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Feb. 6-12, 2013, 2013 Vol. 14 Iss. 36

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CONTENTS

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Waynesville woman tackles tales of the town’s past ..........................................4 Mom-owned business is a unique Hazelwood stop ..........................................5 Cherokee releases more details of proposed adventure park ........................6 Haywood to get signs marking Blue Ridge Heritage Area ................................7 Macon commissioner winces at cost of sports complex....................................8 Cherokee bear park closed, at least temporarily ..................................................9 WNC amateur boxers prepare for competition..................................................10 Waynesville to hold meetings on possible merger ............................................10 Haywood Transit moves to new Clyde location ................................................11 Republican eliminated as option for Haywood sheriff job ..............................11 Paddlers relish rivers after days of heavy rainfall ..............................................12 State contemplates giving kids of illegal immigrants licenses........................13 Frog Level nightlife lightens up ..............................................................................14 Angel Medical Center to create memorial garden ............................................15 Demand for Meals on Wheels outpaces available resources ........................15

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Gripped by history

Smoky Mountain News

February 6-12, 2013

Ann Melton, a descendent of Waynesville’s founder Robert Love, embarked on a two-year journey back in time to chronicle the town’s history is a series of five books. Becky Johnson photo

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A one-woman mission to trace Waynesville’s early roots takes on a life of its own

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Lately, it seems Ann Melton was born in the wrong century.

During the past two years, Melton has spent more time living in the late 1800s — the days when boarding houses and hitching posts lined Waynesville’s Main Street, when general stores still had butcher counters and bartering was a way of life — than the comparatively humdrum trappings of the 21st century.

Burrowed down in the annals of Waynesville history, Melton turned her nostalgia and passion for the past into a rich, detailed body of research documenting the

early evolution of a small mountain town.

She sifted through trunks of old family documents, relegated to basements decades ago and dug out by those willing to lend a hand to her endeavors. She painstakingly sorted and labeled a giant mish-mash of historic photos from random personal collections, heaped on her by old-timers thrilled to find someone who actually cared.

And she tapped the memories of Waynesville’ unofficial keepers of early history, at last committing to paper stories that until now were only held in their heads.

Her historical sleuthing has led to a series of five books chronicling the early days of Waynesville — one for each of the town’s officially designated historic districts and one on Waynesville’s early founder, Robert Love, and his family.

They capture a portrait of a community at a microscopic level: not only who lived in which house but also the paintings that adorned their walls and the dresses in the ladies’ wardrobes. Detailed maps of every building on Main Street recall not just who

Read more Everything you ever wanted to know about Waynesville’s historic districts is captured in the a series of five self-published books by retired Waynesville school teacher Ann Melton, who serves on the town’s Historic Preservation Commission.

They recently won her the Willie Parker Peace History Book Award from the N.C. Society of Historians.

• The Early History of Love Lane contains pictures and descriptions of the historic homes on Love Lane, the history of

owned them but the goods that were sold ed in the historic districts,” Melton said. “So there and how much they cost — precious I stopped working on Frog Level, and I startnuggets gleaned from old newspaper advered working on Main Street.” tisements thanks to untold hours poring Now with four books under her belt — through microfilm archives.

Love Lane, Frog Level, Main Street and the Her journey into history started in her Love family history — Melton couldn’t seem own backyard of Love Lane. Just two blocks to stop. So, she took on the history of yet from the heart of Waynesville, Love Lane another of Waynesville’s historic districts, was built and settled by the affluent business Woolsey Heights. and political leaders in town.

The family enclave of three enormous “The movers and shakers of Waynesville homes on a hilltop just outside downtown lived on Love Lane,” Melton said. was built by Minthorne Woolsey in the early The list reads like a Who’s Who of 1900s. A wealthy cotton broker from Waynesville’s early days. There was the mayor Alabama, he initially spent summers in Clyde Ray, who was also the local undertaker Waynesville, a popular retreat for scores of and business owner; Dr. Abel, who started the Southern gentry looking for a mountain first hospital in Waynesville; And James Love escape. Woolsey soon moved to Waynesville Stringfield, the first police chief. permanently, however, and became immersed Many of them were related, often by in Waynesville’s affluent social circles. He their children inter-marrying, and were also built a mansion-scale home for himself and descendents somewhere down the line of one for each of his daughters on the hilltop Robert Love, the town’s founder — thus givthat came to be known as Woolsey Heights. ing rise to the name Love Lane.

Melton was invited to pour through family Melton’s own home on Love Lane is a history — 12 big wooden trunks worth — in shrine to history. Beautifully appointed with the possession of Woolsey’s great, great grandantiques and themed period rooms, she even son, Robbie Moody, who lives in Asheville. has the original wallpaper in some rooms “In those 12 trunks, I found an address and the original bathroom fixtures and book, which I knew for some reason I was kitchen cabinets. supposed to keep,” Melton said.

Melton can claim more than a Love Lane The address book had the names and residence, however. She herself is the great, addresses of Woolsey descendants during the great, great, great granddaughter of Robert years. One of them was a grandson who spent Love, a Revolutionary War colonel who summers at Woolsey Heights as a boy, who founded Waynesville. she eventually tracked down, through And thus she stumbled into her next Internet sleuthing, in Colorado — after more book: The Love Family of Haywood County. than a dozen cold calls to wrong numbers “During my research, I realized there was not one book in Melton’s historical sleuthing has led the library on the Loves who founded the town. Hello? So I to a series of five books chronicling did the Love family of Haywood the early days of Waynesville — one County,” Melton said.

And while she was at it, she for each of the town’s officially realized many of the Love Lane designated historic districts and residents were the business owners and merchants who ran one on Waynesville’s early founder, the stores in nearby Frog Level, just two blocks from Love Lane Robert Love, and his family. and the hub of commerce for the town at the time. That’s ultimately what roped her into her third underaround the country to people with same taking: the history of Frog Level. name.

No sooner was she up to her knees in When he learned of the book, he planned Frog Level history, when she stumbled on a a trip to Waynesville to visit Melton and treasure trove of old black and white photoshare his memories with her. graphs that led her down yet another path.

“He brought all his photographs and Hilliard Jones, a Waynesville old-timer and mementos and treasures and filled in this history fan, had amassed historical photos of big hole so I could publish the book,” Main Street during the years. He was dead, Melton said. and his wife didn’t know what to do with the Melton amassed so much research, one never-before-seen collection. So she turned of the biggest challenges she ultimately them over to Melton. encountered was deciding what “I guess word got out that I am interestmade the cut, particularly which

each home, stories from families who lived there and pictures from today depicting how the historical integrity has been preserved even on the interiors.

• The Early History of Frog Level documents the one-time hub of Waynesville commerce around the old railroad depot.

• Views from the Past, Main Street Waynesville 1896-1931, is largely a pictorial collection of more than 200 historic photographs paired with descriptions of what each store once was and who owned it, corresponding to maps.

• The Early History of Woolsey Heights, “Millionaire’s Row,”

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describes this unique hilltop enclave of mansions above town that served as a retreat for the wealthy Colonel Woolsey family and his descendents through the generations, including exquisite historic photographs and stories.

• The Love Family of Haywood County traces the biographical and genealogical story of Robert Love, the founder of Waynesville, his sons and their descendents, as well as the family’s business, land and legal dealings surrounding the town’s creation.

To order a copy of any of these books, contact Ann Melton at 828.452.2500.

NEVER ENDING STORY

When Melton first embarked on the Love Lane history two years ago, she didn’t realize just what she was getting herself into.

“When I started, my plan was to just do the history of who lived in all these houses here,” Melton said of Love Lane. “But I just

something to you,’” Melton recounted.

A few days later, four boxes arrived at Melton’s house via UPS. Inside were land deeds, business transactions and historical records that told not just the Love family story, but the story of Waynesville’s founding and much about Haywood County. Robert Love had amassed the largest estate in North Carolina at the time of his death in the 1840s.

The collection even has deeds signed by William Thomas, a famed mountain landowner, trader and adopted white son of the Cherokee who helped secure the tribe’s reservation in the Smokies. She plans to give all the documents to Western Carolina University for its regional archive repository.

Melton’s luck at times seemed uncanny.

One of her favorite historic photos — of yoked oxen lying in Main Street in front of where Mast General Store is now — was mined from a collection an acquaintance had picked up at a yard sale.

The real gems, however, are the personal stories she found along the way — giving life to an otherwise dry account of when each house was built and who lived there.

These include story of Hugh Love, the great-grandson of Waynesville’s founder Robert Love, who went broke over his lifetime despite being born into affluence.

“Hugh Love had a big heart and just loaned money and loaned money and loaned money.

His wife was left penniless and in debt,” Melton said.

Mom-owned business takes monogramming to a new level

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER ustomers have asked Katie Seymour to monogram just about everything — from the typical towels or cloth purses to the completely abstruse car mats or sports bras.

“There is a huge market for embroidery, and it’s a competitive market,” said Seymour, who owns Lily Belles in Hazelwood.

Seymour is just one of a dozen business owners in Hazelwood who have contributed to its revitalization during the last seven years. The gift shop is named after Seymour’s daughter, Lillian, and her father is her business partner.

Lily Belles sells many locally made items, such as bags, jewelry, knit dolls and aprons, but specializes in embroidery — a talent Seymour learned from a friend.

Seymour, for a while, worked making custom bags at a friend’s shop and learned how monogram. Then, about three years ago after her friend’s store closed, she decided to open her own place.

“It’s something I’ve always been interested in, and I felt like there was a place for it in Waynesville,” said Seymour, a mom with young children.

Although she cannot work on a mass scale like large corporations, Seymour gets

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help with her work from two computerized machines, which when fed a design, initials or a logo, immediately begin sewing it into an item. Simple monograms take 10 to 12 minutes to complete, whereas more intricate logos usually take closer to an hour.

Not limited to merely the novel, Seymour has done work for the Clyde Police Department, the Waynesville Fire Department and sewed a design onto scrubs for the Haywood County hospital. Some clients also allow her to exercise her artistic side; most recently, she created shirts for a little boy’s birthday party, decorating them with planets and stars for his galactic-themed shindig.

Go for a visit Lily Belles is located on Hazelwood Avenue and is open every day except Wednesdays and Sundays. 828.246.0875 or www.lilybellesonline.com.

“I love getting to do the creative projects,” Seymour said.

Lily Belles is one of several eclectic, boutique-style shops that have breathed new life and energy into the old Hazelwood shopping district during the past several years. Other creative, homegrown entrepreneurs carving out a niche alongside Seymour are Hazelwood Soap Company, Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters, Claymate’s Paint-Your-Own Pottery, Robin Blu and Bourbon Barrel restaurant.

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Melton, a retired school teacher, discovered her passion for historical research late in life. Her husband, who worked at Garrett Funeral Home, has taken her allconsuming hobby in stride.

“My husband is so glad this is Ann Melton’s house on Love Lane pays homage to her coming to an end,” Melton joked.

The books have found an favorite historical epochs and reveals an obvious flare for audience among old-timers and period interior designing. Becky Johnson photo descendants of Waynesville’s kept digging and digging.” early residents. One man bought a whole As she trawled the Waynesville history stack to give each of his grandchildren as a records, Melton became a magnet for people snapshot of their grandpappy’s own childwith forgotten collections of old documents, hood. He’d grown up in the back room of a letters, deeds and photographs. general store in Frog Level in the early 1900s Melton was the perfect receptacle for with six other siblings, and, of course, was in descendants wondering what to do with Melton’s Frog Level book. their collection of historical records.

With two intensive years of research and Sometimes, she would get a call out of the writing behind her, Melton’s work still isn’t blue from someone who heard she was writover. As orders for the books come in, she ing a series of history books on Waynesville’s prints and binds them herself, first making early people. copies at Staples in town and then driving One of those calls came from a descendant them to a book bindery more than three of Waynesville’s founder, Robert Love, who hours away. She drops them off, then goes lived in Georgia. Generations earlier, the Love back to pick them up — a round-trip she’s family attorney had divested himself of the made six times so far. family’s legal files and documents when he She’s not making any money off the retired, and they’d been passed down through books — she sells them “at cost,” just enough the years, eventually ending up with her. to cover the photocopying and binding. She “She said, ‘I don’t know anything about doesn’t even charge enough to recoup her my family. These documents don’t mean gasoline to drive to the bindery and back. anything to me, but they obviously mean “It really is a labor of love,” Melton said.

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photos. For every one that appears in the book, there were 100 others that couldn’t be included.

“These were such wealthy people they were getting professional photographs made all the time,” Melton said of the Woolsey Heights families. “These pictures were magnificent. They tell such stories.”

Some of the photos are of family picnics with famous guests in attendance, old historic cars in the carriage house, elegant dresses trimmed with exquisite lace and buttons and bonnets.

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Cherokee leaders make their case for a indoor adventure park

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER $93 million family adventure park in Cherokee would likely turn a profit during its first year of operation, according to early projections from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ finance department.

Tribal leaders see the adventure park as the missing piece of their tourism puzzle.

The reservation already has a burgeoning casino and resort to attract the 21 and older crowd, a spa and golf course for the business class, hiking and fly fishing for outdoors types, and a suite of cultural attractions for inquisitive travelers — but there are few

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throughout the meeting. One caller asked that tribal leaders allow enrolled members to vote for or against the project. A few other enrolled members phoned in their support for the adventure park.

“It is a great idea. It will give people more to do,” one commenter stated.

The new project is part of a decade-long conversation about how to improve Cherokee’s tourism image and diversify its revenue streams.

“This project is lengthy in nature. It is not something that came about in the last year,” Lambert said.

Families may come for the day to visit the cultural sites, such as the Museum of the

this month asking for $4.5 million to complete a comprehensive park design and create a brand, on which the marketing campaign will be based.

Although some details are lacking, research by the tribe’s finance department showed that the venture would be profitable.

Tribal planners looked at possible costs as well as occupancy rates at similar indoor adventure parks throughout the year.

“On a weekend in December, you may still be looking at 75 or 80 percent occupancy,” Lambert said.

Estimated net cash flow for year one is $1.9 million, which the tribe calculated would increase annually. By its fifth year of

February 6-12, 2013

Designers have created a temporary mock-up of the adventure park to show enrolled member what it could look like.

“You need a high level attraction not only bring people to the reservation but also to capitalize on the people who are already here.”

— Corey Blankenship, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians treasurer

Smoky Mountain News

family themed offerings.

The high-profile, year-round adventure park would include a 302-room hotel, restaurants, retail shops, an arcade, water slides, interactive pools, rock climbing, ziplining and splash pads, among other possible attractions.

“We are looking at an age range of 7 months to 70,” said Corey Blankenship, treasurer for the Eastern Band.

Blankenship and the tribe’s Commerce Director Jason Lambert facilitated a public hearing last week to answer questions and gather feedback about the proposed adventure park from tribal members.

The public hearing was broadcast live over the tribe’s closed circuit television sta6 tion and collected comments from callers

Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village, but may not choose to stay overnight.

“You need a high-level attraction to not only bring people to the reservation but also to capitalize on the people who are already here,” Blankenship said.

According to Cherokee’s numbers, more than 80 percent of visitors are 45 and older.

The adventure park would hopefully remedy that.

“This is a different customer. This is a different market than is coming to Cherokee,” Lambert said.

Exact details of the adventure park are still unknown, but more will become available during the next phase of planning.

Lambert will go in front of the tribal council

operation, tribal financiers predicted that the adventure park would bring in $5.1 million.

One reason that tribal leaders think the adventure park will fare well is because of its lack of competition from Atlanta.

“The biggest thing we have going for us is Atlanta doesn’t have one of these, and Atlanta is a big feeder market for us,” Lambert said.

The only two indoor adventure park competitors in the area will be The Great Wolf in Charlotte and Wilderness in the Smokies in Sevierville, Tenn. However, Lambert said that Cherokee’s adventure park would provide more to visitors than Wilderness in the Smokies.

Under its current plans, the adventure

park would cost about $93 million to construct. The tribe would use three methods to pay for project construction: $22.6 million from tribal equity; a $32.4 million bank note; and $38.4 million from a tax credit.

While tribal financial projections indicate the adventure park would turn a profit almost immediately when it comes to operations and overhead, it’s unclear whether those profits would also be enough to cover annual debt payments.

Lambert emphasized that the adventure park would not prohibit the tribe from completing other community development projects. In fact, Lambert said, revenues from the new attraction could help the Eastern Band augment its current list of services for enrolled members.

“At the end of the day, the profits, whether directly or indirectly, will benefit this community and its members,” Lambert said.

The adventure park would also mean jobs — about 300 to be exact. The business would need a hotel manager, lifeguards, maintenance employees and engineers to work on all the plumbing needed to pump water into the park, among other positions.

And because the tribe will own it, headhunters will give enrolled members preference when finding employees.

However, a couple of enrolled members were concerned about how many of those jobs would actually go to members of the tribe. The casino has a tribal preference hiring law in place, but lack of necessary skills and substance abuse prevents some enrolled members from securing or keeping a job there.

“If our people can’t do the work for whatever reason, then how is it really enriching the lives of our people?” asked Amy Walker, an enrolled member.

Attendees were also concerned that the addition of a 302-room hotel attached to the adventure park could hurt private hotels, motels and other accommodations already in Cherokee.

“There are accommodations out there now that are shutting down,” said Jimmy Bradley, an enrolled member from Yellowhill.

Bradley asked if the hotel was needed or if the tribe could just build the adventure park. According to research, the answer is “no.”

“Essentially, the answer is you don’t make any money directly off the adventure park,” Lambert said. “That is why we have to do the comprehensive package.”

Rooms for a family of four in the hotel would cost $190 to $200 a night but would include the cost of entry to the adventure park. However, enrolled members and nearby residents would not likely want to pay to stay overnight if they live within 45 minutes to an hour from Cherokee. Planners with the tribe are looking into offering day passes.

However, they may only be available during certain times because of crowd limits.

“There may be times of the year that may be prohibited because of fire codes and things like that, depending on how many people are staying in the hotel,” Lambert said.

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February 6-12, 2013

Ten years after the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area won federal designation, themed signs tying together 65 attractions throughout the mountains will finally be installed this year.

The signs will unite a mish-mash of cultural and heritage attractions under a signature brand and will hopefully encourage tourists to view their WNC travels under a unified banner as they move about the region. The signs were one of the first goals for the newly dedicated heritage area, but have taken longer than expected to pull off due to various hurdles. The signs will be in place by late summer or early fall.

“Everything is moving forward,” said Melinda Young, signage coordinator for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, at a meeting of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners Monday.

Signs will be placed in 22 of the state’s westernmost counties, hitting everything from museums to old hiking trails to entire towns like Saluda.

“It has excellent representation around Western North Carolina,” Young said.

Signs in Haywood County will include the historic Bethel Presbyterian Church, the Shelton House in Waynesville and another on a town’s Main Street. It has not yet been decided which town — Canton or Waynesville or Maggie Valley — will get the sign.

Macon County will have four signs marking the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, Lake Nantahala, the Little Tennessee River Greenway and the Bartram Trail. Jackson County will have two signs denoting the locations of Judaculla Rock and an area overlooking the Qualla Boundary; Swain will have one marking the Nantahala Outdoor Center outpost.

“It looks like the mountains are well covered,” said Commissioner Bill Upton.

— By Caitlin Bowling

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news February 6-12, 2013 Smoky Mountain News 8

Batter up

Sylva teacher wins statewide teaching award Deanne Oppermann, a chemistry instructor at Southwestern Community College in Sylva, is the recipient of the R.J. Reynolds Excellence in Teaching Award for 2012-2013 by the North Carolina Community College System.

Oppermann is known at SCC for embracing multiple teaching styles and incorporating mastery learning, the philosophy of providing more than one chance to demonstrate mastery of content or skill, into her courses.

However, Oppermann’s passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom. Her passion for teaching is solidified by her interaction with students during the advising process and the countless professional development hours she logs to improve student learning and stay current in her field.

Oppermann has worked at 17 years, with six years’ experience in the industry as a research chemist. She also holds a U.S. Patent based on novel chemical surfactants.

“I am humbled, honored, and excited to have been selected as the 2012-2013 NCCCS Excellence in Teaching recipient,” Oppermann said. “The true reward of teaching comes from making a positive difference in my students’ lives.”

Oppermann was chosen as one of the five finalists for the award from a field of 58 candidates, one from each community college in the state.

“Deanne Oppermann is a superstar in the classroom. Because Dee has never mistaken activity for achievement, every activity she connects with (and there are many) leads to something spectacular for the student,” said Cheryl Contino-Conner, director of Student Support Services and Honors Program at SCC. “As an instructor, an advisor and a champion of SCC’s Honors Program, Dee Oppermann is simply the best when it comes to student service and teaching/learning at SCC. We are very lucky to have her, and I say that as a colleague and as a friend.”

Oppermann will receive an $8,000 stipend, a $2,000 contribution to Southwestern Community College and a commemorative plaque.

Macon weighs costs and benefits of proposed recreation complex ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER Macon County commissioner, who prides himself on fiscal conservatism, has been staking out his positions lately.

After questioning the virtue of pay raises for Macon County workers two weeks ago, Commissioner Ron Haven has turned his attention to another proposed outlet of government spending: a large sports complex being considered outside of Franklin.

The 50-acre complex would house several baseball fields at its core, rounded out with paved walking trails, basketball courts, soccer fields, picnic areas and restrooms as well. County commissioners voted unanimously to buy the property in November, with the final sale contingent on surveys, engineering and other due diligence.

But the estimated price tag of $1.1 million for the first phase of the ball park has ballooned to $5 million for a full build-out.

Now Haven is having second thoughts.

Given the new price tag, he questioned whether it’s too expensive for the county.

“I am supporting the idea, but I’m thinking it’s the wrong timing,” Haven said.

“We’ve got to keep our budget as low as possible.”

The county has extended its initial 30day property option for another four months, with a new deadline of April 15.

The early — and now apparently lowball — guesswork of $1.1 million for the first phase included the price of the property, two baseball fields, a parking lot and a picnic pavilion.

However, a contracted engineer has now presented lawmakers with a total cost of $5 million for the full project, which would include many more sports fields and features, such as a Frisbee golf course, an expanded playground and nearly $1 million

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in outdoor lighting and electrical wiring, among other improvements.

Haven was in favor of the initial, dialed down park plan, but a master plan for the park spooked the conservative commissioner.

“We are looking down the barrel of a $5 million project and I’m afraid spending is going to get out of hand,” Haven said.

Haven was also concerned that the actual costs of the project would surpass any estimates — pointing out that commissioners recently paid for $600,000 in outdoor swimming pool renovations, which were expected to cost half that price. The county’s hope of landing a state parks and recreation grant to help cover part of the cost is also not guaranteed, Haven said.

But other county officials were quick to point out that just because the entire project could cost as much as $5 million, that doesn’t mean the county will actually spend that much, at least not all at once.

Commissioner Ronnie Beale said certain items can be prioritized and other facilities added at a future date or never.

“Those were numbers for, ‘if we had all the money in the world, what it would cost?’” Beale said, referring to the $5 million figure. “That’s a pie in the sky, and we might get a brownie in the sky.”

Beale said that commissioners have to balance curtailing spending with providing services and quality of life amenities for residents.

“We don’t want to raise taxes, but we want to provide recreational facilities for the future,” Beale said. “We’ve put very little in recreation over the years.” The last time the county invested money in baseball fields for the general public was 1973.

Likewise, the county could simply buy the property now and wait to start any portion of the project until a later date — but

the county should strike while it can, Beale said.

The chances of finding another suitable site in the future, as flat as the proposed one and for such a price, is unlikely, Beale said.

That’s the strategy that Haywood County commissioners took five years ago when a large, flat tract came up for sale that would be ideal for a recreation complex and ballpark. They spent $1 million buying the 22-acre tract, with an eye toward one day building the ball field complex. The county even created a master plan for the site but hasn’t budgeted any money to actually build the complex. Securing the land when it did means it can one day in the future; however, The Haywood commissioners took heat from some constituents over the price tag.

But the youth sports lobby could be a match for those preaching fiscal constraint.

When Macon County commissioners first discussed buying the land for a recreation complex last November, their meeting was packed with Little League and softball organizers and coaches.

County Manager Jack Horton said that the county is not preparing to take out a $5 million loan and fund everything included in the master plan for the park. He said the focus was for the first phase, and the rest would have to be evaluated in the future.

The final cost may fall somewhere in between the low price and the high price.

But before commissioners will know if the site is even suitable for a recreational complex, an archeological study must be completed on the 50-acre tract along Cartoogechaye Creek. Archeologically significant findings could halt or alter any development projects.

The engineer working with the county on the site analysis and planning process, Mike Lovoy, said the Cherokee had large villages in the area prior to European arrival, and in 1963, an archeological site, with numerous pottery shards, was found on the tract and documented with the state.

The county is currently paying about $40,000 to have the survey conducted, and it is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

“It’s likely there are artifacts there,” Horton said. “We need to find out to what extent, we need to find out if we can’t use it for what we intended to use it for.”

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“If he wants to live the rest of his life with bears, it’s in his court,” Sacks said.

“But he can’t exhibit those animals now.”

Theoretically, without being able to make money off showing the bears, the cost of their upkeep could force the owner of the animals to divest of them, however.

Sacks said Clapsaddle has the opportunity to re-apply for his permit. And if everything at the zoo is found to be in compliance with the law, he is eligible to continue running his operation. Sacks said agents visited the park on Jan. 9 and recorded a “clean” inspection of the zoo.

Donated photo

Smoky Mountain News

Chief Saunooke Bear Park has long been the target of many outside protestors, from a personal visit from game show celebrity Bob Barker to a picket by a troupe of regional PETA protestors in January.

However this time around, Clapsaddle’s zoo may be facing a little bit of opposition from within Cherokee.

The sanctions on the zoo came right after PETA released an undercover video of the zoo that disclosed the facility’s workers saying discriminatory comments against Native Americans and showed the bears biting the metal bars of their cages until their teeth snapped.

The images of the pent up bears, pacing back and forth in cramped cages upset 71year-old tribal member Amy Walker after she attempted to watch the online video.

She said she had never been inside one of the bear zoos in Cherokee and didn’t realize what was taking place.

Now, she plans to go before the tribal council with other supporters Feb. 14 and petition them to close Chief Saunooke Bear Park and all the bear parks in Cherokee.

“I feel like there are a lot of native people upset about this,” Walker said. “I think it’s a black eye on all of us.”

February 6-12, 2013

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER Federal regulators temporarily suspended operations at Cherokee bear zoo and fined its owners $5,000 for repeated animal welfare violations.

U.S. Department of Agriculture officials levied fines of $5,000 against the owner of Chief Saunooke Bear Park, Kole Clapsaddle, and suspended the park’s license to display bears to the public. The act stemmed from an official complaint last summer alleging numerous violations of the Animal Welfare Act that had gone uncorrected during the previous two years.

The penalties were agreed upon by Clapsaddle and in an administrative court. The dozen or so violations included failure to maintain clean enclosures for the bears and provide proper food, as well as an inadequate barrier between the bears and visitors.

Since December 2009, federal inspectors have repeatedly visited the zoo.

Though the bear park is currently closed for the winter, it would have to re-apply for and be granted permission to open this spring. The bear park also stands to incur $15,000 more in automatic fines if it indeed reopens and violates the act within two years.

The sanctions were celebrated by animal rights activists, who have long targeted the bear park and others like it with protests and publicity campaigns, yet many believe it should be viewed as only the first step in shutting down all of the private bear zoos on the reservation. Chief Saunooke Bear Park is one of three bear zoos on the reservation.

Delcianna Winders, director of captive animal law enforcement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said she believes the federal inspectors should confiscate the bears still held at Chief Saunooke, due to their deplorable living conditions.

“I would like to see the bears confiscated and sent to a reputable sanctuary,” Winders said. “The bear parks in Cherokee are among the worst in the nation.”

As of early January, the Chief Saunooke Bear Park possessed 11 bears: six of them were black bears, two were brown bears and three were Asiatic black bears.

However, for the federal government to legally confiscate the Chief Saunooke bears, they must be found to be in a state of “unrelieved suffering,” according to Dave Sacks, a department spokesman. Otherwise, the ruling only prohibits the public display of those animals to paying patrons.

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Cherokee bear zoo fined and suspended over violations

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Merger input sought in countdown to decision

February 6-12, 2013

Waynesville residents will get their first chance to weigh in on the possibility of adding Lake Junaluska to the town limits with two public hearings this month.

Town leaders must decide by midMarch whether to introduce a bill in the General Assembly that would officially make Lake Junaluska a part of Waynesville.

The residential community of Lake Junaluska, which sits less than a mile from Waynesville’s borders, has been contemplating its future during the past year.

A 14-member task force is considering three options: merge with Waynesville, become a town itself or continue as a highly-structured homeowner’s association.

Lake Junaluska property owners have had ample opportunity to voice their opinion at public meetings, but Waynesville’s residents will now get a chance to share their thoughts on bring-

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ing the community into the town’s fold.

The town would get considerable property tax revenue if it absorbs Lake Junaluska’s 800 homes. But it would also take on the role of police protection, trash collection, street maintenance and other town services — along with inheriting Lake Junaluska’s aging water and sewer lines in need of repair and replacement.

The town has been researching the implications of bringing Lake Junaluska into the town for several months.

“This has been essentially our fulltime job for the last month,” Town Manager Marcy Onieal said. “We are very close.”

Onieal said she is confident that a merger would be possible and not harmful to either entity.

“I think we are still in the ballpark of this being feasible for both parties,” Onieal said.

However, before Waynesville leaders vote on anything, they want to hear residents’ thoughts or concerns.

The town commissioned consulting firm Martin-McGill Associates to provide an analysis of a merger. Onieal will present information from the study at two town hall meetings: 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 11 a.m. on Feb. 22 at the town hall boardroom.

For more information about the possible merger of Lake Junaluska and Waynesville, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

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Roughest, Toughest Brawl takes the ring in Haywood

Tim Gentry tries boxing gloves at Bob’s Sports in Waynesville. Gentry has been preparing for Friday’s amateur boxing competition at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. Andrew Kasper photo

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER mateur boxers will square off at the Haywood County Fairgrounds to vie in the Roughest and Toughest Brawl this weekend, pitting off-the-street fighters against each other for a chance to win $600 in each of the three weight classes. There is also a women’s category.

The Roughest and Toughest Brawl, now in its fourth year in Waynesville, has attracted up 45 fighters from Haywood and neighboring counties in the past, according to George Hines, a boxing promoter and former pro wrestler in Japan who puts on the event. He said although professional boxing is declining in popularity, amateur boxing is as popular as ever.

“Pro boxing is on its behind,” Hines said. “But this is different; this is local guys who haven’t fought before except in bars or as kids.”

The guys who show up to his events are the convenience store clerks or the classmates you haven’t seen since high school, he said.

The fights are also more exciting than professional boxing, Hines said. Instead of 10, three-minute rounds, the fights in Waynesville will consist of three, one-minute rounds. The faster matches cause for a livelier boxing event, and more matches.

“They don’t have time to dance around,” Hines said. “They get in there and slug, toeto-toe.”

One local boxer, Time Gentry, 33, said he was looking around for a job to pay his child support, then heard that the upcoming boxing match pays, so he signed up two weeks ago.

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Gentry said has learned to box by handling himself in the street, but never done it with gloves on. He added that he has hopes to step into the ring with some of his enemies around town, after missing out on the chance to participate in the event two years ago

Want to go?

The Roughest and Toughest Brawl will come to the Haywood County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8 and 9. Tickets are between $8 and $16. Doors open at 7 p.m. and fighting begins at 8 p.m. Winners can walk away with $600. Sign up at Bob’s Sports Store in Waynesville, at the match, or online at roughestandtoughest.com.

because of his weight.

He dropped his weight from 210 pounds two years ago to 185 pounds this year, he said. Now, he likes his chances of winning in a lower weight class at the competition.

“I quit eating three meals a day,” Gentry said. “I didn’t want to have to fight a 300pound man.”

The boxers who win Friday night will return Saturday for more. Rounds not decided by a knockout are decided by a judgment — usually in favor of the more aggressive boxer, Hines said.

Hines, who puts on 20 of the events in North and South Carolina a year, was recently approached about a reality show deal with A&E television station.

Haywood Democrats won’t consider Republican for sheriff replacement

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plans to run for Haywood County sheriff in 2014. Wilke ran unsuccessfully for sheriff in 2010. Suttles defeated him by 7 percent.

“Our campaign for the Sheriff ’s Office starts now, and I am confident that I will be elected in 2014,” Wilke said. As sheriff, my first order of business is to take the politics out of the Office so we can get down to the business of keeping our communities safe and prosperous.”

The two remaining candidates vying for Suttles’ seat are Chief Deputy Larry Bryson, 57, of the Haywood Sheriffs Office and Lt. Greg Christopher, 51, with the N.C. Highway Patrol.

“I feel like we have two very good qualified candidates,” Benson said. “I think we are fortunate.”

Party leaders will hear from the contenders in a forum at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. Former N.C. Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Mars Hill, will moderate. Candidates will each receive 12 to 15 minutes to make their cases.

Registered Democrats are encouraged to attend and may submit questions for the candidates. Questions are due to the county democratic headquarters by Feb. 20 and must include the person’s name, their precinct and the name of their precinct chairperson.

Member of the Haywood Democratic Executive Committee will then vote on a replacement March 2.

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BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER ne of three candidates vying to be Haywood County’s next sheriff was eliminated from the competition in a preliminary round last week.

Lt. Bill Wilke, a district commander with the Asheville Police Department, isn’t in the running.

The reason: Wilke is a Republican, and the job of picking the next sheriff lies with Democrats.

“We have to nomiBill Wilke nate a Democrat,” said Janie Benson, chairwoman of the Haywood Democratic Executive Committee, citing state party rules.

The job of picking a replacement for retiring Sheriff Bobby Suttles falls to the local Democratic Party since Suttles is himself a Democrat. Suttles had two years to go in his term.

In his application, Wilke had urged Democratic Party leaders to consider his qualifications and not his party affiliation, and was disappointed he was ruled out.

“The process, quite obviously, is not open and democratic,” Wilke said in a statement.

In his comment, Wilke announced his

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Haywood Public Transit will hold a ribbon cutting for a new transit shelter at 1 p.m. Feb. 12, in Clyde.

Haywood Public Transit offers free rides to anyone in the county, and the central location of the new transit facility will benefits users of Haywood Public Transit. The transportation operation will now be more efficient and more convenient, especially for people visiting the hospital or one of the number of doctors’ offices nearby, said Susan Anderson, director of Mountain Projects.

The transit facility also offers a lobby where passengers can wait while being transferred to a vehicle or between routes.

Connections are available to Buncombe County’s Trailblazer Route, which runs from the Haywood County line along the Enka-Candler business area and ends at the Goodwill Store on Patten Avenue. Connections can then be made from that point to other transit routes under Asheville Transit.

Haywood Public Transit runs from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Reservations are required and should be made a business day before an appointment or trip.

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news February 6-12, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

HCC plans Entrepreneurship Week activities Haywood Community College will celebrate National Entrepreneurship Week Feb. 16-23 with a week-long schedule of events.

The events will allow HCC to highlight the college’s strengths in the areas of entrepreneurship, sustainability and creativity.

The following events are planned: ■ Monday, Feb. 18: “I Have a Great Idea” student entrepreneur contest. Students may submit a “Great Idea” for a new business concept or invention. Submissions will be in the form of a three-minute or less YouTube video. Prizes are $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place.

Online submission can be entered at www.entrepreneurshipathcc.blogspot.com and are due by midnight on Feb. 18.

■ Tuesday, Feb. 19: Marketing Your Business on Facebook. This workshop is for businesses that are already using a business Facebook page and want to learn how to use it more effectively for marketing the business. Space is limited. Contact Sharron Donnahoe, HCC Small Business Center Director, at 828.627.4512. 6-8 p.m. in HCC Room 219. Open to the public.

■ Wednesday, Feb. 20: “Meet Local Business Owners” game show and Amanda Sorrells of New Generation. Local business owners will share, in a game show format, their biggest challenges, tips for success, and advice to new entrepreneurs. 10 a.m.-noon in the Student Center Auditorium. Open to the public.

■ Thursday, Feb. 21: Showcase for Student Entrepreneurs. Two categories of participation include product/service or craft. HCC students will pitch their ideas to win money to help start their venture. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the HCC Library. Open to the public.

■ Thursday, Feb. 21: Salon ownership forum.

Local entrepreneurs from the cosmetics industry will be panelists and share their years of experience and answer questions about the industry and their professional success. 3-4 p.m., Student Center Auditorium.

For more information about HCC’s Entrepreneurship Week activities, contact Dr. Michelle Choate, HCC Department Chair of Business and Entrepreneurship, at 828.565.4219.

Paddlers hit the river in wake of torrential downpours

Advanced paddlers braved the high, fast-moving waters of the Nantahala River after days of heavy rainfall. The weather transformed the Nantahala from an intermediate river into a more challenging set of runs. Donated photo

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER The recurring deluge of heavy rains has brought paddlers out of hibernation and onto Western North Carolina rivers over the past few weeks.

While the rest of mountain residents nervously eyed the rivers and creeks as they approached flood levels, advanced paddlers were quick to take advantage of the high water to get in more challenging runs than usual.

Employees at Nantahala Outdoors Center, within the Nantahala Gorge outside Bryson City, have noticed more kayakers than normal braving the waters despite the inveterate wintery mix and frigid tempera-

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tures that kept making an encore appearance on the mountains’ weather radar lately.

There was at least one weekend where the skies broke, however, leaving a perfect combination of both high river levels and milder weather, at least as far as winter goes.

“We had one sunny Saturday where we had ton of people out there paddling the Nanty,” said Brad Caldwell, who works at NOC’s gear store. “The high water definitely brought the more experienced paddlers out.”

Heavy rains not only gave experienced boaters a chance to run creeks that are usually too shallow to boat in normal conditions, but they also served up more aggressive rapids for them to test their skills on.

“It was definitely a lot of fun — a treat,” said Zuzana Vanha events manager for NOC and an advanced paddler. “The folks that we cater to have definitely been having a ball.”

One popular river in the region was the Upper Nantahala, a steep, narrow plunge down a series of cascades from Nantahala Lake into the Nantahala Gorge.

The Upper Nantahala normally isn’t boat-able, its flows choked off by Duke Energy hydropower operations that diverts water from a seven-mile section of the riverbed.

But heavy rains are a game changer — especially sustained downpours of the magnitude WNC saw. Even with Duke diverting the normal flow of water from the river, the rains filled it up. The Upper Nantahala was running so high, in fact, it was borderline unsafe.

Paddler Raymond Brugger estimated that the main stem of the Nantahala River, at times, had three or four times more water running in it than usual, and waves reached heights of six to eight feet tall.

The water was “quite different from the normal Nantahala,” Brugger said. “You couldn’t see downstream until you were cresting the wave.”

However, with the faster, higher waters, paddlers faced dangers. The surging water picks up logs and branches from the shore and turns them into floating puncheons.

“I remember going down the river seeing logs 10 feet long,” Brugger said.

And, of course, paddlers have to be skilled enough to handle the faster flows.

Brugger said the Nantahala reminded him of the experience of running higher classification rivers out west, or the Gauley in West Virginia.

“I kind of thought of it as having a little piece of the Gauley River,” Brugger said. “It was just amazing to see.”

While many are happy to see the sun shining after weeks of crazy weather, “we would prefer it rain,” Caldwell said, bringing paddlers and possibly business to NOC.

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BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER It’s a right of passage for teens, the Holy Grail of high school, an iconic symbol of young adulthood freedom — that tiny piece of plastic called a driver’s license.

For children of illegal immigrants, however, it’s long been out of reach, until now — maybe. New federal rules could open the door for children of illegal immigrants to get a license, but in North Carolina, policy makers are still sorting out what their own interpretation of the new policy will be.

Last summer, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum making certain allowances for children of immigrants who came here illegally. Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, they can get two-year work permits, temporary Social Security numbers and are effectively protected from deportation. The program is only open to people younger than 30 who moved to the U.S. before the age of 16 and are high school graduates, attending college or have served in the military.

Initially, the state was issuing licenses to those who had jumped through the federal hoops and gotten the temporary legal status.

But citing confusion over state law, the Division of Motor Vehicles stopped issuing any more of the licenses last September, pending a ruling from the state Attorney General’s office.

— Raul Pinto, ACLU attorney

“Out of an abundance of caution, DMV officials requested a legal opinion from the North Carolina Attorney General’s office and decided to stop issuing driver licenses to applicants under the DACA program until a legal opinion was issued,” according to a statement from N.C. DOT, which oversees DMV operations.

Before a crowded room of town officials this week, Jackson County Commissioner Jack Debnam announced, in so many words, what many already knew: the county’s economic development committee in its previous form was dead and never coming back.

Debnam then asked the elected leaders from each town for their support in formally disbanding the defunct EDC, which has not convened for about five years.

A nod from each of the fours towns in the county is the key step in officially dissolving the EDC, which exists only on paper these days. Since it was created collectively by the county and each of the towns, the towns must agree to dissolve it and in turn, pave the way for the county to move forward with its plan to create a brand-new, county-run economic development commission.

This time around, the economic development commission would be under the

purvey of the county, instead of sharing power and representation with the towns.

Debnam said the old structure made it too unwieldy and hampered efforts.

“We’ve got to be one unit here,” Debnam said. “I don’t think we can be five different units anymore.”

Debnam broached the issue during a quarterly dinner of elected leaders from each of the four towns and the county held Monday. Debnam said he hopes to have the old EDC officially dissolved by early March.

About $420,000 remains in the EDC bank account. About $7,000 of that was monetary contributions from the towns, which will be returned to them. The rest will remain earmarked for economic development initiatives by the new commission.

The representatives from the local townships didn’t voice opposition to the plan at the meeting.

Rick Fulton, a Webster town board member, said this is what should have happened five or six years ago. The economic development committee has quite a past of problems, from failed directors to disbanded boards.

“It’s been a long history,” Fulton said.

“It’s been down quite a path.”

— By Andrew Kasper

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February 6-12, 2013

“The attorney general’s opinion is not binding.

There is no guarantee.”

In the meantime, however, a few DMV offices kept issuing licenses to children of illegal immigrants. When state officials learned of the error, those licenses — 13 in all — were rescinded in early January.

That in turn prompted protest from the American Civil Liberties Union and North Carolina Justice Center.

Less than a week later, the N.C. Attorney General’s office finally issued its opinion: the state not only can, but legally should, issue licenses to those in the federal program since they are technically “lawfully present” in the U.S. In N.C., anyone who has a worker’s permit or is considered “lawfully present” is allowed to get a driver’s license.

However, DMV officials say they are not bound by the attorney general’s opinion.

The department has the final say.

“The attorney general’s opinion is not binding. There is no guarantee,” said Raul Pinto, an attorney for the N.C. chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

And it is unclear when or what the DMV will decide. Despite receiving the attorney general’s opinion, the DMV remains stalled.

“It took four months for the Attorney General to offer his opinion; it will take DMV a few days to review that ruling and all its potential implications. We will notify the public once our review is complete,” said Greer Beaty, communications director for the N.C. DOT, in a statement.

Advocates at the ACLU in N.C. are uncertain why the DMV has not started issuing license to people in the DACA program after receiving the attorney general’s response.

“There is no rhyme or reason at this point in our eyes,” Pinto said. “There is no confusion anymore.”

Only a handful of states — Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Utah and New Mexico — are issuing either licenses or driver’s permits to people in the DACA program. Interestingly, Iowa first banned people in the program from receiving licenses, but later, state leaders changed their minds — the opposite of N.C., which handed out licenses before deciding to take the privilege away.

Jackson County asks towns to dissolve economic development commission

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State torn on driver’s licenses for children of illegal immigrants

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Tourism branding to create slogan for Jackson County

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER he newly formed Jackson County Tourism Development Authority voted last week to enter into a $50,000 contract with a nationally renowned branding and marketing company out of Virginia.

The company, BCF, which carries the company tagline Boom your Brand, will develop a tourism marketing brand for the county. It will start the process in midFebruary and hopefully finish in time to use the results for the upcoming tourist season.

“The wheels are beginning to turn right now,” said Clifford The company will develop a Meads, chair of the tourism authority and manager of High tourism marketing brand for the Hampton Inn in Cashiers. “One county. It will start the process in of the goals is to get them here, get the research done and to get mid-February and hopefully the message out as quickly as possible without making any finish in time to use the results huge errors.” for the upcoming tourist season.

Meads said he met a representative for the company at a regional tourism summit, and that’s what led branding campaign for the Macon County Meads to invite the company to give a pres- resort town, for which three proposals were entation before the board two weeks ago. solicited.

The contract states BCF will provide “I’m a little surprised they didn’t want to services such as consumer research, a search a little more,” Clabo said. “But “brand essence definition” and the develop- maybe they had a good recommendation or ment of a short video, print and online were familiar with their work.” model the TDA should base its marketing Highlands eventually settled on a comon. The company will also do research on pany based out of Virginia as well for the the county’s competitors. price of just under $50,000. Highlands got a Although the final vote on the contract new town logo as well as a strategic plan for was unanimous, some board members were visitor signs around the town. The branding hesitant to enter into a contract without portion of the process was subcontracted hearing other proposals from other market- out to another company from South ing consulting firms.

Carolina for about $8,000, Clabo said.

Smoky Mountain News

February 6-12, 2013

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Debby Hattler, the chairwoman of the marketing sub-committee, asked whether it was right to pursue the contract without considering other proposals. The county’s finance director reassured her that contracts for professional services are not required to go through a competitive bidding process.

“It’s not that I was against it,” Hattler said. “I think that it’s a good company. I’ve done a lot of research and feel that we’ll all be working in the right direction.”

BCF specializes in branding for travel destinations and has done work for tourism hotspots like Aspen, Colo., and Naples, Fla. Although it didn’t invent it, in recent years the firm has been charged with managing Virginia’s “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign.

Despite the BCF’s impressive resume, the practice of taking the first proposal presented surprised Highlands Town Planner David Clabo. Clabo recently oversaw a

WNC Civil War Round Table to meet Feb. 11

lobby of the Mountain Heritage Center, followed by the presentation at 7 p.m.

828.293.9314 or 828.456.4212.

The next meeting of the Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table will be held on Feb. 11 at the Mountain Heritage Center on the campus of WCU in Cullowhee.

Koch’s program is titled “Materiel Culture of the Civil War,” and he will share 30-some artifacts from the MHC that will be on display and explain the uses and purposes of these artifacts. The exhibits will include both civilian and militia from the antebellum period through the war and reconstruction, and will be aided with multi-media when necessary. The items were donated by families from the region and were used and carried by WNC citizens during the Civil War. Guests can join speaker Peter Koch for dinner at Bogart’s in Sylva at 5 p.m. The social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the

League hosts lunch with Corbin The League of Women Voters of Macon County will sponsor a program with County Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin at noon on Feb. 14.

Corbin will provide an update on important issues and plans for the coming year. Topics will include the budget, pool project, Parker Meadows Recreation Park, tax revaluation, Macon County Schools projects (technology and Highlands renovations) and others.

Participants will have a chance to ask questions and let Corbin know their views on the issues The program will be at noon at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Attendees are welcome to bring a bag lunch. The public is invited.

Quaint new lampposts now grace Frog Level sidewalks

BY CAITLIN BOWLING construction worker’s level on the wall of a STAFF WRITER brick building along Depot Street welcome ightlife in Waynesville’s downtown people to the distinct section of town.

Frog Level district is brighter thanks “We’ve come along pretty good down to the addition of new lampposts here,” Pierce said, adding that no other along its two main streets. projects are currently in the hopper for Frog The town’s public works department Level. recently installed 21 lampposts in Frog Waynesville leaders do not have any speLevel, a small historic shopping area on the cial plans for Frog Level at this time either. edge of downtown.

The Frog Level Association, a collection of businesses in the district, raised money internally to purchase the lights, and the town agreed to install them for free.

The lights were needed because the old streetlights were insufficient, and trees blocked some of the light, said Jim Pierce, of L. Pierce Pottery on Commerce Street.

The attractive oldfashioned style lampposts also give Frog Level a quainter feel and aesthetic appeal.

“Just to brighten the area of town up and make it more inviting to the traffic and the area,” said Pierce, who is also a member of the association. “It was just kind of dark and gloomy down here.”

Pierce declined to say how much the lampposts cost.

The Frog Level Association started in the early 2000s as a merchants’ booster group and today The Frog Level Association bought 21 lampposts to increase pedestriincludes about 10 an lighting in Frog Level as well as give the area of Waynesville a businesses. Similar more uniform look. Caitlin Bowling photo to the Downtown Waynesville Association, the group collaborates on busiThe new lampposts were just one of ness enhancement, streetscape concepts, many minor improvements the town helps needed improvements to storefronts and out with each year to update and upgrade any problems they’re dealing with. the Waynesville’s streetscapes, said Public Pierce noted that Frog Level has continWorks Director Fred Baker. ued to change for the better during the last “We try to do a little project in Frog decade or so. The town pulled up old, Level, Hazelwood and downtown,” Baker crumbling bricks from the sidewalk and said. replaced them; a new sign pointing people Baker added that the new lights will to Frog Level was posted on Depot Street; allow for more light and give Frog Level a and a mural featuring a frog sitting on a more uniform look.

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long-term lease for $1 a year.

Franklin Landscape Architect Steven Baldwin has drawn plans for the garden already, which were shared with town leaders this week. Along with standard garden fare, plans include a shallow circular stream with gently moving water. Stones just below the surface will be engraved with names offering “in honor of ” and “in memory of ” dedications, Peggs said.

Franklin’s town hall sits on about three acres in all, but the entire back half of the lot is wooded and not used for anything. Angel Medical has asked for a sliver of that unused wooded area for the memorial garden.

Donors will hopefully step forward to help fund the creation of the garden by sponsoring various pieces of it, from the benches and fountain to trees and other plantings.

If it comes to fruition, it could also serve as a permanent home for the various markers and plaques scattered across the hospital campus.

“We have all these memorials all over the yards of the hospital. Why don’t we take all these memorial plaques and stones and put them all in one place?” Peggs said.

Peggs hopes it will be a relaxing place to recharge, offering fresh air, the sound of flowing water and a quiet place to “refuel your body.”

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WCU to hold open house for prospective students Feb. 16 Western Carolina University will throw open its doors to prospective students and their families and friends as the university holds its first open house of the spring semester Saturday, Feb 16.

Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission, the open house gives visitors a chance to tour the campus, learn about the university’s wide array of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities and find out the important details of topics such as financial aid.

The day’s activities will begin with registration and an academic fair located around the concourse of WCU’s Ramsey Regional Activity Center. Following a welcome session in the main arena of the Ramsey

Center, prospective students will have a chance to engage in more in-depth academic sessions led by WCU faculty members.

Tours of campus in late morning will be followed by an information fair, where visitors will be able to find out about the many activities, student organizations and services that are available for WCU students.

Lunch will be available at university dining facilities, and prospective students can redeem their free lunch voucher at Courtyard Dining Hall or the A.K. Hinds University Center food court.

For interested students who cannot attend the Feb. 16 event, another Open house is scheduled for Saturday, March 16.

Also, campus tours are available yearround by appointment.

Registration for open house and more information is available by going to the website openhouse.wcu.edu or by calling the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 828.227.7317 or toll-free 877.928.4968.

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Smoky Mountain News

www.MaggieValleyProperty.com

February 6-12, 2013

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER hether it’s a new dad catching a breather after his wife’s marathon labor or a grief-stricken daughter who just watched her mother slip away in her arms, overwhelmed hospital visitors sometimes need to escape.

But at Angel Medical Center in Franklin, the only place to steal away for a moment is a couple of benches by the front door or the sidewalk leading to the parking lot. It’s far from private, and not exactly relaxing.

The hospital hopes to change that with the creation of a new memorial garden, complete with a fountain, benches and landscaping designed to invoke tranquility.

“If you have someone in the ER forever or in surgery, it is just nice to have a place to get away,” said Bonnie Peggs, marketing and communications director for Angel Medical Center. “It will be a memorial garden, but it will be a place for respite.”

The hospital doesn’t have anywhere on its campus to install the garden, however. Its neighboring property owner might just have the perfect spot though.

The backside of Angel Medical Center abuts the backside of Franklin’s town hall.

Franklin’s town hall sits on about three acres in all, but the entire back half of the lot is wooded and not used by the town. Angel Medical has asked for a sliver of that unused wooded area — about one-third of an acre — for the memorial garden.

Franklin’s town board heard that request at its meeting this week. The town board was receptive to the idea, since it isn’t using it for anything and isn’t likely to.

“The land down there has no value to the town,” said Franklin Town Manager Sam Greenwood.

Rather than give the property outright to the hospital, however, the town would do a

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER ncreased demand for Meals on Wheels services and daily meals for low-income seniors in Jackson County have led to a budget shortfall for the programs.

Jackson County commissioners this week approved an extra $29,000 to keep the services operating through June, which marks the end of the fiscal year.

Even with the extra money, however, the program can’t handle all the seniors on its waiting list.

Jackson Meals on Wheels currently delivers nutritious meals to 80 housebound seniors who don’t have the ability to prepare their own meals. But there are 43 seniors on a waiting list.

Extra money provided by the county will allow Meals on Wheels to serve an additional 30 people on the waiting list. To serve all 43 on the waiting list, the agency would also need more volunteers — not just more money, according to Karen Davis, head of

nutrition services for the Jackson County Department on Aging. There are currently 12 Meals on Wheels routes in the county.

Meals on Wheels is a critical service to help keep housebound seniors with chronic health issues from ending up in nursing homes, Davis said. A second free meal service offers daily sit down meals to seniors, known as congregate meals.

The number of seniors taking advantage of the free daily meals in Jackson County has increased around 35 percent during the past 18 months.

The program only has grant funding to serve 50 daily meals, but has been serving 67 meals a day on average.

Some seniors need the meals more than others. To stretch the money further and reach those most in need, new eligibility criteria will be put in place based on age, income level, health issues and someone’s ability to prepare nutritious meals if left to their own devices.

The agency attempted to get those who could afford it to pay $5 for the meals. But only a couple of participants stepped up to pay voluntarily, according to Davis.

Under the new criteria policy, those who don’t meet income levels would be required to pay if they want to keep eating.

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Angel Medical eyes adjacent town property for memorial garden

More money allocated to help the hungry in Jackson

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Majoring in philosophy? More power to you

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Jackson should not sell out to developers

To the Editor: Thank you for your excellent reporting on the consideration to a change in the development rules in Jackson County. The economy is not a reason for a change in the rules. Once a mountain is changed there is no reversal possible. In recent years there has been severe damage to the mountains of Western North Carolina. If anything, it has been too easy to decimate the mountains in exchange for big money. The recent heavy rains have identified some of the results of our irresponsible development.

Unless we change our attitude toward the maintenance of these lands, future generations will pay the price for the damage. Your paper has made reference to a report by the forest service regarding our forests and water and how the changing land use will impact

Appalachian State University and was handed a diploma certifying that I had completed the requirements to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. A few hours later my parents drove out of town, my roommates all went their different ways to their own friends and parties, and I found myself alone in my apartment. With a bit of melancholy and angst, I wondered just what in the hell I was going to do with one of those liberal arts degrees — and a minor in philosophy, thank you Gov. McCrory.

Today, I have no idea where that piece of paper called a diploma resides. It may have become fire Editor starter on one of the cold nights during the next few years as I wandered from job to job and town to town, barely making ends meet. At one point, I ended up back in Boone, enrolling for a second degree and working for friends who had started a construction company.

I never finished that second degree, but I did become a competent carpenter. In those days there were a lot of toolbelt-wearing framing carpenters who had master’s degrees and PhD dissertations that were gathering dust in closets. We often found ourselves discussing subjects like German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s theory of Superman or John Milton’s poetry as we hammered and sawed our way toward a cold beer at the end of the day and a paycheck at the end of the week.

It would be several years before I found a career in the newspaper business, but never once did it occur to me that my liberal arts degree was a mistake. In fact, during those years between graduation and finally settling into a career at

Scott McLeod

epublican Gov. Pat McCrory is trying to temper disparaging remarks he made early last week about the value of a liberal arts education. He certainly needs to, and while he’s at it he should assure this state’s citizens that he understands the value of our university system.

In an interview with Bill Bennett — the education secretary under Ronald Reagan who has become a conservative pundit on political and social issues (and who has a degree in philosophy, by the way) — McCrory said the university system should be funded “not based on butts in seats but on how many of those butts can get jobs.” He also said we only need so many philosophy majors, and that the state should not continue to subsidize arcane courses that don’t lead to employment: “If you want to take gender studies that’s fine, go to a private school and take it,” McCrory told Bennett during the interview. “But I don’t want to subsidize that if that’s not going to get someone a job.”

Despite McCrory’s statements, universities should not become, and never were meant to be, job factories. That’s not their mission. We have a community college system for that.

And, those who attend universities can major in fields like engineering, nursing, teaching and a multitude of other fields that lead directly to jobs. But tying the education system too closely to the needs of the job market smacks of social engineering — this many widgets will take engineering, this many will become teachers — and will not produce grads with the entrepreneurial creativity and ingenuity that truly drive the American economy.

And I’m not sure exactly how you measure how many of those “butts can get jobs.” It took me 10 years to settle into a career, and I’m sure that’s not so different from a lot of liberal arts majors.

In 1982 I walked across the stage at Varsity Gymnasium at

LETTERS our future. It should be required reading by our land planners and government officials.

Thomas Moore Waynesville

Taking God out of schools was mistake To the Editor: Just over five weeks ago a mentally disturbed 19-year-old young man went into a school in Connecticut and slaughtered 20 young people and 6 adults. Mentally disturbed people caused similar incidents in the last few years, including the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Gifford, the death of the soldiers at Ft. Hood in Missouri, and the people in the movie theater in Colorado.

On the day the 20 first- and secondgraders were gunned down, 4,200 innocent

age 28, my liberal arts degree led me to take the Graduate Records Exam, consider law school, apply for and get accepted to a graduate school I then chose not to attend, take the test to become an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, get accepted for and turn down a teaching position in China, and take numerous trips to parts of this country and the world that some people never get to see. I was still curious, just like when deciding that a liberal arts education was what would make my university time relevant and motivate me to study hard.

Today’s job market demands critical thinking and adaptability. Most grads will hold six or seven career type jobs before they retire. It’s true many industries can’t find skilled workers to fill jobs, but many other companies suffer because they can’t find the intelligent, creative people needed to compete in today’s workplace. That’s where liberal arts grads come into play.

It’s sad that too many conservatives today have forgotten their roots. McCrory’s reference during the Bennett interview to the “educational elite” brings to mind the anti-intellectual side of the GOP, the side that one writer said led to the party’s infatuation with the likes of Sarah Palin. Some may recall that it was Palin who “famously could not name which newspapers she read,” as if that was an admirable trait.

Labels like those used by McCrory explain nothing but provide convenient talking points. I’ll take the likes of George Will or the late William F. Buckley over that side of the GOP any day.

McCrory blundered. He later said he had never criticized a liberal arts education, and I for one hope he was just pandering to Bennett and his Tea Party audience rather than speaking from the heart.

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

unborn babies were also terminated. That was a total of 4,220 very young people who died that day. The difference between the deaths of the 20 young kids and the 4,200 unborn babies is that the 20 kids had loving and caring parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents. Not so the other 4,200 unborn babies.

This same thing happens 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year for a total of about 1.2 million unborn babies a year. That has been going on since 1973. For 40 years would be mothers have been doing away with their babies for whatever reason. Some abortions are necessary and required to save a mother’s life and they are totally justified. The majority are not.

I knew a young girl who got pregnant and her comment was, “I made one mistake but I am not going to try and cover that up with another mistake.” Any girl who gets pregnant has three options: abortion, adoption and keeping the child. There are millions of families who would be happy to adopt a child born in our country. Making a mistake is one thing,

but compounding it by making the second mistake is wrong.

There are many ways to prevent pregnancy. Why do women young and old choose not to either take the pill or have the boyfriend use a condom? Condoms also prevent some nasty diseases like herpes, AIDS, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

When I was a kid we had prayer and the Ten Commandments in schools. On the wall we had the Pledge of Allegiance. Abortions were nearly nonexistent since they were illegal and murders happened infrequently. When they took prayer and the Ten Commandments out of our schools the moral decline quickly followed as an end result of this attack on religion and the Ten Commandments. Using the name of God in a public school was banned.

This is a great example of the unintended consequences of the actions of some American anti-religious “zealots.”

Jim Mueller Glenville

The surface area of the Earth is 197,000,000 square miles let’s keep it clean — please recycle smoky mountain news

February 6-12, 2013

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Smoky Mountain News

February 6-12, 2013

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

828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years.

Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

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

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

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

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

Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices.

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

OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane.

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

Open year round. Call for reservations.

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

Reservations appreciated.

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

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

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

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

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

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

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

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CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Join us for cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting) and family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Our bountiful family-style meals include prime rib, baked ham, and herb-baked chicken; cookouts feature steaks, ribs, chicken and pork chops, to name a few. Every dinner is complemented with an assortment of seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts, and we offer a fine selection of wine and beer.

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

Please call for reservations.

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.

Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant

February 6-12, 2013

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

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

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily.

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

traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panni sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

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Smoky Mountain News

Innovation through tradition

Rhiannon Giddens is an old soul, but one that embraces modernity.

Vocalist/fiddler of renowned Americana string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens is a jack-of-all-trades in not only her instrumentation but also her exploration of the history and evolution of American music.

Bursting onto the scene in 2005, the Drops have extensively toured the world, picking up numerous awards and accolades, on top of being placed on seemingly every “best of ” list

in the process. Incorporating old-time music, ranging from bluegrass to folk, blues to early jazz, they soak in genres from every direction, only to mold together a sound as unique as the musicians themselves.

The ensemble, featuring Giddons, cofounder Dom Flemons (vocals/banjo/harmonica), Hubby Jenkins (guitar/mandolin), Adam Matta (beat box/tambourine) and Leyla McCalla (cello), will be hitting the stage on Friday, Feb. 22, at the Smoky Mountain

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Speaking from her home in Greensboro, Giddens is a warm conversationalist. She gave birth to a son in January, something that brings her craft and passion full circle. And as the Drops continue their crusade of innovation through tradition, Giddens looks forward to the challenge of breaking down long held musical barriers, in an effort to create something bigger than herself and those who came before her.

Want to go?

The Carolina Chocolate Drops will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $22 and $32 per person. The concert is an all-ages event.

828.524.1598 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops are (from left) Dom Flemons, Leyla McCalla, Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins (not pictured: Adam Matta).

Smoky Mountain News: How has motherhood affected your outlook as an entertainer?

Rhiannon Giddens: The thing I think it’s done most is that it makes me use my free time in more of a constructive way. I’ve definitely been more productive now than I was before I had kids. It’s funny, you think you’ll get less stuff done, but you actually get the same amount done, just in a lot less time.

Also, you don’t sweat the small stuff, because you realize the bigger things in life, you know?

SMN: Your mentor (legendary 93-year-old fiddler Joe Thompson) passed away last year and you had a child last month. How does that affect you?

RG: It just reminds you that life keeps going. We knew the day would come when Joe would be gone. It’s sad, but he had such a full life and got so much recognition in his lifetime.

The most overwhelming feeling was gratitude that we were able to study with him and carry

on his music. We studied with him, at his feet, for months and years, and this is how we do it musically. We’re able to let somebody who never got to meet Joe get a flavor through us.

SMN: The foundation of that old-time music is African instruments and AfricanAmerican storytellers. The irony is that today you never see, at least in the mainstream, any black musicians up onstage in the bluegrass and Americana genres. Why is that?

RG: There are a lot of different reasons. It’s a complicated story. It’s not just that the music wouldn’t have made it without the African influence, it maybe wouldn’t have made it without that dialogue.

It’s just that pattern of the consumption of popular American music, in that there were uneasy partnerships, and the people who benefited, mostly monetarily, were always white.

Then, the blacks would move on, and it would happen again.

The African-American community has never had a big history of looking back. So, you continue to look forward, and once that music is dropped from your community, you don’t go back to it.

And there’s ignorance of what the history is, and what people think of that music now, with record companies, with the African-American community moving forward.

SMN: You have that old-time feel and really have molded your sound into something uniquely your own. There’s as much Americana influence as hip-hop.

RG: We’ve always said we’re modern people

who are inspired by these old recordings but also by the music we heard growing up. We have no interest in being a museum piece. If you try to filter out those modern influences and try to be “authentic,” that’s when you become very stiff and not alive. That’s not what we want to do. We want to keep it alive for this generation.

SMN: Some of the genres you incorporate, with bluegrass and folk, are ironic in that those are genres which put up barriers and unspoken rules in not bringing together other styles.

F

Guitarist Frank Vignola will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

The Platters to serenade Franklin

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Smoky Mountain News

RG: Yeah, totally. That “We have no interest in being a tends to be what happens when outsiders come into the museum piece. If you try to filter out music and then say, “we need to fix it, keep it right here, we modern influences and try to be can’t let grow anymore ‘authentic,’ that’s when you become because this is what we know.” It happened to oldvery stiff and not alive. That’s not time music when people would say you can’t play a jig what we want to do. We want to or do this or that. keep it alive for this generation.”

But a lot of those old timers played whatever they wanted. things stay the same. That’s liberating in They played what they heard on the radio or itself, like, “look, nothing under the sun is from what traveling musicians would play. unique.” The key is to find your connection Tons of American old folks songs and ballads to it, and then the connection to the audiwere actually composed songs that made it into the American repertoire. So, you can’t say ence. That’s something we pursue. these people weren’t influenced by outside SMN: How do you feel about this fast rismusic because they were.

They made it into their own, and that’s kind ing trajectory of success and admiration?

RG: We definitely feel like we’ve paid our of what we do. We hear a song on the radio and dues. There were years where we were digthink, “how can we do it in our way?” ging and touring like crazy. We’re at a place SMN: If you look at the rhythms and dia- that may take other bands 10, 15 or 20 years, but we’re very grateful hitting it at the right logues of really good hip-hop lyricists, you time, with the right thing, with the right see themes and styles that remain from the team around us. The thing about us is that old-time music. we don’t fight about things that would usualRG: Absolutely. The more you look up ly break a band up. I say, bring it on. the old stuff, the more you get a feel that

BROKER/REALTOR®

February 6-12, 2013

Renowned classic oldies group The Platters will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Best known for hits “Only You” and “Twilight Time,” The Platters were one of the most successful vocal groups of the early rock and roll era. Singing together since the early 1950s, they were the first rock and roll group to have a Top Ten album in America. They’ve sold 89 million records and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Opening for them will be The Sock Hops, an oldies group that specializes in four-part harmonies of the most popular tunes from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Tickets start at $20 per person. www.GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

Mieko Thomson

arts & entertainment

Guitar virtuoso hits WCU stage

The show is part of WCU’s Galaxy of Stars Series.

Vignola has collaborated with Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, the Boston Pops and the New York Pops, among many others.

Recognized professionally as one of the best in the music business, the versatile Vignola is skilled in styles from gypsy and jazz to bluegrass.

Prior to his performance, Vignola will conduct a master guitar class at 3 p.m. in the Bardo Arts Center. The class Frank is free and open to the public.

Vignola The Galaxy of Stars Series is presented by the WCU College of Fine and Performing Arts and with support from the WCU Friends of the Arts organization. “An Evening with Frank Vignola” is sponsored by the Sylva law practice of Earwood and Moore. $20 for adults, $15 for WCU faculty and staff, and $5 for students and children.

828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

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arts & entertainment

‘Lion King’ is theme for Summit’s annual show The 10th Annual Broadway Show presented by the Chamber/Summit Choir of Tuscola High School will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 9 and 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the school.

The theme this year is the “Lion King.”

Dessert is included with admission and will be served one hour prior to show time. A raffle will be held each show for items donated by businesses in the community. Tickets are $10 per person 828.456.2408.

gested. Music will be provided by Eric Hendrix and Friends at 7 p.m. Feb. 14, with Jazz Duo at 7 p.m. Feb. 15. Ashville singer/songwriter Gabrielle Tee & Company will be also hitting the stage at City Lights at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16.

828.587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com.

Becky Lipkin

Valentine’s Day music, art come to Sylva Stecoah Valley bluegrass series tickets on sale

February 6-12, 2013

Season tickets are now on sale for the “2013 Appalachian Evening Concert Series” in at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center outside Robbinsville.

The Grand Old Stage has been graced in the past with top bluegrass performers such as Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, The Carter Family, Chet Atkins and Carl Story. The center carries on the bluegrass tradition with bands like Balsam Range, The Jeff Little Trio and Kruger Brothers.

The series is at 7:30 p.m. every Saturday from June 29 through Aug. 31. General Seating is $120 for adults, $40 for students (K-12) for season tickets. Season reserved seat prices are $50 Rows A through E and $25 for any other seat or chair. Contributors of $1,000 or more in 2013 receive two free reserved seats upon purchase of season tickets. www.StecoahValleyCenter.com or 828.479.3364.

There will be an array of events happening during the next couple of weeks at City Lights Café in Sylva.

An artist reception for photographer Jessica Kovac will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. The reception will feature Kovac’s latest collection of work titled “Rural Destination.”

Asheville cello/guitar duo The Moon & You will be performing at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9.

The show is free and open to the public.

There will also be a Valentine’s Day dinner offered on Feb. 14-15. There will be two dinner packages available. “The Big Sweetheart” package is $50 (plus tax/tip), while the “Sweetheart Split” is $35 (plus tax/tip). Each package offers a selection of food and drink. Reservations sug-

INTRODUCING

the

Library hosts herbalist workshop

Local herbalist Becky Lipkin will hold a seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

At this make-and-take workshop, Lipkin will guide participants through creating their very own Cupid’s Cupboard. She is a certified aroma therapist and is known as the “Herb Lady of Cedar Creek Farms.” Lipkin also travels throughout the Southeast conducting seminars about how herbs can be used for medicinal purposes, in cooking and in aromatic products.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

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Paul Cataldo

Farmer’s Market offers craft demos

There will be a variety of pottery classes offered at Pincu Pottery in Bryson City.

“Throwing Kids,” a children’s pottery wheel class, will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 15, and 22. There will also be a glazing class from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 8. The class is $90 per student.

Jackson County Farmer’s Market will hold craft demonstrations during its weekly indoor Saturday market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Table in Sylva.

Bookbinding, painting and spinning will be among the demonstrations. Also, kids and adults alike can get their hands into clay by making hearts for Valentine’s Day made by local artist Connie Hogan. The Winter Garden Workshop that was recently cancelled due to snow will be rescheduled soon.

828.631.3033 or www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

LEGO club starts in Sylva

Singer/songwriter to play Waynesville

Guitarist Paul Cataldo will be featured at the Friday Night Live music series at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

An acclaimed musician, Cataldo can be heard singing songs and telling stories about everything from alcoholism, war, poverty and jealousy to songs of peace and love. His first full-length record, Rivers, Roads & Mountains (2009), has been receiving steady airplay on college stations in the northeast.

Dinner is served beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Angelino’s in The Classic Wineseller. There is a $10 minimum purchase per person including food and drink in the restaurant and any retail purchases. www.classicwineseller.com or www.facebook.com/theclassicwineseller or 828.452.6000.

Jesse & Friends to perform Feb. 14

The Jackson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) will host its second program of the year with Jesse & Friends at 7 p.m. Thursday,

Feb. 14, in the community room at the Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva.

Some of the most talented musicians in the region are going to join Jesse Stephens for a lively evening of bluegrass and old-timey mountain music. Also, JCGS members will take prepaid orders for an upcoming reprint of Volume I of the Jackson County Heritage Book. The book has been out of print since 2000 and with this reissue, there will once again be copies available.

The event is free and open to the public.

828.631.2646.

Voices in the Laurel Valentine’s Day show Voices in the Laurel will present “My Jazzy Valentine Dinner and Concert” at 6 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the First Baptist Church in Waynesville.

The guest trio of musicians providing music during the dinner is Ray Lyon (keyboard), Dan Iannucci (bass), and Grady Wiley (percussion).

Voices in the Laurel is a Haywood County based nonprofit choir for young people ranging from first grade through 12th grade from Haywood, Buncombe, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties under the direction of Martha Brown. The group focuses on providing young people quality choral education in fun and innovative ways.

Tickets are $25 per person, $45 per couple and $180 for a table of eight. www.voicesinthelaurel or 828.734.8413.

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Smoky Mountain News

Top middle and high school band students from the region will come together on one stage for the western regional All-District Band weekend held at Western Carolina University Feb. 8-9.

More than 350 middle and high school band musicians from throughout WNC won slots in the All-District Band after going through a rigorous audition process. The students will spend two days rehearsing with guest clinicians and then present a concert on Feb. 9. The Middle School Concert Band will perform at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Middle School Symphonic Band at 4:15 p.m., the High School Band at 5 p.m. and the Senior High Band at 5:45 p.m.

As part of the clinic, students will have an opportunity to hear performances by the Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet at 2:45 p.m on Feb. 8 and WCU Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8. All events are free and held at Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

828.227.7242.

Adult pottery classes will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, with cups featured on Feb. 9 and bowls on Feb. 16. The class is $30 per person.

There will also be a “Celebrate Spring Garden Markers” class from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 16. Students will make up to 10 clay plant stakes. Entry is $25 per person 828.488.0480 or pincupottery@gmail.com.

A LEGO group has been started at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. The club meets at the library at 4 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month, with the next meeting scheduled for Feb. 12.

There is no cost to participate. LEGOs and Duplos will be available for building.

The meetings are open to all-ages and are also currently looking for LEGO donations from the public.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

February 6-12, 2013

All-District Band collaboration comes to WCU this weekend

arts & entertainment

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arts & entertainment

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25

Zombie lore, one bite at a time f you are literate and moderately aware of what passes for entertainment in film, popular novels and comics, then you are acquainted with of the strange “zombie” craze that is currently dominating much of the popular arts. In recent years, the popularity of “The Walking Dead” has grown to epic proportions. Amid the steady increase of popularity, the Atlantabased AMC television series is currently negotiating for its fourth year and a half dozen novels (not to mention computer games and spin-offs) are attempting to use the basic “zombie invasion” plot to develop “variations on a theme.” As audience enthusiasm continues Writer to grow, America’s critics and pop culture pundits are pondering this phenomena.

Why are we preoccupied with zombies?

This brings us to the ponderous (l,086 pages) compendium which is a collection of the original comics of (issues No. 1- No. 48) The Walking Dead in a graphic novel format.

According to Amazon and the The New York Times, the popularity of this collection has prompted the release of two more compendiums — both sequels to Compendium One. It is interesting to note that although much of the action and many of the characters in the popular TV series are based on Kirkman’s graphic novel version, anyone attempting to read the original stories while watching the TV epic will quickly find radical differences in both the character and action depicted.

Essentially, I found this difference refreshing. The marvelous AMC series has proved to be exceptionally imaginative. Instead of dutifully following the plot of the comic book version, AMC’s Frank Dearmont frequently creates alternative episodes and introduces characters who do not exist in Robert Kirkman’s version. Indeed, some of these original characters prove to be the most interesting. The tortured young law officer who struggles to keep his band of survivors alive is an example. In Kirkman’s version, he has a short fuse, makes tragic mistakes, but seems to be immortal, surviving repeated gunshots, brutal beatings and the loss of an arm. However, Andrew Lincoln, the actor in the AMC series, gives the character a stoic patience and a brooding melancholy that is appealing. Daryl Dixon, one of the most popular characters in the AMC series, does not exist in the Robert Kirkman version but was added to the cast on

Gary Carden

I

a “director’s whim.” (Daryl is the guy with the crossbow.)

The basic story evolves around a young policeman, Rick Grimes, who awakes from a coma (recovering from a gunshot wound) in a small town in Alabama, only to find that the hospital is abandoned. He ventures outside to find a nightmarish world filled with flesh-eat-

Rick becomes their unofficial leader and spends the next year leading them through a daunting series of conflicts and near-disasters.

Other survivors show up, but the group is slowly decimated by “the biters” (once bitten, the victim returns as one of the “walking dead”). At times, the group finds a temporary refuge (an abandoned farm, a “gated community,” a prison) and Rick comes to realize that the greatest threats are inside the group.

Each time the group finds a refuge that provides temporary protection, there is a brief period of peace and harmony. However, conflicts invariably develop, and this band of survivors becomes a cross-section of the culture that produced them. Racism, religious intolerance, alcoholism, mental illness, suicide and domestic violence take a toll. Sexual encounters produces jealousies and conflicts.

Distractions make the group less vigilant and invariably, the price is an invasion from “outside.”

Suddenly, the illusion of security is shattered as the rotting dead drag more victims away.

The walking dead are always there in the background, either clinging to the protective fence/wall or staggering slowly across a field. They are like wallpaper, or a moving “momento mori” — a The Walking Dead: Compendium One by Robert Kirkman. Image constant reminder of the presence of death.

Comics, 2009. 1,086 pages Thousands die, but thousands more arrive ... ing zombies. Returning home, he finds that slack-jawed, rotting and hungry. his wife and son have fled to Atlanta (the govThe problem with this graphic novel is ernment urges everyone to move to the cities that I kept forgetting who some of the characfor protection) and he sets out to find them. ters are. Since there are around 70 of them, Everywhere he goes, he encounters frightened perhaps that is forgivable. I no longer recogcampers, and people huddled together search- nized Rick after he shaved. The women are ing for food and warmth. Fortunately, he finds either blond or brunette, fat or thin, yet they his wife, Lori, and their son, Carl, who have all possess memorable character traits. The joined a group of loosely organized people black and white drawings are fantastic and who have an old van and a few guns; however, seem to writhe and contort like a living thing. they seem to have no survival plans or skills.

I didn’t recognize Hershal, the deeply reli-

gious character, in the graphic novel since he resembled a half dozen other characters.

However, in the film series, veteran actor Scott Wilson makes him an unforgettable character — a man tortured by the belief that the walking dead can be “redeemed” or restored (Hershal has walking dead relatives and neighbors locked in his barn awaiting resurrection.).

One of the most interesting episodes in this epic tale occurs when Rick leads his group to the ultimate refuge: an abandoned prison.

When the gates are closed and Rick and his followers post sharpshooters in the prison towers, many of the survivors ponder the paradox of feeling safe and protected in ... a prison. Later, a random remark by a medical technician alarms Rick because it suggests that “we are all walking dead” since we are all infected by “mortality”.....perhaps all humanity is doomed to become “mindless cannibals.”

There is much to suggest that there is more to Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead: Compedium One than just another grisly tale of gore in which intestinal tracts spring out of decaying cadavers like jack-in-the-boxes. Let me quickly add that this graphic novel is filled with exploding heads, decaying flesh, grotesque tortures, detailed depictions of rape and sex, but as the judges said when they decided that Lady Chatterley’s Lover should not be banned, despite the graphic sex, the book “had redeeming social merit.” OK, I believe it is safe to conclude that there is more in The Walking Dead than sex and gore.

Back in the 50’s when we were preoccupied about bomb shelters and communists, there was a sudden craze for movies about UFOs and sinister aliens. Movies that featured “pod people” and Roswell aliens (that possessed you when you slept) were popular.

Recently, Oliver Stone suggested that the extraterrestrial threats in “War of the Worlds” and “Godzilla” were merely substitutes for other threats (communism?), then what are the “walking dead?” Are there “mindless, brain-dead beings among us who are filled with an uncontrollable compulsion to consume?” When they are sated, do they sit quietly, perhaps humming a little, doing nothing until they are hungry again? Are they lurking out there now? Did I just see a few on CNN’s “Entertainment Tonight” The one that features Paris Hilton?

I have failed to discuss a major character called “The Governor.” That is probably a good thing. Let me say that he may well be the most terrifying character ever created in a graphic novel. I am eager to see how he is depicted on the AMC version.

26

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER lthough the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a protected expanse of land, all types of contamination — from air pollution to mercury contamination — manage to creep in. One of the more unusual suspects, but probably the most apparent, is light.

By day, the park gives visitors the illusion of being far from civilization. But at night, light pollution comes from all around, and even within.

The lighted billboards, streetlamps and security lights of nearby communities such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee and Bryson City seep into the park’s airspace.

Meanwhile, the metropolitan glow of cities as far away Asheville, Knoxville and Atlanta intrude on the Smokies’ nightscape. Even the park’s own visitor center, parking lot and campground lights have an affect on its pristine darkness.

“There are large blocks of light around the horizon that represent Knoxville and Atlanta,” said Paul Super, research coordinator for Appalachians Highlands Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob in Haywood County. “The bulk of lights from cities is significant — but even a light around a park building at night can potentially be a source of light pollution.”

Near and far, light pollution can have serious consequences. It not only makes bright stars dimmer and dim stars disappear. It can also wreak havoc on wildlife.

Super used to work near the coast and saw how artificial lights confused newly hatched sea turtles trying to orient themselves and navigate out to sea at night.

In the mountains, light pollution disrupts the natural rhythms of nocturnal hunters like owls and confuses moths and bats, which may use stars and the moon to navigate. There is also concern over how extra light may affect breeding salamanders at night, Super said.

And the Smokies’ proximity to growing population centers makes it much more susceptible to light pollution than western parks such as Glacier, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone — which are listed as some of the darker parks in the country. While many western parks have large buffers of uninhabited land between them and civilization, the light pollution problem for parks like the

A

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Smokies could become a lot worse before it gets better.

Some have already noticed significant changes. Ken Voorhis, the executive director of the educational nonprofit Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, has been living and working in the Smokies for nearly 30 years. He has noticed troubling changes in the nightscape as nearby population centers have become noticeably brighter to the detriment of the stars.

“The glow limits the stars you can see,” Voorhis said. “You used to be able to see the Milky Way pretty regularly, but it’s a rare night that you can see it now.”

Voorhis attributed the diminishing stars to population growth in Appalachian towns around the park and also to vacation homes that are multiplying on the hillsides.

children who come from big cities look up into space at night and freak out when they realize how many stars are twinkling over their heads. However, that could change someday, as light pollution is often not taken as seriously as its counterparts, such as air and water contamination or deforestation.

“Light pollution is on the peripheral,” Voorhis said. “People have been aware of it for some time — but we don’t tend to deal with those problems until we recognize what we’ve lost.”

NIGHT SKIES AS A PROTECTED RESOURCE The National Park Service has had an internal wing charged with monitoring and protecting night skies since 2001. Based in Fort Collins, Colo., the Night Skies Program shows an increased interest by the park service in protecting natural night sky conditions in

IN SEARCH OF THE MILKY WAY

Dark skies — and the stars that go with them — slowly disappearing Many residents move to the region from cities where it is customary to have one, or several, outdoor lights for security — and they bring that custom with them to the mountains, Voorhis said.

Nonetheless, the location of the institute in the park provides for some of the best night sky experiences around. Voorhis said

America’s national parks.

“People say ‘I’m going camping, and I’m going to sleep beneath the stars,’” said Chad Moore, manager of the NPS program. “It’s an integral part of what people think about.” Stargazing programs are usually one of most popular events held at many national parks, he added.

Just as the park service inventories bird species or tracks changes in plant diversity, it has now placed an emphasis on documenting and protecting the nighttime resources.

Stars have also played an important part in American history: the constellations led black slaves from the South to North, following the northern star of the big dipper, or “drinking gourd” as the song goes. Stars appear on the country’s flag. And the USS Constellation was the last sail-only warship built and designed by the US Navy. There is a cultural importance in protecting the night skies and reducing night lights damaging to the stars, Moore said.

“Just as we don’t put a fast food restaurant next to a historic cabin,” Moore said.

“We try to preserve the history and context of our heritage.”

Several years ago, the park service night skies team took some baseline measurements of light in the Smokies, using imaging equipment to capture light levels in the sky. Moore said the group plans to return this summer and collect further data, which will help them assemble a full report on the affects of light pollution in the park and how much its night skies have strayed from their natural conditions.

Moore said the Smokies are particularly vulnerable, given their proximity to population centers.

“Even though those small towns may think of themselves as more rural and less crowded, they’re so much closer to the park that they can have a greater impact than bigger cities,” Moore said.

There’s another deceiving aspect of light pollution: the changes tend to be gradual, slowly brightening the dark sky over a period of time until it becomes the new normal.

Susan Sachs, the education coordinator with the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center, hosts stargazing events each year at the learning center’s location at Purchase Knob near Maggie Valley. It’s one of the darker areas of the park, and a great reminder for how the natural night sky is supposed to look.

“We tend not even to realize when we lose it,” Sachs said. “Because we’re not as tuned in to the night and how dark it should be, we start to expect light pollution.”

However, other parts of the park, near the gateway communities, are not as dark as Purchase Knob.

Sachs recently attempted to host a statewide stargazing event, part of the state science festival in early April. But, at that time of year, the gravel road to Purchase Knob is not yet open, so Sachs looked for another site in the park with access, adequate parking and facilities to host such a large event.

But the alternative sites she identified, including Oconaluftee near Cherokee and Deep Creak near Bryson City, were simply not a good fit for a star-watching event.

“Everyplace we came up with was too bright,” Sachs said.

She said making people aware of light pollution can be the first step in combating it.

S EE N IGHT SKIES, PAGE 29

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

The Rainbow to Nowhere?

A program on “Frog Love” will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Cradle of Forestry in the Pisgah National Forest.

Warm, wet weather this time of year pulls frogs from their hiding places to find mates and lay eggs in woodland waters. The program explores this ages-old phenomenon that gives the hope of spring. An indoor portion will include a talk and slide presentation on the natural history of the wood frog and amphibian conservation. The program then moves outdoors to explore a frog pond and a guided walk to look for natural amphibian haunts and other features of the woods.

Since frogs love rain, the program will be held unless wintry conditions make travel to the Cradle of Forestry hazardous.

Located on U.S. 276 four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Free. 828.877.3130.

Hops finds a home in WNC soil and economy A free program on “The Business of Growing Hops” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Haywood Community College.

Spurred on by the demands of a burgeoning craft brewing industry and hype for locally

Smoky Mountain News

whether it had the authority to turn it over.”

The article goes on to point out that the Government Accounting Office is on record as saying “… the park service doesn’t have to turn over the $4 million. But it can if it wants to.” Is that how “flip-flop” and “governmentspeak” became synonymous?

The aspect of the article that really drew me in was the fact that the North Carolina Chapter of the Wilderness Society and the National Parks Conservation Association have jumped on the Swain County bandwagon, demanding the federal government uphold their end of the bargain. To me, this epitomizes what a conservation/environmental organization is. These two groups opposed the North Shore Road and encouraged a cash settlement. Through them and copious other regional and national conservation groups — the federal government received hundreds of thousands of emails in favor of a cash settlement. The cash settlement has been approved, but the feds seem complacent. I think that each and every one of those local, regional and national environmental/conservation groups that petitioned the government on behalf of a cash settlement for Swain County should resuscitate those chain emails and phone trees and put the same level of pressure on the feds to fulfill their promise — there’s room on the bandwagon.

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

grown ingredients, WNC farmers are experimenting with hops (Humulus lupulus) as an alternative crop.

This seminar will provide an overview of hops growing business and provide a networking opportunity for local hops growers. Explore the seasonal processes of hop cultivation and marketing strategies for the developing hops industry. Hops growers will discuss tools and information to optimize efforts and harvest.

The presenter is Heidi Dunkelberg, who’s been growing hops in the Beaverdam community of Canton for five years. She currently grows seven different varieties of hops and has developed a unique way of trellis hop growing.

Her passion in hop growing is infectious and she is excited to help others get started in the business of growing hops.

Sponsored by the HCC Small Business Center. Free, but preregister by calling 828.627.4512.

February 6-12, 2013

What happens when you finally get to the end of the rainbow and there’s no gold in the pot? Perusing The Smoky Mountain News the other day, I ran across Becky Johnson’s piece about the $52 million dollar cash settlement, an agreement supposedly signed, sealed and delivered in 2010 that would pay Swain County $52 million in lieu of a 1943 agreement promising Swain a North Shore Road along the northern shore of Fontana Lake – see: http://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/9657-hope-on-thehorizon-hung-up-by-park-serviceswain%E2%80%99s-cash-settlement-hasbeen-in-limbo Now, for Western Carolinians, natives and/or transplants who have been here for the last 10 to 15 years or longer I’m sure there is no need to explain the “North Shore Road – Road to Nowhere” saga. If there are readers who are totally unfamiliar with the Road to Nowhere issue, I’m sorry but I don’t have the space here for the 42,000 words it would take to bring you up to speed. Just Google any or all of — North Shore Road, Road to Nowhere, Cash Settlement — and stand back and watch your Pentium processor smoke.

The CliffNotes are: In the early 1940s the federal government decided to create Fontana Dam to supply the needed power to kick the Nazis’ butts.

By eminent domain, they removed thousands of Swain County citizen’s whose lands would be flooded by Fontana Lake.

In a 1943 agreement, the federal government promised Swain County and her displaced residents that they would build a “North Shore Road.”

Never shirking their promises, the feds (state of North Carolina anted up a little) in the early 1970s built about seven miles of road and stopped due to environmental concerns.

A row ensued between proponents of the road (mostly Swain County residents) and opponents (mainly environmental groups with some big players like Sierra Club.)

1970s to 2000 – there seemed to be a kind of standoff and not a lot of movement on either side of the issue.

In 2000, Rep. Charles Taylor (whose district included Swain County) dropped a $16 million bomb calling for an Environmental Impact Statement to start the ball rolling on the North Shore Road.

Somewhere in the timeframe of Taylor’s bomb and the statement prepared by the National Park Service (2006), a grassroots group — Citizens for the Economic Future of Swain County — materialized, asking for a monetary settlement from the government

in lieu of the North Shore Road.

In 2006, Bryson City native Heath Shuler deposed Taylor, and part of his platform was seeking a buyout for the Road to Nowhere.

2010 — Shuler prevailed and a deal (seemingly) was struck with the feds, whereby they would pay Swain County $52 million to settle the Road to Nowhere controversy.

Swain received the $12.8 million in 2010, but since then, nada.

And that brings us to Johnson’s article that states, “Last year, $4 million was embedded in the National Park Service budget to go toward the cash settlement. But the National Park Service (NPS) has been sitting on the money, claiming it was unclear

Feeling froggy this Valentines’ Day?

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

27

outdoors February 6-12, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

Farmers get a helping hand with diversification grants 28 Western North Carolina farmers received nearly $150,000 total in grants to help diversify their farm businesses. The money was awarded by WNC AgOptions grant program, which is funded through the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Most of the awards were $6,000, given to farmers undertaking projects that are unique to their counties or innovative for agriculture nationwide. Joe Ward, one of the recipients, in Jackson County is establishing a no-till planting system in an area where few farmers use this method. In no-till fields, soil erosion and runoff are decreased.

A grant also helped sustain several significant farms, such as a Bethel Valley farm that has been in the family Joseph Cathey for more than 200 years. Grants include: ■ Macon County, $6,000 to Rabbit Creek Bee Company for pollination services.

■ Haywood County, $3,000 to Walnut Cove Farms Sustainable for vegetable production.

■ Swain County, $6,000 to Balltown Bee Farm Pizza Love for a mobile pizza-making oven.

■ Swain County, $6,000 to Van Winkle Farm for shiitake and goldenseal production.

■ Jackson County, $6,000 to Ward Farm for a customized Kinze row planting system.

Local fisherman lands silver at championships Angler and Sylva native Josh Stephens recently earned a silver medal in team competition during the National Fly Fishing Championship in Bend, Ore., as a member of one of the Team USA squads competing. He also placed eighth individually in the October event and has now won a team medal in seven straight national championships, to go along with two individual medals during that span.

“This is the tournament that determines who goes to the World Championships and represents this country,” Stephens said. “It’s not easy. The competition is strong.”

A total of 60 anglers on 12 teams competed at the 2012 National Championship, which was hosted by the U.S. Fly Fishing Team.

Stephens posted a personal best when he caught 63 regulation fish in three hours during the fourth round. That catapulted him into third overall, before a final round of lake fishing dropped him out of individual contention.

Stephens was sponsored by the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail at the event and promoted the local trail by handing out trail maps and wearing the trail’s logo on his fishing shirts and jacket.

“It means a lot to say our local flyfishing trail here in North Carolina sponsored me. It’s something I’m very, very proud of,” said Stephens. “People were impressed and saying what a great idea it is. All you have to do is open the map and everything you need is right in front of you. It sparked a lot of interest.”

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N IGHT SKIES, CONTINUED FROM 26

While national parks view their dark skies as a precious resource worth protecting, they are powerless to stop light pollution generated from the outside.

Population doesn’t have to be synonymous with light pollution, however, Moore said. Towns, cities and counties do have that power in the form of night lighting ordinances — reining in light from signs, parking lots and even their own street lights — and can significantly reduce the light footprint of a community.

Meanwhile, it may be a community’s best interest to protect the night skies of the Smokies, as many of the neighboring communities rely on tourism dollars brought by visitors to the park.

But few in the region have such rules.

Cherokee does not have a lighting ordinance, although many of the newer buildings constructed by the tribe may inadvertently reduce light pollution because of their energy efficient designs. Bryson City does not have a lighting ordinance either.

Bryson City’s Town Manager Larry Callicutt said lighting practices are left to the discretion of individuals living in the town limits.

created equal.

“Having a lighting ordinance alone doesn’t mean you’re there,” Aghierre said. “A good lighting ordinance would regulate all lights.”

A towns own streetlights are often exempt from an local ordinance, as is the case in Waynesville. However, Baker said Waynesville is gradually transitioning to a new street lights that reduce light waste as old streetlamps wear out.

Aghierre worked with Buncombe County and Asheville officials to draft their night sky ordinances and strengthen them during the years. He said a dark sky ordinance, in addition to protecting views of the stars, actually protect the rights of individuals, ensuring that their bedroom windows aren’t obnoxiously lit up at night by their neighbors’ floodlights.

“A lot of people don’t like regulation,” Aghierre said. “Many people don’t want to be told what to do on their property, but they’re not thinking about the neighbors.”

Another benefit of lighting regulation is added safety, Aghierre said. Lights without proper shielding or that are too bright can cause night blindness for drivers or residents taking a stroll after dark.

He identified security floodlights, sign lights pointing upward without shades and poorly designed street lights as the most

Light pollution in the town of Weaverville reflects off the clouds in the night sky.

— Bernie Aghierre, Asheville Astronomy Club president

WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE Star enthusiasts, local astronomy clubs and amateur night gazers depend the dark sky not only for diversion but also to further what mankind knows about the universe, and beyond.

One of darkest places in WNC is the site of the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, a nonprofit research station and education center. Tucked in the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, it’s the site of an old NASA station that was used to communicate with the Apollo and Gemini spacecraft.

Michael Castelaz, the science director at the station, said the site was choice because of the astronomical infrastructure it has — housing two 300-ton radio telescopes and expansive laboratory space — as well as its dark skies that allow for star viewing with optical telescopes. Being within a National Forest protects the institute from encroaching development and the light brings.

Castelaz researches binary stars — pairs of stars that revolve around each other but are so close that they appear to be a single star when viewed from earth. To study this phenomenon, Castelaz must record subtle changes in the brightness of the set of stars.

They are brightest when side by side but dimmer as one eclipses the other.

Light pollution could interfere with his research and reduce the contrast in the images he captures of the binary stars. Staff from the institute talk to its surrounding neighbors about proper lighting practices and negative affects of skyward glare.

As an example of the exquisite star views form PARI, hundreds of stars in the Orion constellation are visible from PARI while someone in the city may see just four.

“Here on a good dark night the Milky Way Galaxy just stands out and you’d never see that in a city somewhere,” Castelaz said. 29

February 6-12, 2013

“The sky glow from a big city can go out for more than 100 miles. You have to go a long way to get away from that sky dome of light. There are very few spots in the east where you can get a dark sky.”

damaging culprits.

But, one of the things that troubles Aghierre most about communities near the Smokies that don’t already have lighting regulations is that their night skies will most likely not become any darker, even if they took action today.

“When you put these ordinances in, you usually grandfather existing lights — so it’s not going to get better — you’re just going to stop it,” Aghierre said. “It could be a bigger problem in the future because the population is still growing.”

He said sunset clauses can be put written into lighting ordinances — requiring business to eventually phase out past lighting practices and transition to the new ones — but local governments are often hesitant to require that. And even with some of the most progressive lighting ordinances in the state, Aghierre and his astronomy club have to drive far away from Asheville for the best views of the night skies.

“The sky glow from a big city can go out for more than 100 miles. You have to go a long way to get away from that sky dome of light,” Aghierre said. “There are very few spots in the east where you can get a dark sky.”

outdoors

REINING IT IN

“I’m not sure of why we’d be regulating things on it,” Callicutt said.

Many mountain counties near the park don’t regulate night lighting either, such as Haywood, Swain or Macon counties.

A handful of Western North Carolina communities have been proactive about reducing light pollution, however. Jackson County is one of the few with countywide light regulations, along with Buncombe.

Waynesville has had a dark sky ordinance in place for about a decade. It regulates maximum light output for commercial businesses, prohibits upward pointing lights, requires shields on light bulbs and limits the amount of light that trespasses onto an adjacent property.

Fred Baker, Waynesville’s Public Works director, said a more thoughtful approach to proper lighting not only protects night skies, but saves energy by using the right amount of light — but also directing it downward where it’s needed, instead of out and up.

“If you do it right, you can save money and get better nighttime environment,” Baker said.

And although a well-drafted local ordinance can help reduce nighttime light pollution in the area, and thus increase the amount of stars visible at night, Bernie Aghierre, president of the Asheville Astronomy Club, said all regulations aren’t

Smoky Mountain News

An image of light pollution on the horizon, as seen from Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS image

King

outdoors

Vote Greg has a nice

ring to it A fundraiser

for the Haywood County Schools Foundation In the spirit of Mardi Gras and the HCSF Ball on March 2, stop by City Bakery on Main St. Waynesville and get your King Cake by the slice or whole. Starts Feb. 8. Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King.

Febuary 23, 6:30 p.m.: Wine tasting and sale at the Classic Wineseller. Taste five wines with food pairings and take advantage of special savings not available to the public! $50/person. Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King. Reservations: 452-6000.

Smoky Mountain News

February 6-12, 2013

THE CLASSIC

Febuary 23, 5:30-8:30: Music and beer at BearWaters. Join the Hermit Kings out of Asheville for rock n’ roll with country and soul. $20/person. Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King/Beth for Queen.

February 27, 4 p.m. until ... CASH MOB!!!

Visit the corner of Walnut and Main Streets in downtown Waynesville, drop some money in our “hat” and get Mardi Gras beads! Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King/Beth for Queen.

Vote with your donations for King Greg and Queen Beth, and help the Haywood County Schools Foundation!

I AM A CANDIDATE FOR KING AND I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE! 30

Donation will go to Smokies priorities Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park was recently awarded $2,000 from Sustainability for Generations to Come, a Western North Carolina organization formed to support conservation efforts in the mountain region.

SFGC is a new Western North Carolina organization formed to support the preservation of open lands and conservation efforts in the mountain region. Partners include Tim Campbell of Dillsboro and Jeff Murphy of Waynesville.

“The initiative that SFGC has taken to bolster land conservation and stewardship efforts in our treasured mountains is commendable,” said Holly Demuth, Friends of the Smokies North Carolina Region Director. “Our Great Smoky Mountains greatly benefit from the generosity of individuals and business leaders who recognize the economic and environmental cornerstone the half million acre national treasure represents.”

The donation will help fund ongoing park initiatives such Little Cataloochee Chapel is in need of repairs with donated funds. as the bear management, repairs to the historic Little Cataloochee Church, bringing schoolchildren on educational trips to the Park, and supporting the volunteer Elk Bugle Corps, who assist elk-watching visitors. www.friendsofthesmokies.org.

Fees proposed for forest service recreation sites The U.S. Forest Service may increase, or begin charging, fees at seven recreation sites within the national forests in North Carolina. The Sliding Rock Recreation Area, within the Pisgah National Forest and three shooting ranges in the Nantahala National Forest are some of the areas being considered for the increase.

At Sliding Rock the daily fee would increase from $1 to $2 to provide expanded hours for lifeguards and pay for the maintenance. In Nantahala, all three shooting ranges will begin charging a standard $3 daily fee per person, instead of per vehicle charge. The annual fee would also change to $25 per person.

All proposals will be presented before a citizen’s advisory committee at meetings this spring which are open to the public. If approved, the Forest Service will implement the fee changes later in 2013 over a two-year period.

Comments can be sent to comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us through Feb. 28.

828.257.4256.

Take the “Plunge” for a good cause The Haywood Waterways Association and the Lake Junaluska Assembly are hosting a Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Junaluska beach.

The first annual Polar Plunge will raise money for Kids in the Creek. It features a plunge into Lake Junaluska followed by a hot chili lunch. Costumes are encouraged.

Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers and best costumes. Participants can wade in

up to their ankles or take the full dunk.

The cost is $20 with all proceeds benefitting Haywood Waterway’s Kids in the Creek program, an annual field day for public school students in the county to get up-close and personal with aquatic habitats and water quality. In the 15 years the event has been held, Haywood Waterways has reached over 10,000 eighth-grade students. The lunch will cost $5 with proceeds benefiting Lake Junaluska Assembly and their work to preserve the lake. The organizations are seeking sponsorships and participants. haywoodwaterways.org or info@haywoodwaterways.org or 828.476.4667.

WNC Calendar BUSINESS & EDUCATION • NC ABC Commission is holding a free Responsible Alcohol Seller/Server Program class to educate businesses with alcohol permits and their employees about the responsible sales and service of alcoholic beverages. 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, meeting room, Jackson County Recreation Center, 88 Cullowhee Mountain Road, Cullowhee. Jane Harrison, 586.2345 Ext. 24 or jharrison@mountainprojects.org.

• Lyle Tavernier, a NASA digital learning network specialist, will speak to students, Feb. 5 and 6 at the Western Regional Science Fair at Western Carolina University. Tavernier will speak from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Pasadena, Calif., about the Mars Rover mission. learn@wcu.edu, http://sciencefair.wcu.edu or 227.3688.

• Free 90-minute computer class, Microsoft Word, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Limited to first 16 people to register, 586.2016.

• Western Carolina University’s master’s degree program in business administration is offering a series of information sessions for prospective students at WCU’s instructional site at Biltmore Park Town Square in Asheville, noon to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7; noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, 28 Schenck Parkway, Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville. Register by emailing kumcintyre@wcu.edu or call 654.6533.

• Free computer class, Start Using Facebook, 5:45 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 11, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva.

Pre-registration required; space limited to 16 participants. 586.2016.

• Haywood Community College Small Business Free Seminars: Feb. 12, Business of Growing Hops; Feb. 19, Marketing your business on Facebook; Feb. 26, Facebook Page for your Business. 627.4512.

• Free computer class: Basic PowerPoint, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 13, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• 4-H School Enrichment Embryology curriculum/teacher training for Haywood County teachers, 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, and Monday, April 15, Haywood County Cooperative Extension Center, Waynesville. 456.3575.

• National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 16-23, Haywood Community College, Clyde. Schedule of events, www.haywood.edu. Dr. Michelle Choate, HCC department chair of business & entrepreneurship, 565.4219.

• Open House, Saturday, Feb. 16, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Registration and more information at openhouse.wcu.edu or call Office of Undergraduate Admission, 227.7317 or toll-free 877.928.4968.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Macon County Beekeepers Association, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 7, Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Road. Speaker will be Paul Vonk, commercial beekeeper from Clayton, GA. Public invited.

524.5234.

• Mardi Paws Fur Ball, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Mill Creek Country Club Banquet Hall, Franklin. Benefit for Macon County Humane Society. $50 per person. Food, cocktails, dancing, a live auction and more. Tickets available at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, Humane Society Thrift Shop and Macon County Humane Society.

• Dixie Beard Moustache Society, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Headwaters Brewing Company, Waynesville. http://www.dixiebeardmoustachesociety.com/.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Cocoa and Cornhole Tournament to benefit Tye Blanton Foundation, 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Canton Armory, 71 Penland St., Canton. $40 team. Register at tyeblanton.org, on Facebook or 550.6853.

• Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table, Monday, Feb. 11. Dinner, 5 p.m. Bogart’s, Sylva; 6:30 p.m. social hour, lobby of the Mountain Heritage Center, WCU; and 7 p.m. presentation by Peter Koch, Mountain Heritage Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee.

Chris Behre, 293.9314 or Chuck Beemer, 456.4212.

• Potential foster parent training, 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Crestview Baptist Church, 3258 Pisgah Dr., Canton.

Presented by the Bair Foundation foster care agency.

Becca, 350.5197.

• Be a Sweetheart . . . Feed the Hungry, Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10, Mast General Stores. Mast stores will contribute $1 to MANNA Foodbank for each pound of candy purchased at Mast Feb. 9-10. www.mannafoodbank.org/.

• Haywood Public Transit Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 50 Armory Drive, Clyde. New location. 565.0362.

• Western North Carolina Carvers (WNCC) 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 24, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville. Bruce Dalzell, 665.8273.

Smoky Mountain News

RECREATION & FITNESS • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification course Feb. 21-24, MedWest Health and Fitness Center, Clyde. $235 for MedWest Health and Fitness Center members, $255 for non-members, and includes all materials and instruction for both lifeguard training and CPR training. 452.8056.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin’s Drumming Circle, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, sanctuary, 89 Sierra Drive, off Lakeside Dr. 1.2 miles from Hardees.

Bring your drum or use one of ours. 369.8658 for more information.

• Ash Wednesday celebration service, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 13, Sylva First United Methodist Church. Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent and is traditionally 40 days before Easter. During the service, those in attendance will be offered the imposition of ashes. All are welcome. 586.1640.

FAMILY • Throwing Kids Pottery Wheel Class, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Fridays, Feb. 8, 17 and 22, and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, glazing, Pincu Pottery, Bryson City. Minimum four students, maximum six. $90. Register at 488.0480 or pincupottery@gmail.com.

Science & Nature

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • Western Carolina University Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12-14, Hinds Student Center Grand Room, highway 107, Cullowhee. Signup online at http://redcrossblood.org enter Keyword: CATS to schedule your appointment.

• East Elementary School Blood Drive, 4747 Ela Road, Whittier, (in honor of Laurel Cooper), 1 to 5:30 p.m., Anne Marr, 488.0939.

• Cashiers Community Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, Cashiers Fire Department, 341 US Highway 64W, Cashiers. Eric Kehres, 989.3126.

Swain • Cherokee Indian Hospital Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, 268 Hospital Road, Cherokee.

Doris Bonilla, 497.9163 ext. 6498.

HEALTH MATTERS • Volunteer training series on hospice philosophy 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Waynesville First Presbyterian Church and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Lake Junaluska First Baptist Church. Attendees only need to attend one day or the other. Sponsored by MedWest-Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care. Craig Summers, volunteer specialist, 452.5039 ext.4013 or craig.summers@haymed.org for an application or more information. Pre-registration is required.

• Barium Springs Lunch & Learn: Giving Them Hope Tour, noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 19 and March 19, Sylva Office, 151 Desoto Trail, Sylva. Lunch provided. Please RSVP the Monday before the tour by calling Autumn Weil, 231.5413.

• Flu shots, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, Home Care service building on the Haywood MedWest campus.

No appointment necessary. $20. Home Care accepts traditional Medicare and will file the insurance for the beneficiary. Vaccines available for everyone over 18 years of age. 452.8292.

• Evening at PARI, Celestial Love Stories, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, Pisgah National Forest. Dress in warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Reservations required; accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military and $10 for children under 14. Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or call 862.5554. Additional information, contact Christi Whitworth at cwhitworth@pari.edu.

• Frog Love in the Pink Beds, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Cradle of Forestry in America, Pisgah National Forest near Brevard; indoor program on wood frogs and amphibian conservation, followed by an outdoor exploration in the winter woods. 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.org.

Literary (children) • Thirteen-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, Jackson County Library community room. Bluegrass, old-time mountain music and folk music. Free. 586.2016.

31

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 • Children’s Story time- I Love You, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Jackson County Public Library, 586-2016.

• Lego Club- ages 3 and up, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Becky Lipkin Workshop- Create a Cupid’s Cupboard, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time- Be Mine, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

FOOD & DRINK • Valentine’s Day specials: music, dinner packages, Feb. 14-16. City Lights Café, Sylva. Reservations, 587.2233.

• “Wack Job,” Murder Mystery Dinner, 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Herren House, 94 East St., Waynesville. Threecourse dinner with wine, $40 per person. Reservations, 452.7837, herrenhouse.com.

• Sixth annual Chocolate Cook-Off, 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23, Bryson City Presbyterian Church.

Hosted by The Friends of the Marianna Black Library to raise money for the library. Amateurs and professionals welcome. Cash prizes. Entries due Feb. 19. Applications available at the Marianna Black Library, 33 Fryemont St., Bryson City, the Friends Used Bookstore on Everett St., Bryson City or online at the library’s website. Elise Delfield, 488.0580.

ECA EVENTS • Extension and Community Association (ECA) groups meet throughout the county at various locations and times each month. NC Cooperative Extension Office, 586.4009. New members welcome any time.

• 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb.7 – (Quilts of Valor) pillowcase and needle felting, Potpourri ECA, conference room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• Children’s Story time- ssss, said the snake, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 5, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Noon, Thursday, Feb. 14 – soup, cooking and canning, Lunch and Learn ECA, conference room Community Service Center, Sylva.

• Children’s Story time- This Next New Year, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 6, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18 – VA Projects, Sew Easy Girls ECA, conference room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• Family Night-Movie Night, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Word-Teen writing program, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016 • Children’s Story time- The Dancing Dragons, 11 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 8, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time with Miss Sally-Snowtastic Snow!, 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time - Rotary Readers, 11 a.m.

Monday, Feb. 11, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time- Grouchy Groundhogs, 11 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 11, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 – paper heart basket and angel, Cane Creek ECA

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS & LOCAL GOVERNMENT • Young Democrats of Jackson County will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Democratic Party Headquarters, 500 Mill St, Sylva.

• Lunch with Macon County Commission Chair Kevin Corbin, Thursday, noon, Feb. 14, Tartan Hall, Franklin.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Macon County. Bring a bag lunch. Public invited.

• OccupyWNC, Open General Assembly, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12, Room 220, Jackson Justice Center, Sylva; working groups, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, Room 220, Jackson Justice Center, Sylva.

wnc calendar

A&E SPECIAL EVENTS • Jackson County Public Library LEGO Club, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva.

• Jesse & Friends, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, Jackson County Genealogical Society, community room, Historic Jackson County Courthouse, Sylva. 631.2646.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Adult Creative Writing Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Local herbalist Becky Lipkin, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Atrium, Jackson County Public Library, downtown Sylva. Space is limited, 586.2016.

• Louise Nelson, local author of Country Folklore and many books about Haywood County, 2 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 15 & 22, March 1 & 8, Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. 452.2370.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Essence Lounge at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort presents Contagious, DJ Moto, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday, Feb. 8; and Crocodile Smile, DJ Dizzy, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 9.

• Thirteen-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, Jackson County Library community room. Bluegrass, old-time mountain music and folk music. Free. 586.2016.

Smoky Mountain News

February 6-12, 2013

• Guest flutist Gabriel Dondi Goñi, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 6, Coulter Building recital hall, Western Carolina University. Free. Goñi is a flutist with Costa Rica’s National Symphony Orchestra. In 1989,

he joined the New World School of the Arts in Miami, later continuing his education at the Juilliard School in New York. WCU School of Music, 227.7242.

• First Thursdays Old-Time Music and Bluegrass Jams, 7 to 8 p.m. Whitewater Bluegrass Company, 8 to 9 p.m. open jam, Thursday, Feb. 7, WCU Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium. Free.

• Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet and WCU Wind Ensemble, Feb. 8, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University. Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet, 2:45 p.m., and Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. School of Music, 227.7242.

• Paul Cataldo, guitar/vocals, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, Classic Wineseller, 20 Church St., Waynesville. $10 minimum purchase. 452.6000, www.classicwineseller.com.

• Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, hold-over performances, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, Haywood Regional Arts Theater, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. 456.6322, leave a message on the theatre’s answering machine. Tickets also available on line at www.harttheatre.com.

• 2013 western regional All-District Band performances, Saturday, Feb. 9, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University.

Concerts: 3:30 p.m. Middle School Concert Band; 4:15 p.m. Middle School Symphonic Band; 5 p.m. High School Band (ninth and tenth grades); and 5:45 p.m.

Senior High Band (eleventh and twelfth grades. School of Music, 227.7242.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • Printmaking with Linoleum Blocks and Rubber Blocks workshop, by Jeff Marley, multimedia artist from Cherokee. 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Swain County Center for the Arts. Limited to 16 people, $25, registration and supply feed required in advance. To

register, call Jenny Johnson, 488.7843. www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

• Artists’ Reception for photographer Jessica Kovac, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, City Lights Café, Sylva.

587.2233.

• Fire & Ice: Pottery, Glass, and Metalwork exhibit through Saturday, Feb. 9, Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Fire & Ice: Pottery, Glass, and Metalwork celebrates the heating and cooling process involved in the making of pottery, glass, and metal work. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Glass Heart class, time slots between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Green Energy Park, Dillsboro.

631.0271 or email info@jcgep.org. www.jcgep.org.

• Fluid Expressions, featuring work by Dominick DePaolo, Feb. 13 through March 9, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Artist reception, 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22, Gallery 86. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Jackson County Arts Council Day, Wednesday Feb. 13, Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro, Sylva. Ten percent of lunch and dinner sales will go to the Jackson County Arts Council to help fund programs. Arts Council, 507.9820, www.jacksoncountyarts.org or www.facebook.com/JacksonCountyArtsCouncil.

• Wine & Dine, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro. Chef Brian prepares pasta dishes to order while you paint your choice of a plate, mug, or bowl. $20 per person.

Includes complimentary wine and dessert. Reservation only. 631.3133. www.claymatespottery.com/ • Haywood County Arts Council is looking for artists living in the Blue Ridge National Heritage area for a June 2013 exhibition at Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Exhibition will feature traditional pottery to coincide with the June 8 Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration in downtown Waynesville and other local events focused on Appalachian traditions. Submit samples of work to Ana Woodall at info@haywoodarts.org by Feb. 25. Ana at 704.984.2660 or the Arts Council at 452.0593

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS • Make your own place setting, adults, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 9 (cups) and Feb. 16 (bowls), Pincu Pottery, Bryson City. $30 per class. 10 percent if you pay for all three up front. Four person minimum, eight maximum. Register at 488.0480 or pincupottery@gmail.com.

• Woodturning demonstration by Jim Barbour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville. Sponsored by the Carolina Mountain Woodturners and the Southern Highlands Craft Guild. Free. Barbour will demonstrate spindle turning in the morning and plate and bowl turning in the afternoon. John Hill, 645.6633 or visit www.carolinamountainwoodturners.org. Examples of Barbour’s work can be seen at http://shopdogturnery.com/er/.

FILM & SCREEN • Free family comedy movie, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, Marianna Black Library auditorium, Bryson City.

Animated take on a Shakespearean tale. Popcorn provided. 586.2016.

• Family animated film with the Peanuts gang, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. Popcorn served in the library auditorium starting at 3:20 p.m. 488.3030.

DANCE

32

• Pisgah Promenaders Chocolate Lovers Night square dance, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Old Armory Rec. Center, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville. Plus and Mainstream dancing with caller Ken Perkins.

586.8416 or 452.5917.

• Second Sunday Community Dance, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 10, community room, second floor of the Jackson County Library Complex (old courthouse), Sylva. No experience necessary. No partner required.

Potluck dinner to follow at 5 p.m. Bring covered dish, plate, cup and cutlery and a water bottle. Ron Arps at ronandcathy71@frontier.com.

MUSIC JAMS • First Thursdays Old-Time Music and Bluegrass Jams, 7 to 8 p.m. Whitewater Bluegrass Company, 8 to 9 p.m. open jam, Thursday, Feb. 7, WCU Mountain Heritage Center Auditorium. Free.

• Old Timey Bluegrass Jams are held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Spring Street Cafe in Sylva.

• Community music jam, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, Marianna Black Library auditorium, downtown Bryson City. Come sing, play or listen. Facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City.

488.3030.

Outdoors PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • Bike Maintenance Basics, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, REI Asheville. Free; don’t bring bike. Register at http://www.rei.com/event/48220/session/65158.

• Ski and Snowboard Lessons, register at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Feb. 10, and 24 at Cataloochee Ski Resort, Waynesville.

Ages 8 and up. Lift ticket valid from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. $170, includes lift, ski or snowboard rental and lesson; $135, includes lift and lesson; $85, season pass holder with your own equipment. 293.3053.

• Frog Love in the Pink Beds, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Cradle of Forestry in America, Pisgah National Forest near Brevard; indoor program on wood frogs and amphibian conservation, followed by an outdoor exploration in the winter woods. 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.org.

• Nature Nut: Wolves, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Pisgah National Forest. Are there wolves in N.C.? How big do they grow to be? Do they howl? Story time, crafts, and other hands-on activities. Ages 4-7. 877.4423, www.ncwildlife.org/Enews/index.htm.

• Eco Explorers: Fly Tying, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 and Tuesday, Feb. 19, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Pisgah National Forest.

Fundamentals and art of fly-tying. Work at your own pace to tie basic patterns under the guidance of our experienced instructors. Equipment and materials are provided. Limited to 8 participants. Ages 8-13.

877.4423, www.ncwildlife.org/Enews/index.htm.

• Bike Maintenance: Derailleur and Shifting System, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, REI Asheville. $20 members, $40 non-members, register at http://www.rei.com/event/48373/session/65451.

• Thru-Hiking the AT: Full Day Comprehensive Class, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, REI Asheville, $25 REI members, $40 non-members. Register at http://www.rei.com/event/48047/session/64975.

• Map and Compass Navigation Basics, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, REI Asheville, $30 REI members, $50 non-members. Register at http://www.rei.com/event/43656/session/65139.

• WMI - Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Feb.16-24 in Asheville, March 2-10 in Cullowhee.

Nine- day comprehensive wilderness medical course is the national standard for outdoor trip leaders.

Landmark Learning, 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org.

PRIME REAL ESTATE

INSIDE

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ARTS & CRAFTS

MarketPlace information:

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

AUCTION FROG LEVEL AUCTIONS

Rates:

Every Friday Night Auction at 6pm, Preview at 5pm.

Starting January 26th we will have 2 auctions per week: Friday Nights at 6pm & Saturday Afternoon at 3pm Booked Dealer Sale Antiques, Collectables, Tools, Furniture, House Wares, New & Old, This & That, Something for Everyone! See our Full Schedule with Photos, Info & Directions at: www.froglevelauctions.net For more information or To Book A Spot Call 828.775.9317 or email: david@froglevelauctions.net Terms: Cash or Credit/Debit Card Only, 13% Buyers Fee 3% Discount For Cash Auction Firm NCAFL 9537, David Roland NCAL 9133 & Kai Calabro NCAL 9127 255 Depot St., Waynvesville, NC 28786.

■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $35 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

R

DI

SC OV ER E

ATR

PE

INC.

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

72548

2 REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS 3364 Wishing Well Lane, Claremont, NC (12-Noon). 2699 E NC Hwy 10, Conover, NC (1:30PM).

Friday, February 15 (On Site).

GARY BOYD AUCTION. NCAFL7782/NCREL129670.

For details visit www.garyboydauction.com. 704.982.5633 AUCTION Liquidation - Construction Equipment & Trucks - February 12, 10 AM, Equipment, Trucks, Trailers & More & (3) Online Sales Ending February 13 & 14, Water Works, Culvert, Pipe Inventory, Shop & Mechanics Equipment, Power & Hand Tools & More. Suburban Grading & Utilities, Inc. - Norfolk, VA, Motley's Auction & Realty Group, 804.232.3300. www.motleys.com, VAAL#16.

AUCTION

CARS - DOMESTIC

AUCTION SATURDAY 5PM Dining table, German wall clock, English bedroom pieces, quilts, jewelry, Foreign coins, brass Railroad buttons. Heavy Equipment tools: 48” pipe wrenches, 36” bolt cutters, 1” sockets, hydraulic wrenches, metal nibbler cutter, 4x multiplier, 1000 lb torque wrench, 20 ton hydraulic jack, wrenches up to 2 3/4”, and lots more. Elvis Memorabilia: One of the largest collections we’ve seen! Preview at: www.ReminisceAntiques.com Reminisce Auction, Franklin, NC 828.369.6999 Ron Raccioppi NCAL# 7866

DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 877.752.0496.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS Needing siding, windows, roofs.

10 homes will be selected in your county this month for our showcase before/after remodeling program. Save hundreds. All credit accepted. $89/month 1.866.668.8681.

HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

BOOTH ELECTRIC Residential & Commercial service.

Up-front pricing, emergency service. 828.734.1179. NC License #24685-U.

CARS - DOMESTIC 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT Convertible. New custom paint, style bar, Mach I rims and lots of upgrades completed. Serious inquiries only. $10,000. Please call 828.226.7461.

SAVE $$$ ON AUTO INSURANCE. No forms. No hassle. No stress.

No obligation. Call READY FOR MY QUOTE now! CALL 1.877.835.8343.

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NaturaLawn of America is a nationwide system with over 25 years experience. Average location revenues in excess of $500k. www.naturalawn.com.

SAPA

EMPLOYMENT AVIATION CAREERS Train in advance structures and become certified to work on aircraft. Financial aid for those who qualify. Call aviation institute of maintenance 1.877.205.1779.

SAPA COMPANY DRIVERS: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and team drivers.

Excellent hometime options. CDL-A required. Recent graduates with CDL-A welcome. Call 888.441.9358 or apply online at: www.superservicellc.com

R

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT DRIVERS Class-A Flatbed. Home Every Weekend! Up to 37c/mi. Both ways. Full Benefits. Requires 1 year OTR Flatbed Experience. 800.572.5489 x227. SunBelt Transport, Jacksonville, FL. DRIVERS Job Stability. Ashley Distribution Services seeks Regional/LTL Drivers. CDL A, min. 1yr OTR. Above avg home time. Paid Safety Bonus, vacation, great benefits.

1.800.837.2241. jobs@ashleydistributionservices.com DRIVERS Regional Flatbed. Home Every Weekend. 40-45 CPM. Full Benefits. Must Have Class A CDL. Flatbed Training Available.

800.992.7863. www.mcelroytrucklines.com NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed!

Online Training gets you job ready!

HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.512.7122

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

FOREMEN TO LEAD Utility field crews. Outdoor physical work, many positions, paid training, $17/hr. plus weekly performance bonuses after promotion, living allowance when traveling, company truck and benefits. Must have strong leadership skills, good driving history and able to travel in the Carolinas and nearby states.

Email resume to Recruiter4@osmose.com or apply online at www.OsmoseUtilities.com.

EOE M/F/D/V FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED The Bair Foundation, a Christian Foster Care Ministry, is looking for committed families willing to open their homes to local foster children & teens. Training, certification, reimbursement & support provided. Call Now 828.350.5197 GYPSUM EXPRESS Opening terminal in Roxboro, NC. Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers. Road & Regional Positions. Melissa, 866.317.6556 x6 or apply at www.gypsumexpress.com

NOW HIRING! National Companies need workers immediately to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD stands, hair barrettes & many more. Easy work, no selling, any hours. $500/week potential. Info 1.985.646.1700 DEPT NC - 4152 (Not valid in Louisiana) SAPA MEDICAL CAREERS BEGIN HERE Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

SCHEV authorized. Call Now 1.877.206.7665 or go to: www.CenturaOnline.com SAPA TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY. Drivers/Independent Contractors!

Immediate Placement Available.

Best opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today.

800.277.0212 or go to: www.primeinc.com TOP PAY FOR Limited Experience! 34 cpm for 1 Mos OTR Exp. Plus Benefits, New Equip & 401k. 877.258.8782. www.ad-drivers.com

EMPLOYMENT TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!

One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com.

SAPA OWNER OPERATORS: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus. Excellent Rates. Paid FSC, loaded & empty.

75% Drop & Hook. Great Fuel & Tire Discounts. L/P available. CDLA with 1 year tractor-trailer experience required. 888.703.3889 or apply online at www.comtrak.com RESPITE CARE AVAILABLE Are you the soul care giver for your loved one? Are you in need of some life of your own? Do you need a couple hours, a day, a weekend? If so, I am available to provide experienced compassionate Respite Care!

Will provide references, Call Vicki for more info 828.768.4252 FREIGHT UP = MORE $.

Need CDL Class A Driving Exp Plus Benefits, New Equip & 401k.

877.258.8782 or go to: www.ad-drivers.com

FINANCIAL

FURNITURE

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates. Apply Now By Phone! 1.800.568.8321. wwwlawcapital.com Not Valid in CO or NC. SAPA BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

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FURNITURE

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LUMBER

BUY GOLD & SILVER COINS 1 percent over dealer cost. For a limited time, Park Avenue Numismatics is selling Silver and Gold American Eagle Coins at 1 percent over dealer cost. 1.888.470.6389

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

REMAINING FURNITURE LUMBER Sale! Walnut, Butternut, Cherry, Ash & Curly Maple Slabs $4,000 Call for more information 828.627.2342

CHESTNUT LUMBER Some 6 feet sections, Some 17 ft. boards $800. Call for more information 828.627.2342

LAWN AND GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

Puzzles can be found on page 37.

February 6-12, 2013

These are only the answers.

www.ThePrintHaus.com Since 1982

YOUR HOMETOWN PRINT, COPY, DIRECT MAIL & SIGN SHOP 641 North Main Street, WAYNESVILLE, NC (3/10 Mile North of the Courthouse)

www.smokymountainnews.com

828-456-HAUS (4287)

34

“Thank You”

A Special

to all our loyal customers and friends for making our success possible all these years!

“Come in and see our New Green Equipment and Papers.”

509 Asheville Hwy., Suite B, SYLVA, NC

(Located in the NAPA Auto Parts Center)

828-586-HAUS (4287)

Pet Adoption Bently is for you. He is a two year old, male Shar Pei/ Lab mix. He weighs 60 lbs., is friendly, good with cats and kids. He is housebroken. He will be available as soon as he is neutered. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC.

BEN - A male, Chihuahua who weighs only five pounds. He was a little shy, but is making great progress in this area. He deserves a great, calm home. He has special pricing. Call 828.631.2676.

RASCAL - A cute terrier/corgi

BUFORD - A sweet, white, playful, housebroken Feist. He weighs just 15 lbs, is two years old, and needs a fenced yard.

Call foster home at 1.877.ARF.JCNC.

HOMER - A little, male Beagle.

He is 3 years old, 17 lbs., and is white and liver colored. He is housebroken, good with other dogs, but is initially shy with strangers. Call 226.4783.

mix who is 3 years old. He weighs just 16 pounds. He is neutered, housebroken, and current on all his shots. He plays well with other dogs, but he is frightened of people. His not a lapdog, nor does he like to be on a leash. He is a good porch dog; he'll sit there all day and bark to let you know if someone is coming. He doesn't run off once he is used to being at his new home. Call 226.4783.

20 ACRES FREE! Own 60 acres for 40 acre price/ payment. $0 Down, $198/month.

Money Back Guarantee, NO CREDIT CHECKS. Beautiful Views, West Texas. 1.800.343.9444. SAPA EVER CONSIDER A Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888.418.0117. SAPA

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

HOMES FOR RENT UNFURNISHED EXTRA CLEAN 3/BR 1/BA In Waynesville area. Hardwood floors, carport, all appliances dishwasher & W/D, large eat-in kitchen. No smoking/No pets.

Lease plus deposit, $750/mo.

For more information call 828.246.0918 or 828.734.9409.

APT. FOR RENT UNFURNISHED

Ann knows real estate!

Ann Eavenson CRS, GRI, E-PRO

2/BR, 1/BA APARTMENT In Beautiful Downtown Waynesville. 2nd Floor, W/D, Heat & Air, Clean & Ready to Live In, All Hookups Available. $750/mo.

Move in with First & Last. Call 828.400.1040 or 828.400.1041

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL 72532

101 South Main St. Waynesville

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

MainStreet Realty

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 FUDGE - A five year old, brown, male Dachshund mix. He is a very cute little guy who gets along with everyone. He weighs 16 pounds. He is neutered and up-to-date on all vaccines. He is house-broken and paper trained.

He knows how to use a doggie door 828.226.4783

VISIT ARF ON SATURDAYS 1-3 To register for February 11th

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

low-cost spay/neuter trip. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC for more information. Limited number!

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14 Instrument panel part 88 [Secure, Broth, Cask] 19 Most disorderly 93 Stand by for 21 “Max - Returns” 96 Nagging pain (1983 film) 97 Yuletide song 22 Harass 98 Ovine female 23 [Arrest, Omit, Bun] 99 - Gauche (Paris’ Left 25 Stimulate Bank) 26 Some bills 100 Pacific island coun27 “- for Innocent” (Sue try Grafton novel) 103 Handled clumsily 28 Corn cake 104 Suffix with host 30 Clickable address 105 [Bing, Quiets, 31 [Lofty, Sullen, Seemly] Ogden] 39 TV announcer Hall 110 Whack down 41 Lawman Wyatt’s fami- 111 Joan of rock ly 112 Pretense 42 French river 113 “I goofed” 43 Chief Ouray’s tribe 116 Author Calvino 44 Virgo preceder 118 [Garnet, Milky, Sad] 45 “... sting like -” 125 Bravery 46 “Take - song and 126 Thundering make it better” 127 Eight-faced solids 48 “Waiting for Lefty” 128 Computer printer playwright brand 49 [Family, Toil, Crying] 129 Exams for future 55 Srs.’ lobby attys.

56 Ray of McDonald’s 130 Original 57 Radiohead singer 131 Filming spot Thom 58 Claiborne of fashion DOWN 61 River islet 1 Drive out 64 Tattooists’ supplies 2 Poker cost 66 Livy’s 2,002 3 Main way in 67 Previous to 4 On in years 68 [Fit, Loaded, Sage] 5 White wine apéritif 75 Wrap up 6 Classic Olds

7 Cleo’s biter 8 Set of steps 9 - touch of class (creates some style) 10 “Ben- -” (1959 film) 11 Psyche section 12 Nader and Lauren 13 Being borrowed 14 Showed awe 15 Folk rocker DiFranco 16 “End of citation” 17 Epicure 18 Having no sight organs 20 “- -daisy!”

24 Suffix with no-good 29 SSW’s opposite 32 Be winning 33 Workrooms 34 Pulled 35 Sneak - (glance) 36 Indian restaurant bread 37 P. - (big name in hiphop) 38 Soapy froth 39 Napoleon’s isle of exile 40 Crème-crème linkup 46 In no particular musical key 47 Bagged midday meal 48 Brand of frozen fries 50 Iridescent gem 51 R&B singer India.52 “Much - surprise ...”

53 Humor writer Bombeck 54 Three of 58 Luau wear 59 Apr. 15 payee 60 26th letter 62 August gripe 63 Fox teen drama show

65 Pet 68 Baneful spell 69 Ending for butyl 70 Product plugs 71 Pull hard 72 Nukes and such 73 Sister and wife of Zeus 74 Electric fan’s noise 81 Maker of Asteroids 83 Former U.N. head Kofi 85 Estates not acquired under leases 86 Fastens fabric 87 Corrida shouts 88 Prevaricates 89 Eye: Prefix 90 Columnist Maureen 91 “It’s - real!”

92 Alan of “M*A*S*H” 93 Information repository 94 Spy’s device 95 Open affirmations 100 TV “Science Guy” Bill 101 Star-related 102 Gives voice to 103 World War II general George 106 Tennis’ Borg 107 “The Wizard of Oz” actor Bert and others 108 - -fi film 109 Exotic juice brand 114 Untarnished 115 Chair 117 English lav 119 - favor for 120 Rebel Tyler 121 Prefix with hazard 122 Safari truck, for short 123 No, to Scots 124 UPS competitor

answers on page 34

Answers on Page 34

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February 6-12, 2013

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Oil lamps have long history of lighting the way Editor’s note: This column first appeared in The Smoky Mountain News in February 2003.

S

George Ellison

urprisingly, a recent column about wood-burning cookstoves attracted as much attention as anything I’ve written for years. Folks who live in The Smoky Mountain News distribution area and can pick up the print edition were the most numerous e-mail correspondents, of course. But a lot of people outside of the region must read the publication online as well because at least 10 people living in different parts of the country contacted Columnist me to reminisce about their woodstove experiences.

None of the people here or abroad had anything but pleasant memories. None seemed to recall the days when the chimney smoked or there was no dry wood ... or no wood at all. They remembered grandma baking bread or a Thanksgiving turkey baking in the oven or canning vegetables in the fall. Several reported they are still using wood-burning cookstoves, at least on a parttime basis, but for most, they are a part of the nostalgic past. Best of all, two people

BACK THEN said they liked my “Woodstove” poem.

So coming up with the topic for this week’s column was a no-brainer. As with cookstoves, Elizabeth and I have been lighting our home with oil lamps for 30 years. Are there people out there who are nostalgic about oil lamps? I’m betting on it.

The story oft how we first started using woodstoves and oil lamps is both complicated and boring, so I’ll spare you the details. Using them isn’t a big deal. Lots of folks living in the Smokies region today grew up that way. And most folks today would much rather use electric or gas burners and switch on the electric lights. But in many ways that count our lives have been enhanced by doing the opposite.

I don’t know when the first oil lamps arrived here in the mountains. It must have been well before cast-iron woodburning cookstoves arrived. And before lamps, of course, there was firelight and candle light.

About 20 years ago, I purchased in a used bookshop a little 45-page pamphlet by Cecil A. Matthews titled Discovering Oil Lamps. It was published in 1972 in England.

mechanism is on the right side if you’re right-handed or on the left side if you’re lefthanded. Doesn’t that make perfect sense?

You just reach out and adjust the wick without having to first rearrange the lamp. Both Elizabeth and I are right-handed. It follows that all of the lamps in our home should be placed with adjustment mechanisms on the right side, doesn’t it? Does Elizabeth follow this rule? No. She almost invariably places them reversed so as to bother me.

Lamplight is a softly luminescent light.

Our combined kitchen and sitting area comes to life once the lamps are lit. Many evenings at dusk I cross the bridge in front of our house and walk down into the pasture. Looking back across the creek, I can see blue woodsmoke spiraling upward from the chimney and the windows of our home glowing with lamplight.

George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees.

In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

February 6-12, 2013

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY | SA AT T U R D A Y, Y, A P R I L 6

Most of Discovering Oil Lamps is devoted to illustrations and descriptions of lamp types and paraphernalia. Most are various types of table lamps, including lamps mounted on arm extensions for reading.

The floor lamps are very elegant. Harp lamps hang from the ceiling on short metal supports, whereas suspension lamps hang on extended chains.

Bracket lamps are mounted on walls, some with swinging arms. One of the piano lamps is mounted on a gooseneck arm so that light could be reflected onto sheet music.

Then there are various hand lamps used in the same manner as flashlights.

We have found that the tinted kerosene mandated by the state several years ago is hopeless. We could barely light and keep our lamps going with that crud. We always go to one of the local stations selling K-1 fuel oil.

I have but one hard and fast rule regarding oil lamps. It’s called The Ellison Rule For Lamp Placement & Adjustment. Always position a lamp so that the wick adjustment

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