University, thinks the poverty rate of economies. Depending on where counties fall students, part-time students and former stuin the ranking, they are able to offer differing dents living in and around Cullowhee are partly tax breaks to news businesses based on job to blame for the high poverty rate. creation and salary expectations. The system “Students living around Cullowhee are poor. was designed to encourage economic devel- That’s something we all know,� said Wooten. opment in the state’s most depressed areas.

Jackson County had a tier 2 ranking in 2012 However, the irony of the rankings has been and first dropped to a tier 1 in 2013. Swain has a that some counties prefer remaining in the tier 1 ranking also while Macon County has a tier “economically distressed� category in order to 2 ranking. In the just-released data, Haywood have a better package of tax breaks to dangle in County fell from a tier 3 to a tier 2 ranking.

“nothing should be added,� DeSimone said. “No more blindsiding,� Alderwoman Janet Banks agreed.

The board also talked about what to do when members of the public want a spot on the agenda to say their piece, instead of being relegated to the formal public comment period.

Town Manager Nathan Clark said the town needs to be more judicious than it has. “To say, ‘Put me on the agenda so I can tell the town that I hate the town’ over and over again, that is not an agenda item,� said Clark.

Clark was just named town manager last month, but early indications are that he will take a more active role enforcing meeting protocols. “The town manager could have curbed some of that,� Eveland said.

DeSimone said meetings will go smoother if board members talk about issues before the meeting. Legally, the town board can’t discuss matters in private — at least not as a group, according to the N.C. Open Meetings Law. But board members can have one-onone conversations with each other.

DeSimone suggested funneling everything through him. “I try to be command central. I try to contact you and talk about it and then contact you and talk about it and then contact you and talk about it,� DeSimone said, going around the boardroom table.

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19

Opinion The horse ‘network’ warmly welcomes a stranger Smoky Mountain News

was trying to sell myself to my prospective new boss, Scott McLeod. I may not know anyone in the Haywood County area yet, I told him, but don’t worry — I’m a horse person. We have a network.

So as soon as I knew I’d been hired, I got in touch with all the horse people I’d met with connections in this part of the world. My old friend Katherine, who grew up riding ponies in Asheville, put me in touch with Connie Moore, a fellow-rider who lives in Haywood County. Maybe you know Connie. I got on the phone with her and quickly got all sorts of great advice about boarding barns and other practicalities.

I looked forward to meeting her. I loaded my worldly goods into my old truck, and my little mare into the trailer, and we set off westbound on I-40. Smooth driving — till we came to that big climb just east of Asheville.

On the way up the mountain, something went horribly wrong. The truck failed to shift down and quickly lost power.

Even when I shifted manually down to second gear, it barely limped along. The “Check Engine” light went on. We climbed the entire grade on the shoulder at 20 mph, and once we reached the crest, I could smell something nasty from the front of the truck. Then I lost my power steering.

As I wrestled the rig onto the exit ramp at Swannanoa, I

I

Liberarians alive and well in Haywood County

To the Editor: I would like to respond to the article in the Oct. 30 issue of The Smoky Mountain News discussing the “internal debate” which “divides Haywood GOP.” In this article, some members of the Republican party of Haywood County were told that they were better suited for the Libertarian party because the Libertarian party is for “conservative purists” who are “so far right they’ve fallen off.”

Let me point out that this is a misguided notion. Libertarians are not far right conservatives. In fact, to be Libertarian is to be neither left nor right.

Rather, Libertarians consider themselves fiscally responsible and socially liberal and advocate both a smaller government and less restriction on individual rights. I can understand how someone unfamiliar with the philosophy could find themselves confused and misuse the terminology, as Libertarian philosophy defies the simple left-right paradigm that American culture has been saddled with over the last century, and which is advocated throughout the mainstream. Put simply, Libertarians advocate the freedom and responsibility given to the people in the Constitution: we all have unalienable rights that exist without restriction, until their use violates the rights of another. Not only does this mean freedom from burdensome taxation, but also less restriction on the individual and therefore less government.

As you can see, our philosophy is not that of a “far right” Republican, but something different altogether.

heard a loud clunk under the hood. Great. Have I blown a piston? I crept into the BP station at the corner of Highway 70, threw the truck into Park, checked on the horse (who seemed unfazed) and threw the hood up. Hmmm. The serpentine belt was missing. All I could see was a bunch of naked pulleys. That must have been the clunk.

OK. So I have something similar to AAA that’s for people who haul horse trailers. I called the 800 number and Managing Editor found, to my dismay, that my membership renewal hadn’t been processed, and no, I couldn’t talk to the office because it was a Sunday.

So I called Connie, who, at this point, I had still never met face to face. And whose only question was: what size tow ball do I need? My trailer takes a 2-inch, I told her. I’ll call you right back, she said.

A few minutes later, Connie was on the phone again. She’d found a 2-inch tow ball. I’ll be there in 40 minutes, she said.

And so she was.

First we had to get Lady off the trailer (you can’t leave a horse on an unhitched trailer). Lady (remarkably and unchar-

Susanna Rodell

20

That being said, I would also like to reach out to the “conspiracy group” mentioned in the piece who are being accused of dividing the Republican party, and whose contribution to the party appears to be unappreciated.

Those conspirators would be more than welcome to join me and my fellow Libertarians at our meetings, at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesdays, at the future site of the Cross Country School of Real Estate, 176 Waynesville Plaza. Our meetings are open to all political persuasions, and we do not expect everyone who attends to be a registered Libertarian.

The Libertarian Party of Haywood County is interested in hearing what local citizens have to say, and are open to all opinions and perspectives. We only require that participants respect one another and listen to all opinions without censure. We would never limit your freedom of speech, and we encourage the “robust dialogue” that Tracy Coward advocated for the GOP. I would also like to respond to the fact that in the article Mitchell Powell is quoted claiming that renegade Republicans are part of the GOP because they find it “impossible” to run as Libertarians. This again is a flippant use of terminology and is incorrect. Not only is it possible to run for office in North Carolina as a Libertarian, the Libertarian party of Haywood County is planning to run a candidate for Haywood County commissioner in 2014. I invite any rebellious Republican who is interested in leaving an unappreciative GOP with all its name-calling and petty brawling to join us in this endeavor. Our party could use your enthusiasm to shake up Haywood County government and break the cycle of politics as usual with all its bickering and squabbling.

acteristically calm through all this) backed off the trailer, and Connie walked her around between the gas pumps while customers looked on in bemusement and I cranked the jack, unhooked the chains and managed to persuade the wounded old Silverado to move a few yards forward, leaving room for Connie’s Tahoe to back up to the trailer.

Then it was my turn to hold on to the horse while Connie backed the Tahoe up. At which point we discovered — hallelujah! — that she even had the right socket for my trailer’s electrical plug. It was dark by now. We’d have lights!

And so — trailer hitched up, horse reloaded, and having secured permission to leave the crippled Silverado overnight at the gas station — we headed west, to Connie’s barn, where another set of folks I’d never met had a stall ready for Lady.

On Monday I got things straightened out with the road service folks, and the truck found its way to Walker’s Service, where they fixed in it a couple of hours, and I found myself feeling strangely at home in a place I’d lived a total of 24 hours.

It says something about a place, this kindness to newcomers. Thanks, Haywood County.

Connie wouldn’t even let me pay for her gas.

(Susanna Rodell can be reached at susanna@smokymountainnews.com.)

We are seeking to move our county forward, and there are many in Haywood County who see through the two-party paradigm to what the founding fathers intended for us. For example, Lynda Bennet from Maggie Valley wrote an opinion piece in the Nov. 27 issue of The Smoky Mountain News where she pointed out that: “Freedom is not free; it must be fought for everyday. Limiting government insures freedom. I will even protect your freedom to disagree with me.”

This is a Libertarian perspective, and I appreciate her taking the time to demonstrate that not everyone has been taken in by the present government’s need to parent us — to control our speech, to protect us from ourselves, to tell us how to think.

Surely, the infighting between the Republicans is only part of that party’s problem in winning over this largely Democratic controlled county. Not only are they so frivolous as to fail to recognize the value of the supporters within their own party, in whatever guise they may appear, they have also shown blatant disregard for real Libertarians and their values. The people of Haywood County expect more maturity from their elected officials, and deserve better.

Windy McKinney Jonathan Creek

Affordable Care Act a blessing for my family To the Editor: Today I visited healthcare.gov on the internet, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, I am now, at age 63, covered by healthcare insurance for the

LOOKING FOR OPINIONS The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints welcome. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786. first time in my adult life.

Throughout my life I’ve had financial ups and downs with periods of relative prosperity and at other times, not so much. But, the real reason I never before invested in healthcare insurance is that I was never exactly certain what I was buying. There was always so much fine print written into the policies I felt as if I needed a lawyer to figure out what would be covered and what would not if, God forbid, I needed extensive medical care or hospitalization. I couldn’t bring myself to spend the time or money on such an uncertain venture.

But, I am so thankful that is no longer the case because of the Affordable Care Act. Now there are standards the healthcare insurance industry has to live by. All pre-existing conditions are covered and so much more. At healthcare.gov I found a set of clear, affordable choices, all of which will ensure that I will never be financially destroyed because of a catastrophic illness or accident. Tonight I will sleep well knowing that my family and I are much more secure in life.

Thank you President Obama and those in Congress who voted to pass the Affordable Care Act. Avram Friedman Sylva

tasteTHEmountains

AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville.

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

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

ANTHONY WAYNE’S 37 Church St, Waynesville. 828.456.6789.

Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; open for dinner Thursday-Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exceptional, new-American cuisine, offering several gluten free items.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and

homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

BOGART’S 35 East Main St., Sylva. 828.586.6532.

Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Serving classic American food and drink in a casual environment. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Children’s menu available. Call for catering quotes. Private room available for large parties. Accepts MC/Visa, Discover and American Express.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (takeout only 5 to 6 p.m.) Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving Mediterranean style foods; join us for weekly

specials. We roast our own ham, turkey and roast beef just like you get on Thanksgiving to use in our sandwiches. Try our chicken, tuna, egg and pasta salads made with gluten free mayo. Enjoy our variety of baked goods made daily: muffins, donuts, cinnamon buns and desserts.

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 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 11:30 till 2. Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting), featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful familystyle 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 6pm, and dinner is served starting at 7pm. So join us for milehigh mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

New Year

DO YOUR HOLIDAY

SHOPPING HERE!

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Party!!

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

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

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

Dine Ala Carte or take advantage of our All-Inclusive Three Course Special.

NYE Party featuring live music by Crocodile Smile.

Reservations required.

Burgers to Salads Southern Favorites & Classics

Buy One Entrée, Get One Free

-Local beers now on draft-

Live Music on the Patio Tues.-Fri. Call to see who’s playing.

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

MON.-THURS. 11 A.M.-9 P.M. • FRI. & SAT. 11 A.M.-10 P.M. SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M. 218-59

828.926.4848 www.MaggieValleyClub.com

Smoky Mountain News

GIFT BASKETS COOKIE BOXES OR BAGS & MUCH MORE Fair Trade Coffee & Espresso

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

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 3p.m., Full Menu 3 to 9 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches

December 11-17, 2013

ARTISAN BREADS & PASTRIES

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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.

Cheers to the

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Stop by now and place your orders for Christmas Eve

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials. Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked trout bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped.

Lunch: Fresh salads, panini sandwiches.

Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

opinion

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

of equal or lesser value Expires 12/30/2013. Must purchase two beverages.

Must present coupon. Not valid on holidays or with other discounts or promotions.

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Big Results...

and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials starting at 5pm every day. Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and other local bakers. Enjoy craft beers on tap, as well as our full bar and eclectic wine list.

Now Booking Holiday Parties. ...small investment.

Advertise your business in the smoky mountain news

828.452.4251

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

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

Full Service Catering for 15-500 BBQ to Caviar Bon Appetit Ya’ll!

828.456.1997 207 Paragon Parkway Clyde, NC

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

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

Tuesday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com

December 11-17, 2013

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FRYDAY’S & SUNDAES 24 & 26 Fry St., Bryson City (Next To The Train Depot). 828.488.5379. Frydays is open; but closed on Wednesdays. Sundaes is open 7 days a week. Fryday’s is known for its Traditional English Beer Battered Fish & Chips, but also has burgers, deep fried dogs, gyro, shrimp, bangers, Chip Butty, chicken, sandwiches & a great kids menu. Price friendly, $3-$10, Everything available to go or call ahead takeout.

Sundaes has 24 rotating flavors of Hershey's Ice Cream making them into floats, splits, sundaes, shakes. Private seating inside & out for both locations right across from the train station & pet friendly.

HORS D’OEUVRES BUFFET 9 P.M.-MIDNIGHT

Smoky Mountain News

MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST

MUSIC BY SMOKE RISE BAND DANCING & PARTY FAVORS MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST BUFFET

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Come for the restaurant’s 4 @ 4 when you can choose a center and three sides at special prices. Offered WedFri. from 4 to 6. frogsleappublichouse.org.

INCLUDING LUCKY NEW YEAR’S FOODS

$5995/COUPLE PARTY ONLY

OR

$9995/COUPLE INCLUDES ROOM

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

Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m. Located in the historic Hooper’s Drugstore, Guadalupe Café is a chef-owned and operated restau-

Single Rates Available Reservations Recommended

22

70 Soco Road • Maggie Valley Reservations: 828.926.0201

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended. 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

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rant serving Caribbean inspired fare complimented by a quirky selection of wines and microbrews. Supporting local farmers of organic produce, livestock, hand-crafted cheese, and using sustainably harvested seafood.

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

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

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily.

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

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

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

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

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

LUCIO'S RESTAURANT 313 Highlands Road, Franklin.

828.369.6670. Serving Macon County since 1984. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. until.Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5 p.m. until. Owned and operated by Tanya and Dorothy Gamboni. Serving authentic Italian and continental cuisine including appetizers, pastas, poultry, veal, seafood, steaks and homemade deserts. Selection of wine and beer. Lunch and Dinner menus.

Wednesday and Thursday nights only. 1 appetizer and 2 selected entrées with unlimited salad and Lucio’s famous garlic rolls for $24.95. Winter Special: half-off house wines, Friday and Saturday only. luciosnc.com MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee.

828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices. Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet. Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

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

Open Thursday through Sunday, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Cooking up mouth-watering, wood-fired Angus steaks, prime rib and scrumptious

tasteTHEmountains fresh seafood dishes. The wood-fired grill gives amazing flavor to every meal that comes off of it. Enjoy creative dishes made using moonshine. Stop by and simmer for a while and soak up the atmosphere. The best kept secret in Maggie Valley. themoonshinegrill.com MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.

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

PASQUALINO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 25 Everett Street, Bryson City.

828.488.9555. Open for lunch and dinner everyday 11:30 a.m.-late. A taste of Italy in beautiful Bryson City. Exceptional pasta, pizza, homemade soups, salads. Fine wine, mixed drinks and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, reservations appreciated.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

Outdoor and indoor dining.

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

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

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

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

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection.

Casual atmosphere, dine indoor, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO 628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS).

828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until. Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal. Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine.

Home-Grown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready.

UPCOMING EVENTS

with the Buchanan Boys 83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

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SATURDAY, DEC. 14 • 12-3PM

PICTURES WITH SANTA TINA & HER PONY • 7PM

TUESDAY, DEC. 17 • 6PM

WINE TASTING

S PRING S TREET, D OWNTOWN S YLVA CREPES, PANINIS, SOUPS, SALADS, GOURMET PASTAS WINE & BEER

CityLightsCafe.com

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day. Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

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

MEDITERRANEAN

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

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Café

Mediterranean Style Foods 6147 Hwy 276 S. • Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station)

bbcafenc.com • 828.648.3838 Tu-F 8-6 (takeout only 5-6) • Sat 8-3

Christmas Day Brunch Buffett 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Adults $29.95* Young at Heart $19.95* Children 6 – 12 $14.95* Children Under 5 - Free

Great Christmas Gift Idea?

828.456.3551, Ext. 366

Gift Certificates

are available at our award-winning inn for mountaintop dining and overnight stays.

828.926.0430 • TheSwag.com OFF OF JONATHAN CREEK RD./HWY. 276 AND HEMPHILL ROAD

Call us to complete your Christmas Shopping

828-926-0430

176 Country Club Drive *Excluding 7% NC Sales Tax & 21% Service Charge

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Smoky Mountain News

Reservations: Opentable.com or

Looking for a

2300 SWAG ROAD WAYNESVILLE

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December 11-17, 2013

Graduation Party

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

BUILD ME A BOAT

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ITALIAN

SATURDAY DECEMBER 14:

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

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

Located across from the Fire Station.

FRIDAY, DEC. 13 • 7PM

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Open house, 2014 schedule released at Franklin arts center

The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts recently announced its 2014 schedule, which includes Don Williams, Travis Tritt and Loretta Lynn. Donated photo

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER n a recent crisp early winter evening, hundreds of folks from around Western North Carolina and beyond converged onto the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

“This year, 2013, was a great year for us,” said Paul Garner, manager of the SMCPA. Paul Garner “We’re always going to strive to do better, always step it up, always wanting to treat artists better, always wanting to treat our patrons better. We have a great year planned for 2014.”

The Dec. 5 SMCPA open house was a way to thank those who have patronized the center and was also the launch pad for the 2014 performance schedule, which includes the likes of Don Williams, Travis Tritt and Loretta Lynn.

Greeting people at the entrance, Franklin Linda Harbuck Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Harbuck is all smiles when seeing the positive impact the center has had on her community and the region as a whole.

“This facility is one of our biggest, most important assets we have in Franklin now,” she said. “The impact of it has been tremendous for our community with the quality of entertainment available to our region. It is a centerpiece of the community, and we’re

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thrilled at the success of the events held here.”

Since opening in 2009, the 1,500-seat state-of-the-art building has played host to a wide range of international stars, performances and productions. With names like Merle Haggard, Rhonda Vincent, Air Supply and Dr. Ralph Stanley, and shows ranging from ballet to magicians to comedy troupes, the performance space has become a beacon of artistic and cultural light in the area.

“This place has become a necessity, I think, in Macon County,” said Lisa Kline, a proud attendee and usher at SMCPA. “Everyone here has worked so hard to make it so special. The last couple shows I worked, a good portion of the crowd was from out of town or here for the first time.”

And it’s that sentiLisa Kline ment of getting people to stay in Franklin, rather than drive through it, that has been at the heart of SMCPA, a business started by Phil Drake. Drake owns an accounting software firm and a handful of other businesses in and around Franklin.

“Phil took the time to build this, and he set a standard of excellence by having no foul talk or suggestive clothing here,” said usher Mary Ackerson. “His whole idea was to get people to not drive through Mary Ackerson Franklin, but stop here, go to a show, stay at a hotel and go to a restaurant.”

Robbinsville-based country/rock group My

Highway showcased its talents onstage in front of a joyous crowd in celebration of the open house. Following the band’s first set, Garner took the microphone and announced the 2014 schedule to applause and cheers. When Loretta Lynn was named one of the year’s performers, Ackerson had a look of shock on her face, and immediately grabbed her cell phone.

“I just called my husband and told him ‘Loretta is coming here,’” she said. “It just blows your mind. She’s a legend, a true blue legend. I can’t believe it.”

Following the announcements, the crowd quickly lined up at the box office to purchase special “pre-sale” tickets for any of the shows listed. Standing eagerly in line, Franklin resident David Kellam is excited for the upcoming performances.

“I used to have season tickets to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta,” he said. “Here, I can get home and into bed after show, where I’d still just be getting out of the parking lot at the Fox.” A few feet down from Kellam, Charlotte resident and Franklin second homeowner Tom Brown is appreciative of the unique hospitality provided by the SMCPA. “When I’m in Charlotte and a show down there is cancelled, I have to fight for my money back,” he said. “Here, they call you and ask where to send the money to.”

That hospitality is something Garner is all about.

“I come from a hospitality background, and I always try to bring that into everything I

do,” he said. “We’re excited about all of the shows coming here. We’re just really trying to hone in our market and stick to that.”

Greeting patrons out in the lobby are dancers from nearby Betsy’s School of Dance. The adolescent dancers from schools around the county and north Georgia are in the final preparations for their rendition of The Nutcracker Ballet, which will be performed Dec. 20-21.

“We used to do our performances in the small high school auditorium,” said dancer Raya Lannon. “Now, we have this huge backstage area at the center, a professional setup where you characterize yourself better and project yourself in a large room. It’s amazing.”

“This building is helping the community grow and learn,” said ballet teacher Kelly Duff. “Our students are taking classes and lessons from professional performers who come in here. It’s a great opportunity for them to perform and learn from others.”

Seeing a stream of satisfied patrons head for the parking lot following the open house, Garner is ready for 2014. For him, it’s about enjoying where you live and what you do.

“My staff and I, we love what we do,” he said. “We work hard and chip away at it.

When you love what you do, there are no bad days.”

Editor’s Note: For more information and a complete list of the 2014 event schedule at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, click on www.greatmountainmusic.com.

Country/rock group My Highway performed for guests during the open house at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Garret K. Woodward photo

“We used to do our performances in the small high school auditorium. Now, we have this huge backstage area at the center, a professional setup where you characterize yourself better and project yourself in a large room. It’s amazing.”

— Raya Lannon, dancer with Betsy’s School of Dance

back about the night before and how much fun I had, it dawned on me “maybe I can do that instead of this.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Dave Stone.

Donated photo

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HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

The Jingle Bell Bash featuring Gypsy Bandwagon will be Dec. 13 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

The P.A.W.S. Benefit “Holiday Wine and Cake Tasting” will be at The Cottage Craftsman in Bryson City on Dec. 14.

Entertainment star Randall Franks joins Raymond Fairchild for a “Christmas Show” at the Maggie Valley Opry House on Dec. 14.

The Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition Potluck will be Dec. 21 at the Cherokee Youth Center.

SMN: What’s the key to telling a good joke?

DS: A good joke must catch you off guard, a twist or angle you don’t see coming. To tell a good joke, you must be able to execute that component properly.

SMN: What’s your favorite joke?

DS: Oh man, there are so many. One that always sticks out is Zach Galafianakis, who said, “My girlfriend looks a little like Charlize Theron ... and a lot like Patrick Ewing.”

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SMN: Where do you draw inspiration for material from?

DS: I tend to just look for things that don’t make sense, including my own behavior.

Imperfection is great fodder for comedy, and I have plenty of that.

Cutthroat Shamrock plays No Name Sports Pub in Sylva on Dec. 14.

walked toward the building. This post office had large glass entrance doors and I guess he thought they were already open, but he marched up to the doors and walked right into them, smacking his face hard against the glass and then falling to the ground. I had never before had such a physical comedic reaction to something. I almost threw up from laughter as I learned first lesson in the power of physical comedy, and karma.

SMN: What was the moment in your life when it clicked and you realized you wanted to make a career out of comedy?

DS: The morning after my first open mic.

I owned a small landscaping business at the time and one of my customers would require that I remove all of the dog crap from his backyard. This always took about an hour. I would use a flathead shovel to scoop up each pile and place it in a trash bag. As I thought

SMN: When you’re onstage, and your set heating up, where do you go?

DS: It’s an overused term, but I really do try to be in the moment. When telling a joke, I always try to go back to that moment when I wrote that joke. The excitement that comes from creating a piece of comedy is pretty fantastic. That first moment when the light bulb comes on and you think to yourself, “Oh man, that’s funny, write that down.”

SMN: What do you want people to think leaving your show?

DS: Hopefully not much. My job is easier when the expectations are low. (Laughs). I guess I’d like them to leave thinking, “Well, that didn’t suck too bad.”

Perfect for Gifts & Parties Scottish and Southern Food Catering Alex & Joan Robb

Smoky Mountain News

Smoky Mountain News: When was the first time you remember laughing so hard it hurt?

Dave Stone: I must have been 4 or 5 years old, living in Hendersonville, Tenn. I was in the car with my mother and brother as we pulled up to the post office. My mom would let just one of us run a letter into the post office to drop it in the outgoing box. For some reason, my brother and I, who was, and still is, three years older than me, loved to play errand boy because it was one of the few times at that age that we could go into a building by ourselves, I guess we got a kick out of the brief sense of responsibility. We both pleaded to do the task and for whatever reason, she picked him. As brothers tend to do, he gloated and rejoiced in his small victory by shooting me a smarmy look as he

SMN: You’ve done work on Squidbillies.

What are your thoughts on the show’s role in the current stream of pop culture that is southern/redneck focused?

DS: Squidbillies is great because it’s accurate. Of course it’s over-the-top, but it really captures a sense of the South that Hollywood rarely gets right. This is due largely to the fact that its creator, Dave Willis, is a bornand-bred southerner who understands both the charm and absurdity of the South.

Wrap up Christmas with

December 11-17, 2013

amed of the “12 Comics to Watch” for 2013 by LA Weekly, Atlanta-bred comedian Dave Stone has been taking over the stage with his southern flare meets keen observations of modern society.

Stone was a semi-finalist on CMT’s “Next Big Comic” in 2012 and is a co-founding member of the renowned “Beards of Comedy Tour.” He’s also shared the stage with comedic legends Brian Regan, Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford, Doug Benson and Marc Maron.

But (at least for this journalist), Stone’s real feather in his hat is the work with the acclaimed adult cartoon, “Squidbillies.” A raw, in your face take on southern culture via animated squids and other oddities, the program is a unique, beautifully executed show of dialogue, art and satire. And yet, with all of these accolades, the journey has only begun for him, a performer who seems to push further and higher with each passing year.

Stone will be performing at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21 at BearWaters Brewing Company in Waynesville. Doors open at 9 p.m. $5. Ages 18 and over. www.davestonecomedy.com.

SMN: Do you remember the first night you took the stage to do stand-up?

DS: Of course. It was at a bar in Atlanta called The Twisted Taco. I was scared, but it went well. I had a game plan, meaning I had jokes. My delivery wasn’t very good, but I got some laughs and was immediately hooked. My opening line was “I think there’s been a mistake. I just came to pick up some wings and that guy (the emcee) called my name, so I guess I’ll talk to y’all for a few minutes.”

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

144 INDUSTRIAL PARK DRIVE UNIT D1, WAYNESVILLE, NC

828/550-9221 www.SaintAndrewsSquare.biz 25

arts & entertainment December 11-17, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

Haynes takes pride in ties to Asheville, WNC

BY JOE HOOTEN CORRESPONDENT sheville will once again be the home of the annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam at the Asheville US Cellular Center Dec. 13-14, where hometown hero and allaround guitar god Haynes will present yet another impressive lineup of talent. This year’s two-day event promises to be one to remember, with the recent additions of Gregg Allman and Widespread Panic, previously announced acts like O.A.R. (of a Revolution), Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Michael Franti, and the Phil Lesh Quintet, just to name a few, make the price of admission seem like a steal.

For the 15th year in a row, the Christmas Jam will directly benefit the Asheville area Habitat for Humanity. Nearly 25 families have become homeowners from charitable donations and profits stemming from the annual concert. Each year the Christmas Jam has become synonymous with impromptu jams, unique collaborations, and a few surprises that will make it a much lauded and ultimately unforgettable concert experience.

If you can’t make one of the two nights, then seek out the “Xmas Jam by Day” held throughout downtown Asheville in various music halls and bars — you never know who might sit in for a song or two.

Haynes has remained connected with the charitable organization and offers his services both on and off the stage to the Asheville community when he has the opportunity.

Already Haynes is in possession of a key to the city, has a street named after him in recognition of his humanitarian and charitable work, and recently was given an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from UNC-Asheville. His contributions to the Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, Gov’t Mule, and various solo and collaborative projects has landed him a spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time.

He is truly a man in motion, a seemingly endless whirlwind of activity who stays busy throughout the year. Although he’s played all over the world, Christmas Jam in Asheville is something he holds very special and looks forward to every holiday season.

Haynes recently spoke to The Smoky Mountain News about the upcoming Christmas Jam.

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SMN: Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the Christmas Jam. Did you ever think it would evolve into what it’s become?

Warren Haynes: It’s amazing it’s been that long, it’s hard to believe it’s gonna be the 25th one. We had no way of predicting it would go even more than a year. It felt good and we kept doing it and it kept getting bigger each year. You know in the beginning it was just a local event, an opportunity for 26 local musicians to get together and have fun.

The money we raised we gave to local charities, but it was more about the comradery and getting everyone together.

SMN: I’m sure you still enjoy getting together with old friends and making new ones at the Jam. Haynes: Absolutely, I try to see as many old friends when I’m home and of course a lot of the people, even on a national level, that come to be a part of the Christmas Jam, are people that I’m associated with. Some are close friends, some I’ve worked with on projects, but it’s wonderful that all these folks volunteer their services to be a part of it.

SMN: The talent each year has always been impressive, when do you start reaching out to bands and artists?

Haynes: It starts pretty early, I would say somewhere around March or April we start making phone calls. We know people’s schedules are gonna change, we’re just trying to get the seeds planted and see who’s interested for the year and see who’s hoping their schedule will be free, but it’s a sensitive time of year for people to commit to so we keep the lines of communication open. Of course people’s schedules will open up and some will close. We’re still changing things even in the last few months of the year.

SMN: Have some of the surprise guests been true surprises or have they known in advance?

Haynes: It varies from artist to artist and year to year. Some people will say, “I’ll be there if I can,” and as we get closer they figure out if they can make it or not. Some will know a month or two ahead of time, but they have some commitment that doesn’t allow them to be a part of the advertisement.

Every situation is different.

SMN: How did your relationship with the Asheville area Habitat for Humanity begin?

Haynes: When we first started the Christmas Jam we would pick a different charity every year, and of course we weren’t generating a lot of money, but we would just donate it all. Eventually, somewhere down the line, Habitat became one of those charities and it just felt right. What I love about Habitat is that you can see where the money’s going, you can see the houses that are being built. There’s an underlying question, with any charity, if you don’t know the answer, how much of the money actually trickles down to the cause. With Habitat you see it. We know exactly where the money’s going. It’s a wonderful organization and one that I’m proud to be associated with.

SMN: There’s not a lot of musicians that give back to their hometowns quite like you do. What motivated you to do so?

Haynes: I do think a lot of musicians give

back to their hometowns in ways that you just might not see or hear as much about. I think it’s easy for musicians to give back because we’re just doing what we’re doing every day anyway, which is just playing music. There’s something very special about the music that gets played when people are volunteering their services and playing for charity. It takes on the spirit of the event. That’s one of the things I love about Christmas Jam, the music that takes place there is not just a rehearsed, orchestrated show, like a typical concert would be. There’s a lot of flying by the seat of our pants, a lot of impromptu pairings and

approach, it varies so much from night to night that you never know when you’re gonna have a great night, a pretty good night, or not so great night. It’s something you just can’t predict. You can try to keep the law of averages on your side, but there’s no way to force it, and when it happens that’s what we’re there for, that’s what we all do it for. The Christmas Jam is a great representation of that, so much wonderful music happens because the connection between the audience and musicians on stage is so positive and so strong and that’s what creates that energy that inspires wonderful improvisational music. That’s not to say that all the music is improvisational, it’s just a nice part of the overall picture.

SMN: Over the past 25 years of jams, any of those special moments on stage stand out?

Haynes: Well, there were some bizarre collaborations like Branford Marsalis and Marty Stuart playing together for the first time, which was beautiful to witness. They are both wonderful musicians that possess the ability to go far beyond what people might expect of them, as far as genres are concerned. One of the things all the musicians that are a part of the Christmas Jam tend to have in common is that we all love a lot of different types of music, we all look for opportunities, reasons and excuses to play music that’s different than what we’re known for or Anna Webber photo what we’re expected to play.

A lot of the musicians are open-minded and love to “There’s something very special express themselves in different ways, and seeing those about the music that gets played kind of moments is very spewhen people are volunteering their cial. Watching Branford and Dave Matthews play together services and playing for charity. It was really cool. One of my favorites was when Ralph takes on the spirit of the event.”

Stanley was there, every — Warren Haynes musician that was at the Jam that year was standing on collaborations, especially people that are stage watching, because no one was going to meeting for the first time and wind up on miss that. That was really something to stage together. Sometimes lifelong friendships behold, everyone standing there watching in are built out of those moments, but the music awe at Ralph Stanley doing what he does after itself benefits from that spirit as well because all these decades. somehow we’re all reminded why we started playing music in the first place. I think we all SMN: Looking ahead to 2014, what’s to consider ourselves lucky and fortunate to do be the future of the Allman Brothers Band? what we love for a living, so that makes the Will there be any more tours or albums? thought of giving back that much more Haynes: Well, next year is the 45th appealing. anniversary. We’re gonna be back at the Beacon in March, there’s other shows schedSMN: You’ve played all over the world in uled for the year, it’s going to be a very spea wide range of venues. Is it still exhilarating cial year. Gregg’s doing great, he’s going to to get up there with old and new friends in be at the Christmas Jam both nights and front of a hometown crowd? we’re going to play an acoustic set Friday Haynes: Absolutely. Since all of us tend night and an electric set on Saturday night. to play music with an improvisational I’m really looking forward to it.

On the beat

Television star and International Bluegrass Music Museum legend Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” of the former show “In the Heat of the Night,” will be a special guest during the “Christmas Show” at 8 p.m. Dec. 14, at the Maggie Valley Opry House. Franks will appear onstage with Raymond Fairchild and his band.

“Raymond Fairchild is one of America’s greatest talents and I am honored to share the stage with him,” Franks said. “Come and share some classic country comedy, Appalachian fiddlin’ and some of my gospel hits.”

Franks’ music has been heard in 150 countries and by more than 25 million Americans.

His musical career consists of 19 album releases, 19 singles and more than 200 recordings with various artists from various genres.

The Stone Mountain Travelers open the performance. Admission is $15.

828.648.7941 or www.raymondfairchild.com.

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• Brandon Reeves, Dustin Martin & The Ramblers, and Cutthroat Shamrock will perform at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. Reeves plays Dec. 12, Martin Dec. 13, and Cutthroat Shamrock, Dec. 14. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. 828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

with Productive Paranoia, Dec. 20. All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m.

828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

101 N. Main St. Downtown Waynesville

828-456-5561 Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 Closed Sun

WAYNESVILLE’S PLACE TO SHOP SINCE 1969

• Build Me A Boat, Tina & Her Pony, Wyatt Espalin, and Eric Hendrix & Friends will play City Lights Café in Sylva. Build Me A Boat performs Dec. 13, with Tina & Her Pony, Dec. 14, Espalin, Dec. 20 and Hendrix, Dec. 21.

All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m.

828.587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com.

Smoky Mountain News

The Voices in the Laurel’s “Winter Silent Auction” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska.

Auction-goers can bid on a variety of local and national items, art, gift baskets, jewelry, restaurant certificates and more.

This auction is on the same day as the Junaluska Christmas Craft Show, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harrell Center. Both events are in conjunction with the Appalachian Christmas Weekend at Lake Junaluska and the Voices in the Laurel Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Lake Junaluska Chapel.

Voices in the Laurel is a non-profit choir for first through 12th graders in Haywood, Buncombe, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. www.voicesinthelaurel.org or 828.734.9163.

Discount will be taken from regular price.

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December 11-17, 2013

The 3rd annual Community Christmas Concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

The show is presented by the Western Carolina Civic Orchestra strings, area music teachers and their students. The celebration begins with caroling on the courthouse steps, led by Gayle and Phil Woody. The orchestra strings will begin the concert at 7 p.m. with classical pieces by Handel, Corelli and Bach.

Students of all ages will join in for a selection of favorite Christmas carols, led by Lori Richards, flute, and Elizabeth Butler and Cathy Arps, violin.

This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library and is supported by a grant from the Jackson County Arts Council.

828.586.2016.

• Bohemian Duo and Productive Paranoia tap into Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. Bohemian Duo plays Dec. 13,

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Library hosts community Youth choir plans Christmas concert silent auction, concert

• A “Blue Ridge Christmas” with Sheila Kay Adams and Michael Reno Harrell will be at 7:45 p.m. Dec. 12, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Adams is a National Heritage Fellowship winner, while Harrell is a widelyrenowned, platinum-selling artist. Both encompass the history, culture and music of Appalachia. $12. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

Christmas

arts & entertainment

Franks joins Opry House ‘Christmas Show’

• The Jingle Bell Bash featuring Gypsy Bandwagon and pianist Joe Cruz will perform at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. The Jingle Bell Bash plays Dec. 13, with Cruz Dec. 14. All shows begin at 7 p.m. $10 minimum food, drink or merchandise purchase.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

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ALSO:

arts & entertainment

On the wall

FREE APPETIZER OR DESSERT Photographer Ron Brunsvold will be featured at the Mahogany House Gallery in Waynesville for the month of December. Donated photo

Nature photographer showcased in Waynesville

December 11-17, 2013

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Smoky Mountain News

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Wildlife/nature photographer Ron Brunsvold will be the featured artist for December at the Mahogany House Gallery in Waynesville.

Brunsvold will be on hand during “A Night Before Christmas” from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, on Depot Street in the Frog Level district of Waynesville.

Brunsvold has photographed in many locations both in and outside of the United States.

He particularly enjoys photographing waterfowl and raptors at national wildlife refuges. His work also includes images of penguins in Antarctica, grizzlies in Alaska and polar bears in Canada. He also enjoys doing landscape photography in many of the country’s national parks and mountain ranges.

828.456.7614 or 828.400.1222 or www.ronbrunsvold.com.

Zedler, ‘Small Work’ regional art and Toys for Tots at Gallery 86

town Marshall. His gallery has been open to the public since early 2008, but his involvement in the arts and fine arts has extended throughout his life. His repertoire includes a variety of cutting edge abstract-expressionist contemporary and geometric-linear-cubist paintings.

His work is currently featured at NewZart Gallery & Studio in Marshall, the clubhouse at the Hendersonville Racquet Club, the Madison County Visitors Center, Nelson Fine Art Gallery in Johnson City, and Salon Blue Ridge in Flat Rock.

The HCAC will also hold a Toys for Tots donation box in the lobby of Gallery 86 until Dec. 18.

828.452.0593 or info@haywoodarts.org or www.matthewzedlerfineart.com.

Painter Matthew Zedler and others are featured during a Gallery 86 showcase “It’s a Small, Small Work” through Dec. 28 at the Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 in Waynesville.

The showcase features artists from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the Qualla Boundary. Requirements for the show are that all works must be no larger than 12 inches and that the price doesn’t exceed $300.

Zedler is a modern/contemporary fine artist with a studio and gallery in down-

• The Junaluska Christmas Craft Show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska.

• The Franklin Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread House Competition will be from 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 13, at Town Hall, with cash prizes awarded to winning entries.

Spectators may vote for the “People’s Choice” award. 828.524.3161.

ALSO:

• The films “A Christmas Story” and “The Polar Express” will be screened at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. “A Christmas Story” will be shown Dec. 13-14, with “The Polar Express,” Dec. 20-21. All shows begin at 7:45 p.m., with a Saturday matinee for “The Polar Express” at 2 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• The Stecoah Christmas Arts & Crafts Show will be Dec. 14 at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• The Local Artisan and Bed and Breakfast Tour for Seniors will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 18, in Waynesville. The trip leaves from the Waynesville Recreation Center, with lunch served at the Herron House. Cost is $20 for recreation center members, $23 for non-members. 828.456.2030 or recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org.

• Glass Ornament Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Lead by GEP artist Tadashi Torii, participants will work with molten glass to create holiday ornaments. Pre-registration strongly suggested. No experience necessary. $30. 828.631.0271 or www.jcgep.org.

arts & entertainment December 11-17, 2013

Smoky Mountain News

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arts & entertainment

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On the wall

Student film wins award W at Asheville festival

Smoky Mountain News

December 11-17, 2013

Western Carolina University student Andrew Dyson (center) served as the producer of “Jerry.” Donated photo

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The Western Carolina University studentcreated film “Jerry,” a dark comedy about a homeless man who comes back to haunt the local politician who ran him over, won the jury award for the best student film at the 2013 Asheville Cinema Festival.

“Jerry” was a film and television production program senior project that involved dozens of students in the School of Stage and Screen, as well as students in the School of Art and Design and School of Music.

Sandi Anton, co-founder of the Asheville Cinema Festival, said making a comedy such as “Jerry” is very difficult. “Comedy is very subjective, and it can really fall flat, but when it works, as ‘Jerry’ did, it is delightful and thought-provoking,” said Anton. “The acting and direction

was inspired and fun — a great combination.”

Jack Sholder, director of WCU’s film and television production program, said “Jerry” was very well crafted, from the photography, editing and acting to the main title sequence by the School of Art and Design’s Mason Adams to the score by Joe Basile, a master’s degree student in the School of Music.

“What really struck me was the level of storytelling,” said Sholder. “The film keeps surprising you with its turns and keeps you engaged. When I was waiting for a screening to start on the last day of the festival, two women seated behind me were talking about a film they’d seen, and I realized they were talking about ‘Jerry.’ That’s as big a compliment as you can get.”

828.227.2324 or jsholder@wcu.edu.

YOUNG POETS COMPETE

Haywood Early College students recently participated in the National Career Development Association’s Poetry and Poster Contest, “Charting the Course for Our Second Century” held by Haywood Community College. Pictured (left to right) are the winners: Gabrielle Martini, first place; Michaela Allen, second place; and Kelly Smith, third place. The winners will be submitted to the state contest. Criteria for judging included originality, creativity, and development of the theme. Winners received gift cards provided by HCC’s Student Government Association.

On the streets

On the stage

The Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition is sponsoring a Snow Moon (Usgiwi) celebration and potluck lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Cherokee Youth Center.

The event will honor retired Cherokee educators for their years of service and the legend of the Red Cedar Tree will be shared.

Attendees are asked to bring a traditional Cherokee food dish for the potluck lunch, along with your favorite beverage. Â 828.421.9855 or 828.554.6222.

Faculty member and students light and learn

The Lights and Luminaries festival will be held in downtown Dillsboro, Dec. 13-14.

Helping Dillsboro glow for the town’s annual Lights and Luminaries festival are Carroll Brown, an associate professor in the hospitali-

• The Polar Express train excursion is in motion through Dec. 29 at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot in Bryson City.

Ticket prices begin at $40 for adults and $26 for children ages 2-12 years. Children 23 months and younger ride free. Crown Class ticket prices start at $50 for adults, $36 for children 2-12 years, and $10 for children 23 months and younger. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

ALSO:

• The “Winter Wonderlandâ€? will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13, in downtown Franklin. The town transforms into an array of live music, holiday decorations, wagon rides and more.

828.524.2516 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

• “A Night Before Christmasâ€? will be Saturday, Dec. 14, in downtown Waynesville.

Businesses will stay open later for the last week before Christmas. Santa, luminaries, local musicians, storytellers, cloggers and area church carolers will line the streets and buildings. Horse-drawn wagon rides will also be available. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• With the theme “A Storybook Christmas,â€? the Cashiers Christmas Parade will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Village Green. www.cashiersareachamber.com. • The P.A.W.S. Benefit “Holiday Wine and Cake Tastingâ€? will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14, at The Cottage Craftsman in Bryson City. The event supports P.A.W.S., which helps Swain County’s homeless dogs and cats. $5.

828.488.6207 or www.greatsmokies.com.

‘A Christmas Carol’ in Waynesville The classic “A Christmas Carol� will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 15, at the Haywood Arts Regional Theater in Waynesville.

With a cast of 45 and a nine-piece

Robert Ray, The Nutcracker in Franklin Robert Ray’s “Home for the Holidays,� and The Nutcracker Ballet will be presented at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Robert Ray’s “Home for the Holidays� will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. The production is an eclectic mix of the world’s best-loved Christmas music, presented in both familiar and imaginary ways. Tickets are $10.

The Nutcracker Ballet will be Dec. 20-21.

Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, this heartwarming holiday classic is perfect for the entire family. A full, two-act ballet presented

by A Family of Friends Productions in conjunction with Betsy’s School of Dance. Tickets are $7 for students, $11 for adults.

866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

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44%.4)/. $%.452% 7%!2%23 “Facelift� Dentures by Dr. John Highsmith Can Turn Back Time!

• “Breakfast with Santaâ€? will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville. Photo opportunities will be available. $5. 828.497.3364 or www.stecoahvalleycenter.com. • The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce “Holiday Cheer Partyâ€? will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Live and silent auction, chef stations and local craft beer will all be available on-site. 828.456.3021.

If you wear dentures or have worn teeth, your jaw line can droop, adding years to your ppearance. With “Facelift�

Dentures, Dr. John Highsmith an lift your smile! Without urrggery! If you’re unhappy with u our den ntures call Dr. Highsm miith odayy!

before

• “Breakfast with Santaâ€? will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Canton Armory. The event features Santa and a gingerbread house contest. $5 for adults, $3 for children, free for children age 4 and younger.

Proceeds benefit the Share The Warmth program. Click www.focusofcanton.com for entry form and information. • “Christmas On the Greenâ€? will run through Jan. 6 at the Village Green in Cashiers.

Thousands of twinkling lights and mirthful decorations will fill the park. While strolling the park pathways near the crossroads in Cashiers, guests can enjoy a Festival of Trees. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

828.634.7813 #LLINICAL )NS ,AS 6EGAS ) !DVVAANCED $

Smoky Mountain News

• An open house with caroling and eggnog will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, at the Herren House in Waynesville. 828.452.7937 or www.herrenhouse.com.

ty and tourism program at Western Carolina University, and her students. For the last five years, they have helped light more than 2,500 candles, placed luminaries in designated locations and assisted with decorations and lights.

Brown described the ongoing relationship with her students and the town of Dillsboro, which has grown out of the Lights and Luminaries festival, as mutually beneficial.

Merchants appreciate the help, and students in her festival and special events course learn from and enjoy the experience. “The event helps my students get into the Christmas spirit, and many of them bring their parents, which helps the merchants in Dillsboro,� she said. www.visitdillsboro.org/specialevents.html.

The Highlands Cashiers Players present their annual “Holiday Program� at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

This year the theme is “Christmas Around the World,� with personal stories of Christmas experiences in Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Latvia, Mexico and Vietnam, as well as the history of Santa Claus, and the popularity of poinsettias in American Christmas celebrations. The stories will be interspersed with music of the season by talented local musicians Malinda Womack, violin; Les Scott, singer/guitarist, and singers Vangie Rich and Wayne Coleman, introducing a new composition by Betty Holt.

Free.

December 11-17, 2013

• With the theme “Memories of a Hometown Christmas,â€? the Sylva Christmas Parade will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in downtown.

Photos with Santa will be taken at City Lights CafĂŠ from 1 to 3 p.m. Pictures are $10, with proceeds to benefit the Main Street Sylva Association. 828.586.2719 or proberson@townofsylva.org.

‘Holiday Program’ comes to Highlands

arts & entertainment

Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition plans potluck dinner

orchestra, the show ranks as one of the region’s biggest holiday events. HART commissioned an original script and score in 2011 from director Mark Jones and music director Ann Rhymer Schwabland.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $8 for students. Discounted tickets to matinees are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $6 for students. Reservations can be made by calling the Box Office from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.harttheatre.com.

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Smoky Mountain News December 11-17, 2013

arts & entertainment

Books

Smoky Mountain News

33

Santa and reindeer and drones… Oh my!

Chaucer, or Alice Walker into a drone and jetting them to the front door brings a grin of sheer delight.

What also brings a smile about the Amazon drones is the incongruity of tiny aircraft carrying paper and ink books. The union of old and new is attractive, of course, but what is deliciously ironic is that we already

path, to the topic of books and the holidays.

Many of us, as I say, still enjoy reading books in their traditional form, which we can order from Amazon or similar companies.

There are advantages in making these purchases online: ordering is easy and quick and can be done from the comfort of our homes, and even the droneless book arrives speedily

have instant access to books through our electronic devices. Readers with a Nook or Kindle or iPad can pull up books with a few clicks of a button. Nonetheless, and despite prognostications to the contrary, we readers still keep a place in our hearts for the traditional book, that rectangular object we can hold in our hands, tuck under our pillows, mark with a pen, dot with driblets of chicken soup or suntan oil. It seems that the traditional book still has a way to go before being buried by electronic devices.

Which brings us, by a very roundabout

on our doorstep. All well and good.

But this holiday season I want to encourage all buyers of print books to shop for those traditional books in a traditional place, which is, of course, a bookshop.

There are many reasons for going to your local bookstore. For one thing, you can’t really browse books on Amazon the same way you can in a store. This browsing and the accompanying surprises — a book on our mountains you’ve never seen, an obscure novel whose first pages have you frozen in place reading, a coffee-table book on woodworking

Jeff Minick

I was never a fan of drone missiles.

Until now, I had always regarded drones as killing machines or mechanical spies. Their deployment by the military to eradicate enemies associated with terrorism does reduce our own casualties to zero, but during these same strikes drones too often murder innocent people, including women and children.

The possibility of using drones to probe the private lives of the American people — someday soon there will no doubt be drones small as gnats, able to monitor our conversations or visually record our lives — leaves me equally cold.

Yet Amazon’s recent announcement that the company Writer may soon employ drones to deliver goods to Americans has caused a shift in my opinion. (The increased use of drones for such tasks isn’t just a dream anymore. Like driverless automobiles or monitoring chips embedded in the skin of those with health problems, these developments are just around the corner.) Although Amazon ships out items ranging from shoes to shampoo, the company is best known for selling books, and for me there is something intoxicating in the thought of books flying all across America, Anna Karenina zipping to some flat in Brooklyn, The Velveteen Rabbit whizzing off to a ranch in New Mexico, Romeo and Juliet dropping out of the skies in Western North Carolina. In my imagination I see whole fleets of drones dashing across the skies of our mountains, dropping books at the homes of those starved for literature, those who still appreciate words on a page as well as words on various electronic devices. For me, as I say, slapping Plato,

Alexander releases Appalachian memoir Born a city girl, Jane Alexander was tugged from a vibrant, culture-laden metropolitan life to a primitive woods camp in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Her latest work is a memoir titled The View from Tom’s Stand.

There on a little flat surrounded by towering oaks and hemlocks she spent six weeks every summer with her husband, Tom, and their two small children building a simple, old-timey log cabin with proper dovetail joints, mud chinking and hand-built stairs. With no roof over her head, no plumbing and no electricity, she eventually got into the rhythm of rustic living and the wilderness became part of her soul.

Hiking the Smokies, the Blue Ridge and beyond, she came to know more about the native Smoky Mountain plants than many of

the locals. In her spare time she learned to cane chairs, to weave, to paint and to make haunting photographs of the gorgeous mountains around her. This came after a successful career as a journalist in New York and Washington. One of the few women of her era to hold a professional job, she rose to become senior editor at Time Life Books and Science 80-86.

For orders, call 828.926.9572 or janstand123@gmail.com.

Tooth fairy tale at Blue Ridge Author Karla Wood will present her book, Riley’s Mission, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

The tale answers the questions most children have about the tooth fairy and the ultimately practical one: Why should we bother to brush when our baby teeth are going to fall out anyway? It provides incentive for children to care for their teeth in a fun, fantastical way.

perfect for putting under the Christmas tree with Uncle Charlie’s name on it — bring great pleasures to bibliophiles.

Furthermore, purchasing books in a local bookshop constitutes a gift to you and your fellow citizens. “Buy local” is the trumpet call in regard to community-produced foods, but it should apply to all of our shops, especially independent bookstores, which usually operate on a shoestring made up of dreams. (Whatever their backgrounds, bookshop owners and employees are romantics.) Shop in your community, and the money generally stays in your community. Shop online, and the money goes into a corporation that generally doesn’t care a fig about community.

Finally, there are the stores themselves. If you haven’t visited some of the bookshops in this area, you’re in for a treat. There’s City Lights Bookstore and Café in Sylva, for example, which in addition to its fine selection of books, has for years supported writers and writing through readings and book signings.

In Waynesville, you’ll discover Blue Ridge Books, which features a wonderful coffee bar, a splendid collection of books, and an enormous room given over to sofas and tables for reading or writing. In Asheville, there’s the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, a twostory shop serving coffee, champagne, and wine that has become one of the hot spots in the downtown, particularly on the weekends.

Places like these deserve our support because they have earned it. Shop online when necessary, but try to get out this holiday season and visit one of these magical kingdoms.

I still like the idea of Dickens on a drone, but I like the idea of a local bookshop even more.

Wood is a local practicing attorney who lives in Waynesville, with a lifelong passion for words and books. As part of her community service in her Army Officer’s Basic Course, she organized a group who told and read stories to children who lived on post.

828.456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

Sharing Christmas poems The Coffee with the Poet Series continues at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Folks are encouraged to bring favorite Christmas poems to share with the group. Whether it is a poem personally penned or a wellloved classic, patrons are welcome to share. The Coffee with the Poet Series gathers every third Thursday of the month and is co-sponsored by the NetWest chapter of the North Carolina Writers Network.

828.586.9499.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Outdoor gift guide

Local outfitters recommend their faves for this holiday season

BY COLBY DUNN • CORRESPONDENT hough winter may have you couped up inside, you can dream of sunnier days in the outdoors with The Smoky Mountain News outdoor holiday gift guide, a rundown of the season’s hottest gifts from the region’s top outfitters. So for the budding outdoor enthusiast or seasoned nature lover still on your gift list, we’ve got you covered from head to toe, pretty much literally. Or if you’d like to reward yourself for making it out of the mall alive and not using a waffle iron as a weapon on Black Friday, there’s some options for that, too.

T

Blackrock Outdoor, Sylva ENO Doublenest Hammock • $70 This outdoor standby tops the bestseller lists of local outfitters year on year, and for

good reason. So we’re bringing it back to you again this Christmas. Whether it’s swinging on your own back porch, sipping Mai Tais on your favorite beach or making camp on the remotest of wilderness trails, this hammock is portable, comfortable (and for those beginner backpackers among us) easy to set up. If you’re travelling with a spouse/child/lover/friend, there’s room enough for two in the Doublenest, and all that space packs up easily into a five-inch sack.

Plus, for the locavore on your list, you’ll be glad to know that these hammocks were born right here in Western North Carolina, at Asheville-based Eagle’s Nest Outfitters.

North Face Osito Jacket • $99-$119 For the ladies, this fuzzy companion is a wonderful addition to any wardrobe. Want to stay warm running to the grocery store, check. Base layer for hitting those black diamond slopes this winter, also check. It’s made of incredibly soft silken fleece and feather light, and it’s also built to zip into your North Face outer layers when you need that extra bit of warmth in the deepest winter chills. With 24 colors to choose from, trap warmth and repels wind in the most stylish way possible this season Patagonia men’s R1 Don’t think we’re giving the ladies all the outdoor fashion love. For the gentlemen, one of the most trusted names in outfitting has revamped one of its most popular styles this year. It’s stretchable, breathable, moisture wicking and insulating – how many more adjectives could

you ask for? They’ve shed the bulk on this one, so you can squish it into a rucksack and rock climb into the sunset without any extraneous weight. To top it off, the R1 is made partly from recycled soda bottles, so you can look good while doing your part for our good friend, the earth. If you’re still not convinced, check out the company’s Worn Wear project, where you can read about folks still using their decades-old Patagonia gear.

Outdoor 76, Franklin Outdoor 76 Sili-pint Glass • $15 For the extra clumsy or safety conscious this Christmas, these unbreakable silicon pint glasses will be the perfect way to toast the new year. They’re insulated to hold both hot and cold beverages, and did we mention they’re unbreakable? Pack it, drop it, kick it, heck, drop kick it if you like, it’ll pull through so you can use it to pull your next pint. It’s also a nice nod to some local brands, with the Outdoor 76 logo on one side and local craft beer favorite, Rock House Lodge, on the other.

Darn Tough Socks • $12-$30 A lifetime warranty on a sock, need we say more? OK, well perhaps just a bit. That lifetime guarantee is for real, and they ask no questions at all. Worn them out? Just send them back and get a brand new pair. They come in a range of colors and designs, from perfectly playful to very, very serious indeed and there are options for men, women and kids alike. They’re merino wool, and with lines for a range of purposes – hunting, skiing, biking, running, hiking, a sort-of catch-all category called lifestyle. You might be thinking the price tag is a little bit high for a pair of socks, but not if they’re the last socks you ever have to buy.

Mast General Store, Waynesville MPOWERD Luci Solar Light • $15 What’s waterproof, collapsible, floating, solar powered and runs for 12 hours on a single charge?

It’s hard to think of any answers to this question other than the Luci Solar Light. The innovative light weighs just four ounces but can light 15 square feet for six to 12 hours and uses only the sun’s rays to power up. It’s not just outdoorsmen (and women) that’ll find this useful, it’s a great light source anywhere electricity’s hard to come by. Car, boat, campsite, picnic table, worksite – because it sits on its own, it’ll replace your favorite lantern and do wonders for your D battery budget. Hang it on a string, use it as a flashlight, you can even charge it under an incandescent light bulb if you’re stuck in sunless winter Iceland. Luci’s makers are also helping you give back this giving season, by offering discounted lamps that you can buy to be donated to those in need of reliable light, from Sudan to the typhoon-struck Philippines.

Osprey Stratos 24 • $70-$100 A backpack can be a hiker’s best friend, but by the time you’ve reached the summit, it can often feel like your back’s taken a trip to the sweat lodge and the rest of your body missed the memo. Enter the Osprey Stratos, a light day pack that’s designed to hold your stuff and ventilate your back, all in one trusty, two-and-a-half pound package. This daypack is a best seller for the boys, that is perfect for an afternoon trek to his favorite overlook, a day on the bike or just to tote his essentials running around town.

It’s purpose built for a hydration system, has a multitude of pockets in varying sizes, an integrated rain cover to keep your valuables moisture free, and since it’s winter, the special ice axe holder (yes, really) bears mentioning.

V-sharp Knife Sharpeners • $40-$90 At the heart of an outdoorsman’s gear collection is the knife. Whether you’re a camper, paddler, hunter, hiker or all of the above, a good knife is essential. But when a blade loses its edge, trying to regain that sharpness often requires a lot of skill, time and effort. The V-Sharp makes all that totally unnecessary. Too clumsy to simultaneously

hold a knife and move a sharpener against it safely? No problem. Lacking the manual dexterity to hit the blade at the same angle each time? Also not an issue. The V-Sharp collection of sharpeners pretty much look like an erector set exploded – i.e., a hot mess of metal rods. But the authorities have spoken, and with endorsements from folks like the USDA, the NRA, the editors at Knives Illustrated (who really should know about these kinds of things), and hundreds of happy hunters and fishermen, the contraption has proven itself. Plus, it’s portable, so your knives can stay sharp, both at home and in the tree stand. As a bonus, even if there’s no hunters on your list, this one’s a great gift for the butcher, chef or competitive knife thrower in your life.

Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City Pyranha Burn Kayak • $900-$1,099 When Mike Jones made the first kayak descent of Dudh Kosi, the river that runs off Mount Everest, he did it in a Pyranha boat. So if extreme is what you’re looking for, this company has it in their blood.

The Burn – as in, dude, that’s a hot kayak – is one of their flagship models today, and it’s a nice option for the experienced whitewater paddler on down to the class I whitewater novice. With a new update in the pipeline, and a whole rainbow of jaunty tie-dyed colors to choose from, you and your loved ones can take the same seat as many of the paddle greats in this popular whitewater classic.

Salewa Mountain Trainer • $130-$210 Take the lacing from a climbing shoe, the bacteria-killing ions of a precious metal, and a flexible structure taken from nature itself and you get this master of a hiking boot. It’s coated in Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry even in the wettest conditions. It’s got a shock absorption system to keep your feet and ankles cushioned on the longest treks. It comes in colors like limeade and waterfall. Get your hike on in all seasons in this versatile footwear for men and women.

Osprey Ariel Backpack • $249-279 This pack is a great companion for the more serious trekker (or the one who’d like to be). The Ariel is Osprey’s bestselling women’s line, and its lightweight construction and attention to detail – it even has specific sleeping pad straps – make it ideal for hikes on the Appalachian Trail to that around-the-world trip your soon-to-be graduate keeps talking about. It comes in two different sizes, and with features like a heat-moldable hip belt and a structure tailored to the female frame, you can stay comfortable, even with everything you own strapped to your back.

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Record snowfal

Christopher Lile of Waynesville ran a personal best time of 16:32 at the Foot Locker Regionals held recently in Charlotte. Brad Dodson photo helped by Brad Dodson, who leads a county running club.

The Foot Locker Regionals were held recently in Charlotte and included runners from 15 southeastern states. This is one of the premier cross country events in the nation for prep runners. Athletes from the region who had best times in the 5K race included:

Snowy owl Transylvania County. Ben Stegenga photo

Think spring planting and saving seeds Learn to save seeds at Seed Saving 101 at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the auditorium of the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Library. Lee Barnes, a local bioregional and permaculture specialist, geomancer and seed saving expert, will lead the discussion and teach the basics of seed saving.

Local organic farmer John Young and Tina Masciarelli from “Buy Haywood” will also participate.

Participants are urged to ask questions, share their experiences, following Barnes’ presentation. This program is timely because of next spring’s startup of a Seed Lending Library at the Haywood County Library.

828.356.2507.

Smoky Mountain News

Kaufmann and others encourage caution and consideration if you’re thinking of chasing snowys. The majority of birds will be immatures and they are inexperienced hunters. They will likely already be stressed from long flights and the search for sustenance. Snowys and other arctic specie like gyrfalcons are particularly susceptible to aspergillosis — a fungal respiratory infection — and stressed or weak birds are even more susceptible. The fungus, Aspergillius fumigates, is basically absent from the arctic so these birds have no immune defenses.

The healthier they are (less stress) the easier it is for them to fight off the infection. If you’re thinking of trying for one of these magnificent birds, please take a spotting scope or go with someone who has a scope so you can give the creature plenty of space.

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

Bring Nature’ s Essence Inside

December 11-17, 2013

This snowfall is measured in feathers or bodies, not inches. This year is turning out to be a major irruption year for snowy owls in the eastern U.S. and at least four have been reported from the Carolinas. Snowys, Nyctea (or Bubo) scandiaca, nest in northernmost Canada, Scandinavia and Siberia.

Ken Kaufmann (bird guide author) noted in a recent article for Audubon Magazine that, “Even in winter, most snowy owls in North America stay near the Arctic Circle, with only a few drifting to southern Canada and the northern United States.”

It’s not uncommon to have an irruption of snowys every four or five years, but there was a large flight just two winters ago – 20112012. This year’s flight has piqued interest in ornithological circles not only because it follows so closely on the heels of the 2011-2012 irruption but also because (at this point) it is so East Coast centric. Kaufmann points out in his Audubon article that 138 snowys were reported from Newfoundland on Dec. 1, 2013. A quick look at this website http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/gotsnowies2013/ will show the difference in distribution between the 2011-2012 irruption and this year’s irruption.

Kaufmann noted in his piece that most of the Newfoundland owls were reported from Cape Race – the extreme southeastern tip of Newfoundland and, in a rhetorical sense, pondered where these birds would show up if they headed south from here over the open ocean. The answer — 600 miles south in Bermuda where at least two and perhaps three snowys have been recorded this year.

I believe it’s safe to say that up until now most biologists would attribute these snowy irruptions to a lack of prey in their normal winter range. However, lemmings make up the bulk of snowy owls’ diets and 2011-2012 was a banner year for these little rodents.

So biologists pondered – what if a banner lemming year resulted in a banner nesting season producing a surplus of snowys resulting in many (especially immatures) being forced further south.

Kaufmann, in his Audubon story, cautiously (very cautiously) tosses climate change in the mix: “But are there exceptional conditions in the Arctic right now — unusual weather, unusual lack of sea ice — that

would be affecting the owls’ movements?”

Whatever the reason, birds are here.

And by here I mean the Carolinas. At least four have been reported from North Carolina and one from South Carolina. For Smoky Mountain News readers the closest snowy is (at this time) in Transylvania County off of Calvert Road near the end of Hooper Lane.

What to look for: snowy owls are chunky — they are the heaviest owls in North America weighing up to four pounds.

In appearance they rival great grays with a total length of 23 inches and a wingspan of 52 inches. Adults are nearly pure white while immatures (much more common during irruptions) are flecked with dark markings on the back, however the face, even in immatures is totally white.

Several young runners from Western North Carolina turned in best times at recent statewide and southeastern regional cross country events.

The runners are all members of the Fast Twitch Track Club coached by Randy Ashley of Asheville. The Haywood County runners are also

■ Christopher Lile of Waynesville, who was 35th in the senior boys race with a time of 16:32. His previous best time was 17:12.

■ Jacob Franklin of Maggie Valley, who was 25th in the sophomore race with a time of 16:27. His previous best time was 17:14.

■ Damon Lubinski of Waynesville was 153rd in the junior race with a time of 18:00. His previous best time was 19:22.

Also, FTTC member Ashlyn Blakely of Franklin recently came in first place in the N.C. Junior Olympic Championship Race.

Ashley said the results were significant for several reasons.

“This shows that the non-traditional high school season can be highly beneficial. The major difference is that we did five cross country races while the high school teams did around 12-13,” Ashley said. “Racing less is part of the recipe for a stronger peak, as displayed by these runners.”

Most of the runners on the FTTC team train and compete outside of their high school programs. Ashley said that makes their results that much more commendable.

“As for training outside of the school system, yes it is difficult, but these kids are focused on improvement and so their motivation is the key factor in reaching their goals,” he said. “The kids often train alone or with small groups and simply need to be told what to do and do not need someone standing over them.”

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

Young runners excel at regional meets

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Home fragrance without the flame

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

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outdoors December 11-17, 2013

Those sky watchers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute are preparing for the winter solstice. Astronomers there say that the sun will be at its most southern point in the sky this year at 12:11 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 21, marking the first moment of winter and the shortest day of the year. Why is this significant? At this moment the sun in its apparent path around the sky will stand directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. For an observer at that latitude, the sun will appear directly overhead at noon. However, from Western North Carolina, the noontime sun will appear only about 31½ degrees above the southern horizon, its lowest point of the year.

What’s more, the sun rises at its most southern point along the southeastern horizon and sets at its most southern point on the southwestern horizon. Around this date the days are the shortest of the year and the length of the night the longest. For example, in Brevard sunrise occurs at 7:36 a.m. EST and sunset at 5:23 p.m. Thus, it is above the horizon only 9 hours 47 minutes. And viewers in Asheville, which is slightly north of Brevard, will see the sun for two minutes less that day. PARI is a public not-for-profit public foundation established in 1998 and located in the Pisgah Forest southwest of Asheville. It offers educational programs at all levels, from K-12 through post-graduate research. www.pari.edu.

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Smoky Mountain News

Volunteers continue historical bird count

Winter officially arrives Dec. 21

Thousands of eyes will look skyward this month as volunteer birders, armed with binoculars, participate in the 114th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 14Jan. 5. Among those scouring the state’s

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back roads and byways will be members of the Franklin Bird Club and the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. The Highlands group will count birds at 7:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, meeting at Kay and

Go to college, help a landfill Nearly 12,000 plastic bottles will have been saved from a landfill when Western Carolina University students graduate this month. What’s the connection? More than 500 of the 700 graduates and numerous participating alumni will be wearing eco-friendly gowns they purchased at the WCU Bookstore. The gowns are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and each one will keep an average of 23 plastic bottles out of landfills, according to the Virginiabased manufacturer, Oak Hall Cap & Gown.

Western Carolina University will hold commencement exercises at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center to recognize its fall graduating class.

“We realized the importance of the university’s sustainability initiative, and when we found out about this opportunity, we were thrilled to be able to participate in this effort,” said Pamela DeGraffenreid, director of Catamount Stores.

Lauren Bishop, WCU’s energy manager and chief sustainability officer, said the special gowns provide an additional opportuni-

Edwin Poole’s home, where they will divide in to groups.

The Franklin Bird Club will count birds on Jan. 4, dividing into five teams, each with a specific area to count. Last year the group sighted 58 species and 3,324 individual birds.

Each group will join 60,000 other volunteers in the count that began in 1900 when Dr. Frank Chapman, founder of Bird-Lore (which evolved into Audubon magazine) suggested an alternative to the holiday “side hunt,” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the smallest game, including birds. Chapman proposed that people count birds instead.

The Christmas Bird Count has become an important Citizen Science project. “This is not just about counting birds,” says Gary Langham, Audubon’s chief scientist. “Data from the Audubon Christmas Bird Count are at the heart of hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific studies and inform decisions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of the Interior, and the EPA. Because birds are early indicators of environmental threats to habitats we share, this is a vital survey of North America and, increasingly, the Western Hemisphere.”

To participate in the Franklin bird count, call 828.369.1902. To participate in the Highlands bird count, call Brock Hutchins at 828.787.1387 or 404.285.0663. www.birds.audubon.org/christmas-birdcount. ty for the graduating students and alumni to take pride in their accomplishments and in the university. “When they walk across the stage, they can truly be a part of the Catamount spirit to reduce our carbon paw print,” Bishop said.

For those students and alumni who wear the eco-friendly gowns and don’t want to

hold onto them as a keepsake, recycling bins will be placed in the Ramsey Center and at the WCU Bookstore so the used gowns can be sent back to Oak Hall Cap & Gown for more recycling. The company works with vendors to turn the used gown fabric into other sustainable products, including down comforter material for pillows and blankets.

828.227.7216 or registrarsoffice@wcu.edu.

Help determine future management plans of the Appalachian Trail

Start the new year right with the Run in 2014 5k Run, Walk, & Fun Run, set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at the Jackson County Recreation Center. Race day registration and packet pickup begin at 9:30 a.m. The half mile fun run will begin at 11:45 a.m. Pre-registration cost for the 5k is $20; race day registration is $25. The first 100 participants to register will receive a long sleeve, wicking shirt. There is no cost for the half-mile Fun Run. The course will

begin at the intersection in front of the Recreation Center. Once participants cross the intersection, they will loop around Cullowhee Valley School, then connect back into the park and use the bike trail on highway 107. Door prizes will be provided by Foot RX in Asheville. Winners of the various age groups will receive medals. And we will have refreshments following the race. www.imathlete.com, (search: Run in 2014).

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Smoky Mountain News

Run in the new year

This Holiday Season

December 11-17, 2013

National Park Service officials want your input on how to manage the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Officials want to update old planning documents and the first step to that is establishing a Foundation Document, which means first revisiting a national park unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core purpose and significance, most important resources and values, and the interpretive themes that tell the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important stories. Although the Foundation Document is not a decision-making document and does not include actions or management strategies, it describes a shared understanding of what is most important about the park. In this capacity, the Foundation Document will reestablish the underlying guidance for future management and planning decisions at Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Park Service wants input from trail users which will help identify its most pressing threats and its greatest opportunities.

Feedback may be submitted from Dec. 9Jan. 9 at www.parkplanning.nps.gov /appafoundation. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,184 mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers. www.nps.gov.

A public input meeting that will help shape the future of the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 17 in Franklin at the Nantahala Ranger District Office.

It is one of several held it the region over the past month as part of the ongoing development of a master plan to guide the management of the national forests. The meetings were previously scheduled for October but were postponed due to the federal government shutdown.

The four-year process will analyze a wide spectrum of national forest issues, including every form of recreation imaginable, ecological integrity, scenic and cultural values, logging, environmental threats and wilderness area designations.

Public input is being invited to help shape these management strategies for the forests over the next 15 years.

The current round of public input meetings will delve into aspects of the current forest management plan that should change.

Some examples offered by the forest service based on stakeholder input to date are: â&#x2013; How should large mountain bike festivals in the forests be managed? â&#x2013; Logging in national forests has been dramatically curtailed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has it been curtailed too much? â&#x2013; In light of burgeoning outdoor recreation, how should conflicts between competing forms of recreation be handled? â&#x2013; Are trails being properly maintained? â&#x2013; Should the forest service take a more active role in protecting rare ecosystems, like balds and bogs? â&#x2013; Should new wilderness areas be designated?

The last forest plan was finalized in 1987. But there are new issues now that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t around then. Climate change, the advent of cell towers and wind turbines, the reintroduction of elk in the landscape or even new types of recreation like geocacheing. All these will need to be wrapped into the new forest plan as well.

To read the report, and all about the forest plan process, go to www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/nprevision.

The Nantahala Ranger district office is located at 90 Sloan Road outside Franklin.

outdoors

Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests input meeting

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WNC Calendar

Smoky Mountain News

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Jackson County Genealogical Society annual meeting and awards dinner, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec.12, East Sylva Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 5th Ave, Dillardtown community. Bring a covered dish for the potluck meal. 631.2646.

• A special showing of “Elf,” for people with autism, 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co., 675 Merrimon Ave., North Asheville. Tickets, $3; ticket sales and donations to benefit Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) in Western North Carolina. Low volume, no low lighting and movie-goers may stand, walk, dance, and move around. For individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the community to experience a film in a safe and accepting environment.

Simone Seitz, 236.1547.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Western Carolina University commencement exercises, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Ramsey Regional Activity Center, Cullowhee.

• A Miracle at 34th Church Street, Holiday Open House, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Smoky Mountain News, 34 Church St., downtown Waynesville.

• Small Business Center Open House, 2 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec.17, Room 222, Learning Resource Center, Business Resource Center at Haywood Community College.

• Computer Class: Pinterest, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Macon County Cancer Support Group annual Christmas party, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, cafeteria of Angel Medical Center, Riverview Street, Franklin. Bring a finger food and an inexpensive gift to exchange.

• Business plan competition through spring 2014, offered by Macon County Certified Entrepreneurial Community (CEC) Leadership Team. Grand prize is $5,000. www.maconedc.com, SCC’s Small Business Center, 339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• Back in Black special through month of November at Sarge’s Animal Rescue Center, 256 Industrial Park Dr., in Waynesville, or the Sarge’s cat condos at the Waynesville PetSmart. Specials on all black cats and dogs for adoption. www.sargeandfriends.org or 246.9050.

• Nursing Assistant I class, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, starting Jan.17, Haywood Community College. www.wisegeek.com/whatis-a-nursing-assistant.htm. 565.4145 or email sfischer@haywood.edu.

• “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future” through Dec. 20, Cherokee Central Schools, Cherokee.

The touring exhibit focuses on Cherokee language and culture, using sound recordings as the basis for presenting a coherent story in words and text.

• The Compassionate Friends group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month, Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Waynesville. For anyone who has experienced the death of a child in the family. Run by those who have lost a loved one. John Chapman, 400.6480.

• Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders work session, 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and from 2 to 4 p.m. the second Sunday of the month at 130 Frazier St., in the Industrial Park near Bearwaters Brewery, Waynesville. Public is invited to see the trains during the Sunday sessions.

The group runs Lionel-type 3rail O gauge trains. The train layout is more than 50 feet long. http://smokymountainmodelrailroaders.wordpress.com.

• The Town of Canton will pick up bagged leaves through Dec. 20. Schedule a pickup. 648.2363.

• P.A.W.S. Adoption Days first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn at Charleston Station, Bryson City.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Affordable Care Act Presentation: Understanding the North Carolina Health Insurance Marketplace, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Cashiers Community Library Meeting Room, Cashiers Community Library. www.mountainprojects.org, 800.627.1548.

• Tourism Development Authority marketing plan meeting, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, Cashiers Community Library.

• Haywood Chamber Holiday Cheer, 5 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, Laurel Ridge Country Club, Waynesville. Tickets: $30 per person. Chef stations and locally brewed beers. Live and silent auctions.

• Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Holiday Networking After Hours, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, Frog Level Brewing, Waynesville.

• E-Reader/iPod/iPad class, 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• Human Resource Development class, SCC Swain Center. Get help with resume writing, job searches, online job applications completions, and much more.

SCC Swain Center, Jennifer Ashlock, 366.2000 or Yvonne Price, 366.2002.

• Free GED® preparation classes 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Swain Center of Southwestern Community College, five miles west of the Bryson City exit at the former Almond School Building. Test change for January 2014: current students must complete all five GED® subject tests as needed by December 2013, or must start all over January 2014.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Voices in the Laurel’s Winter Silent Auction, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Lake Junaluska, Harrell Center, Room 202.

• Feel Well Yoga Chair Classes to benefit the Kids Place, 11 a.m. and noon, Dec. 16-18, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin. $5 per class.

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

• The Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center has many new openings for volunteers throughout the region. Call John at 356.2833.

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

Drivers are needed in the following areas: Mondays or Thursdays – Route #9, Beaverdam, Wednesdays – Route #3, Clyde; Route #14, Hyatt/Plott Creek; and Fridays – Route #10, Bethel. Also need substitute drivers on several routes throughout the county. Jeanne Naber, program coordinator, 356.2442, jnaber@haywoodnc.net.

• Community Care Clinic of Franklin needs volunteers for a variety of tasks including nursing/clinical, clerical and administrative and communications and marketing. The clinic will provide volunteer orientation and training for all individuals. 349.2085.

• Catman2 Shelter needs volunteers for morning feeding and general shelter chores, especially from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 293.0892 or hsims@catman2.org.

• The Volunteer Water Inventory Network (VWIN) is looking for people to work one to two hours every second weekend of the month at Hyatt Creek, Raccoon Creek and Jonathan Creek. Supplies provided. Volunteers pick up empty bottles, collect water samples, and return full bottles. 926.1308 or haywoodwaterways.org. Early evenings are the best time to call.

• Agencies throughout Haywood County seek volunteers for many different jobs, including helping with Haywood Christian Ministries, REACH hotline and thrift shop, the Elk Bugle Corps for the National Park and many more.

356.2833.

• The Bascom in Highlands seeks volunteers to help at arts center. Volunteer opportunities include office, gallery docent, benefit events, hospitality, flowers, installation, studio, library, landscaping, parking, recycling and building. 526.4949, mshambaugh@thebascom.org or www.thebascom.org/volunteer.

• The Haywood County Historical and Genealogical Society maintains a museum located in the historical courthouse in room 308. The HCHGS is seeking articles and objects of historical value to Haywood County that anyone would like to share. 456.3923.

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • Sylva Community Blood Drive, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13, 100 County Services Park, Jackson Senior Center. 800.733.2767 or www.redcrossblood.org, keyword: Sylva.

• Lowe’s 2257 Sylva Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20, 1716 North Main St., Sylva.

Haywood • Waynesville Masonic Lodge Blood Drive, noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, East Marshall St., Waynesville.

231.6511.

• MedWest Haywood Blood Drive, 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 75 Leroy George Road, Clyde.

800.733.2767.

• WNC Community Credit Union Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 65 Eagles Nest Road, Waynesville. 800.733.2767.

Macon • Lowe’s 0717 Franklin Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, Georgia Highway, Franklin.

349.4654.

HEALTH MATTERS • Special Lunch and Learn with orthopedic surgeon Douglas Gates, M.D. noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, Harris Regional Hospital board room, Sylva. Advance reservations required. Lunch will be served. 586.7677 and leave a message.

RECREATION & FITNESS • New Zumba Toning class, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Thursdays, Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free to members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or daily admission for non-members.

456.2030 or recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.

• Learn to Ski/Snowboard class, Jan. 12 and 26 and Feb. 2, 9 and 23. Ages 8 years old and older. Cost is $170 for lift, rental and lesson; $135 for lift and lesson, or $85 for a season pass holder with own equipment.

456.2030 or email recathletics@townofwaynesville.org.

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 • Learn to Ski/Snowboard class, Jan 12 and 26 and Feb. 2, 9 and 23. Ages 8 and older. $170 lift, rental, lesson; $135 for lift, lesson; $85 for a season pass holder with own equipment. Ages 8 and older. Jackson County Recreation Department, 293.3053.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • Mountain Synagogue will celebrate Shabbat, 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 216 Roller Mill Road, Franklin. Zvi Altman will conduct the service. Phyllis Cardoza, 369.9270.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • “Local Artisan and Bed and Breakfast Tour for Seniors,” 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Waynesville. Leave the Waynesville Recreation Center at 8 a.m. $20 for members, $23 for non-members. Lunch at the Herron House. 456.2030 or recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 14, Canton Armory, 71 Penland St, Canton. $5, adults, $3 children 5-12 years old, and free for children under 4. Proceeds to benefit the local program Share The Warmth. www.focusofcanton.com.

• Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department Winter Day Camp, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30 and 31, Waynesville Recreation Center, for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. Geocaching, snow tubing, field trips, swimming, movies and more. Price varies. Space is limited. Call the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department at 456.2030 or email recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org.

• Registration open for Jackson County Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) classes. Semester II classes will run January through May 2014, Thursdays at Cullowhee Valley School. $100 per student. Dusk Weaver, JAM director, 497.4964 or weaverdusk@gmail.com or Heather Gordon, 4-H Agent, at 586.4009 or heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

• Love and Logic is a seven-week class for parents with children of any age. The class topics include discipline, bickering and fighting, power struggles, how to have fun and feel relaxed as a parent, plus any topics that parents bring. Amber Clayton, program coordinator, 586.2845 ext. 25.

• Young Warrior Jiu Jitsu Classes, 5 to 5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at Basulto Academy of Defense in Waynesville. Classes are open to boys and girls ages 6 and older. 230.5056 or BasultoBJJ@yahoo.com.

• Avril Bowens presents perfect pushing class for moms-to-be. 342.8128 or www.healyourdiastasis.com

Science & Nature • Star gazes through the Astronomy Club of Asheville, twice per month on the Friday nights that fall near the Last Quarter and New Moons (unless a holiday interferes). http://www.astroasheville.org/star-gazes for the

latest posting of the designated observing sites and times each month.

Literary (children) • Write On! Children’s Creative Writing Program, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016.

• Culture Club: France, 1 to 2 p.m., Mary Ann’s Book Club, 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

• Lego Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

• Children’s Story time: Celebrate the Season, 11 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 13, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• Children’s Story time: Winter Solstice, 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• American Girls Club, noon Saturday, Dec. 14, City Lights Bookstore. 586.2016.

• Family Story time: Christmas Tree Saplings and Ornaments, 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

• Sensory Story time, 3:30 to 4 p.m., Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

• Family Story Time: Wreaths, 10 a.m., Polar Express event, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

• Mary Ann’s Book Club, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

• Toddlers Rock, 10 a.m.; Science 503 Club, 3:30 p.m., Family Evening Story time: Paws 4 Reading, Thursday, Dec. 19, Macon County Public Library.

– Christmas Party, Lunch and Learn ECA noon, Thursday, Dec. 12, Ryan’s in Sylva.

– Cookie and Recipe Exchange, Sew Easy Girls ECA, 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

A&E • Snow Moon (Usgiwi) celebration and potluck lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Cherokee Youth Center, Cherokee. Sponsored by the Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition to honor retired Cherokee educators; the legend of the Red Cedar Tree will be shared. Bring a traditional Cherokee food dish for the potluck. Beth Farris, 421.9855 or Carol Long, 554.6222.

• Mountain Dulcimer Winter Weekend, Jan. 9-12, Lambuth Inn, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Registration open through Friday, Dec. 13; space is limited. Details at dulcimeru.wcu.edu or call the Office of Continuing and Professional Education, 227.7397. Offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education.

• Game Day, 2 p.m. third Saturday of the month,

• 39th annual Cashiers Christmas Parade, noon Saturday, Dec. 14, Cashiers. cashiersareachamber.com.

• Sylva Christmas Parade, 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Sylva. 586.2719.

• Haywood County Rescue Squad will accept non-perishable food items from parade goers at each Haywood County parade this holiday season to donate to Haywood Christian Ministries food pantry.

Spectators can stick a bag or can of soup or beans in their coat pocket to bring to the parade for the rescue squad to collect at the end of the parades.

Christmas musicals, concerts and performances • “Christmas Around the World,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, Highlands Performing Arts Center, Chestnut St., Highlands, featuring musicians and readers.

Personal stories of Christmas experiences in Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Latvia, Mexico and Vietnam, as well as the history of Santa Claus and the popularity of poinsettias in American Christmas celebrations. Free.

• “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas,” 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Smoky Mountain Community Theater, 134 Main St., Bryson City. 488.8227 or 488.8103, or visit www.smctheatre.com. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students ages 6 to 18 and free for children age 6 and under. Available at the box office before each show.

• “A Blue Ridge Christmas” Sheila Kaye Adams and Michael Reno Harrell, 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 15, The Strand, 38 Main, downtown Waynesville.

• “Christmas Around the World,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, Highlands Performing Arts Center. Highlands Cashiers Community Players 18th annual program of readings and music. Free.

• A Christmas Carol,7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and 3 p.m.

Dec. 13-14, HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. $20, adults; $17, seniors; $8, students.

Discounted matinee tickets are $16, adults; $14 seniors, and $6 students. Reservations, 456.6322, from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or visit www.harttheatre.com.

• Voices in the Laurel Holiday Concert featuring Laurel Strings, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Lake Junaluska Memorial Chapel. Tickets, $15, at the door or online at www.voicesinthelaurel.org.

• Caroling and Christmas Concert, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• “Glory in the Highest,” adult Christmas Cantata, 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Clyde First Baptist Church.

• Live nativity, 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Clyde First Baptist Church.

• Christmas Eve service, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, Clyde First Baptist Church.

Other Christmas activities • Reduced prices on Christmas books for adults and children through December at The Friends of the Library Used Book Store in Sylva. Proceeds support the Jackson County Public Library.

• Arts and Craft Show by authentic local crafters, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Old Armory, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville. 456.9207.

Smoky Mountain News

FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS

Christmas parades

December 11-17, 2013

ECA EVENTS • Extension and Community Association (ECA) groups meet throughout the county at various locations and times each month. NC Cooperative Extension Office, 586.4009. This month’s meetings include:

HOLIDAY EVENTS

wnc calendar

• See chestnut burrs and fall color during a guided tour of the chestnut orchard at Cataloochee Ranch.

Guided tours, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, includes lunch. $15. Reservations suggested. 926.1401.

Papou’s Wine Shop, Sylva. Bring cards, board games, etc. 586.6300.

• Haywood County Arts Council Toys For Tots donation box in the lobby of Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., downtown Waynesville, through Dec. 18.

• A warm clothing and food drive for Haywood County students. Drop off at the Health and Fitness Center at MedWest Haywood, 75 Leroy George Drive, Clyde,

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wnc calendar

Your Local Big Green Egg Dealer

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

218-08

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

through Dec. 23. Need are gently used winter clothing in sizes 4T to 2X in updated styles, as well as non-perishable food such as peanut butter, tuna, soup, macaroni and cheese, etc.

Food with a ‘pop-top’ is preferred. Janet Medford, 452.8372. MedWestHealth.org.

pay. Volunteers always needed and donations gratefully accepted. 743.9880.

• Christmas on the Green, through Jan. 6, The Village Green, Cashiers.

• Artist reception for wildlife and nature photographer Ron Brunsvold of Waynesville, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Mahogany House Gallery, 240 Depot St., Frog Level, Waynesville.

456.7614, 400.1222.

• Bring Your Own Lunch With The League to help Kids’ Place for Christmas, noon Thursday, Dec. 12, Tartan Hall, First Presbyterian Church, Franklin. Alisa Ashe, director of KIDS Place, will speak. Wish list includes snacks for children, toilet tissue, paper towels and garbage bags, tools, gift cards to grocery stores and discount stores.

• Dillsboro Luminaries, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, downtown Dillsboro.

Coffee, cider, hot chocolate, baked goodies, horse and buggy rides and Santa Claus. Grand finale, Dec. 14.

• Christmas in the Park, Dec. 13-15 and 2022, Macon County Veterans Park large pavilion.

Decorations, lights, music, cookies and hot drinks. Donations will be accepted for local food banks and for Toys for Tots. Cash donations will be given to Carenet for needy families’ utility bills. Dewann Hamilton, 524.0630.

218-05

• Luminarios Display, Dec. 13, Angel Medical Center. Purchase a cancer ribbon-shaped luminary for $10 and the name of loved one to be honored or remembered will be inscribed on the bag.

December 11-17, 2013

• Winter Wonderland, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, downtown Franklin. Free wagon rides, live entertainment, roving holiday characters, great shopping and more.

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111 www.selecthomeswnc.com Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals

• “A Night Before Christmas,” 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, downtown Waynesville.

218-04

ROB ROLAND

• Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 14, Canton Armory, 71 Penland St., Canton. $5, adults, $3 children 5-12 years old, and free for children under 4. Proceeds to benefit the local program Share The Warmth. www.focusofcanton.com.

828-564-1106

Find the home you are looking for at www.robrolandrealty.com

Smoky Mountain News

• Herren House Open House, caroling and eggnog 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 94 East St., downtown Waynesville.

• Photos with Santa, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, City Lights, Sylva. 587.2233.

RROLAND33@GMAIL.COM

• Haywood County Public Library is collecting food through Dec. 18 for local residents.

452.5169.

• Polar Express, through Dec. 29, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot in Bryson City.800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

218-33

Mountain Realty

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com 40

• Smoky Mountain Model Railroad Club Christmas-themed train layout, 1 to 4 p.m.

Dec. 13-15, front lobby of Beverly-Hanks & Association, 74 N. Main St., downtown Waynesville.

Each office independently owned & operated.

FOOD & DRINK • Cellar Club, 7 to 9 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, Papou’s Wine Shop, Sylva. Membership prices, $50 per person, $75 per couple. Wine tastings, food pairings. 586.6300, papouswineshop@frontier.com.

• “Little Black Dress Night,” every first Friday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva.

Wine glass specials and socializing. 586.6300 or papouswineshop@frontier.com.

• Gathering Table, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, at The Community Center, Route 64, Cashiers.

Provides fresh, nutritious dinners to all members of the community regardless of ability to

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS

• “It’s a Small, Small Work,” through Dec. 28, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St. Waynesville. Open 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, during “A Night Before Christmas.” No works larger than 12 inches or cost more than $300.

• “Land Of The Crooked Water” works by artist Joshua Grant will be on display through Jan. 2014 at Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

• Green Biennial Invitational Exhibition featuring nine new sculptures, through Dec. 31, the Village Green Commons, Cashiers. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com, 743.3434.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS • Glass ornament class, private 30-minute classes with Tadashi Torii, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, Jackson County Green Energy Park. $30. Pre-register at 631.0271

FILM & SCREEN • Family movie, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. Holiday classic about a boy and his train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book. 488.3030.

• Polar Express, 7:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, The Strand, 38 Main, Waynesville. Wear your PJs.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Author event with Karla Wood, 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville. Riley’s Mission is a tooth fairy tale that answers the questions most children have about the tooth fairy. 456.6000, Blueridgebooksnc.com.

• Book signing event with Franklin resident Tami Rasmussen, 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, Books Unlimited, 60 E. Main St., Franklin.

Rasmussen will sign copies of her book, Murmur.

• Ready to Read, adult literacy program to help those who are illiterate or need to improve/strengthen their reading skills, 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Genealogy Study Room on the second floor of Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Lost Writers Support Group, 10 a.m. to noon, first Saturday of the month, Zelda Divine, Inc., 1210 S. Main St., Waynesville. Coffee, refreshments, and good company abide.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • A Christmas Carol, 3 p.m. Dec. 13-14, HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. $20, adults; $17, seniors; $8, students. Discounted matinee tickets are $16, adults; $14 seniors, and $6 students. Reservations can be made by calling the HART Box Office from 1 to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, at 456.6322 or going to www.harttheatre.com.

• “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas,” 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. and 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Smoky Mountain Community Theater, 134 Main St., Bryson City.

488.8227 or 488.8103, or visit www.smctheatre.com. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students ages 6 to 18 and free for children age 6 and under. Available at the box office before each show.

• A Blue Ridge Christmas with Sheila Kay Adams and Michael Reno Harrell, 6 p.m. doors open, 7:45 p.m. show starts, Thursday, Dec. 12, The Strand, 38 Main, downtown Waynesville. $12.

• International Bluegrass Music Museum legend Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from television’s “In the Heat of the Night,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Maggie Valley Opry House, 3605 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, with Raymond Fairchild and Band with the Stone Mountain Travelers. $15. 648.7941 or visit http://www.raymondfairchild.com.

• Home for the Holidays with Robert Ray and Friends, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, Franklin. $10. GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Kool and The Gang, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, Cherokee.

Tickets at www.Ticketmaster.com.

• ZZ Top, 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, Cherokee.

Tickets at www.Ticketmaster.com.

• Tickets on sale for REO Speedwagon, 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. Must be 21 years old or older. Tickets start at $75. www.Ticketmaster.com.

• Tickets on sale for Robin Thicke with special guest Jessie J, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. Tickets start at $58. www.Ticketmaster.com.

• Series subscription tickets now on sale for The Galaxy of Stars Series at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University. Single tickets also available. “Smokey Joe’s Café,” 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.; 1964, 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9; The Squirm Burpee Circus, 5 p.m. Sunday, March 2; and “The Fantasticks,” 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27.

Bardo Arts Center box office, 227.2479 or go online to bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• The hour-long radio show Stories of Mountain Folk airs at 9 a.m. every Saturday on its home station, WRGC Jackson County Radio, 540 AM on the dial, broadcasting out of Sylva. Stories of Mountain Folk is an ongoing all-sound oral history program produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA), a western North Carolina notfor-profit, for local radio and online distribution.

NIGHT LIFE • A Blue Ridge Christmas with Sheila Kay Adams and Michael Reno Harrell, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 12, The Strand, 38 Main, Waynesville.

• Build Me A Boat, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, City Lights, Sylva. 587.2233.

• Tina & Her Pony, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, City Lights, Sylva.587.2233.

• Christmas sing along, Joe Cruz, piano, vocals, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Classic WineSeller, downtown Waynesville.

• Jerry Butler and the Blu-Js, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Dec 19, The Strand, 38 Main, Waynesville.

• Wyatt Espalin, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, City Lights, Sylva. 587.2233.

• November Songwriters in the Round, 6 to 10 p.m.

Balsam Mountain Inn. $45 per person. 800.224.9498, www.balsaminn.net.

• Live music at Alley Kats in Waynesville. 456.9498 or 734.6249.

DANCE • Western Style Square Dance Lessons, 7 to 8:45 p.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 8 through April 16, Jackson County Recreation Department. $65 for 15-week session.

296.3053.

• Pisgah Promenaders Christmas Square Dance, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, Old Armory Recreation Center, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville. Plus and Mainstream dancing with caller Ken Perkins.

586.8416, 452.1971.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS • Highlands Plateau Audubon Society bird count, 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Kay and Edwin Poole’s home, to count birds for annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Brock Hutchins, 787.1387 or 404.285.0663 to participate.

• Franklin Bird Club bird count, Jan. 4, to count birds for annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.369.1902 to participate.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is moving toward its winter schedule, when several roads will close, some campgrounds and lodges will be shuttered and visitor centers will close or have reduced operating hours. For details, go to www.npswww.nps.gov/grsm, call 865.436.1200 and follow the prompts, or Twitter at SmokiesRoadsNPS. • Sons of the American Legion turkey shoot, 9 a.m.

Saturdays through April, 171 Legion Drive, Waynesville. Cost is $2. Refreshments provided. Bring your own gun; a few house guns are available.

• The Gorges State Park is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining existing trails and campgrounds in the park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Bring gloves, water and tools supplied. Participants need to be at least 16 years old and in good health. Registration not required. Meet at 17762 Rosman Highway (US-64) in Sapphire.

966.9099.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • Seed Saving 101, 2 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14, auditorium, Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Library. Lee Barnes, a local bioregional and permaculture specialist, geomancer and seed saving expert, will lead the discussion. 356.2507.

FARMERS & TAILGATE MARKETS Waynesville • Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market Fresh, local produce, fresh seafood, baked goods, goat cheese, herbal products, meat and eggs, plants, flowers, preserves, honey and heritage crafts. Live music, 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays. 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville in the parking lot of the HART Theatre. 627.1058. www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com.

• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market Fruits, fresh vegetables, black walnuts, organic food and other products from Haywood County Farmers. 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 171 Legion Dr., Waynesville, at the American Legion in Waynesville behind Bogart’s restaurant. 648.6323. www.buyhaywood.com.

Canton • Canton Tailgate Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at Municipal parking area, 58 Park Street in Canton. 235.2760. www.buyhaywood.com.

Sylva • Jackson County Farmers Market Annual Holiday Bazaar Dec. 14, Jackson County Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Community Table in downtown Sylva near Poteet Park and accepts SNAP benefits. Contact Jenny McPherson for more information 631.3033 or visit www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org, Jenny, 631.3033 or jennywm@buncombe.main.nc.us.

CONVENIENT CHEROKEE LOCATION

Cullowhee • Whee Farmer’s Market, 5 p.m. until dusk, every Wednesday, Cullowhee United Methodist Church grass lot, behind BB&T and Subway on WCU campus, Cullowhee. www.facebook.com/cullowheefarmersmarket. avantgardenorganicfarm@gmail.com.

Cashiers • Cashiers Tailgate Market Fresh baked goods, jellies, local fruit pies and much more. 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, N.C. 107, Cashiers, in the parking lot at the Cashiers Community Center.

226.9988. www.blueridgefarmersco-op.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Local Audubon Society weekly Saturday birding field trips. 7:30 a.m. Highlands Town Hall parking lot near the public restrooms, or at 8 a.m. behind Wendy’s if the walk is in Cashiers. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 743.9670.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Run in 2014 5K Run, Walk, & Fun Run, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 1, Jackson County Recreation Center. $20, pre-registration; $25, race day. First 100 registered receive a long sleeve, wicking shirt. www.imathlete.com, (search Run in 2014).

December 11-17, 2013

• Christmas Turkey “Card” Shoot, 1 50/50 Shoot, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 14, 44 Oak Hill Drive, off Mineral Springs Road, Sylva, next to SRC. Prizes include turkeys, hams, meats. Pick up at Harold’s in Sylva. craigforrest@sleepyhollowstudio.com or call Tom, 226.8572. Sponsored by the Jackson County Democratic Men’s Club.

wnc calendar

• Eric Hendrix & Friends, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, City Lights, Sylva. 587.2233.

• National Park Service wants your thoughts on how the Appalachian Trail should be managed. Submit your feedback to www.parkplanning.nps.gov/appafoundation by Jan. 9.

Franklin • Franklin Tailgate Market Variety of only homegrown products such as cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, 226 E. Palmer St., Franklin, across the street from Drake Software. 349.2046. www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

Bryson City • Swain Tailgate Market Organic produce, plants, trout, honey, jams, quail and rabbit as well as an array of local crafts. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, Main Street behind the historic courthouse downtown. 488.3848. www.greatsmokies.com.

Cherokee • Cherokee Farmers Tailgate Market Fresh local, organic and heirloom produce. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, Acquoni Road, Cherokee. 554.6931.

218-51

West Asheville - 1186 Patton Ave. • East Asheville - 736 Tunnel Rd.

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

41

PRIME REAL ESTATE

INSIDE

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MarketPlace information:

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Fri. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

NOT TO BE MISSED! 50% Off All Christmas Decoration 20% Off All Furniture!

Antiques, Furniture, Art, Home Decor and so Much More!

We are Frog Pond Downsizing & Estate Sale. Located at 255 Depot St., Waynesville. Look for the Frog on the Side of Building and You’ve Found Treasures & Bargains from the Original Estate Sale Company

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.

Rates: ■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $35 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

ARTS & CRAFTS ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

AUCTION LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE In Kinston offers an auctioneering class on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 2. Cost is $180. To register call 252.527.6223, ext.

714.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

INC.

R

DI

SC OV ER E

ATR

PE

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

HOME IMPROVEMENT & Tools Auction - Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10am, 201 S. Central Ave., Locust, NC. Cabinet Sets, Doors, Carpet, Tile, Hardwood, Bath Vanities, Windows, Lighting, Name Brand Tools. NC Sales Tax applies. www.ClassicAuctions.com 704.507.1449.

NCAF5479

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

218-38

AUCTION Hefti Automotive, 1463 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC 28025. Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10am. Vehicle Lifts, Hunter Align Machine, Rack, Hunter Wheel Balancer, Bosch Tire Changer, Yale 5000 LB Forklift, Dove Tail, 2 Axle Tilt Trailer w/Winch, Brake Lathes, Sandblaster, AC Equipment, Air Compressors, Shop Tools, Office Equipment. www.parkauctionrealty.com, www.auctionzip.com ID#14226.

Listing, Pictures.

336.263.3957.

NCAFL#8834.

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

AUTO PARTS DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

CARS - DOMESTIC DONATE YOUR CAR Fast Free Towing 24 hr. Response Tax Deduction United Breast Cancer Foundation Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Information 888.759.9782.

SAPA

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BE YOUR OWN BOSS! Own a Dollar Store, Dollar Plus, Big Box Dollar, Mailbox, Party, Teen Clothing, Yogurt or Fitness Store.

Worldwide, 100% Financing, OAC. From $55,900 Turnkey!

800.385.2160 www.drss3.com HELP WANTED!!

Make up to $1,000 a week mailing brochures from home! Genuine Opportunity! No experience required.

Start immediately! www.BrochureMailers.com (Void In Arkansas). SAPA

EMPLOYMENT 12 PRO DRIVERS NEEDED! $$$ Up to 50 cpm $$$ Full Benefits + Quality Home Time CDL-A Required. 1.888.592.4752. www.ad-drivers.com SAPA 1500+ RGN LOADS From Clayton, NC to multiple destinations. Accepting Contractors with their own RGN's or pull Company trailers AT NO COST. 1.800.669.6414 or go to: www.dailyrecruiting.com.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Training Program! Become a Certified Microsoft Office Professional!

NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED Program disclosures at: careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.926.6057.

DONATE YOUR CAR Fast Free Towing. 24 hr. Response.

Tax Deduction. United Breast Cancer Foundation, Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Information 855.733.5472

AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE Get FAA Approved Maintenance Training Financial Aid For Qualified Students - Housing Available Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

ARE YOU HIRING? Place your employment ad in 99 North Carolina newspapers for only $330 for a 25-word ad. For more information, contact this newspaper or call 919.789.2083.

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

DRIVERS HOME Weekly & Bi-Weekly. EARN $900$1200/Wk. Major Benefits Available. Class-A CDL & 6 Mos. Exp. Req. No Canada, HazMat or NYC! 877.705.9261

R

EMPLOYMENT

NC LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST Needed for established & growing spa in Sylva. Pay based upon experience. Please email for more details: sandra@fusionsspa.com DRIVERS: DEDICATED. Regional & OTR. Start up to $.44/mi. + Excellent Benefits.

401K + Bonuses. Excellent Home Time! CDL-A 6 mos. exp.

877.704.3773.

EARN $500 A-DAY: Insurance Agents Needed; Leads, No Cold Calls; Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health/ Dental Insurance; Life License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

FURNITURE COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240 SELECT GROUP OF FURNITURE Wood - Butternut, Cherry, Walnut Slabs. $50 each. For more info 828.627.2342

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Prevent Unwanted Litters! $10 Fix All for Dogs and Cats, Puppies & Kittens!

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Micro-chip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

GEORGIA INVESTMENT PROPERTYLimited Inventory Available! Renovated homes, low taxes & insurance. Low cost of living. Great for homeowners or Investors earn 15% RO! Starting at $29,000. CALL OWNER: 1.706.833.3827 SAPA

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

SMOKY MOUNTAIN Tennessee River Property - BUYERS LAST CHANCE! Seller liquidating all 20 lots by 12-31-13. River property starting at only $19,900.

Call for Map/Price list!

1.877.551.0550 ext. 007 SAPA

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD 800.669.9777

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • •

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com

FORECLOSURE - NC MTNS. 1.71 prime acres with stunning mtn views, lg hardwoods, level elevated bldg site and paved access only $34,900 financing avail.

866.738.5522 brkr LOG HOME SALES Territories available. Alta Log Homes - 42+ years of excellence.

800.926.2582 or go to: alta.info@altaloghomes.com

• Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

NC MOUNTAIN GETAWAYSpacious 1300sf ez to finish cabin shell on 1.5acs $67,000. Includes new well and septic, decks and porch. 828.286.2981 brkr

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Preferred Properties

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

• George Escaravage — gke333@gmail.com

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400

Realty World Heritage Realty

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766/

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

• Thomas & Christine Mallette realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7767/

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • • • • •

Equal Housing Opportunity

FELIX - A SUPER SWEET YOUNG ADULT WITH A PRETTY CREAM-COLORED COAT AND AMBER EYES. HE'S VERY LAID BACK AND LOVES TO BE PETTED.

Fred Alter

ph. 828-564-1260 fred.alter@sothebysrealty.com

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Catherine Proben — cp@catherineproben.com

smokymountainnews.com

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962

MCDUFF - LOOKS LIKE A POSSIBLE SCHNAUZER/TERRIER MIX, A LOW RIDER WITH A BLACK WIRY COAT WITH WHITE ACCENTS. HE WEIGHS JUST UNDER 40 LBS AND IS A VERY FRIENDLY GUY.

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

December 11-17, 2013

SOLO & TEAM CDL-A DRIVERS! Excellent Home Time & Pay! $3000 to $5000 Sign-on Bonus. BCBS Benefits. Join Super Service!

866.291.2631 DriveforSuperService.com TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY. Drivers/Independent Contractors!

Immediate Placement Available.

Best Opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today 800.277.0212 or www.driveforprime.com TOP 1% PAY & CSA Friendly Equip. $$$ Up to 50 cpm $$$ Full Benefits + Pet & Rider.

CDL-A Req. 877.258.8782. www.ad-drivers.com

FINANCIAL $$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need fast $500-$500,000? Rates as low as 1/2% month. Call Now! 1.800.568.8321 or go to: lawcapital.com Not valid in NC

LAWN AND GARDEN

WNC MarketPlace

HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS HOSPITAL Positions now available: ER and Med/Surg Registered Nurses, Medical Labaratory Technologist, Medical Records Manager, CNA I or II, and Dietary Aide.

Benefits available the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. PreEmployment screening required.

Call Human Resources.

828.526.1376, or apply online at: www.highlandscashiershospital. org

EMPLOYMENT NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online Training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed.

Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com

Asheville | Waynesville | Naples

• Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net 218-06

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

2992 MEMORIAL HWY., PO BOX 225 • LAKE LURE NC

www.PinnacleSIR.com 218-44

828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 43

WNC MarketPlace

HOMES FOR SALE

APT. FOR RENT UNFURNISHED

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

CLEAN UNFURNISHED APRTMNT. For rent in Hazelwood area of Waynesville. 2/BR, 1/BA, refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer, carpet, good views. $650 per moth, security deposit required.

No pets. Move In Ready!

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828.

YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association at: www.ncpress.com

CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, North Georgia Mountains. **WINTER SPECIAL: Buy 2 nights, 3rd FREE!** 1,2 & 3 bedroom Cabins with HOT TUBS! Virtual Tour: www.CavenderCreek.com CALL NOW Toll Free 1.866.373.6307 SAPA FLAGLER BEACH FLORIDA Oceanfront Vacation Rentals.

Furnished Studio, 1, 2, & 3 Bedroom, Full Kitchens, FREE WiFi, Direct TV, Heated Pool. Call 1.386.517.6700 or www.fbvr.net SAPA

2.819 ACRE TRACT Building Lot in great location.

Build your 2nd home log cabin here. Large 2-story building near HCC, was a Work Shop. $66,500.

Call 828.627.2342.

MEDICAL

NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS Start a family tradition for the Holidays! Cabins, Vacation Homes, Condos. Pets welcome! Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock. Foscoe Rentals 1.800.723.7341 www.foscoerentals.com SAPA

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

VACATION RENTALS

LOTS FOR SALE

VACATION RENTALS

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

MEDICAL VIAGRA 100mg & CIALIS 20mg!

40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1.800.491.8751 SAPA

CANADA DRUG CENTER Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 1.800.265.0768 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

SAPA MEDICAL GUARDIAN Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800.983.4906 SAPA RUNNING WATERS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK Relieve stress, Increase Circulation, Remove Headaches and Back & Neck pain, Increase Energy and Feeling of Well Being. Intro offer $45. Migun Bed, Deep Tissue. Call for appointment 828.226.0413.

2590B U.S. Hwy 19 S. Bryson City.

MEDICAL

FOR SALE

AFFORDABLE DENTAL PLANS. 10-60% savings! 30 plans Available. Enroll online NOW (using code 41168.dp) to get 3 Extra months FREE! dpbrokers.com/41168.dp or Call Today: 1.800.219.7473 (give coupon code 41168) IF YOU USED THE MIRENA IUD Between 2001-present and suffered perforation or embedment in the uterus requiring surgical removal, or had a child born with birth defects, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Johnson Law and speak with one of our female staff members.

1.800.535.5727 ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA Sufferers with Medicare. Get CPAP Replacement Supplies at little or NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 1.877.763.9842.

MEDICAL ALERT FOR SENIORS 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment.

FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 855.899.5309.

CHAMPION SUPPLY Janitorial supplies. Professional cleaning products, vacuums, janitorial paper products, swimming pool chemicals, environmentally friendly chemicals, indoor & outdoor light bulbs, odor elimination products, equipment repair including household vacuums. Free delivery across WNC. www.championsupply.com 800.222.0581.

WRAP UP YOUR Holiday Shopping with 100 percent guaranteed, delivered-to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 67 PERCENT - PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - Many Gourmet Favorites ONLY $49.99.ORDER Today by calling 1.800.715.2010 Use code “4937 CFW” or you can visit us at: www.OmahaSteaks.com/holiday33 SAPA

WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR Unexpired Diabetic Test Strips!

Free Shipping, Friendly Service, BEST prices and 24 hour payment!

Call Mandy at 1.855.578.7477, or visit www.TestStripSearch.com Espanol 1.888.440.4001 SAPA

218-22

www.smokymountainnews.com

December 11-17, 2013

Great Smokies Storage

44

10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

Puzzles can be found on page 46.

These are only the answers.

ENTERTAINMENT

SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, 828.584.7472. www.scottishtartans.org. Matthew A.C. Newsome, GTS, FSA, SCOT., Curator & General Manager, Ronan B. MacGrego.

PERSONAL YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com

A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, Let Us Help! Personalized adoption plans. Financial assistance, housing, relocation and more.

Giving the gift of life?

You deserve the best. Call us first 1.888.637.8200 at our 24 hour HOTLINE for more information.

SAPA HAVE FUN AND FIND A Genuine connection! The next voice on the other end of the line could be the one. Call Tango 1.800.984.0160. FREE trial!

SAPA MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1.888.909.9978.

SAPA UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? Thinking Of Adoption? Open or closed adoption. YOU choose the family. Living Expenses Paid.

Abbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One True Gift Adoptions.

Call 24/7. 1.866.413.6295 SAPA

Pet Adoption NINA (FEMALE) & KUMA (MALE) - Are 14 month old, medium sized Australian Shepherd mix siblings. Both are up-to-date on shots, spayed and neutered, get along well with kids, other dogs and cats, and are well mannered for teenagers. They will be ready for adoption as soon as they get their heartworm tests. It would be nice if they could be adopted together, but it is not absolutely necessary. They know basicsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; sit, stay, down, and come. Call the foster home at 506.1013 for more information or to make an appointment to meet them.

SAPPHIRE - A 3 year old, female Jack Russell mix. She was owned by an elderly, disabled lady who had to give her up due to the need to move into a government subsidized facility that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow pets.

The adoption price for this 19 lb. sweet dog is negotiable to the right home. She would probably be best placed with an older individual. Call the foster home at 828.293.5629.

ARF HAS A NUMBER OF Chihuahuas. Blade is a 14 lb., male, black and tan, 2 years old.

Cocoa is a male, 12 lb., tan, one year old. 828.507.2263 REDWALKER - A handsome, one year old, Walker Hound. He is red and white and weighs 48 pounds. He gets along well with other dogs. He is very affectionate with people. He is house trained and knows how to use a doggie door. He is neutered and current on vaccines. He would be a nice companion to someone of any age 877.273.5262.

EMILY - A feist. She is 1-2 years old. Tan and white, quiet, sweet.

Call 293.5629.

BLACKIE - A sweet, relaxed, female black and tan hound.

She gets along with people and other dogs. She weighs 40 lbs. and is about six years old. She is spayed and current on her vaccinations. She is housebroken and has learned to use a doggie door. She has some special needs that can easily be met in a loving home.

1.877.ARF.JCNC. spay/neuter trip will be early January. Register and pre-pay at ARFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption site on Sat.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from 1-3. Space is limited!

CRS, GRI, E-PRO

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL 218-27

101 South Main St. Waynesville

MainStreet Realty

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net

828.452.3995 | www.americanwatercareinc.com

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218-23

petted, loved, and snuggled. I was turned over to the shelter by my previous owner, who could no longer take care of me, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still a bit timid while figuring things out but will be a total lovebug once I get to know you. I get along fine with other cats.

Adoption fees vary; if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in me, please contact: adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

SEDGE - Domestic Shorthair cat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; charcoal tabby & white. I am 23 years old, independent boy who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily want to snuggle, but I do enjoy the company of humans. I get along OK with dogs and other cats, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually buddy up to them. I am looking for a loving household that I can be a part of without being fawned over. Adoption fees vary; if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in me, adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY 828.761.2001, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806 Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re located behind Deal Motorcars, off Brevard & Pond Rd.

smokymountainnews.com

Ann Eavenson

Lease to Own

Bad taste & Odors Iron/Rust Sediment/ Silt Bacterias Harmful Chlorine Balance pH

December 11-17, 2013

Ann knows real estate!

black & white. I am about 5 years old and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a very friendly boy. I can be a bit timid at first and need a gentle touch, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always eager to please and respond well to voice encouragement and praise. I love to go on long walks or hikes, and even play in the water. I get along great with cats and other dogs. Adoption fees vary; if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in me, please contact: adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

CAPONE - Domestic Shorthair cat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; orange tabby & white. I am 4 years old, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a big boy with a sweet, laidback personality. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m calm and gentle, and move at a leisurely pace. I enjoy long afternoon snoozes, and will usually lie next to you on the couch, but will also sit on your lap sometimes. I like to be

218-39

An EcoWater Water System can remove

ARFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEXT LOW-COST

ARF (HUMANE SOCIETY OF JACKSON COUNTY) Holds rescued pet adoptions Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 (weather permitting) at 50 Railroad Avenue in Sylva. Animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots.

Most cats $60, most dogs $70.

Preview available pets at www.a-r-f.org, or call foster home.

FLASH - Boston Terrier Mix dog â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Cleaner, Clearer and Healthier water at every tap in your home

WNC MarketPlace

* REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/mo.

FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1.800.725.1835. SAPA

PERSONAL

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

45

Smoky Mountain News

December 11-17, 2013

Super

46

CROSSWORD

V8 ACROSS 1 Beseech 4 Weeding implement 7 White rat, e.g.

13 Puccini’s “Butterfly” 19 Cream-filled pastries 21 Kill, as pain 22 Beloved 23 V 25 Holiday Inn alternative 26 Agee of the Miracle Mets 27 Be shown on TV 28 “A Simple Plan” director Sam 30 Vagrant 31 V 36 As a result 39 Singer Brenda 40 Borgnine of the screen 41 “- hardly believe it!”

42 V 46 Bread baker’s buy 47 Lousy review 48 “That’s more than I needed to know,” briefly 49 “The Stepford Wives” author Levin 50 Tilex target 53 Syllable after “Mao” 54 Quick AOL exchanges 56 Mother Teresa’s city 61 V 67 Thunderpeal 68 Seat of Fayette County, Iowa 69 Truckloads 70 V 75 Almost-new 76 Library array: Abbr.

77 Very long time period 78 Banned thing 79 - -Mart 81 Geraint’s title 82 Big Mac part 85 Rene of “Tin Cup” 89 V 93 iPad extras 94 Big name in pizza crust 97 Stylist’s goop 98 Major fair 99 V 104 Leisure top 105 Made lighter 106 Maj.’s superior 107 Erupted 111 Angle measure in math 113 V 117 Reluctant 118 It’s often left in a will 119 Study of verse writing 120 Buoyed (up) 121 Pianists’ dexterity exercises 122 Misstep 123 Maui neckwear DOWN 1 Finest 2 Cavern effect 3 Latch (onto) 4 “Start playing the tune!”

5 “- ed Euridice” (opera) 6 That, in Cuba 7 One being counseled 8 Wary 9 Soap buy 10 Age-verifying cards

11 Impulse conductors 12 Bargain-priced 13 Bushy-tailed rodent 14 Oil well firefighter Red 15 DeLuise of film 16 Coffee type 17 Free-swimming jellyfishes 18 Unbudging 20 In the - Morpheus (asleep) 24 Yard tools 29 Stipulations 32 156, to Livy 33 Golda of Israel 34 California’s La - Tar Pits 35 Contend 36 Seer’s “gift” 37 Rival of JVC 38 Vodka alternative 43 Response to “Who’s there?”

44 IRS enforcers 45 Meet, as a challenge 46 Urban rec facility 50 Ice cream portions 51 “Step right up!” shouter 52 New -, Minnesota 53 Blood bank technician 54 “By the Time Phoenix” 55 Fit together, as gears 57 Provo native 58 One of the Jackson 5 59 Bugs, Daffy, or Elmer 60 Sothern of movies 61 Arctic chunk 62 Rolling rock 63 Baseball Hall-ofFamer Tony

64 Adding result 65 Provide with the means 66 Baseball Hall-ofFamer Carlton 67 Wolf Blitzer’s channel 71 K followers 72 Life leader?

73 Sedaka of song 74 Umbilical 79 Basketballer Chamberlain 80 Tel -, Israel 81 Retailed (for) 82 Be pugilistic 83 Game official 84 Prefix with realism 85 Dilapidated digs 86 Lift from seismic action 87 Driver doing 90, say 88 Dir. from Reno to L.A. 89 Most affectionate 90 Disregards 91 Greasy of football 92 Convene again 94 Bopped on the noggin 95 Syllables of meditation 96 Any “Stayin’ Alive” singer 100 Flat contract 101 Intense 102 “That’s What Love ” (1991 Amy Grant hit) 103 Stiff - lip 108 Cry loudly 109 “- homo!”

110 Actor Arnaz 112 Bug greatly 114 Beatle buddy Sutcliffe 115 Just a 116 Unlock, to bards

answers on page 44

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career.

FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494.

EARN YOUR High School Diploma at home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nationally accredited. Call for free brochure. 1.800.658.1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online Training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed.

Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Training Program! Become a Certified Microsoft Office Professional!

NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED Program disclosures at: careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.926.6057.

AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE Get FAA Approved Maintenance Training Financial Aid For Qualified Students - Housing Available Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

SERVICES *REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE! Programming starting at $19.99/MO. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers. CALL NOW 1.800.795.1315 SAPA DISH TV RETAILER Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1.800.405.5081 FROG POND DOWNSIZING Helping Hands In Hard Times.

Downsizing - Estate Sales - Clean Out Services. Company Transfer Divorce - We are known for Honesty & Integrity! Jack & Yvonne Wadham, Insured & Bonded.

18 Commerce Street, Waynvesville, NC. 828.734.3874 HD CABLE TV DEALS Starting at $29.99 a month!

Qualify for a $250 Gift Card.

Call Now! 800.287.0603. SAPA MY COMPUTER WORKS: Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1.888.582.8147 SAPA DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

SERVICES HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Is available where you live today with HughesNet! Get SUPERFAST internet available anywhere for only $39.99 per month with FREE installation! Ask about our NEW phone service! Call Today!

1.800.266.4409 or go to: www.probroadbandsolutions.com SAPA MEDICAL GUARDIAN Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800.615.3868 DISH TV RETAILER - SAVE! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.) FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL, COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1.800.351.0850. SAPA

YARD SALE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Fri. & Sat. from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

NOT TO BE MISSED! 50% All Christmas Decorations, 20% Off All Furniture!

Antiques, Furniture, Art, Home Decor and so Much More!

We are Frog Pond Downsizing & Estate Sale. Located at 255 Depot St., Waynesville. Look for the Frog on the Side of Building and You’ve Found Treasures & Bargains from the Original Estate Sale Company

WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 44

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis best to give & receive!

Purchase a Two-Year Subscription to Smoky Mountain Living magazine and receive a FREE One-Year Subscription to give to a friend!

SUBSCRIBE at smliv.com

December 11-17, 2013 Smoky Mountain News 47

Now drive off in the vehicle you’ve dreamed of.

Smoky Mountain News

December 11-17, 2013

SALES EVENT

Scan with RedLaser

I-40 EXIT 31, CANTON, NC

828-648-2313 • 1-800-532-4631 www.kwford.com kenwilsonford@kwford.com

NO DOC FEES. 48

Payments based on 72 months. $0 Down, 2.59% APR. Not all buyers will qualify. W.A.C. Sale Price: Focus: $18,207, Fusion: $22,101, Fiesta $15,919, Escape: $23,099, F-150: $24.078.

Transit Van $24,077 Dealer retains all rebates, plus tax, tag and license. Due to advertising deadlines, some vehicles may be sold. Valid through 12/31/2013