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November 12-18, 2014 Vol. 16 Iss. 24

Cherokee sings old songs anew Page 4

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On the Cover: There are varying types of bicycle enthusiasts. Some crave backwoods trails while others prefer smooth expanses of roadway. Whatever their preference, we want them coming to Western North Carolina. To that end, an effort has begun to crack the area’s cycling tourism nut. (Page 18) Max Cooper photo

News A collection of old Cherokee songs have been given a new life . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Get ready to dive deep into the general election post mortem . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The election of a new Haywood tax collector raises questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A new 911 dispatch center is slated for Haywood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Haywood gets a glimpse of the financials in the wake of hospital sale . . . . . 12 Cell towers could be OK’d for Jackson County ridgetops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bryson City’s Fry Street may be a dead end bound for a new start . . . . . . . 14 Maggie Valley begins a year-long process in search of a master plan. . . . . . 14 The future management of the national forests is currently being decided . . 16

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Cherokee history and culture permeates Western North Carolina . . . . . . . . . 26

Outdoors WCU dean brings back scholarship bounty from bike trek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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The Naturalist’s Corner Objects in the November sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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Resurrection through a hymnal Hymnbook breathes life into Cherokee lyrics wrong with losing a language.

As a billboard placed at the entrance to the reservation puts it, “Without your language, what makes you Cherokee?” Below the question is a trio of flipboard numbers denoting how many fluent speakers remain.

Right now, the number is 219.

“It’s like any other language,” Oswalt said. “Once you translate, things get lost.”

WRITING THE HYMBOOK

After the Snowbird Baptist group finished their performance, Barbara Duncan, Dan Dills, Shirley Oswalt and Joyce Cooper (pictured left to right) led some more songs. Holly Kays photo.

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t’s Sunday afternoon, and a quartet of musicians — one guitarist, three vocalists — stands at the front of a small room whose rows of chairs hold about twenty people. The guitarist strums a few chords, and the voices join in a familiar tune, “Amazing Grace.”

A typical Sunday scene in Western North Carolina, perhaps, except that the syllables filling the room at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian form neither the words “amazing” nor “grace.” In fact, there’s not a word of English in them. Though the tunes were written for English hymns, the words are Cherokee, lyrics to songs with a long history among the Cherokee people.

November 12-18, 2014

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“My mom and dad used to sing a lot of Cherokee songs to us back when I was little, so I memorized them then,” said Shirley Oswalt, a tribal member from Robbinsville who was one of the four musicians from Snowbird Baptist Church.

Cherokee is Oswalt’s first language, and that’s not a common thing, these days. Only 219 fluent speakers remain.

“It’s changed a lot,” Oswalt said, reflecting on the decline of the language.

“Everybody speaks English now, which it’s hard to reverse that, which is what we need to do.”

Not because there’s anything wrong with speaking in English – that’s how Oswalt and her husband Mack, who is not Cherokee, communicate – but there is something

The hymnbook that Oswalt and her three fellow musicians sang from is part of the effort to stave the sacrifices to translation. It includes the same 143 Cherokee songs that were printed in a little paper songbook published in 1829, a book that nearly every Cherokee family owned.

But the new book puts the songs to music, and it translates the meanings of the words into English. The Cherokee people didn’t have a system to write down musical tunes, so as the language was used less and less, the songs began to disappear.

That’s what Dan Dills, a Knoxville man whose Cherokee family left the reservation two generations ago, discovered as his heritage started to become more important to him. He and his dad attended a class on Cherokee language at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn., which is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. That’s when Dills saw his first sheets of Cherokee songs, and he and his dad soon became “really involved and active” in learning them.

“We started singing in public, and we didn’t have enough songs,” Dills said. Of the

143 songs listed in the 1829 hymnal, only a smattering of tunes remained.

The desire to bring those slumbering songs back to life launched Dills into a project that would consume more than 2,000 hours of his time before a finished, printed book graced the museum bookstore’s shelves.

The task? Take a nearly 200-year-old paperback written in Cherokee syllabary, translate the words into English phonetics so people who can’t read Cherokee can say them, and then find hymns with time signatures and rhythms that match the Cherokee.

“Every note is matched to a syllable so you can just pick that up and sing the song in Cherokee,” said Barbara Duncan, education director at the museum.

Web extra To see some sample song sheets from the new hymnbook and watch video of the hymnsing, visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on this story.

On top of the phonetic translation, the hymnbook also includes a translation to the English meaning, which runs alongside the musical notation. The English tunes were chosen for timing and rhythm, not meaning, so the translation is necessary so that nonCherokee speakers know what they’re singing.

“The project sounds simple, but this was a long project that took a long time,” Duncan said.

A RESTORATION PROJECT The goal is to create something that will engage people, especially youth, especially Cherokee, who don’t know the language – and that bringing those songs to life again will help ignite a restoration of the language.

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Buy a book The Cherokee Hymnbook is on sale through the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, both at the museum and online at www.cherokeemuseum.org. The book, whose production was sponsored by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, includes 143 songs featuring Cherokee syllabary, Cherokee phonetics, new English translations and musical notation. Spiral-bound books are $25 and hardcover books are $40.

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“I believe when we sing it in the language, it takes on a new meaning,” said Matthew Tooni, 26 who came to sing Sunday. “It’s different singing it in your own language than it is in any other language.”

Tooni, a tribal member, speaks some Cherokee, though not fluently. But he’s in love with his culture and hungry to know more about it.

Sarah Burkey, 34, shares Tooni’s love of the culture.

“I learned a lot of the hymns already, but I wanted to sing them with more people,” she said.

Having grown up with the hymns, she said, “it’s just part of me, part of who I am,” and she’s invested a lot of time into learning them well.

The hymnsing, sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council, was a chance for those words to gather meaning for more people. Duncan told the audience the story of the new hymnbook’s creation, and Oswalt tutored them on how to pronounce the Cherokee words. After the Snowbird Baptist group ran through their songs, Joyce Cooper, who put in 600 hours formatting the book, sat down at the piano and led some more.

“If people like it and they want [another sing-day], we will,” Duncan said.

Afternoon singing is just one small part of saving a language, though. It will take people like Burkey and Tooni, and younger children like the little girl who stepped up in the midst of the performance to sing a Cherokee version of “Jesus Loves Me,” to keep the Cherokee language alive, Oswalt said.

“I’m just hoping the young people can get a hold of it and use it,” she said of the hymnbook, “and I think it’s going to be the younger generation, because the older generation is used to singing them with the English words.”

That’s important enough to Oswalt that she spent a good part of the last two years working with three other women — Janie Brown, Mary Brown and Anna Sixkiller — to translate the Cherokee hymns into English words.

Though “in comparison to life it was a very short time,” Oswalt said, for those two years “it was like every waking moment.”

But time is of the essence, and much has already been lost.

“It would be great if we had a tune for all the songs, but we don’t,” Oswalt said, “and in any song, the words are the most important part.”

This way, the words will be preserved.

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Democrats, GOP see new era in Haywood

Left: sorting out campaign signs is part of the post-election drudgery faced by party volunteers. Most are saved, to reuse in the future should the candidates run again. Right: Larry Ammons, a Haywood Democrat, makes a last minute pitch to voters on their way in to a Waynesville polling site on Election Day. Becky Johnson photos

Republicans revel in wins, narrowing margins worry Democrats

Smoky Mountain News

November 12-18, 2014

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER arin Wollin had just taken a break from a sullen morning of sorting through stacks of campaign signs at the Haywood County Democratic headquarters in Waynesville when a clatter was heard on the sidewalk outside.

A fresh pile of yard signs, yanked up from roadsides around the county, had just been deposited out front.

“We ended up with some of yours …,” a chipper voice called through the door, propped open to let in one of the last warm days of fall.

A man popped his head inside, and it was clear from the beaming grin that this was not a fellow Haywood Democrat. “… so I thought I’d bring them over to you,” said Ted Carr, a volunteer with the local Republican Party.

It was a nice gesture, although not terribly out of the way for Carr. Republican headquarters are directly across the street — and it was a far rosier morning on his side than Wollin’s.

Just moments before, Wollin had been lamenting the election results, which were still sinking in just a day later.

“I was extremely surprised. I was just dumbfounded,” said Wollin. She had spent weeks pounding the pavement and working phone banks in the run-up to Election Day and had thanked voters at the polls for 10 days during early voting. “I felt like we were going to win,” Wollin said.

Even Haywood Republicans will admit quietly that they did better than even they 6 thought they would.

K

Which way did they go?

Allens Creek Big Creek Fines Creek 1 Fines Creek 2 White Oak Crabtree Iron Duff Jonathan Creek Ivey Hill Beaverdam 1 Beaverdam 2 Beaverdam 3 Beaverdam 4 Beaverdam 5/6 Beaverdam 7

Cecil Pigeon Center Pigeon East Fork North Clyde South Clyde Ivy Hill Lake Junaluska Center Waynesville West Waynesville East Waynesville South Waynesville 1 South Waynesville 2 Hazelwood

The Haywood County results between state Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and Waynesville resident Jane Hipps, a Democrat, reveal what parts of the county voted Republican (red) and Democrat (blue). A similar GOP-Democratic split occurred in the other countywide races on Nov 4.

Haywood County is normally a safe zone for Democrats. But Democrats lost half their races on the ballot this year. And those who won scraped by with close victories that barely felt like a win — especially not in the traditionally Democratic stronghold of Haywood.

Democrats were supposed to sweep the ballot in Haywood, sailing to the finish with comfortable leads.

Carr, on the other hand, was all smiles.

“Don’t feel too bad,” Carr said, stepping inside to offer a polite salutation to Janie Benson, chair of the Democratic Party.

“Oh, we’ll be back,” Benson called. “We will rise again,”

“That’s what I was afraid of,” Carr said in jest. “I wish we hadn’t stomped you so hard …”

“Oh, rub it in, rub it in,” Benson joked back. “… so you wouldn’t try to come back so hard,” Carr teased, before returning to the business at hand — untangling the political signs rounded up in the post-election sweep.

It was less than 36 hours after the election, but Democrats had already began taking stock of what went wrong in Haywood. The results confounded them.

The simple explanation: Haywood isn’t a Democratic stronghold anymore, Benson admitted.

That’s one thing both sides can agree on.

“The Democrats are beginning to lose their iron-clad grip,” said Pat Carr, chair of the Haywood Republican Party.

But the bigger question is why.

“Because of people moving in,” Benson said, proffering one of the commonly held theories.

Haywood has deep Democratic roots, a political heritage passed down for generations from the original families who settled here — the Kirkpatricks and Hannahs and Queens and Suttons and McCrackens and so on.

But they are slowly being supplanted by those moving here. The newcomers, including a large number of retirees from Florida, have been a factor in tipping the scales toward the Republicans.

Democrats have slipped substantially as a percentage in Haywood over the past decade.

In 2004, 53.7 percent of registered voters in Haywood were Democrats. That’s fallen to 43.5 percent now.

Republicans have essentially held steady as a percentage of the registered voters in Haywood.

The ranks of independent, unaffiliated voters, have risen substantially, however — from 17 percent 10 years ago to 27 percent today.

“I think there is something of a trend in Haywood County to see more people breaking away from the two main parties and registering as unaffiliated,” Pat Carr said.

NATIONAL TRICKLE DOWN

With Democrats no longer holding the default majority among Haywood voters, winning over that growing bloc of independents has become critical. But what moves them?

“I think the national issues influenced almost all the races. I really think we were

STATE RACE MASH-UP AND THE DAM THEORY Sybil Mann, a Haywood Democrat and vice chair of the party for the 11th Congressional District, said Democrats have

GOP showing in Haywood County CONTEST .............................................GOP CANDIDATE .............................HAYWOOD RESULTS U.S. Senate .........................................Thom Tillis ......................................won by 1,700 U.S. House ..........................................Rep. Mark Meadows .......................won by 3,500 N.C Senate..........................................Sen. Jim Davis................................lost by 105 District Attorney..................................Ashley Welch...................................won by 1,000 County Commission ............................Denny King .....................................lost by 180 Tax Collector .......................................Mike Matthews ...............................won by 250

Democrats

Republicans

been swapping theories over the past week of what went wrong in Haywood.

“Is it the effect of the gerrymandering? Is it the effect of values voters? What is it?”

Mann asked.

Mann believes election results may have been influenced by the federal court ruling legalizing gay marriage, particularly when it comes to the N.C. General Assembly races on the ballot in Haywood.

“Gay marriage affects the definition of family, which is a very important part of our Appalachian heritage, and is not something people want to be redefined,” Mann said. “I don’t know if this election was partly a visceral response to that ruling.”

N.C. Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, won Haywood by nearly 1,000 votes despite polls that showed her trailing in the run up to Election Day — even the conservative Civitas Institute and leading Republican political analysts pegged Presnell as likely to lose.

Mann surmised that gay marriage may have rallied voters for Republican candidates who pledged to fight the court ruling.

“When Michele Presnell said she would fight to keep gay marriage from happening, I think people who felt strongly about that issue voted for her,” Mann said.

Presnell had another factor in her favor.

Legislative voting lines had been sliced and diced along party lines in Haywood when voting districts were redrawn by Republicans at the state level four years ago. This is Mann’s gerrymandering theory.

Republican-leaning precincts — such as Maggie Valley, Beaverdam and Bethel — were clumped into Presnell’s district.

Meanwhile, Presnell was spared the Democratic-leaning precincts — such as Waynesville, Hazelwood and Lake Junaluska.

An analysis of voting patterns in Haywood’s 29 precincts this election shows a stark contrast between precincts put in Presnell’s district, versus those carved out of Presnell’s district.

• Precincts that are part of Presnell’s district voted Republican in the U.S. Senate race, favoring Tillis.

• Precincts excluded from Presnell’s district voted Democrat in the U.S. Senate race, favoring Hagan.

11,471 (27%)

7,048 (17.3%)

12,321 (29%)

11,685 (28.7%)

18,454 (43.5%)

2004 40,631 total voters

2014 42,384 total voters

Independent The trend was the same in the N.C. Senate race — state Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, won in Presnell’s precincts, but Democrat Jane Hipps won in the rest of the county.

This shows the precincts included in Presnell’s district have a clear proclivity to vote Republican, giving her an advantage in Haywood.

In the N.C. Senate race — which includes all of Haywood, not just certain precincts — the Democratic candidate won. But not by enough to carry her to victory for the sevencounty seat.

Hipps, a Democrat from Waynesville running for N.C. Senate against Davis, would lose some of the Republican-leaning counties further west. But she hoped a sizeable victory in her home turf and Democratic stronghold of Haywood would make up for that.

In the end, Haywood didn’t deliver the Democratic vote Hipps needed. She got 9,416 votes in Haywood, compared to Davis’ 9,320, a 96-vote margin.

“I thought Jane had a real shot at winning,” said Benson.

Patt Carr wouldn’t go quite that far, but agreed on one point: she thought Hipps would have picked up more votes in Haywood.

Republicans in Haywood knew that a big Democratic turnout in Haywood could hurt Davis. Haywood is bigger than the three far western counties combined, and could pack a lot of punch in the seven-county race.

Watson said Republicans open their playbook to the “dam theory.”

“It’s like the little boy who held his finger in the dike. We knew we just had to hold the line in Haywood, and Sen. Davis would be OK,” Watson said.

DOWN BALLOT RACES One of the more surprising Republican upsets in Haywood County was the tax collector race.

David Francis, the Democrat on the ballot, had served as the tax collector in Haywood since 1998. He was beat by a relatively unknown Republican candidate from

Smoky Mountain News

The Maggie Valley precinct is one of the largest in Haywood County, and was heavily staked out by candidates on Election Day, including Denny King, a Republican county commissioner candidate, and N.C. Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville. Becky Johnson photo

Democrats are puzzled over the lost ground in Haywood.

Historically, it’s leaned Democratic. But the percentage of registered Democrats has slipped substantially in just the past decade. See the number and percentage of registered voters, by party.

November 12-18, 2014

—

A changing mix of voters

21,817 (53.7%)

legislative seats — despite just walking out of the polling booth seconds earlier.

Mindy Hughes, 41, couldn’t remember exactly who she voted for after exiting the polls in Maggie Valley, but said she voted for “whoever is Republican.”

Becky Revis, 46, and her daughter McKenzie Revis, 21, also couldn’t remember exactly who they voted for, but also said they picked whoever was Republican.

“I am not happy with the way things are going and want to see a true change,” said Becky Revis, a Maggie voter.

They said they voted for Republican candidates at the state level, saying it was time to remove Democrats from power in Raleigh.

Ironically, Democrats aren’t in power in Raleigh, and thus their vote for the Republican candidates wasn’t really a vote for change as they thought. But neither realized that, adding that they are against the state cuts to education, but didn’t know which party was to blame.

Janice Burda, a voter in Waynesville who recently moved to the state, said it is challenging for voters to figure out the truth about what candidates stand for.

“How are you supposed to know? I watched the ads and I got a lot of information from that, but they don’t tell you everything.

Some are true and some aren’t,” Burda said.

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part of a national trend,” Benson said.

K.G. Watson, a volunteer with the Haywood Republican Party, was quick to discount the theory that their better-than-normal showing could be chalked up solely to the national political wave this election.

“If they take that theory into the next election they will be sorry. To try to blow it off as a fluke, that is not very smart. If someone whips me, I want to analyze what happened,” said Watson.

Watson said there were simply quality Republican candidates on the state and local ballot.

But exit poll interviews in Haywood bore out the theory that national politics were motivating voters, and whatever their sentiment, it was carried over to state and local races. Most voters polled informally at Haywood precincts on Election Day said the top race that brought them out was the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Sen. Kay Hagan and Republican challenger Tom Tillis.

Legions of voters cited dissatisfaction with Obama, which in turn led them to vote for Tillis — and in turn trickled all the way down the ballot, giving the Republican candidate a bump even in obscure races like tax collector, for instance.

“I think part of that has to do with the public’s disappointment with Obama’s policies,” Pat Carr said. She’d heard that sentifment repeatedly when working a Republican Party booth at a downtown street festival this fall.

Some voters knew little about the local or state races. They drew a blank when asked who they’d voted for in the county commissioner race, the tax collector race or even state

S EE HAYWOOD, PAGE 9 7

news

Upset election for tax collector prompts job reshuffling New tax collector won’t enjoy same salary, same benefits, as outgoing one

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER new tax collector has been elected in Haywood County, but when he takes office next month his duties will be substantially less than the outgoing tax collector.

Republican Mike Matthews, who narrowly won the seat, will also earn less than the outgoing tax collector — a salary more in keeping with a narrower job scope. While county commissioners have no say over who voters elected for the job, they do have some say over his salary and the breadth of his duties.

The outgoing tax collector, David Francis, was making $78,000 — far more than the base county salary for tax collector, which is $51,000.

That’s because Francis was not just the tax collector, but also the county tax administrator. Francis was promoted that position in 2007, a far more encompassing role than just tax collector. Francis had a management role over 27 employees and four departments, including the property appraisal unit, tax assessor’s office and land records.

The definition of tax collector is much narrow, however.

“I don’t think Mr. Matthews would have the ability or skill to serve as tax administrator. That takes a long time of knowing your way around the block to do that,” Francis said.

Matthews said that he assumed when he ran that he would get Francis’ old job — lock, stock and barrel. He assumed the position on the ballot was Francis’ position, and didn’t know that tax collector was actually a lesser role than tax administrator.

“My impression was it was one and the same with just a different title,” Matthews said. “I think most people thought when they were going to the polls they were voting on

November 12-18, 2014

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David Francis’ position.”

If commissioners do something different, that will be up to them to justify, Matthews said.

“They are the ones that have to deal with the voters on that,” Matthews said. “I don’t know what they are going to do.”

Commissioners have yet to say what Matthews’ salary will be, but could do so at their meeting next week. As far as his duties, he will assume the lesser role of tax collector.

The title of tax administrator doesn’t automatically come with it.

“My way of thinking is it resets back to the statutory job of a tax collector,” said Commissioner Chairman Mark Swanger.

“You have the tax collector, which was on the ballot, and the tax administrator, which was not on the ballot.”

The role of tax administrator had been assigned to Francis as an individual, Swanger said. A new tax collector coming on board is not Mike Matthews automatically anointed with those same duties.

County Manager Ira Dove pointed out that Francis was the tax collector for nine years — from 1998 to 2007 — before assuming the title and duties of tax administrator.

No vote is required to strip Matthews of the tax administrator title, since he never had that title in the first place, Swanger said.

That’s a position he would have to be explicitly hired for, and the county hasn’t hired him for that, Swanger said.

With his scope limited to the tax collection office, Matthews won’t oversee the 27 employees across four departments as Francis did. There are only five employees in the tax collector’s office itself.

That begs the question, however. Will the county have a tax administrator at all overseeing those other departments? There’s myriad ways the county could handle that.

Smoky Mountain News

New tax collector had to have wages garnished

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER n a narrow upset in the Haywood County Tax Collector race last week, voters elected a man with a history of delinquent property tax bills and little experience for the job.

Mike Matthews, 35, a Republican from Maggie Valley, beat the longtime tax collector David Francis, a Democrat, by just 250 votes.

Matthews has never owned a home or land, and so has never paid real estate property taxes. But he has been delinquent on his motor vehicle taxes multiple times in recent years, and was delinquent on mobile home property taxes over a decade ago.

In order to collect, the county has garnished wages from his paychecks twice and attached a forced collection to his bank account once.

8 Matthews most recent motor vehicle taxes from 2013 —

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There may be no one serving in the tax administrator role at all. The other departments would report directly to the county manager, with no intermediary supervisor.

Or, the county could continue to have a tax administrator, but name someone other than Matthews to the role.

A STRANGE ARRANGEMENT Haywood County is the only county in the state that still has an elected tax collector.

Historically, it was the norm. But other counties — all but Haywood, in fact — have abandoned an elected tax collector. That person is simply a county employee, hired and fired by the county manager.

Commissioner Mark Swanger said Haywood should have done the same. The position is an administrative one, not a political one.

Commissioners even discussed making the change a couple of years ago, and ran it up the flagpole with the Haywood Democratic and Republican parties for their take on it.

“It just fell by the wayside, but both the local parties had agreed to it. That’s what should happen,” Swanger said.

A bill would have to be introduced in the General Assembly to end the practice of an elected tax collector in Haywood.

Technically, Matthews can’t be fired by Dove. But there is a clause that allows an elected official who works within county government — such as the register of deeds — to be fired if there’s good cause, although there’s myriad hoops to jump through.

A BIG JOB The role of tax collector is extremely important to the county’s well-being, Francis said.

The county brought in $39 million in property taxes last year. The collection rate was 96.85 percent on real estate, personal and business property taxes — which is the state average.

owed on his own car and his wife’s car — were delinquent until a few weeks ago. He didn’t pay them until October, just prior to the election. He had late penalties on both.

“They are paid now and that’s all that matters,” Matthews said.

Matthews said he didn’t know why his history of being delinquent on his vehicle property taxes mattered.

“I am a normal everyday citizen that has tax bills themselves,” Matthews said.

Matthews said voters probably saw him as a person they could relate to — someone who knows what it is like to have bills pile up.

“I have got in that position myself where you have this coming in and this coming in and you say ‘What do I do?

What do I do?’” Matthews said. “Do you bury your head in the sand and hope it will go away? Well, no.”

Matthews declined to speak at length about why he has been delinquent on his vehicle taxes — four times in all on both his own vehicles and his wife’s over the past four years.

He said he didn’t know he was late and that he never got the bills. County tax records show the address the bills were mailed to, however, and he confirmed that the addresses list-

Just a 1 percent drop in the tax collection rate would take a $400,000 bite out of the county budget.

Despite Matthews’ lack of experience, County Manager Ira Dove said the county will do whatever it takes to ensure Matthews performs his job well.

“We have a good team here that is committed to making it work. If he can’t do his job everybody loses. We will provide him the tools to do his job and the training he needs,” Dove said. “We are going to work with him to help him be successful.

It’s simply not an option to see tax collections suffer.

“This is a large portion of the revenue for the county. If you fall short in collections, you don’t have the money to do the services,” Dove said.

Dove nor Swanger would answer when asked if they were concerned about an inexperienced tax collector taking office.

“There was an election held and he won,” Swanger said. “It is our job as commissioners to give him the tools to be successful and we will do that.”

Swanger added that he was “very comfortable” with Francis’ performance.

“I had every confidence he would collect at a high rate,” Swanger said.

When Matthews met with Swanger and Dove, he told them he was ready for the challenge.

“I told him the expectation is that the collection rate stay at least the same, if not improve. He understood that and accepted it as his goal,” Swanger recounted.

Matthews said he believes he can do the job and isn’t nervous about it.

“I am a little overwhelmed maybe, but I am not nervous,” Matthews said.

Matthews is coming on board during one of the busiest and most critical months of the year. Property taxes are due Dec. 31.

But less than 90 percent of the property

S EE COLLECTOR, PAGE 11

ed were ones where he receives his mail. When a tax bill is late, three letters are sent every year until it’s paid.

Matthews had also failed to pay property taxes on a mobile home under his name in 2001 and 2002. He was in Florida in college at the time, and said he had sold the mobile home before leaving, and didn’t realize he had old taxes on it “I am not going to comment on something that happened in college because honestly I don’t remember,” Matthews said, insisting he was unaware of the back taxes.

The delinquent mobile home taxes were paid in 2011, when the county went through the legal hoops to garnish wages directly from Matthews paycheck while he was working at Harrah’s Casino.

Matthews said he is not aware of his wages being garnished. County tax records show a series of payments garnished from his paycheck at the casino over a two-month period in 2011. The records include the date of each garnishment and the amount.

Matthews also has a civil collections suit filed against him in the Haywood County court system for an unpaid credit card.

Matthews said he didn’t know anything about

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HAYWOOD, CONTINUED FROM 7 Maggie Valley, Mike Matthews, with little experience or qualifications for the job. (see article on page 8) Republicans — and even Matthews himself — admit they are surprised by the outcome. “That is the mystery of the ages.

Everybody might have some theory about it, but I don’t know if I will ever put that one together,� Watson said.

Democrats point to the upset in the tax collector race as proof that voters were blindly picking Republican candidates.

But Watson points out that some voters were being judicious, intentionally selecting certain Republican candidates, not just because there was an R by their name. “We knew people were splitting their ballots that never had before,� Watson said. “People were picking one and then choosing someone else.�

The results bear that out to some extent.

Some Republicans won in Haywood. Others didn’t, and by varying degrees.

Six races in Haywood serve as a measure of party flip-flopping — those races that listed party affiliation on the ballot and that showed up in every precinct.

Here’s how much Republican candidates won or lost by in those countywide, partisan races. • County Commission: Republican Denny King lost by 180 votes. • District Attorney: Republican Ashley Welch won by almost 1,000 votes.

• N.C. Senate: Republican Jim Davis lost by 100 votes in Haywood (although won the seat due to victories in other counties.) • U.S. House: Republican Mark Meadows won by 3,500 votes. • U.S. Senate: Republican Thom Tillis won Haywood by 1,700 votes.

But out of nearly 20,000 voters, it’s hard to know how many were crossing back and forth between party lines as they moved from one race to the next.

Less than a quarter of all voters could have accounted for the oscillation between Republican candidates — but it was that quarter who made the difference.

Republicans in Haywood have one regret, that none of their county commissioner candidates got elected. But Republican Denny King came awfully close.

There were three seats up for election — and Democrats were re-elected to all three.

It was King’s third time running for commissioner, and he’s made gains each time. • In 2010, King was 750 votes shy of winning a seat. • In 2012, King was 375 votes shy of winning a seat. • In 2014, King was 180 votes shy of winning a seat.

Watson said the Republicans in Haywood County now have momentum on their side. “It was a victory, and as we show some strength and cohesiveness and some sense, we will be able to recruit good candidates,�

Watson said.

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ning on the Republican ticket against Francis.

Cure paid the candidate registration fee of $510 on Matthews behalf to get him to run. “It’s not that I didn’t want to pay the fee — well, obviously I didn’t want to pay the fee — but I wanted to know I had people in my corner,� Matthews said. If supporters agreed to pay his filing fee, that signaled they had buy-in to his campaign, he explained.

Cure has sparred with Francis over the years in her self-appointed county watchdog role. One of Cure’s main beefs with the current county leadership is taxes. She believes county property taxes are too high.

Cure doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to paying her property taxes either.

She has twice been foreclosed on by the county due to a failure to pay town and county property taxes on commercial buildings in downtown Waynesville.

She currently has liens filed against her for failure to pay federal small business taxes of more than $100,000 over a fiveyear period.

Matthews said despite the support he has gotten from Cure, and from another well-known critic of county government, Monroe Miller, he will not David Francis, the longtime Haywood County Tax Collector, at be their lackey on the the polls in Maggie Valley on Election Day. Becky Johnson photo inside. “I appreciate everything they have done for me, but I am my own Until recently, he sold radio advertising person,� Matthews said. spots for Clear Channel. After graduating As a Republican, Matthews said he has from college, he worked as a collections offibeen on the “opposite side of the table� as comcer for a home mortgage company and then a mortgage lender. The majority of his finan- missioners, particularly when he was on the Maggie town board. He opposed the commiscial experience was as a financial specialist sioners’ idea to raise the tourism tax on motel for Wachovia in Waynesville, handling rooms. But that’s water under the bridge. investment accounts, loans and securities. “I have no chip on my shoulder and no He left that job and went to work as an preconceived notions. We don’t agree on insurance salesmen, and then as a VIP host everything, but personally I like all of them,� at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. He had a brief Matthews said. “The job shouldn’t be partistint as the general manager of Ghost Town san anyway.� amusement park in Maggie, although it was How Matthews — a candidate who lost so brief he said it’s not worth mentioning. re-election to the Maggie town board, is late Matthews has never worked in governon his vehicle taxes, and owns no property of ment, but was a Maggie Valley town alderhis own — could get elected tax collector has man for two years. He lost his seat in the befuddled Democrats and Republicans. town election last fall.

There are some in Canton who believe some voters mistakenly voted for him thinkURPRISE UPSET ing he was a different Mike Matthews, a The outcome in the tax collector race sur- popular former principal there.

But Francis said despite the largely held prised most in the county. Matthews admits sentiment that the race would be a cakewalk he was even surprised he won. for him, he began to have doubts as Election “I think it was a shock for everybody,�

Day approached.

Matthews said. “Monday, I told my staff I would lose by Matthews said he was recruited to run by 200 votes,� Francis said. “From working the other conservatives in the county. polls the few days I did during early voting, “I had no aspirations of being tax collecit seemed people were voting a national ticktor and I got talked into it,� Matthews said. et instead of really paying attention to the Now that he’s got the job, he wants it, work that is going on here at the local level.� however.

But Matthews said he won on his own, “Absolutely, I am very excited about it,� despite admittedly doing no campaign he said. advertising.

Jonnie Cure, a frequent and outspoken “I don’t think it had anything to do with critic of county government, was among Obama,� Matthews said. those who approached Matthews about runthe credit card bill or the civil suit. According to the court document, Matthews was one of the parties on a credit card taken out when buying furniture from Rooms To Go. There was an initial no interest period, but it wasn’t paid, and $900 in interest and late fees was racked up on top of the original $2,200 charge.

Matthews’s grandmother is the other name on the credit card, but a civil claim filed by the credit card company is only against him.

Matthews said he doesn’t know anything about it and never got the civil summons about the suit earlier this year. The address listed on the court document was not his address, Matthews said after it was read to him.

Matthews has worked half a dozen jobs in the banking, mortgage, insurance and advertising sector over the past 12 years.

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news November 12-18, 2014 Smoky Mountain News 10

Same song, different verse: the plight of disparate radio frequencies It’s a crazy problem to have in the 21st century communication age, but apparently not that uncommon. Two officers on the scene of a major emergency can see each other in the distance. But they’re too far away to shout. There’s no cell phone reception.

And their radios can’t operate on the same channel.

“This creates a lot of problems when agencies need to communicate with each other,” said Jim Pressley, Haywood’s EMS director.

Pressley didn’t have to flip very far back in the accident log to find a shining example: a wreck on I-40 inside a tunnel in the steep, remote Pigeon River Gorge. A passel of agencies converged on the scene — sheriff ’s deputies, Highway Patrol, volunteer fire departments, Haywood EMS and even the state highway department’s emergency motorist patrol unit.

“We couldn’t communicate simultaneously on a single channel,” Pressley said.

Instead, they had to use county dispatcher as a translator. Dispatch would rapidly collect radio transmissions coming over the different channels and send them back out to the rest of the units in the field. It worked, but it’s cumbersome to send communications through a third party.

“The issue we run into in Haywood County is geographically, we can’t just pick up the cell phone,” Pressley said.

A $300,000 state grant has been applied for, and if received, would make a huge stride in bringing Haywood County’s fire fighters, rescue workers, medics and law enforcement together on the same radio system.

The new radio system would tap into a new series of telecommunication towers erected across North Carolina by the Highway Patrol. Known as VIPER — or Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders — the towers have provided a backbone for a single radio system for all emergency responders throughout the state.

The challenge for local jurisdictions is to convert to VIPER, which means buying the VIPER-compatible radio units for ambulances, patrol cars, fire trucks and handheld sets.

The VIPER grant would make that transition possible.

“There’s quite a few counties that have chosen to move their communications over to VIPER. Others are transitioning but it is just expensive,” said Haywood Emergency Services Director Greg Shuping. “We are hoping to offset what this costs.”

— By Becky Johnson

A siren song worth heeding

board and radio systems is critical, but the equipment is so old it’s hard to find replacement parts or technicians able to service it.

“Our current equipment is outdated or near its end of life,” said Chanda Morgan, the supervisor over dispatch. Morgan feared it was just a matter of time until something really broke.

Morgan has been call the “engine and driving force” behind the new 911 center, and even the “unsung hero.” Morgan pursued the grant, and if not for that, who knows how long dispatch would have remained in a cramped basement across town with outdated equipment.

Dispatchers at the Haywood 911 center field an average of 400 calls a day, with half of those being 911 calls. Becky Johnson photo

New 911 center to up the game for Haywood emergency response

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER $3 million project to build a central 911 dispatching center inside the Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office aims to reduce response times for police, fire and rescue calls.

“It will provide a better, quicker, safer response for the citizens of Haywood County,” said Chief Deputy Jeff Haynes with the Haywood Sheriff ’s Office. “When they pick the phone up and hit 911, they will get a rapid, efficient response. And that’s what we need to be zeroed in on at the end of the day.”

The 911 center is now housed in a cramped, off-site building across town. It will be brought under the same roof as the sheriff ’s office and get all new equipment and technology.

The project will be paid for almost entirely by a $2.7 million state grant from N.C. 911 funds, a pot of money collected through a 911 surcharge tacked onto the monthly phone bills of every cell and landline customer.

Haywood got one of four grants statewide awarded from the pool this year.

“The grant will enable us to enhance and streamline services, as well as work together more efficiently with all emergency responders,” said Haywood Sheriff Greg Christopher. “The result will be overall better emergency service to help ensure the safety of Haywood County citizens and visitors.”

The state grant will be supplemented by a local kitty of 911 surcharge fees, a portion of which remain at the county level rather than going into the state pool.

The Haywood dispatch center fielded 135,000 calls last year. Of those, 73,000 were 911 calls — about 200 a day on average. Three

A

to four dispatchers are on the clock at all times. To fill all the shifts, it takes 14 full-time and eight part-time employees.

Dispatchers are the lifeline — literally — between the general public and legions of law enforcement, fire fighters and rescue workers throughout the county. Ultimately, emergency response in the field hinges on the accuracy and swiftness of the dispatchers.

“When someone calls 911, lives are at stake. Can we get the proper people, equipment and tools to them in the quickest manner possible?

That is always the driving force,” said Sgt. Heidi Warren with the H a y w o o d Sheriff ’s Office.

In a best-case scenario, two dispatchers work a 911 call in tandem. One stays on the line with Chanda Morgan, the caller to gathHaywood dispatch super- er live, real time visor, has led the charge info about what’s for a new 911 center. happening at the Becky Johnson photo scene, talking the caller through emergency instructions if necessary.

Meanwhile, a second dispatcher is on the radio with responders — be it police, fire or medics — feeding them the information being captured from the caller by the first dispatcher.

WHAT THE PROJECT ENTAILS Technology and equipment are the most expensive parts of the new 911 center. It will account for $2 million of the $3 million project.

The technology that runs the 911 switch-

“In the event of a countywide emergency, having 911 and dispatch services consolidated and located within the Sheriff’s Office means our command staff is only feet away from being able to make informed, critical decisions and direct appropriate resources immediately,” — Sheriff Greg Christopher

The 911 center is so crowded that when back-up dispatchers are called in during emergencies to handle high call volume, they have to sit in rolling chairs in the hallway and use laptops with headsets, Morgan said.

However, moving in to the sheriff ’s office is about more than elbow room, Morgan said. Sheriff Christopher agreed.

“In the event of a county-wide emergency, having 911 and dispatch services consolidated and located within the Sheriff ’s Office means our command staff is only feet away from being able to make informed, critical decisions and direct appropriate resources immediately,” Christopher said.

UNDER ONE ROOF

The new central dispatch center will realize a vision for streamlined communication that’s been in the works for more than a year.

The county used to have two dispatch units: one under the sheriff ’s command and another under emergency services. They worked in different buildings and had to bounce calls back and forth, depending on what kind of help the caller needed.

A year ago, the two teams moved in together.

“We have already seen our response times decrease. There is

F

COLLECTOR, CONTINUED FROM 8

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Smoky Mountain News

no lapse in communications. We are simultaneously dispatching law enforcement, EMS or fire,” Haynes said.

The dispatchers can also share call load, since they are working joint switchboards from the same room.

“Now we are all cross-trained so we can answer any of the calls and work together,” Morgan said.

The two dispatch units were also brought under the single management of the sheriff.

“It has made a huge difference,” Haynes said.

Haynes said it is part and parcel to the interagency cooperation Christopher stands for, where every law enforcement agency and emergency response unit functions cohesively with each other and views elected leaders as part of the team.

“It was one of the sheriff ’s main visions when he first came into office was to reestablish those relationships,” Haynes said.

Emergency Services Director Greg Shuping said he supports the move to transfer command of the dispatch unit he currently directs to the sheriff.

“The sheriff said, ‘Look let’s put everybody together again like it should be,” Shuping recalled.

It’s better than a 911 caller hearing from a dispatcher, “We know you need help but you are going to have to wait while we transfer you to someone else,’” Shuping said.

When the new 911 center comes online, the old one won’t be decommissioned. It will be kept in working order — as much as possible given the aging equipment — as a back-up, something that doesn’t exist now.

“In the emergency services world, you want to have redundancy,” Haynes said.

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taxes are actually paid on time by the end of December. During the months that follow, the tax collector must prove his mettle.

“The busiest month of the year is December. The second busiest is January,” Francis said.

It’s an uphill fight to get the collection rate from 90 percent, where it hovers in early January, to the 97 percent benchmark by June, when the budget year ends.

“Haywood County has one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. What helps keep that tax rate low is having a high collection rate,” Francis said.

Francis said you can’t be a pushover. Francis has even foreclosed on his own relatives to force property tax collections.

Matthews said he was a collection agent for a credit card company in Atlanta after college, but that was a different sort of gig, and he doesn’t remember much about it because it was so long ago.

“I am sitting across a desk from people who are my neighbors, not someone in California on the other end of the phone. These are our neighbors. We have to figure out a way to make this beneficial for the county and for them,” Matthews said.

As for what Francis will miss most about his job?

Hint: it’s not sending nasty letters to delinquent taxpayers, threatening to garnish their wages if they don’t pay up, or foreclosing on their property if they stiff on their tax bill.

Instead, Francis will miss being in the busy, main thoroughfare of the historic courthouse.

“The interaction you have with the public,” Francis said. There are a lot of super nice folks here.

I will miss that daily contact.”

When asked what he would do his first day on the job, Matthews said, “Probably a lot of paperwork.”

11

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Sorting out Haywood’s take on hospital sale will take time Consultant Rick Hudson discusses the ebbs and flows of hospital finances.

Holly Kays photo

WAYNESVILLE 251.9721

www.hunterbanks.com

BY HOLLY KAYS Haywood to Harris, there was an uptick in STAFF WRITER revenue at that hospital [Harris] that they t’s been three months since publicly want to use to reduce the business loss here,” owned Haywood Regional Medical Center Hannah explained. became a private hospital owned by Duke Money made by Harris was still a loss as LifePoint Healthcare, but it will be years far as Haywood was concerned, but that case before the county knows for sure how much it must be made to the insurance company. will get from the $26 million sale.

Payouts from Haywood’s stock in a comSeveral million came off the top of the sale pany called Premier are another example. price to pay off outstanding debts and bills.

Before that company went public, Haywood Another $12 million was placed in escrow Regional had membership in the company, with the county’s name on it. It won’t be which turned into stock when it went public. released until the coast is clear on any old lia- But now that the hospital’s ownership has bilities and claims predating the hospital’s changed, that stock had to somehow be consale, a window that could be up to six years. verted into cash. It was converted into a fiveBut the rest of the story lies with several year note receivable, which basically means million in a working account, an account that that after five years the Health Authority will is ebbing and flowing on a daily basis. A get a payment for the worth of the stocks.

Haywood Health Authority Board has been appointed to oversee the finanThe board also has yet to cials and settle up the bills owed by and payments due to the hospital from the see how much it will get period prior to its sale. from Medicaid payments — Bill Hannah, a contracted accountant with Atlanta-based Dixon Hughes those can only be filed durGoodman, presented the Haywood Health Board with a sketch of the finaning a certain window each cials at a meeting of the body last week. year — it could be years until As of Sept. 30, the account showed $5 million in net assets on top of the $12 that process is complete. million in escrow. But it will remain a moving target for a while, he said.

“It’s not as simple as the $26 million less a “The accounting of that really is not cernumber,” Hannah said. “It’s more what the tain because it’s such a new transition,” value of the total business less assets that Hannah said. “The IPO [initial public offerwe’re going to assume, less liabilities that ing] is less than a year old and not that many we’re going to pay off.” folks have gone through a conversion.”

For instance, the board still doesn’t know The board also has yet to see how much it how much insurance money it will get to will get from Medicaid payments — those cover its losses from a July fire that forced the can only be filed during a certain window hospital’s evacuation and temporary closure. each year — it could be years until that The main issue stems from the fact that all process is complete. three MedWest hospitals at the time — Then, of course, there’s the ferreting out Haywood, Swain and Harris — were covered of which bills coming in should be paid by the under the same insurance policy, so the insur- Health Authority and which are the responsiance company doesn’t want to cover revenue bility of the new owner, Duke LifePoint. losses from patients who were transferred from “Those cost reports and those cost report Haywood to Harris during the evacuation. settlements will take time to resolve — they “As the patients were transferred out of just will,” Hannah said.

Smoky Mountain News

November 12-18, 2014

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position that ridgetops should be treated as off-limits or special in any sort of developmental sense.

“People have got it wrong. It’s a myth. It’s a myth that’s easy to fall into because it sounds like it makes sense,” Lipkin said, noting that the argument has suffered from carry-over concerns from the county’s steep slope development conversation. “I don’t know if the rest of the board feels that way — in fact I know that some on the board don’t feel that way.”

The chairman said he expects the board to “reach a reasonable compromise” during Thursday’s discussion. He also said he considered it the board’s duty to loosen up the

“There’s a large part of the county that gets no cell service, and it’s a big detriment to the people of this county.”

— Clark Lipkin, Planning Board

current ordinance governing tower placement and construction in Jackson.

“There’s a large part of the county that gets no cell service, and it’s a big detriment to the people of this county,” Lipkin said. “I feel it’s my duty as a member of the planning board to write an ordinance that is going to be encouraging, to let more cell

Ridgetop towers on the table The revisions currently being considered for the cell tower ordinance allow for tower location on Jackson County ridgetops. Under the current ordinance ridgetop towers are not allowed.

If the revisions are eventually approved, a 100-foot tower would be allowable on a ridgetop.

Towers would be allowed to exceed the 100 foot height if it were necessary to reach 30 feet above the surrounding tree canopy. Or 40 feet, if multiple communication devices were located on the tower.

The Jackson County Planning Board will consider these revisions during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Jackson County Administration building.

WCU open house for prospective students Prospective students interested in learning more about Western Carolina University will have a chance to do so at WCU’s open house Saturday, Nov. 22.

The day will include a campus tour, information on academic programs and details about topics such as financial aid. The schedule is: ■ Information fair, 8-10 a.m., on the concourse of WCU’s Ramsey Activity Center ■ Welcome session, 10-10:30 a.m., main arena of Ramsey Center ■ Academic sessions with WCU faculty, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

■ Free lunch through campus dining ■ Student services and organization fair, 13 p.m., A.K. Hinds University Center ■ Campus tours, noon to 5 p.m.

Tours available by appointment yearround. Open House events will also be held Feb. 14 and March. 21. Pre-register for Nov. 22 at openhouse.wcu.edu or 828.227.7317.

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Smoky Mountain News

A.M. 6 P.M. RESTORE 9MONDAY, NOV. 17 YOUR HEALTHY GLOW!

Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Waynesville has a new executive director following Laura Parrott Ivey’s appointment by the foundation’s board of directors.

The Canton resident has extensive experience working with volunteers and has volunteered at animal shelters in Asheville and Athens, Georgia. She’s also been involved with Folkmoot USA’s capital campaign and promoting the Buy Haywood local foods campaign.

Ivey, whose dog Stella is a Sarge’s Rescue, believes that there’s opportunity to better organize volunteers and increase donations from the community.

Sarge’s Parkway Puppy Fund accepts donations to help care for a litter of puppies that was abandoned on the Blue Ridge Parkway earlier this year.

Sarge’s is at 256 Industrial Park Dr. in Waynesville. www.sargeandfriends.org or 828.246.9050.

November 12-18, 2014

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR ell phone towers in Jackson County cannot currently be built on ridgetops.

That looks likely to change as revisions to the county’s ordinance governing cell towers progress.

Thus far in the revision process, the Jackson County Planning Board has dug into issues such as allowable height and style of construction.

“Right now we’re looking at where you can put them on ridgetops,” said Jackson County Planner Gerald Green.

In potential revisions that the board will discuss during its Nov. 13 meeting, cell towers will be allowed on ridgetops — as defined by the county’s Hillside Development ordinance — provided that they are not more than 100 feet in height, or not more than 30 feet higher than the surrounding tree canopy, or 40 feet higher if two or more wireless telecommunication facilities are located on the tower.

“That’s how a majority of the board wants to go,” Green said.

One planning board member who favors allowing ridgetop towers is Chairman Clark Lipkin.

“My opinion is that there’s no better place to put a cell phone tower than on ridgetops,” the chairman said.

Lipkin referred to the ridgetop option as the “least visibly-intrusive place” to put a tower. He downplayed the sensitivity surrounding such a notion, questioning the

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Ridgetop revisions in play for Jackson tower ordinance

phone companies provide service in the county.”

Prior to their current consideration of ridgetop towers, the planning board has tackled design specifics and height allowances.

After initially discussing requiring towers to be camouflaged in an effort to minimize aesthetic impact, the board decided to instead make such construction voluntary. And after initially discussing keeping the current ordinance’s height limit of 120 feet in place, the board decided to up that limit — towers get an extra 20 feet of height if a camouflage design is incorporated, and another 20 for colocating devices, and another 20 if significant increase of service can be obtained.

The revisions put the new absolute ceiling at 180 feet.

Green said that in revising the ordinance, planning board members have attempted to address aesthetic and environmental concerns while still allowing for the development of towers that address a lack of cellular service in the area.

“The board has worked hard to satisfy the competing interest,” Green said.

In the few years since the current tower ordinance’s passage, there haven’t been any towers constructed in Jackson. Green estimates that most of the towers in the county, constructed pre-ordinance, probably average around 160 feet.

Since the planning board began working towards a revised tower ordinance earlier this summer, the county has fielded several applications from interested parties wishing to construct a tower.

The prospects of a tower in the Whiteside Cove area — a possibility that eventually fizzled — generated heated debate throughout the summer, with property owners protesting Verizon’s application.

Currently, there are a couple of prospective tower developers looking in the area.

“We have some people that are, I’ll call it window shopping,” Green said.

Apparently AT&T is one of the window shoppers. The other is concealed behind a company that scouts for tower locations.

Green said that areas of the county plagued with patchy reception are the most targeted areas for telecommunications companies.

“The Cashiers area and the north end of the county seem to be the two areas that are seeing the most attention,” Green said.

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Maggie’s big plan Maggie Valley is on its way to building a downtown.

“This is something I’m very excited to present to the board,” Town Manager Nathan Clark said during the Nov. 10 meeting of the town board of aldermen. “This was a longtime in the making to get to this step.”

Maggie’s board unanimously decided to enter into a contract with JM Teague Engineering of Waynesville.

Over the course of the next year the firm, in addition to third-party consultants, will guide the town through the planning process, helping to design a town center.

Throughout the planning process, the engineering firm will be aiming to address economic, transportation and land-use issues. The firm will work closely with town officials, as well as the community, in order to realize the master plan.

According to the contract approved by Maggie Valley’s board, the planning process consists of three key elements. First, the community will be engaged.

Second, an effort will be made to Maggie Valley’s board of alderman have approved a year-long planning ensure that varying aspects of process. Jeremy Morrison photo planning realities, such as economics and land-use factors, jive well together. Third, a “viable public space plan” will be fashioned to showcase the town center.

The planning process begins this month, with the engineering firm meeting with town officials to get a better feel for where the process will go from here. It wraps up in November 2015 with the presentation of a master plan. In the interim are a series of public meetings, presentations and revisions.

JM Teague beat out six other firms to land Maggie’ master plan job. The firm will be paid $24,650 to handle the process.

Also involved in the planning process will be consultants brought in by JM Teague. Chipley Consulting will handle the public facilitation component of the project. And planner Don Kostelec is being tapped to take on components dealing with urban planning and bike-pedestrian planning, while McGill Engineering will focus on landscaping issues and Martin-McGill will provide market analysis and branding development assistance.

Following the town board’s approval of JM Teague’s contract, Clark said he was excited about embarking on Maggie’s planning journey.

“I think the climate is right to do it now,” he said, “and I think it’s the first step of many towards offering a truer sense of place.”

— By Jeremy Morrison

Contemplating the evolution of Fry Street

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR It’s not much of a street now. And soon, Fry Street might not be a street at all.

“What we’re working towards there is, of course, permanent closure to vehicular traffic,” said Karen Wilmot, executive director of Swain County Tourism Development Authority.

Bryson City’s Fry Street runs perpendicular to the much busier Everett Street. It lies quietly parallel to Depot Street, which gets a steady flow of traffic.

Fry Street is a short stretch of pavement resting beside the train tracks. It serves as a boarding and unloading area for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, with tourists milling about the sleepy street.

“It’s just a dangerous area with all the pedestrians on foot,” Wilmot said.

The TDA is spearheading an effort to see the street evolve into a public space. The tourism authority has approached Bryson City about abandoning the right-of-way and allowing ownership of the property to revert to GSMR. Under this scenario, the property would be leased back to either Bryson City or Swain County, and landscaped into a public park.

“It would just be a space that everyone would enjoy,” Wilmot said.

The TDA just recently got the first renderings back from an architect the organization is working with. Revisions were suggested — there was an issue with the placement of a stage — and updated plans are expected soon.

Plans for the abandoned street involve plants, shrubs and trees.

There will be benches and a small gazebo area that will serve as a stage.

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step and try to do it right,” Sutton said.

“We’re not trying to jam anything down. It’s always better to take your time and do it right.”

The mayor said that the board would need to carefully weigh the benefit of giving up Fry Street — “We do lose a thru-street there, depending on your point of view, that’s a disadvantage” — before making a decision.

But Sutton could see the benefit. A public area in the heart of downtown would be nice. It could be a catalyst for something more, like a more vibrant downtown and more foot traffic for merchants.

“The longer you keep people on your streets, the longer they shop and spend money,” Sutton said, rationalizing that vehicular traffic would naturally divert to Depot.

Swain County Manager Kevin King said that county commissioners had yet to weigh in on the Fry Street possibility. The county is waiting to see if the city abandons the street.

King also said it remained unclear how exactly a lease arrangement would work.

“Those details haven’t really been worked out,” he said, “as far as who would lease what.”

The general concept of a downtown park, King said, seemed like something the county could get behind. He imagines that if the concept becomes reality, the county will be involved with aspects such as grant writing for funding.

“We want to partner with the town to try to get this going,” King said.

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A current gravel lot will also be paved.

Plans call for that area to be used as free public parking.

“That’s tremendous,” Wilmot said, estimating the move could net up to 50 more parking spaces downtown.

Wilmot said that the TDA honed in on Fry Street during a retreat in January. It’d been on the radar, but during the retreat members came around to the idea that the area had tremendous community value as a public space.

“A lot of things we wanted to do we couldn’t do because we didn’t have an appropriate space,” Wilmot said. “It was recognized as something we really wanted to make happen.”

Wilmot informally surveyed nearby merchants about the proposition of turning Fry Street into a public space prior to approaching the Bryson City town board.

“They were all very supportive, with the caveat that they didn’t want it just sitting there, that they wanted to see action taken,” Wilmot said.

Wilmot expects to have the revised plans for Fry Street ready to present to Bryson City’s board in December. City Manager Larry Callicutt said the board is currently taking a wait-and-see approach insofar as the request to abandon the right- of-way.

“We’re waiting for the information so we can make a decision,” Callicutt said.

Mayor Tom Sutton is in the mood to take it slow. There are details to be considered.

“We’re just gonna take it step by step by

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HEALTHY!

November 12-18, 2014

Let’s Start

Have You Used All of Your 2014 Health Insurance Benefits?

Q Q Q

Did you have a Wellness Exam or Annual Physical?

Did you have a Mammogram?

Have you reached your health plan’s annual deductible?

Most employee benefit plans offer one annual wellness exam and other preventative health screenings per year at 100% coverage.

Please check your specific benefits booklet for details.

Smoky Mountain News

As we welcome a New Year soon, let’s complete 2014 on the healthiest note. Now is the perfect time to think about the health benefits that your insurance plans allows. And, check to see if you have reached your plan’s annual deductible. If so, you’ll want to schedule any additional procedures before the end of 2014 to take advantage of that met deductible.

Whatever your healthcare need, choose Haywood Regional Medical Center.

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November 12-18, 2014

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Forests for the future

The new forest plan must manage everything from high-use areas like Looking Glass Falls, pictured here, to remote acres where humans seldom wander. Holly Kays photo.

First glimmers of forest plan draw polarized reactions

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hen Brent Martin emerged from the Forest Management Plan meeting in Franklin, the first glimpse into the direction that management in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests might take over the next few decades, he was upset. Shocked.

Disbelieving, even.

“I would say the emphasis in the plan right now is logging,” said the regional director for The Wilderness Society. “I think everyone was pretty surprised. It kind of looks like a plan that would have been more appropriate for Western North Carolina in the 50s or 60s.”

To clarify, there isn’t yet a new plan, or even a draft proposal, for how to manage the more than 1,500 square miles of national forest covering the mountains of WNC in the years ahead. Though the U.S. Forest Service is now shopping around the first outlines of what direction the new plan might take, it’s 16 still operating off of the 1987 plan, which was

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amended heavily in 1994. A complete draft of the new plan, along with some alternative management plans, won’t be out until June 2015. No final plan will be approved until August 2016.

“It’s very draft at this point,” said Heather Luczak, acting forest planner. “We have to start somewhere, and this is our first attempt at sharing a direction we could go in, but there’s opportunities to change what we’re proposing, and there’s opportunities when we continue down this path. There will be alternatives [to the Forest Service’s preferred plan].”

TOO MUCH TIMBER? Right now, there are two main components of the plan-to-be: A mapping of which lands might fall into the 16 different management areas the Forest Service is considering using to categorize different parts of the forest, and some statements about what the goals will be for different kinds of forest resources.

It’s the map that has Martin most upset.

The 1987 plan delineates 21 different management areas, with 536,000 acres of the forests’ million-plus deemed suitable for tim-

ber production. The new draft consolidates the management zones down to 16 but declares 728,000 acres suitable for timber production.

It’s not the consolidation of management areas, which Luczak said was a response to comments requesting a simpler management framework, that has Martin upset. It’s the increased potential for logging across a spectrum of lands he considers worthy of greater protection.

“They don’t have the budget now even remotely close to take care of the existing road system,” Martin said of the Forest Service. “Obviously a plan with this level of timber harvesting in it would require a significant road system.”

More roads mean more sediment washing off to gum up mountain streams, and too much timber harvest — and harvest in the wrong areas — could destroy ecologically important forest, the old growth of the future. At least, that’s how Martin, a proponent of upping WNC’s wilderness designations to manage for undisturbed, old-growth forest, sees it.

John Culclasure, a sportsman and conservationist who’s a member of the Ruffed Grouse Society and Trout Unlimited, has a different view.

“The Forest Service of today is not the Forest Service of the past,” Culclasure said.

“There are watchdog groups, the size of the cuts is very small, they do two-age cuts ... The need to have things excluded from the timber base, I don’t see a driving need behind it.”

In other words, while clear-cuts hundreds of acres wide used to get approval without the bat of an eye, that doesn’t happen now, Culclasure said. Logging is often limited to smaller patches in the double — not triple — digits of acres, and there are a lot more stipulations on how it should be done, what the cleanup should be afterward.

A TOUGH BUSINESS Culclasure is happy with the way the plan is shaping up, not because he wants to see 700,000 acres logged out, but because the management designations will give the Forest Service the flexibility to have every tool at its disposal when managing the land.

“If you were the Forest Service, why would you want to shoot yourself in the foot and not be able to get into a stand and help it if there was an invasive species?” Culclasure said as an example.

Allowing timber cuts isn’t about catering to the loggers, Culclasure said; that’s an industry that’s been dwindling in WNC for decades. There are all kinds of limits on what

kinds of habitats can’t be logged, how far timber harvests have to be from scenic roads, streams and specially designated routes like the Appalachian Trail, and environmental impact statements have to be drawn up and approved before each harvest. It’s not an easy thing to get an area logged, and only a fraction of the acres recommended for timber harvest in the 1987 plan have been logged since then.

“The last couple timber sales that’s been put up for sale, nobody’s bid on because there’s just not enough money there to be made on it,” said David Jones, a timber buyer for Cook Brothers Lumber Company in Franklin.

Lumber sale prices tend to be fixed within the industry, Jones explained, so making a profit depends on being able to purchase the timber at a low enough price — and on buying enough of it at once.

“The more volume you have, the more you can actually give for the timber because you’ve got the same amount of road costs going into an area,” he said. Now, “the volume of lumber they’re releasing on the Forest Service to run our operations is very minimal.”

HOMES FOR WILDLIFE

So, while companies like Cook are of course looking to stay in business, the major push to log the forest comes out of concern for wildlife, Culclasure said. It’s been a long time since logging activity was widespread in WNC, so now most areas are full of mature forest, with most trees about the same age.

That’s fine for the species that thrive in mature forest, but for those that need meadow and edge habitat — deer, woodcock, grouse, golden-winged warbler — it’s not so great.

Right now, the amount of young forest habitat in the national forests of WNC hovers somewhere around 1 percent. Pretty much everyone agrees it should be higher, but the debate heats up when you start talking about how much higher, and where.

For Culclasure, the conclusion is simple.

“If you want to help the wildlife, what do you do?” he said. “You create the habitat the wildlife need.”

For every species, “habitat” means something different.

“One prescription can’t cover and help every wildlife species,” Culclasure said. “This is not just hunters begging for better hunting opportunities. This is people who care about wildlife and have seen wildlife decline.”

KEEPING THE VIEW CLEAR

Bill Van Horne, a hiking enthusiast who heads up Franklin’s Appalachian Trail

Fracking not part of forest plan Though the U.S. Forest Service manages the surface of the million-plus acres in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, the Bureau of Land Management is responsible for managing the minerals. So, any decisions on oil and gas leasing rules in the national forest will be made by the BLM office based in Jackson, Miss.

And even that isn’t on the horizon anytime soon.

“At this point we don’t have any potential development scenarios considered, so that’s really off the table at this point,” Luczak said, “so it would be likely after the plan is complete.”

In other words, it would take a company interested in drilling knocking on the BLM’s door to get the rules process going. So far, that hasn’t happened.

Let your voice be heard

BACK TO WILDERNESS The balancing act will be there as the Forest Service considers wilderness recommendations, as well. While it takes an act of Congress to create a wilderness area, the Forest Service can recommend that areas become wilderness and choose to manage them more restrictively. Wilderness areas give backcountry users a place to enjoy a more pristine version of the forest and plants, and wildlife and watersheds a place to exist without much human contact. But because no mechanical equipment is allowed in wilderness areas, they can present maintenance challenges to an already cash-strapped Forest Service.

“As a trail maintainer, the good news is wilderness is the highest level of protection,” Van Horn said. “The bad news is I can’t use my chainsaw to maintain the trail.”

The wilderness designation goes beyond the experience of the hiker or the tribulations of the trail maintainer, though, Martin said.

It’s a designation that he feels will become ever more important with climate change happening and forest visitation, as well as human population in general, accelerating. And he doesn’t believe that the Forest Service has taken those considerations into account when putting together their first pass at a plan.

“There was just a lot that was left out,” he said. For example, he said, the Franklin meet-

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Community Committee while also serving on other A.T.-related boards, agrees that timber management is necessary. But for him, the verdict on the direction of the plan won’t be clear until he gets a better idea of where the different management areas fall, and how they’ll shake out in real life.

“Just because an area is suitable for wilderness or suitable for timber production doesn’t mean that it’s going to produce timber or be designated as wilderness,” he said.

“That’s the first layer, if you will. That’s the first cut. But there are reasons for or against it going into timber production or being designated wilderness area.”

So for Van Horn, a priority going forward would be to work with the Forest Service to make sure that logging activities stay out of places where they’ll impact hiking trails, especially along the A.T., which has specific rules protecting its viewshed.

Julie White, a member of Pisgah Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association who’s been working with a coalition of people representing a cross-section of groups with interest in the plan outcome, agrees. She understands the value of logging to forest health but has also seen the impact of timber harvest on views from the trail and, sometimes, on the stability of the trail itself.

“Where the discussion lies is what are the appropriate areas, but we definitely see logging as a valid activity on the forest,” she said.

JUST A STARTING POINT But overall, he said, the Forest Service has done a great job of doing just that, and doing it in a balanced way that speaks to all the different uses of a national forest.

“The Forest Service probably feels beat up when in fact they need to be commended for doing a good job and creating habitat,” Culclasure said.

“I think [it’s going] pretty good, going down the right track, trying to get everybody’s input on what’s going on,” Van Horn agreed when discussing the Forest Service’s approach.

Martin, though, doesn’t agree with that rosy assessment of the progress to date. What he predicts coming out in June is a one-sided plan that’s heavy on the logging, light on the environment, and not on board with what WNC needs to carry it through the 21st century.

“If they continue on this path, what will probably happen is the old way of doing things, which is appeals and litigation, and no one wants that,” Martin said. “I think everyone hoped we’d have a more balanced approach.”

By contrast, Martin said, this approach is “extreme” and “a straw man.”

“I think the plan at this point really falls short of reflecting what the true needs for Western North Carolina are,” he said, “and it’s too bad.”

Of course, nothing is set in stone, as this plan is as draft as it gets, with a lot of details yet to be fleshed out. For example, this version doesn’t even mention whether there will be any additional wilderness acres recommended, as the Forest Service is still sifting through and evaluating its pool of potentials.

By June, the region will have a much better idea of where the plan is actually headed.

“This is really just a starting point,” Luczak said.

Book your

November 12-18, 2014

There’s no formal comment period on the material presented at this round of presentations, but the Forest Service is soliciting comments to guide it as it tweaks the direction of the plan and fills in some details.

“Everything is still very much in flux, and we want to encourage folks to share their comments,” said Heather Luczak, acting forest planner.

The final of the six meetings the Forest Service held in the region will be held 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at McDowell Technical Community College in Marion.

All materials from the presentations are online at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=stelprd3821040.

Comments received by mid-December will have the most impact on the process. They can be sent to comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us or 160 Zillicoa St., Suite A, Asheville, N.C. 28805.

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Each color on the map of Forest Service land represents a different type of ecosystem that must be managed in a way that is both commensurate with its management designation and with that habitat’s specific needs. USFS graphic

ing made no mention of the Mountain Treasures sites, areas that The Wilderness Society has identified as places with special value for conservation or recreation.

“We’ve had ongoing data collections on that for years,” Martin said. “No one saw how that timber management designation fell over those areas.”

But, Culclasure pointed out, the Mountain Treasures sites aren’t any kind of federally recognized designation or academic finding, but rather proposed sites put together by one organization, The Wilderness Society. And because national forests are public lands anyway, protected from development that private lands are vulnerable to, he doesn’t see the need for a bunch of special protection for land that’s already dedicated to holding trees.

“The Forest Service was set up as a forest reserve system originally, as a place to harvest timber and as a resource for the public, and keeping things open to management is fulfilling that mission,” he said. If anything, the management divisions don’t open the forest enough. For example, Culclasure finds it ironic that the Cradle of Forestry, the birthplace of forest management, is not open to timber harvest.

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The bicycle F puzzle

Smoky Mountain News

November 12-18, 2014

Exploring opportunities of cycling tourism

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A workshop was held in October to brainstorm how to better the Haywood area’s cycling tourism prospects.

The Damascus dream The current project focused on cycling tourism in Haywood County and the surrounding areas is striving to add to the region’s economic pie. For other areas, cycling tourism has played a more crucial role.

“It has the capability to take communities that were shutting up their doors and closing up businesses and turning them into newly thriving communities,” said Kent Cranford, owner of Motion Makers Bicycles in Sylva and Asheville.

Case in point: Damascus, Va. Damascus was a former timber town. There was also once some manufacturing. But more recently, times were lean.

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR or the past few years, the Blue Ridge Breakaway has lured cyclists to Haywood for a ride through the mountains. The big attraction is the sweeping views to be had along the route.

“They’re wanting to get up on the Parkway,” explained Melissa Tinsley, who coordinates events for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and is charged with the logistics of the annual Breakaway.

There’s also another pretty big attraction. “Tater-mater” sandwiches.

“We’re well known for having the best rest stops,” Tinsley said.

Along the cyclists’ routes there are stations providing food and drink to the riders. Using potato bread from City

Bakery in Waynesville and tomatoes from Duckett’s Produce, Tinsley arms volunteers with tomato sandwiches.

They’re graced with mayonnaise and salt and pepper. And the cyclists love them.

“The little Southern hospitality twist that we have up on our rest stops has gotten us the reputation for having the best rest stops with the sweetest volunteers,” Tinsley said.

The Breakaway is Haywood’s big cycling event. A oneshot annual trick as far as the area’s overall tourism economics are concerned. But there’s an effort afoot to explore cycling’s tourism potential for the area. Perhaps there’s a market to be welcomed and nurtured.

This fall, a collective of participants — cyclists, local governments, the business community — began assessing the possibilities. They are trying to gain an accurate picture of the area’s assets and hurdles when it comes to cycling tourism, and to figure out how to better provide for and capitalize on the niche market.

“I think things like [the Blue Ridge Breakaway] have shown that Haywood County and our region has great Then came the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34.3-mile trail along abandoned railroad tracks. The trail begins in Abingdon, Va., and traverses through Damascus before winding past Whitetop Station at the Virginia-North Carolina border.

“That’s the only thing that saved the town, to be honest with you,” said Carlton Baker, an assistant manager with Adventure Damascus. “It’s not even close.”

The store is among a half dozen in the small town that cater to the trail and its visitors. They rent bikes and sell cycling gear.

They run shuttles to the trail and back.

Each year, the scene gets better.

“As far as people coming to ride the trail, this has been our best year,” Baker said, estimating that his business alone has shuttled about 11,000 cyclists to the trail this year.

potential to attract cyclists,” said George Ivey, a member of Bicycle Haywood NC. “So we want to expand on that.”

AN EMERGING MARKET Earlier this year, Ivey and Jennifer Jacobson, another Haywood cyclist and fellow member of Bicycle Haywood N.C., worked to secure grant funding for a study looking at the area’s cycling tourism potential.

“Basically, we’re developing a cycling tourism plan for Haywood County and counties to the west,” Jacobson said.

The pair got funding from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority and the Southwestern Commission. The roughly $10,000 study got started in October.

“I think it’s an emerging market for us,” said Lynn Collins, executive director of the Haywood TDA. It’s not the first time Jacobson and Ivey have helped launch a cycling initiative. In 2011 they were instrumental in the process that resulted in a comprehensive bicycle plan for Haywood.

“We have the Haywood County Bicycle Plan,” Jacobson said, “but it wasn’t tourism specific.”

Unlike the previous project, this current effort explores beyond Haywood’s borders. That was a stipulation of the Southwestern Commission.

“We want the result of this study to be tools that anybody in the region can use if they want to get into the bicycle tourism game,” said Sarah Graham, director of planning and development with the Southwestern Commission.

The study began in early October, with a community workshop at the Haywood County Ag Center. Attendees were asked to help identify assets the region has for attracting cyclists and what strategies could be developed to create and grow cycling-related economic development.

“Very informative, lots of good ideas,” Collins reflected.

“I’ll be anxious to see the report.”

The workshop was led by planning consultant Don Kostelec of Kostelec Planning in Asheville. He’s familiar with the area, having worked on the Haywood bicycle plan.

“One of the recommendations was to take a closer look at cycling tourism,” Kostelec said of Haywood’s comprehensive plan.

IMAGINING THE POSSIBILITIES It’s early November and Kostelec is in California. He’s been biking in Coronado.

“I’m out here for a bicycling tourism conference,” Kostelec said over the phone, relishing the West Coast weather. “There are worse places to be than San Diego in November.”

Currently, the planner is compiling the information gathered during the October workshop. He’s hoping to have something ready to present to the community in December.

Kostelec breaks the study down into different components. It will examine how cycling tourism is working for other areas, it will take a look at how the local community can better cater to

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The Virginia Creeper trail follows the former route of the Virginia Creeper railroad for 34 miles. Virginia Tourism Corp. photo

NOT A DRIVE-IN, DRIVE-OUT CROWD

When an area attempts to jump in the cycling tourism game, it needs to speak to a number of different types of cyclists.

“When you say ‘bicycle tourism’ you just don’t think spandex-clad cyclist with a $10,000 bike,” said planning consultant Don Kostelec.

During an October workshop focused on upping the area’s cycling tourism game, Kostelec laid out the various types of cyclists the tourism market should be aiming to attract.

Mountain or cyclocross

■ Look to escape the confines of roads and paved trails.

■ Seek off-road, unpaved trails in mountainous areas.

■ Generally reach their destination by motor vehicle but are seeking nonmotorized pathways to travel from lodging/camping to the trail.

■ May ride for several hours on mountain bike loops and on multiday excursions.

Low-stress or family bicyclists ■ Seek short–to-medium-range riding distances (10 to 30 miles) for roundtrip, point-to-point or multi-day rides on multi-use trails.

■ Seek scenic routes that offer separation from high-stress or onstreet facilities.

■ Bring their bike with them on vacation in hopes of finding recreational trails and will ride with children, friends and family.

■ May pick destinations or side trips along the route to see, eat or recreate.

Touring Bicyclists

■ Ride on multi-day trips from point to point or in large loops (hundreds of miles).

■ Seek scenic routes and try to avoid high-stress routes in urban areas.

■ Generally travel by car, train or plane to reach a starting point before embarking on a multi-day trip.

■ May ride with a “support vehicle” or in a group with support.

■ Some companies organize bicycle touring vacations and excursions.

Recreational bicyclists

■ Ride on 30-, 50-, or 100-mile loops in a day and may do this with a group, a spouse/partner or friends.

■ Seek scenic routes and try to avoid high-stress routes in urban areas.

■ Bring their bike with them on vacation in hopes of finding recreational loops.

■ Will seek cue sheets from local bike clubs to identify rides.

■ May pick destinations along the route to see, eat or recreate.

Smoky Mountain News

The array of cyclists communities seek to attract runs the gamut. There are crunchy mountain bikers spending their days getting thrown over handlebars in the backcountry.

There are spandex-clad road bikers whizzing past on the roadways. There are casual travelers who’d enjoy taking the bike off the car and going for a relaxing spin.

“You can capture so many different types of people,” said Andrew Bowen, town planner for Maggie Valley.

Western North Carolina is looking to attract all these varying shades of cyclists.

“They can be people that like mountain biking dirt trails, or it can be more traditional road bikers,” said Ivey. “It can be families looking for a few miles of trail they can take their kids on.”

Ivey points to a style of biking that combines aspects of mountain biking and road cycling. He thinks the area could well cater to it.

“Gravel road cycling is starting to take off as well, and that’s sort of untapped,” Ivey said.

“We’ve got lot of great dirt roads all around the county.”

Whatever the variety of cycling, it’s assumed the corresponding cyclist will bring their tourism dollars to town when they come to ride the area’s offerings.

“They’ll come and spend money, they’ll stay in lodges, they’ll eat in restaurants,” said Cranford. “This is not a drive-in, drive-out crowd.”

A tangible example of the impact cycling tourism offers can be seen in organized cycling events that draw in visitors specifically to ride their bike. Haywood already has such an example with the Blue Ridge Breakaway.

This year’s sixth annual event attracted more than 400 cyclists. Each likely traveled with family or friends.

“They come from Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida,” Tinsley rattled off. “It’s pretty neat. The cycling community is huge.”

But the Blue Ridge Breakaway is but once a year. How does the area pull that off repeatedly? How can it attract the varying degrees of cycling tourists throughout the year? And how can it best accommodate them?

That’s the puzzle currently being pursued in Haywood.

“We see a lot of untapped potential there,” said Ivey.

Headlinej here

November 12-18, 2014

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behind the current push to explore cycling tourism should concentrate on the more immediate. He thinks they should be looking to shift to a more cycling-friendly culture and work to identify and capitalize on existing opportunities for the cycling communities.

Small steps, or pedal rotations, could end up producing a solid component to the region’s overall tourism purse.

“It assists us with creating a diverse tourism economy by giving us more to add to our product mix,” said Ken Howle, who is director of advancement at Lake Junaluska, a member of Haywood’s TDA and a cyclist.

“It’s still just a percentage of what the overall tourism base is,” agrees Kostelec.

news

of the infrastructure is missing.” cyclists and it will attempt to define how the That missing infrastructure includes simregion can best accommodate cycling tourism. ple things like signs identifying trails and an “We’ll have a draft report sometime education campaign to ensure that businesses, between now and Christmas,” Kostelec said. the community and, especially, drivers are During the October workshop, attendees more accommodating to cyclists. That infrawere introduced to various aspects of cycling structure could mean designated routes with tourism. They learned about varying types of accompanying maps. That infrastructure bicycle tourists — ranging from mountain could also include the installation of additionbikers and road cyclists to families looking for al trails, or linking existing routes to allow a mellow loop — and what each was looking cyclists to flow between communities. for in a cycling-centric destination. They “Right now, we have all the resources that learned about areas that seemed to be onto people want. It’s beautiful, it’s got great places something — like the Route of the Hiawatha to stay,” said Kent Cranford, owner of Motion on the Montana-Idaho boarder and Oregon, Makers Bicycles in Asheville and Sylva. “The with its Oregon’s Scenic Bikeways trail. natural structure is in place.”

“Oregon has just been gangbusters,” Kostelec said.

Attendees were also educated about The Blue Ridge Breakaway draws the importance of fostering a cyclingcyclists to Haywood County. friendly culture. The possibility of installing wayfaring signage to direct cyclists around the area was discussed.

There was also talk of the need for more bike racks and the possibility of lodging establishments coordinating shuttles to return touring cyclists back to the Blue Ridge Parkway after a night’s rest.

“Just trying to build that local culture is a piece,” Kostelec said.

The economic impact of cycling tourism was also discussed. For a living, breathing example, Kostelec held up the Blue Ridge Breakaway.

Estimating that the event drew nearly 600 people to the area, the math was worked out to indicate a total netting of more than $127,000 in tourism dollars.

Those numbers don’t surprise Ivey.

He thinks the Breakaway could be just the tip of the iceberg.

“That’s just a nice little example of how Cranford notes that the area does have successful it can be,” Ivey said. challenges. Communities in the area are still a bit of a ride off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Haywood, in particular, is lacking in mountain PIECE OF THE PUZZLE biking trails. And some people don’t feel safe cycling on the area’s roads.

Folks like Ivey aren’t surprised that cycling But, all in all, the bike store owner sees the can generate money, because they’ve seen it region slipping easily into the role of cycling happen. In fact, they’ve been the ones pumptourism destination. ing money into such areas.

“It’s really exciting,” Cranford said.

“I actually just did an event called Cycling Cranford points to areas that are currently North Carolina, which goes from the mouncapitalizing on cycling and hopes Western tains to the coast every year,” Ivey said.

North Carolina can figure out the formula.

Traveling through communities hosting “Look at places like Damascus, Virginia, such events, Ivey has become the theoretical and the Virginia Creeper Trail, or look at cycling tourist currently being pursued in places like Greenville, South Carolina, and the Haywood. He recalls the locales along his Swamp Rabbit [Trail],” Cranford said. cycling ventures fondly.

Kostelec knows that something as ambi“One place made T-shirts for all of us,” tious as the Virginia Creeper Trail — a 34.4he said. “They find places for people to mile trail along an abandoned railroad, begincamp.” ning in Abingdon, Virginia, and ending just In addition to that state-crossing ride — past Whitetop Station at the Virginia-North also called the Mountains-to-the-Coast ride Carolina border — isn’t something that is like— Ivey recently participated in the ly to happen anytime soon. That type of projMountain Ride, a new event at Lake Lure. ect would require a wealth of planning and “That was in Lake Lure, but that could be based in Haywood County, Maggie Valley coordination between neighboring communities and state-level agencies. or Cullowhee.”

“I think that should be a long-term goal,” Jacobson agrees. The area is ripe for such Kostelec said, adding that if such a rail-to-trail events. project were targeted in the area, there’s a “Pretty much we already have a great stretch of rail between Murphy and Andrews destination as far as scenery goes and we that could be a candidate. already have a great destination as far as The consultant thinks cyclists and factions trails to ride on,” Jacobson said. “But some

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

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Trade you an itchy shirt for a little shiver

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After church on Easter Sunday, all the kids would gather for the annual Easter egg hunt, searching for brightly colored and sometimes intricately decorated eggs that were nestled under clumps of grass along fences or in drainpipes or in bushes or in the nooks of small trees. The girls in their dresses, the boys wearing their clip-on ties, all of us scouring the churchyard in our rigid, Bible-black shoes, which gleamed in the sun like a fleet of tiny cars driving off in all directions at once.

After church, we were off to grandma’s for the family feast — fried chickColumnist en, rabbit, squirrel, green beans, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, creamed corn, cornbread, pintos, squash casserole, four kinds of desserts. While the women worked on getting all of that food ready to eat and the men congregated in the living room or the front yard to talk about sports and the weather, the kids compared Easter baskets, sometimes trading a Tootsie Roll for a bag of Sugar Babies. We weren’t allowed to start in on our giant chocolate rabbits until dinner was over.

I couldn’t wait to get home and rip those clothes off as fast as humanly possible, reaching for the nearest pair of worn-out Levis and the first visible tee shirt in my chest of drawers. Then we’d play for an hour or two, stuff ourselves with candy, and get ready to go up to Papaw and Nana’s house for our second Easter feast of the day. This side of the family was much small-

Chris Cox

e called it “in-between weather,” too warm for a coat, too chilly for short sleeves. Back then, just about every boy in town — and many of the girls, too — wore flannel shirts from late September until spring came around again, when mothers would neatly fold a whole slew of them and pack them up in boxes labeled “Winter Clothes” with a black magic marker. It seemed that all I ever wore were flannel shirts or tee shirts, unless I had to go to church or a funeral, or unless I had to dress up for a rare family picture. Mom made us dress up for Easter and Christmas, but we didn’t go to church that often otherwise, so my dress shirt and dark navy pants hung in the back of my closet, segregated from the others, a “uniform for special occasions” that I would outgrow before anyone would be able to tell it had ever been worn at all.

I hated dressing up, hated special occasions for that reason.

The clothes were itchy, stiff, altogether uncomfortable, and I was a portrait in misery in the back of our big silver Chrysler as we made our biannual pilgrimage to church, my pockets filled with jelly beans or Hershey Kisses which I had stashed for later, when we’d be standing and singing “Rock of Ages” or, after a few more hymns, when the preacher would be instructing us on the birth or the resurrection of Jesus, depending on the occasion, from the Gospel of Luke. I wondered if anybody ever noticed me fishing around in my pocket with one hand while scratching irritably at various itches with the other. If it was warm enough in the church, the Kisses would occasionally melt, seeping like lava through the twisted tin foil at the top, soaking the little white tags and making a nice soupy chocolate mess in the bottom of my pocket.

Showing up is always half the game

bsenteeism in American public schools has reached epidemic proportions. Six million students, one in eight, miss 30 days of school each year and are considered chronically absent. Children of poor families are four times as likely to be chronically absent than their peers and, by ninth grade, seven times more likely to drop out.

I have a bright student in English IV who misses three days of school almost every week, and if she comes, she is often tardy. Last Thursday, I told her it looks like she will fail because of missed assignments.

She’s a senior, but she has to pass this class to graduate. She Columnist grew teary, explaining that an uncle had recently died and that her night work as a cashier keeps her from getting enough sleep. I’m aware that she helps her single parent pay bills, that her brother and his pregnant girlfriend dropped out recently to work full time, and that there are younger children at home.

Another bright student had an A in class until he took four days off to go bear hunting and a few others to dig ginseng. He failed the first quarter because of work missed, began this quarter with A’s, then told me he would miss another week for deer season.

In an English class, a week of absences can mean a student doesn’t understand a complete sentence, that a thesis statement is a road map for the reader, and that

Dawn Gilchrist

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Classroom Contemplations

punctuation is an example of good manners. In a history class, those absences can mean that a student doesn’t understand the Emancipation Proclamation, the meaning of the word “confederacy,” and that assassination is a specific kind of murder. In a biology class, those absences can mean a student doesn’t understand cross-pollination and that genetics determine human potential.

The crux of the problem isn’t that students need to earn the diploma to move on to the next step. Nor is it that teachers are evaluated in part by test scores, whether our students attend class or not. And it isn’t even that years of absenteeism result in staggering gaps in general knowledge. The problem is that children who are chronically absent fail or drop out, and a third of high school dropouts, along with their children, live in poverty.

In 16 years of teaching, I have learned three causes of absenteeism: generational poverty, parental apathy, and cultural identity taking precedence over attendance at school. From John Locke to Leo Tolstoy, we have known for centuries that public school is democracy’s best means for producing an educated citizenry. But public school only works if we have engaged families, a supportive community, and, most of all, students who actually attend.

(Dawn Gilchrist is a writer and a high school English teacher in Swain County. She can be reached at dawngilc@gmail.com.)

er, and sometimes my brother, sister and I would be the only kids there. If the neighbor kids were home, they would come over and we would play Wiffle ball or touch football in the yard, or maybe the boys would chase the girls around the barn or the garden until their mother would come out on the porch and “yoo hoo” from across the road.

“Greg! Laurinda! Suppertime!”

Inside, my mother and Nana worked on our supper, cutting up a Virginia ham and slicing sweet onions for the pinto beans.

We could hear the music of the family dinner: the tinkle of silverware, of ice cubes dropping into big glasses, the percussion of ladles in the pots, the familiar rhythms of plates set on the kitchen table. If Papaw were still out roaming the ridge or puttering around the old house, that meant the television might be on, and the melancholy tick, tick, ticking of “Sixty Minutes” played in counterpoint, a dirge, reminding us, as it always did, of another weekend shutting down, another school week closing in fast, with summer still too far off to be real.

We stayed on the front porch rocking in the porch swing until Nana appeared to announce that supper was served, and that Papaw would just have to catch up the best he could. He always seemed to be losing track of the time.

“You kids get on in there and get washed up. You’ll catch your death out here in short sleeves, I swear.”

I guess I didn’t mind a little shiver, as long as I didn’t have to put back on my itchy shirt until Christmas.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. His most recent book, The Way We Say Goodbye, is available in bookstores and online.)

Doing just as he accuses others

To the Editor: Regarding Bob Wilson’s latest letter on negative campaign rhetoric, Wilson exemplified the hate-filled distorted rhetoric that he criticizes.

First off, Wilson didn’t give a single example of the “lies” and “distortions” that he complains about. Instead he blames ETTERS liberals for just about every ill of society. For Wilson, liberals are clearly the problem and the enemy in this country. His thinking can lead to dangerous actions.

His characterization of liberals is grossly dishonest. It is apparent that Wilson is passing along the hatred and lies he consumes from the media he chooses.

A recent study by Pew Research shows that liberals have three to four varied sources for their political news, while most conservatives just have one — Fox. Analysis by PolitiFact showed that only 18 percent of recent statements on Fox News are true — by far the lowest among Fox, MSNBC and CNN. Combined, these statistics illustrate the dangers of trusting a single source of information, especially one so overtly partisan and biased as Fox. At the end of his diatribe, Wilson asks “Can opposing parties ever sit down at a table and discuss our real problems in a sane and honorable way?” The obvious answer is no, not when you are too busy stereotyping and insulting the other side.

A word of advice, Bob. Turn down your partisan ideology a few hundred decibels and join the rest of humanity as we try to find a way forward. We need to focus on our common ground and work on that, rather than the obstruction that’s been ongoing in D.C. We don’t need a class war. We don’t need a civil war. Bloodshed would make things infinitely worse for all of us, as shown in Ukraine and across the Middle East. But we do need change.

Dan Kowal Franklin

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November 12-18, 2014

n a letter to the editor published in the Nov. 5 edition of The Smoky Mountain News, Rachel Truesdell wrote that as mayor, I “have a lot of explaining to do because most of the arguments in the media from the Town of Franklin are horribly invalid and definitely culturally insensitive.” She was speaking of the Nikwasi Mound.

I thank her for expressing her opinion, although it was quite critical of the Town of Franklin in this ongoing controversy over ownership of the mound. Speaking only for myself, here is my personal response.

The mound was saved by the Macon County Historical Society in 1946 when it was bought with contributions from school children, residents, and non-residents who were, “interested in the preservation of Nequassi (Nikwasi) Mound, (who) have purchased said property in order that the same may be preserved in its entirety.” The deed was conveyed to the town on Oct. 7, 1946.

In 1980 the mound was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, further protecting it from ever being destroyed. The Macon County Historical Society held a celebration and a ceremony honoring the mound.

To my knowledge, I have never heard of an official thank you from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for these actions to preserve the mound, which would have been leveled for commercial or agricultural use.

In addition, according to historians, the mound was not a burial mound but a platform mound. It was used as a site for a council house by the Cherokee. It is well established that the Cherokees did not build the mound. Cherokee myths and legends say the mounds were here long before they were. Perhaps one of the greatest mysteries of North America lies with just who built these magnificent monuments and why.

The mounds were built by a race of peoples loosely labeled the Mound Builders or Mississippians. Theories have ranged

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I would hope that Principal Chief Michelle Hicks would understand that residents of Franklin and Macon County also have a kinship and vested interest in the mound. The town has repeatedly offered to work with the Eastern Band in a manner that is mutually beneficial.

When the grass was killed on the mound in 2012 it was regrettable. But it was not a malicious act. It is being fixed but it will take time. The town has reached out to Cherokee landscapers for their ideas and advice.

So far the town has not gotten a reply to its latest offer to work with the Eastern Band. Chief Hicks has not offered to compromise or to work with the town. He has approached numerous elected officials seeking political intervention to force the town to relinquish the deed to the mound.

I can assure Ms. Truesdell that the town will continue to work for a solution that is fair and will build good will with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

As the mayor of Franklin, I do not have a vote in this matter unless it should become a tie on the town board. But my opinion remains that the town and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have much to gain from working together. I prefer that the mound’s deed remain with the town. Franklin has protected and maintained the mound for 68 years. It is the town’s most historic site.

As the town’s resolution of Oct. 6 states, “The (town) board is open to discussion of maintenance of Nikwasi Mound by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The town board is honouring the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians offer of assistance of maintenance of Nikwasi Mound.”

I don’t see how much fairer or conciliatory the town can be in light of what the town has done to preserve and protect the mound all these years.

(Bob Scott is the mayor of Franklin and can be reached at SCOOPSCOTT@aol.com.)

Celebrating 10 Years FRIDAY

Smoky Mountain News

about the builders that theorize they were people who migrated out of the great civilizations of South and Central America, or even wilder theories — that maybe they were one of the lost tribes of Israel, or Phoenicians.

Scholars believe the Nikwasi Mound was constructed about 1,000 CE by the Mississippian people. but that age is inconclusive. It is likely, but disputed by some, that this was before the Cherokee migrated into Western North Carolina. It is indisputable that the Cherokee used the mound and it most likely was the center of the Guest Columnist Nikwasi town as late as 1775.

Ms. Truesdell alludes to the Jacob Siler family having to do with the removal of the Cherokee in 1838. Actually what she may have been referring to was the Siler Roll, which was a listing of Cherokees eligible for land after many of them returned to Western North Carolina pursuant to an act of Congress in 1850. It is a listing of 1,700 Cherokees living east of the Mississippi River entitled to a per capita payment. David Siler, son of Jacob, compiled the roll.

Yes, I married a descendant of the Silers decades ago, but let me assure you that at that time the mound was never an issue nor has it influenced my thinking in this current debate.

Reams of paper could be used in printing the history of the Nikwasi Mound. It is a fascinating subject and one that I would hope children would study so that it increases their knowledge of American history — warts and all — concerning how we got to where we are today as a nation.

The Town of Franklin has tried to come up with a solution to the mound’s ownership by being fair to everyone involved and putting forth a compromise whereby the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can assume the mound’s maintenance.

Bob Scott

opinion

Franklin and Cherokee should work together on Nikwasi

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SMN editor lacks journalist ethics

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Smoky Mountain News

To the Editor: Journalists like Scott McLeod, SMN Editor, usually follow a code of ethics that includes fairness and impartiality during the acquisition and reporting of news articles to the public. Unbiased reporting is an integral part of journalistic ethics, but historians have found that publishers have often served the interest of powerful social groups. Even the most conscientiously objective journalists cannot avoid accusations of bias, but there are times when a journalist’s bias is obviously more important to him than any code of journalistic ethics.

When your reporting of public meetings and issues so obviously lack fairness and impartiality, and read more like your flowery but misguided editorials, you will likely have a tough time even giving your publication away, much less having anyone take you seriously.

Mike Clark Cullowhee

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November 12-18, 2014

To the Editor: I have read the opinions going back and forth regarding the Nikwasi Mound in Franklin and am aware there are serious disagreements and difficulties on both sides.

So I would like to present an idea of the future of the mound that would make everyone a winner. The picture above is of the Indian Temple Mound Museum in the center of downtown Fort Walton, Fla. Imagine what such a stone structure surrounding the Nikwasi Mound could mean to the residents of and visitors to Franklin.

It would be a statement of the significance of the mound in Franklin’s history and would honor the Cherokee heritage.

Imagine also how such a beautiful structure would enhance the town and east Main Street. Perhaps an outdoor interpretative exhibit could be included, and a history/heritage trail could be established from the Franklin Historical Museum to the Scottish Tartan Museum to the Nikwasi Mound and on to the greenway.

I hope the parties involved can move past the differences and come together to do something even bigger and better than before. Everyone would benefit and everyone would be a winner.

Marcia Lindstrom Franklin

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November 12-18, 2014

Whole Cakes, Pies & Fall Goodies – Call 828-631-9856

Burgers to Salads Southern Favorites & Classics -Local beers now on draft-

Live Music

SID’S ——————————————————

ON MAIN

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

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

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

Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked trout bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait.

We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panini sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

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.

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Smoky Mountain News

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APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

828-456-1997 24

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch every day from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting), featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The evening social hour starts at 6 p.m., and dinner is served starting at 7 p.m. So join us for milehigh mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

blueroostersoutherngrill.com

— Real Local People, Real Local Food — 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, North Carolina Monday-Friday Open at 11am

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday serving freshly prepared small plate and tapas-style fare. Enjoy local, regional, or national talent live each Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended.

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

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

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

FILLING STATION DELI 145 Everett St., Bryson City, 828.488.1919.

Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays (in October) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locals always know best, and this is one place they know well. From the high-quality hot pressed sandwiches and the huge portions of hand-cut fries to the specialty frozen sandwiches and homemade Southern desserts, you will not leave this top-rated deli hungry.

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

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

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

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

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

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

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

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours; Friday through Sunday and Mondays, 7 a.m. to noon. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites. Joey & Brenda O’Keefe invite you to join what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

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

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

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

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

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

828.586.3555. Open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hand-tossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a

tasteTHEmountains Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections.

Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.668.2326. Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Happily committed to brewing and serving innovative, uniquely delicious coffees — and making the world a better place.

100% of our coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor.

Bakery offerings include cakes, muffins, cookies and more. Each one is made from scratch in Asheville using only the freshest, all natural ingredients available. We are proud to offer gluten-free and vegan options.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

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

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

Locally owned and operated.

MEDITERRANEAN

ITALIAN CUISINE

STEAKS • PIZZA SEAFOOD CHICKEN & SANDWICHES 1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK

Local coffee, fresh pastries, ice cream & more 828-454-6777

Located across from the Terrace Hotel in the Harrell Center • 710 N. Lakeshore Dr.

lakejunaluska.com/bookstore

266-225

266-260

Café

Deli & So Much More

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

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito.

Est. 2013

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

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

THAI SPICE 128 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.454.5400. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday noon to 3 p.m. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 4:30 to 9 p.m. Closed Monday. Thai Spice, an authentic Thai restaurant, warmly welcomes you to experience a superb dinning experience. Don’t be timid, the food comes mild, medium, hot and Thai Hot. You choose.

Bookstore & Cafe

UPCOMING EVENTS

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FRIDAY, NOV. 14

Buchanan Boys

SATURDAY, NOV. 15

The Imposters

83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

JOIN US FOR A TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING DINNER WITH ALL THE FIXINGS, DONE FAMILY STYLE. $25 Per Person Or Let us help you with everything but the turkey - to go!

Reservations for either required

by Nov. 21st

6147 Highway 276 S. Bethel, North Carolina

November 12-18, 2014

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

Reservations appreciated.

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.

266-228

(at the Mobil Gas Station)

bbcafenc.com

828.648.3838 Monday - Saturday 8-5 Closed Sunday

Smoky Mountain News

Thanksgiving Buffet

11am - pm $2 .95 Adults $6.95 Kids 828-926-4848 (Reservations Required) www.MaggieValleyClub.com 25

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Working to preserve ‘Cherokee Traditions’

BY ANNA FARIELLO G UEST E DITORIAL n writing the text for an exhibition on Cherokee culture a few years ago, I began with this opening line, “Chances are, where you are standing is part of the Cherokee’s ancestral lands.” While, perhaps, I should have hesitated to make such a bold claim of an exhibit that was traveling throughout Western Anna Fariello North Carolina, that statement was far from rash. Today, many think of Cherokee as a town at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while in fact, Cherokee lands once extended to portions of eight modern states.

When The Smoky Mountain News asked

I

Qualla Boundary. Not a reservation in the usual sense, the Boundary is land retained by the Eastern Band, rather than land assigned to them by the federal government. This is a rare situation in a country that displaced the majority of its original inhabitants. In the 18th and 19th centuries, when much of this displacement took place, there was little appreciation for other cultures. Few incoming settlers thought that there was anything to learn from cultures that differed from their own.

Even in the face of Removal, the Cherokee were unafraid of cultural interaction. Overhill country resident, Ostenaco, travelled to London in the 1760s. The Cherokee Phoenix pubPhotos courtesy of WCU Digital Collections lished in 1828 — the first ever newspaper in a native tongue — carried articles in both English and Cherokee.

Their baskets were traded to EuroThe presentation “Cherokee Traditions: From the American settlers, influencing an artHands of our Elders” will be held at 7 p.m. form shared with Appalachian neighThursday, Nov. 20, at the Macon County Public bors and future generations. There are Library in Franklin. many more examples of how cultural Anna Fariello, craft project director at the difference provides a richness to Western Carolina University Hunter Library, will human experience, much like the variahost the discussion. “Cherokee Traditions” begins tion that exists across our landscape with an overview of Cherokee crafts, focusing on and the change in our seasons. the key material traditions of basketry, pottery and The Eastern Band has invested in carving. The highly visual program then recognizes its own cultural institutions as a means early 20th Century artisans, the Elders who have to share and interact with its memkept these traditions alive. bers, neighbors, and tourists. The This Road Scholars program is made possible in Oconaluftee Indian Village, Museum part by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities of the Cherokee, Qualla Arts and Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the Crafts, and Unto these Hills are culturNational Endowment for the Humanities. al attractions that amplify Western Sponsored by the Arts Council of Macon County.

North Carolina’s culture. Swain, 828.524.3600 or www.wcu.edu/library/ Jackson, and Macon counties are digitalcollections/cherokeetraditions. extremely fortunate to have indigenous heritage sites within their borders.

Kituwah Mound is the site of the Cherokee’s motherland; Judacualla Rock provides quiet contemplation along Caney Fork Creek; Nikwasi Mound reminds us that preservation is possible even in the midst of a bustling town center.

What can we learn about the connection of language to thinking from those who are revitalizing a spoken language? What can we learn about the value of family ties, so important to people of this place? Will we be swallowed up by globalization or can we hold onto cultural identity? How can we use technology to sustain and nurture our environment for the future? While much evidence of past cultures has been lost to development, and to There are many examples ignorance, I remind myself that there is still of how cultural difference much to preserve. And while culture is certainly valued by those who produce it, its provides a richness to value is as important — maybe more so — to those of us who live outside it. human experience, much

Want to go?

me to write this guest editorial, I was in the midst of putting the finishing touches on a talk for Western Carolina University’s annual Native Expo (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Nov. 12). The expo takes place every November to celebrate and share native cultures with students and the community. Events include talks, film, language, music, and art that celebrate indigenous culture as the university’s contribution to Native American Heritage Month. This year, among other events, the Hunter Library mounted a tribute to the late Robert J. Conley, a prolific and talented writer who served for three years as the university’s Distinguished Sequoya Professor.

In Western North Carolina, we are extremely fortunate to live nearby to the

like the variation that exists across our landscape and the change in our seasons.

Anna Fariello is the curator of Western Carolina University’s “Cherokee Traditions,” an online collection housed at Hunter Library. She is author of Cherokee Basketry, Cherokee Pottery, and Cherokee Carving and is an associate professor at Western Carolina University.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Looking Glass Falls, Pisgah National Forest.

Garret K. Woodward photo

Former N.C. Poet Laureate Fred Chappell and poet Dana Wildsmith will offer a joint reading at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

we don’t know what to say, we don’t look each other in the eyes, we don’t feel comfortable about what to do or how to act.

Country sensation Scott McCreery hits the For me, I get to have an honstage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Harrah’s est conversation with another Cherokee Event Center. person, and find out what makes them tick. It never ceases to The Get Right Band (funk/reggae/rock) will amaze me how incredible perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at BearWaters humanity is, how the seemingly Brewing in Waynesville. most boring person on the outA special presentation of Appalachian stories side is actually one of the most of the “unusual” with Gregg Clark will be fascinating, once you give them held at 11 a.m. Nov. 15 at the Rickman Store the time of day. in Cowee.

The beauty of journalism is being able to venture into all levBrushfire Stankgrass will perform at 7 p.m. els of society. One day I’m talking Nov. 15 at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. with a state senator about politics, the next I’m hanging out on a street corner with the homeless. One day I’m in the kitchen when a into reality, “Listen, you don’t have to do world-renowned chef talking about how seethis, there are ways to reach your dreams.” ing someone happily satisfied from their “But, I have bills and responsibilities,” they’d say. We all have bills and responsibil- dishes is everything to them, another day I’m in the backwoods trying to put into ities. There will always be bills to pay and words what it means to truly be alive at the responsibilities to adhere to, so do what you love in the process. Make it work, come top of a mountain — all of it is relevant, all of it’s beautiful. The more I explore the hell or high water, because when all is said world around me, the more of a grounded and done, do you want to know you spent perspective I get on not only society, but also your life chasing someone else’s dream or myself and my place in it all. your own?

We all only have one trip around this uniMy dream is to become the greatest verse — you might as well do what makes writer of my generation. Sure, it may seem you truly happy. like a loaded aspiration, but who cares? I

with Linda Neff at

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Smoky Mountain News

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

Reflexology

November 12-18, 2014

Why do you do it?

Sitting in a tiny coffee shop in downtown Knoxville last week, I was posed this question by a high school kid. I knew the answer, at least in my head I did. But, to be asked for a vocal response, it was a surreal experience to hear the words subconsciously come out of my mouth.

“Why?” I replied. “Because everyday for me is an adventure, everyday I wake up excited to go to work, and that doesn’t happen for a lot of people. Yeah, sure, there are those who went for a well-paying job and got the nice car and house, but more often than not they aren’t happy, and aren’t doing what they love. You can have everything you ever wanted in the world — all of those material things — but what matters most is how you feel about what you see in the mirror.”

With that statement, I looked the teenager right in the eye. He smiled and shook his head in approval. He has aspirations of becoming a journalist someday, and through his teacher (my friend) was able to meet up and interview me about what it’s like to wander and write. And as we talked for the better part of an hour, I noticed all the people rushing in and out of the coffee shop. They had looks of urgency, looks of confusion, frustration and everything in-between.

From an early age I’ve been able to notice and observe those facial expressions, and to listen to what people said about their own lives. Yes, of course, there are plenty of folks who do love what they do. But, I always find it so odd when I constantly come across people complacent with their existence. I want to walk up to them and shake them back

“Make it work, come hell or high water, because when all is said and done, do you want to know you spent your life chasing someone else’s dream or your own?”

Health & Healing are just 2 feet away arts & entertainment

This must be the place

want to write features, stories and books that inspire and spark a fire within the reader the way my literary heroes lit my fuse. I’ve set that goal way up in the heavens above me and I’ll spend my lifetime getting closer and closer to it until one day — God willin’ and the creek don’t rise — I can grasp it.

Throughout my gig in life, I get to interact with people and the world around me. I have genuine conversations and experiences with strangers about what their passions are and what it means to be a human being.

Face-to-face interaction is a lost art in a modern world. The more connected we’ve become with technology, the more we’ve become disconnected. We hide behind Facebook profiles and Twitter handles, and yet, when we do interact with each other,

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Smoky Mountain News

November 12-18, 2014

arts & entertainment

On the street

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ticipating, call 828.648.2363.

Entry forms are currently available for the Franklin Christmas Parade, which will run at 3 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 30, in downtown. The theme is “A Winter Wonderland Christmas,” with applications available at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 828.524.3161.

Voices in the Laurel choir presents a Madrigal dinner A madrigal dinner evoking the elaborate and festive flare of the Renaissance will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Waynesville by the premier youth choral ensemble Voices in the Laurel.

The show, “A Knight to Remember,” will feature heraldry, pageantry, comedy, minstrels and song. A madrigal dinner show is a re-enactment of a Renaissance feast, where the audience is actively engaged as part of the show.

“From the moment you enter the banquet hall, the whole evening is like a production.

Town criers greet you, food is brought out with ceremony and circumstance, the choristers are in period costume,” said Suzy Bernardi, the operations manager of Voices in the Laurel. “It is an entire experience.”

Voices in the Laurel three chorals ensembles will sing and perform while serving the madrigal feast, including pork roast, roasted vegetables, pumpkin soup, Wassail punch, and bread pudding with apples and dried cranberries. The show will include including accompaniment by the Laurel Strings ensemble.

Explorer’s Club to feature Togo A past Voices in the Laurel performance.

Voices in the Laurel photo

Voices in the Laurel is a youth chorus with three choral ensembles, ranging from first through 12th grade. It is based in Haywood County, with members from Buncombe, Jackson and Swain counties as well.

The performance will be held at First Baptist Church in downtown Waynesville.

With less than 100 tickets left, the show is anticipated to sell out. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children, which include the dinner. www.voicesinthelaurel.org or call 828.734.9163.

Franklin’s Christmas parade. Donated photo

Open call for Canton, Franklin Christmas parades An open call is currently underway for entries in the Canton and Franklin Christmas parades.

The Canton Christmas Parade will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in downtown. The theme is “WNC Hometown Christmas.” For more information on entering a float or par-

The Explorer’s Club will feature the country of Togo as its topic during their presentation at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Special guest will be Benjamin Bogardus, who lived in Togo for several years while he was with the Peace Corps. Explorer’s Club is intended for all ages, with a special emphasis on cultural learning for children.

Families are encouraged to come and join in the fun. Each Explorer’s Club will feature special guests, snacks, and crafts that all are pertinent to the theme.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. This program is free and no sign up is required.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

On the street arts & entertainment

Clark to present at the Rickman Store

Gregg Clark will hold an evening of Appalachian ghost stories on Nov. 15 at the Rickman Store. Donated photo

ALSO:

• The Polar Express themed train will celebrate the holiday season Nov. 14-15 and 2123 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. The classic children’s book comes to life as the train departs for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack,

guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. The train arrives to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa boards the train, greeting each child and presenting them with their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the depot. www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

• Yoga 101: De-stress for the Holidays will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Waynesville Public Library Auditorium. Learn the basics of yoga, how to de-stress and remain flexible in the winter months. Class will be taught by certified and registered yoga instructor Rose Harrell Johnson. Free, but signup required. 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

JOIN US FOR ARTS EVENTS AT WCU NOV. 13-16 | THU.-SAT. 7:30PM, SUN. 3PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

Theatre: 42nd Street

NOV. 18 | TUE. 7:30PM | COULTER | FREE

Music: Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet NOV. 19 | WED. 7:30PM | COULTER | FREE

Music: Jazz Band Concert

NOV. 20 | THU. 12PM – 7PM | FINE ART MUSEUM

Event: Handmade Holiday Sale

SAVE THE DATE: DEC. 12 | FRI. 7:30PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

CINNAMON GRITS THE MUSICAL: “CHRISTMAS IN THE SOUTH”

Smoky Mountain News

• A wine dinner with Mario Moreno and a sparkling wine tasting will be held at The Classic Wine Seller in Waynesville. From the W.H. Smoth Winery, Moreno will feature handcrafted wines at 7 p.m. Nov. 13, cost is $55 per person. The sparkling wine tasting is from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 20, and is free.

828.452.6000.

rience of being asked to blend his knowledge of history and ghosts on the popular television show, began collecting and writing ghost stories.

Clark then created the Where Shadows Walk ghost and history tour in Franklin.

For two years, the tour has been very popular and Clark and his wife Paulette will be expanding their tours to two other North Carolina counties in 2015.

The event is put on by The Friends of the Rickman Store.

828.369.5595.

November 12-18, 2014

A special presentation of Appalachian stories of the “unusual” with Gregg Clark will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Rickman Store in Cowee.

A local resident of Macon County, Clark is constantly seeking the unexplained. He took a job at the historic and haunted Balsam Mountain Inn in Waynesville. While there, Clark led the “Weird Travels” television show around the inn. Clark became star of the BMI episode, becoming the go-to employee and most filmed. Clark, thrilled with the expe-

VISIT THE FINE ART MUSEUM FOR ONGOING EXHIBITS | FINEARTMUSEUM.WCU.EDU

@SmokyMtnNews

EVENTS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE COLLEGE OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AT WCU. JOIN FRIENDS OF THE ARTS TODAY!

FOR MORE INFO – 828.227.7028 | ARTS.WCU.EDU 29

arts & entertainment

On the beat

McCreery returns to Harrah’s

November 12-18, 2014

Country sensation Scott McCreery hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

Since coming into the national spotlight in 2011, McCreery quickly emerged as country music’s most successful new artist. His first studio album, Clear As Day, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts, making him the youngest man in history to open at the top of the all-genre chart with a debut release.

McCreery won New Artist of the Year at both the 2011 American Country Awards and the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards. McCreery was ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s list of Top New Country Artists for 2011 and also earned the No. 4 spot on Billboard’s 2012 List of the Top 21 Under 21. Scotty spent most of 2012 opening for Brad Paisley’s

The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet will perform on Nov. 18 at WCU. Donated photo

Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet to play WCU Scotty McCreery will play Harrah’s Cherokee on Nov. 22. Donated photo Virtual Reality Tour.

Danielle Bradbery will open, with acclaimed Western North Carolina country act My Highway playing the Essence Lounge immediately following the concert.

Tickets start at $37.

800.745.3000 or www.harrahscherokee.com.

The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet will present its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University.

Members of the SMBQ, the quintet-in-residence at WCU, are P. Bradley Ulrich, trumpet; David Ginn, trumpet; Travis Bennett, horn; Mike Schallock, tuba; and Zsolt Szabo, trombone. The program will consist of “Street Song” by Michael Tilson Thomas, “Blues for Brass” by Richard Roblee, “Adagio” by Samuel Barber, “Animal Ditties” by Anthony Plog, “Blue Skies” by Irving Berlin and “Recruiting Songs” by Hungarian composer Antal Farkas.

The SMBQ will be touring Hungary and Romania in May 2015 and will perform concerts and give clinics during the tour. In addition, a WCU student ensemble, Bach’s Five, will be joining the quintet for performances on the tour.

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On the beat

• Jacob Johnson (singer/songwriter) will perform as part of the Friends of the Library concert series at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Waynesville Public Library.

• The Get Right Band (funk/reggae/rock) and Josh Wager (singer/songwriter) will hit the stage at BearWaters Brewing Company in

• Bourbon Legend (ukulele rock) will perform at 9 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grille in Waynesville. $5.

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• A back porch old-time music jam will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee.

All welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

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• The annual Countywide Showcase of Student Talent will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Fine Arts Center at Franklin High School. Sponsored by The Arts Council of Macon County. $5 for adults, $2 for youth. 828.524.7683 or arts4all@dnet.net.

ALSO:

Serving Haywood County

• The “Who’s Got Talent?” competition for Western North Carolina will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. $10. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

The Waynesville Kiwanis Club countywide spelling bee will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

The winning team will receive individual trophies, a Jack the Dipper fun-filled ice cream social in their classroom, $150 for classroom supplies and a traveling trophy they will keep for a year. Each student in the competition will also receive a special spelling bee medal.

Hot dogs, chips, cookies and sodas will be available for purchase. Donations will be appreciated. All parents and friends of the students are encouraged to come and cheer their favorite team to victory. Todd Barbee, principal at Canton Middle School, will be the pronouncer and will even make this evening more special for all the students.

• The Haywood Dancers will hold a monthly dance at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Angie’s Dance Academy in Clyde. Evening of dancing to recorded ballroom music. Refreshments. $10.

828.734.8726.

November 12-18, 2014

• Juan Hollday of The Secret B-Sides will perform at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. www.38main.com.

• A Gamelan performance (world music), Brass Ensembles, Jazz Band and Early Music concerts will be in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University. The Gamelan Concert will be Nov. 13, with Brass Ensembles Nov. 16, Jazz Band Nov. 19 and Early Music Nov. 20. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. www.wcu.edu.

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• Karen “Sugar” Barnes & Dave McGill will perform on Nov. 15 at City Lights Café in Sylva. www.citylightscafe.com.

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• Josh Gilton (singer/songwriter) and Kevin Fuller (folk/rock) will perform at Tipping Point Brewing in Waynesville. Gilton plays Nov. 14, with Fuller Nov. 21. Both shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. www.tippingpointtavern.com.

• The Lazybirds (blues/jazz/ragtime) will perform from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

Free. www.fumc-waynesville.com.

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ALSO:

• Craig Summers & Lee Kram and Brushfire Stankgrass will perform at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. Summers & Kram play at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20, with Brushfire Stankgrass 7 p.m. Nov. 15.

828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

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• Dana & Susan Robinson (folk), Hay Brown (blues/folk) and Dulci Ellenberger (folk/pop) will perform at The Classic Wine Seller in Waynesville. The Robinson duo plays Nov. 14, with Brown Nov. 15 and Ellenberger Nov. 21. Shows begin at 7 p.m. $10 minimum purchase. 828.452.6000.

November Specials

Waynesville. The Get Right Band plays 8 p.m.

Nov. 14, with Wager 7 p.m. Nov. 22. www.bwbrewing.com or 828.246.0602.

arts & entertainment

• Ethan Morse, The Harmed Brothers/Charlie & The Foxtrots/Chris Blaylock OMB, Demon Waffle, Grand Ol’ Uproar and Bourbon Legend will perform at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. Morse plays Nov. 13, with The Harmed Brothers/Charlie & The Foxtrots/Chris Blaylock OMB Nov. 14, Demon Waffle Nov. 15, Grand Ol’ Uproar Nov. 20-21 and Bourbon Legend Nov. 22. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m., with Sunday performances from 5 to 8 p.m. Free. 828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

or a free estimate—828-734-0671 BONDED & INSURED

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On the wall arts & entertainment

Mountain Heritage Center curator wins lifetime achievement award

Pam Meister (center), curator and interim director of the Mountain Heritage Center, was joined by (from left) MHC graduate assistants Emily Baker and Katie Bell at the Southeastern Museums Conference. Photo by Nathan Moehlman

November 12-18, 2014

Pam Meister, interim director and curator of Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center, was honored Oct. 22 with the James R. Short Award from the Southeastern Museums Conference.

A nonprofit organization committed to supporting and connecting museum professionals in 12 states, SEMC presents the award to individuals who have given a lifetime of service to the profession with a significant portion in the Southeast.

With three decades of experience in cultural resource management, Meister has helped benefit museums throughout the region. Before joining WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center four years ago, Meister worked in roles including director of education and interpretation at the Atlanta History Center, executive director of the Upcountry History Museum, and president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History. She also worked as chief curator of

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the Jekyll Island Museum in Georgia and as arts coordinator at the Okefenokee Heritage Center in Waycross, Georgia.

In addition, Meister served as SEMC interim director in 2010 and executive director from 1990 to 1997. During five of those years, she simultaneously served as executive director of the Louisiana Association of Museums and helped grow membership and services to enable the organizations to support separate offices.

Meister also has been an adjunct professor teaching courses related to museum studies and cultural resource management at institutions including Southeastern Louisiana University, Georgia College and State University, the University of West Georgia and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a founding faculty member at SEMC’s annual Jekyll Island Management Institute, a leadership and management training program for museum professionals.

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On the wall

A national fiber exhibition, EXCITE, will be on display through Dec. 6 at H a y w o o d Community College in Clyde.

The exhibition includes 15 artists, some of which are HCC Professional Crafts Fiber graduates and current students. The theme of the exhibition is contemporary fiber work inspired or reflective of the design ideals set forth by Anni Albers at Black Mountain College. The work must include some material or resource obtained within a 100mile radius of the artwork’s origination.

Rachel Meginnes, juror of EXCITE, will provide an in depth look at the exhibit and her own work at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at HCC. She is a current resident artist at Penland School of Crafts. Meginnes received a Bachelor’s degree from Earlham College in

HCC’s Professional Crafts Fiber program will host EXCITE, a national exhibition of fiber art. Garret K. Woodward photo

1999 and then traveled to northern Japan to study the traditional crafts of ikat and indigo dyeing. She then received a Master’s degree in Fibers from the University of Washington in 2005. She believes that there is infinite possibility in the most basic of methods.

The Meginnes event is free 828.565.4240.

The Haywood County Arts Council’s “It’s a Small, Small Work” will be held Nov. 19-Dec. 27 at Gallery 86 in Waynesville.

The show provides a unique opportunity for budding artists to exhibit their work, as well as the opportunity for more seasoned artists to test their boundaries. All pieces ready to be sold are exactly 12” or smaller, which includes ceramics, paintings, sculpture, jewelry and photography.

Most prices will be between $50-$125, with nothing more than $300. An artist reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5, with a “Night Before Christmas” evening from 69 p.m. Dec. 13.

This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. www.haywoodarts.org or info@haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.

• Cavalry (suspense/drama) will be screened at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 7 and 14, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15, 2 p.m. Nov. 9 and 16, and 7 p.m.

Nov. 11-12 and 17-18.

Tickets are $6 per person, $4 for children.

Saturday morning cartoons will also be

ALSO:

• A watercolor class with acclaimed artist Susan Lingg will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 14 at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Classes are $10 per person for senior center participants and $15 for non-participants. 828.586.4944.

arts & entertainment

HCC showcasing fiber exhibition

shown at 11 a.m. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

Small works show at Gallery 86

• A Pinterest Party will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Waynesville Public Library Auditorium. Enjoy food and a craft from the “virtual corkboard” website.

828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• The Come Paint with Charles Kidz Program will be at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 and 20 at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City. $18 per child. Materials and snacks included. 828.538.2054.

• Painter Jane McClure and greeting card maker Paula Carden will be featured artists for the month of November at Tunnel Mountain Crafts in Dillsboro. From noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 15, McClure will demonstrate painting on tiles. Carden will demonstrate how she makes stamped cards on Nov. 22.

• A Pre-Holiday Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Maggie Valley Town Center. Local artisans, Christmas treasures, and more.

November 12-18, 2014

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arts & entertainment

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Books Book explores clash between religion and science I 36

Smoky Mountain News

constructed.

But The Explanation For Everything is more than a novel of ideas. It tells a tale of love and loss, and of the healing derived from our ability to forgive others and ourselves.

Jeff Minick

n Lauren Grodstein’s novel The Explanation For Everything (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2013, 336 pages, $24.95), we meet Andrew Waite, a biology professor and widower living with his two young daughters in Southern New Jersey.

Andrew is an evolutionist, an atheist who at the same time is haunted from time to time by his recently deceased wife, Louisa.

He is a good father and a provocative Writer teacher, but along with his wife has lost the power to connect with others. He spends a part of each day writing angry, unsent letters to the young man, now imprisoned, who killed Louisa while driving drunk.

Enter Melissa Potter. She is a transfer student, a young evangelical Christian who asks Professor Waite to be her sponsor for independent research into intelligent design. After agreeing against his better judgment to take on Melissa, Andrew finds himself growing more intrigued both by the girl and by her ideas regarding faith. Gradually Melissa inserts herself into his life, acting as nanny to his daughters and slipping him various books on faith. In the meantime, another student, Lionel, slowly moves away from his religious fundamentalism toward Darwinism and science.

In the clashes between religion and science depicted in The Explanation For Everything, Goldstein never takes sides. She plays fair with the ideas of both sides and accurately depicts how our beliefs shape our world views, showing us what can happen when we become too addicted to certitude, when because of our beliefs we refuse to see any gray in the black-and-white world we have

faith and science. Instead, he finds himself in the middle of that battlefield of the mind where most of us struggle, that field of doubt and questioning where certainty no longer prevails.

The Explanation For Everything has some flaws. Melissa Potter, for example, sometimes comes across as an unbelievable character. Would a student who really wanted a professor to sponsor an independent study refer to that professor’s work and beliefs as “crap?” Would an evangelical Christian really place the idea of justice ahead of that of mercy?

Would she threaten to report the professor for sexual harassment when she was the one who instigated the connections made between them?

But these are quibbles. The Explanation For Everything is a fine examination not just of the ongoing debate between Darwinism and intelligent design, but is also a touching story of a man coming to grips with the meaning of life, especially the meaning of his own life.

••• In Letters of Note: An Eclectic Collection of Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience (Chronicle Books, 2014, 352 pages, $40), Shaun Usher, custodian of the blog Letters of Note, has collected letters from over 300 writers, politicians, lovers, pop stars and others.

The Explanation For Everything by Lauren Grodstein.

It is a large book that includes facsimiles of some of the letters as well as thumbAlgonquin Books, 2014. 336 pages. nail sketches of the correspondents.

This is one of those volumes that begs for perusal, a book to be read at those Near the end of the novel, Andrew Waite realtimes when we have a stray quarter hour and izes how he has damaged others and seeks to seek entertainment. Here are letters from make amends. He experiences no sudden Elvis Presley to Richard Nixon, from Mario epiphanies, no bolts of lightning regarding

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Puzo to Marlon Brando (he asks Brando to play the head of the Corleone family), from John F. Kennedy seeking help for the crew of his demolished PT boat (he wrote his note on a piece of coconut, and Usher includes a picture of the message and the coconut).

Some of these letters will be familiar to readers. There is the note from 11-year-old Grace Bedell to Abraham Lincoln, advising him to grow a beard; there is the “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” letter; there is the letter from Hemingway to F. Scott Fitzgerald offering advice on writing; there is the complimentary letter from Clyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde fame to Henry Ford, complimenting him on what great get-away cars he has designed.

But other letters are more obscure.

Physicist Richard Feynman’s letter to his dead wife particularly touched me. In his autobiography Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman — I highly recommend this brilliant, hilarious memoir — Feynman brushes past the death of his first wife. In this letter, he reveals the depth of love he felt for her. (Katharine Hepburn’s letter to Spencer Tracy, the love of her life who was deceased when she wrote the letter, is also included).

Humor abounds in Letters of Note. One example: Stephen Tvedten writes an hysterical response to the bureaucrats of Land and Water Management who have complained about dams being built on his property. It turns out that beavers have built the dams, and Tvedten has a field day with the situation, writing, for example: “As to your dam request the beavers must fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity, my first dam question to you is: are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers or do you require all dam beavers throughout the State to conform to said dam request?”

Highly recommended.

Journal-making workshop, drama novel at Blue Ridge A journal-making workshop and a drama novel debut will be held at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

The workshop will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. Hosted by Kent Stewart, the class is appropriate for beginners or experienced makers. Cost is $5. Former attorney investigator and author Tim Swink will read from his debut dramatic novel Curing Time at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. “Curing time” is tobacco’s season of harvest, a time of transformation, when the leaf is made golden by subjection to fire and heat. In this novel set in North Carolina, tobacco farmer Hume Rankin endures his own curing time in the summer of 1959. When the rains won’t come and the crops wilt in the field, he solicits the magic of an old, blind black woman. www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

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Chappell to hold poetry read in Sylva

Former N.C. Poet Laureate Fred Chappell and poet Dana Wildsmith will offer a joint reading at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Chappell will present his new poetry collection, Familiars, a salute to literary cats including cats that have appeared in his own work. Chappell is an award-winning author of 26 books of poetry, fiction and critical commentary. His most recent collection was Shadow Box. A native of Canton in the mountains of western North Carolina, he taught at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 1964 to 2004 and was the Poet Laureate of North Carolina from 1997 to 2002.

N Wildsmith will share poems from her book, Christmas in Bethlehem. This collection brings the reader back once more to Wildsmith’s family farm in Bethlehem, Ga., a farm introduced N through Wildsmith’s earlier poetry collection, One Good Hand, and her environmental memoir, Back to Abnormal. Wildsmith is the author of four collections of poetry and a novel. She teaches English Literacy through Lanier Technical College.

828.586.9499.

Muth to present fantasy novel

Author Renea Winchester will present her new book Farming Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Decades before the farm-to-table and sustainable living movement, Billy Albertson started tending a little strip of land just off Hardscrabble Road in what was then rural Roswell, Ga. The second installment in the Farmer Billy series, the book transports readers to a simpler time, when roadside vegetable stands were common, friends gathered on the front porch and everyone sat at the grandparent’s table for Sunday supper.

Renea’s calloused hands grows GMO-free corn that has been in her family for over 100 years. This heritage corn came from her great-grandfather, Lum Winchester, who was the subject of several columns by John Parris and was featured in Roaming The Mountains. She is a literacy advocate and passionately supports indie bookstores. She will offer a raffle to win a gift basket full of seeds, a copy of her book and other goodies.

The proceeds of the raffle will be donated to the Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro. 828.586.9499.

Jackson County writer Timm Muth will read from his new novel at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

Disciple of the Flames chronicles the story of Darn, whose life as a herder’s son was hard, dirty and not in the least adventurous. Fate intervenes when on a journey with his father, a stranger saves Darn from a near fatal rousting by local bullies, eventually leading to Darn’s induction into a powerful religious and military order: The Disciple of Flames.

Muth lives near Sylva and spends a lot of time hiking, biking and looking for shiny rocks all over Cowee Mountain. Disciple of Flames is his first novel.

828.456.6000

Kevin Frazier to discuss Asheville’s ‘Legendary Locals’

The Coffee with the Poet series continues with Jane Hicks at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Hicks as she offers her new collection, Driving with the Dead. A native of upperEast Tennessee, she is an award-winning poet and quilter. Her poetry appears in both journals and numerous anthologies. Her first book, Blood and Bone Remember, won several awards. Her “literary quilts” illustrate the works of playwright Jo Carson and novelists Sharyn McCrumb and Silas House; one became the cover of her own book. The art quilts have toured with these respective authors and were the subject of a feature in Blue Ridge Country Magazine in an issue devoted to arts in the region.

The Coffee with the Poet series is cosponsored by the NetWest chapter of the North Carolina Writer’s Network and meets every third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. 828.586.9499.

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Celebrate the Holidays

Young adult novelist presents debut

at Wells Events & Reception Center Booking Reservations for the Holiday Season Family Celebrations, Office Parties & More Accommodating up to 175 Guests

Smoky Mountain News

Writer Linda Phillips will present her young adult novel Crazy at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

A novel written in verse, it draws from the author’s own experiences while growing up in Oregon of coming to terms with her mother’s mental illness. Laura is a typical 15-year-old growing up in the 1960s, navigating her way through classes, friendships, and even a new romance. But she’s carrying around a secret: her mother is suffering from a mental illness.

No one in Laura’s family will talk about her mother’s past hospitalizations or increasingly erratic behavior, and Laura is confused and frightened. Laura finds some refuge in art, but when her mother suffers a breakdown after taking painting back up again herself, even art ceases to provide much comfort. Eloquent and compelling, this powerful novel-in-verse tackles complex themes in a way that will have readers rooting for Laura to find the courage to get the answers she needs.

828.586.9499.

f o r

November 12-18, 2014

Kevan Frazier, executive director for Western Carolina University Programs at Biltmore Park, will share stories of leaders and innovators who helped shape Asheville’s history in his new book Legendary Locals of Asheville at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Masonic Temple in Asheville.

The 128-page book features vintage photographs and stories about the legacy of the Biltmore area and the city’s well-known and unsung pioneers; champions for urban growth and development; educators and humanitarians; authors, artists and musicians; famous residents and visitors; and rebuilders.

“The story of Asheville is a great underdog story from start to finish,” Frazier said.

“It was a little town deep in the mountains that would never have grown and never been a success without the people who stumbled on it and the wonderfulness of Western North Carolina.”

Frazier lectures several dozen times annually about the history of Asheville and founded Asheville by Foot Walking Tours, which offers historic walking tours of the city’s downtown. His career also includes 17 years at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in roles from history faculty member to associate vice chancellor for university advancement.

In addition to the book’s release party on Nov. 13, a signing is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Barnes and Noble in Biltmore Park. www.legendarylocalsofasheville.com or 828.407.0435.

Coffee with the Poet welcomes Hicks

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Pedaling the Parkway WCU dean completes ninth fundraising ride to Mount Mitchell

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER rian Railsback learned a valuable lesson when he missed a September meeting of the Western Carolina University Honors College Student Board of Directors: skip a meeting, and you just might wind up volunteered to do a century bike ride through the mountains. As Railsback, Honors College dean and English professor, found out later, the meeting concluded with a decision that he should pedal 118 miles to the top of Mount Mitchell to raise scholarship money for the college.

“What happened was I missed that meeting, and they voted unanimously to move forward with it,” Railsback said.

Not that he protested too much, because Railsback loves to bike. The California native first took up the sport when he moved to Cullowhee in 1990 and found that none of the West Coast sports he had been into – surfing, deep sea fishing – boasted too many opportunities in the mountains. Casting around for a new hobby, he threw the question out to his students.

“One of them fortunately said, ‘Well, you really need to get into mountain biking,’” Railsback recalled, “so I bought a mountain bike and that’s how I got started.”

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Parkway at Balsam and then resumed two days later with a 12-mile ride to an overlook near Richland Balsam, the highest point on the Parkway. The next day, Oct. 22, his route took in 50 Parkway miles, battling strong winds and a freezing fog to end at the Folk Art Center near Asheville. On Thursday he did the next 18 miles to Craggy Gardens, and on Sunday, Oct. 26, Honors College students joined him for the final 14 miles of the ride.

“I was very concerned, having not trained properly for it, that it was going to be a lot more difficult than it was, but it turned out to be OK,” Railsback said.

Though, of course, the hills weren’t the only part he had to worry about.

“With the leaf season it’s really busy,” he said. “This year in particular because it was so beautiful, there were some parts that it was really pretty crowded. Especially those RVs go by pretty close when you’re up there.”

But with the hills and the traffic and the scenery from either side comes a rhythm that Railsback finds intoxicating, drawing him back into the bicycle seat whenever he has a spare minute.

“When you think about the typical American lifestyle where we’re busy, we’re really rushed, there aren’t many times when

shorts and a polo to make the fundraising ride to Mount Mitchell.

The ride originated back in 1997, when the Honors College started with Railsback as the founding dean. He met with Western’s former fundraising director to get some ideas about how to fund the new college, but the meeting turned out to be less a source of ideas and more a list of things he should refrain from doing, so as to avoid stepping on other organizations’ toes.

“After talking to her, I thought, ‘Man there aren’t many options,’” Railsback said.

But then the light bulb came on. Railsback mapped out a scheme to ride 100-plus miles from his home in Cullowhee to the top of Mount Mitchell, which at 6,684 feet is the highest-elevation point east of the Rockies.

“Something like that just catches people’s attention,” said Colin Townsend, Honors College advisor. “It’s not your average sort of fundraising type thing.”

Railsback enlisted students in the Honors College to help him with logistics, secured

Railsback stands on the top of Mount Mitchell with Emma Castanho, vice president of the student board, and Wesley Meyers, board president. WCU photo

BALANCING ACT BIKING Fast forward a decade and a half, and Railsback was pushing off from Cullowhee in pursuit of Mount Mitchell, just in time for a string of perfect autumn days. However, the Oct. 19 start date was just in time for a couple of other things as well: leaf-looker traffic, WCU’s Homecoming and prep time for a November class he was slated to teach in Cuba.

“This time it was a real balancing act, but it all worked out well,” Railsback said. “It worked out better than I could have hoped.”

To make his work responsibilities fit in with the 118-mile ride, Railsback did it piecemeal, getting rides from students and from his wife to and from the route and back to Cullowhee. One day, he drove himself and doubled back to get to his car at the end of the leg.

He started off the trek with a 24-mile ride to the intersection with the Blue Ridge

That first stretch from Cullowhee to Richland Balsam is probably the most difficult of the entire endeavor, Railsback said. He’s done this fundraising ride before, but this time he attempted it on pretty short notice and while in the thick of a bunch of other professional obligations, so he didn’t really train as much as he should have. But he got through those first miles and by the end of the trip felt great.

you can focus and maybe for two or three hours just think,” Railsback said. “That’s one thing I’ve always really enjoyed. Even if you’re climbing and it’s hard, it’s mentally really relaxing.”

And then there are those downhills, moments when you’re speeding down the mountain at 40 miles per hour, fully aware that you’re alive.

“It’s just fun,” he said.

Lend a hand

WELCOME TO MOUNT MITCHELL

Western Carolina University is still looking for donations to help meet the $3,000 goal for Railsback’s final ride to Mount Mitchell. More dollars equal more scholarships for deserving students.

To donate, contact the Honors College at 828.227.7383 or Railsback at brailsba@wcu.edu.

This year’s ride to Mount Mitchell wasn’t Railsback’s first time scaling the mountain on two wheels. In fact, it’s the ninth time Railsback’s changed his suit and bowtie for

pledges and then took off up N.C. 107, onto U.S. 74 and then to the Parkway, eventually reaching the state road that winds 5 miles between the Parkway and Mount Mitchell.

Conditions that first year weren’t exactly optimal.

“I was alone and it was dark and I had never been to the top of Mount Mitchell before, so I didn’t know where it was going to end,” Railsback recalled.

Then the snow started.

“I just remember pedaling to the sign that said something along the lines of ‘Welcome to Mount Mitchell, home of the worst weather in the United States,’” Railsback said, “which I thought was really perfect.”

It was perfectly quiet, too. The

F

Bryson City. SMN photo base camp for big adventure,” said Will Harlan, BRO editor-in-chief. “The Tuck flows right through town, and the

Mountain photo contest open The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is looking for the best images of the people, places and pursuits that characterize the Southern Appalachians.

Sporting a variety of categories and offering more than $4,000 in cash and prizes, the contest is open through 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

Open to amateur and professional photographers 13 and older. Submit online at www.appmtnphotocomp.org.

% 20

OFF

ALL PRIMO CERAMIC GRILLS From tailgates to 5-course meals, this cooker can do it all.

This is the best time to get this

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Smoky Mountain News

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Bryson City earned the top honor in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ list of top outdoor towns of 2014, which appeared in November’s issue.

More than 85,000 people voted over a four-week period to determine the winner.

“With Great Smoky Mountains National Park and world-class whitewater at its doorstep, Bryson City is the perfect

Appalachian Trail, Nantahala River, Fontana Lake and Tsali singletrack are just a stone’s throw away.”

Bryson City wasn’t the only town in Western North Carolina to get some credit.

Robbinsville took second place.

November 12-18, 2014

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WNC towns earn top outdoors honors

outdoors

never been routine. Some years he makes the trip, some he doesn’t. He’s done it with students, and he’s done it solo. He’s done it in lovely weather and, more often, in the chill and the rain.

This year’s route, he said, set the record as far as weather goes.

“It was maybe only the second time I got to the top of Mount Mitchell and it was clear, you could actually see the view,” Railsback said. “This last time it was just incredible.”

Which The Blue Ridge Parkway winds past was a Looking Glass Rock. Holly Kays photo grand finale, because Railsback said his wife has Mitchell area that night. informed him that this should be his last The experience didn’t deter Railsback fundraising ride to Mount Mitchell. from attempting Mount Mitchell again, but “She really is like, ‘You’re 55. What are it did cement his love of the mountain bike you doing? You have a desk job. This is kind as opposed to the road bike. of crazy,’” Railsback said.

“It’s like driving a tank,” he said of his Railsback says he probably agrees with trusty old Trek mountain bike, but “by the that assessment — it’s not easy to get in end of that ride I ran into a snowstorm, and shape for, and execute, the ride while still I was really grateful that I had a mountain fulfilling all the duties of a college dean — bike, because the conditions on that little but he doesn’t intend to put up his mounstate road, which is about 5 miles from the tain bike anytime soon. There are plenty of Parkway up to the peak itself, were really trails around that he’ll still frequent in his bad.” free time.

“I’ve even bought a few road bikes and And he hasn’t necessarily given up on given them away,” he said. He just likes the long-distance rides. greater versatility of the mountain bike, “What I really want to do some day is I’d even if those wide tires make it harder to really love to take that old mountain bike climb the steep uphills rampant in Western and ride across the country,” he said. “I still North Carolina. Besides his mountain bike, haven’t gotten rid of that notion.” the only other bicycle he owns is a “really He’s pretty sure he could get his wife on old” tandem that’s so heavy it’s hard to board with it, too, provided he took the brake. He uses that to ride with his daughtime to train and found a worthy cause to ter when she comes into town. ride for.

Railsback’s rides gained popularity among the students, who have always been involved with making them happen, and UST PERFECT the second year a bunch of them decided that they wanted to ride with him not just Not that this one isn’t. If it wasn’t, he to Mount Mitchell, but all the way to wouldn’t have done it for so many years.

Raleigh.

“Honestly, it’s a good opportunity to Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the cards that help raise money for the scholarship protime, because the crew started riding just gram that the student board runs,” he said. ahead of what Railsback recalls as an “That’ s a good motivation.” “almost historic heavy rain” with “horrific At first, he took pledges for his miles. wind.”

Now, the donations come in after the ride is “We finally did something we’d never complete, usually reaching somewhere done before and said, ‘We can’t go any furaround $3,000. That’s enough to supply ther. We gotta pull the plug,’” Railsback three honors students with $1,000 scholarsaid. ships.

In a later year, though, they did go furWhich is a great service to give, especialther, successfully navigating both the mounly when its delivery involves spending tains and the potholes and heavy traffic of sunny days pedaling along some of the downtown Raleigh. highest ridgeline on the East Coast.

“When you hit the weather right — the incredible beauty of especially that ride EVER ROUTINE from the Folk Art Center up to the top of Mount Mitchell — what’s not to like about Though Railsback has traversed that that?” he said. “It was just perfect.” route to Mount Mitchell plenty of times, it’s student group that was supposed to meet him up there was MIA, which Railsback would later find out was because the state road that accesses the site had been closed.

Finally, Bill Studenc, then assistant director and now director of communications for WCU, showed up in a four-wheel drive pickup. That was the last car out of the Mount

S. MAIN ST., WAYNESVILLE

828-333-5456 • cleansweepfireplace.com 266-243

Chimney Inspections, Repairs & More

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outdoors November 12-18, 2014

Protecting plants with a forest plan With a new forest management plan now in the works for the Pisgah and Nantahala national forest, Brent Martin, regional director of The Wilderness Society, will speak on the subject 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Macon County Public Library.

The talk, sponsored by the Southern Appalachian Brent Martin.

Plant Society, is titled “How Can We Protect the Future of our Plant Communities?”

The new national forest plan will govern the management of more than 1 million acres of national forest in Western North Carolina for decades to come. The task of balancing preservation of plants, animals and their varying environments with demands of recreation, logging and other uses is not an easy one and has drawn heated opinion. See page 16 for the latest updates on the Forest Management Plan.

Bumper crop feeds animals, insects and future fall color As fall colors fade from the landscape, the bright yellows and oranges become a vivid memory marking the peak of the autumn season. As winter approaches, now is the time for the rich reds, burnt yellows and russet colors donned by the last of the deciduous trees to drop their foliage: the oaks.

Always the last to leave the party in the fall and the most hesitant to sprout their leaves in the spring, the dominance of oaks in our forest cannot be denied.

This year has been significant for oaks for another reason. Anyone with an oak near their home or garden has certainly noticed the abundance of acorns this year. This is known as a mast year.

For scientists, why oaks produce prodigious amounts of acorns in a mast year is not clear. To further confound the phenomenon is the fact that in a mast year the oaks tend to synchronize their behavior over a vast geographical area and across multiple species.

Are the trees simply being generous to the plentitude of hungry, acorn-loving animals of the forest? Not really, but by satiating the hunger of their predators, the trees ensure a greater likelihood that some of their offspring may escape consumption and live to sprout and grow.

Scientists have not yet discovered the trigger for mast years or determined how the synchrony is determined, though weather patterns, pollination success, and temperature fluctuations have all been investigated.

The value of oaks goes beyond their stimulating fall color and their ability to both feed the hungry masses and supply a cozy home for cavity nesters — hordes of hungry insects prefer to dine on the foliage of oaks more than on any other tree species. One count generated by the studies of Dr. Douglas Tallamy put the number of oak-loving insects at more than 534 different species.

Perhaps this does not sound so wonderful to you — who wants a hungry legion of insects to take up residence in their garden? The answer is the lovely troupe of birds and furry friends that require these protein-packed bugs for their dinner and to support their families. The ecological trickle-down effect of oaks, not to mention their fall color and summer shade, make majestic oaks an excellent addition to any yard.

Contributed by Sonya Carpenter, Highlands Biological Foundation director

Oaks along Yellow Mountain Trail near Highlands.

Michelle Ruigrok photo

NOV. 15 • 8 AM CLASSROOM AT THE FUN FACTORY FRANKLIN, NC TO REGISTER CALL: JIM SOTTILE (FORMER DETECTIVE NYPD)

828-349-0322

WWW.PISTOLINSTRUCTORNC.COM

Smoky Mountain News

266-202

your friendly, local blue box — smoky mountain news 40

We’re having fun — Come join us! outdoors

View from Sam Knob Trail. Holly Kays photo

Sam Knob trail offers view-packed miles A 7.5-mile hike will take in Sam Knob, Fork Ridge and Flat Laurel Creek in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area in Haywood County on Saturday, Nov. 15. The hike, organized by Carolina Mountain Club, will start at 10 a.m. with a short walk along N.C. 215 and then take the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to the Little Sam Trail. After a side trip to enjoy the view from Devil’s Courthouse, the group will take the MST back to their cars. RSVP to Marcia Bromber, 828.505.0471 or mwbromberg@yahoo.com.

Winter camping 101 REI winter camping experts will cover the must-knows of cold-weather camping 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20, at REI Asheville. The free event will cover how to plan, stay warm and choose the best gear, as well as what to expect when setting up camp and settling in for the night.

Free with registration required at www.rei.com/event/35868/session/102732. 828.687.0918.

CLASSES DAILY • DAY PASSES AVAILABLE 266-181

WAYNESVILLE

RECREATION CENTER 550 Vance St. • Waynesville • 828.456.2030

www.townofwaynesville.org

A class offered through Haywood County Cooperative Extension will school participants in the one of the oldest methods of food preservation — dehydration. Classes are offered 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, and 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 14, in Waynesville.

The hands-on class will cover making beef jerky and dried apples, cranberries and tomatoes, as well as fruit leather. $15. Register at 828.456.3575 or Julie_sawyer@ncsu.edu.

Panthertown Valley. Micah McClure photo

November 12-18, 2014

Food dehydration class offered

Retiring Soon?

Retirement Retirement Income Income Planning Planning 401K 401K Rollovers Rollovers Annuities Annuities Understanding Understanding Social Security Social Security Understanding Understanding company benefits” company benefits benefits

Smoky Mountain News

Larry East, CFP®

Vice President - Investments

J. Chad Muri, CRPC Financial Advisor

Scale the wall in Panthertown An 8-mile hike to the “great wall” of Panthertown Valley near Cashiers will leave from Franklin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

The route, featuring 800 feet of elevation

change, descends into the valley, passes Granny Burrell Falls and climbs the wall on steps cut into the granite rock. Organized by the Nantahala Hiking Club.

Panthertown, nicknamed the “Yosemite of the East,” is a recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest.

RSVP to Gail Lehman, 828.524.5298.

No dogs.

Jack Webb, Financial Advisor Shannon E. Carlock

Senior Registered Client Associate

828.456.7407 Investment and insurance products: NOT FDIC NO Bank MAY Lose Insured Guarantee Value Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

52 Walnut St., Suite #6 Waynesville, NC 28786 Next to Haywood County Chamber of Commerce

266-257

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New Year’s 5K registration opening outdoors

Registration will open Nov. 15 for the “Run in 2015” 5K Run, Walk and Fun Run, slated for 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day in Jackson County.

The run starts from the Jackson County Rec Center in Cullowhee. The first 100 people to register will get long-sleeved t-shirts with their registration. Register online at www.imathlete.com or at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee. jeniferpressley@jacksonnc.org.

Assault on BlackRock scheduled

Chad Hallyburton, winner of the first Assault on Blackrock, compete in 2014.

The fifth annual Assault on BlackRock trail race will happen Saturday, March 28, 2015, at Pinnacle Park in Sylva, so runners can start penciling in a training schedule for the grueling 7-mile race. The first 100 people to register will get a free t-shirt, and all proceeds will benefit The Community Table. $25 pre-registration on www.active.com; $30 day-of.

Donated photo

Motion Makers bike shop reopens

November 12-18, 2014

Motion Makers Bicycle Shop has reopened in its new location at 36 Allen St. after an August fire in downtown Sylva resulted in extensive water, smoke and soot damage.

The new building is the old Hooper Supply building and across the railroad tracks from the former Main Street location. It is much larger and has its own parking and easy access from all directions. There’s also plenty of room for test rides.

828.586.6925 or info@motionmakers.com.

Return of the meteors

Smoky Mountain News

Astronomers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute are reminding the public of the annual Leonid Meteor Shower in November.

The Leonid Meteors are expected to light up the night sky Nov. 17-18, reaching their peak of about 20 meteors per hours at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17. The pre-dawn hours Nov. 17 and 18 will be the best time to observe them, though.

The Leonids are associated with Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which revolves around the sun every 33 years. The Earth encounters the comet’s trail of dust particles around the same time every year, and the particles flare up as they enter the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

Though the Leonids have been known to

some artists travel the world for inspiration others

don’t need to.

Fixed to this place like strings to a guitar, our music is as loyal as its fans. It stays near the people and the venues that helped bring it to life. Jazz, country, rock, folk, bluegrass, newgrass and more ~ all live here. They were born in artists who call this state home. And the same places that inspired greats like John Coltrane, Nina Simone, James Taylor and The Avett Brothers ~ may also inspire you.

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Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.

flare up into spectacular showers, no such meteor storm is predicted for 2014. The moonlight will interfere somewhat with observation of fainter meteors this year.

But they’ll still be visible. Look to the northeast to see the meteors radiating out of the constellation of Leo the lion. No binoculars or telescopes are necessary.

facebook.com/smnews

New edition of Kephart book released interpretive products and services director.

Also for the first time, the book is electronically typeset, making it much more readable, and Bryson City author George Ellison has written an entirely new introduction. Ellison’s new introduction highlights the fruits of recent research on Kephart and his work.

The new edition also features a comprehensive index, new photos by George Masa and others and a specially-commissioned cover painting by Bryson City artist Elizabeth Ellison, George Ellison’s wife.

The book is $14.95 and available through www.smokiesinformation.org or 888.898.9102, ext. 226.

Ellison book signing planned George Ellison, Bryson City author who wrote the introduction in the new edition of Our Southern Highlanders and a separate one in the previous edition, will be signing copies of the book 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 at the Swain County Visitor Center in Bryson City. He will sign copies of his other books as well.

Coal Ash Stories, a screening of four short films focusing on the dangers of coal ash spills and how communities can respond, will give citizens a chance to learn about the issues and get involved with addressing them, at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Jackson County Library Community Room in Sylva.

The Duke Energy coal ash spill — and questions about the state government’s response to it — have made headlines this year, and The Canary Coalition’s goal is to educate people on the risk to people in those communities as well as in those surrounding other coal-fired power plants. The films will cover public health concerns, related policy and ways that communities are responding.

Free, with snacks and drinks served.

Co-sponsored by the Jackson County Branch of the NAACP and OccupyWNC. 828.631.3447 or info@canarycoalition.org.

outdoors

A new version of Our Southern Highlanders by Horace Kephart is out, and it includes eight Kephart articles not included in any earlier editions.

The classic book is a collection of essays on mountain lore and life by Kephart, a major advocate for creating Great Smoky Mountains National Park who lived in the Hazel Creek and Bryson City areas from 1904 to 1931.

“Newly included are stories featuring rifle making, moonshiners and revenuers, mountain culture, and Kephart’s feelings regarding a proposed new national park in the Smokies,” said Steve Kemp, GSMA’s

Coal Ash Stories screened in Sylva

Lighting efficiency project underway for WNC schools A program to fund lighting efficiency projects in Western North Carolina’s public schools will use $500,000 of TVA settlement funds to accomplish the goal. Haywood, Jackson, Swain and Macon counties are among the 17 eligible for the program.

The funding stems from a federal lawsuit waged and won by the state of North Carolina against TVA in 2012, whereby the utility had to pay out $11.2 million to go toward projects that address air quality in North Carolina.

WNC Communities is heading up the school lighting efficiency program in partnership with an advisory committee of school representatives, energy experts and others.

828.252.4783.

SPACE AVAILABLE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News 828 | 452 | 4251

November 12-18, 2014 Smoky Mountain News 43

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WNC Calendar

Smoky Mountain News

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • “Connecting Leaders: Building Regional Success,” a WNC economic development summit, will meet, 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, WCU Ramsey Regional Activity Center. $99 per person, including lunch.

Leadwnc.wcu.edu or 227.3014.

• Silver Sneakers New Members Orientation will be held from 10 a.m.-noon on Nov. 12 at Waynesville Recreation Center. Refreshments provided. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• The Jackson County Genealogical Society will present “The Founding Significance of the Rutherford Expedition,” 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Historic Jackson County Courthouse, Community Room. Joe Sam Queen will speak. 631.2646.

• Macon County Manager Derek Roland will speak on the state of the county at noon on Nov. 13 at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Public is welcome. Sponsored by The League of Women Voters of Macon County. lwvmacon@wilddog-mountain.info.

• Macon Hoofprints 4-H Club Yard Sale and Horse Tack/Equipment Sale will be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Macon County Cooperative Extension Building. 4-H fundraiser benefits horse club activities.

342.3967.

• World War II B-17 Flying Fortress Pilot Dick Moulton returns to share details of his 45 combat missions at the Aviation Historical Society meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 18 at the Macon County Airport near Franklin. Free.

Public is welcome. aeroscribbler@gmail.com or 506.5869.

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 Pennsylvania Avenue, Canton. Registration is required.

336.543.8640.

• A Small Business Seminar, “Marketing Boot Camp Session 3 - Spread the Word” will be held from 5:308:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at SCC’s Jackson Campus. Course covers branding, advertising and promotion. Register at www.ncsbc.net. Info at 339.4211.

• A talk entitled “What’s New in Social Media and SEO to Grow Your Business” featuring speaker Melanie Williams of Pixels in Your Pocket will be held from 89:30 on Nov. 18. Part of the Haywood Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development Series. Free to Members; $10 for non-members. 456.3021 or media@haywoodchamber.com.

• A Student Success Seminar on Exam Preparation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Nov. 18 in Building 300, Room 335A at Haywood Community College. 627.4646 or drowland@haywood.edu.

• Computer Class, intermediate Excel, is set for 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 19 at Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• Cherokee Traditions Program entitled “From the Hands of our Elders” will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Macon County Public Library. “From the Hands of our Elders” with Anna Fariello, craft project director from WCU’s Hunter Library. 524.3600.

• Young Professionals Networking Luncheon held by Haywood County Chamber of Commerce will be held from noon-1 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Bogarts. 456.3021 or media@haywoodchamber.com.

• Pinterest party will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 20 in Waynesville Library’s auditorium. Food and craft from “virtual corkboard” website. Sign-up required.

356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• A Small Business Seminar, “Marketing Boot Camp Session 4 – Make an Offer They Can’t Refuse” will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 at SCC’s Jackson Campus. Course covers communicating goods and services. Register at www.ncsbc.net. 339.4211.

• Iranian-born journalist Ali Eshraghi will deliver a talk tentatively titled “U.S.-Iran: Reconfiguring the Middle East” at 4 p.m. on Nov. 20 in the theater of A.K. Hinds University Center at Western Carolina University. This is the keynote address for International Education Week Free. IEW info: 227.7494 or international@wcu.edu.

Event info: 227.2636 or jwhitmire@wcu.edu.

• Yoga 101: De-stress for the Holidays will be taught at 2 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Waynesville Library Auditorium.

Taught by certified/registered yoga instructor Rose Johnson. Free, but sign-up required. 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• WCU Open House starts 8 a.m. on Nov. 22 for prospective students and their families and friends.

227.7317 or 877.928.4968.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Social Media for Small Business, 6-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, Frog Level Brewing, 52 Commerce St., Waynesville. www.kellyparsons.com.

• Cashiers Area Chamber holds its annual meeting and celebration starting at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Sawyer Family Farmstead in Glenville. $45/person includes arrival beverage and dinner. Entertainment by Steve Johannessen. 743.5191 or info@cashiersareachamber.com.

• Goodwill will offer a job skills class at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library, 3-5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 13, Haywood County Public Library, 11

• Free GED classes offered by Southwestern Community College, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, SCC Swain Center, Room 101. 366.2000.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The 17th annual Turkey Drive by the Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association. Donations benefit Haywood County’s disadvantaged residents. Every $25 will deliver a full meal to a family. www.visitmaggie.com.

• The Jackson County Family Resource Center is in need of slightly used blankets for their Blanket Drive.

Accepting blankets until Dec. 1. Deliver to the Jackson County Family Resource Center, 1528 Webster Rd., Webster. 354.0109.

• $10 Fall Fix: get unfixed pets for spay/neuter and rabies vaccination for only $10 through Nov. 30, through Haywood Spay/Neuter. Pet owner must live in Haywood County and sign their pets up at the Haywood Spay/Neuter office, noon to 6 p.m. open Tuesday through Friday. 452.1329.

• P.A.W.S. Adoption Days first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn at Charleston Station, Bryson City.

HEALTH MATTERS • Center for Family Medicine – Cullowhee will hold an Open House, 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Western

Carolina University’s Health and Human Sciences Building. 631.8924.

• Advance Directive events, as part of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the main lobby at Harris Regional Hospital. The events, which focus on legal end-of-life care decisions, are presented by LifePath Palliative Care and Hospice. 631.1702.

• Parkinson’s Support in the Mountains will meet at 4 p.m. on Nov. 13 in room 164 of the Jackson County Senior Center. The program, “Exercising to Improve Parkinson Disease Symptoms,” was created by a group of students in Western Carolina University’s doctoral program in physical therapy. 586.0630.

• The Macon County Cancer Support Group will meet, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Angel Medical Center cafeteria, Riverview St., Franklin. Meeting will focus on Lung Cancer Awareness. bswooten@email.dnet.net.

• Breast thermogram screenings are available Nov. 14 at Dogwood Wellness in Dillsboro. Appointments available. $149 for initial thermogram. 586.6262.

• Cindy Sullivan will offer breast thermograms at Dogwood Wellness. Friday, Nov. 14, Dogwood Wellness, 114 W. Hemlock St., Dillsboro. Initial thermogram is $149. 586.6262.

• A program on prescription drug abuse and Project Lazarus will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Part of the monthly Tuesdays to Thrive focusing on different health topics the first Tuesday evening of each month. Sponsored by WestCare Wellness and Jackson County Department. www.westcarehealth.org or 586.7734.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Fifth-grade spelling bee, sponsored by Waynesville Kiwanis Club, will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 13 at First United Methodist Church. Hot dogs, chips, cookies and sodas available from 5-6 p.m. Donations appreciated.

926.3678.

• Teen Writing Workshop with Dawn Cusick, 4-5:30 p.m.

Nov. 12, 19 and Dec. 3, Canton Branch Library.

Registration is required. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• Non-competitive Student Talent Show featuring thirdthrough-12th graders will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Franklin High School Fine Arts Building. Tickets: $5 adult, $2 youth (16 and under). Proceeds support the Art Council’s Artists in the Schools Program. 524.ARTS or arts4all@dnet.net.

• American Girls Club will be held at noon on Nov. 15 at City Lights Bookstore. 586.2016.

• Family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Based on children’s fantasy novel by Mary Norton. Popcorn will be served. Free. 488.3030.

• The “Come Paint with Charles Kidz Program” will be at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 and 20 at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City. $18 per child. Materials and snacks included. 538.2054.

• Seasonal stories, crafts, games and snacks for the family at Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville at 4 p.m. Nov. 19, and Dec. 10. 356.2511.

• Kids Explorer’s Club will discuss the country of Togo at 6 p.m. on Nov. 20 Jackson County Public Library.

Special guest is Benjamin Bogardus, who lived in Toto while in the Peace Corps. Snacks and crafts included.

586.2016.

• Saturday morning cartoons play for free at 11 a.m. at the Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. 283.0079 or www.38main.com.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • A Drum Circle and Raw-Mazing potluck dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Universalist Church in Franklin. Drummers of all levels welcome. Bring a dish. Bring your own drum or borrow one at the event.

Eat at 6 p.m. Drumming at 6:30 p.m.

• Gregg Clark will offer a presentation of Appalachian stories of the “unusual” at 11 a.m. on Nov. 15 at the Rickman Store in Cowee. 369.5595.

• Maggie Valley Pre-Holiday Bazaar featuring local artisans and their crafts will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Maggie Valley Town Center. Coffee, cider, tea and fresh pastries will be available through Better Bean Coffee House. 450.6399 or thejaspercarrot@yahoo.com.

• The annual Countywide Showcase of Student Talent will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Fine Arts Center at Franklin High School. Sponsored by the The Arts Council of Macon County. $5 for adults, $2 for youth. 524.7683 or arts4all@dnet.net.

• Auditions for winter play will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Nov. 16 by the Highlands Cashiers Players at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Play will be a murder mystery dinner theater entitled: “Murder Not Prohibited.” Cast includes three women, four men. Ages vary. 526.4904.

• Voices in the Laurel Madrigal Dinner Show will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 22 at the First Baptist Church in Waynesville. “A Knight to Remember” is a re-enactment of a Renaissance feast, where the audience is actively engaged as part of the show. $30 adults/$15 children.

734.9163 or voiceisnthelaurel.org.

• The Haywood Dancers will hold a monthly dance at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Angie’s Dance Academy in Clyde.

Evening of dancing to recorded ballroom music.

Refreshments. $10. 734.8726.

• The Polar Express-themed train has kicked off for the holiday seasonat the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. Event features hot cocoa, Santa Claus and caroling. www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Juan Hollday of The Secret B-Sides will perform at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. www.38main.com.

• Ladybirds, an Appalachian band specializing in jazz, blues, country and ragtime, will hold a concert from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Waynesville First United Methodist Church. Free. Dinner plates available. Info at www.fumc-waynesville.com. 400.0063.

• ‘42nd Street’ will be performed by the School of Stage and Screen at WCU. Nov. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 3 p.m., John Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, WCU. $7-21 per person. 227.7491.

• The Who’s Got Talent? competition for Western North Carolina will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. $10. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Josh Wager (singer/songwriter) will play at BearWaters Brewing Company in Waynesville at 7 p.m. on Nov. 22. www.bwbrewing.com or 828.246.0602.

• A Brass Ensemble will be will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University www.wcu.edu.

• The Diamond K Ranch in Maggie Valley has live music Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays are ladies nights. 926.7735.

• Jacob Johnson (singer/songwriter) will perform as part of the Friends of the Library concert series at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Waynesville Public Library.

• A game day will occur from 2 to 9 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop & Bar in Sylva. Bring dice, cards or board games. 586.6300.

• Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 in the recital hall of the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University. Free.

227.3274 • A WCU Jazz Band performance will be at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University www.wcu.edu.

• An Early Music concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University www.wcu.edu.

• Country musician Scott McCreery hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center. Tickets start at $37. 800.745.3000 or www.harrahscherokee.com.

NIGHTLIFE • A wine dinner with Mario Moreno and a sparkling wine tasting will be held at The Classic Wine Seller in Waynesville. From the W.H. Smoth Winery, Moreno will feature handcrafted wines at 7 p.m. Nov. 13, cost is $55 per person. 452.6000.

• Craig Summers & Lee Kram will perform at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• The Get Right Band will play at BearWaters Brewing Company in Waynesville at 8 p.m. Nov. 14. www.bwbrewing.com or 246.0602.

• Josh Gilton will perform from 9 p.m.-midnight on Nov. 14 at Tipping Point in Waynesville. 246.9230.

• Jay Brown performs blues, folk and roots music at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

452.6000.

• Karen “Sugar” Barnes & Dave McGill will perform on Nov. 15 at City Lights Café in Sylva. www.citylightscafe.com.

• Brushfire Stankgrass performs at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville.

828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

BOOKS & AUTHORS • Author Linda Phillips presents her debut novel, “Crazy,” at 6:30 p.m., on Nov. 14, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Reserve a copy at 586.9499.

• Author Timm Muth will read from and discuss his first novel Disciple of the Flames, about a young boy who joins an elite martial training academy, at 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. blueridgebooks@ymail.com.

• Author Renea Winchester presents her new book, “Farming Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches”, at 3 p.m., on Nov. 15 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Gift basket of seed, copy of the book and other goodies will be raffled to benefit Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro. Reserve at copy at 586.9499.

• The Coffee with the Poet series continues with Jane Hicks at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 20 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Co-sponsored by NetWest chapter of the North Carolina Writer’s Network. 586.9499.

• Former N.C. Poet Laureate Fred Chappell and poet Dana Wildsmith will offer a joint reading at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• Author Tim Swink, author and former attorney investigator, reads from debut novel “Curing Time”, at 3 p.m. on Nov. 22 at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. blueridgebooks@ymail.com.

• A Haywood county non-fiction book club meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at various locations. 456.8428.

• Write a Novel this November at the Canton Library, 3:30-6 p.m. Every Monday in November, meeting room, Canton Branch Library. 648.2924.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • The Western North Carolina Woodturners will meet, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Blue Ridge School, 95 Bobcat Dr., Cashiers. 526.2616.

• A water-coloring class with artist Susan Lingg will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Classes are $10 per person for senior center participants and $15 for nonparticipants. 586.4944.

• Local artist, Jane McClure and greeting card maker, Paula Carden will be featured artists for the month of November at Tunnel Mountain Crafts in Dillsboro. Jane will demonstrate painting on tiles from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Paula will demonstrate how to make stamped cards on Nov. 22.

• Sparkling Wine Tasting will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. 4526000. FREE.

• Basket-making class will be held from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Make a door-knob basket. $11. Register by Nov. 14. 586.2435 or junettapell@hotmail.com.

• Open Mic Night will be held Nov. 20 at The Strand in Waynesville. 283.0079.

• Dulci Ellenberger will perform American oldies and originals at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. 452-6000.

• Kevin Fuller will perform from 9 p.m.-midnight on Nov. 21 at Tipping Point in Waynesville. 246.9230.

• Bourbon Legend (ukulele rock) will perform at 9 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grille in Waynesville. $5.

• Kent Stewart will offer a workshop on journal making, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000.

• A call for artists is underway for the Small Works show, which will run Nov. 19-Dec.27 at Gallery 86 in the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Works will be received Nov. 3-8. office@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org.

• Oil, Watercolor, Acrylics and Drawing classes by Dominick DePaolo, 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, Frog Level’s Mahogany House Fine Art Gallery and Studios. 246.0818. www.DominickDepaolo.com

Smoky Mountain News

• Ethan Morse, The Harmed Brothers/Charlie & The Foxtrots/Chris Blaylock OMB, Demon Waffle, Grand Ol’ Uproar and Bourbon Legend will perform at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. Morse plays Nov. 13, with The Harmed Brothers/Charlie & The Foxtrots/Chris Blaylock OMB Nov. 14, Demon Waffle Nov. 15, Grand Ol’ Uproar Nov. 20-21 and Bourbon Legend Nov. 22. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m., with Sunday performances from 5 to 8 p.m. Free. 586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

November 12-18, 2014

• Dana & Susan Robinson perform their unique blend of contemporary songwriting and traditional Appalachian music at 7p.m. on Nov. 14 at Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. 452.6000.

wnc calendar

• A Gamelan performance (world music) will be held 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University www.wcu.edu.

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• The Bascom in Highlands is offering classes this month in Fall Photography, The Art of the Teapot, Landscape in Watercolor and a Multi-Media Art Sampler. www.thebascom.org.

• Drawing Lessons for Adults, by Char Avrunin, 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays and painting lessons from 1 to 4 p.m.

Tuesdays. www.iamclasses.webs.com or contact Char at 456.9197, orcharspaintings@msn.com.

• Karaoke is held at 7 p.m. every other Friday at the American Legion Post 47 in Waynesville. Open to all members and their guests. 456.8691.

Art showings and galleries

• Karaoke is held from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. every Friday at the Tap Room at the Waynesville Inn. 800.627.6250.

• The Appalachian Pastel Society Juried National Exhibition will be held through Jan. 4 at The Bascom in Highlands. www.thebascom.org • A water-coloring class with acclaimed artist Susan Lingg will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Classes are $10 per person for senior center participants and $15 for non-participants. 586.4944.

FOOD & DRINK • “Wine 101” will be a course provided by SCC, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 through Dec. 1, Southwestern Community College, Jackson Campus. 339.4426 or www.southwesterncc.edu.

FILM & SCREEN

November 12-18, 2014

• Movie, “Calvary,” (suspense/drama) will be shown at The Strand in Waynesville. Showtimes: Nov. 12 - 7 p.m.; Nov. 14 - 7:45 p.m.; Nov. 15 – 2, 5 & 7:45 p.m.; Nov. 16 – 2 p.m.; Nov. 17-18 – 7 p.m. $6 adults, $4 children (12 and under). 38main.com or 283.0079.

Smoky Mountain News

• Haywood Community Band meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at Grace Episcopal Church.

452.7530.

• Watercolor classes with Dominick DePaolo from 10 a.m. to noon and oil painting classes from 1 to 3 p.m. on Mondays, at Uptown Gallery, Franklin. 349.4607.

• Oaks Gallery will host an exhibition of regional “Pottery Traditions.” The exhibit will run until Nov. 14.

Located in Dillsboro’s Riverwood Shops. The exhibit is free to the public. 586.6542.

• The American Legion will hold a turkey shoot every Saturday, 9 a.m. Every Saturday through April 2015, Post 47, Waynesville. 456.8691.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy 2.5 mile hike on Nov. 23 on the Bartram Trail from Wallace Branch near Franklin. 524.5234.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 2.2-mile hike on Nov. 23 at Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton, Ga. 410.852.7510.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will present “Exercise for the 20th Century,” 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, Macon County Public Library. Richard Hotchkiss will speak.

369.0421.

• Fall Night Sky Presentation in new PARI outdoor planetarium, 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. RSVP by 3 p.m., Nov. 14. $10-20 per person. www.pari.edu or 862.5554.

• Men Macon Music, canella singing, meets at 5:30 p.m. every Monday in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church St., Franklin. Visitors welcome.

524.9692.

• An Outdoor Enrichment program will be offered from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Free for members. Daily admission charge for non-members. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Mountain Dulcimer Players Club meets from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month at the Bryson City United Methodist Church. Knowledge of music not required, tablature method used.

488.6697.

• Hunter Safety Courses will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 & 18 at Haywood Community College, Building 3300, Room 3322. Free. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org. Participants must attend two consecutive evenings to receive their certification.

• Pick and Play Dulcimer Group of Sylva meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Saturday of every month in the fellowship hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church. 293.0074

• “How Can We Protect the Future of our Plant Communities?” Brent Martin, Southern Appalachian Director for the Wilderness Society, will discuss the new forest management plan at 7 p.m. on Nov. 19 at Macon County Public Library. Sponsored by Southern Appalachian Plant Society. jeanronhunnicutt@gmail.com.

• The Franklin Early Music Group meets every Monday at 9 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. 369.5192 • The Nikwasi Dulcimer Players meet every Thursday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Franklin. All are welcome.

524.1040 or 524.2294

ARTS GROUP MEETINGS

• Saturday Morning Cartoons play for free, 11 a.m., at The Strand in Waynesville. 38main.com or 283.0079.

• Blue Ridge Mountain Quilt Guild, 6 to 9 p.m. fourth Thursday, January through October, and third Thursday, November and December in Canton.

316.1517 or on Facebook at Blue Ridge Mtn. Quilt Guild.

• Movie for grown-ups will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Jackson County Public Library. Call for movie title. 586.2016.

• Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild meets every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. Blue Ridge Books, Waynesville. 246.0789.

• Free movie, Nov. 20, 2-4 p.m., in the Meeting Room at Macon County Public Library. New comedy starring Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson and Rose Byrne. PG-13.

524.3600.

• The Tuesday Quilters meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on N.C. 107. Bring your machine and whatever quilt you are working on.

• “Coal Ash Stories” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the Jackson County Library Community Room in Sylva. The event is organized by the Canary Coalition and co-sponsored by the Jackson County Branch of the NAACP and OccupyWNC. 631.3447 or info@canarycoalition.org.

• Smoky Mountain Beekeepers meet at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the SCC Swain Center in Bryson City on Almond School Road. Open to anyone interested in honeybees. 554.6935.

FARM & GARDEN • The Historic Haywood Farmer’s Market will continue through December at a new indoor location at The Folkmoot Center in Hazelwood. Held from 9 a.m. to noon featuring meats, eggs, baked goods, and winter produce.Located at 112 Virginia Ave. 550.4774.

• Free movie, Nov. 21, 2-2:20 p.m., in the Meeting Room at Macon County Public Library. Classic 1933 crime drama starring James Cagney, Ralph Bellamy and Patricia Ellis. 524.3600.

• The WNC Fiber Folk Group meets weekly from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in the Star Atrium of the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu.

• The Mad Batter Food & Film now showing featured films, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, downtown Sylva location. Special kids’ matinee at 2 p.m. Saturdays. Free. Movie listings and information, www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

586.3555.

• Thursday Painters meet at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your project and a bag lunch and join us for a day of creativity and fun. All artists are welcome. 349.4607.

• Dehydrating Class will be held Nov. 12 (5:30-8:30 p.m.) or Nov. 14 (9 a.m.-noon) at Haywood Cooperative Extension. $15. 456.3575.

• Rug Hooking Group, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jackson County Public Library. Beginners welcome.

631.2561.

• Agriculture-centered small business seminars at SCC, 9 a.m. – noon. Thursday, Nov. 13 through Dec. 11, Jackson County Public Library. Must register. www.ncsbc.net or 339.4211.

MUSIC JAMS AND GROUPS • Old-time music jam from 1-3 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on U.S. 441 outside Cherokee. 452.1068.

• Cruso Circle Play & Jam, 7 p.m. every Tuesday, Cruso Community Center and Friendship Club in Cruso. www.facebook.com/crusocircleplayjam.

• Signature Brew Coffee Company holds Sylva Open Jam nights on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Shop provides the instruments, you provide the talent. Chris Coopers’ Fusion band hosts.

• Jackson County Arts Council meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Jackson County Library Complex conference room. 293.3407.

HIKING CLUBS • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate sixmile hike on Nov. 15 with an elevation change of 500 feet in Standing Indian area. 369.7352.

Outdoors OUTINGS & FIELDTRIPS • “Caving at Worley’s Cave” in Bluff City, Tenn. on Nov. 22. Organized by Jackson County Parks and Recreation. Register by Nov. 19 at the Cullowhee Recreation Center or Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center. Cost is $60 per person. 293.3053.

• An 8.5-mile hike with Carolina Mountain Club will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 23 near Hot Springs.

Afterward, group will visit hot tubs in Hot Springs.

251.1909 or pdbenson@charter.net.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate-tostrenuous 9.6-mile hike on Nov. 24 with a 1,300-foot elevation change from Winding Stair to Siler Bald.

Visitors welcome. 765.318.9981.

• Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • High Country Hikers, based out of Hendersonville but hiking throughout Western North Carolina, plans hikes every Monday and Thursday. Schedules, meeting places and more information are available on their website, www.highcountryhikers.org.

• Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays.

Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org • Mountain High Hikers, based in Young Harris, Ga., leads several hikes per week. Guests should contact hike leader. www.mountainhighhikers.org.

• Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, located in East Tennessee, makes weekly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as surrounding areas. www.smhclub.org.

• Benton MacKaye Trail Association incorporates outings for hikes, trail maintenance and other work trips.

No experience is necessary to participate. www.bmta.org.

CIVIC GROUPS & CLUBS

• The Jackson County Farmer’s Market has moved indoors for the winter. It is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays at the Community Table, located in downtown Sylva off Central Street between the playground and pool. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• An open jam session is held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each Thursday at Heinzelmannchen Brewery in Sylva.

All skill levels and instruments welcome. 631.4466 or www.yourgnometownbrewery.com

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• Golden Aires singing group meets at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Golden Age Senior Center in Sylva. Secular and religious music. Performances given at area nursing homes. Singers need not be seniors to join. goldenagecenter1@verizon.net.

• A 7.5 mile hike, organized by Carolina Mountain Club, will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 15. 505.0471 or mwbromberg@yahoo.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 2.5-mile hike with an elevation change of 430 feet on Nov. 16 to Glenn Falls near Highlands. 410.852.7510.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate-tostrenuous 8-mile hike on Nov. 22 with an elevation change of 800 feet to the “great wall” in Panthertown Valley, near Cashiers. 524.529.

Haywood • Cribbage Grass Roots Club, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Maggie Valley Inn. www.cribbage.org, www.accgrassroots.org. Keith Miller, 410.440.7652, Kei3ph@BellSouth.net, or Dale Henry, 926.3978.

• The Maggie Valley Civic Association presents Mountain Bingo Bonanza at 5:45 p.m. every Thursday at the Maggie Valley Community Pavilion. 926.8021.

• Waynesville chapter of the Smoky Mountain Chess Club is looking for seniors who want to play chess.

The club meets from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. chesscat772@yahoo.com.

Waynesville meetings, 648.5739. Sylva meetings, 586.9815.

• American Legion Varner-Rhinehart Post No. 61 meets at 8:30 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at the Legion Building on Short Street in Canton.

• Christian Motorcyclists Association meets the first Thursday of the month at Sagebrush Steakhouse Russ Ave. Waynesville, 6 p.m. for supper and 7 p.m. the meeting begins.

• Lost Writers Support Group, 10 a.m. to noon, first Saturday of the month, Zelda Divine, Inc., 1210 S. Main St., Waynesville. Coffee, refreshments, and good company abide.

• The Crabtree, Iron Duff, Hyder Mountain Community Development Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Community Center on Tommy Boyd Road. All welcome. 627.8008.

• Duplicate Bridge Club meets at 12:30 p.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Old Armory Recreation Center. ACBL sanctioned games. 456.3581.

• Haywood County Amateur Radio Club meets at 8

wnc calendar November 12-18, 2014

Log on. Plan a getaway. Let yourself unplug.

Smoky Mountain News

a website to take you to places where there are no websites.

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wnc calendar

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

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November 12-18, 2014

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Smoky Mountain News

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866.452.2251

• Haywood County Newcomers Club meets at 11 a.m. every third Tuesday. 452.9768.

• The Kiwanis Club of Waynesville meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday at Laurel Ridge Country Club, 49 Cupp Lane in Waynesville. 926.4436.

• Waynesville Rotary Club meets Fridays at 1 p.m. at Laurel Ridge Country Club. 648.7300.

• Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m.

Tuesdays at the Gateway Club, 37 Church St., Waynesville. 452.5520.

• Military Order of the Purple Heart, WNC Chapter #844, meets at noon on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Sagebrush Steakhouse in Waynesville.

452.4075.

• Thursday Night Bingo is held at the Canton VFW. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with games at 6 p.m. and package games at 7 p.m. 648.1133.

Jackson • Sylva chapter of the Smoky Mountain Chess Club meets at 1 p.m. at the Jackson County Senior Center on Tuesdays. Free. chesscat772@yahoo.com • Caney Fork Community Development Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Saturday every month. Potluck dinner followed by a program and/or a business meeting. All meetings are held at the Caney Fork Community building on Caney Fork Road.

• Cashiers Valley Rotary Club meets at 8 a.m. each Wednesday at Cashiers United Methodist Church. The church is located approximately one mile south of the Crossroads on N.C. 107.

• Macon County Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) meets the first Wednesday of each month at Main St Pizza for dinner at 6 p.m. and the meeting after at 7 p.m. All motorcyclists are welcome. Cliff Cyphers at 369.8060.

• P.E.O. Franklin Chapter meets the third Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. Philanthropic Educational Organization is a sisterhood that helps with the education of women. Individuals need to be a member to attend the meetings, call Char LaDue 342.6253 or Andy Lawley 349.4992.

• The Franklin Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. The second and fourth Monday of each month at the Macon County Community Facilities Building. Club president Dave Jones at 349.5357. All proceeds from the club’s work stays in Franklin.

• The Fraternal Order of Police meets in the fellowship hall at Holly Springs Baptist Church (new building) at 7 p.m., on the fourth Tuesday of each month. A light meal will be served. John O’Connor 349.0698.

• The Kiwanis Club of Franklin meets at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Fat Buddies, 311 Westgate Plaza.

• Franklin Rotary Club meets at noon every Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street.

• The Macon County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. the third Friday night of each month at the Macon County Agricultural Extension Office located on Thomas Heights Drive in Franklin.

• Glenville Community Development Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the CDC building.

• Gem City Forum Toastmasters Club # 296 meets at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in The Depot Room at The Factory 349.8888. 421.4744 or www.gemcityforum.org.

• Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meets at 11:45 a.m. the third Tuesday of most months in the Hooper House at 773 W. Main St. 586.2155.

• The Silas McDowell Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution serves Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties meets at the Broiler Room restaurant in Franklin on the third Monday of each month. Anyone with an ancestor tied to the American Revolution is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Kenton W. David at 526.3374 or kentonw@hcgexpress.net.

• WNC Civil War Round Table meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Justice Center in Sylva on the second floor. 452.2298.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7339 meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the post home on West Palmer Street in Franklin.

Macon

• Zonta Club of Franklin meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Party Zone. Zonta is an international nonprofit women’s club working for local charities. 369.5888.

• Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 7339, located on W.

266-238

Smoky Mountain News

• The Caney Fork Community Social Card Club meets at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Community Center.

Play Hand & Foot. If you don’t know the game, they’ll teach you. 293.9826 or 293.0678.

• The Smoky Mountain Flying Club meets at 3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Macon County Airport. Anyone interested in aviation is invited. For more information contact club president Tom Hagan at smokymountainflyingclub@juno.com or visit www.smokymtnflyingclub.com.

• Franklin Duplicate Bridge Club meets at 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the community building.

369.9284.

Wax potpourri bowls...

Home fragrance without the flame

• Franklin Rotary Club Daybreak meets at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Angel Medical Center, 179 Riverview Ave.

• Downtown Sylva Association meetings are held at 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Town Hall. 586.1577.

• The Franklin Lion’s meet twice monthly on the second and fourth Monday in the dining room of Angel Medical Center. 421.0859.

Nature’s Essence Inside

• Smoky Mountain Shriners Club holds its monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at its building at 833 Bethel Church Road, contact Ed Waters at 524.5576.

• The Nantahala Rangers Camp #1839 of Franklin, a camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, meet the second Monday of each month, at 6 p.m., at the Sunset Restaurant in Franklin. David Blaine at 369.7885.

• Jackson County Homebuilders Association holds its monthly membership meeting the first Monday of each month (except in September and December).

743.0278.

Bring

November 12-18, 2014

• Sylva Rotary Club meets at noon Thursdays at the Department on Aging, 10 County Service Park. info@sylvarotaryclub.org, 508.1602.

Palmer St., Franklin, holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month.

wnc calendar

p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Haywood County Emergency Operations Center on Miller Street. All interested parties, licensed hams or not, are invited to attend. 452.9351 or on the radio repeater (147.39 +).

Swain • Cherokee Toastmasters club meets from noon to 1 p.m. every Monday at Prime Sirloin Family Steakhouse across from Harrah’s. 497.5550 or 497.3521.

49

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MarketPlace information:

REACH READERS Across North Carolina for only $375. Run your 25-word classified line ad in 99 newspapers with one call to this newspaper, or call NCPS at 919.516.8009.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

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

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

AUCTION AUCTION Construction Equipment & Trucks, November 13th, 9am. Richmond, VA. Excavators, Dozers, Dumps & More. Accepting Items Daily thru 11/7. Motleys Asset Disposition Group, 804.232 3300x.4, www.motleys.com/industrial, VAAL#16.

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

COLT ANTIQUE-FIREARM Memorabilia Auction, OnLine Auction Ends NOV. 18. Early bayonets, percussion bullet molds, old 2piece shotshell & bullet boxes, early COLT books/documents, badges. www.HouseAuctionCompany.com 252.729.1162.

NCAL#7889.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

R

DI

SC OV E R E

ATR

PE

INC.

Offering:

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

Service truck available for on-site repairs

266-256

LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS

MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

HARPER’S AUCTION COMPANY Friday Nov. 14th @ 6:00 p.m.

Join Us For A Fun Night: Lots of Great Deals; Furniture, Glass, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Gifts, Jewelry, Box Lots and Much More!!!

47 Macon Center Dr. Franklin,NC 828.369.6999. harpersauctioncompany.com Debra Harper, NCAL #9659, NCFL #9671.

ONLINE PREMIER AUCTION! Jewelry, Art, Furniture, Clocks, Tools, Collectibles, MORE! Tues.

Nov.18th, 6pm. Preview Mon. Nov. 17th 3-7pm or by appt. Shelley's Auction Gallery (NCAL6131) 429 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC. J. Humphrey, Auctioneer (NCAL6556) www.shelleysauction.com 828.698.8485

AUCTION RESTAURANT EQPMNT. AUCTION Wednesday, November 12 @ 10am.

2806 Patterson St. Greensboro, NC. Selling New, Scratch-n-Dent & Used Restaurant Equipment. Lots of Refrigeration, Cooking Equipment, Seating, more.

704.791.8825. ncaf5479. www.ClassicAuctions.com

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

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control.

FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217 DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

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 SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $4397.00 Make & Save Money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship.

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

PAINTING WHERE PRIDE & WORKMANSHIP STILL EXIST! Painting By Fred Hoffman Over 40 yrs. Exp. Ineterior & Exterior Painting. Located in Haywood County. For more info & - Free Estimates 561.420.9334

AUTO PARTS BLOWN HEAD GASKET Cracked Heads/Block. State of the art 2-part Carbon Composite Repair! All Vehicles Foreign or Domestic including Northstars!

100% guaranteed. Call Now: 1.866.780.9038 SAPA

BOATS 2003, 31’ x 8’ SELF CONTAINED Lil Hobo Houseboat, 2005 2-Stroke 90HP Motor. Docked at Fontana Marina $27,000 Negotiable. Call 828.293.0762.

CARS *CASH TODAY* We’ll Buy Any Car (Any Condition) + Free Same-Day Removal. Best Cash Offer Guaranteed! Call For FREE Quote: 888.472.2113 SAPA DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HOME BASED BUSINESS Serious impact on retirement for self-motivated people. Create your own safety net. Flex hours. FREE online training! Escalating income potential! project4wellness.com SAPA

R

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

JOBS WANTED CHRISTIAN WOMAN, NON-SMOKER Experienced, Seeks Employment as Sitter to Ill or Elderly Patients.

Call Diane 828.226.3438.

REACH READERS Across North Carolina for only $375. Run your 25-word classified line ad in 99 newspapers with one call to this newspaper, or call NCPS at 919.516.8009.

LADY WITH 35+Yrs. EXPERIENCE In Retail/Customer Service, Would Like a Part-Time Job, With Compensation Commiserate With Experience. References Available Upon Request. Please Call Victoria 863.206.1077.

EMPLOYMENT

AIRLINE MECHANIC Careers Start Here - Get FAA Approved Maintenance Training. Financial Aid For Qualified Students.

Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA ATTN: DRIVERS. $$$ Up to 50 cpm + Bonuses $$$ Be Home for the Holidays! BCBS + 401k + Pet & Rider Free Clinics + Family Friendly Spanish/English Orientation Available CDL-A Req 1.888.592.4752. meltontruck.com/drivers SAPA AVIATION MANUFACTURING Careers - Get started by training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494.

CAN YOU DIG IT? Heavy Equipment Operator Training! 3 Week Program. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance with National Certifications. VA Benefits Eligible! 866.288.6896 DRIVER CDL-A Drivers Needed Southeast & Midwest OTR. GREAT PAY loaded & empty. PAID med. & life ins.

800.524.6306 www.sou-ag.com

MOONIE IS A PRETTY BROWN TABBY WITH SOULFUL GREEN EYES. SHE'S VERY LOVING AND ADORES PEOPLE.

JOIN OUR TEAM! Guaranteed pay for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers! Regional and OTR. Great pay/benefits/401k match.

CALL TODAY 864.299.9645. www.jgr-inc.com NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experienced Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122 OUTPATIENT THERAPISTS Needed to Provide Therapy to Children/ Adolescents and Their Families; in the School, Home and Community. Competitive Salary, Flexible Hours, Excellent Benefit Package. MUST Posses a Current Therapy or Associate License. Submit Resume Via Email: telliot@jcpsmail.org

PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS Take control of your future with Quality Drive Away. CDL and NON CDL Drivers make more and control their home time better with us!

1.866.764.1601 TEMP. CLIENT SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Haywood Spay/Nueter. Nov. 15, 2014 - Mar. 31, 2015. $13/Hr. Lots of Public Contact, In Person and by Phone. Must be able to use MS Office, QuickBooks and be Well Organized. 28hr/week Tue. - Fri. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Send Resume by email only to: Treasurer@haywoodspayneuter. org 2014-2015 VACANCIES: Biology (9-12) - Signing Bonus $2,000. English (9-12), and Special Education General Curriculum (9-12) - Prince Edward County Public Schools, Farmville, VA. 434.315.2100. Or visit us at: www.pecps.k12.va.us Closing Date: Until filled.

EOE. HOME BASED BUSINESS Serious impact on retirement for self-motivated people. Create your own safety net. Flex hours. FREE online training! Escalating income potential! project4wellness.com SAPA

NEW PAY AND WEEKLY Home Time for SE Regional Drivers! Earn up to $0.42/mile PLUS up to $0.03 per mile in bonus pay!

Call 866.291.2631 or go to: SuperServiceLLC.com HEAD START CENTER DIRECTOR Haywood County - Must have an AA Early Childhood Education Degree, Administration Levels I & II, Computer Skills, Basic Word Use/ E-mail Use, Good Judgement/Problem Solving Skills, Experience in Classroom and the Ability to Work With Diverse Families. Prefer Someone With Two Years Supervisory Experience; Will be responsible for Supervision of Daily Operations of Two Head Start Centers/ 12 Staff/ Families. This is a Ten Month Position With Full Time Benefits.

Applications Will be Taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786 or 25 Schulman St., Sylva, NC 28779. Or Your May go to Our Website: www.mountainprojects.org and Fill Out an Application Online. Pre-Employment Drug Testing Required.

EOE/AA

EMPLOYMENT DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for Stevens Transport! No Experience Needed! New drivers earn $800+ per week!

PAID CDL TRAINING Stevens covers all costs! 1.888.748.4137 drive4stevens.com DRIVERS: CDL-A Do you want more than $1,000 per week? Excellent Monthly Bonus Program/Benefits. Weekend Hometime you Deserve! Electronic Logs/ Rider Program. 877.704.3773.

GORDON TRUCKING, INC. Ask about our new pay increase!

CDL-A Truck Drivers. Solo & Team Positions. Excellent Hometime. Call 7 days/wk! EOE. 866.646.1969.

GordonCareers.com MONEY FOR SCHOOL Potentially get full tuition & great career with U.S. Navy. Paid training, medical/dental, vacation. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419 WANT TO DRIVE A TRUCK...

No Experience. Company sponsored CDL training. In 3 Weeks Learn to Drive a Truck & Earn $45,000+.

Full Benefits. 1.888.691.4423

FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

FINANCIAL DELETE BAD CREDIT In just 30-days! Raise your credit score fast! Results Guaranteed!

Free To Start Call 855.831.9712.

Hurry!! Limited Enrollments Available. SAPA INJURED? IN A LAWSUIT? Need Cash Now? We Can Help!

No Monthly Payments to Make. No Credit Check. Fast Service and Low Rates. Call Now 1.866.386.3692. www.lawcapital.com (Not available in NC, CO, MD & TN) SAPA

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

A million miles away is just down the road.

smokymountainnews.com

HUDSON IS UNDER A YEAR OLD AND SO HANDSOME! HE HAS LOTS OF PLAYFUL ENERGY AND IS A BIG LOVE.

HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS HOSPITAL Positions now available: ER and Acute Registered Nurses, MDS Coordinator, Annual Gift Officer, Major Gift Officer, Unit Clerk, Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Tech and Administrative Assistant.

Benefits available the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. PreEmployment screening required.

Call Human Resources.

828.526.1376, or apply online at: www.highlandscashiershospital. org

EMPLOYMENT

November 12-18, 2014

AVERITT EXPRESS New Pay Increase For Regional Drivers! 40 to 46 CPM + Fuel Bonus! Also, Post-Training Pay Increase for Students! (Depending on Domicile) Get Home EVERY Week + Excellent Benefits. CDL-A req. 888.602.7440 Apply @ AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer - Females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

ABUNDANT FREIGHT IN NC To multiple destinations for Steps & RGNs. Come with your own Step/RGN or pull ours AT NO COST! www.dailyrecruiting.com or 1.800.669.6414

EMPLOYMENT

WNC MarketPlace

MAKE 250K AND UP! CDL OTR Drivers needed. Make Great Money- Owner Operators, Reefers, Step Decks, Flats, POWER ONLY ACCEPTED! Call Frank Now! 478.951.9123 & Start Making Money Today! SAPA

EMPLOYMENT

visitnc.com

51

FURNITURE

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

WNC MarketPlace

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

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

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578 AMERICA’S BEST BUY! 20 Acres - Only $99/mo! $0 Down.

No Credit Checks. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE & Owner Financing.

Near El Paso, Texas. Beautiful Mountain Views! Free Color Brochure. 1.877.284.2072 www.TexasLandBuys.com SAPA TIMESHARE BY OWNER Most Convenient and Efficient Timeshare Retail/Sales Agency Around. 1.5 Million in Offers Monthly. Packages Start As Low As $299. Get the Most Out of Your Timeshare. Call Now!!

1.888.360.7755 SAPA

BANNER ELK, NC 10 acre tract adjoining National Forest, huge panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain & access to 2 lakes & 9 parks! Taking a loss, $49,900. 877.717.5263, ext691.

November 12-18, 2014

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962

www.smokymountainnews.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT NC MTNS NEAR ASHEVILLE Owner must sell new log cabin on 1.5ac. Huge porches, vaulted ceiling, 1200sf ready to finish. $74,900, add'l acreage avail.

828.286.2981.

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

HOMES FOR RENT UNFURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT Cozy, Rural 2/BR 1/BA, Older House 934 Macktown Gap Rd., Dillsboro.

Unfurnished. Great for Single Person or Couple. Small Pets OK. Now Washer/Dryer Hookups, No Smokers First, Last and Sec. Dep. Req. Rent $550/mo. Plus Utilities. Available Immediately, 828.226.8572.

VACATION RENTALS CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, North Georgia Mountains. *WINTER SPECIAL: Buy 2 Nights, 3rd FREE* 1,2,& 3 Bedroom Cabins with HOT TUBS! Virtual Tour: www.CavendarCreek.com Call Now Toll Free 1.866.373.6307 FLAGLER BEACH MOTEL & Vacation Rentals **Trip Advisor** Certificate of Excellence Furnished Oceanside Studio 1-2-3 Bedrooms, Full Kitchens. FREE WiFi, Direct TV, Pool. Call 1.386.517.6700 or www.fbvr.net SAPA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS! Fall or winter vacations! Cabins, Condos, Homes. Pets welcome.

Nightly, Weekly & Monthly rentals.

Best rates. Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock. Foscoe Rentals 1.800.723.7341 www.foscoerentals.com.

SAPA

BULLFROG STORAGE Convenient Location 19/23 Between Clyde and Canton

5 x 10 = $25 10 x 10 = $40 10 x 20 = $75 • NO CONTRACTS • Nobody Beats Our Rates

828.342.8700 CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT 1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700 maggievalleyselfstorage.com

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

MEDICAL ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The Affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.800.291.2712 for FREE DVD and brochure.

ATTENTION VIAGRA USERS: Viagra 100MG and Cialis 20 MG! 40 pills + 4 Free, Only $99. No prescription needed! Satisfaction Guaranteed! 1.800.491.8751 SAPA

MEDICAL

ENTERTAINMENT

MEDICAL GUARDIAN Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800.983.4906. SAPA SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.

Installation Included. Call 800.807.7219 for $750 Off.

FOR SALE CHAMPION SUPPLY Janitorial supplies. Professional cleaning products, vacuums, janitorial paper products, swimming pool chemicals, environmentally friendly chemicals, indoor & outdoor light bulbs, odor elimination products, equipment repair including household vacuums. Free delivery across WNC. www.championsupply.com 800.222.0581, 828.225.1075.

ENJOY 100 PERCENT GUARANTEED, Delivered?to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 74 percent PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - The Family Value Combo - ONLY $39.99. ORDER Today 1.800.715.2010 Use code 48829AFK or www.OmahaSteaks.com/mbfvc46 SAPA PET MATE Large Dog Crate 40x27x30, Clean Good Cond. $45. Large Red Radio Flyer Wagon, 0890 Vintage, little rust $35. Call 828.524.8138.

WANTED TO BUY $25,000 REWARD For Older Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Martin, Mosrite, National Guitars.

Paying $500-$25,000+ Please Call Crawford White in Nashville, 1.800.477.1233, or email NashvilleGuitars@aol.com SAPA

GET THE BIG DEAL From DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX. FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sunday Ticket. Included with Select Packages. New Customers Only. IV Support Holdings LLC- An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1.800.849.3514 SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, Open 10am- 5pm, Mon - Sat. Come & let us find your Scottish Connection!

828.584.7472 or visit us at: www.scottishtartans.org.

DISH TV RETAILER. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1.800.405.5081 SAPA

PERSONAL A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, Let Us Help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial Assistance, Housing, Relocation And More. Giving The Gift Of Life? You Deserve The Best. Call Us First!

1.888.637.8200. 24 hour HOTLINE. SAPA ARE YOU PREGNANT? A childless young married couple seeks to adopt. Hands-on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses PAID. Call Maria & John 1.888.988.5028 (FLBar#0150789) SAPA CHILDLESS, MARRIED COUPLE Seeks to adopt. Will be hands™on mom/devoted dad. Preplacement assessment approved by Better Living Agency on 6/26/2014.

Expenses paid. Jeanne and Damian 1.855.563.8901.

MAKE A CONNECTION. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call now 1.888.909.9978 18+. SAPA

266-246

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 52

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

Pet Adoption HANDSOME, CHARLI Is a long-haired, male cat.

He is black and white. Call 1.877.273.5262 VIOLET - A 1-2 year old, purebred Black and tan hound.

She is very affectionate.

1.877.273.5262.

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

ARF’S NEXT LOW-COST Dog and cat spay/neuter trip is Dec. 1st. Register in advance at ARF’s adoption site in Sylva 1-3 on Saturdays. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait until the last minute to register. You should not bring your animal to registration. Do bring income documentation if you wish to apply for free or other lowincome discounts. For more information, call 1.877.273.5262.

Beverly Hanks & Associates beverly-hanks.com • • • •

Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com 266-188

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

foot. I like to watch whatever is going on, but will gladly welcome petting when you’re ready. I take a while to get used to other cats and dogs, but with time and patience I can get used to any housemates. Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, contact adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

KANGA - Miniature Pinscher Mix dog – black w/ white, I am about 4 years old, and I'm shy at first but when I warm up to you I am a very loving companion. I love to play outside and go for walks, and I’m very active, but I also love to cuddle up in your lap and go to sleep. I am crate trained. I do not ride very well in the car, and tend to get sick. I get along fine with other dogs. adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111 www.selecthomeswnc.com

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals

• Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Emerson Group

Your Local Big Green Egg Dealer

• George Escaravage — gke333@gmail.com

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com Realty World Heritage Realty BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769 • Linda Wester realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7771

November 12-18, 2014

– solid gray, I am about 7 years old, and was surrendered to AHS when my previous owner moved and could not take me along. I am one affectionate lady, and LOVE to be petted; I’ll give you plenty of head bumps and rubs in return. I enjoy playing with toys and watching the world out the window. I get along fine with dogs. Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact adoptions@ashevillehumane.org.

HOUDINI - Domestic Shorthair cat – black & white, I am about 2 years old, and I’m a big boy who is full of love. I have a mellow and laidback personality, and although I love attention, I’m not the type to follow you around the house meowing or getting under

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com

ARF (HUMANE SOCIETY OF JACKSON COUNTY) Holds rescued pet adoptions Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 (weather permitting) at 50 Railroad Avenue in Sylva. Animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots.

Most cats $60, most dogs $70.

Preview available pets at www.a-r-f.org, or call foster home.

ZAMIA - Domestic Shorthair cat

WNC MarketPlace

NELL AND IVY - Are beautiful, all-white, Lab mix, female pups.

They are approximately 11 weeks old. Both are fluffy, white snowballs. Call 828.508.1301.

DAISY - A one-year-old, tan Feist. She weighs just 16 pounds. Knows commands, loves cats, very friendly.

828.293.5629.

BANDIT - An adolescent, neutered, black cat. He tries to answer the telephone. He is litter box trained. Call 828.586.5647.

BARNUM - A purebred, 3 year old, male, 28 lb. Beagle. He is sweet, good on a leash, working on house training, and uses a doggie door. Barnum is very laid back, but will definitely let you know if someone is at the door.

Call 828.586.5186.

266-190

265-134

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty

Michelle McElroy RESIDENTIAL BROKER ASSOCIATE E-PRO, CNHS, RCC, SFR

828.400.9463 Cell michelle@beverly-hanks.com

74 North Main St. • Waynesville 828.452.5809

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CROSSWORD

MARCH OF IDES ACROSS 1 Keanu of “The Matrix” 7 “- in Calico” (1946 hit) 11 World Cup lover, say 20 Is covetous of 21 Mature nits 22 Greek love goddess 23 It’s not too light or too heavy 25 Practices to compete in 26 Put on, as clothes 27 Friend 28 With 50-Down, “No need to shout!”

30 A couple of 31 Big, diverse collection 36 Gets laryngitic 40 Quarterback Manning 41 Stars’ cars 43 Parcel (out) 44 Lily-family member with long, narrow leaves 48 Dictatorship 51 Greeting statement in Mac ads 53 Stag’s mate 54 Road surface stuff 56 - -Detoo 57 Indexing aid 58 Scoop 63 Indira Gandhi’s maiden name 64 Low-altitude clouds 66 Roman love god 67 Dog pests 69 PDQ 70 Hit into 74 Verdi heroine 78 West Point freshman 80 Wash up

Baldrige 11 Fill up fully 12 - Book Club 13 One-named flamenco fireball 14 Dernier - (latest thing) 15 Nearly forever 16 Hwys. and blvds.

17 Ides of March date 18 “- Like Alice” (Peter Finch film) 19 Pianist Peter and a Roman emperor 24 Pollution-control org.

29 Sacred song 32 Actor Johnny 33 Draw out 34 YouTube clip, for short 35 Right-angled pipe bend 37 Author Tan 38 Prioritize again 39 Views rudely 42 Film director Preminger 44 Israeli native 45 Mag. staffers 46 Parisian king 47 Go by bicycle 48 “Have a bite” 49 Here-there link 50 See 28-Across DOWN 51 “- living!”

1 Senator Harry 52 Gym pads 2 Provide funds for 55 Intro painting class, 3 “- knew that!” maybe 4 By means of 59 Amiable 5 Shocking fish 6 Detroit-to-Memphis dir. 60 Actor Hirsch 61 Cocktail mixers 7 Make - out of (refute) 62 Roman fountain name 8 Ben Affleck film flop 65 Evaluate 9 Dresden cry 68 Ice cream flavor, 10 Etiquette guru 81 Agrees to participate 83 Hyundai sedan 86 Dwelling 90 Fish-catching tool 91 Giant of myth 92 Theta lead-in 93 African antelope 94 Horn noises 96 “To Kill a Mockingbird” father Finch 98 Requiring no proof 103 Exploitative type 104 Extend apart 105 In advance of 106 Dry red wine 109 1980s David Hasselhoff series 115 Bruins legend Bobby 116 Made angry 118 China’s Chou En- 119 Tote around 121 The Pelican State 125 Tourist office publication 130 They’re very unegotistical 131 Suffix with million 132 Start 133 Most drowsy 134 Marvel superheroes 135 Has the wheel

briefly 71 Playwriting awards 72 Pre-Easter stretch 73 Lemon piece 75 “A House - a Home” 76 With 106-Down, Pepsi One and Coke Zero 77 Hill makers 79 Armed cavalry soldier 82 “Great” czar 83 “One thing - time” 84 Acne bit 85 Ides of March cry 87 Carpentry file 88 Ltr. encloser 89 Rapa - (Easter Island) 95 Like the x- or y-axis, briefly 97 Fancy vase 99 Actress Sommer 100 Levy on real estate 101 Memo-starting abbr.

102 Erfurt article 104 Economizes 106 See 76-Down 107 “I’m on -!” (casino cry) 108 Blot out 110 Harsh light 111 Sanctuary 112 Bolo, e.g.

113 Beethoven’s “Für -” 114 More impolite 117 Hang in there 120 Figures out 122 Deep anger 123 Eat dinner 124 Sundial’s 3 126 Crater edge 127 - Alamos 128 - reaction 129 Sporty truck, for short

answers on page 52

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The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Hello darkness, my old friend he full Hunter’s Moon is waning and the night sky will be revealing more of her secrets till we spin around and catch December’s Long Night Moon.

Around the world it’s getting harder and harder to see those dark sky secrets because of the pernicious and seemingly ever-growing light pollution.

For my take on light pollution – “I have seen the light and I don’t like it. I have seen the light emanating from strip malls; from sports stadiums; from urban skylines; from cul-de-sacs; from factories; from almost any place twilight finds Homo sapiens, and I don’t like it. I don’t like it because I can’t see the stars; I can’t touch the heavens; I can’t revel in the firmament of dying and exploding suns; I can’t see the stuff I’m made of.” – please see www.smokymountainnews.com/component/k2/item/10004-i-have-seen-the-light.

One of the cool things about living in Western North Carolina is that one can still find dark places where they can peek at the sky. The November heavens have lots to look

T

at, and as we turn our backs on the Hunter’s Moon they become more and more obvious.

In the pre-dawn sky by tomorrow — Nov. 13 — Jupiter will be visible along with the disappearing last-quarter moon. And Mars will be visible in the early evening in Sagittarius

by Nov. 15.

The dark skies should provide a great backdrop as Leo begins to hurl firebombs across the heavens. The Leonids — pixie dust from Comet Temple-Tuttle — streak through the night skies, often just before dawn every November and it looks like the peak this year will be between Nov. 16 and Nov. 18.

And if you want to impress someone with your visual acuity, tell him or her you can see for 2 million light years. That’s about how far away our neighboring galaxy (Andromeda “M31”) is. And Andromeda will be visible with the naked eye on these dark November nights, especially between the new moon on Nov. 22 and the first quarter on Nov. 29.

Binoculars should really make Andromeda pop during these dark nights.

If you don’t have a cell phone or iPad, etc., with a “night sky” app, it may take a little celestial knowledge and/or a sky chart to find Andromeda. Find the North Star and

Andromeda. NASA photo look up and a little to the right — you should be able to pick out the “W” or “M” shaped constellation Cassiopeia — a little to the left and up from Cassiopeia you should be able to pick out the “Great Square of Pegasus.” Andromeda will be a fuzzy bright haze (to the naked eye) just a little higher and to the left of the left, top star of the Great Square of Pegasus. With binoculars, you should be able to see some of the individual stars of Andromeda.

Many of these objects in the November sky will be pointed out by staff and volunteers at UNCA’s brand new Lookout Observatory at their inaugural public viewing program Friday, Nov. 14. It looks like this first program may be booked solid, but to learn about the observatory and how to reserve a spot for future programs go to https://lookoutobservatory.unca.edu.

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

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SAVE THE DATE

November 12-18, 2014

Beat the Black Friday Crowds

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COME JOIN US FOR OUR

GRAND OPENING DECEMBER 3 • 4 P.M.

The Haywood Chamber of Commerce will be doing a ribbon cutting

Dr. Coy A. Brown

Dr. Laura McDaniel

From Hwy. 19/23 take Exit 104 towards Lake Junaluska; continue 1/2 mile to Haywood Medical Park on the left.

266-01

Smoky Mountain News

November 12-18, 2014

We are excited to be accepting new patients in our new office!

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