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

November 15-21, 2017 Vol. 19 Iss. 25

Confederate flag flies on lightning rod in Canton Page 9 Retreat center for veterans forms in Cullowhee Page 42

CONTENTS On the Cover: North Carolina’s mental health system is facing a funding crisis, making it extremely difficult for behavioral health providers to offer adequate and preventative services for those suffering from mental illness or addiction. The Smoky Mountain News will be covering the many issues facing the mental health system in the coming weeks. (Page 6)

News WNC municipal election results ....................................................................................3 Haywood schools superintendent to retire ..................................................................4 Roundabout considered for Walnut Street project ..................................................8 Confederate flag flies on lightning rod in Canton ......................................................9 Community anticipates release of ‘Three Billboards’ ............................................12 Franklin to implement Main Street parking changes ..............................................13 Impeachment attorney faces allegations of misconduct ......................................14 Catamount School embarks on its first year ............................................................16 N.C. Republican Party bans four of ‘Haywood Five’ ..............................................19 Haywood tourism authority changes subcommittees ............................................20 Business News ..................................................................................................................23

Opinion Thirty-four years later, Lightning still strikes ..............................................................24

A&E Freeway Revival releases new album, look ahead ..................................................28

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

November 15-21, 2017

Retreat center for combat veterans forms in Cullowhee ......................................42

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Haywood governments show progress, stability, transition

Maggie Valley incumbents fared well.

Cory Vaillancourt photo

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BIG CHANGES COMING TO CANTON The final result of Canton’s Nov. 7 municipal election suggests the town is looking forward to a bright new future that will be guided by three young leaders, but a deeper look also reveals a segment of the town still hanging on to the past.

Alderman Zeb Smathers easily won election to the office of mayor, an office his father

once held; Smathers ran unopposed, but a surprising number of write-in votes were cast for outgoing Mayor Mike Ray, who declined to seek reelection.

Smathers’ 294 votes were more than enough to win, but Ray garnered 60 votes, good for 16 percent of all ballots cast in the race. Another 18 write-ins were cast, including four for Alderman Ralph Hamlett, currently the center of controversy for proposing a policy that could ban the Confederate Flag from town parades.

Turnout for the race was less than 60 percent of what it was in the previous mayoral election, where Ray ran unopposed, but in the race for Canton’s two available aldermanic seats, turnout was up about 10 percent from the last aldermanic contest.

Biltmore marketing department employee Kristina Smith led the field of four, taking just over 38 percent of the vote and scoring the largest margin of victory in a Canton

MORE OF THE SAME IN MAGGIE Voters in Maggie Valley must think the town is on the right track — at least, that’s what the election results show.

Three challengers sought the two alderman seats held by incumbents Clayton Davis and Mike Eveland, but voters overwhelmingly returned both Davis and Eveland to office with resounding victories Nov. 7.

Eveland led the five-way field with just over 40 percent of the vote, while Davis came in just four percent behind him.

Turnout was about half of what it was during the 2015 aldermanic elections, when current Maggie Valley Alderman Dr. Janet Banks led the ticket with 237 votes; Eveland, this year’s top finisher, ended up with 125 votes.

Coming in a distant third with nine percent was Jasay Ketchum, who earned 28 votes. Allen Alsbrooks and Brooke Powell earned 23 votes apiece.

Even if the vote totals of Ketchum, Alsbrooks and Powell were combined — to total just 74 votes — they’d still fall far short

of the second-place Davis’ 111 votes; together, Davis and Eveland claimed more than 75 percent of all votes cast.

“I think that the town in general and the board itself is working very well together and people see that, and like the direction we’re moving in,” Eveland said. “I made this comment before, and I’ll say it again — we have a diversity of differing opinions on the board, but we’ve so far been able to make decisions that benefit the Valley.”

Davis and Eveland will rejoin Banks, Mayor Saralyn Price and Alderman Phillip Wight — one of just two elected Republicans in Haywood County — on the board.

UNCERTAINTY AHEAD FOR CLYDE TOWN BOARD As if the recent passing of Clyde Mayor Jerry Walker just days before the municipal election wasn’t enough, more misfortune visited the town last week as aldermen were about to contemplate Walker’s replacement.

Walker wasn’t on the Nov. 7 ballot, as he was nearing the midway point of his four-year term when he passed away Oct. 30, but current aldermen Frank Lay and Jim Trantham were; both ran unopposed and were reelected with 45 and 43 votes, respectively.

Trantham currently serves as mayor pro tem, but a Nov. 9 board meeting during which aldermen could have appointed someone to fill the remainder of Walker’s term had to be cancelled for lack of a quorum; Alderman Frank Lay was absent due to a food poisoning, and Alderman Dann Jesse had an emergency at work.

It’s been rumored that Trantham may be appointed to fill the rest of Walker’s term; if that happens, the town will also need to appoint another alderman to replace Trantham and join Lay, Jesse and Alderman James Mashburn on the board.

Aldermen don’t strictly have to appoint a replacement for Walker, but might, especially now that there’s been time for a period of mourning since Walker’s Nov. 2 funeral; Haywood County Board of Elections director Robbie Inman said Nov. 8 that it’s “customary” for an appointment to occur under such circumstances.

The cancelled Nov. 9 meeting has been rescheduled for Nov. 16 at 5 p.m.

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER aywood County’s high-performing public schools will soon see a new leader after Dr. Anne Garrett announced Nov. 13 that she plans to retire March 1, 2018.

The former North Carolina Association of Educators “Superintendent of the Year” Garrett explained that while she’s excited to see what the future might bring, she has mixed feelings about leaving her post of 13 years.

“There’s always a sadness when you’re

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leaving something,” she said. “This is something I really love doing,” During her time as superintendent, Garrett and the elected school board guided the district from middling statewide performance to top 10 percent staAnne Garrett tus; this year, for the second year in a row, only 10 of the state’s 115 school districts performed better than Haywood County did.

“There’s always a sadness when you’re leaving something. This is something I really love doing.”

— Dr. Anne Garrett, Haywood schools superintendent

“It has been a blessing working with Dr. Garrett and the board will miss her outstanding leadership. Dr. Garrett has been a great asset to the citizens of Haywood County, Haywood County Schools and all of our employees. She has been an inspiration to me and I will continue to seek her advice,”

said Chuck Francis, chairman of the Haywood County Board of Education, in a statement emailed to the media Nov. 13.

Garrett said she would not be part of the search process that will identify her replacement, and that she looks forward to spending more time writing children’s books.

Smoky Mountain News

Haywood Schools superintendent Garrett to retire

November 15-21, 2017

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER lections in Canton, Clyde and Maggie Valley resulted in some tight races and new faces falling into voters’ good graces, but the outcomes in Haywood County’s three smallest municipalities couldn’t be more different as one moves forward, one stays the same and one still seeks to fill some holes.

alderman election in at least a decade.

“I am humbled and honored to have been elected,” said Smith, who thanked voters for their trust and their support.

Mission Health data architect Carl Cortright had been a distant second to Smith as returns rolled in on election night, but after the final precinct was counted, music teacher James Markey came from behind to edge Cortright by just 8 votes.

“I feel like all of us in this race were focused on a positive future for Canton, while seeking to maintain and preserve her rich heritage,” said Markey, who finished with 26 percent of the vote. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to help shape the narrative of this growth, and I'm thankful for the responsibility that has been given to me by the people of our town.”

Alderwoman Carole Edwards, who like Ray also declined to seek reelection, received nine write-in votes.

Swearing-in for Markey, Smith and Smathers will take place on Nov. 29; the new board’s first meeting is scheduled for Dec. 14.

“I am thankful to live in — and soon, to be serving — a town that has been embracing change for a positive future for all our families,” Smith said. “Let the work begin.”

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Sylva mayor wins re-election

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ylva Mayor Lynda Sossamon took home an overwhelming share of the votes in her bid for re-election Nov. 6, easily winning four more years in the mayor’s seat.

Sossamon garnered 156 votes against the 86 won by challenger Danny Allen, a former town commissioner, giving her 64.5 percent of the vote to Allen’s 35.5 percent.

“I would just like to thank all of the Sylva residents that took the time to go vote,” Sossamon said. “I thank them for their support.”

Linda Sossamon Sossamon credited her track record as mayor for securing her win.

“I believe I did a good job as mayor during the past two years, and that is why the voters chose me,” she said.

This is the second time that Sossamon and Danny Allen Allen have competed for the mayor’s seat. Prior to the 2015 elections, they had served together on the town’s board of commissioners, but both decided to run for the two-year mayor’s term left on the table when former Mayor Maurice Moody retired.

Barbara Hamilton also ran for mayor in 2015, but this time she around ran unopposed for re-election to her seat as commissioner.

The 2015 election was a tight one, with only a handful of votes separating the three candidates. Sossamon, in first place, finished 12 votes ahead of Hamilton and just three votes ahead of Allen.

This time, she bested Allen by 70 votes.

Sossamon said that she looks forward to

November 15-21, 2017

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working toward a better future for Sylva over the next four-year term.

“I want to continue to help Sylva grow in good ways by trying to increase our tax base without raising taxes. By trying to attract new businesses and seeing if our ordinances allow for more new housing,” she said.

Finding grant funding wherever possible so that the town can complete projects without dipping far into local tax dollars will also be a priority, and she also wants to keep the town’s economic development strategic plan, adopted in May, front and center.

Sitting commissioners Barbara Hamilton and Mary Gelbaugh were re-elected to their seats as well, running unopposed for another four-year term.

“I’m looking forward to working for us again, and I think we can really do some great things for Sylva,” Hamilton said during the town’s Nov. 9 meeting.

Voter turnout for the Sylva elections was 17 percent. While a low number, elections director Lisa Lehman said the figure is about normal for an election year like this, when municipal elections are the only contests on the ballot. Countywide turnout was 16 percent.

NEWCOMERS TO JOIN DILLSBORO BOARD The Dillsboro Board of Aldermen will have two new faces on it following the results of the Nov. 6 election.

John Chinners, owner of the downtown shop Country Traditions, came in third in the seven-person race with 14.1 percent of the vote, and Tim Hall, owner of Bogart’s Restaurant and Tavern in Sylva, placed fifth with 13 percent.

The board has five alderman seats and one mayor seat, with all six up for election this year.

Incumbents Tim Parris, David Gates and David Jones were re-elected to their seats, with incumbent Beaufort Riddle set to leave the board after he came in last with only 6.5 percent of the vote.

While Dillsboro had the highest voter turnout of any Jackson County municipality, at 20 percent, its population of only 152 registered voters meant that vote counts were small, with top voter-getter Parris receiving only 20 votes.

Mayor Mike Fitzgerald, running unopposed, was re-elected with 100 percent of the vote — 25 votes.

VOTERS STAY THE COURSE IN FOREST HILLS The Village of Forest Hills Town Council will remain unchanged after the Nov. 6 election, with incumbents Clark Corwin and Carl Hooper easily overcoming an election challenge from Jerry Rice.

Corwin secured 37.8 percent of the vote and Hooper took home 35.4 percent, while Rice came in last with 23.2 percent. Corwin and Hooper will serve four years before their terms end in 2021.

Mayor Kolleen Begley will also sit for another term after winning 90.3 percent of the vote in her unopposed run for re-election. Four voters cast ballots for write-in candidates.

Sharon Stovall will spend four more years on the town board as well, winning 90.2 percent of the vote in her unopposed run for election to a vacant seat she was appointed to in February. Four people voted for write-in candidates in that race.

Forest Hills saw a 14 percent voter turnout. With only 333 registered voters, ballot counts were small, with top vote-getter Corwin securing 31 votes and third-place Rice getting 19. Three write-in votes were cast in the councilmember race.

Franklin elects incumbents and one newcomer Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ranklin residents kept two incumbents and elected one newcomer to the town council to represent them for the next four years.

Incumbent Barbara McRae will reclaim her post for a second term and challenger David Culpepper will serve his first term on the board after being the second highest vote-getter.

“I'm really excited. A huge thank you to those who support me, the people of my hometown for believing in me and granting me this opportunity,” Culpepper said. “It’s a real honor and I look forward to getting to work and helping make Franklin prosper. I really think this board is positioned to get 4 some great projects started, the type of proj-

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ects that will have a positive impact on the community for decades to come.”

Incumbent Billy Mashburn was the third highest vote-getter out of six candidates vying for three seats.

Unfortunately Mashburn died Nov. 1 before Election Day. The next highest vote-getter was challenger Angela Moore, Billy Mashburn but that doesn’t mean she is going to automatically claim a seat on the board.

State statute allows the governing board to appoint someone to the vacant post in Mashburn’s absence for a nonpartisan municipal election.

Franklin Town Council • • • • • •

Barbara S. McRae.......236 votes, 25.79% David B. Culpepper ..............217, 23.72% Billy Mashburn .....................137, 14.97% Angela Moore........................121, 13.22% JimBo Ledford.......................104, 11.37% Greg Raby ...............................93, 10.16%

Mayor Bob Scott, who ran unopposed, will begin his third term after receiving about 83 percent of the vote — 49 ballots were cast for a write-in candidate.

Moore, who has run four times for town councilmember, was only 16 votes behind Mashburn and is still hopeful she has a shot at representing the people of Franklin.

Sylva Mayor • Lynda Sossamon (incumbent), 156 votes (64.5 percent) • Danny Allen, 86 (35.6) Commissioner (Two open seats) • Barbara Hamilton (I), 206 (52.7) • Mary Kelley Gelbaugh (I), 182 (46.6) • Write-in, 3 (0.8)

Dillsboro Alderman (Five open seats) • Tim Parris (I), 20 (21.7) • David Gates (I), 19 (20.7) • John Chinners, 13 (14.1) • David Jones (I), 13 (13.1) • Tim Hall, 12 (13) • James Cochran, 9 (9.8) • Beaufort Riddle (I), 6 (6.5) Mayor • Mike Fitzgerald, 25 (100)

Forest Hills Councilmember (Two open seats) • Clark Corwin (I), 31 (37.8) • Carl Hooper (I), 29 (35.4) • Jerry Rice, 19 (23.2) • Write-in, 3 (3.7) Councilmember-unexpired term • Sharon Stovall (I), 37, (90.2) • Write-in, 4 (9.8) Mayor (pick one) • Kolleen Begley (I), 41 (91.1) • Write-in, 4 (8.9)

Webster Councilmember (Three open seats) • Leigh Anne Young (I), 19 (34.6) • Allan Grant (I), 18 (32.7) • Danell Moses (I), 18 (32.7) Mayor • Tracy Rodes (I), 18 (100)

“It is my hope that the Council will act in good faith to the electorate and appoint the next highest vote-getter. I was vocal about this stance even before the election or the election results,” Moore said. “I would have supported the people, the voters, and whichever candidate was next in line, regardless of politics. Our government is built on the voice of the people and any effort to circumvent that is deeply disturbing.”

Moore said she’s tried to reach out to each of the council members to see where they stand on the issue but has had “mixed results.” The next town council meeting is at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at town hall where the board is likely to discuss the appointment.

All six candidates really pushed for people to get out and vote, but the turnout wasn’t that impressive for the town election. Out of 3,576 residents, only 423 cast a ballot — about 12 percent. Voter turnout during the 2015 municipal elections was over 15 percent.

Voters approve alcohol referendum

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"If we don’t have it, we can get it!"

Unique, Found Treasures, Quality Used Furniture & Appliances

feel like expanding alcohol sales fit the community standards of Bryson City.

Crisp and Bryson were also pegged as being against the business community’s interests after voting against closing Fry Street to vehicles to make the area into a pedestrian-friendly plaza. The project, which was supported by the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Development Authority, would have benefitted the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and the many tourists that mill around that area before and after train excursions.

The alcohol referendum that appeared on the ballot this year was also controversial. Crisp voted against even having the referendum to allow on-premise and offpremise sales of beer and wine, but the referendum passed with 62 percent approval among voters.

Bryson and Crisp were both opposed to passing a local brunch bill that would have allowed local restaurants and grocers to begin selling alcohol at 10 a.m. Sundays instead of noon.

Bryson City Board of Aldermen Ben King..........................154 votes, 32.84% Janine Barker Crisp.....................99, 21.11% Rick Bryson .................................93, 19.83% Lisa Anthony ...............................83, 17.70% Robert Brian Duplak .....................40, 8.53%

Food Forecast for 2018 What new foods and beverages will you be seeing on shelves as we move into 2018?

1. Portioned Produce - From “grab-n-go” cups of fruits to pre-cut vegetables and salad bowls it should be even easier to add more fruits and vegetables to your meals.

2. Protein Power – Protein is still a big buzzword, so whether it’s being highlighted on packaging for cereals or beverages; foods that naturally contain protein or have it added will continue to be big sellers.

3. Frozen Food In Fashion - Frozen foods have begun to make a comeback with new items following consumer trends like offering fewer and “clean”-er ingredients (no artificial colors or flavors), as well as vegetarian and vegan (plant-based) options and others emphasizing the protein amount.

4. Skyr yogurts – Expect to see more skyr-style yogurt. Though perhaps not technically accurate, it’s probably easiest to say that skyr is the Icelandic version of Greek yogurt. Compared to conventional yogurts, skyr has more protein, less fat and little or no added sugar. It is similar to Greek yogurt in thickness and mouthfeel. www.cooksscience.com 5. Kombucha calling – Despite the fact that there is virtually no evidence of its probiotic benefit, kombucha continues to carve out space on the shelf, muscling out fruit juices.

For many, kombucha is an acquired taste, and could be described as a slightly sweet effervescent vinegar.

Smoky Mountain News

Those who opposed the referendum saw it as an expansion of alcohol sales, but really it only changed the town’s permitting process for on-premise and off-premise sales.

Under the old ordinance, retail stores wanting to sell and serve beer on premises had to obtain an ABC permit and operate as a private club with a membership fee. With the passage of the referendum, retailers now only have to obtain a license to sell beer, which would save business owners $600 a year. The cost of an on-premise beer license is $400 a year compared to $1,000 a year for a mixed beverage license. While King is happy he was elected, he was not happy about the low voter turnout since he pushed hard to get people out to vote. Out of 1,081 registered voters, only 253 cast a ballot — about 23 percent. The turnout during the 2015 municipal election was about the same.

828.246.6711 178 Waynesville Plaza

November 15-21, 2017

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR en King, the 28-year-old co-owner of Bryson City Outdoors, was not only elected to the Bryson City Board of Aldermen, but the young challenger was the top vote-getter among five candidates with 154 votes.

"I am very thankful to have a community that has such trust in my capabilities to make decisions for the town of Bryson City going into the future. 253 resBen King idents showed up to vote and 154 of those supported me as one of their choices, having so much support from those voters gives me that much more drive to work hard for Bryson City,” King said. “I’m excited to get started by getting brought up to speed on all that Bryson City has in the pipeline, how we can use the extra funds that we have available to improve upon town services, and addressing the unavoidable hot button issues that will arise with a level-headed approach."

Voters also re-elected incumbent Janine Crisp for a second term with 99 votes.

“I would like to say how honored and grateful I am that they have put their confidence in me to be their representative for another term,” Crisp said. “I will do my very best to be deserving of that confidence and continue to work on their behalf to promote what they feel is in the best interests of our community.”

Incumbent Alderman Rick Bryson fell about 10 votes short of reclaiming his seat on the board. He said he was a bit surprised by the results — he and Crisp had somewhat aligned themselves together by campaigning on the successes that the current board has had over the last four years.

“I have to say that I did not read the public opinion well,” Bryson said following the election results. “This is an election where perception trumped performance.”

While the town board has been making progress on improving sidewalks, roads and water and sewer infrastructure, the incumbents did catch some flack from the local business community for not supporting their interests.

Despite local merchants’ request for approval, Bryson and Crisp were both opposed to passing a local brunch bill that would have allowed local restaurants and grocers to begin selling alcohol at 10 a.m.

Sundays instead of noon. With such a religious community, the incumbents didn’t

E&L's Retail

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Young business owner joins Bryson City board

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Marginalizing mental health Regional providers struggle with funding cuts

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR he shortcomings of America’s mental health system have once again been brought to the forefront as national news outlets report the shooters responsible for recent mass killings in Las Vegas and Texas were mentally ill.

Medical experts say there’s no real connection between individuals with mental illness and mass shootings, but the presumed link between the two reveals the real reason why the mental health system is in such dire straits — we still don’t understand enough about mental illness.

Without a true understanding of mental illness among national, state and local leaders, a real solution to the problem is hard to come by. Like any other health problem, a proactive approach is the most effective strategy, but many mental health providers will attest to the fact that the approach has been more reactive.

The first step is acknowledging the extent of the problem. According to mentalhealth.gov, one in five American adults experience a mental health issue, one in 10 young people experience major depression and one in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression.

Despite those staggering statistics, the entire state of North Carolina only contains 900 beds for behavioral health patients.

People living with a mental illness — whether minor or a serious disorder — aren’t getting the early intervention services they need and end up in an emergency room when they’re experiencing a mental health crisis.

Emergency rooms aren’t typically staffed to help those patients and they often have to sit in the ER for days waiting for a behavioral health bed to open up somewhere in the state. Sometimes that means patients have to be transported hours away from their family and support system to receive treatment.

The issues facing the mental health system are multi-faceted and will be covered in an ongoing series in the coming weeks. The Smoky Mountain News will explain North Carolina’s mental health funding sources, interview providers in the region about their services and financial challenges, offer law enforcement and nonprofits’ perspectives regarding the opioid crisis and talk to local legislators about their priorities when it comes to addressing the funding cuts to behavioral health.

Smoky Mountain News

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WHO PAYS FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES? Providing adequate mental health servic6 es all comes down to funding, and under-

The new and improved Balsam Center in Waynesville includes a trail through the woods and picnic tables that allows behavioral health patients to get some fresh air and exercise during their stay. Jessi Stone photo standing how behavioral health programs get funded in North Carolina can be tricky.

If you have a private health insurance policy, some basic mental health services should be covered. If you qualify for Medicaid, mental health services are covered. However, if you don’t fall into one of those categories, you are at the mercy of how much funding the state is putting into supporting the uninsured population. Those funds, called Single Stream Funds, have been slashed over the last several years.

Single Stream Funding as well as Medicaid funding for mental health is distributed among seven regional LMEs/MCOs — Local Management Entities and Management Care Organizations. These regional organizations contract with local health agencies and give them funding to provide for mental health services and provide government oversight for the state. Vaya Health is the LME/MCO responsible for distributing mental health funding and oversight in Western North Carolina.

The system hasn’t always operated with the LME/MCO middleman structure. The N.C. General Assembly changed the way mental health dollars are distributed in 2012.

Each county used to have a local organization that directly received state funding to provide services for behavioral health and addiction.

“They operated like a health department or DSS, but then the state wanted to divest in those services in 2004,” said Donald Reuss, Vaya’s senior director of provider network.

“They made those organizations divest of treatment services to the private provider community, which was the first opportunity for private providers to provide those services.”

Smoky Mountain MCO, which used to be the mental health provider in WNC, changed its name to Vaya Health in 2016 to better reflect the evolving mental health care system. While Smoky Mountain was still providing some direct services, the new Vaya Health

About Vaya Health Vaya Health manages public funds for mental health, substance use disorder and intellectual or developmental disability services in 23 North Carolina counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Access to services and crisis help are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800.849.6127. Learn more at www.vayahealth.com.

Mental health providers supported by Vaya Health in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties: • Appalachian Community Services — www.acswnc.com • Meridian Behavioral Health Services — www.meridianbhs.org does not — it only contracts with other providers like Appalachian Community Services and Meridian Behavioral Health to provide services.

“We manage the care like an insurance company would — we’re a public government agency that doesn’t make a profit. We put any savings back into community services,” said Rachel Leonard-Spencer, marketing and communications coordinator for Vaya Health.

DEALING WITH FUNDING CUTS Even with a lack of behavioral health beds and the increased demand for services, the state continues to cut funding for mental health. Vaya Health has absorbed over $14 million in Single Stream Funding cuts over the last two years.

“We’re dealing with a $7.4 million reduction this fiscal year — more next year — and those are continuations of cuts Vaya has received on the state dollar side related to the uninsured population the state is supporting,” Reuss said. “That’s directly impacting community members in counties who don’t have Medicaid or private insurance and need support.”

The state cuts have left Vaya to make difficult decisions when it comes to funding services in the 23 western counties. Reuss said the largest immediate impact on communities would be the halt of Vaya’s plan to reinvest another $10 million of its savings into community reinvestment projects, like the recent expansion project at the Balsam Center in Waynesville. The project included expansion of the crisis center from 12 beds to 16 beds and renovation of the outpatient center to accommodate more patients. Vaya kicked in $374,000 toward the $542,000 project cost.

“In the past when we’ve had Medicaid cost savings in the system, we’re required to reinvest that savings back into the community,” Reuss said. “But with ongoing reductions by the state on the uninsured side, it requires us to take that cost savings and apply it toward standard treatment for uninsured patients.”

The Balsam Center expansion was part of last year’s reinvestment plan, but all projects for this coming year have been put on hold as Vaya gives first priority to services for the uninsured. Some of the projects being considered were increasing the number of substance abuse recovery beds to combat the opioid epidemic. Reuss said there are limited outpatient treatments for addiction and an even more limited number of halfway house environments for people battling an addiction.

Vaya has also been working to install mental health screening kiosks around the region as a reinvestment project, but it’s now on hold because of cuts. The kiosks are supposed to make it easy for residents to connect with local treatment resources based on an assessment. Vaya did get one kiosk installed earlier this year at the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency, located at 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 800, in Clyde.

Reuss said the opioid epidemic is also taking a toll on Vaya’s limited financial resources. Many people struggling with an opioid addiction don’t qualify for Medicaid but also don’t have private medical insurance, which means state dollars are being used to try to help those individuals receive medication assisted treatment like methadone or suboxone.

As Vaya struggles with the budget cuts, Reuss said the LME would continue to prioritize continuity of residential services and access to the crisis continuum, as they are the core safety net programs.

“We want to deter people away from the ER, which happens when people wait long periods of time to get help because they don’t have access to services and support locally,” Leonard-Spencer said. “Crisis continuum is what we’ve done at the Balsam Center. We encourage people to go there instead of going to the ER — which is really costly and doesn’t put them on the path of recovery.”

S EE H EALTH, PAGE 8

Fact: 43.8 million adults experience mennttal illness in a given year.r.

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Ways to Get Wa G Help

Talk with Ta your doctor

Connect with other Co individuals and ffa amilies

Learn more about mental illln ness

Smoky Mountain News

Whites

Treatmen nt in America a African Americans

T

IIN NA AMER MER RICA ICA

November 15-21, 2017

The renovations will also allow the center to further expand the crisis unit in the future, if circumstances permit.

“By reinvesting in the Balsam Center, we’re investing in the health and well being of residents of our state’s westernmost counties,” said Vaya CEO Brian Ingraham. “We’re excited to be able to complete what may be one of our last community reinvestment projects, using savings from effective Medicaid management, to meet local community needs for years to come. This expansion also strengthens our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and will help people begin the journey toward long-term recovery.”

The Balsam Center’s crisis unit provides 24-hour care for individuals in crisis, with stays usually lasting multiple days until their condition stabilizes. The program serves both people seeking treatment voluntarily and those under an involuntary commitment order.

The center also provides outpatient services, including assessments, counseling, group therapy, integrated care and medication management. Individuals dependent on opioid drugs are eligible to Frank Viera Jr., CEO of ncgCARE, handed out a number of receive buprenorphine, a type of medrecognition awards to community partners who helped with the ication-assisted treatexpansion project at The Balsam Center, including Denise ment, to support the Coleman with the Evergreen Foundation. Jessi Stone photo recovery process.

ACS, in partnership with Vaya, also has plans to launch The Balsam Center serves residents 24/7 behavioral health urgent care in need of treatment for mental health services in the coming months. Once in concerns, such as depression or anxiety, or for alcohol or drug use, including opi- operation, the urgent care will allow anyone experiencing a mental health or oid drug addiction. ACS also provides substance use crisis to come to the censervices for individuals with intellectual ter at any time, day or night, for an and developmental disabilities. All peoevaluation. ple in need of care, regardless of insurIndividuals seeking urgent care will be ance status or ability to pay, are eligible allowed to stay at the center for just for evaluation. under 24 hours while a treatment team Vaya Health, a public managed works with them to identify their needs healthcare organization that provides funding for ACS, contributed $374,000 in and next steps for treatment. Some individuals who visit the BHUC may be community reinvestment funds toward the total expansion cost of $542,000. ACS admitted to the crisis unit for a longer stay. BHUC services are specifically and its parent company, ncgCARE, prodesigned for individuals with behavioral vided $50,000, with an additional health needs and offer a safe, more com$118,000 in funding coming from the fortable alternative to hospital emergency Evergreen Foundation. departments.

“This expansion will allow us to proTo contact the Balsam Center, located vide a larger continuum of crisis care for at 91 Timberlane Rd., in Waynesville, call people in our communities,” said 828.454.1098 or visit www.acswnc.com.

Duncan Sumpter, ncgCARE N.C. state Additionally, anyone in Western North director. “Residents of North Carolina’s Carolina needing help in a crisis or inforwestern counties deserve to have access mation about local treatment options can to quality care that is close to home and call Vaya’s toll-free, 24/7 Access to Care delivered in a comfortable, welcoming Line at 800.849.6127. environment.” he Balsam Center in Waynesville will now be able to better meet the mental health and substance abuse needs of Haywood County residents following an extensive renovation and expansion.

The Balsam Center, which is operated

by Appalachian Community Services, recently expanded its facility-based crisis unit from 12 to 16 beds and remodeled both the crisis unit and its outpatient facility. Other new features include upgraded technology to enhance safety and security, a substance use group therapy room, a nature trail and a primary care exam room.

ACS also expanded the center’s outdoor recreation and gazebo area for individuals staying in the crisis unit and modernized its tele-health stations, which allow people to speak with a healthcare provider via video chat.

Me en ntta n all He ealth alth Fa act ctts s news

Waynesville treatment center expands mental health services

Visit NAMI.org

1 This document cites statistics provid ded by the National Institute of Mental Health. www.nimh.nih.gov of Justice.

2 Statistics prro ovided by Department o 3 American Journal of Psychiatry and U U.S. Surrg geon General’’ss Report, 1999.

4 Substance Abuse and Mental Health h Services Administration

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news November 15-21, 2017

H EALTH, CONTINUED FROM 6

MORE CUTS AHEAD

NO FUNDING FOR

The state is not done cutting funding for mental health. According to the biennium budget recently passed by the General Assembly, the state could cut another $175 million in Single Stream Funding from the behavioral healthcare system over the next two years. That’s on top of the $262 million cut over the last two fiscal years.

Single Stream Funding is non-Medicaid dollars from the state that LMEs like Vaya receive to support mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disability services for uninsured and underinsured in North Carolina.

The policy of reducing service funds for individuals without Medicaid has been under way for the last decade. According to Vaya officials, the cuts are eroding their ability to provide services and will result in increased emergency room visits and inappropriate incarcerations across the region.

Vaya Health is preparing for another $400,000 in cuts in the 2018-19 state budget — that’s in addition to about $31 million in non-Medicaid dollars cut from Vaya’s funding between 2009 and 2015.

“Every year we continue to get more cuts, but we try to be very strategic on how we make cuts to impact the least amount of people,” Reuss said. “With the additional cuts, we’re trying to align our budget so it’s not as significant next year.”

Since 2015, Vaya has been making up the funding cuts by utilizing Medicaid savings to pay for services for the uninsured and underinsured. By realigning the budget, Reuss means Vaya is trying to make adjustments to its Medicaid service line so reductions on the non-Medicaid side are a little bit easier to absorb in the system. However, cuts to local services seem inevitable.

“It’s impossible to absorb $7 million in a budget without having reductions, which is why we’re having long conversations with providers about what’s important,” Reuss said.

As the middleman for mental health services, Vaya Health has been criticized for its

VIOLENT OFFENDERS Vaya has also discontinued funding of therapy treatment for adult sexual offenders and domestic violence offenders. Meridian Behavioral Health, a contracted provider with Vaya, used to be able to provide these therapy services for only $10 per session for offenders who were court mandated to receive treatment. Despite Vaya’s decision to discontinue the service, Meridian is trying to keep the service available for $80 per session.

However, if offenders can’t afford that, their only other option is to go to jail.

Reuss said the offender therapy was “legacy programming” left over from the old days of when local organizations in each county managed mental health services.

“For the most part, LMEs don’t fund sexual offender and domestic violence programs with state dollars. The funding being used out west was very unique to the region of Vaya — left over from the old area authority days,” he said. “When cuts occurred we reached out to providers about how to support the most people with the funding we had.”

Since the offender therapy only serves a limited amount of people in the region, Vaya pulled the funding to put toward different programs. Reuss said Vaya was working with community partners who may be able to better provide offender program funding, adding that nonprofit organizations that deal in sexual assault and domestic violence could provide that service with financial support from the county government or through fundraising efforts.

“An act of domestic violence doesn’t mean you have a mental illness problem,” Reuss said. “Generally that’s not a service we pay for unless it’s offender services for children — children with sexualized behaviors.”

With that funding going away in the western region, Reuss said Vaya would now be operating the same as the other LMEs in the state.

Smoky Mountain News

Roundabout for Walnut Street?

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he obtuse angles of the intersection at Waynesville’s North Main and Walnut streets may soon become graceful curves — or even a roundabout — by 2020, depending on what happens with the now-underway public involvement phase of the project.

Officials from the North Carolina Department of Transportation were on hand at the HCC Regional Tech Center Nov. 9, armed with placards showing two options for the proposed realignment of U.S. 23 Business (North Main Street) and Vance Street at Walnut Street.

Both options would dramatically remake 8 the intersection, plowing through a 1-acre

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parcel on the southwest corner of Walnut and Main owned by Clifford Gould LLC that was home to Duvall’s restaurant and also to an automotive repair shop, as well as a parcel on Vance just north of Walnut owned by William Norris that used to be a small selfstorage facility.

The first and probably simplest option is to gently shift North Main Street westward, straightening out the odd alignment of streets in the area.

The second option is a bit more complex, and would place a roundabout right in the middle of the Gould parcel.

Right-of-way acquisition costs in either case are projected to be around $1.3 million, and will result in the relocation of four businesses and one residence.

Construction of the roundabout option, however, would cost $2.25 million; the traditional intersection realignment would come in at about $1.6 million.

The public comment phase of the project

administrative costs, which ultimately cut into the funding that could be distributed for community services. Leonard-Spencer said Vaya is aware the organization also has to share in the cuts to minimize the effect on services and has already reduced its staffing by reorganizing and flattening its management structure.

According to Vaya’s proposed 2017 budg-

Like Vaya, Reuss said the other LMEs/MCOs in the state also place any Medicaid funding savings into their fund balance and use part of that fund balance amount to complete community reinvestment projects.

“The legislature saw that not all of them were using fund balances to roll out community investment projects,” he said. “I think the legislature felt like if they kept cutting, the MCOs will be required to backfill their budget with fund balance and services wouldn’t be reduced. That’s not completely accurate because of how fund balances have to be used — there’s a lot of dollars restricted — but that’s been part of the talking points.”

While Vaya says it The recent expansion at The Balsam Center added private exam has been using its fund rooms as well as private tele-doc rooms for patients to immediately balance to reinvest in be evaluated by a doctor. Jessi Stone photo its communities and keeping the rest for et, the LME’s personnel costs account for over emergencies — which is what a fund balance $41 million of its total $408 million in expen- is for — Reuss said Vaya has already had to ditures. About $36 million of the personnel take from fund balance to maintain current costs are for salaries and benefits. service levels.

The state legislature does seem to be placing an emphasis on addressing the opioid epiTATE PERSPECTIVE demic, which is a big piece of the behavioral Each year, Mental Health America ranks health crisis. In addition to budgeting $10 states’ mental health rate and access to care million over two years for opioid treatment, based on 15 measures, including the number North Carolina received a $31 million federal of adults and youth with mental illness, the grant to be used for treating opioid addiction number of uninsured people with a mental over two years. Dr. Mandy Cohen, the North health condition and how many people with a Carolina Department of Health and Human mental illness didn’t receive services. In 2011, Services Secretary, commented that she was North Carolina was ranked No. 10 in the coun- thankful for the funding, but admitted it was try, but that ranking plummeted to No. 33 in just a start of the funding truly needed to 2014. With everything in the news about men- make a difference in the opioid crisis.

Vaya will get a chunk of that money to put tal health and substance abuse, politicians in Raleigh are aware there is a growing need for toward addiction services, but again it’s hard community services — so why the deep cuts to to establish successful programs with onetime funding that will eventually run out. the LMEs managing the money?

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ends Dec. 1, so there’s still time for the public to contact DOT officials. For more information including maps of the options and

contact info for project partners, visit www.ncdot.gov/projects/publicmeetings and search for STIP project no. U-5888.

An aerial view of downtown Canton, where controversy over a parade ordinance is ongoing.

A Shot Above photo

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On Oct. 26, Canton Alderman Dr. Ralph Hamlett proposed a municipal parade entry policy similar to thousands across the nation, but for one important distinction.

The display of “any image or content that includes nudity, profanity, lewdness, illegal drugs, violence, obscenity, hate, [or] racism” would be prohibited during town parades, along with “anything that is vulgar, sexually explicit, insulting or offensive to any ethnic, religious, political or other identifiable group or individual, or that may incite violence.”

The Canton native Hamlett, an associate

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Smoky Mountain News

YOU FLY IT

professor of political communications at Brevard College who holds a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, has published works on racism, teaches First Amendment classes, and says he’s a strong supporter of First Amendment rights.

But after he received “We can say if you want to fly your complaints arising from the display of the American flag, you fly it. If you want Confederate flag in the to fly your rebel flag, fly it. If you town’s recent Labor Day parade — the South’s oldwant to fly your gay pride flag, fly it. est — he promised he’d look into the situation.

If you want to fly your African flag, Hamlett then consulted fly it, and we’ll love you not because the Anti-Defamation League, a 104-year-old nonof what you represent, but we’ll love profit dedicated to ending you for who you are.” discrimination, and prepared his proposal.

— Chris Jennings Few other towns address speech in parade policy, but it’s not altogether uncommon — a parade, because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is small number of other towns have banned or an offense. It says that if any person or group attempted to ban the flag from municipal is offended by it, you can’t be there.”

Jennings said that participating in the events, seeking to disassociate themselves from what the ADL calls a hate symbol. town’s parades helps both of his organizaHamlett’s is the first of it’s kind in the area tions garner more visibility within the comand possibly in the state, and is also one of munity.

“I should have that right,” he said. “I the most direct in its intent.

That intent is not to prohibit speech out- always have. I hope I always will.”

Even more, Jennings called on the board right, but to instead use the time, place and manner of speech to determine when it may to reject any attempt at limiting speech durbe inappropriate — a practice the U.S. ing parades.

“We have the opportunity to set an examSupreme Court has regularly upheld.

The town’s Christmas and Labor Day ple,” he said. “We can say if you want to fly parades are for “diverse family audiences,” your American flag, you fly it. If you want to according to Hamlett’s proposal, clearly out- fly your rebel flag, fly it. If you want to fly your lining what people should expect at such gay pride flag, fly it. If you want to fly your events.

Pot leaves, pornographic images, vulgariS EE FLAG, PAGE 10 ty and incendiary symbols are not among

ARTS & CRAFTS CHRISTMAS SHOW

November 15-21, 2017

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER hen a policy that would prohibit the display of the Confederate flag in a tiny mountain mill town’s municipal parades was first proposed, it was immediately identified as both a sensitive cultural issue and a thorny Constitutional question that cast the Western North Carolina municipality as a microcosm of the complex national debate over the role of Confederate imagery in society today.

But now that locals have had their chance to weigh in before Town of Canton officials during an open meeting, public sentiment seems even murkier.

There was talk of tolerance, unity and community counterbalanced by that of unanticipated consequences, outsiders and 1960sera communist conspiracies; framed within the changing perceptions of a controversial history, the discussion itself is an early test for a new, young mayor in a relatively progressive Southern town where everything else seems to be going right, but this lingering issue for now remains grey.

CHEROKEE

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Confederate flag flies on lightning rod in Canton

those expectations, nor are symbols of hate; however, the first person to address the assembled aldermen and alderwomen Nov. 9 sparked debate over marijuana, albeit in an inadvertent kind of way.

“I don’t favor the Confederate flag, and I don’t disfavor the Confederate flag,” said Jean Paris. “It’s always been a part of my life. I’m a Southern girl. I’m a country girl, and I respect that flag. I’ve never saluted that flag but I still respect it and I still consider it a part of my history.”

Directing her comments to Alderman Hamlett, Paris said she hadn’t really come to talk about the Confederate flag and that she was “disappointed” that the proposal could possibly do more harm than good.

Unfurling a large vinyl banner, Paris — founder of local substance abuse nonprofit Drugs in Our Midst — said, “What does that look like?”

The anti-drug banner depicts a spilt bottle of pills, a syringe and a pot leaf.

“That’s Illegal drugs on my banner,” she said. “That means we can’t carry this banner if we are in the parade.”

Paris obviously isn’t promoting drug use; quite the opposite, in fact.

Chris Jennings, however, stated unabashedly what his organization was promoting.

“According to the wording of this ordinance, leaving the [Confederate] flag aside, the kitchen can’t participate in the parade because we advocate for a cause,” said Jennings, who is chairman of the board of the Canton Community Kitchen and also a pastor. “My church can’t participate in the

9

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“Do you see the fruits — the repercussions — of always falling back? We’re always made to fall back [from] things that were right. I say this is where it ends. This is where it ends. We fall back, we fall back, we fall back.

It’s got to end here.”

— Mike Combs

FLAG, CONTINUED FROM 9 African flag, fly it, and we’ll love you not because of what you represent, but we’ll love you for who you are.”

November 15-21, 2017

THIS IS NOW While valid, the concerns of Paris and Jenkins would fall to designated parade officials, who can be neither arbitrary nor capricious and must apply commonly accepted community standards as they decide what may be inappropriate; few reasonable people could associate the pot leaves on the banner of Paris’ anti-drug organization as offensive, and the current cultural mores of the town — home to many churches — make the thought of regulating Christian symbology downright laughable.

But what if community standards do change?

According to Judy Bartlett, who also spoke at the meeting, a long-underway communist plot to undermine America is doing just that, and its nefarious tentacles have finally reached Canton.

In January 1963, Florida Democratic Congressman Albert Herlong read into the Congressional Record 45 “current communist goals” including the infiltration of major American political parties and the presentation of “homosexuality, degeneracy and

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promiscuity as normal, natural, healthy.” The tome is sometimes invoked by conservatives as the purported motivation behind progressive policymaking.

“Number 17 of those goals is to take over the school system,” Bartlett said. “They’ve done a good job of that, because our kids for decades have not been taught accurate history. They’ve been taught revisionist history, and I daresay most people in this room haven’t been taught accurate history.”

Goal 31, she said, was to destroy the country’s history and culture, something that she thinks could happen in Canton.

“Now you can look up those 45 goals, and they’ve just about every one been accomplished,” said Bartlett. “For this body to deny the rights of your citizens to display that flag wherever and whenever they choose is trampling on their civil rights.”

North Carolina, she said, has a proud history in what she called “The War of Northern Aggression.”

Another speaker that night, Mike Combs, was in agreement with her, albeit from a unique outside perspective.

Born in Gary, Indiana, Combs called himself a “dreaded halfback” and said that it took him months to build trust with his Southern neighbors here.

“And I know why,” he said. “Too many out-of-towners coming up here want to run things from the place they were, that failed

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Mike Combs gives an impassioned plea at the Canton Board of Alderman meeting Nov. 9.

Cory Vaillancourt photo

miserably, and they want to come here and keep that same crud going. I am not here to change things. I salute the Old Glory. I always will. But I respect the flag of the beautiful people here.”

Combs, who joked that he got rid of his Florida license plate as soon as he could, decried the cultural cleansing Bartlett mentioned, and demanded an immediate end to it.

“Do you see the fruits — the repercussions — of always falling back?” he asked the board. “We’re always made to fall back [from] things that were right. I say this is where it ends. This is where it ends. We fall back, we fall back, we fall back. It’s got to end here.”

The flag, Combs explained, used to be “right” but has been deliberately mis-por-

trayed, attracting far more lightning than any actual rod upon which it might fly.

“That Confederate flag has nothing to do with anything the media says that it does,” he said. “You see it on any program, and it’s always in a negative state — always the blackhating, Jew-baiting rednecks, the lowlifes.

That’s what it pictures. To tell you what, there was more righteousness in that St. Andrew’s Cross than on any boat with that [American] flag that brought slaves over.”

Another outsider — in a region where one can still be considered an outsider after four generations — is Yvonne Gilbert, who came to Western North Carolina as the single parent of five children almost 25 years ago.

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recent memory — close to 50 — from showing up, and it certainly didn’t stop the six speakers, all white, from taking almost half an hour to unanimously decry the letter if not the spirit of Hamlett’s proposed policy.

“I’m sure the board and the future mayor will take all of this into consideration as they look at things,” sad Canton Mayor Mike Ray, who was in the final minutes of his last meeting as mayor and seated just yards from his successor, Alderman Zeb Smathers, who was elected in an unopposed race just two days prior.

“Thank you all for being here, and I’m sure this will be looked at and taken into consideration,” Ray said.

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CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE

Smoky Mountain News

With that, the torch was symbolically passed to Smathers from Ray, who followed Smathers’ father Pat as mayor of Canton six years ago and declined to seek reelection this year.

Accompanying Mayor-elect Smathers on Nov. 29 will be Canton residents James Markey and Kristina Smith, who’ll be sworn in as the town’s newest alderman and alderMike Ray woman. Both Markey and Smith were in attendance at the Nov. 8 meeting and will join Hamlett and Alderwoman Gail Mull, who helped Hamlett with the proposal, on the town’s board; they’ll all soon look to Smathers to set the Zeb Smathers tone of his tenure, but they didn’t have to wait until Nov. 29 for him to do so.

“I suspected there was going to be a lot of people here tonight, and it’s true,” Smathers said. “But this is a conversation we have to have, over and over again, to talk about this, and air this out. There’s nothing more American.”

The first formal business meeting of the new board isn’t until December, meaning that nothing is likely to occur with Hamlett’s policy this year.

And there’s no real rush; Smathers appears eager to lay out his vision for the town, which includes building on a string of recent economic development victories, holding the line on property taxes and completing several major public works and recreation projects. Municipal budget season will begin shortly into the new year, with the next Labor Day parade still months away.

The town’s Christmas parade, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., wouldn’t be affected by the proposal anyway, but given the contention over the issue, it’s probable that the sidewalks and streets of Canton will be lined in red and green, and in red, white and blue, and in blue and orange, and in black and white.

“At the end of the day, we’ll figure this out,” Smathers said. “And we’ll remain a community.”

November 15-21, 2017

“I wanted a place where I could raise them with dignity, respect and tolerance,” said Gilbert, who holds degrees in clinical psychology, pharmacology, and substance abuse counseling from the State University of New York system. “I found that here. I not only found an innate natural intelligence in most mountain folk, but a deep reverence and commitment to family, religion and respect that continues inter-generationally — not at all what I found up North.”

Gilbert said that the environment contributed to the success of her now-grown children, and admitted that she occasionally displayed the Stars and Bars while they were yet young, but doesn’t anymore.

“I am in no way insensitive to the atrocities of slavery nor do I condone it in any form,” she told the board, adding that three of her grandchildren are biracial. “But that was then and this is now.”

Gilbert cited a disclaimer in the ADL’s hate symbols database entry for the Confederate flag that states, “because of the continued use of the flag by non-extremists, one should not automatically assume that display of the flag is racist or white supremacist in nature.”

Given the time, place and manner of Ralph Hamlett display — judged by commonly accepted community standards — it’s quite possible that the flag could still be displayed during municipal parades in the Town of Canton even if the proposed policy was adopted.

“The only way anyGail Mull thing in Canton is going to grow is with people coming together, and the ordinance that’s being proposed is completely pulling people apart,” Andrew Henson told the board as the public comment session drew to a close.

Shortly after Labor Day, Henson helped organize a motorcade of more than 200 that according to reports in The Waynesville Mountaineer was meant to be inclusive but instead featured dozens of vehicles flying Confederate flags in a prominent cross-county procession.

“When you go to a parade, the Confederate flag has always been a part of it.

There’s always somebody that had it, and it’s never been a problem until all of a sudden now,” said Henson. “And when you’re saying these people can’t come in the parade and this group can’t come into the parade, it’s really aggravating and going to make those people mad, and it’s just a whole bunch of fighting. There’s nothing good coming from it. It’s going to cause a whole lot more arguments and fighting, protests.”

The arguments and fighting in Canton haven’t even really begun; Hamlett’s proposed policy wasn’t on the agenda that night, meaning no discussion, vote or formal public hearing was scheduled to take place.

But that didn’t stop the largest crowd in

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Release date nears for movie shot in Sylva Community anticipates release of Three Billboards

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ilm fever is hitting Sylva as the release of “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” draws closer.

The star-studded Martin McDonagh drama was mostly shot in Sylva during May 2016, prompting locals to line the streets offcamera during filming or offer their services as extras for a chance in the spotlight. Now, after 18 months in production the movie is finished and release dates determined.

A special screening Nov. 14 offered local officials, owners of buildings and businesses used on the set, and winners of randomly awarded tickets a chance for a sneak peak at the movie that Rolling Stone called the best movie of 2017, with a review by Peter Travers titled “Give Frances McDormand the Oscar Now.” “Really overall it’s just generated a lot of excitement,” said Nick Breedlove, director of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. “It’s really catapulted Sylva to a national level in terms of recognition.”

However “Three Billboards” won’t show at Quin Theaters in Sylva until Dec. 1, which is the nationwide release date.

While the movie will come to select the-

Smoky Mountain News

November 15-21, 2017

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aters in the Asheville area Nov. 22, that date will apply only to larger theaters. Neither Ruby Cinemas in Franklin nor The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville know yet when they might be showing “Three Billboards.”

According to David Parlier, owner of Ruby Cinemas, the movie was shown in four theaters starting Nov. 10, will expand to 15 theaters Nov. 17 and will potentially show in 425 theaters Nov. 22.

“Expansion beyond that will be based on how the film does at these 425 theaters,” he said. “A typical wide-release movie like “Justice League” will go to between 3,000 and 4,000 theaters. A film needs to be in the 2,000-theater range for them to consider the Franklin market.”

In the movie, Sassy Frass Consignment became the Ebbing Police Department, Jackson’s General Store became the Ebbing Advertising Agency and In Your Ear Music became the Music Emporium. Those familiar with downtown Sylva will see flashes of the familiar all the way through the film.

Breedlove believes that fact will yield dividends for years to come. “‘The Fugitive’ was filmed (in Sylva) over 20 years ago, 1993, and people still come to see the train cars and find out more about the film,” he said. “So the economic impact will be felt for many years.”

The TDA has put up a page on its website, titled “On Location,” dedicated to filming in

Woody Harrelson (left) acts in a scene for his role as Sheriff Willoughby. Donated photo

Jackson County and recently published a blog post detailing what production was like.

Outside of cyberspace, the Main Street Sylva Association is drumming up excitement with its Sylva Red Carpet event 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Movie set locations, including Sassy Frass Consignment, will be offering photo opportunities, and “paparazzi” will take photos on a red carpet of attendees dressed to impress. The photos will be available for sale.

“It’s really exciting,” Breedlove said. “The community is just really waiting to see the film.”

Breedlove hopes that the expected success of “Three Billboards” will lead to further film opportunities for Sylva. Film location requests are handled by the N.C. Film Office, so Breedlove isn’t privy to every request that comes in. However, at least one recent request from a TV series has gone so far as to require location scouting in Jackson County.

The legislature’s October decision to remove the sunset clause from the state’s film incentive program also bodes well for future filming projects coming to Western North Carolina. Such incentives can have a significant impact on the cost of filming and figure heavily in decisions on filming locations — now North Carolina’s program will no longer end on July 1, 2020.

“This is good news for filming in North Carolina,” Breedlove said.

Beginning sometime after January, the town of Franklin will be temporarily changing the parking patterns on Main Street. Jessi Stone photo

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Celebrate the Holidays

The temporary road tape that will be used will last up to several months depending on the weather and can be easily modified if the town staff sees something not working.

Councilmember Joe Collins.

The councilmembers were ready to get the temporary striping down immediately, but Gwen Taylor, representing merchants with the Streets of Franklin Association, asked the board to consider waiting until after the holidays.

“Our busiest time of year is in November and December,” she said. “It might affect people coming downtown to shop — they could get frustrated and then won’t come downtown.”

The board decided to wait until January to start the project.

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR fter paying for several engineering studies over the years, the town of Franklin is moving forward with a plan to try out some different parking designs on Main Street.

The new Town Engineer Nathanial Moore and Town Planner Justin Setser have put together a two-phase parking plan. The temporary restriping will begin at Patton Avenue at town hall and go all the way down Main Street to the intersection of Iotla Street.

The plan calls for making Main Street all parallel parking down the right-hand side while leaving the 30-degree angled parking on the left-hand side where Books Unlimited and the Scottish Tartans Museum are located.

“We had a discussion about making it into 45-degree spots. We thought that would be best way to go, but after we measured the ground the 45-degree just won’t work. It will only work if we went down to a single lane,” Moore said. “But we’re keeping two lanes.”

Moore said the studies the town used based their recommendations on the fact that Main Street is the same width all the way down to the square, but that’s not the case.

The narrowest part of Main Street is 45 feet down toward town hall and it widens to 48 feet as it goes toward the square.

The plan also includes one designated unloading zone for all trucks making deliveries in order to cut down on complaints about trucks taking up lanes on Main Street. Moore

said temporary curb extensions would also be installed up to the crosswalks to make it safer for pedestrians to cross Main Street.

The temporary road tape that will be used will last up to several months depending on the weather and can be easily modified if the town staff sees something not working.

“I’m willing to go along with a limited time period with temporary striping and I think it needs to be 60 to 90 days,” said

November 15-21, 2017

Restriping the road will wait until the New Year

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR The town of Franklin will be going back to the drawing board to find the best way to address complaints from frustrated residents dealing with late-night parties and nuisance noise in their neighborhoods.

The town council referred the issue to its planning board several months ago to make recommendations after hearing complaints from residents about late night parties being held in a commercial rental space adjacent to a residential area. Right now law enforcement officers have no recourse to stop these kinds of parties without a town ordinance.

“We’ve had some issues with some types of businesses in town that go late — until 3 or 4 in the morning and we have no reasons to make them stop,” said Town Planner Justin Setser.

The town planning board made a recommendation for the town to approve an Events Venue Ordinance, which would restrict big events and parties to be held only in commercial and industrial zoned areas of Franklin. The proposed ordinance also would not allow these types of events between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m.

The town council held a public hearing during its Nov. 6 meeting to get public feedback, but the board ultimately decided the proposed event ordinance may not

completely address the noise complaints and kicked the issue back to the planning board for another look.

Town Attorney John Henning Jr. told the board that the only other option to address the issue was to look at creating a noise ordinance, which can be difficult to enforce.

Mayor Bob Scott said he felt comfortable passing the event venue ordinance.

“It’s a start to overcoming a serious problem,” he said.

Councilmember Barbara McRae said she liked the idea of an event venue ordinance over trying to enforce a police power noise ordinance.

Councilmember Patti Abel said she’d rather be sure they were passing something that would fix the problem once and for all.

“I keep hearing it’s an attempt but not that it’s going to take care of the issue — I think we need to table it and look at it further,” she said.

Councilmember Joe Collins agreed he wasn’t interested in passing the event venue ordinance that night without knowing for sure it would work.

Noise ordinances are notorious for being difficult to enforce, especially if they rely on restricted decibel levels. However, Macon County was able to approve a nuisance noise ordinance in April 2015 after much debate and work from the county planning board. The ordinance specifically prohibits nuisance noise, which was defined as “loud, unnecessary and disturbing noise” that is intentionally created to disturb someone’s peace.”

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Franklin to implement Main Street parking changes

Franklin looks to draft a noise ordinance

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Impeachment attorney faces allegations of misconduct Cherokee Court to determine whether Saunooke practiced law without a license

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER The attorney who argued for the impeachment of former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert has been issued an order from the Cherokee Tribal Court requiring him to show the court why allegations against him from former Attorney General Danny Davis shouldn’t result in disciplinary action.

In a letter sent to Chief Judge Thomas Cochran on his last day as attorney general, Davis wrote that Saunooke had committed ethical and criminal violations by appearing as legal representation for Tribal Council during the impeachment hearing in May and for Councilmember Albert Rose during a Board of Elections hearing the day before the letter was written.

Saunooke, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is a member of the Florida Bar but not of the North Carolina Bar. Tribal laws require attorneys to be members of the North Carolina Bar in order to gain admission to the Cherokee Bar and practice on the Qualla Boundary.

Out-of-state attorneys can get permission from a judge to represent a client — with a licensed attorney present — for individual cases by securing an order called a pro hac vice. Saunooke had secured such an order for court cases he argued surrounding the impeachment, but the order did not apply to out-of-court hearings before Tribal Council and the Board of Elections.

According to Davis, it was illegal for him to appear as an attorney in these settings without having a Cherokee Bar license.

“This is not the kind of conduct that I believe should be representative of the Cherokee Bar, and I am formally requesting that the Court investigate and take the appropriate action to rescind Mr. Saunooke’s pro hac vice order and his privileges to practice in the Cherokee Court as well as any other action the Court may deem appropriate,” Davis wrote.

Saunooke, meanwhile, called Davis’ complaint “frivolous and meritless,” stating that he intends to seek sanctions against him for bringing it. Saunooke believes the complaint is merely an attempt to tarnish his reputation as an attorney.

“It was only after he (Davis) was fired from the Tribe that he took this action,” Saunooke wrote in an email. “It is clear to me what is behind this act.”

Both Davis and Principal Chief Richard

Sneed said that Davis was not fired from his post as attorney general, but that both agreed that his decision to resign was for the best. Davis was hired by Lambert, with Saunooke instrumental in Lambert’s removal by impeachment.

Saunooke believes that the laws pertaining to his practice as an out-of-state attorney apply only to court proceedings, not to quasi-judicial proceedings like the impeachment or the Board of Elections hearing, referencing a 2008 court order stating that the requirement to be licensed in North Carolina did not apply to Saunooke, who was admitted to the Cherokee Bar prior to that licensing requirement going into effect.

The Tribal Council and Board of Elections authorized him to appear before them as an attorney, he said, and in that context that’s all the permission that was necessary.

In 2011 the Cherokee Court issued a decision disbarring Saunooke from the Cherokee Bar due to his lack of a North Carolina license. The disbarment didn’t stem from any misconduct on Saunooke’s part, the decision read, but rather from an attempt to “perfect the regulation of Bar admission” and “comport with the public policy of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”

“Nothing we determine today prohibits Mr. Saunooke from seeking to appear pro hac vice in the future,” the decision read.

“Mr. Saunooke may also choose to take the North Carolina Bar Exam.”

While Saunooke concedes that the 2011 decision prevented him from appearing before the court without a pro hac vice, he said that it does not apply to practice outside the court, as the piece of Cherokee code referenced in the court decision speaks exclusively to court appearances.

A different section, not referenced in the 2011 decision, covers practice by attorneys outside the court and states that an N.C. license is required for such practice.

However, Saunooke said, a court decision issued in 2008 found that this section did not apply to him.

However, the contents of Davis’ letter evidently concerned Temporary Associate Judge Sharon Barrett — who issued the pro hac vice Saunooke had obtained in April — enough to prompt her to issue an order to show cause.

According to legal website Nolo, an order show cause is “an order from a judge that directs a party to come to court and convince the judge why the judge shouldn’t grant an action proposed by the other side or, occasionally, by the judge.”

Barrett’s order states that Saunooke has until 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, to file an affidavit with his response, though he is advised that, because the allegations include criminal conduct, “you are specially advised that you are not precluded from asserting your right against self-incrimina-

Saunooke, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is a member of the Florida Bar but not of the North Carolina Bar. Tribal laws require attorneys to be members of the North Carolina Bar in order to gain admission to the Cherokee Bar.

the exam in 2000 due to the birth of his son and that in 2001 his test was not initially graded because his admission was challenged by thenPrincipal Chief Joyce Dugan.

“After three background checks and a full board hearing, my test was graded,” he wrote in an email. “I missed assign by one point.”

Saunooke has been part of the Florida Bar since 1993. He is a member in good standing with nothing listed on his 10year disciplinary history.

Saunooke said that he has not had any complaints on his record there prior to the current issue. He is also admitted to the Sixth, Fourth, Ninth and 11th federal circuit courts of appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and is a professor of federal Indian law and policy at Emory Law School and a presidential appointee to numerous American Bar Association commissions, he wrote in an email.

In response to a request for comment, Davis said that he couldn’t make any public statements in this matter, as the case is pending.

Jackson NAACP takes stance on monuments The Jackson County NAACP has taken a position regarding the existence of monuments that glorify the cause of the Confederacy, white supremacy and the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. “While we accept these monuments as a partial representation of the history of that era, they embody only one point of view. To tell the whole story, monuments to other historical experiences of that period and today must be created,” the NAACP stated in a press release. “All those who fought deserve our respect for the sacrifices they made, whether they volunteered or were drafted, regardless of which side they joined during the Civil War.” The NAACP stated that historical monuments in public places, other than in museums, should not include symbols of racial hatred such as Confederate flags, as they represent white supremacy, slavery, racial oppression and secession from the United States.

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tion, in lieu of a full statement of facts.”

Section 87-2 of the Cherokee Tribal Code states that each count of practicing law without a license carries a maximum punishment of a $5,000 fine and one-year prison sentence. If the court were to side with Davis, multiple counts could result.

After reviewing the affidavit and any other documents submitted, the court will decide whether a hearing should be held in open court. In the meantime, the order states, Saunooke is prohibited from practicing law in Cherokee.

“Mr. Saunooke is further advised that the practice of law, for purposes of this Order, is not limited to appearances in the Cherokee Courts, but encompasses the full ambit of the definition set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. 84-2.1,” the order reads.

Davis copied N.C. Bar Executive Director Tom Lunsford on his email notifying Cochran of the alleged misconduct, and the bar’s general counsel Katherine Jean said the bar’s unauthorized practice committee is aware of the issue but does not intend to act on it.

“They will not take action, and that is because these allegations would be better addressed by the Florida Bar, where he is licensed, or by the Cherokee Court, which had admitted him pro hac vice,” Jean said.

While Saunooke has never been a member of the N.C. Bar, he applied to take the exam in 1998, 2000 and 2001. Outcomes of bar exam applications are not public record, but Saunooke said that he opted not to take

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A new chapter Catamount School embarks on its first year

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t’s hard to find a place inside Western Carolina University’s Catamount School that isn’t buzzing with activity.

Opened this August to serve Jackson County kids in grades six through eight, the new school is nestled into a previously unused wing of Smoky Mountain High School, and until recently the office where Principal Bob Dinsdale keeps his desk was an old prom closet. Now, it’s a hub of activity, the door constantly opening for kids in search of a quiet place to take a test and teachers needing to use the printer or drop off a paper.

“It’s a revolving door,” said Dinsdale, a previous principal at Smoky Mountain High.

“That’s not a bad thing. You get to know kids quicker. You get to know what’s going on.”

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Smoky Mountain News

November 15-21, 2017

Quickness has been a hallmark of The Catamount School since planning for it began to unfold in January. Its launch was the result of a July 2016 act from the N.C. General Assembly requiring the University of North Carolina system to designate eight of its 17 institutions to start a laboratory school, to be charged with developing innovative teaching methods and aiding education programs for teachers and administrators. UNC then had to decide which eight of its schools would be involved and which four of those eight would open for the 2017 school year, with the other four opening in 2018.

It wasn’t until this winter that Western Carolina University received official word that it would be required to open with the new school year in August, leaving less than eight months to plan the instructional approach, hire faculty, recruit students, secure a facility and work out a host of other details necessary to successfully running a school.

Now, Catamount School students are nearly three months into the year at their new school, and Dinsdale said he’s happy with how things are going, especially considering the somewhat hectic lead-up to opening day.

With a capacity of 75 students, the school enrolled 57 for its first year, with that number eventually settling down to 55.

“Considering how quickly all this came together, we’re pretty happy,” Dinsdale said. “Our goal was around 50, and we got 16 over that.”

Eighth grade is the smallest class, with only 12 students, while the sixth- and seventh-grade classes both have more than 20.

About 25 percent of those students transferred from Cullowhee Valley Elementary School, and roughly another 25 percent were not part of the Jackson County Public Schools system last year. Slightly fewer than 25 percent came from Fairview Elementary School, with the remaining students a roughly equal split between Scotts Creek Elementary School and Smokey Mountain Elementary School.

No students came from Blue Ridge School, which is located near Cashiers.

That’s notable, because the legislation that created The Catamount School was targeted primarily to Blue Ridge School and Smokey Mountain Elementary School. Both those schools were last year rated as “lowperforming” by the state, and granting an alternative to students from schools designated as low-performing was part of the lab school legislation’s stated goal. Students from those schools received first-priority acceptance to The Catamount School.

However, Smokey Mountain Elementary represents just a fraction of the first class of applicants.

In other respects — such as racial makeup and numbers of gifted students and students with IEPs — The Catamount School closely mirrors Jackson Schools, Dinsdale said. However, the school doesn’t have any students learning English as a second language and its Native American population is lower than the countywide average at Jackson Schools, he said.

Amanda Clapp explains to her class how density is measured. Below: The freshly painted halls of The Catamount School borrow from the purple-heavy color scheme at Western Carolina University. Holly Kays photos

BUILDING IDENTITY Now in the thick of the school year, the folks at The Catamount School are relishing the opportunity to build their school identity from the ground up.

“The great thing about not having a tradition is you get to start it,” Dinsdale said.

“The phrase, ‘We’ve not done that here,’ or ‘that’s not what we do here,’ that’s not something you hear — whereas if you come into a school that’s been there for 30 years, there’s a certain norm,” he said.

The whole point of the Catamount School, at least in the legislature’s eyes, is to promote innovation and give kids who might be struggling in school an option offering more access to small-group and oneon-one attention. Having a blank slate as far as tradition is concerned certainly helps meet that goal.

The school employs four teachers, each of whom is responsible for a different subject, with a WCU intern also helping in each class. Each day starts with a PE class taught by a WCU intern and supervised by a WCU employee who is a PE teacher. Students then go to their first-period class and rotate through a couple periods until it’s lunchtime. In the middle of the day, students have club time, which is a chance to spend some time playing football, learning about world cultures, doing drama or pursuing any of a number of other options. Afterward, they cycle through their remaining classes before the bell rings at 3 p.m.

In setting up the school, WCU did its best to prevent some of the behaviors that often cause problems through the use of flexible furniture. There are tables that fit together and pull apart for use as individual desks or group work stations, high café tables where kids can swing their feet as they sit and wobble stools that allow fidgeting and working to coexist.

“We ask kids to sit for a long time, and then we get upset if they’re wiggling around and they have to stretch,” Dinsdale said.

“That kind of helps the bouncier ones.”

The school also does its best to lean on the diversity of expertise on Western’s campus to give students enrichment opportunities. Katy Elders, enrichment coordinator, makes it her business to explore those opportunities. So far, several stage and screen students have come over to give drama lessons, parks and recreation students have helped with a wildlife skills unit and international students have brought over the food and music of their home coun-

tries, among other special offerings.

Dinsdale said that collaboration will only increase in the future. Because Western’s instructors set their syllabi far in advance, the fast pace of The Catamount School’s opening made it difficult to put many of those partnerships in place initially.

“The music school is particularly interested in trying to get time to work out a more regular commitment from their students, so I think it will be a much heavier presence in the spring,” Elders said.

Those partnerships are especially important because kids at The Catamount School aren’t allowed to participate in extracurriculars offered through Jackson County Public Schools.

“We have Policy 4000 that tied our hands, quite frankly,” said Acting Superintendent Kim Elliott.

The policy states that students must be fully enrolled in Jackson Schools to participate in extracurriculars, and The Catamount School isn’t part of

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Jackson Schools. Allowing those students to participate in extracurriculars would have required the school board to rewrite the policy, Elliott said.

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Overall, the relationship between WCU and Jackson Schools is a tight one, both Elliott and Dinsdale said.

“I feel like because of the strong partnerships between WCU and Jackson County Public Schools, The Catamount School is going extremely well,” Elliott said. “We are sharing resources two ways, and for that I believe students in Jackson County Public Schools and The Catamount School will benefit.”

A memorandum of agreement between the two organizations outlines the broad strokes of the partnership. Jackson Schools will let The Catamount School use the facilities it needs within Smoky Mountain High School and will perform all routine and preventative maintenance. The Catamount School will provide its own staff and will fix any damage to the space for which it is responsible. Jackson Schools will provide food service and bus transportation to Catamount School students. To offset these costs, Catamount School will remit 30 percent of the per-student funding it receives back to Jackson Schools.

However, the partnership extends beyond those contractual bullet points.

Seniors at Smoky Mountain High are giving weekly, one-on-one music lessons to Catamount School students who want to learn an instrument. Elders has a high school intern working with her on enrichment planning, and Elliott sits as vice chair of The Catamount School’s board of advisors. Meanwhile, WCU’s technology intern responsible for assisting with tech equipment at The Catamount School is also helping at Smoky Mountain High School and is available for other system schools as well. In addition, all computers at use in The Catamount School will be recycled to Jackson Schools’ inventory after five years.

So far, the agreement seems to be working for both parties, trickling on down to the classrooms.

In the second-to-last hour of classes on a mid-term Thursday, Beth Poteat’s English class is engaged in a quiet session of individual reading, students spread throughout a room free of fluorescent lighting but displaying ample numbers of plants. Down the hall in Amanda Clapp’s science room, the kids are learning how to use water displacement to measure density.

“What do you have to know before you put something in the water?” Clapp asks.

One student guesses that you need to know its height, another guesses the weight and then a third gives the correct answer — that you’ve got to find out how much water there is to begin with.

Things are going well at The Catamount School, Dinsdale said.

At this point, he said, the biggest hurdle for the fledgling school is the distance to the nearest water fountain.

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Waynesville warns against scam Several residents have notified the Town of Waynesville that they have received calls from someone posing as a town representative and threatening disruption of electric service if a bill is not paid.

The Town of Waynesville has a process in place where prior to any disconnect of service written notices are provided. No collection calls are made by the town. This is a scam. The Police Department is aware of the situation and encourages citizens to be diligent and keep their personal and banking information private, and to notify the police of any suspicious activity with accounts.

Call 828.456.5363.

Smoky Mountain News

Kevin Ensley a “gun grabbing socialist” and a and therefore couldn’t confirm the length of the bans, or even the findings of the group “problem” and also expresses his motivation itself, although more than 100 people were to “replace the Commissioners who have in attendance at the meeting and a number caused so much problems in this county.” of social media posts appear to confirm the An undated email from Cabe to parties sanctions against Cabe, Miller, and West. unknown but assumed to be to someone in The party plan further states that the the HCGOP shows statements indicating he supposed sanctions are within the power of would vote for Ensley’s then-opponent Robin Greene Black, a Democrat.

Evidence presented against West consisted of an allegation

by HCGOP Chair Ken Henson that West and others had been “striking through the names of certain Republican candidates” listed on the party’s official voter guide, as well as an affidavit by Carolyn Inman that says she’d received from West at HCGOP headquarters a voter guide with the names of Ensley and U.S. Senator Richard Burr crossed out.

Miller had already gotten the boot from the HCGOP executive A Facebook post made by Paul Yeager committee in August; at a similar was offered by the NCGOP as evidence hearing in Bethel, Miller was of party disloyalty. Facebook photo asked to leave because he refused to turn off his audio recorder, and thus was tried in absentia, and removed from the HCGOP executive committee.

The NCGOP used Miller’s own Haywood the committee to levy.

Both Yeager and Davis appeared and Toeprints blog entry of Nov. 2, 2016, against attempted to defend themselves, with varyhim; in what he called a “conservative pick ing degrees of success. list” he listed candidates from Donald Davis was found responsible for a series Trump on down to Haywood County of Facebook posts that appeared on his wall Commissioners and suggests votes for in late October and early November of 2016 Brandon Rogers, a Republican, and Robin that say Ensley is “worse than a Democrat” Greene Black, a Democrat. Crossed out on and that he had voted for Ensley’s opponent, the list were Democrat Steve Brown, and the Democrat Black. incumbent Republican Kevin Ensley.

But Davis said he was in Asheville when Neither Cabe, West, nor Miller showed the posts were made, spending time with his up in Cary to present a defense; all were father, who passed away on Oct. 25. His found responsible for their behavior and tablet device, he said, was left at HCGOP given five year bans from party activity headquarters Oct. 19, and he didn’t have including but not limited to holding party access to it again until Nov. 8. office or attending party-related events.

Davis brought to the hearing a report he When contacted via email Nov. 12, made to the Waynesville Police department NCGOP Executive Director Dallas alleging his device had been compromised, Woodhouse said he couldn’t comment on as well as an affidavit by HCGOP Precinct proceedings in a closed executive session

November 15-21, 2017

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER n what appears to be the culmination of a strange saga that has played out from Haywood County to Raleigh since last spring, members of the North Carolina Republican Party voted to ban four Haywood County activists from party activity.

“The party holds its membership accountable to rules when it sees fit but ignores candidates and elected officials that blatantly disregard the reason for the party, which is the platform,” said Jeremy Davis, one of five charged and four found responsible for various acts of party disloyalty.

The sanctions come after the executive committee of the Haywood County Republican Party adopted a resolution asking the NCGOP to “make a termination [sic] as to whether certain actions of the persons below named registered as Republicans, rise to the level of party disloyalty as that term is defined in the aforesaid North Carolina Republican Party Plan of Organization.”

Those named in the resolution were Davis, Eddie Cabe, Monroe Miller, Richard West and Paul Yeager, all members of a splinter group called the Haywood Republican Alliance.

Members insist the schism with the HCGOP isn’t ideological, but rather, one of integrity; several of the Haywood Five formerly held leadership posts in the HCGOP until they were electioneered out of office this spring after taking over the party last fall.

Not long after the HCGOP resolution was adopted, an identical resolution was adopted by the executive committee of the 11th district Republicans, again asking the state party to intervene.

The NCGOP executive committee scheduled the resolution for Nov. 11 in Cary, and notified the Five that they’d be tried and were entitled to answer the allegations in person.

According to evidence presented at the hearing, the charges against Cabe seemed to be the most damning.

A series of Facebook posts made by Cabe dating back before the last election calls Republican Haywood County Commissioner

news

North Carolina Republican Party bans four of ‘Haywood Five

Chair Fred Stokely, who said he’d wandered in to headquarters one day during Davis’ absence and saw the device in HCGOP volunteer Lynda Bennet’s hand.

Still, Davis was given a three year ban.

Yeager, however, was found not responsible for Facebook activity on his account; on Sept. 4, 2016, Yeager shared a post from the Gary Johnson for President page. On it, a white tee shirt reads “Why choose the left nut [Hillary Clinton] or the right nut [Donald Trump] when you could have the Johnson?”

Rather than try to explain it away, Yeager said he basically told the NCGOP executive committee that it is what it is.

“It’s a joke, I’m sorry if you don’t get it.

Because of propriety, I won’t explain it to you here,” he said, drawing a few chuckles from those assembled.

After the hearing, Yeager told The Smoky Mountain News that the whole situation was an avoidable one; indeed, two last-minute attempts to avoid the hearing were attempted, but failed.

Yeager said and Davis confirmed that as they were awaiting their hearings, NCGOP Chairman Robin Hayes attempted to strike a deal with the pair, asking the HRA to change its name, and asking them to try to tone down the rhetoric of Cabe and Miller, who can be prolific in their emails to government and party officials.

Then, during the hearing itself, NCGOP executive committee member and Lee County GOP Chairman Jim Womack offered a motion to suspend the hearing pending the outcome of further settlement discussions.

The motion was voted down; Yeager said he thought it wasn’t so much that the committee wanted to “hang” anyone as much as they just wanted the ugly incident – which has drawn significant media interest across the region for the past six months – to be over.

“This was a sad day for everyone involved,” Woodhouse said. “There are no clear winners here. But hopefully everyone involved can simply move on.”

Davis, for one, seems reluctant to do so and said it’s not about preserving or regaining his membership in the NCGOP, but about defending his reputation.

“This is far from over,” he said. “I was falsely accused by the very people that I can prove fabricated the evidence.”

And in perhaps the best barometer of the HRA’s reaction to the bans, Davis said the HRA would host a “disloyalty party” at its Waynesville headquarters Nov. 28.

Sylva Methodist to host Open Door Meal An Open Door Meal & Sing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva.

The community is invited to enjoy a delicious meal, which will be prepared by church members, musical entertainment, and fellowship. Providing the entertainment will be the group is called “Turning Home.” This group is well known for its gospel Christian music. Members of the group are Noel Cagle, Debbie Ammons and Mark Jones.

The Open Door and Sing event is held on the fifth Wednesday in those months which have one. All are welcome and invited to attend.

19

news

Tourism authority changes subcommittees

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ased on recommendations from a consultant, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority voted to change the makeup of the 1 percent funding subcommittees in Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

The TDA collects a 4 percent occupancy tax on overnight lodging in the county to use toward promoting and marketing the county as a tourism destination. While 3 percent goes into one pot to market the county as a whole, the other 1 percent goes into a separate pot specifically designated for reinvestment into tourism-related projects within the zip code in which it was collected.

Each Haywood County municipality and Lake Junaluska have a 1 percent funding subcommittee whose job it is to review grant funding applications from its zip code and make funding recommendations to the TDA board before final approval.

These subcommittees were created in 2007 — with three people serving on the subcommittees in Canton, Clyde and Lake Junaluska and five members serving in Maggie Valley and Waynesville. Since it’s becoming more difficult to find qualified people to serve on those committees for three-year terms, Consultant Chris Cavanaugh with Magellan Strategy Group recommended the TDA board either do

November 15-21, 2017

B

within the appropriate zip code. However, the board voted Nov. 8 to require the subcommittees to be made up of a town representative recommended by the board of aldermen; a TDA board member from the zip code; and a member representing the hospitality industry in the zip code whether it be a hotel/motel owner or the owner or manager of a tourismrelated business. All subcommittee members would still have to be recommended by the board of aldermen and officially approved by the county commissioners.

Maggie Valley Alderman Mike Eveland, who also serves on the TDA board, said the last few “Committees have been very difficult appointments have been given to the first person to to appoint because of the various raise their hand just because attachments people have to different there’s not a lot of interest or because people had organizations or events that curb maxed out their term limits on the subcommittee. He their opinion one way or another.” said it’s also been difficult to — Mike Eveland get representatives who have the best interest of the entire community at heart instead of a specific organization. number of people serving on the subcom“Committees have been very difficult to mittees in Maggie Valley and Waynesville appoint because of the various attachments from five to three. people have to different organizations or The TDA board also wanted to give more events that curb their opinion one way or specific guidelines on who can serve on the another,” Eveland said. subcommittees. Under the old rules, the only Some people have mentioned that having requirement to serve was a member must live

away with the subcommittees or restructure them to make the overall process easier. He said the legislation establishing the additional 1 percent didn’t specify that subcommittees must be established — that’s just how the Haywood TDA and the communities decided to handle it.

The TDA finance committee reviewed all the recommendations presented by Cavanaugh and voted on a couple of important changes during a Nov. 8 meeting.

The board decided to keep the subcommittees in place but voted to reduce the

a town elected official or employee on the subcommittee could be a conflict of interest since some towns apply for 1 percent funding. For example, the town of Maggie Valley has applied for grant funding for a temporary ice skating rink.

TDA Chairman Lyndon Lowe said the town rep didn’t have to be an elected official or employee — a town board can pick anyone in the community it feels is qualified to serve the town’s best interest.

The TDA board also opened up the zip code requirement by saying a subcommittee member can live in the zip code or run a business in the zip code to be able to serve.

Eveland said that would allow more local businesses to have a say in the funding decisions.

Lastly, the TDA voted to hire a full-time administrative assistant position to help with administering the 1 percent grant funds as well as payroll and accounting to free up Executive Director Lynn Collins’ time to focus on other duties.

The new position, which gives the TDA four full-time staff members, was also a recommendation from Cavanaugh. The salary range is $35,000 and the hiring process will begin immediately.

“Part of the salary will come out of the 1 percent fund because a lot of the work will involve administering those grants and doing all that paper work,” Collins said. “Each zip code will pay a percentage toward it.”

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Smoky Mountain News

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The recently approved plans call for homes similar to these ones in an alreadyconstructed development.

Donated photo

New development gets the green light in Cullowhee

A

Paving project on I-40 under way

A N.C. Department of Transportation will begin replacing distressed asphalt on Interstate 40 between Fines Creek Road (Exit 15) and the Tennessee state line, starting on Monday, Nov. 13.

A crew from Harrison Construction of Asheville will mill out old asphalt that could degrade into potholes and replace the surface with new asphalt before winter conditions increase the difficulty of paving.

They expect to complete the work by Dec. 15, in time for Christmas travel. Crews will be working in eastbound and westbound lanes and will require daytime and nighttime lane closures.

However, all lanes will be open from Exit 15 to the state line each weekend between 3 p.m. on Fridays and 9 p.m. on Sundays. In addition, all lanes will be open during the Thanksgiving Holiday travel period from 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, until to 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27.

Smoky Mountain News

Partners.

With the economy rebounding and enrollment continuing to increase at Western Carolina University, Jackson County has been seeing increased interest from developers wanting to build in Cullowhee. The Cullowhee zoning ordinance, completed in 2015, anticipated that eventuality and put some parameters on how and where such developments could occur. The Little Savannah development is located in an area where such developments are expressly allowed, so no conditional use permit or other such permission was required.

The planning board dealt with one other development issue Nov. 9, a request from the developer of a soon-to-exist apartment complex along Speedwell Acres Road to do away with plans for a 20-foot retaining wall.

J.R. Johnson of Gainesville, Florida, developer of the Highlands at Cullowhee, has come to an agreement with the adjacent property owner that will allow him to use benching instead, negating the need for a wall.

The Speedwell Acres development had met strong opposition from area residents when it was initially approved in February, with neighbors saying that it would spur an increase in traffic and change the character of the community. However, the plans satisfied the requirements of the Cullowhee Community Planning Ordinance, and the development was approved.

November 15-21, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER fter receiving approval from two separate boards, a proposed 80-bedroom development along Little Savannah Road in Cullowhee has the green light to move forward.

During its Nov. 6 meeting, the Cullowhee Community Planning Council found that the development met planning standards outlined in the Cullowhee zoning ordinance, and the Jackson County Planning Board determined that plans met the county’s subdivision standards during its Nov. 9 meeting. No public comment was received, either for or against the development.

The development is planned as a multifamily development featuring 19 two-story houses, each 25 feet high with three to four bedrooms. Each bedroom would have its own adjoining bathroom, with a kitchen, porch and living space on the bottom floor.

The homes would be built on a 2.86-acre lot sitting on the corner of Little Savannah Road and Blackhawk Road, adjacent to the Rabbit Ridge of Cullowhee student housing development. The site would also include an outdoor recreation center.

The property has an average slope of 8 percent, meaning that the steep slope ordinance — which kicks in with grades of 35 percent or more — does not apply.

The developer for this project is Columbus, Ohio-based BroadStreet

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News, A&E, Outdoors coverage and more each week in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. Visit www.smokymountainnews.com to read, comment and search over 10 years of archives.

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Waynesville Soda Jerks awarded $10,000 Waynesville Soda Jerks were recently awarded with a $10,000 check from the North Carolina Farm Bureau for winning “Best Craft Beverage Startup” in American Farm Bureau’s Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The Challenge is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs with food and agriculture businesses. Through the competition, Farm Bureau has supported more than 1,000 rural entrepreneurs from 37 states, providing more than $500,000 in startup capital, mentorship, networking with investors and publicity.

Waynesville Soda Jerks make handcrafted soda and syrups of the highest quality and with the purpose of reconnecting consumers to the source to provide a distinct clarity of ingredients and supply chain, while maximizing local economic impact.

Shaw Industries looking for new hires Shaw Industries in Macon County will hold a hiring event from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at 41 Hardwood Drive in Franklin.

Shaw is searching for 30 or more new associates and has immediate openings for third shift.

Onsite interviews and application assistance will be available. Applicants can also apply online at shawfloors.jobs.

Maggie businesses to hold open house Maggie Valley businesses are invited to participate in the next Explore Maggie Valley event on Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9.

To be a participate, businesses are asked to have open house offers like special promotional offers, drawings, Christmas gifts deals and marketing giveaways.

Each business chooses its own hours for the two-day event. To be listed in the Explore Maggie Valley advertising, email your business name, business hours and event offers to organicbeanscoffee@gmail.com by Nov. 21.

Swain chamber to host ‘After Hours’ The Swain County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Business After Hours from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at McKinley Edwards Inn, 208 Arlington Avenue, Bryson City.

Rose Mary Cheek, innkeeper, and the owners invite members to view recent renovations and network with other Chamber members. Light hors

d'oeuvres and local beers and wines will be provided.

The next Business After Hours will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Everett Street Diner in downtown Bryson City. Owners Linda and Mike Shakar invite members to sample diner favorites, network with other Chamber members and learn more about their philanthropic mission.

SCC Small Business Center makes Top 10 Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center has been ranked among the Top 10 in North Carolina.

This success is due to the passion and dedication of SCC’s Small Business Center director Tiffany Henry.

“We are excited to be able to help as many individuals as we have,” said Henry. “These small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy. Having a small part in their success and growth is beyond rewarding.”

In the past year, SCC’s Small Business Center has served almost 1,900 people through seminars and programs. Henry has worked with 106 clients that resulted in 27 business startups, which created 241 jobs. There were also 69 jobs that were retained through helping existing businesses. www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc or 828.339.4211.

Harrah’s Cherokee wins casino awards Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort was recently recognized in Gaming South Magazine's yearly "Best Of" Awards.

Harrah's Cherokee was recently announced as a multiple first place recipient in the following

categories: Best Casino, Best Dealers, Best Live Poker, Best Poker Tournaments, Best Hotel Staff, Best Hosts and Best Comps. Additionally, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort also won 13 second and third place awards for best spa, best golf course, best hotel and more.

HCC to host Agribusiness Summit Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center and regional agribusiness partners will hold a free Regional Agribusiness Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, in the HCC Auditorium.

The one-day, multi-track summit is designed for the specific needs of current and prospective agribusinesses including farmers, value-added processors, beverage manufactures, food service businesses and more. Participants may choose between two tracks that will run concurrently: Track 1 — How to Start a Food-Based Business or Track 2 — How to Grow a Food-Based Business.

Visit sbc.haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register.

Mountain Credit staff supports worthy causes Mountain Credit Union staff and members have recently answered the call in a big way to raise money for two great causes — the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Disaster Relief Fund.

The credit union’s "Tee It Up For Diabetes" Golf Tournament raised $9,000 and will benefit the Greater Western Carolinas Chapter of JDRF. Simultaneously, Mountain Credit Union challenged its staff and members with a $2,500 donation match for Hurricane Harvey relief. This was part of a statewide effort spearheaded by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and was later expanded after the more recent storms. Staff and members donated $4,310 of their own funds and with Mountain Credit Union’s donation match of $2,500, a total of $6,810 was given to the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation for hurricane relief. www.mountaincu.org.

U.S. Cellular reopens Waynesville store To make shopping for wireless service an easy and enjoyable experience for its customers in Waynesville, U.S. Cellular has completed a remodel of its retail location at 225 Town Center Loop.

The new high-engagement store layout shows off the latest devices, accessories and technology, and it was designed with customers in mind.

This highly experiential store was built with state-of-the-art features and allows customers to personally interact with the different types of technology and devices on display. U.S. Cellular invested $150,000 in this Waynesville store, and it employs six associates.

23

• Cashiers Area Chamber Annual Meeting & Celebration will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 16, at The Orchard Restaurant & Event Barn in Cashiers. Winners of the 2017 Spirit of Our Community Awards will be announced. Geoff McBride, The Voice star performer and recording artist, will provide the evening's entertainment. 828.743.5191.

• U.S. Cellular has named April Taylor retail area sales manager for the company’s western North Carolina locations in Arden, Asheville, Hendersonville, Mount Airy, Waynesville, Wilkesboro and Weaverville. Taylor has 13 years of wireless experience.

ALSO:

• ConventionSouth Magazine has presented Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort with a 2017 Readers' Choice Award. ConventionSouth is a national multimedia resource for planning events in the South. Since creation in 2001, this is the first time that Harrah's has received the award.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Chef Randy Phillips was recently named Caesars Entertainment Hero Star for using his culinary skills to support many nonprofit causes, including Manna Food Bank, The Community Table and Cherokee Cancer Support Center.

Sylva pet store converts to adoption model Instead of selling dogs who are possibly coming from puppy mills, Fish and More Pet Store in Sylva will start offering rescued shelter puppies, dogs, cats and kittens for adoption.

The dogs will come from the Jackson County Animal Shelter and community partners. The store is the first pet store in North Carolina to convert to an adoption model, joining more than 2,600 other pet stores around the country that have signed The Humane Society of the United States’ Puppy Friendly Pet Stores pledge.

High Hampton Inn joins Benchmark Benchmark, a global hospitality company, has added High Hampton Inn & Country Club in Cashiers to its Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand portfolio.

"We are very excited to welcome High Hampton Inn to the Benchmark Hotels & Resorts brand portfolio,” said Benchmark CEO Alex Cabañas said.

“This scenic North Carolina property is one of America's most prestigious, historic resorts, with its rich history of hospitality extending back to the nineteenth century.”

A historic 115-guestroom property originally opened in 1932, High Hampton was one of the first resorts in Cashiers, a region renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, vast array of outdoor recreation, art, music and history.

24

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Thirty-four years later, Lightning still strikes L

Remember all the good taxes do To the Editor: Government and taxes are common complaints among conservatives, even though they benefit from both. Opinions in our local papers complain property taxes are too high, but our small western counties are among the lowest rates in North Carolina; at commissioners’ meetings, citizens demand the committee “prune” its budget for serious cuts to our public services. Mention taxes in most of the United States, and you will get a negative response; and people often vote for whoever will assure tax cuts, a frequent conservative agenda. Since before our revolution, taxes have incited resistance; yet much in our quality of life depends upon those terrible taxes.

Aside from the everyday costs of government, taxes have afforded us public schools (also Head Start, Pre-K, GEDs, job training, etc.), postal service, public libraries, public

chase of the necessary tools. Over the next several months we worked at several job sites. The company grew, and more of our college friends were recruited to help.

I thought I picked things up quickly. The concept of build-

Scott McLeod

ightning. It’s a yellow, 20-ounce Vaughn framing hammer with one of the claws broken that I’ve owned for about 34 years. It was purchased brand new at a building supply store in Boone, along with the leather tool belt and speed square that I also still use.

This past Saturday, I spent hours finishing the floor joists on what will eventually be a 20-foot-by-16-foot shed and workshop. This is the workshop I’ve been putting off building for, oh, about 20 years.

As the day wound down, I unbuckled the tool belt and studied my work, then I re-closed the belt’s clasp and hung it on what will soon be one of the corners of the shop. I took out the hammer and laid it on the joists, snapping a few pictures with my iPhone, the smell of freshly cut, treated wood mingling with aroma of fall in the late afternoon breeze.

There’s an attachment between this hammer and me, this inanimate tool made of metal and fiberglass with a rubber handle. I found it comforting to admit that and to spend a few minutes pondering that connection.

It’s not like a hammer is a musical instrument or a fishing rod. I would argue that neither of those is inanimate. The connection that happens between an accomplished musician — hell, sometimes even a practiced amateur — and the instrument can stir the deepest depths of one’s soul. Same with the person wielding the rod, a fish at the other end. There is poetry in that.

When I graduated from college in 1982, the unemployment rate in this country was 9.7 percent. We were mired in pretty solid recession. It didn’t fall below 6 percent until 1987.

Prospects were not very bright for a freshly minted English major during the Reagan Recession. So, after a year of working odd jobs and traveling, I went back to college, this time planning to earn a math degree.

Come 1984, things weren’t much better, but a friend had started a construction company in Boone and recruited me to work with him and learn carpentry work. After five years of college and intellectual rigor, I jumped at the chance to become a tradesman and work with my hands.

Hence the trip to the building supply store and my pur-

Editor

ing a house from the foundation up made sense to me. The math part came pretty easily; I could read a tape measure, use a framing and speed square to manipulate and understand the formulas for calculating roof pitches, rafter angles, hip and valley cuts.

The hands-on part was more of a challenge. I was strong enough and could tote wood, was not afraid of heights and could walk the two-by-four walls comfortably. I got adept with the skill saw, but the way the more experienced guys around me swung their hammers didn’t come naturally.

We were working on my first inside job, finishing a ceiling that had some expensive tongue-and-groove in the great room

community parks and recreation programs, national parks and preserves; government subsidies for agriculture ( a lifeline for small farmers), public elections, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; our transportation systems like highways, bridges, transport hubs like airports, subways, railways, buses, ferries; they supply and support our utilities, our police forces, our military, our national defense programs; social support systems, like unemployment and disability, public health clinics, hospitals and so much more; the quality of these services and the necessary maintenance are assured by the taxes we pay: the more we pay, the better our lives.

Sure, bad governance wastes our taxes but that should be handled in fair elections for all; public officials, unlike private companies, can be held accountable: taxes are our lifeline to a better future, and when they are continually cut, maintenance and infrastructure become degraded and unsafe.

In the 1930s under the New Deal, the CCC put hundreds of thousands to work in nation-

of a million dollar house. There were no nail guns at this point and I was too broke to buy a smaller, finishing hammer. Try as I might I kept missing nails and my Vaughn would strike the wood, leaving marks that shouldn’t have been there.

We came in the next morning and the contractor was there, pointing to the wood we had put up the day before: “Someone’s been boogering up my wood. That’s bullshit. It’ll have to come down.”

Tom, the friend who had recruited me, was pissed, and rightfully so. This was early in the life of his company, and he didn’t have the money to pay us to re-do a job we should have gotten right the first time. He didn’t rat me out to the contractor, but later when just our crew was around, he and some of the others started giving me a hard time.

“That was pitiful McLeod. I guess we’ll call that hammer Lightning since it never strikes the same place twice.”

They got a lot of mileage at my expense, and so the name remains. I got sent back to the framing crew, not yet ready for finish carpentry. I eventually left that job in Boone and Blowing Rock and spent another almost four years doing carpentry work, building houses and apartment buildings in Fayetteville, Raleigh and Cary. I remember driving my old Mazda truck up on job sites with my hand tools, including Lightning, my skill saw and a few extension cords and getting hired for work on the spot at what was pretty decent money at that time. “Have tools, will travel,” was my motto.

I eventually got pretty swinging that hammer, using it to build furniture, decks, additions, barns, playhouses, homes and more in the ensuing 34 years. The broken claw works fine, and it fits easily into the tool belt that’s still holding up — a few more notches let out in the waist line from when I first wore it in my mid-20s, fresh duct tape over a couple of holes to keep nails from spilling out.

And on this most recent project, there have been times when all is right, when the 16-penny nails are set with one strike, halfway in with next and smacked all the way to the hilt on the third. Again and again, settling into a rhythm.

Something like poetry. Lightning strikes again.

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

LETTERS al parks and forests, all supported by taxes; the Federal Emergency Work Act: again, taxes; Tennessee Valley Authority: taxes; Rural Electrification: taxes; Social Security: taxes.

The top wealth tax rate at that time was 79 percent, rising to 90 perxcent during and after the wars. New dealers believed that heavy taxes on the wealthiest were a moral imperative. Eisenhower continued these New Deal programs to insure a good life for all. Under Eisenhower, the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 was paid for by taxes. Our space programs, NASA: taxes; Refugee Relief Act: taxes.

Taxes gave access to healthcare for older Americans: Medicare was the flagship of a highly concentrated, three-statute endeavor.

The GI Bill transformed the college student body by removing the major hurdle to higher education for returning veterans: again, paid for with taxes. As a result, lower socioeconomic groups were finally represented on campus. The number of college stu-

dents nearly doubled in the 1940s, from 1.5 million in 1940 to 2.7 million in 1950, as veterans swelled the ranks. Veterans’ benefits: again, taxes; Workman’s Compensation: taxes. However, the tax rate dropped seriously in the 1980s and is currently at 39 percent for the wealthiest, before deductions.

I have missed many, under-stated more, but my intent is to call attention to the multitude of public services that income taxes, at the national, state, and local levels, provide; and to remind you that these many programs are being continually diminished by our foolish reluctance to increase taxes on the wealthiest. With increased taxes, restoring existing programs and infrastructure would create jobs and restore quality to these valuable American assets, especially in small towns and rural areas where taxes subsidize local farmers and businesses, fund public social services like our schools, our library and post office, our senior center, recreational facilities,

S EE LETTERS, PAGE 25

Chris Cox

T

infrastructure, and other county government services we have come to depend on: we all enjoy a better life when the quality of life is better for all.

Ruth Ballard Hayesville

It is very tough out there To the Editor: It really upsets me when I hear that the economy is doing good and the unemployment rate is down. Sure, people are working, but it means nothing if they still can’t afford housing. The cost of living goes up continuously, but wages don’t.

I live on Social Security and right now I pay over half my income on rent. And that’s without a kitchen. My health needs are such that I can’t eat the way I should without a kitchen. I’ve been approved for section 8, but can’t find a place that rents as low as section 8 now allows and meets my health needs (no stairs, no smokers, etc.)

I have a friend who loaned me money for a car so I could look for work. My health won’t let me work enough hours at minimum wage to make a difference. I have a master’s degree and the experience to find a part-time professional job that would make a difference. But even though I’ve been applying for work every day, I’ve

not even been called for an interview.

I owe a fortune in debt to the “for-profit” hospitals in the surrounding three counties, so I’ve not been able to get the medical care I need. I’m a skin cancer survivor who hasn’t seen a dermatologist in years, and I’ve had five eye surgeries, need more but haven’t seen my ophthalmologist either. And when I had asthmaticbronchitis recently, I had to make my way to the nearest Mission Hospital (non-profit) some distance away.

I wonder how many people realize that the “for-profit” hospitals can and do turn people away who owe them money. I can’t even get lab work. (they do have to stabilize you, before turning you away, if you come in by ambulance). I have been personally escorted from the campus when I tried to get labs drawn on tests that were paid 100 percent by Medicare. By the way, few things are 100 percent paid for my Medicare these days. My cornea transplant in one eye was, I’m guessing, about three times what it was in the other eye because in the one year since, Medicare quit paying for the cornea tissue, the greatest part of the cost.

I’m totally alone and don’t know what is going to happen to me. I hate that I’ve had this car for three months and haven’t been able to send any money to my friend who helped me get it. And you know what? I am far from the only one in this situation! This is the new normal.

Connie J. Conklin Whittier

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November 15-21, 2017

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APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

Smoky Mountain News

he list of allegations is dizzying and depressing. Every day, it seems, there are new reports of predatory behavior by someone famous, maybe someone you have admired. For me, it was Kevin Spacey and Louis C.K., both accused of horrendous acts of sexual harassment and/or assault. Both of these men — once beloved and held in the highest regard among lovers of film and television — have confessed and are now suddenly pariahs, having been fired from their various projects and awaiting whatever legal repercussions may obtain.

If you glance over the ever-growing list of men accused, you will see that there is no particular pattern, other than they are men, and that for whatever reason they felt entitled to treat women — and some men, usually younger, more vulnerable, men — in an unspeakable fashion.

“For whatever reason, they felt entitled.”

That is the crux of it, isn’t it? In the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of talk about “toxic masculinity,” but what exactly is it and what does it have to do with this tsunami of new reports of criminal, sexually deviant behavior on the part of men?

Twenty years ago, a movie called “In the Company of Men” engaged this same topic in a provocative and deeply unsettling way. The plot involved two men who work in an anonymous corporate setting who conspire to seduce — and then dump — the most vulnerable girl they can find just for sport, and if that sounds bad, unless you have seen the movie you have no idea how evil and appalling the attitudes and behavior of the men really are.

So, why make it? Why watch it? Because the movie had something important to say not only about toxic masculinity, but about how corporate culture dehumanizes men, who in turn dehumanize women as just one more means of “keeping score” in their lives.

Needless to say, the film was not a blockbuster. A lot of people hated it, including some critics. I think a lot of the anger resulted from LaBute revealing a dynamic that a lot of women might suspect, and that a lot of men would prefer not to confront: that the objectification of women is not only deeply ingrained in our culture, but very often suffused with a frightening and casual hostility.

I was sickened by the behavior of the characters in the movie, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I also felt implicated, not only for those occasions when I have objectified women myself, but for those other occasions when some other man, perhaps even a friend, said or did something not just sexist, but outright misogynistic, and I either remained silent

LETTERS, CONTINUED FROM 24

opinion

Men can no longer just look the other way

or tried to change the subject rather than challenging those ideas, no matter how grotesque.

So, how can we get a handle on this “toxic masculinity”? Consider for a moment how male sexuality is celebrated, while female sexuality is shamed. Promiscuous young men get a pass — or even a pat on the back — for having sex indiscriminately with as many female partners as possible, but if a young woman is sexually active with more than one or two partners, she becomes a “slut.”

If a young girl enjoys activities associated as male — rough and tumble horseplay, participation in sports, camping, and so on, she may be labeled as a “tomboy,” a harmless tag that it is assumed she will one day outgrow. Note that there is no parallel for this with young boys. If a boy enjoys any kind of play deemed as “female,” he will be discouraged and stigmatized as a “sissy” or a “pussy.”

The term “pussy” is very commonly Columnist used as a pejorative term to suggest weakness in males. A boy or man who is too sensitive or does not exhibit appropriately masculine behavior risks being called “a pussy,” a label that is about as damning as it gets in a culture of toxic masculinity.

If a boy or man in a relationship is not “wearing the pants” in the relationship — meaning that he is not in control of every facet and every decision or in any way cedes power to the female — he is “pussywhipped.”

If a boy does not excel in sports, he will be accused of “throwing like a girl” or “running like a girl.”

In all of these cases, values are defined in rigidly masculine terms: strength is defined as male, and weakness is defined as female. Masculinity is prized, femininity ridiculed. Is it any wonder that young boys who are discouraged from crying or from showing any hint of vulnerability or sensitivity grow up to be emotionally stunted males who have no idea how to communicate or how to empathize with another human being, especially a female human being?

There is just no way to grow up in such a culture without being deeply affected by it.

This is certainly not an excuse or a pass for those men who have been accused of these crimes, but we are kidding ourselves if we believe for a moment that it starts and stops with celebrities, and that their sense of entitlement springs entirely from their fame rather from a climate of toxic masculinity.

Candidate Donald Trump famously bragged about grabbing women “by the pussy” as a perk of his entitlement, and he was elected President of the United States.

Let’s hope that the days of looking the other way are over for good.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. jchriscox@live.com.)

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

828-456-1997

blueroostersoutherngrill.com Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

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tasteTHEmountains Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251 BLOSSOM ON MAIN 128 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

828.454.5400. Open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Mild, medium, to hot and spicy, our food is cooked to your like-able temperature.

Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy.

Traditional Thai food is known to be quite healthy, making use of natural and fresh ingredients, paired with lots of spices, herbs, and vegetables. Vegetarians and health conscious individuals will not be disappointed as fresh vegetables and tofu are available in most of our menu as well as wines and saki chosen to compliment the unique flavors of Thai cuisine.

November 15-21, 2017

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 bag-

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

BOGART’S 303 S. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.1313.

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

fresh salads, homemade soups and sandwiches. In the evening, social hour begins at 6 p.m.; dinner is served at 7 p.m., with entrees such as seared salmon, oven-roasted chicken and cast-iron skillet pork chops, complemented by locally-sourced vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer fine wines and local craft beer. Please call for reservations and join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view.

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

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

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-youcan-eat. Lunch menu from 12 to 2 p.m. with

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

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

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

fresh, organic salads, soups and more.

Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly.

Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

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

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

828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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.

EVERETT HOTEL & BISTRO 16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open daily for dinner at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations

There’s No Place Like J. Arthur’s for the Holidays!

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

Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

Closed Tues.

Sun. 12-9 p.m.

Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps 32 Felmet Street Smoky Mountain News

(828) 246-0927

Open noon to 6pm for Thanksgiving *reservations suggested

Thanksgiving complete meal $22.99

Country Vittles RESTAURANT

& GIFT SHOP

other selected menu entrees available

Featuring a Full Menu with Daily Specials PRIVATE DINING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS Monday-Sunday 7:00-2:00pm Closed Tuesday

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828-928-1817 2843 Soco Rd • Maggie Valley

3589 SOCO RD. MAGGIE VALLEY

828.926.1820

tasteTHEmountains that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials. 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.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

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

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

Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

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

Open for dinner at 4:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. 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.

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

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

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

828.586.3555. Open Monday through

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.

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.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A Waynesville tradition, the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop has been serving great food for over 20 years. Come in and enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere. Sub breads are baked fresh every morning in Waynesville.

Using only the freshest ingredients in homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Come in and see for yourself why Smoky Mountain Sub Shop was voted # 1 in Haywood County.

Locally owned and operated.

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.

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

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

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

Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.

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

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

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.

SALTY DOG'S SEAFOOD & GRILL 3567 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.9105. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Full service bar and restaurant located in the center of Maggie Valley.

Featuring daily $6 lunch specials and daily dinner specials such as $1 Taco Tuesdays and 45¢ Wednesday Wings. Backyard Bar is open every weekend thru October. Join us for every NFL game.

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

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

SMOKEY SHADOWS LODGE 323 Smoky Shadows Lane, Maggie Valley

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails!

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 6pm to 8pm

828.586.3555 • Downtown Sylva MadBatterFoodFilm.com

Need Some Supplemental Dishes or Pies for Thanksgiving?

View our catering menu or call us at 828.587.2233. Traditional or Gluten-Free Pies...

Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato 3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

Real New Yorkers.

Real Italians. Real Pizza.

Dine-In ~ Take Out ~ Delivery

An Authentic Italian Pizzeria & Restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge.

Just to serve you!

243 Paragon Parkway | Clyde Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Open Sundays Noon to 8p.m.

828-476-5058 NEW LOCATION OPEN!

Smoky Mountain News

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

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner.

The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

828.926.0001. Check Facebook page for hours, which vary. Call early when serving because restaurant fills up fast. Remember when families joined each other at the table for a delicious homemade meal and shared stories about their day? That time is now at Smokey Shadows. The menus are customizable for your special event. Group of eight or more can schedule their own dinner.

November 15-21, 2017

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

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

Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch.

Beer and wine. Free movies Thursday trought Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows.

Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m • Closed Sundays

499 Champion Drive | Canton Present this coupon and recieve:

10%

OFF ENTIRE MEAL

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

self by staying persistent to your vision of how things should be. A fellow traveler once told me, ‘It’s not whether the band will make it where you want it to go, because it will, give it time, it’s whether you can all stick together long enough to see it through.’”

And though they’ve had a couple of do-ityourself independent releases under their belt, The Freeway Revival’s latest album, “Revolution Road,” is a full-length, professionally crafted offering. It’s a sound that harkens back to those great jam-rock acts of the late 1990s and early 2000s, where names like Strangefolk, Dispatch and U-Melt immediately come to mind — all groups where jovial, inclusive harmonies were equally as vital as intricate, improvisational solos.

“In our style, we have the ability to play a song tight, but also each of the members has the ability to solo, which can generally make each take of each song pretty unique to itself,” Adam said. “We have that element in us from most jam bands, the ability to play a song that’s organized, but also tailored to be able to play it out a little. These are elements about

The Freeway Revival.

“Rock-n-Roll has always been the music of the counterculture and the anthem of those who fight social and political norms — it’s the rough underbelly of society struggling to be understood and accepted.”

Sense of wonder Freeway Revival releases new album, looks ahead

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER They stick out.

In a city like Asheville and in a region like Western North Carolina, world-renowned for bluegrass and Americana music, being a rockn-roll band is more the exception than the norm.

“Asheville is known for housing so much great music and we do feel fortunate to be in a place that’s so beautiful and inspiring. Our sound is very rock oriented, but we feel we’re influenced by most of the music styles around town. We feel we’re still learning from the scene, as well as taking part in it more,” said Jonathan Clayton. “Therefore, it’s easier to do something unique in these circumstances of having enough space to be original. Being original is a great advantage to have and this seems to benefit everyone here as well — it’s also what makes this scene so unique to itself.”

Lead guitarist for The Freeway Revival, Clayton and his twin brother, Adam, have created a whirlwind of sound, one where rock, jam and soul collide into a tone of joy and positivity — a music for not only personal enjoyment, but also social change.

“Rock-n-Roll has always been the music of

the counterculture and the anthem of those who fight social and political norms — it’s the rough underbelly of society struggling to be understood and accepted,” Adam said. “In a lot of ways, I feel rock has cycled back to the status it was in the beginning, a little on the outside, but close to the hearts of a growing listener base. Though the flame never died, rock’s role and value has changed in our society. It has gone back to the underground where it will remain until people can no longer put everyday life into words.”

Now in its fifth year, The Freeway Revival takes its name to heart, where the miles can sometimes seem as endless as the songs they stretch out into a free-flowing jam, radiating that sense of determination through adversity any — if not all — musicians face when trying to find footing in a world that either regards what they do as pure novelty, or at least doesn’t see the true and priceless value of it.

“At the end of the day, you have to make enough money to keep those wheels rolling.

Sometimes it’s hard to connect the dots. So, you have to make the investment and sacrifice in one form or another,” Adam said. “The state of things today is the inspiration that gives meaning to your art. This is your fuel, if you can make music that is relevant to these times and that people can grasp, especially after all the great artists that have come and gone, you have earned your credibility.”

— Adam Clayton

Want to go?

Rock acts The Freeway Revival and Dangermuffin (Americana/roots) will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Isis Music Hall in West Asheville.

The performance will also be a release party for The Freeway Revival’s latest album, “Revolution Road.” You can learn more about the band visiting www.freewayrevival.com.

Tickets are $12. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.isisasheville.com.

“We love to be on the road sharing our music with as many people as possible. I would say the biggest lesson we have learned is how to persevere and how to put it all on the line for something you love by holding nothing back,” Jonathan added. “The road has also taught us the value of hard work and staying true to your-

playing our music together that we all enjoy, [with] these jam-band qualities that are large parts of our sound.”

But, most importantly, the album is a culmination of years on the road, innumerable shows in towns far and wide, trying to make the band’s vision into a justified reality — to hold up close, to appreciate, and also use as inspiration for the next, bountiful step.

“Blazing our own trail and forging our own songs and sound has always been our cornerstone,” Jonathan said. “We’ve never been a band that leans on cover or tribute material. To us, it’s still about finding our own song and voice, and working hard to develop it.” “‘Revolution Road’ was the project that really seemed to unite us as a band. I think this sense of unity came from the fact that each member contributed so much to the record that everyone feels like it is, in part, personally their own,” Adam added. “We put the songs first, and discussed in a positive environment what we wanted to do with the music. During our live shows, we’re constantly exploring the soundscape within the chord structure. We rarely play a song exactly the same [each time onstage], and that is what the band has always been about — evolution.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

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November 15-21, 2017

It’s the carrot.

For the better part of the last 12 years, Rolling Stone magazine has been a carrot dangling in front of my eager, overzealous — and often restless — journalistic spirit.

In ninth grade, I was a dorky, happy-go-lucky kid, thick glasses and gelled hair, and yet already obsessed with music — good music. Not just the Top 40 stuff on the radio, I’m talking about The Grateful Dead, Sarah Vaughn, Chicago, The Who, Nat King Cole, Jimi Hendrix, Sly & The Family Stone, Blood Sweat & Tears, The Rolling Stones, etc.

This was the late 1990s, and there I was, this kid sitting in fourth-period art class, right before lunch and recess. Scanning the room, my gaze rose above the cute girls sitting nearby, above the bullies waiting for me to make eye contact, to the shelves behind the art supplies tables. There they were, stacks upon stacks of back issues of Rolling Stone. I’m talkA non-competitive talent show for third to 12th ing everything from the midgraders, the annual Student Talent Showcase 1980s all the way up to where I will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the stood, which was just before the Franklin High School Fine Arts Building. crossover into a new and uncertain millennium.

The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will Every free moment I had, host The Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues) at 10 whether it was getting a pass durp.m. Friday, Nov. 17. ing study hall to spend it in the Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will art room or those five free minpresent an event focusing on Aldo Leopold utes before the bell rang during and Horace Kephart at 5 p.m. Thursday, class itself, I was peeling back the Nov. 16, in the H.F. Robinson Building. yellowed pages of Rolling Stone. I was utterly absorbed. Cover stoThe Folkmoot Friendship Center will host a ries about The Grateful Dead, Middle Eastern Friendship Dinner from 6 to 8 Nirvana, Seinfeld, Neve p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in Waynesville.

Campbell or any pop culture figMountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will ure of our time — this was my host Frank & Allie (bluegrass/old-time) at 6 magazine, my portal to another p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. world I didn’t know, but was ready to immerse myself in.

And when it came to the final art class My art teacher, Mr. Gallagher, had witthat year, Mr. Gallagher had a surprise for nessed how much I perused through his me. After class, upon saying goodbye, he, Rolling Stone collection, and also took great with a glint in his eye, said, “Garret, I’m planpride in our ongoing conversations (which ning on moving around the room and maklasted until I graduated high school three ing more space for next September. I’m going years later) about the merits of his favorite musical acts, which usually would circle back to throw out all those old Rolling Stones, that is unless you want them?” I jumped at the to the underrated melodic majesty of progopportunity, my mother’s car trunk filled to rockers Supertramp (his favorite band).

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arts & entertainment

This must be the place

the brim with issues later that afternoon.

So, it’s no wonder how engrossed I’ve been with the new biography on Jann Wenner, founder of Rolling Stone, which also celebrated its recent 50th anniversary with an HBO documentary and plenty of media fanfare. Written with exquisite detail by Joe Hagan, Sticky Fingers: The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone Magazine, is a vividly, and often troubling read, one that encompasses the last half-century of American music, pop culture, ideals, politics, and essence, for good or ill. The portrait of Wenner as a power hungry, celebrity obsessed socialite turned media baron is as fair and accurate as it is eye-opening and brutal to retrace.

What’s surprising about the book and the picture it paints is that it simply isn’t that surprising at all, especially if you’ve been a longtime Rolling Stone reader and also a journalist yourself. As someone who has spent over a decade interviewing iconic musicians, politicians, pop culture figures, and also partakes in social commentary, what I came across in the pages of Sticky Fingers was more like post-modern America putting a mirror up to itself.

Reading about Wenner’s trials and tribulations, the “how did we end up here?” kind of vibe, you really can draw direct connections and similarities to where we stand as a country and culture nowadays, one obsessed with image, social status, and also the comfortability in thinking that celebrity much mean you either know something, know someone, or know a solution to the problems of everyday men and women.

Even since I decided those many years ago that — hell or high water — writing about music, people, culture, the arts, and politics, is all I wanted to do, I’ve kept at the top of that mountain of dreams the possibility of someday getting an article published by Rolling Stone, just to get in that masthead once, among the same names that sparked my internal flame of becoming a writer, one of courage and intellect, like my heroes — Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Tom Wolfe, David Fricke, and so on.

But, it doesn’t really matter if that dream happens or not. For the dream alone was enough fuel to have kept me going this long, some 12 years later from the starting line, where all those iconic covers and cover stories of Rolling Stone remain the unbreakable foundation by which I’ve grown — as a writer, and as a human being.

And, for that, I’ll be forever grateful to Rolling Stone, to Mr. Gallagher, to the film “Almost Famous,” and also my publisher at The Smoky Mountain News, Scott McLeod, who has given me the two things I desire most in journalism — freedom, and also as much editorial space as I need.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

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November 15-21, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the beat Radney Foster swings through WNC Acclaimed singer-songwriter and author Radney Foster will perform at 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 17, at Isis Music Hall in West Asheville.

Foster’s new album and book, For You To See The Stars, will be showcased during the show. The book is a collection of short stories published by Working Title Farm.

Though the stories are fiction, they are informed by Foster’s upbringing on the Mexican border in Del Rio, Texas. The story that most closely resembles memoir, “Bridge Club,” is a humorous and poignant retelling of the song “Greatest Show on Earth,” a recollection of playing music with family and friends on the back porch on a Saturday night.

Bryson City community jam A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to

While it’s evident that Texas has always been an inspiration for his music, in For You To See The Stars, Foster explores various landscapes, both physical and emotional, from the story of a retired spy in New Orleans, to the tale of a Dallas lawyer wandering the Rocky Mountains in search of redemption, to a post apocalyptic parable of a world in endless war.

Tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.isisasheville.com.

join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City.

The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — year-round. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

828.488.3030.

Christmas with Mountain Faith

Summer McMahan & Mountain Faith Band will premiere its new Christmas DVD at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

The performance was recorded live at the SMCPA late last year. This multi-talented group will offer a pre-show concert before the premiere presentation.

Mountain Faith Band is an award-winning bluegrass and gospel group with a unique style that speaks to music fans of all genres. This family band from Sylva represented Western North Carolina very well during their journey to the semi-finals on Season 10 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

They average 148 concerts per year and have performed with legends such as Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, and Loretta Lynn. They have also performed at the

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Grand Ole Opry and at sporting events for the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves, and San Francisco 49ers.

They were also honored to be chosen to participate in the Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival at Dollywood.

They have celebrated multiple number one songs throughout their career and released four albums. Their most recent album, “That Which Matters,” debuted at number one on Billboard Americana-Roots Charts. Mountain Faith was named “Emerging Artist of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association and lead singer Summer McMahan was named “Momentum Vocalist of the Year.”

Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

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On the beat

• The Canton Public Library will host Angela Easterling (Americana) at 3 p.m. Nov. 19.

Free and open to the public.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Nov. 17, 24 and 25, and Mean Mary (Americana) Nov. 18. All shows are free (unless otherwise noted) and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

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

828.488.8898.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Marc Keller (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. Nov. 24, Todd Hoke (acoustic) 7 p.m. Nov. 24 and The Mixx (Motown) 7 p.m.

Nov. 25. There will also be a Community Rhythm Circle every Tuesday at 7 p.m. with free drum circle lessons at 6:30 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

ALSO:

• Isis Music Hall (Asheville) will host Sue Richards & Robin Bullock 7 p.m. Nov. 15, James Maddock 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Great Blue 7 p.m. Nov. 16, Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line w/Miss Tess & The Talkbacks 8:30 p.m. Nov. 16, The Cheeksters 7 p.m.

Nov. 17, Radney Foster 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Brian Ashley Jones Trio 7 p.m. Nov. 18, Dangermuffin w/The Freeway Revival 9 p.m.

Nov. 18, Wendy Jones & Richard Shulman 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 and World Peace for Animals 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19. For more information about the performances or to purchase tickets, click on www.isisasheville.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Karaoke w/Chris Monteith Nov. 15, 17, 22 and 29, and Rob Black Band (Americana) Nov. 18. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

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• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 18. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday with Mike Farrington of Post Hole Diggers. Free and open to the public.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays, and an Open Jam with Rick 8 p.m. Thursdays.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Susan at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and live music on Friday evenings. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host line dancing every Friday at 7 p.m. and contra dancing every other Friday at 8 p.m.

828.586.6440.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host The Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues) Nov. 17, The MIXX (Motown) Nov. 18 and Whiskey River Band Nov. 24. All shows begin at 10 p.m.

• The Waynesville Public Library will host Honey Holler (old-time/Americana) at 3 p.m.

Nov. 18. Free and open to the public.

@Smoky MtnNews

Workshops, jamming and more!

Dec.1-2,2017 Dec.1-2,2017 Lake Junaluska, NC

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featuring: Darrell Scott Bryan Sutton and an All Star Band Flatt Lonesome Balsam Range The Atlanta Pops Mini-Orchestra Mike Snyder White Water Bluegrass Co. Lodging Packages available · www.balsamrangeartofmusicfestival.com

Smoky Mountain News

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) Nov. 17, The Remnants (Americana) Nov. 18, Heidi Holton (blues/folk) Nov. 24 and Tea 4 Three

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Frank & Allie (bluegrass/old-time) Nov. 18 and Twelfth Fret (singer-songwriter) Nov. 25. All shows are free and are from 6 to 9 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

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November 15-21, 2017

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Nov. 15 and 22, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Nov. 16 and 23. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

(Americana) Nov. 25. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

arts & entertainment

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host Tom Edwards (singer-songwriter) Nov. 18, Bill Vespasian (singer-songwriter) Nov. 24 and Heidi Holton (blues/folk) Nov. 25. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

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arts & entertainment

On the street Haywood Pathways fundraiser Guests are invited to experience an evening of elegance and fellowship in support of Haywood Pathways Center from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Maggie Valley Country Club.

Community outreach is a core value at Haywood Christian Academy and students, faculty and staff seek to serve Christ through

service to their communities and others.

Every year, students are challenged to evaluate and select a local charity that best aligns with their mission, and this year, they are proud to announce Haywood Pathways Center as the benefactor of their fundraising efforts.

Tickets are $30 each and guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and dancing. All proceeds from the charity ball will go directly to Haywood Pathways Center.

For more information, visit www.haywoodpathwayscenter.org.

Do you like moonshine, nonprofits?

November 15-21, 2017

KARE ‘Festival of Trees’ KARE will present its eighth annual Festival of Trees dinner and auction at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 16, at Laurel Ridge Country Club.

The event will begin with a cocktail hour. Dinner will be served with a live auction to follow. Local artists, merchants, and creative folk will contribute ornately decorated trees, centrepieces, and other handmade creations for both the live and silent auctions.

The Creative Tree challenge is open to local designers and community members to compete to raise the most money. Trees will be on display beginning Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Laurel Ridge Country Club. The Creative Tree that raises the most money will be named the 2017 KARE Festival of Trees winner.

This year’s event is sponsored by Susan Sorrells of Merrill Lynch, Jack Bishop III of Edward Jones, and Laurel Ridge Country Club.

KARE is Haywood County’s only Child Advocacy Center and provides services to child victims of abuse and their families

Smoky Mountain News

Christmas comes to Franklin With the theme “Winter Wonderland Nights,” there will be a special holiday celebration at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec 2 in downtown Franklin.

The showcase will feature living window displays, free wagon rides, tree lighting ceremony, live music, and much more.

The Franklin Christmas Parade will also be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, on Main Street. The parade floats will line up on Church Street entering Main Street through Town Hall’s parking lot. The parade will continue down Main Street, turning left onto Porter Street at the Lazy Hiker. Turning left again onto Palmer Street at the red light continuing to the Depot Street Intersection. Turn 32 right on Depot Street to disband parade.

Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley will host a “Special Tour Night” event from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, to support Women of Waynesville.

Come take a $5 tour of the distillery. All proceeds will go to WOW, an all-volunteer organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County. Each tour also includes up to six samples of Elevated Mountain’s craft spirits, which are available for purchase by the bottle at the distillery.

WOW members will also be at the event to talk more about the organization and our fundraising efforts. Call 828.550.9978 or visit www.womenofwaynesville.org for more information about WOW.

‘Plow Day & Harvest Festival’ through its Victim Advocacy Program.

KARE also offers parenting classes through the Positive Parenting Program, and creative, individualized developmental skillbuilding activities through its Parents As Teachers Program.

Tickets are available at www.karehouse.org. For more information, contact Julie Schroer at 828.456.8995.

For more information, contact the Franklin Chamber of Commerce at 828.524.3161 or www.franklin-chamber.com

Waynesville parade applications available The 2017 Waynesville Christmas Parade will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, on Main Street.

The parade is sponsored by the Town of Waynesville, Waynesville Kiwanis Club, and organized by the Downtown Waynesville Association. This year’s parade theme is “Christmas Smokies Style.”

Enjoy this annual community tradition as over 120 illuminated entries, dance academies, costumed characters, and local high school bands parade down historic Main

The annual “Plow Day & Harvest Festival” will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City.

This old-fashioned event is a hit with the entire family. Music jam, food, crafts, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and old-time farming demonstrations. $10 parking. Get lost in our very own themed Corn Maze.

There will be fresh made mountain barbecue, as well as pumpkin pies and apple pies for sale. Stock up on all our homegrown fall decorations, and choose from 25 different varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and decorative squash. www.facebook.com/darnellfarmsnc.

Street celebrating the spirit of the holidays.

Santa Claus makes a special appearance as the guest of honor.

Parade starts at First Presbyterian Church and proceeds down Main Street to Bogart’s Restaurant. All entries are required to use lights. Applications are available by emailing info@downtownwaynesville.com or calling the Downtown Waynesville Association at 828.456.3517. The entry fees are $20 for nonprofit groups not entering the float contest, $25 for non-profit groups entering the contest, and $30 for all commercial entries.

The nonprofit float contest awards are $175 for first place, $125 for second place, and $75 for third place. Commercial winners will receive a commemorative engraved plaque.

All applications must be returned to the Downtown Waynesville Association, 9 S. Main Street, second floor of the Police Department

or mailed to P.O. Box 1409, Waynesville, N.C. 28786 by noon, Friday, Nov. 17.

Christmas in Bryson City The “Spirit of Christmas” will be celebrated from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, in downtown Bryson City.

Carol with Santa from the caboose at Everett Street to the town square for the town Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

Afterwards step across the street to the Visitor Center for hot cocoa and cookies, letter writing to Santa, and a visit with St. Nick himself.

In the true “Spirit of Christmas,” bring a canned good to donate to the food pantry or a new unwrapped gift for the local toy drive.

800.867.9246 or www.greatsmokies.com.

On the street Western Carolina University is wrapping up its International Education Week at Folkmoot Friendship Center with a Middle Eastern Friendship Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in Waynesville.

Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a traditional Middle Eastern meal, catered

by The Döner of Asheville and will feature falafel wraps, red lentil soup and pita bread, tabbouleh and baklava.

At 7 p.m., guests will move to the multipurpose room for a film screening of “Bon Voyage” and a discussion of the journey of refugees with Fadia Afashe, a renowned visual artist from Syria, former Humphrey Fellow and lifelong activist; her husband Jay Abdo, a Syrian actor who has recently starred in “Queen of the Desert” with Nicole Kidman and “A Hologram for the King” with Tom Hanks; and Abeer Aman, a North Carolina resident from Yemen.

Tickets for this event are $15 for adult $10 for students and can be purchased at Folkmoot.org or by calling 828.452.2997. Limited seating is available so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Parking is free and available in the back of the Folkmoot Friendship Center.

Folkmoot’s year-round programming initiatives have been made possible

by Haywood Regional Medical Center, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Western Carolina University Folkmoot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating many cultures in one community. The Folkmoot Friendship Center is located in the Historic Hazelwood School at 112 Virginia Avenue in Waynesville. Staff can be reached by phone at 828.452.2997 or by email at info@folkmoot.org.

arts & entertainment

Folkmoot Middle Eastern Dinner

• There will be a community potluck, live music and an outdoor movie from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Dinner indoors with live music. Bring a side dish or donation. Outdoor screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” after the meal. Bring your own chairs.

• The “Polar Express” will depart Nov. 17-22 and 24-26 from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. For more information on departures or to purchase tickets, visit www.gsmr.com.

• “Lighting Up Maggie Valley” will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Tree lighting, Santa strut contest, pictures with Santa, live music, food and coat donations, ugly sweater contest, and more.

• “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion.

Free admission. For more information, call 828.335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

November 15-21, 2017

• “Letters to Santa” will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 23 at the Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City. Drop a line for Santa. Materials provided. Call the museum for Santa appearances: 800.867.9246.

ALSO:

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 and 25 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 and 25 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.

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

• The High Mountain Squares will host their “All Singing Calls Dance” from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin. Dr. Jim Duncan from Otto will be the caller. Western Style Square Dancing, main/stream and plus levels. New dancer lessons will begin Feb. 12.

Everyone is welcome. 828.342.1560 or www.highmountainsquares.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host the Jackson County Corn Hole Association on Monday evenings ($5 buy in, 100 percent payout), Karaoke with Captain Moose from 7 to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Trivia at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and a Guitar Hero Tournament at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. 828.586.6440.

33

Sylva holiday art sale Just in time for holiday shopping, Gallery 1 in Sylva is featuring small works of art for sale by its artist members. The exhibit will run through Nov. 30.

The list of art included in this special exhibit is as follows: photography, blown glass, alcohol inks, block prints, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, oil paintings, encaustic, metalwork, stained glass, fused glass, quilt collage and mixed media.

Featured artists in the small works exhibit are Terry Barnes, Frederick J. BauKnecht, Beth Bowser, Ken Bowser, Wanda Browne, Curtis Browne, Tracey Chapple, CynDe Copple, Jonathan Lee Dills, Fitzallen Eldridge, Ashley Hacksaw, Amos Earl, Pamela Haddock, Isabella Jackov, Joe Klerlein, Tim Lewis, Joe Meigs, Judy McManus, John Meile, Jim Smythe, Teri Leigh Teed, Phil Watford, and Gayle Woody.

Gallery 1 Sylva, the oldest art gallery in Jackson County, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this

New Macon art exhibit A showcase of artwork from Justin Moe will be on display through the month of November at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

“This exhibit is a mix of older and recent pieces. Over the past couple of years my output has slowed a bit — at least in my eyes and head it has — and that has been bothersome at times for me,” Moe said. “I think sometimes every artist goes through lulls. Artists have to be okay with the fact that sometimes the visions come on like a gusher, and at other times they rest in an eddy waiting to be cultivated and brought in to fruition. The muse sometimes lets you know to ‘rest,’ so as not to become a creator who just repeats themselves over and over.”

For more information, visit artbyjustinmoe.weebly.com or 34 www.facebook.com/artbyjustinmoe.

Smoky Mountain News

year. The gallery offers multiple genres and a taste of the beauty of Western North Carolina.

Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.gallery1sylva.com, www.facebook.com/artinthemountains and www.instagram.com/gallery1_sylva.

‘Hard Candy’ holiday craft show

November 15-21, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the wall

The 30th annual “Hard Candy Christmas” arts and crafts show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24-25 inside the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University.

Expect a dazzling display of fine hand crafted creations such as Father Christmas dolls, fresh mountain greenery, and folk dolls. The ornament collectors always find new additions for the tree.

Admission is $5 for a two-day pass.

Children under 12 are free. Parking is also free. For more information, www.mountainartisans.net.

Want to visit artisan studios?

Celebrating the numerous local artisans in our backyard, the Graham County Artisan Drive-About tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24-25.

Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain counties. On the tour, meet some of the artists that make Western North Carolina famous for arts and crafts.

Brochures that include the map and information for the driving tour are available at all studios on the tour. The Schoolhouse Café at the Stecoah Valley Center will be open for light snacks both days of the tour.

For more details, visit www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/artisans.

Native American exhibitions at WCU In the WCU Fine Art Museum main gallery through Dec. 8 is the nationally traveling exhibition “Return from Exile: Contemporary Southeastern Indian Art,” curated by Tony A. Tiger, Bobby C. Martin, and Jace Weaver.

The exhibition features more than 30 contemporary Southeastern Native American artists working in a variety of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, basketry, sculpture, and pottery. “Return from Exile” is one of the first major exhibitions to focus on contemporary artists from tribal nations with an historical connection to the Southeastern United States. These include the so-called Five Civilized Tribes, the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Muscogee (or Creek), and Seminole, all of whom were forcibly removed in the 1830s to present-day Oklahoma as a result of the

Indian Removal Act of 1830. The title of the exhibition represents the return of these artists to their ancestral homelands.

The WCU Fine Art Museum received a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host this exhibition and organize a one-day symposium focused on contemporary Native American art, which occurred on Nov. 10.

The museum is also presenting “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions.”

This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks recently given to the museum and includes a number of artists not previously represented in the collection. The WCU Fine Art Museum stewards a collection of more than 1,500 artworks in all media — from painting and printmaking to book arts, sculpture, ceramics, and contemporary craft. www.wcu.edu.

WCU discussion on Vietnam War film

ing of a trailer from the 10-episode series, which originally aired on PBS on Sept. 17-28.

Richard Starnes, dean of WCU’s College of Arts and Sciences, will make opening remarks. Alex Macaulay, associate professor of history at WCU, will give a historical context of the war, with Jen Schiff, director of WCU’s International Studies Program, providing a political context. Vietnam veterans will discuss their wartime experiences and views on the documentary series, followed by a question-and-answer session.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Heffelfinger, director of motion picture studies in WCU’s English Department, at heff@email.wcu.edu or 828.227.3930.

The recent Ken Burns documentary series on the Vietnam War has sparked renewed discussion on the conflict, including Western Carolina University’s College of Arts and Sciences hosting a special event to hear local voices.

Vietnam veterans and WCU faculty, along with campus and community members, will engage in conversations on topics raised by the PBS series beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, in the A.K. Hinds University Center theater.

The evening’s agenda includes the show-

Fine Art Museum new acquisitions The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the exhibition “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26 in Cullowhee.

This WCU Collects exhibition showcases a selection of artworks recently given to the museum and includes a number of artists not previously represented in the collection. The WCU Fine Art Museum stewards a collection of more than 1,500 art objects in all media — from painting and printmaking to book arts, sculpture, ceramics, and contemporary craft.

As the museum continues to research and interpret the collection, purchases and gifts expand and strengthen its holdings. New acquisitions find their way into the collection through a variety of routes and particularly through the generosity of donors.

All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions are free and open to the public. For further information, please visit go.wcu.edu/wcucollects or call 828.227.3591.

The WCU Fine Art Museum boasts four art galleries with exhibitions year-round.

The Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.wcu.edu.

On the wall

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Bookstore

Sara T. Baker’s

Debut Novel on Friday, November 17th at 6:30 p.m.

3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

THANK YOU! The Shining Rock Classical Academy Live/Silent Auction was a great success thanks to these generous donors. The funds raised will help supplement experiential learning and field trip expenses for all students of Shining Rock Classical Academy.

November 15-21, 2017 Smoky Mountain News

The Town of Sylva and the Sylva Public Art Committee invite artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for an artist to develop a mural concept and for installation of mural by artist(s) on the wall of Ward Plumbing & Heating on Mill Street in downtown Sylva.

An artist or artist team is being selected to develop the first public mural downtown.

The mural concept is for the artist to create mural representative of a vintage postcard that is engaging and representative of the community. The Public Art Committee envisions a historic postcard with the letters of Sylva filled with five of our community’s attributes. The Town of Sylva and Public Art Committee will consider other mural concepts that are representative of the community. If interested and schedule permitting, the artist may have the opportunity to work with art students at Western Carolina University to engage more of the community. Artists should indicate whether they are interested in this in the artist statement.

Once the concept is reviewed by the Sylva Public Art Committee and the Board of Commissioners, the artist will be responsible for materials as well as the labor to paint the approved mural onto the wall. Please note the specifications on the attached drawing including the surface area of the block wall at approximately 53 feet in length and a height of 21 feet eight inches. The town asks that the top of the wall remain a solid color or simple pattern for easier maintenance.

Artist finalists may propose design concepts with a final project budget of up to $10,000. The final proposed project budget must be inclusive of all fees, including but not limited to design fees, costs for installation, materials, administrative costs, insurance and all travel expenses related to the project upon artist selection through completion of the project. Artists will be required to meet the town’s insurance requirements.

The Town of Sylva follows the definition of an artist as being a professional practitioner in the arts, generally recognized by his or her peers as possessing serious intent and ability. Any artist team 18 years of age or older who are authorized to work in the United States are eligible to apply.

Preference will be given to artists residing in Jackson, Haywood, Macon, Buncombe, and Swain counties. Secondary preference will be given to residents within a 300-mile radius.

Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Applications and materials must be received by this date and time to be considered. Please include the following in the subject line: Downtown Sylva Mural Project.

For questions about submissions, what is expected in each submission or to confirm receipt of materials, contact Sylva Town Manager Paige Dowling at 828.586.2719 or townmanager@townofsylva.org. Include the following in the subject line: “Downtown Sylva Mural Project.”

Serving All of WNC

arts & entertainment

Open call for Sylva mural

828.349.3390 or 828.332.8511 FRANKLIN, NC

Field Trip Sponsors: Mary Coker • Kim Dawson • Anna Eason • Larry & Nancy East • Ashley Fitzgerald • Debby Hendrix Robert James • Wayne Porter • Ben Pusser • Rebecca Reeves • Jerimy & Joanne Rinker Jon and Deanna Schleifer • Nikki Smathers • Amy Wood • Rob & Kelly Worth 35

arts & entertainment

On the wall

Horace Kephart.

Program on Leopold, Kephart documentary

Smoky Mountain News

November 15-21, 2017

Western Carolina University will present a double-header event focusing on two early 20th-century Americans who were pioneer conservationists and remain respected as outdoor authors Thursday, Nov. 16, in the ground floor auditorium of H.F. Robinson Building.

Aldo Leopold, a founder of wildlife management science and author of Sand County Almanac, will be the topic at 5 p.m. David Henderson, director of WCU’s Environmental Science Program, will speak on “The Gavilan and the Gila: Aldo Leopold, Two Rivers and Wilderness.”

Last spring, Henderson traveled through Mexico and New Mexico following a route

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taken in the 1920s and 1930s by Leopold, whose thinking and concepts about wilderness and land health were shaped by his experiences along those two rivers. Those views helped establish 558,014 acres of the Gila National Forest in New Mexico as the first designated wilderness area in 1924. The program will be hosted by WCU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion in celebration of UNESCO World Philosophy Day. Horace Kephart, a proponent for the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and author of Camping and Woodcraft, is the subject of an 80-minute documentary to be shown at 7 p.m. Kephart, an Ivy League educated librarian who came to the Smokies as a freelance writer and editor, died in 1931 near Bryson City. “Kephart, His Life and Legacy” was produced by his greatgranddaughter Libby Kephart Hargrave, who will briefly discuss the film following its showing. The program is hosted by WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center.

The event is free and open to the public. A reception and meet-and-greet will take place between the two programs in the first floor lobby of the Robinson Building. An exhibit featuring artifacts from the Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart collection will be on display and DVDs of the film will be available for purchase.

For more information, call the Mountain Heritage Center at 828.227.7129.

Sylva celebrates ‘Three Billboards’

Filmed in Sylva last summer, the Hollywood A-list movie “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” will have a special celebratory event from 3 to 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 17, in downtown.

“The Sylva Red Carpet” is a free photo opportunity event. Drop in anytime between 3 to 6 p.m. at Sassy Frass Consignment (the location used in the film for the Ebbing Police Department) to get your photo taken on the red carpet by paparazzi photographers.

All participants will receive a movie passport booklet, which will direct you to other downtown businesses where you’ll get your passport stamped and have a

chance to win prizes. After-parties are planned and festivities will continue throughout the evening at other downtown businesses. More details are coming soon.

Some photos may be selected for publication on Facebook and in local media.

Optional 5”x7” photos will be available to purchase ($5 donation for the first print, $2.50 for each additional copy) and may be ordered at the event for pick-up at — Livingston Photo the following week.

All proceeds will benefit Mainstreet Sylva Association.

For more information, contact Jason Kimenker at friends@panthertown.org or visit www.mainstreetsylva.org.

On the wall

‘It’s a Small, Small Work’ exhibit The Haywood County Arts Council annual show, “It’s a Small, Small Work,” will be held through Dec. 23 in HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville.

The show provides a unique opportunity for budding artists to exhibit their work, as

• The “Handmade Holiday Sale” will be from noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

ALSO:

• The Waynesville Fiber Friends will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month at the Panacea Coffee House in Waynesville. All crafters and beginners interested in learning are invited. You can keep up with them through their Facebook group or by calling 828.276.6226.

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7

Adults $30.95 • Young‐at‐Heart (70+) $22.95 Children 6‐12 $14.95 • Kids 5 & Under Free ——————————————————————————— SOUP

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Haywood County Arts Council seeks to fulfill its mission to build partnerships that promote art and artists, explore new cultural opportunities, and preserve mountain artistic heritage.

The Haywood County Arts Council and its Gallery & Gifts is located at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. For more information call 828.452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

well as the opportunity for more seasoned artists to test their boundaries.

All pieces submitted are exactly 12” or smaller in every dimension, including base, matting, and frame. All art work is for sale, priced at $300 or less, and must have been created in the last two years. Commission will be the gallery’s usual 60 percent (artist) to 40 percent (HCAC) split. www.haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.

p.m. on Thursdays (Nov. 16, 30) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

176 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE • WAYNESVILLE 828.456.3551

• There will be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required. For information, call 828.349.4607.

Smoky Mountain News

• Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For the full schedule of screenings, click on www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

NOVEMBER 23 •11:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M.

November 15-21, 2017

In its 40th anniversary year, the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) received a $4,500 grant from the Fund for Haywood County to engage a marketing firm to update their organizational identity. Now, following months of work with 7 Ton Co., the HCAC is proud to share its new look with the wider community.

After reviewing several logo options, the HCAC Executive Director and Board of Directors selected a modern logo that plays on the artistic traditions of Haywood County.

The logo was described in this way by the designers: “Honoring the rich traditions of the region, this concept uses a simplified version of a traditional quilting pattern to act as a symbol of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the historical artistry of Haywood County.”

Lindsey Solomon, executive director of the Haywood County Arts Council, shares, “I am so excited about this new look for a new season of growth in the HCAC. Though our old logo was a more literal arts interpretation — dance, music, and visual arts — this version is more regional and abstract, allowing us to explore more artistic mediums and opportunities. I feel that it reflects our broader artistic community in a fresh way. I hope the community loves it as much as we do.”

The Haywood County Arts Council would like to thank the Fund for Haywood County and The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, whose grant funding made this updat-

ed look possible.

For more information about The Fund for Haywood County, please contact Mallette at 828.734.0570. To learn more about The Community Foundation and its affiliates, visit www.cfwnc.org.

The Haywood County Arts Council is a nonprofit agency that serves artists and arts organizations in Haywood County. As an affiliate of the North Carolina Arts Council, the

arts & entertainment

New logo for Haywood Arts Council

• A “Youth Art Class” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Appalachian Art Farm on 22 Morris Street in Sylva. All ages welcome. $10 includes instruction, materials and snack. For more information, email appalachianartfarm@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.

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Macon youth talent showcase

WCU to present Sondheim musical

A non-competitive talent show for third to 12th graders, the annual Student Talent Showcase will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Franklin High School Fine Arts Building.

This event features talented students chosen from the county’s public schools, performing a variety of entertaining acts from vocal and instrumental numbers to dance, gymnastics, comedy routines, and more.

Starting this year, the showcase is adding an annual spotlight school. The spotlight this year will shine on East Franklin Elementary, with a number of East Franklin students appearing in supportive and sometimes surprising roles throughout the show.

Admission is $5 adult, $2 youth age 16 and under, and $15 family (two adults and their children). Proceeds support the Arts Council’s Artists-in-the-Schools Program, an Arts Council/Macon County Board of Education partnership.

Franklin High School is on Panther Drive, off Business U.S. 441 in Franklin. The showcase is produced by the Arts Council of Macon County, and is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

For information contact the Macon Arts Council, 828.524.2787 or arts4all@dnet.net.

The beloved Stephen Sondheim musical “Company” will be staged Thursday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 19, by Western Carolina University’s School of Stage and Screen.

The production is part of the school’s Mainstage theatre season.

Shows are scheduled at WCU’s Hoey Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16-18 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 19.

With music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by George Furth, the musical tells the story of a habitually single man, Robert, who is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions on the night of his 35th birthday. The show will be directed by Sarah Norris, a New York City-based director and artistic director of New Light Theater Project. Bryan McAdams, visiting assistant professor of musical theatre at WCU, will serve as musical director, and D.J. Williams, a senior theatre arts major, will oversee choreography.

The cast is composed entirely of WCU students, with Benjamin Sears playing the

role of Robert. Others in the cast are Mary Gipe, Kyle Southern, Lauren Hunkele, Hunter Taylor, Annie Sorey, Caleb Warren, Kelly McCarty, Corey Barrow, Tayler Harris, Dylan Renken, Marthaluz Velez,

Allie Spengler and Autumn Cravens. Students in the dance ensemble are Williams, Alexa Hendrickson, Annelise Henry, Kelsey Aycock, Rei Sakurado and Derrick Bass. Two students, Nina Sepulveda and Helen Miller, will have understudy/swing responsibilities along with several members of the dance ensemble.

Student members of the production team, in addition to Williams, are Kirsten Smitherman, stage manager; Chris Price and Kendall Poindexter, assistant stage managers; Holly Records, assistant costume designer; and Stephanie Moyse, props masters. Other WCU faculty and staff members on the production team are Lindsay Chapman, production manager; Tory Depew, costume designer, Terry Martin, set designer; Spencer Burke, lighting designer; and Daniel Gonko, sound designer.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for WCU faculty and staff, and seniors. For tickets or more information, call 828.227.2479 or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

November 15-21, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the stage

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On the stage

HART’s production will have performances at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18 at 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Harmons’ Den Bistro is open for dinner before the show on Friday and Saturday and for brunch on Sunday. Reservations for the HART Studio are recommended.

To reserve a seat for the studio or for bistro reservations simply call the HART Box Office at any time at 828.456.6322 and leave your name, phone number, the number of guests and the date of performance you would like to attend. Regular ticket prices are $10 for all adults and $6 for students. www.harttheatre.org.

The Highlands Performing Arts Center will present the MET Opera’s (“Live via Satellite”) American premiere of Thomas Adès’s “The Exterminating Angel” at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Inspired by the classic Luis Buñuel film of the same name, “The Exterminating Angel” is a surreal fantasy about a dinner party from which the guests can’t escape. Tom Cairns, who wrote the libretto, directs the new production, and Adès conducts his own adventurous new opera. The pre-opera discussion, led by Beverly Wichman, begins at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

Smoky Mountain News

LIVE VIA SATELLITE PRESENTS ‘EXTERMINATING ANGEL’

November 15-21, 2017

The production of “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney will return to the stage Nov. 17-19 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

The play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize when it premiered in 1988. “Love Letters” centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Using the epistolary form sometimes found in novels, they sit side by side at tables and read the notes, letters and cards in which over nearly 50 years they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats that have passed between them throughout their separated lives.

arts & entertainment

‘Love Letters’ returns to HART

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

Character has one foot in earth, the other in paradise M side with tragedy, particularly in the hilarious scene where Billy and Francisco try to enter

Jeff Minick

ichael D. O’Brien, Canadian novelist and painter, essayist and lecturer, is the author of what I call “door-stop” books. His works of fiction, most of which I have read and all of which I enjoyed immensely, are hefty tomes which, if one so wished, could double as dumbbells, weapons of defense, and as I say, door stoppers.

In his latest fiction, The Fool Of New York City (Ignatius Press, 2016, 279 pages), O’Brien has eschewed the weighty novels of the past for a book of more conventional length. Here he tells the story of a Writer man nearly eight feet tall, a giant named Billy, and the lost soul whom Billy rescues from cold and hunger in New York City, a homeless, amnesic wanderer who calls himself Francisco de Goya.

Billy, a failed basketball player living on the sale of his family farm and some insurance money received via a horrific accident, was himself once a victim of amnesia and so sympathizes with the man he calls Francisco.

Determined to help heal his new friend, Billy escorts Francisco on a tour around Manhattan, taking him to art museums and familiar landmarks, explaining that, “The more places we go, the more you’ll remember.

We need to find the pocket where your brain put the key and forgot about it. Maybe it’s not just one key but many keys — a keychain.”

As the two men travel and explore in hopes of locating this keychain, O’Brien takes readers on a journey of their own. He gives us his take on several painters, sits us down in various diners around Manhattan, shows us that what appears as true love may crumble and fall apart, and deepens our appreciation of Billy, a man who is goodness personified.

Along the way, we encounter comedy side by

Canada without the proper documentation.

Later, when the two of them make their way to Vermont, O’Brien offers us lavish word portraits of the forests, fields, streams, and tumbledown buildings that once loomed large in Francisco’s past.

Unlike most of O’Brien’s other novels, which could fairly be described as “Roman Catholic fiction,” a designation I mean as a compliment, The Fool Of New York City

Folk School ‘Literary Hour’ The John Campbell Folk School and NC Writers Network West are sponsoring “The Literary Hour,” an hour of poetry and prose reading held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Keith House on the JCFS campus in Brasstown. n Dr. Linda G. Jones joined the faculty of Young Harris College in 2009 and is currently an associate professor of biology and Dean of the Division of Mathematics and Science. She has a number of interests outside of the science classroom, which includes reading and writing poetry. She is a member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network and a participant in the NetWest poetry critique group. n Staci Lynn Bell, a Chicago native, has lived in Western North Carolina for the past five years. She attended University of Wisconsin, Madison majoring in Communications. She relocated to South Florida, gaining popularity as a 25-year radio and television personality and passionate animal advocate. After retiring from

avoids direct religious denotation. O’Brien and his characters focus instead on other subjects: the fall of the Twin Towers; memory and how it shapes our past and our future; the nature of compassion; the influence of material objects — a toy truck, a stuffed duck, yellowing ancient letters, and so on — on our lives and our dreams; the many ways we love and care for one another.

Although Francisco de Goya — not his real name, by the way — narrates most of this story, it is Billy who leaves the greatest impression on the reader. Located somewhere between Isaac Bashevis Singer’s “Gimpel The Fool” and Dostoyevsky’s Prince Myshkin, Billy is a guileless man in a fallen world, a man whose heart matches his size and appetite. Billy brings to mind the New Testament admonition that “unless you convert and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” The giant is one of those rare beings with one foot on earth and the other in paradise.

One test of good fiction is whether we find the characters believable. In The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka gives us Gregor Samsa, a man who wakes to find himself a giant cockroach. In A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole introduces us to Ignatius J. Reilly, who is, as Walker Percy wrote in his foreword to the novel, “a slob extraordinary, a mad Oliver Hardy, a fat Don Quixote, a perverse Thomas Aquinas rolled into one.” Both of these books are classics, in part because their authors

broadcasting, Bell worked for many years training working dogs and rehabilitating rescues. Her poetry and prose have been published in Old Mountain Press, fall edition of Kakalak 2016, the National Wolfwatcher Coalition Charity Anthology, Wild Goose Poetry Review, 234 Journal and her short story “Cheyenne” took second place, while her poem, “Time” took third place in the 2016 NC Cherokee/Clay Senior Games Sliver Arts. Bell is a member of the North Carolina Writer’s Network and Ridgeline Literary Alliance.

The reading is free of charge and open to the public.

Coming-of-age during the Civil Rights era Sara T. Baker will present her debut novel The Timekeeper’s Son at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

made their central characters as real to us as our next-door neighbors.

Is Billy the giant believable?

I think so, though finding a Billy in the real world may present a conundrum.

The reasons for this difficulty lie in Billy’s nature. With his generosity and somewhat simpleminded talk, Billy has a touch of Forrest Gump about him, yet his goodness goes beyond the lovable fool played by Tom Hanks in the movie. Unlike Forrest Gump, who bumbles his way into fame and history, Billy is a man on the street, a pedestrian who draws stares from passers-by only because of his extraordinary height. He shows absolutely no interest in recognition for his good works, but performs his acts of charity in private and without expectation of award.

In Billy, therefore, O’Brien creates a character we may fail to recognize because such people hide their good deeds from the glare of the public spotlight. They constitute that small number of living saints who make the broken world in which we live more bearable by their unseen presence and undisclosed gifts.

Two caveats: The first chapter of The Fool Of New York City is told in the second person singular. That use of “you” quickly grows annoying, but O’Brien reverts in the rest of the book to the more suitable “I” as narrator of the tale. Get through the first chapter, and the pace of the story immediately picks up.

Much later in the story, we learn that Billy has a premonition of disaster about the Twin Towers and tries to warn people days ahead of time about 9/11. He hands out thousands of leaflets announcing the coming catastrophe, and is arrested once for doing so. Surely the police and the FBI would hunt down an eightfoot tall man who had predicted the attacks on the Towers.

Those quibbles aside, high marks for this one. And though not a Christmas story, The Fool Of New York City would make a wonderful holiday read.

A literary coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights era and the fraying social net of the New South, the book follows the burgeoning impact of one teenager’s careless act on his family and community.

Baker’s fiction has been published in Crab Orchard Review, Cleaver, Confrontation, H.O.W. Journal, The China Grove Journal, The New Quarterly, and has been shortlisted for the Bridport and Fish contests.

Her poetry has been published in Stone, River, Sky: An Anthology of Georgia Poems, published by Negative Capability Press, The 2011 Hippocrates Prize for Poetry and Medicine, The Apalachee Review, The Healing Muse, Ars Medica and elsewhere.

Her work has been shortlisted for the Eludia award, she has been a finalist for the Gertrude Stein Award, and the Hemingway Days First Novel Contest, among other awards.

To reserve copies of The Timekeeper’s Son, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

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November 15-21, 2017

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Outdoors

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42

A place to heal Retreat center for combat veterans works to establish in Cullowhee

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hen Margo Capparelli, Ph.D., first began her career, she had little idea that it would develop such a strong focus on helping combat veterans that she would one day drop everything to found a retreat center serving them.

But that’s exactly what’s happened.

Capparelli, 53, is founder of Equinox Ranch, located on 23 acres in Cullowhee that she hopes to get in shape to begin operations by late spring or early summer in 2018.

“All I can say is I’m following some dream of mine, and I’m always amazed at how many people want to help and are contributing in a variety of ways,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”

Ten years ago, Capparelli, a sociology professor, she landed a teaching position at the University of Maryland European division, an experience that would soon reveal itself to be life-changing. The job involved teaching classes on U.S. military bases in Djibouti, Bahrain and Kuwait.

“It was an amazing experience,” Capparelli said. “Being in the middle of the desert in Kuwait is not really for everyone, but I loved it.”

Her three years in that position awakened her to the challenges of military life, and to the issues veterans face when they return

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home. When she came back to the U.S., she rerouted her life, obtaining a master’s degree in psychology and taking a job at a veteran center, answering calls for the National Veterans Suicide Hotline.

“All those things have impacted me, but on the national veterans crisis line I just listened to people at night who are in crisis, whether they’re veterans or a veteran’s family member, and you see both the problems and the weaknesses of the solutions,” Capparelli

Dr. Margo Capparelli stands on the recently rebuilt porch at Equinox Ranch.

Donate to Equinox Equinox Ranch is working to raise $100,000 toward renovation of a house just south of Western Carolina University that will one day house a retreat center for combat veterans.

The ranch is the brainchild of psychologist Margo Capparelli, Ph.D., and the idea is that sessions will be offered to veterans free of charge once the renovations are complete. Donations of time and expert labor are needed to get the building up to snuff, and monetary donations will be needed on a continuing basis to complete renovations and help run the program.

Donate online at www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/equinox-ranch-renovation or contact Capparelli at equinox.ranch@yahoo.com.

A large field near the entrance of the property could prove useful as a gathering spot for outdoor activities when the program launches. Holly Kays photos said.

She started thinking about how those solutions could be better.

ENVISIONING A MOUNTAIN RETREAT That train of thought ended in Cullowhee, where she and her Realtor discovered a 23acre property located off of N.C. 107 just past Western Carolina University that’s looped by the Tuckasegee River and equipped with a house, a boathouse and a flat, grassy field.

The house was once the home of H.F. “Cotton” Robinson, who was chancellor of WCU from 1974 to 1984.

“We couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful place,” said Capparelli, who is from Massachusetts.

Her hopes for the ranch are high. She wants to offer combat veterans who come there a multitude of therapy options, including traditional individual and group counseling, but also other, nonverbal therapies such as fishing, yoga, art, music and — down the road — therapies using horses. She wants the ranch to be dog-friendly, as well, and is still working out the details on how to allow at least a limited number of dogs to join their veteran owners for sessions.

“It’s a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world, and I think for healing that’s important,” Capparelli said.

She’s designed the program based on the needs and shortcomings she’s seen during her time working in veterans services. For example, the dog-friendly aspect.

When she worked the crisis line, it wasn’t unusual for Capparelli to be on the phone with a veteran whose devotion to his dog kept him from seeking hospitalization.

“They would say, ‘I would go to the hospital, but there’s no one to take care of my dog,’” she said.

The program will be longer than many existing retreat-based services, with veterans coming for two two-week blocks. The longer blocks of time will provide a more immersive experience, allowing the benefits to build and giving time for veterans to develop trust with the ranch’s staff. The idea is that veterans will leave after two weeks and then return for another session in about 10 months.

Equinox Ranch will also be free to all combat veterans — with no requirement to detail what kind of trauma was experienced in order to gain admission.

“You need to show that you’re a veteran and that you had combat service, but other than that you don’t have to tell us anything gory — ever, if you don’t want to, and definitely not for the application process,” she said.

That, too is a decision that grew from her experience working in veteran services. She remembers one incident in particular in which she was trying to get a veteran she was working with into a hospital. They sat down to fill out the application — and there was a spot asking him to detail every trauma he’d experienced while in combat. The answer space was about half a page, but the form invited him to attach additional pages if necessary.

“He just threw down the paper and left my office,” she said.

Equinox Ranch won’t be giving out diagnoses, and the setting will be far removed from the sterile, institutional feel of a hospital. Veterans will be housed in individual — albeit small — rooms that will allow them some privacy and better ability to deal with the sleep issues that many veterans battle, such as nightmares, insomnia and sleep apnea.

“A lot of the stuff that you call a diagnosis or problematic behavior, it’s stuff that keeps you alive when you’re overseas — not sleeping, hyper vigilance, moving on without expressing emotions,” Capparelli said. “It’s just when you come home that that becomes problematic, and it’s one of the reason why it usually takes a few years at least for people to feel the full brunt of their experiences.”

The goal of time at the ranch, Capparelli said, will be to give veterans a chance to get away from their real lives for a bit and be in the company of people who understand what they’re going through. Then, perhaps, they’ll be able to open up enough to start processing the experiences they’ve had in a meaningful way.

“The ability to write or talk about what happened is to me real healing,” she said.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT It’s a lot of work to design a program and get an old house in shape to accommodate groups of 10 veterans plus a handful of staff.

Luckily, that’s not a task Capparelli has had to take on alone.

“I love it here. I think it’s such a community-based place, and I meet people all the time — it’s, ‘Let me know what

Campsite creation proposed on the Chattooga Jackson-Macon county line between Cashiers and Highlands.

At each of the nine sites, an area the size of a tent pad would be cleared of existing vegetation, with larger user-created sites naturalized over time. Group sites with the capacity to hold a maximum of three tents are possible at two sites in Macon County and would be managed to reduce impacts.

A fire ring of some type would be designated at the center of each site.

Comments should be within the scope of the proposed action, have a direct relationship with the proposed action and include supporting reasons for the responsible official to consider.

Send comments to comments-southernnorth-carolina-nantahalanantahala@fs.fed.us or by regular mail to Thom Saylors, District Ranger, Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, N.C. 28734. Fax to 828.837.8510 or hand-deliver between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on business days.

Winter farmers market underway The Jackson County Farmers Market is nailing down its schedule for the winter months.

The market will be open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. indoors at The Community Table in Sylva every Saturday in November, as well as the first three Saturdays in December for the Holiday Bazaar and the full month of March. There will be one market day each in January and February, with dates to be announced later. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

Donated photo

greet between the two programs in the first floor lobby of the Robinson building.

A display of artifacts from the Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart collection will be on display with documentary DVDs available for purchase.

828.227.7129.

Smoky Mountain News

tions. Countless numbers of WCU students and faculty members have donated their time and expertise to the cause. A couple in the area moved to Florida and allowed Equinox to take everything that was left at the house — a donation that included quite a few items that were sorely needed. Home Depot is donating a variety of items for the kitchen renovation and Jennings Builders Supply and Hardware in Cashiers is work-

ing to get the ranch a low price on cabinets.

The list goes on.

Equinox Ranch also includes a fourmember board of directors, two of whom are military veterans. As time goes on, Capparelli hopes to see Equinox become a fully integrated member of the community, giving service as well as receiving it.

“We really want to be part of the community, and we want to give back Volunteer crews help rake up as much as we the thick covering of newly get,” she said. fallen leaves at the house.

For now, though, Equinox is on the receiving end of the community’s embrace, and Capparelli is continually amazed by the fact that more often than not, it’s the volunteers who thank her for the privilege of raking leaves or hefting a hammer. Those contributions, in turn, will give Equinox a leg up toward its goal of helping America’s protectors heal from the unseen wounds of war.

“It’s a win-win,” she said.

Aldo Leopold.

November 15-21, 2017

I can do or here’s what I can offer you,’” she said. “It’s a great place.”

Team Rubicon, a national nonprofit team comprised of veterans, has been to Cullowhee twice to help with the renova-

A double-header event focusing on two pioneer conservationists and outdoors authors will be offered starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, on the ground floor auditorium of the H.F. Robinson Building at Western Carolina University.

Aldo Leopold, founder of wildlife management science and author of Sand County Almanac will be the topic at 5 p.m., with Director of the WCU Environmental Science Program David Henderson speaking on “The Gavilan and the Gila: Aldo Leopold, Two Rivers and Wilderness.” Last spring, Henderson traveled through Mexico and New Mexico following a route that Leopold took in the 1920s and 1930s and found to shape his thinking about wilderness and land health.

An 80-minute documentary on Horace Kephart, a major proponent for establishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will commence at 7 p.m.

Kephart, an Ivy League-educated librarian who came to the Smokies as a freelance writer and editor, died in 1931 near Bryson City. The film “Kephart, His Life and Legacy,” was produced by his great-

great granddaughter Libby Kephart Hargrave. Hargrave will briefly discuss the film following its showing.

The Leopold program is hosted by WCU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion in celebration of UNESCO World Philosophy Day. The Kephart program is hosted by WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center.

Free, with a reception and meet-and-

outdoors

A proposal to create nine new campsites along the Upper Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Corridor in the Nantahala National Forest is open for public comment through Dec. 10.

In a 2012 decision, the U.S. Forest Service ruled that camping in this area would be allowed only in designated sites, but currently no campsites are designated along the Upper Chattooga. Campers have created their own sites, resulting in damage to soil, water and vegetation.

“Designating these nine sites would limit the number of overnight visitors at one time, reduce campsite density within the wilderness and within the Wild and Scenic River corridor outside the wilderness, as well as facilitate adaptive management,” reads a Forest Service scoping letter.

Three of the proposed areas are located on existing user-created sites, with the remaining six on currently undeveloped sites. The area in question crosses the

Explore the lives of Leopold and Kephart

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outdoors November 15-21, 2017

Stock the Pigeon

Legends of the Fly nominees named Nominations for this year’s Southern Trout Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame include several anglers from the Smokies region, two of whom are in Western North Carolina.

Jim Mills, a fly tyer and rod maker who lives in Whittier, and Alen Baker, a Charlotte resident who spearheaded the creation of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, located in Bryson City, are both on the list of nominees.

Other nominees from the larger region include Jeff Durniak of Rabun County, Georgia; Byron Begley of Townsend, Tennessee; and Cap Weiss of Caldwell County, North Carolina.

Inductees will be chosen based on an online poll at www.southerntrout.com/hall-offame/, with voting open through Jan. 3, 2018.

Voters can choose from new candidates as well as from the list of candidates nominated last year. North Carolina candidates from 2016 include Jim Casada, Roger Lowe, Rex Wilson, Kevin Howell, Jim Gasque, Ben Craig and Fred Hall.

Winners will be announced Jan. 5, 2018.

Trout fans are invited to help the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Trout Unlimited Cataloochee chapter stock the West Fork of the Pigeon River, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16.

Volunteers are invited to bring a clean 5-gallon bucket, trash bags and friends to help stock around 1,500 pounds of fish. Waders are also recommended. The job will take about three hours to complete, with at least 25 volunteers needed.

It’s the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s responsibility to stock the river, but having a volunteer force to help allows the fish to be dispersed more evenly along the river, resulting in a more enjoyable fishing experience.

The group will meet at a parking lot that’s past Lake Logan and before Sunburst Campground off of N.C. 215, across from the shooting range. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a rod for fishing afterward.

Ron Gaddy, tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

A young volunteer learns how stocking is done.

Holly Kays photo

Get schooled on winter birds Bird conservation veteran Larry Thompson will present a program called “Winter Birds in Your Yard and Garden” at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the Bethea Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska.

Thompson served as vice president of the National Audubon Society’s Southeast Region for 23 years and is a former executive director of the N.C. Wildlife Federation, among other prestigious positions.

The program is offered as part of the Tuscola Garden Club’s regular monthly meeting. The club will gather at 9:30 a.m. with the program starting at 10 a.m. and a short business meeting at the program’s conclusion. Teresa Brothers, 828.246.0437.

WAYNESVILLE JUDO CLUB HOSTS 29TH ANNUAL FALL BRAWL

Smoky Mountain News

Front: Tanner Keener, Ace Rogers, Kaitlyn Daly, Siler Smathers, Trevor Daly Back row: McKayla Stratton, Logan Grasty, Andy Rickman, Sensei Jimmy Riggs, Mason Keener, Katie Keener, David Daly, Joka Daly. Not pictured: Braden Riggs, Daniel Vaughn, Jessi Shell, Zane Shell.

The Waynesville Judo Club hosted the 29th Annual Fall Brawl Tournament on October 7 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. There were almost 100 competitors from six different states. The team took home 18 medals for the day.

The club practices Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm at the Waynesville Recreation Center. This is open for all boys and girls ages 5 and up.

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION For more info contact 44

828.456.2030 Sensei Riggs at 828-506-0327

Botanist Alice Eastwood.

Donated photo

outdoors

Women in botany in these fields from the colonial period through the 20th century, their contributions are not well known. Woods will highlight several of these women in her talk, discussing their lives, their contributions and their legacies. She’ll also touch on the tools that early botanists used for their fieldwork. sapsncga@gmail.com.

November 15-21, 2017

A discussion on the role that women have played in botany and horticulture throughout America’s history will be offered at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Jean Woods, president of the N.C. Native Plant Society, will lead the talk.

While women have played a significant role

Pisgah comes in first for volunteer hours

Robbinsville resident Dick Evans received the Benton MacKaye Trail Association’s highest honor at the organization’s recent 2017 Annual Meeting.

Evans was given the Distinguished Service Award for his many hours of work on trail maintenance and construction. A past BMTA president and past coordinator of maintenance for the N.C. and Smokies sections of the trail, Evans is best known for accomplishing the 21-mile trail relocation at Yellow Creek, which removed the Benton MacKaye Trail from a dangerous stretch of public highway and reopened a section of

Dick Evans. Donated photo

former Appalachian Trail mileage between Tapoco Lodge and Fontana Village, allowing direct access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Smoky Mountain News

Trail volunteer honored

newsdesk crafts

The Pisgah National Forest logged the most volunteer hours of any other national forest in 2016, earning Pisgah the Volunteer Award at the 2017 Regional Forester’s Honor Awards ceremony this month.

About 400 volunteers put in more than 92,000 hours of volunteer work in 2016, accomplishing a variety of tasks. Volunteers maintain hundreds of miles of trails, work on road maintenance projects, address erosion in riparian areas to reduce sedimentation in streams, pick up trash, treat invasive species and help teach visitors about recreation and conservation.

“Volunteers are woven into the very fabric of the Pisgah, and the district is committed to supporting them to the greatest extent possible,” said a press release issued by Pisgah National Forest.

The Regional Forester’s Awards recognize groups and individuals in the Southeastern U.S. who go above and beyond in demonstrating their commitment to excellence and hard work.

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# 314 - free hat

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outdoors

Friday & Satturday, November 24 & 25 10 5

Five new bridges provide the missing link on the Foothills Parkway. NPS photo

Foothills Parkway complete

for the Artts

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and online at a StecoahValle a yCenter.com/tour

Use Our Mobile To our Guide

121 Schoolhouse h Road,, Stecoah ((Robbinsville))

Smoky Mountain News

November 15-21, 2017

828-479-3364

came to a halt due to slope failures and erosion during construction of the last 1.65 miles, known as the missing link. Over the last seven years, Charlotte-based Lane Construction Company has worked to complete the section with a series of five bridges at a cost of $48.5 million.

Since 1966, $178 million has been invested in this 16-mile section of the Foothills Parkway spanning parts of Blount and Sevier counties.

Grant will help get kids outside {Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

A $13,300 grant from Duke Energy will help the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District further its soil and water conservation projects.

The district plans to use those funds to purchase farming equipment and to support Camp WILD, a summer camp for rising seventh- and eighth-graders focusing on getting kids outside and performing hands-on science experiments.

The Duke Energy grant was developed in recognition of the soil and water conservation issues affecting Duke’s Nantahala Area hydroelectric projects.

Land protected at Sandy Mush

Smoky Mountain Living celebrates the mountain region’s culture, music, art, and special places. We tell our stories for those who are lucky enough to live here and those who want to stay in touch with the place they love.

Subscribe or learn more at smliv.com MAGAZINE

46

For the first time, vehicles can drive the entire 16-mile section of the Foothills Parkway from Walland to Wears Valley, Tennessee.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which manages the Foothills Parkway, celebrated the bridging of this “missing link” last week, the culmination of a project that began with the launch of the section’s construction in 1966. Most of the roadway was complete by 1989, but the project then

Sandy Mush community in western Buncombe County.

The 149-acre North Turkey Creek tract in the Newfound Mountains is surrounded on two sides by land that SAHC protected A recent purchase of 149 acres by the between 1995 and 2011 and contains some Southern Appalachian Highlands high elevation areas, with a maximum elevation of 4,300 feet.

Streams originating from the property’s upper slopes flow into North Turkey Creek, a main stem of Turkey Creek.

A gift from Brad and Shelli Stanback made the acquisition possible.

SAHC plans to own the land long-term as a A winter view from the nature preserve.

North Turkey Creek SAHC is an property. Donated photo Asheville-based land trust that has protected more than 71,000 acres of land in Conservancy has added to a contiguous Tennessee and North Carolina since 1974. block of protected lands surrounding the

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Applications are now available for the Waynesville Christmas Parade, which is at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4, on Main Street. Registration ranges from $20-30. info@downtownwaynesville.com or 456.3517.

Applications are due by noon on Friday, Nov. 17.

• Registration is underway to sign up an entry for the 43rd annual Cashiers Christmas Parade, which is at noon on Saturday, Dec. 9. http://tinyurl.com/y94jp8yd.

• Feline Urgent Rescue of WNC will hold a kitten adoption day from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at FUR’s Cat Sanctuary in Waynesville. Adoption fee for kittens is $20; older cats will be available for adoption for $35.

844.888.2287 or furofwnc.org.

• Brothers in the Wind toy run is Nov. 25 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 736.2780.

• The Town of Sylva and the Sylva Public Art Committee invite artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for an artist to develop a mural concept and for installation of mural by artist(s) on the wall of Ward Plumbing & Heating on Mill Street in downtown Sylva.

Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15.

Applications and materials must be received by this date and time to be considered. 586.2719 or townmanager@townofsylva.org.

• Folkmoot is organizing a trip to Greece that will depart Dec. 26 and return on Jan. 3. To register or get more info: http://folkmoot.org/Greece or 452.2997.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Registration is underway for the spring semester at Haywood Community College. Classes start Monday, Jan. 8. 627.4500 or haywood.edu.

• A Hunter Safety Course will be offered from 6-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 18-19 on the Haywood Community College Campus, Building 3300, Room 3322, in Clyde.

Participants must attend both nights to receive certification from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• Sara Jenkins will review “Small is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered” by E.F. Schumacher at the Lake Junaluska Book Review Committee meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the Susan Todd Lounge of the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska.

• A “Facebook Tips and Tricks” class is scheduled for 1-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Register: 586.2016.

• Jean Woods will present a program on “Women in Botany” at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. sapsncga@gmail.com.

• Jay Watson, the Howry Professor of Faulkner Studies at the University of Mississippi, will give a talk on “William Faulkner’s Great War Modernism: ‘New Death’ in Soldiers’ Pay” at 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Coulter Building, Room 304, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. atmclaxton@email.wcu.edu.

• Registration is underway for an Agribusiness Summit that will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Haywood Community College. Presented by HCC’s Small Business Center and regional agribusiness partners. Two tracks will be offered: “How to Start a Food-Based Business” and “How to Grow a Food-Based Business.” Register or get more info: http://SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• A TED talk discussion on “How to Spot a Liar” will be offered on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Waynesville Library.

15-20 minute talk followed by discussion. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • United Christian Ministries will have its last fundraiser from 4-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Pizza Hut of Sylva. – with 10 percent of all proceeds going to help Jackson County families in need.

• KARE will have its 8th annual Festival of Trees dinner and auction at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Laurel Ridge Country Club.

• Tickets are on sale now for a “Middle Eastern Friendship Dinner” and short film, “Bon Voyage,” that will be offered starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, at Folkmoot Friendship Center as part of Western Carolina University’s International Education Week in Waynesville. Tickets: $15 for adults; $10 for students.

452.2997 or Folkmoot.org.

• “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” will have a special screening event from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in downtown Sylva. “The Sylva Red Carpet” is a free photo opportunity event. Drop in anytime between 3 to 6 p.m. at Sassy Frass Consignment to get your photo taken on the red carpet by paparazzi photographers, receive a movie passport booklet which will direct you to other downtown businesses where you’ll get your passport stamped and have a chance to win prizes.

After-parties are planned and festivities will continue throughout the evening at other downtown businesses.

All proceeds will benefit Mainstreet Sylva Association. friends@panthertown.org or www.mainstreetsylva.org.

• The Human Services Club at Southwestern Community College has organized a disaster relief concert at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. The concert will feature Keirsten Hedden, the Upbeats Band and Brent Ledford. Donations will be accepted at the door, and all proceeds will go to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief. www.southwesterncc.edu or 339.4397.

• Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley will host a Special Tour Night event from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, to support Women of Waynesville – an all-volunteer organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County. $5 for a tour of distillery. 550.9978 or www.womenofwaynesville.org.

• Haywood Christian Academy’s 11th annual Charity Ball is from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Maggie Valley Country Club. Tickets: $30. All proceeds go to Haywood Pathways Center. http://tinyurl.com/ybraw4d6.

HEALTH MATTERS • CarePartners Bereavement Department will host a “Surviving the Holidays” workshop from noon-1 p.m. on Nov. 14 at 68 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville. For those coping with grief. Info and reservations: 251.0126.

• “Your Amazing Newborn” classes will be offered for new parents from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 16 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce in Bryson City. Redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 27 at Center Pigeon Fire Department in Canton. Redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from

Smoky Mountain News

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9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 27 at Lowe’s in Franklin.

Redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.

• “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admission.

335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

• A “Walk With A Doc” program is scheduled for 10 a.m. each Saturday at the Lake Junaluska Kern Center or Canton Rec Park. MyHaywoodRegional.com/WalkwithaDoc. • Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) meets at noon on Saturdays at the First United Methodist Church Outreach Center at 171 Main St. in Franklin. 407.758.6433 or adultchildren.org.

• The Haywood County Health & Human Services Public Health Services Division is offering a Night Clinic from 4-6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in Waynesville. Services include family planning, immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment. Appointments: 452.6675.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health will offer a general clinic from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 587.8225.

• A Food Addicts Anonymous Twelve-Step fellowship group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville. www.foodaddictsanonymous.org.

• Mothers Connection, an ongoing social gathering for mothers and their babies, meets from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursdays excluding holidays at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses.

• A support group meeting for those with Parkinsons Disease and their caregivers will be held at 2 p.m. on the last day Wednesday of the month at the Waynesville Senior Resource Center.

• Dogwood Insight Center presents health talks at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

• Angel Medical Center’s diabetes support group meets at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the AMC dining room. 369.4166.

• A free weekly grief support group is open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at SECU Hospice House in Franklin. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life Bereavement Team. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• A monthly grief processing support group will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care in Clyde.

452.5039.

• A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized

by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day. 586.4009.

• A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

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

RECREATION AND FITNESS • The High Mountain Squares will host their “All Singing Calls Dance” from 6:15-8:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, at the Macon County Community Building on Georgia Road in Franklin. Dr. Jim Duncan of Otto will be the caller. Western-style square dancing, mainstream and levels. 342.1560, 332.0001, 706.746.5426.

• Pickleball, a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong, will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Old Hazelwood Gym in Waynesville. $3 per visit, or $20 for a 10-visit card.

452.6789 or drtaylor@haywoodnc.net.

• ZUMBA! Classes, are offered from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at the Canton Armory. $5 per class. 648.2363 or parks@cantonnc.com.

SPIRITUAL • Interfaith Peace Conference is Nov. 16-19, at Lake Junaluska. Affirming the community of Abrahamic faiths (Christians, Jews, Muslims) and other religious traditions to advance the work of reconciliation and peace. Lodging and meal packages available. www.lakejunaluska.com.

POLITICAL • The Jackson County Republican Party will have a Prayer Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Comfort Inn in Sylva. 743.6491.

• Tickets are on sale for the 25th annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner, which is Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Crown Plaza Resort in Asheville. Taylor is the longest-serving Republican U.S. Representative in WNC history (19912007). Tickets: $60. Checks can be mailed to Charles Taylor, P.O. Box 7587, Asheville, NC 28802. Info: 243.2187 or tasmothers@yahoo.com.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Western Carolina University will present a doubleheader event focusing on two early 20th-century Americans, Aldo Leopold and Horace Kephart who were pioneer conservationists and remain respected as outdoor authors Thursday, Nov. 16, in the ground floor auditorium of H.F. Robinson Building. n exhibit featuring artifacts from the Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart collection will be on display and DVDs of the film will be available for purchase. For more information, call the Mountain Heritage Center at 227-7129.

• The John Campbell Folk School and NC Writers Network West are sponsoring “The Literary Hour,” an hour of poetry and prose reading by Dr. Linda G. Jones and Staci Lynn Bell will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Keith House on the JCFS campus in Brasstown.

• Sara T. Baker will present her debut novel The Timekeeper’s Son at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of The Timekeeper’s Son, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

wnc calendar

•The “Coffee with the Poet” series gathers at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva the third Thursday of each month and is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Writers Network. 586.9499.

• Canton Book Club meets at 3:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, at the Canton Library.

648.2924.

• Cookin’ the Books will be held at noon on the last Wednesday of the month at the Waynesville Public Library. A book club focused on cookbooks. All members choose a recipe from the book and bring it to share.

The group will discuss the good and bad aspects of the chosen cookbook. 356.2507.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • An estate-planning seminar entitled “Is A Will Enough?” will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Room 102D of the Burrell Building on Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus.

Presented by Diane E. Sherrill, a local attorney and SCC graduate. For info and to RSVP: 586.4051.

• A Life @ Western program entitled “Elder Law: What are the protections?” with Richard Kort is scheduled for Nov. 28 at Western Carolina University’s H.F. Robinson Building Auditorium. For people over 50. life@wcu.edu or 227.3022.

KIDS & FAMILIES

November 15-21, 2017

• A kids’ nature discovery program will be offered to ages 3-5 and kindergarten through third grade through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department.

Younger ages will meet at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays (Nov. 15 and Dec. 20) at Cullowhee Recreation Center. The older ages meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays (Nov. 15 and Dec. 20). $10 per child. Pre-register: www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• A “Youth Art Class” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Appalachian Art Farm on 22 Morris Street in Sylva. All ages welcome. $10 includes instruction, materials and snack. For more information, email appalachianartfarm@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.

• Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreats, which start Dec. 29. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

ONGOING KIDS ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS

Smoky Mountain News

• The Canton Library offers a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) program each month. At 4 p.m. on third Tuesday. Children ages 6-12 are welcome to attend. Please call 648-2924 for more information.

• A Tuesday Library Club for ages 5-12 meets at 4 p.m. each Tuesday (except for the fifth Tuesday on months

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that occurs) at the Canton Library. Hands-on activities like exercise, cooking, LEGOs, science experiments and crafts. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• “Art Beats for Kids” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City.

A new project every week. $20 per child, with includes lesson, materials and snack. To register, call 828.538.2054.

• Stories, songs and a craft are offered for ages zerosix (and caregivers) at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• A program called “Imagine,” an art program for children 8-12 meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library. Program contains art, writing, and drama. 586.2016.

• Rompin’ Stompin’, an hour-long storytime with music, movement and books, is held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Canton Library and at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. For ages zero to six. 648.2924.

• Rompin’ Stompin’, an hourlong storytime with music, movement and books, is held at 11 a.m. on Fridays at the Canton Library. For ages zero to six. 648.2924.

• Library Olympics will be held at 2 p.m. on Fridays at Jackson County Public Library. Children age 5 and up get active through relay races, bingo, mini golf.

586.2016.

• Get Moving, a program for children ages 5-12 to encourage children to live a healthy life through exercise and healthy eating, will be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. 648.2924 • Full STEAM Ahead, a program for children ages 5-12 to allow them to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through fun hands-on activities. Program open to the first 15 participants, at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at Canton Public Library. 648.2924.

• Family Story Time is held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 0-6. Stories, songs, dance and crafting. 648.2924.

• Storytimes are held at 10 and 10:40 a.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Wednesdays in the Stacks, “WITS”, a program for children in grades 3-6, on the third Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Macon County Library. WITS will include lots of fun games, prizes, and hands-on activities. This club replaces book club previous held on the third Thursdays of the month.

526.3600.

• Fun Friday, everything science, is held at 4 p.m. on Fridays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Teen Coffeehouse is at 4:30 p.m. on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday at Jackson County Public Library.

Spend time with other teens talking and sharing. 12 and up. 586.2016.

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

• Rock and Read is at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

KIDS STORY TIMES

• WNC Martial Arts will hold karate classes from 67:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Old Armory in Waynesville. For more info, contact Margaret Williams at 301.0649 or mvwilliams39@gmail.com.

HAYWOOD

• Free, weekly, after-school enrichment classes are offered by the Bascom and MCAA from 3-5 p.m. on Thursdays at Macon Middle School through a grant from the Jim McRae Endowment for the Visual Arts. To register, contact Bonnie Abbott at 743.0200.

• Family Story Time, 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the Waynesville Public Library. Stories, songs, crafts.

452.5169.

•A Lego club will meet at 4 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Library provides Legos and Duplos for ages 3 and up.

Free. 488.3030.

• Science Club is held at 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month for grades K-6 at the Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• A Franklin Kids’ Creation Station is held from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at uptown Gallery in Franklin.

Snacks provided. $20 tuition. 743.0200.

• A Lego Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 3:30-5 p.m. at Waynesville Library.

452.5169.

• A Lego Club meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. 526.3600.

• A Lego Club meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Jackson County Public Library. 5862016.

• A Lego Club meets at 4 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Legos and Duplos provided for ages three and up.

488.3030.

• Teen time 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursdays at Waynesville Library. A program for teens and tweens held each week. Each week is different, snacks provided. 356.2511.

• The American Girls Club meets at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The club meets one Saturday a month, call for details. Club is based on a book series about historical women. Club members read and do activities. Free. 586.9499.

• Crazy 8 Math Adventure Club on Tuesdays 3:30 p.m.

- 4:15 p.m. for grades K-2 at the Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• Children’s craft time, fourth Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215

KIDS FILMS • “CARS 3” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. FREE • A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Mother Goose Time, a story time for babies and toddlers (5 months to 2 years) and their parents/caregivers, is held at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Waynesville Library. 452.5169

• Movers and Shakers story time is at 11 a.m. every Thursday at the Waynesville Library. For all ages.

Movement, books, songs and more. 452.5169.

• Family storytime with crafts, second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Waynesville library. 4525169.

• Family story time for ages zero to six years old is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

JACKSON • Baby Storytime is at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Jackson County Public Library. Songs, fingerplays and stories for infants through toddlers. 586.2016 • Kid’s story time Saturdays, 11 a.m., all ages at City Lights in Sylva 586.9449.

• Kids story time, Fridays 11 a.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. at Jackson County Public Library. Story time includes books, puppets, finger plays, songs and crafts. 586.2016.

• Pre-school story time, second Wednesday, 11 a.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215.

• Rock and Read storytime, 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016

SWAIN • Preschool Story time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Marianna Black Library. After a book or two is read, the children participate in games, songs, finger plays, puppet play and make a craft to take home. 488.3030.

MACON • Paws 4 Reading, a family story time, will be held from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Macon County Public Library. Children can read to a therapy dog. (grades K-6). 524.3600.

• Toddlers Rock, Mondays, 10 a.m., Macon Public Library. Music, movement and instruments (Designed for children 0-24 months, but all ages are welcome).

• Family Story Time is held at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Family Story Time for ages 0 to 7 years is held at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Paws 4 Reading, a family story time, will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Hudson Library in Highlands. Children (grades K-6) practice early reading

skills by reading to a canine companion. Info: www.fontanalib.org, www.readingpaws.org or 526.3031.

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • Registration is underway for the Balsam Range Art of Music Festival, which is Dec. 1-2 at Lake Junaluska. Featuring some of the top bluegrass and acoustic musicians in the nation. www.lakejunaluska.com.

HOLIDAY • The “Handmade Holiday Sale” will be from noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

• Applications are now available for the Waynesville Christmas Parade, which is at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4, on Main Street. Registration ranges from $20-30. info@downtownwaynesville.com or 456.3517.

Applications are due by noon on Friday, Nov. 17.

• Registration is underway to sign up an entry for the 43rd annual Cashiers Christmas Parade, which is at noon on Saturday, Dec. 9. http://tinyurl.com/y94jp8yd.

• The 30th annual “Hard Candy Christmas” Arts & Crafts show will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-25, inside the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

Displays from local artisans, guitar strumming and carols. $5 for a two-day pass; free for children under 12. www.MountainArtisans.net or djhunter155@gmail.com.

• The “Spirit of Christmas” will be celebrated from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, in downtown Bryson City.

800.867.9246 or www.greatsmokies.com.

• Registration is underway for the Franklin Christmas Parade, which is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. $25 per entry. Deadline is Nov. 23. 524.3161.

With the theme “Winter Wonderland Nights,” there will be a special holiday celebration at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec 2 in downtown Franklin. 524.3161 or www.franklin-chamber.com

• “Letters to Santa” will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 23 at the Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City. Drop a line for Santa.

Materials provided. Call the museum for Santa appearances: 800.867.9246.

• Tickets are on sale for the N.C. Arboretum’s Winter Lights event, which opens on Friday, Nov. 17, and runs through Dec. 31. Tickets: $18 for adults; $12 for children and $15 per person in groups of 20 or more.

Members get a $2 discount per ticket. www.ncwinterlights.com.

• “Lighting Up Maggie Valley” will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Tree lighting, Santa strut contest, pictures with Santa, live music, food and coat dona-

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • The Stephen Sondheim musical “Company” will be staged by Western Carolina University’s School of Stage and Screen from Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 16-19, at WCU’s Hoey Auditorium in Cullowhee. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16-18 and at 3 p.m. on Nov. 19. Tickets; $20 for adults; $15 for WCU faculty and staff and seniors. 227.2479 or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Acclaimed singer-songwriter and author Radney Foster will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Isis Music Hall in West Asheville.

Tickets are $20. www.isisasheville.com.

• “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney will be on stage from Nov. 17-19 at HART in Waynesville. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17-18 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 19. $10 for adults; $6 for students. 456.6322.

• The Highland Performing Arts Center will present the MET Opera’s American premiere of Thomas Ades’s “The Exterminating Angel” at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, in Highlands. Pre-opera discussion led by Beverly Wichman at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: highlandspac.org or 526.9047.

• A non-competitive talent show for 3rd to 12th graders, the annual Student Talent Showcase will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Franklin High School Fine Arts Building.

• The Waynesville Public Library will host Honey Holler (old-time/Americana) at 3 p.m. Nov. 18. Free and open to the public.

• Americana/rock acts Dangermuffin and The Freeway Revival will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Isis Music Hall in West Asheville.

Tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, click on www.isisasheville.com.

• The Canton Public Library will host Angela Easterling (Americana) at 3 p.m. Nov. 19. Free and open to the public.

• Summer McMahan & Mountain Faith Band will premiere their new Christmas DVD at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $10. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Three metal-working courses will be offered in November with local metalsmith William Rogers: Blacksmithing basics, hammered copper and mobile wind sculpture. For families, groups of friends, couples and children. Afternoon classes from 3-6 p.m.; evening classes from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For info and to register: RogersMetals@gmail.com or 293.3777.

• A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.488.3030.

Smoky Mountain News

•The “Polar Express” will depart Nov. 17-22 and Nov. 24-26 from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. For more information on departures or to purchase tickets, click on www.gsmr.com.

FOOD & DRINK • Registration is underway for the Thanksgiving Buffet at Lake Junaluska. Event is Nov. 23.

Reservations required. www.lakejunaluska.com.

November 15-21, 2017

• There will be a community potluck, live music and an outdoor movie from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Dinner indoors with live music. Bring a side dish or donation. Outdoor screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” after the meal. Please bring your own chairs.

• The 13th annual “Christmas Worship in a Stable” is scheduled for 5:30-6:10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the 3rd Generation Barn Loft Farm outside of Canton.

Donations accepted of canned food items for the Community Kitchen in Canton.

wnc calendar

A&E

tions, ugly sweater contest, and much more.

• The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin meets at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin. Aaron Eldridge and Tom Sterrett will present a program on Brazil.

• A “Women in the Woods” series will be hosted by the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Haywood County from

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through mid-November. Last session is Nov. 17.

Facilitated by Dr. James Jeuck of Haywood Community College. More info or to register: 456.3575.

• Registration is underway for a holiday card making class that will be offered by Southwestern Community College from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Nov. 16, at SCC’s Macon Campus. $55 cost includes materials. Register or get more info: 339.4657 or www.southwesterncc.edu.

• A class on making sauerkraut will be offered from 24 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Waynesville Library.

Led by Julie Sawyer, Extension Agent. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Celebrating the numerous local artisans in our backyard, the Graham County Artisan Drive-About tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24-25.

The Schoolhouse Café at the Stecoah Valley Center will be open for light snacks both days of the tour. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/artisans.

• A “DIY with the Library” program on homemade frozen yogurt will be offered from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28. For details and reservations: 356.2800.

• Wire art artist Lawrie Williams will hold a Holiday Ornament Wire Art class from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office in Sylva. Colored wire Christmas ornaments, including a wire angel. $10. Register or get info: 586.4009.

• Glass Ornament classes will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. $30 per time slot. Each time slot is 30 minutes; slots available from 10 a.m.-4 p.mk. Pre-register: 631.0271. Ages 13-18 may participate with parent present. www.jcgep.org.

November 15-21, 2017

• Glass Ornament classes will be offered on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. $30 per time slot. Each time slot is 30 minutes; slots available from noon-2 p.m. Pre-register: 631.0271. Ages 13-18 may participate with parent present. www.jcgep.org.

• Glass Ornament classes will be offered on Thursday, Dec. 7 at Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. $30 per time slot. Each time slot is 30 minutes; slots available from noon-2 p.m. Pre-register: 631.0271. Ages 13-18 may participate with parent present. www.jcgep.org.

• The Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center in Clyde. All skill levels welcome.

Waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net.

• Appalachian Art Farm will host a free art session from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Community Table in Sylva. 273.9682 or MyriahStrivelli@gmail.com.

• The High Country Quilt Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. www.highcountryquilters.wordpress.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Bryson City Lion meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Iron Skillet in Bryson City.

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. every other Thursday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville.

There will also be “Painting at the Porch” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Southern Porch in Canton. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page (www.facebook.com/paintwaynesville) or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• There will be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required. For information, call 828.349.4607.

• Beginners Chess Club is held on Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 8-108 invited to participate. 648.2924.

• Cribbage is at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Maggie

50 Valley Inn. 410.440.7652 or 926.3978.

• An Antique, Vintage & Handcrafted Flea Market starts at 8 a.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3029 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Bring your own table/tent. Spaces rent for $10 a day or $25 for all three days.

• The Adult Coloring Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Fridays in the Living Room of the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. An afternoon of creativity and camaraderie. Supplies are provided, or bring your own.

Beginners are welcome as well as those who already enjoy this new trend. kmoe@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

• Haywood County Arts Council is inviting artist members to participate in its annual Artist Member Show.

Download a show contract/inventory sheet from www.haywoodarts.org. Send completed forms to gallery@haywoodarts.org or P.O. Box 306; Waynesville, N.C. 28786.

• A community art group meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at the Hudson Library in Highlands.

828.526.3031.

• A writer’s group meets at 1 p.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• Free one-on-one technology help is offered every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Hudson Library in Highlands. Call 526.3031 to make an appointment.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • Linda Dickinson’s display of black-and-white photography is being displayed at the Canton Public Library Meeting Room in Canton. Show is entitled “Waynesville and Environs, a Black & White Perspective.” 648.2924.

• A showcase of artwork from Justin Moe will be on display through the month of November at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. artbyjustinmoe.weebly.com or www.facebook.com/artbyjustinmoe.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center will host the exhibit “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26. 227.3591.

• Exhibit “Conversation/What Remains” featuring artists Rachel Meginnes and Kelly O’Briant will be on display through Nov. 19, at Penland Gallery near Spruce Pine. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

• Gallery 1 in Sylva is featuring small works of art for sale by its artist members. The exhibit will run through Nov. 30. Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. www.gallery1sylva.com, www.facebook.com/artinthemountains and www.instagram.com/gallery1_sylva.

• In the WCU Fine Art Museum main gallery through Dec. 8 is the nationally traveling exhibition “Return from Exile: Contemporary Southeastern Indian Art,” curated by Tony A. Tiger, Bobby C. Martin, and Jace Weaver. This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks recently given to the museum and includes a number of artists not previously represented in the collection. www.wcu.edu.

Strand on Main in Waynesville. See website for tickets and pricing. www.38main.com.

• “Atomic Blonde” will be showing at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. FREE. • Free movies are shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

MUSIC JAMS AND GROUPS • Golden Aires singing group practices at 9:15 a.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month at Jackson County Department on Aging/Senior Center in Sylva. Secular and religious music. Performances given at area nursing homes. Musical instruments also welcome.

586.5494.

• Old-time music jam from 1-3 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on U.S. 441 outside Cherokee. November through April is just the third Saturday. 497.1904.

• The Highlands Plateau Greenway will conduct its monthly work day from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Nov. 18, on the Greenway Trail. If interested, write highlandsgreenway@nctv.com or call 342.8980. Meet at the large upper parking lot behind the recreation center.

• Larry Thompson will present a program entitled “Winter Birds in Your Yard and Garden” at the Tuscola Garden Club meeting, which is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, in Gaines Auditorium at the Bethea Welcome Center in Lake Junaluska. Social time at 9:30 a.m.

246.0437.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club holds a Saturday Work Hike on the fourth Saturday of each month. 369.1983.

• A cycling ride leaves at 8 a.m. on Saturdays from South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary with distances typically 15-25 miles. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com.

ARTS GROUP MEETINGS • Blue Ridge Mountain Quilt Guild, 6 to 9 p.m. fourth Thursday, January through October, and third Thursday, November and December in Canton. 316.1517 or on Facebook at Blue Ridge Mtn. Quilt Guild.

• Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild meets every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. Blue Ridge Books, Waynesville. 246.0789.

• Nifty Needles group, which meets at First United Methodist Church in Sylva, is seeking new members to help knit and crochet warm, useful items for those in need. Supplies (yarn and needles) and lessons provided.

• The Tuesday Quilters meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on N.C. 107. Bring your machine and whatever quilt you are working on.

• The WNC Fiber Folk Group meets weekly from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in the Star Atrium of the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Registration is underway for the Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut, which is Saturday, Nov. 18, beginning and ending at Kituwah Mound near Bryson City, starting at noon. Hosted by Cherokee Choices, the run welcomes everyone from avid runners to walkers, with a variety of age groups offered. Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Braves Booster Club, which supports athletes at Cherokee Central Schools. www.runsignup.com.

• Registration is underway for the Cold Turkey 5K, which starts at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23 in Franklin.

The Little Turkeys FUN! Run/Walk for kids will begin at 9 a.m. with the 5K starting at 9:30 a.m. The route goes along the Little Tennessee Greenway. A portion of the funds will go to a nonprofit in Macon County, to be announced at a later date. $25. www.active.com.

FARM AND GARDEN

• Thursday Painters meet at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your project and a bag lunch and join us for a day of creativity and fun. All artists are welcome. 349.4607.

• Haywood County Extension is accepting applications for the 2018 Master Gardener class, which will be held Tuesday mornings from Jan. 9-April 24. 456.3575 or sarah_scott@ncsu.edu.

• Rug Hooking Group, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jackson County Public Library. Beginners welcome. 631.2561.

• Local farmers can stop by the Cooperative Extension Office on Acquoni Road from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every fourth Friday to learn about USDA Farm Service Agency programs in the 2014 Farm Bill. Info: 488.2684, ext. 2 (Wednesday through Friday) or 524.3175, ext. 2 (Monday through Wednesday).

Outdoors

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• A Spay/Neuter Clinic is offered from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays at 182 Richland Street in Waynesville. As low as $10. 452.1329.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the exhibition “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26 in Cullowhee. go.wcu.edu/wcucollects or call 227.3591.

• Mainspring Conservation will have a volunteer “Thank-You” breakfast from 8:30-10 a.m. on Nov. 16 at the Mainspring Franklin Office. http://tinyurl.com/yc3w9o4j.

“Thor: Ragnarok” will be playing at 7 p.m on Nov. 1516 at the Strand on Main in Waynesville. See website for tickets and pricing. www.38main.com.

• An opportunity to help the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Trout Unlimited Cataloochee stock the West Fork of the Pigeon River is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16. Meet at the parking lot past Lake Logan and before Sunburst Campground off N.C. 215 across from the shooting range.

Tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

• “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” will be playing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14, 7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. on Dec. 15, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:55 p.m., on Dec. 16, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., on Dec. 17, and at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18-21 at the

• A weekly nighttime mountain bike ride is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Mondays from the Ledford Branch Trailhead at Bent Creek in Asheville. Organized by Motion Makers Bicycles. 633.2227.

FILM & SCREEN

• The Great Smoky Mountains Institute will hold its annual volunteer workday at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Tremont, near Townsend, Tenn. Register online: gsmit.org/event/volunteer-day.

• The Macon County Poultry Club of Franklin meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Rd, Open to the public. 369.3916.

FARMERS MARKET • The Jackson County Farmers Market will have market from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays at The Community Table. Info: 393.5236. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or website jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• A community tailgate market for local growers is open from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. 734.3434, info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

HIKING CLUBS • A hike in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. Open to ages 8-up. $5. Register: rec.jacksonnc.org.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

AUCTION

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

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 or colored background.

■ $50 — 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.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

Great Smokies Storage 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

AUCTION: Metal Fabrication Retirement Plant Liquidation Welders, Metal Working Machinery, Scrap Metal & More!

LIVE ONLINE BIDDING 11/32, 11:00 AM www.motleys.com Ph: 804.232.3300 extension 4 VAAL#16 ONLINE AUCTION Construction Equipment & Trucks 11/19, 9 AM - 11/21, 11:00 AM Excavators, Dozers, Road Tractors, Loaders, Dump Trucks, Trailers & More! BID ON-SITE: 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, VA. Website: www.motleys.com Telephone: 804.232.3300 VAAL#16 SOLD! ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION In over 100 newspapers across the state for only $375. Call your local newspaper or Wendi Ray at NC Press Services, 919.516.8009 for more information.

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT AUCTION Wednesday, November 15 @10am 4045 Premier Drive Greensboro, NC. COMPLETE RESTAURANT Hobart 80 QT Mixer, Double Steamer, Pizza Oven, Gas Cooking Equipment, 20+ pieces of Refrigeration, Ice Makers,and more.

704.791.8825 ncaf5479 ClassicAuctions.com

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior, exterior, all your pressure washing needs and more.

Specialize in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Cedar or Log Homes or Painted or Siding!

Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, 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 SAWMILLS From only $4397.00 - Make & Save Money with your own bandmillCut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: NorwoodSawmills.com 1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

FROG POND ESTATE SALES HELPING IN HARD TIMES

DOWNSIZING ESTATE SALES CLEAN OUT SERVICE • COMPANY TRANSFER • DIVORCE • LOST LOVED ONE

WE ARE KNOWN FOR HONESTY & INTEGRITY 828-734-3874 18 COMMERCE STREET WAYNESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28786 WWW.FROGLEVELDOWNSIZING.COM

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control Free Estimates! Call 1.800.698.9217 SAPA ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The Affordable Solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.800.615.4064 for FREE DVD and brochure.

NEED A WALK IN TUB? Getting in and out of the tub can be easier than ever before. Walk in Tubs are designed to prevent slipping with textured mats and hand rails. They also have and textured pads to keep your head above water. Call Today for More information. 855.789.3291 GOT MOLDOr think you might have it? Mold can be hazardous to you and your family’s health! Get rid of it now!

Call our experts and get a quote today! 844.766.3858 SAPA

CARS AUTO INSURANCE Starting at $49/ Month! Call for your fee rate comparison to see how much you can save! Call: 855.970.1224 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

Top Dollar Offer! Free Towing From Home, Office or Body Shop. All Makes/Models 2000-2016. Same Day Pick-Up Available! Call Now: 1.800.761.9396 GOT AN OLDER Car, Van or SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1.855.617.2024 SAPA DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not!

All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855.972.0354

www.smokymountainnews.com

November 15-21, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH Is seeking a Public Health Nurse II whose primary responsibilities will be to work in the clinic, serving as the OB Care Program Manager: All RNs are encouraged to apply. The purpose of this position is to be responsible for the assessment of high risk pregnancies and follows them through the post-partum period.

Applicants must have the ability to be a strong team member with physicians and office staff, excellent communication and organizational skills along with good computer skills. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERINCE: Graduation from a four-year college or university with a B.S. in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and one year of Public Health Nursing experience: or Master’s in Public Health and graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and one year of professional nursing experience; or graduation from a school of professional nursing and two years of professional nursing experience including one year of Public Health Nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possess a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina. Possess and maintain a valid NC Driver’s License.

The starting salary is Grade 26, $43,340.37. To apply, please submit a State application (PD 107) to NC Works Career Center; 26 Ridgeway Street, Suite 2; Sylva NC 28779. A State application for Employment (PD107) can be found on line at: http://www.jacksonnc.org/employment-opportunities.html.

Closing date is: Open until filled.

Jackson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Pre-employment drug screen and criminal background checks are required.

Jackson County participates in the federal E-Verify program.

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com 52

Each office independently owned & operated.

EMPLOYMENT AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA certification to fix planes.

Approved for military benefits.

Financial Aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.441.6890 BROWN TRUCKING Is looking for Company Drivers and Owner Operators. Brown requires: CDL-A, 2 years of tractor trailer experience OTR or Regional (Multiple states) in the last 3 years, good MVR and PSP. Apply @: www.driveforbrown.com.

Contact Brandon Collins, 919.291.7416.

NCCAT AT CULLOWHEE Seeks a Permanent Full-time HOUSEKEEPER Salary Range: $23,332 - $28,870 This position will be responsible for a wide variety of housekeeping responsibilities, trash removal, maintaining an inventory of supplies, conference room setup, maintaining guest information, assisting in transporting groups of participants, and other duties as assigned.

This position is 40 hours per week with benefits.

Applications may be filed online until November 28, 2017, 5PM at https://oshr.nc.gov/work-for-nc Questions about this job? Please call Kathy Wong or Tina Wilson at 828.293.5202 NC State Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NUCLEAR POWER TRAINEE Paid Training, great salary, benefits, $ for school. Gain valued skills. No exp needed medical/ dental, vacation. High School grads ages 17-34. Call MondayFriday 800.662.7419 SAPA GOT CANDIDATES? Find your next hire in over 100 newspapers across the state for only $375. Call Wendi Ray at NC Press Services for more info 919.516.8009.

EARN $500 A DAY: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents • Leads, No Cold Calls • Commissions Paid Daily • Agency Training • Life License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

SEEKING AN INDIVIDUAL To Provide Direct Client Services for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, to Create and Support a Fundraising Plan for Jackson County Victim Services, and to Develop and Implement Education, Marketing, and Outreach Materials. If Interested, Please Submit a Resume to REACH of Macon County, PO Box 228 Franklin, NC 28744 or Send to: reach@reachofmaconcounty.org LOCAL DRIVERS WANTED! Be your own boss. Flexible hours.

Unlimited earning potential.

Must be 21 with valid U.S. drivers license, insurance & reliable vehicle. Call 855.750.9313 DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.655.7452 GOT YOUR EARS ON? Find your next driver by advertising statewide in over 100 newspapers for only $375. Call Wendi Ray at NC Press Services for more info 919.516.8009.

HOME WORKERS!!

Easy Legitimate Work, Great Pay! Assemble Products At Home And Other Mystery Shopping Opportunities Galore - No Experience Needed.

For More Details, Send $2.00 With A Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope to: Publishers Market Source, PO Box 1122, Merrillville, IN 46411

INGLES IN HAZLEWOOD Is hiring for various full and part time positions. Some positions include Grocery Stocker; Dairy Stocker; Floral Clerk; Pharmacy Tech; Cashiers; Baggers and other positions. We are sponsoring a Hiring Fair at the Goodwill Career Center at 23 Hendrix Street in Waynesville, NC, Tuesday thru Thursday, November 14th-16th. . Please bring 2 forms of Identification. Join a company with Competitive Pay & Benefits.

Ingles is a Drug Free, Equal Opportunity Employer.

FINANCIAL OVER $10K IN DEBT? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 844.235.9343.

SAPA

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

HEAVY EQUIPMENT BUSINESS FOR SALE RETAIL/RESTARAUNT BUSINESS For Sale, located in Maggie Valley, NC. Call 828.734.1665 for more information

FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Up to $2,671/mo. (Based on paidin amount.) FREE evaluation!

Call Bill Gordon & Associates.

1.800.371.1734. Mail: 2420 N St. NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL., member TX/NM Bar.

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

SAWMILLS From only $4397.00 - Make & Save Money with your own bandmillCut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: NorwoodSawmills.com 1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

LAWN & GARDEN BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment.

Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each.

828.593.8321 HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Offering 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $420.00

We Are Offering 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting From $465.00

Section 8 Accepted - Rental Assistance When Available Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS:

OFFICE HOURS:

Tuesday & Thursday 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

50 Duckett Cove Road, Waynesville, NC 28786

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm 168E Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.456.6776 TDD# 1.800.725.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

Mike Stamey

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

Have you received notice that your health insurance premiums are increasing?

I CAN HELP! Ann Kram Licensed Agent (828) 550-2042 ann.kram@ushadvisors.com www.ushagent.com/annkram

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

SOUTHPORT, N.C. FOR SALE, Waterfront resort hotel condominiums. Pre construction prices.

Amazing views. Private fishing pier. Full kitchens. Waterfront swimming pool. Cooke Realty 910.616.1795 contactcooke@gmail.com HUNT YOUR OWN LAND Or Build Dream Cabin 68 acres on Hwy. 21 Alleghany & Wilkes Co., NC Selling: Sat, Oct. 14 @ 11am NCAL#685 336.789.2926 RogersAuctionGroup.com

HOMES FOR SALE

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 information.

smauldin@beverly-hanks.com

74 N. Main St.,Waynesville

828.452.5809

beverly-hanks.com

USE PATENTED HAPPY JACK FLEA Beacon to Control Fleas in the Home without Toxic Chemicals or Expensive Exterminators. Find at: Tractor Supply, Fleabeacon.com HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

SFR, ECO, GREEN

147 WALNUT STREET • WAYNESVILLE

828.506.7137

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.sunburstrealty.com/amy-spivey Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Haywood County Real Estate Agents Beverly Hanks & Associates • • • • • • • • • • • • •

beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com George Escaravage - gescar@beverly-hanks.com Billie Green - BGreen@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - mobrig@beverly-hanks.com Steve Mauldin - Smauldin@beverly-hanks.com Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - bparrott@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com • Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

November 15-21, 2017

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your Mortgage? Denied a Loan Modification?

Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help 844.359.4330 SAPA

828.734.4864

PETS SERVICES & SUPPLIES

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

STUNNING NC MTN. VIEWS New log cabin on nearly 2 ac.

Features vault. ceilings, fireplace, hdwd floors, lg. screened porch, basement. Only $194,900 828.286.2981

Steve Mauldin

WNC MarketPlace

LAND FOR SALE? Reach buyers across the state in over 100 newspapers for only $375. Call this newspaper or Wendi Ray at NC Press Services, 919.516.8009.

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

DREY - A BEAUTIFUL SIAMESE MIX KITTY WITH UNUSUAL MARKINGS. HE IS ABOUT 10 MONTHS OLD, ON THE SMALL SIDE BUT WILL FILL OUT MORE. HE ISN'T CRAZY ABOUT BEING HELD, BUT DOES LOVE TO NUZZLE AND CUDDLE AND HEAD BUTT WHILE PURRING SO LOUD YOU CAN HEAR HIM ACROSS THE ROOM.

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty

——————————————

GEORGE

ESCARAVAGE BROKER/REALTOR

—————————————— 28 WOODLAND ASTER WAY

ASHEVILLE, NC 28804

828.400.0901

• • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com The Real Team - the-real-team.com Ron Breese - ronbreese.com Landen Stevenson - Landen@landenstevenson.com Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

Rob Roland Realty • Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

smokymountainnews.com

SUGAR PLUM - A BEAUTIFUL AND VERY SWEET REDBONE COONHOUND ABOUT FIVE YEARS OLD. SHE HAS A BRAND ON HER HIP, BUT WAS NOT RECLAIMED WHEN SHE LANDED IN THE COUNTY SHELTER. SHE IS IN NEED OF SOME EXTRA GROCERIES AND WHEN SHE GAINS A LITTLE WEIGHT SHE'LL BE GORGEOUS.

GESCAR@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

www.smokymountainnews.com

November 15-21, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

A DOSE OF REALITY ACROSS 1 “The Real O’Neals” network 4 Eye-popper 8 Town in NE New Jersey 13 Root 19 Old Olds 20 Some till fill 21 Obstinate reply 22 Nobelist Hemingway 23 Phnom Penh’s land [2015] 25 Tonga’s site [2011] 27 Top points 28 Purplish-red flower 30 Apple product 31 “Beats me!”

33 Fashion’s Anna — 34 Aries, e.g.

36 Home of Columbus 40 Kitchen raiders 41 Neighbor of Mexico [2005] 44 Kenya’s home [2001] 46 Zing 47 Virginia hrs.

48 Varieties 50 They’re part of French Polynesia [2002] 55 Country with the capital Vila [2004] 58 Tint 59 Sailor’s site 60 Big Apple NFL team, on scoreboards 62 Umlaut pair 63 High-five sounds 65 Conduct, as business 68 Legal exam 70 “Adios!”

72 Harvest mo.

73 Where Tagalog is spoken [2012]

76 “Finished!”

80 Sailing 82 Biology div.

83 Inventive 85 Cola brand 88 Comic Foxx 90 Log cutter 92 Paradises 93 “Hail, Livy!”

94 Luzon province north of Isabela [2014] 97 Its president is Daniel Ortega [2010] 100 One who dawdles 102 Cartoon yell 104 Tram cargo 105 Where balboas are spent [2006] 106 World’s largest rain forest [2003] 110 Cotillion girls 114 Hose mishap 115 “Pardon?”

116 “— tu” (Verdi aria) 117 Diner staple 119 “Mamma Mia!” quartet 122 Treatment process 125 Greek vowel 126 Central American archipelago [2003] 130 Reality show of which 12 title locations are featured in this puzzle 132 “Billy —” (2000 film) 133 Maine city 134 Sky color 135 Butyl or propyl ender 136 Titans 137 Native of Italy’s Leaning Tower city 138 Desires 139 Outlaw Kelly

DOWN 1 Secret stuff 2 Signal light 3 Perpetrate 4 Having slack 5 German link 6 Viking Ericson 7 Chant for the Dream Team 8 Aquarium swimmers, to toddlers 9 Deuces 10 Novelist — May Alcott 11 Necessitate 12 Numerical suffix 13 Sewer’s line 14 Whale type 15 Horse’s mythical kin 16 Ump’s kin 17 2000-15 TV drama 18 List abbr.

24 Nap locales 26 Lapel sticker 29 Affectedly adorable 32 Old film critic James 35 Entire scope 37 Too — price 38 Freeze over 39 Havens 42 Co. with brown trucks 43 “True Life” channel 44 Hgt. 45 Soul-seller of legend 46 Many groan-eliciting jokes 49 Egg-hunt holiday 50 Verbal jewels 51 Lot division 52 Harvest 53 Australian airline 54 Opposer 56 Conforms 57 Brief denial 61 “The Wizard of Oz”

witch 64 Hoity-toity 66 Jungle beast 67 Fee 69 Jacuzzi joint 71 “Do — say!”

74 Gent partner 75 “— get it!”

77 Blood type, in brief 78 Half of Mork’s farewell 79 Film lioness 81 “Attack, mutt!”

84 Richard of “No Mercy” 85 Feelers on insects 86 Brand of spring water 87 Del. neighbor 89 Ground 91 Major Turkish city 95 Noted coach Parseghian 96 Classy gp.?

98 Dove’s noise 99 River in Italy 101 Cosmonaut Yuri 103 Poet Ralph Waldo — 107 John Wayne film of 1962 108 Group that shares a culture 109 Flies past 110 Actress Moore 111 Late morning time 112 “Vamoose!”

113 Gazed rudely 115 Used to exist 118 Dance parts 120 Dark stain 121 Smithereens 123 Writer O’Brien 124 Noel 126 Wooden nail 127 Yale attendee 128 Pie — mode 129 Chop (off) 131 RBI part

answers on page 48

ITEMS FOR SALE BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment.

Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each.

828.593.8321 COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT EQPT. For Sale: Imperial Electric Convection Oven, Globe 20 Qt. Mixer, Bavier 72” Sandwich Unit, 74” Tor Rey Refrigerated Display Case, Glass Front Dry 48” Display Case, Globe Deli Meat Slicer, Plus Lots of Smalls (Scales, Choppers, Etc.), 8- 2Top Tables & 2- 6Ft. Tables. Call 828.646.0303 For More Information & Prices.

Serious Buyers Only Please.

WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 WANTED: Certified Buyer Will Pick Up And Pay Ca$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312.291.9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com

MEDICAL WELLNESS ADVOCATE mydoterra.com/blueridge wellness A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1.800.717.0139

MEDICAL ATTENTION VIAGRA USERS: Generic 100 mg blue pills or Generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Guaranteed, no prescription necessary. Call 855.292.6607 SAPA ALERT FOR SENIORS Bathroom falls can be fatal! Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included.

Call 800.807.7219 for $750 Off. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS For up to 85% off retail prices!

STOP paying so much! $15 Off for First Time Customers. FREE Shipping. Price Match Guarantee. CALL for FREE Quote: 1.844.591.2095 or visit: MailMedsplus.net/newspaper SAPA STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS Or Alcohol? Addicted To Pills?

Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 800.511.6075 SAPA

SERVICES DISH TV. 190 channels. $49.99/mo. for 24 mos. Ask About Exclusive Dish Features like Sling® and the Hopper®. PLUS HighSpeed Internet, $14.95/mo. (Availability and Restrictions apply.) TV for Less, Not Less TV! 1.855.419.7188 SAPA

SERVICES SAVE On Internet and TV bundles!

Order the best exclusive cable and satellite deals in your area! If eligible, get up to $300 in Visa Gift Cards. CALL NOW! 1.800.791.0713 SAPA LEAKY FAUCET? Broken toilet? Call NOW and get the best deals with your local plumbers. No hassle appointment setup. Call NOW! 855.297.1318 SAPA LOWER THAT CABLE BILL And get AT&T U-Verse. BUNDLE & SAVE with AT&T Internet+Phone+ TV. HURRY, CALL NOW! 855.441.3595 NEW AT&T INTERNET OFFER. $20 and $30/mo plans available when you bundle. 99% Reliable 100% Affordable. Hurry, Offer Ends Soon. New Customers Only.

CALL NOW 1.800.950.1469 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 $375 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: ncpress.com

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 48

Cherokee used toxins to stun fish BACK THEN

One of the most "green" fireplaces to own & operate.

tions, Mr. Bryson recalled that his ancestors came into the Little Tennessee region in the 1820s and began using the trap at that time.

“My father and I were still gathering fish from the 65-yard wide trap on up Cherokee fishing wier. SMN photo until 1920,” he said, while adding: “For the Cherokees it was a community project. Each family would contribute so many days working on the trap and share in the harvest. They constructed their trap at the mouth of the Vshaped opening by sinking huge locust logs to make a shute.

Then four or five layers of white oak sticks, protein during the winter months. like tobacco sticks, would be laid down so The white settlers who replaced the that the fish would roll under them and get Cherokees were not so foolish as to let the trapped. productive fish traps go to waste. They “The water was always high back when I sometimes built their own, but for the most was a boy. Dad and I would take a boat out part they used those that their predecessors to check the trap. Mainly we’d catch fish in had constructed. the spring when they were running. We One of the most accessible of these caught a lot. Grandmother would sometimes ancient rock weirs is located alongside NC try to dry the surplus, but mainly we shared 28 about five miles north of Franklin across them with the neighbors. from the Cowee Gift Shop. Back in the late “One day Dad and I caught a fish whose 1980s I visited with Robert T. Bryson to distail still touched the ground when he held it cuss this trap. He was then 83 years of age, up at eye level. It may have been a catfish. having been born in the Cowee community That’s the truth, not a fish story.” in 1904.

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer.

Consulting the family Bible in which He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.) information had been recorded for generaThe Cherokees especially liked to catch freshwater catfish, which could be cleaned but not skinned and smoked over a fire. The smoked and dried catfish provided valuable

November 15-21, 2017

the southeastern United States collected goat’s rue and ground it up on posts resting on the bottom of a pool. Shortly after the ground plant fell into the water, paralyzed fish would float to the surface for collection.

The toxic substance in goat’s rue is rotenone, which is the principal ingredient in various insecticides and modern fish poisons. By attacking the nervous system of the fish, rotenone did not poison the meat in any way.

Columnist The prehistoric Cherokees also speared fish, caught them with lines and bone hooks, shot them with bows and arrows, and grabbed them with their bare hands. But their most productive tactic involved the use of the rock weirs and fishtraps. Situated throughout the southern mountain region wherever the Cherokees located their large villages alongside major streams, these devices allowed for huge quantities of fish to be taken at one time.

Weirs were constructed where the water was swift. Two converging, wall-like alignments formed a V-shape. Facing downstream, the V-shaped structure funneled fish into a wicker or log trap. Harvesting the fish swept into the traps was a piece of cake.

When the catch was heavy, “they make a town feast, or feast of love, of which everyone partakes in a most social manner, and afterwards they dance together,” noted the 18th century Cherokee trader and historian James Adair.

George Ellison

P

eople sometimes wonder if the prehistoric Cherokees used any sort of poisons on their blowgun darts. These darts (slivers of black locust, hickory, or white oak) were from 10 to 20 inches long with thistledown tied at one end to form an air seal in the blowgun (a hollowed piece of cane cut to a length of seven to nine feet).

The Cherokees were accurate with these weapons up to 40 or 60 feet, especially when shooting birds, but there is no evidence they used poisons of any sort on their darts.

They did, however, routinely employ poisons from several native plants when fishing. The drugging of fish was practiced during the dry months of late summer and early fall when water flow in mountain streams is often low, thereby creating a series of small pools with high concentrations of fish.

The two plants commonly used to stupefy fish were yellow buckeye (Aesculus octandra) and goat’s rue (Tephrosia virginica), which is also known as devil’s shoestrings or catgut.

Buckeye nuts were ground up and thrown into the pools of water. The poison thereby released was aesculin. This toxin caused the fish to float to the surface where they were easily collected in long-handled baskets made for that purpose. I do not know if the aesculin posed a risk to humans eating the fish.

Goat’s rue is still common in open or waste areas throughout the old Cherokee country. Easily recognized as a member of the Pea Family by its pinnate leaves that bear 17-29 leaflets, the silky-hairy plant (1-2 feet high) displays bi-colored, irregularlyshaped flowers (yellow base, pink wings) throughout the summer.

The Cherokees and other Indian tribes in

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Smoky Mountain News

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Smoky Mountain News November 15-21, 2017