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THE COLONIAL COMEBACK

THE COLONIAL COMEBACK

Canton’s Colonial Theater hasn’t boomed and it hasn’t gone bust, but town leaders are still grappling with how best to make use of one of Papertown’s best-known landmarks. (Page 6)

News

Students help make meals for the hungry....................................................................3

Jackson County re-envisions its Green Energy Park................................................4 Economic incentives OK’d for mystery Waynesville business................................5

Swain chairman candidates promise to be cordial....................................................8

Jackson sheriff candidates stake out positions........................................................10 Green Party makes the ballot........................................................................................12 Cherokee court hears impeachment case................................................................14

What took you so long Joyce?......................................................................................20

A conversation with Art Garfunkel................................................................................24 Books If you’re going through hell ….......................................................................................33

Outdoors A walk through Waynesville’s watershed..................................................................34

Back Then

Birch stills were once plentiful and legal....................................................................47

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Rise Against Hunger

Junaluska Elementary students help feed the hungry

BY J ESSI STONE

N EWS E DITOR

Random Act of Kindness Week at Junaluska Elementary School culminated on Friday when students and community volunteers gathered in the school gymnasium with the goal of packing 30,000 meals for the hungry.

Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit with the mission of ending world hunger, aided the school project by bringing in all the materials needed to meet their goal. While the original goal was to raise $5,825 to be able to pack 20,000 meals, more than $11,000 was raised and 35,000 meals packaged.

Every student had a job to do — pour the rice, measure out the dried vegetable, add the vitamin pack, weigh it out and seal it up tight. As the assembly line got rolling, a gong sounded letting the group know they had packed another 5,000 meals.

School counselor Joy Sollie was thrilled with the results of the event. The goal was for the students to realize that no matter how little they may have, they can always find a way to give back to others and in doing so they felt a sense of accomplish and pride.

“Friday was such a great day to be a Junaluska Eagle. All of our students were doing amazing community service projects on this day,” Sollie said. “It was so amazing to have over 70 community volunteers come help make this event possible. All the stu-

dents and faculty had an amazing day.”

“I was happy because I was helping other kids that needed it. It was fun because every bag that I was filling, I was thinking one more kid will get fed,” said fourth-grader Brayden Boissoneault.

In addition to the fourth- and fifth-grade students packing meals, the younger students also found a way to give back.

“Our kindergarten students were singing and giving out flowers at two nursing homes. First-grade students made place mats for Meals on Wheels, and Steffie Duginski came and talked to the students about Meals on Wheels. Our second-graders held a Cookies for Courage event to share cookies and cards for police, firemen, and EMS workers to thank them for their courage,” Sollie said.

“I think it was a great idea and for all the people that needed all the food, they will enjoy eating the food,” said third-grader Abbey Adams.

“It felt really good to help other people that needed it because we normally have too much food, so it feels good to give people in need help,” said third-grader Brooks Barbee.

“It really felt great because doing a program to help kids around the world that might be homeless and hungry, felt great,” said third-grader Henry Blackburn. “It felt great to help save their lives because they don’t have the things that I have and value and just thinking of that makes me a little bit sad, but helping them makes me feel great.”

The school will hear from Rise Against Hunger in the coming weeks to find out where their packed meals will be sent. For more information, visit www.riseagainsthunger.org.

Green Energy Park plan in development

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Aplan to re-imagine the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro as a campus for creativity, learning and animal adoption met a favorable reception when Western Carolina University pitched it to Jackson County and Dillsboro leaders March 5, and behind the scenes work is ongoing to pave the way for that idea to become reality.

On March 19, the Jackson County Commissioners voted unanimously to have county staff work toward rezoning the property in question so that the planned campus could be built once funding and designs became available. Current zoning would not allow the proposed use to take place on that site.

“It will most likely be a text amendment (to the zoning ordinance), so we would ask the Town of Dillsboro to consider amending the language of their zoning ordinance that would make it allowable to try to accomplish everything that we’re looking at accomplishing on the property,” said County Planner Michael Poston.

Poston said the planning office is still working on its recommendation for what that text amendment should entail. Once developed, the recommendation would go to the Dillsboro Planning Board, and finally before the Dillsboro Board of Aldermen for a public hearing and a vote.

Dillsboro Mayor Mike Fitzgerald says his board is behind the plan.

“The fellas were all in agreement it was a great idea,” he said of his fellow board members. “They thought it would bring more people to Dillsboro.”

The Green Energy Park sits adjacent to Jackson County’s old landfill, using methane gas from the decomposing trash to power blacksmithing forges, a foundry

and a glassblowing workshop, with a pottery kiln powered by waste vegetable oil and trash wood also available onsite.

WCU proposed that Jackson County create a true campus out of the 19-acre property, featuring improved facilities at the Green Energy Park as well as a “maker’s space” offering students — in college and in the K-12 system — and community members alike a spot to create all sorts of art forms and prototypes, combining art with engineering and design. The land could also house the new animal shelter that Jackson County so sorely needs, the pitch said, with university students walking dogs to fulfill service learning requirements and the capped landfill restored to provide green space such as a dog park and walking trails.

The agreement could work similarly to those typically seen between counties and community colleges, County Manager Don Adams told the group March 5, with the county paying for brick-and-mortar infrastructure and the university hiring faculty and staff, and filling the buildings with equipment and supplies.

The discussion is in the early stages, with no solid estimates on cost or firm plans as to how the county might pay for these facilities. However, commissioners are interested enough to explore the idea further, with various members of the board expressing during a March 13 work session that they’ve heard positive feedback from the community.

Poston said it will likely take 45 to 60 days from the time he submits his text amendment recommendation for the zoning change to make its way through to approval from the Dillsboro town board. On the county’s end, the next step would be to hire an engineer to develop concrete cost estimates for the project.

WCU proposed that Jackson County create a true campus out of the 19-acre property, featuring improved facilities at the Green Energy Park as well as a “maker’s space” offering students and community members alike a spot to create all sorts of art forms and prototypes, combining art with engineering and design.

Integrated Primary Care

Waynesville approves incentive package for unnamed business

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Haywood County is suddenly a hot commodity for property developers; recent news of a proposed hotel in Maggie Valley was met last week with more news of a potentially substantial “hospitality industry” development in Waynesville that is also likely a hotel.

“This is the first request I’ve gotten since I’ve been here,” Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites, who’s been on the job since August 2016, told the Board of Aldermen March 27. “I think you’re going to be getting more and more of these.”

He was referring to a request by a developer for an incentive package related to new investment in the town, a request that was approved unanimously by the board that same night and will grant the developer an 80 percent property tax rebate over six years, an estimated lifetime value of $212,000 or about $35,000 a year.

Those numbers are based on the developer’s assertions that the project will come in at about $9 million and create 15 jobs with an average wage of $21 an hour.

Property taxes can’t be forgiven in North Carolina, so incentive packages like this one, offered by towns or counties to businesses, can only rebate a percentage of those taxes after they’ve been paid, and after certain conditions — like total investment or jobs created — have been met.

Local governments maintain the right to audit those performance goals, and withhold rebates if necessary, but still end up generating a small net increase in property taxes, in this case 20 percent of the tax value of the parcel. When rebates expire, in this case six years from completion, full payment is required going forward.

Such requests are shielded from the public eye by law so as to maintain the developer’s competitive advantage and prevent other speculators from claim-jumping or driving up relat-

New principal at Smoky Mountain

The Jackson County Public Schools Board of Education and Superintendent

Dr. Kimberly Elliott, Superintendent announced Evelyn Graning as the new principal at Smoky Mountain High School.

Graning earned her bachelor’s degree in English at North Carolina State University and her master of arts in teaching at Johns Hopkins University. She received a post masters in leadership from Western Carolina University. She began her career in

ed prices in anticipation of development. There are, however, certain transparency requirements — like the March 27 public hearing — that sometimes offer tantalizing clues as to who might do what, where and when.

The agenda for that meeting says it’s a “hospitality industry” development on a vacant parcel that wouldn’t need rezoning; setback and density constraints aside, few parcels within the town meet those requirements, but even fewer meet another trivial and lesser-known stipulation.

Property taxes can’t be forgiven in North Carolina, so incentive packages can only rebate a percentage of those taxes after they’ve been paid, and after certain conditions have been met.

In order for the Town of Waynesville to assume responsibility for a private street — as the developer requested — it must serve at least three businesses.

One of the very few places all of these conditions come together, according to a quick search of the Haywood County GIS website and the town’s comprehensive planning document, is just west of the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway off Hyatt Creek Road.

That being said, there’s nothing remotely certain about the development, including its location; now that the developer’s incentive request has been approved by the town, the developer will bring the whole package back to the hospitality company, which will weigh it against what Hites said was “a pool of interstate candidates” all likely packaging incentives of their own.

education as a Teach for America member and has served as assistant principal at Tuscola High School, Scotts Creek Elementary School and Smoky Mountain High School. She and her husband are both residents of Jackson County and have two children who attend Fairview Elementary.

“I am pleased to welcome Evelyn Graning to the principalship at Smoky Mountain High School. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, and has done an excellent job as the assistant principal of Smoky Mountain High,” Elliott said. Graning will transition to her new role June 15, 2018.

Question: Do organic farmers use pesticides?

Answer: Though some organic marketers would like you to believe that organic means “pesticide-free”; organic farmers can use pesticides as long as they meet the specifications for the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP primarily allows natural pesticides but some synthetic pesticides are permitted.

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/01/25/organic-101allowed-and-prohibited-substances

Farmers who are part of the National Organic Program and wish to use the USDA organic label to market their product are also supposed to use other methods first like Integrative Pest Management (IPM) which involves proactive methods of handling insects that might be harmful to crops/orchards.

https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/integrated-pest-management-ipm-principles .

Use of IPM is not exclusive to organic farmers. Farmers and growers of all types and sizes typically use pest management techniques first and pesticides as a last resort due to the expense and time involved with spraying.

Can Canton’s Colonial come back?

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Many Fridays a small group of longtime Canton residents meet up informally at the town’s historical museum on Park Street as soon as it opens in the morning to peruse the artifacts and talk about the town’s tomorrow, the town’s today and the town’s yesterday.

As they do, they sometimes come to the topic of the historic Colonial Revival-style building located just across the street since 1932 — the aptly named Colonial Theater.

“It was kind of the highfalutin’ movie house in town,” said Bill Rolland, a year older than the theater. “We used to see all the Westerns up there, and all the serials.”

The thick brick walls and slick slate roof conceal a rich, detailed interior of swirled stucco and intricate architectural design little changed from the days when a young Roland Osborne would catch the latest films from one of the theater’s 300 seats.

“You could spend all day in there for nine cents, as long as they didn’t run you out,” he laughed.

Week after week, generations of Cantonians like Phil Paxton kept up with the exploits of silver screen celebrities like Hopalong Cassidy and Commando Cody, Sky Marshall of the Universe.

“He wore a leather jacket that had little buttons on it, and when he flew he adjusted his speed on his jacket. He had a helmet that looked like it was made out of cardboard,” Paxton said.

“And when it was almost over,” Osborne continued, “there was no way that hero could get out of that mess, whether he was Superman or whoever. Then you’d go back the next week, and in 30 seconds he’d’ve taken care of that mess and started moving himself into another.”

In their day, small-town theaters like the Colonial were important community gathering places — cultural centers that by necessity would both entertain and educate beneath the futuristic glow of a streetside marquee.

“When I was growing up we were in the middle of the second World War,” Rolland said. “Newsreels were important to us.”

Developments both at home and abroad were covered in short films, which offered small but precious slivers of information on the fate of loved ones in arms overseas or the effort as a whole.

“That was the only information you could get, other than listening to Edward R. Murrow on the radio,” said Osborne. “When you’d go, you’d hope that there would be a newsreel.”

Sometimes there wasn’t.

Such were the glory days of small-town American cinema until, like its spaceman cowboy heroes, it rode off into the sunset as more and more people purchased televisions. The need for theater newsreels — and Murrow — waned, while increasing numbers of Americans began eating dinner at home with Walter Cronkite and the CBS Evening News each night.

Since that time, many small theaters have faltered or outright failed with the onset of cable television and multiplex movie theaters, not to mention Netflix, but many like the Colonial have fallen under municipal ownership because of important aesthetic, historic and sentimental value.

Regardless, those glory days aren’t coming back, meaning municipalities like Canton have to figure out how to make theaters like the Colonial, known informally as the “Jewel of Canton,” something other than a gaudy, underutilized expenditure.

BETTERTHANMOST

The two-and-a-half story, five-bay Colonial looks a bit like a residence from the outside, with its gabled dormers perched atop nine-paned windows.

Strand, had been showing silent movies since the 1920s.

Between 1920 and 1930 Canton doubled in population, almost solely due to the Champion Paper mill, which actually expanded during the Great Depression and supported a mushrooming downtown core utilized by an expansive middle class.

Cantonian Carol Smathers between 1937 and 1942 that are cited in the NHRP application, movies like “Boys Town,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Dumbo” and “The Wizard of Oz” were screened there. Concessions were available in the Colonial Soda Shop, now known as the annex. Like many theaters in the segregated South — including Waynesville’s Strand — African American patrons weren’t allowed in the lobby area and instead had to climb an exterior fire escape directly to the third floor for balcony seating.

“It was kind of the highfalutin’ movie house in town. We used to see all the Westerns up there, and all the serials.”

Brothers Charles and Frank Benton designed the building, one of dozens around the state bearing the stamp of Benton & Benton, an influential architectural firm based in the eastern part of the state.

Many Benton & Benton designs in North Carolina are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including in Washington, Wilson, Nags Head and Fayetteville.

The Colonial is as well, despite a widelyrepeated error in the town’s 1999 NRHP application that lists its capacity as 650 seats.

Not that the town couldn’t have supported that many; another Canton theater, The

— Bill Rolland

As such, Canton’s 5,200 residents fared far better than those of most other milltowns, to the great interest of Marion C. Sprinkle, owner of the Canton Laundry, Ice and Coal Company.

Sprinkle took notice in the summer of 1931 and soon began work on the downtown parcel he’d purchased from Ms. Nova Sharp, utilizing local contractors on the $50,000 project — $915,000 in 2018 dollars — that would open on June 6, 1932, as the Colonial Theater.

According to personal journals kept by

After World War II, Sprinkle leased out the theater to a national chain and then a regional chain, but the property itself remained in the Sprinkle family until the Sprinkle Real Estate Company deeded it to Canton’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board in 1981. The ABC board deeded it to the town in 1986.

Around that time, as Canton’s downtown became a ghost town and the small screen had long since supplanted the big, the Colonial finally succumbed to decades of disuse.

‘USEIT’

Today, more than 30 years later, Canton’s leadership looks a lot more like Canton’s tomorrow than Canton’s yesterday — three of the five town board members are under the age of 40, including the mayor. Two of them weren’t even born in the state.

Two are women, and Town Manager Jason Burrell isn’t yet 40, either, despite serving the town in various management roles for almost a decade.

“The idea is, we’re not going to solve the question of what the highest and best use of the building is today, but what I’d like to be doing annually is looking at the expectations the board has for these facilities and brainstorm ideas for improvement,” Burrell told the board during a March 13 retreat intended to spark that brainstorm.

The numbers, though, aren’t pretty and the conversation quickly evolved into finding a balance between community accessibility and fiscal responsibility.

“So if you booked this place 350 times a year, we would just about break even, is that what I’m seeing?” asked James Markey, a newly elected Canton alderman, during the retreat.

It was indeed; yearly rental income from both the theater and the 80-seat annex from 2015 through the present has remained about $18,000 a year, meaning it’s operating at a loss.

Luckily, Burrell said, the facility is in great shape — it’s ADA compliant, has no structural issues, a good roof, top-of-the-line A/V equipment and a digital projector that serves in the stead of two antique ones still sitting in the fireproof projection room above the balcony.

Spacious dressing rooms and the availability of alcohol anywhere in the building except the balcony and auditorium — including the entrance, the annex and a posh upstairs lobby suitable for small events — make the venue especially appealing for weddings, according to Burrell.

During 2016, 23 events were held in the theater, and 63 in the annex. In 2017, those numbers grew to 36 in the theater, and 74 in the annex. Through early 2018, there had already been 10 events in the theater, and 22 in the annex.

“Clearly, looking at these numbers it’s accessible to the community, but we’re here to make that choice,” said Alderwoman Kristina Smith of the operating loss and the possibility of raising rates. “Can we do that without jeopardizing access to the community? I don’t know if we can.”

Maintaining that sense of community — the one that still brings Bill Rolland, Phil Paxton and Roland Osborne together after all these years — is just as important as establishing viability and both, according to Alderman Ralph Hamlett, can be achieved simultaneously.

“We’re faced with a constraint,” said Hamlett, also an associate professor of political communications at nearby Brevard College. “What we’re seeing is the opening up of event centers in Canton. Are we going to be another events center competing with these folks? I think we can do more. If this is the ‘Jewel of Canton,’ yeah, have concerts, have open mics, but make an investment, make a celebration of this place. No one else can do that. Then we compete with Asheville, then we compete with The [Waynesville] Strand.”

Burrell, Smith and Mayor Zeb Smathers also discussed enhanced marketing of the space, including the possibility of a standalone website that could incorporate booking and payment options as well as display equip-

Two

ment specs and capacity information that would help not only fiancées but also promoters find what they need, and fast.

“We’re looking for partners to help us take the next step,” Smathers said.

One of the people Smathers might want to talk to is Jeff Whitworth of Worthwhile Sounds, a booking and promo company that also dabbles in band management.

Whitworth is the former owner of Asheville’s well-known music venue The Grey Eagle and is currently a talent buyer for The Grey Eagle, the Asheville Downtown Association’s Downtown After Five and the Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan, among others.

“I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never been there,” he said of the Colonial, probably like many in his industry. “The tricky thing for them is they’re right next door to the hotbed of Asheville. Even though they’re only 8 miles apart, Canton doesn’t look the same as Asheville on a tour schedule — but if the room speaks for itself, it’s just a matter of getting it up and known.”

Doing that, Whitworth said, is a pretty standard business model.

“You have to pump money into it,” he said. “In an area steeped in as much musical tradition as we have, it shouldn’t be hard to

“The musical footprint of Asheville is expanding,” said Whitworth. “Now there’s more moves being made in Western North Carolina outside of Asheville than in Asheville. The Colonial has a great opportunity to make a similar move. I think a really good model for that is the Newberry Opera House [40 miles northwest of Columbia, South Carolina].”

The Newberry Opera House’s yesterday mirrors the Colonial’s — it screened its last movie in the early 1950s and was restored right about the time the Colonial was applying for NHRP inclusion, albeit by a charitable foundation and not by the City of Newberry. Since then, it’s hosted everyone from Art Garfunkel to Willie Nelson and has a capacity of about 420.

Alcohol sales are important as well, according to Whitworth, but the Colonial’s current practices don’t seem out of line with similar venues, although some venues ironically allow alcohol consumption in the same balcony “VIP” seating once reserved for America’s segregated second-class citizens.

“You’re not going to become rich off ticket sales, simply because of the profit margin,” Whitworth said. “That’s where they’re going to make their money is alcohol.”

Alcohol isn’t the only key to responsible fiscal management of the Colonial, per Whitworth; making that space as creative and adaptable as possible is critical.

“Talk to local theater companies, have events of any nature whether it be a craft fair, book signing, whatever,” he said. “If you’ve got a beautiful space there, use it.”

REJUVENATEDJEWEL

“If this is the ‘Jewel of Canton,’ yeah, have concerts, have open mics, but make an investment, make a celebration of this place. No one else can do that.”

— Ralph Hamlett, Canton alderman

fill those seats as long as they book things appropriate to the region, establish their name on bluegrass, appealing first and foremost to the people of Canton.”

As an upscale theater, the Colonial compares favorably with other area venues and is about the same size as Asheville’s Masonic Temple and slightly smaller than the Diana Wortham Theatre.

A prime example is when hometown bluegrass act Balsam Range packs ‘em in for their semi-regular shows at the Colonial; many of those concertgoers also end up spending money in Canton’s rejuvenated downtown before, during and after the performance.

Back in Canton’s historical museum, Roland Osborne recalls the time he saw silver screen cowboy “Lash” LaRue in person at the theater, probably during LaRue’s late 40searly 50s heyday. LaRue was a renowned wielder of an 18-foot bullwhip — hence the name “Lash” — and instructed Harrison Ford in its usage for his popular Indiana Jones movies.

“I would say we had plenty of good years on through the 1950s,” Osborne said.

Phil Paxton recalls Clark Gable not giving a damn and Humphrey Bogart looking at you, kid, and said that whenever he now sees “Gone with the Wind” or “Casablanca” on television, he’s transported right back inside that 86-year-old Colonial Revival-style building on Canton’s Park Street.

“I remember a lot of the movies I saw there,” Paxton said. “Some of them are classics.”

Like town leaders and other residents of Canton, Osborne, Paxton and Rolland hope for a rejuvenated jewel in the Colonial Theater — a Colonial comeback.

“My opinion is that they’re public buildings and they should be used,” Osborne said. “I’d rather see them complain about having to fix something that had been worn out than for it to set there and never be used.”

But also like town leaders and other residents of Canton, Osborne’s still not sure what, exactly, that entails.

“Now, what direction that should take,” he said, “I’ve got no idea about that.”

Bushyhead challenges Carson for chairman seat

BY J ESSI STONE

N EWS E DITOR

After serving as chairman of the Swain County Board of Commissioners for two terms, incumbent Phillip Carson will be challenged by fellow Democratic commissioner Ben Bushyhead.

Since both of the candidates are Democrats, they will face off during the May 8 primary election and the victor will claim the seat without a Republican challenger to face this fall.

No matter the outcome, Bushyhead and Carson will have to work together for another six months. It could make for some awkward board meetings, but the candidates said they’ve agreed to be civil.

“It might be a little awkward, but Ben and I have a good relationship. We both agreed to be good to one another and run a decent campaign and just let the people decide,” Carson said. “If I’m not re-elected the right thing for me to do will be to just shake a hand and say good luck. At the end of the day I really just want what’s best for our county.”

Bushyhead said he planned to run an honest campaign and hopes to build on the support he had during his last campaign in 2014 in which he was the top vote-getter out of six candidates.

“I will run my campaign open and honestly and people will vote for me or not,” he said. “I hope I carry forward the same support —  I think leadership they have seen from me is easily transferred to the position of chair.”

LEADINGTHECOUNTY

Carson said he first decided to run for chairman after his first term as commissioner because the then-chairman was retiring and he felt the job should go to someone with experience.

As chairman, he said he takes on more

— he needs to bring issues to the board that he foresees as maybe becoming a problem for the county in the future.”

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Carson said his current term has been a productive one with many accomplishments for Swain County. First and foremost, the county finally received a $4 million payment from the federal government from the North Shore Road settlement agreement. It’s the first payment the county has received since the $52 million settlement was reached in 2010.

Carson said it was the board’s decision to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Interior that eventually led to the government coughing up the money it owes Swain for not rebuilding the road that was destroyed when Fontana Dam was created. Even though the breach of contract lawsuit was dismissed because the federal government has until 2020 to pay the total settlement, Carson said it showed those in Washington, D.C., that the county was serious about getting what is owed.

Swain County Commissioner race

BEN BUSHYHEAD

• Hometown: Swain County

• Age: 70

• Professional background: Retired Methodist minister

• Political experience: One term as Swain County Commissioner

PHIL CARSON

• Hometown: Swain County

• Age: 55

• Professional background: Licensed plumber, 34 years as a rescue squad member, paramedic.

• Political experience: One term as a Swain County commissioners, two terms as chairman

responsibility than other commissioners — overseeing county expenses and revenues.

“I oversee the check writing and the numbers coming in and coming out. I make sure we’re paying our debts as well as making sure enough money is coming in and that we’re meeting budget deadlines,” he said.

Carson said it’s the chairman and the county manager’s job to make sure the board is informed on issues and has accurate and complete information before making decisions.

As Bushyhead finishes out his first term as commissioner, he said he’s learned how important it is for the board to have a good leader to be proactive about issues facing the county and do research before the board meetings.

“I’ve served as a commissioner for three years and one of things I’ve personally noticed is we have no assertive leadership and I just feel it’s so necessary,” Bushyhead said. “We have a short period of time to get Swain’s agenda moving and we need that kind of leadership to make it happen.”

For Bushyhead, the chairman should be responsible for educating the commissioners on important background and context surrounding issues coming before the board instead of relying on the county manager to present the agenda items during the meetings.

“Sometimes we need more aggressive leadership and we’re not getting it,” he said. “I do my own research and get various input. I think that’s the chairman’s responsibility

If elected, Bushyhead said his priority would be to get the rest of the settlement money before the agreement expires in 2020. He agreed with Carson that the lawsuit is what got the attention of the Department of Interior and lawmakers.

“It was instrumental in shaking up the department and the senators that oversee the budget — I think that’s why we got it,” Bushyhead said. “It cost us $100,000 to get it but I think it was well worth it. It’s on the books now, so if in 2020 we don’t see the complete funding, it’s already on the record.”

Carson said he’s also proud that the county was able to purchase nine acres of Inspiration Park to turn into an outdoor event center for residents and visitors to use. The loan to purchase the property is being paid back with occupancy tax revenue, which is collected on overnight stays at hotels and inns in Swain County. The revenue has to be used to reinvest in tourism-related projects and marketing.

“We’ve never had a place for a county fair, circus, rodeo or any big outdoor event, and now we do,” he said.

The county was also able to acquire the mostly-vacant federal building on Main Street in Bryson City thanks to a historic monument designation through the National Park Service. The plan is to move the county administrative offices into the federal building to make more room for the court system in the existing administrative building on Mitchell Street. The Bryson City Police Department and the school central offices also plan to move into the federal building and share the cost of renovations and utilities.

Aside from those tangible accomplishments, Bushyhead said his goals for his first term included improving communications between the county and residents, the town of Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — of which he is an enrolled member.

“One thing I told people while campaigning is if I’m going to ask them to elect me to represent them, then I need to know their

concerns and I have to be available to them to address those issues,” he said. “That’s the thing I think I’ve done — made myself available via phone and by being at their community events.”

Bushyhead said building better relationships with the community members makes them more comfortable approaching the commissioners with their opinions and concerns — something he says has been lacking in the past. Keeping open lines of communications with the town and other stakeholders like EBCI and the GSMNP creates more opportunity for partnerships that can benefit everyone.

“My goal it to return the government to the people. We have several of the commissioners who have invited people to approach us at a meeting without a confrontational relationship,” he said. “In the future I’d like to get commissioners out to speak to various civic group and at events where they ask our attendance.”

LOCALECONOMY

Progress is being made in Swain County, but there are still several important issues that need to be tackled.

While the county’s tourism industry is thriving, there’s still a shortage of living-wage jobs, and the recent closure of ConMet resulted in the loss of about 400 manufacturing jobs. With a tight budget and little developable land for industry, Swain is hard pressed to attract large businesses to the area. Limited broadband access presents another challenge to growing the economy.

Commissioners did approve a transit program that would shuttle ConMet employees to the plant in Canton, which enabled many to keep their jobs.

“ConMet is trying to sell the property — hopefully it’s purchased by someone who will create jobs,” Carson said. “We’ve talked with folks who make plastic shutters who could use the facility, but right now it’s only speculation.”

Bushyhead said the commissioners have to rely on county staff, including its economic development director Ken Mills, to advise them on ways to create

jobs and improve the economy.

“If they don’t do their job then we run into problems, but also the amount of land available for jobs is very limited, he said. “I think all the commissioners definitely would support growth of any kind.”

The commissioners did form a broadband committee to explore ways to improve service by working hand-in-hand with providers. Increasing high-speed internet will make it easier for small business owners and telecommuting professionals to work from home.

“Tourism is still our go-to and individual entrepreneurship, which is why we’re working extremely hard to get the broadband accessibility,” Bushyhead said.

Carson agreed that tourism is extremely important to Swain County’s economic future. Even though many of the jobs associated with tourism may not be the best paying, the industry has a ripple effect.

percent to 7 percent sales tax would have created about $300,000 of additional revenue annually, but the referendum didn’t pass.

So how can the county address the needs of the school facilities with Swain’s low property tax base?

“A little bit at a time,” Carson said. He would like to see the sales tax referendum placed back on the ballot this fall and work hard to get it passed. He understands residents’ resistance against any tax increase, but tourists also help pick up the costs when they shop in the county and gas and food is exempt from the tax.

“It should have passed,” Bushyhead said of the referendum. “But we have to sell it to the public. The idea is to educate the community as to why we need the increase and how it will be used — and you have to set a time on it. It can’t be forever.”

In the meantime, Carson said the county is taking steps to better secure its schools.

“I think tourism is our biggest industry in Swain since we’re limited in the amount of floor space for manufacturing jobs,” he said. “But it’s amazing how many visitors we have come in and then they want to come back and make this their final destination when they retire. Those people invest in a home or they want to be able to rent it out before they move here full time and rentals help generate dollars being reinvested in tourism.”

SCHOOLSAFETY

School safety is on everyone’s mind since the last mass shooting and the school threats that have followed. Swain is no exception — just a week after the Parkland, Florida, shooting, Swain County Schools were placed on lockdown because of a threat made on social media.

The county has completed renovations and expansions at East and West Swain elementary schools in the last several years, but the Swain middle and high schools are still in need of millions of dollars of upgrades — many of which would improve safety protocols.

Swain County Schools proposed a quarter-cent sales tax increase on the last election ballot to help increase revenues to go toward school infrastructure. The increase from 6.75

pressure on the commissioners to make a financial commitment soon because there is a time limit on the land donation. When Don and Toni Davidson donated the 9 acres in 2014, they stipulated the land would revert back to them in seven years if the library project hasn’t gotten underway.

After talking to the donors and library committee, Bushyhead said that 2021 deadline is not as concrete as previously thought.

“We don’t have the money to build a library or help them — it’s not in the budget,” he said. “The idea of a new library took hold very quickly, but there was no research into what happens if we don’t get it.”

Bushyhead said even though the current library has some limitations — it needs roof repairs and more parking — it can be utilized for another five years with some small investments.

Carson and Bushyhead both said they are open to the idea of using some of the interest off the North Shore Road settlement account to put toward the project, but that they can’t commit to funding the majority of the project. They would like to see the committee seek out grant funding to make it happen.

“We just can’t do a five-year funding guarantee. The library just thinks we just need to write them a check for $7 million and we’ll have a new library,” Bushyhead said.

ANIMALCONTROL

Swain County’s lack of animal control was an issue Bushyhead wanted to tackle when first elected.

The county doesn’t have any local regulations, animal control officers or a county shelter. PAWS — a nonprofit animal rescue — is the only shelter in the county and the aging facility struggles to keep up with the demand.

Though it’s always a controversial subject with strong opinions on both sides, Bushyhead formed an animal control committee that held community meetings all over the county to gather information and draft an animal control ordinance. A draft ordinance was completed in 2016, but the board of commissioners has yet to bring it up for discussion or hold a public hearing on the issue.

“I spent a year on that. It should have come to the commissioners,” Bushyhead said. “We have a lot of people for it and against it — that’s why it needs to come to a vote and commissioners need to make themselves aware of the concerns to address them or if they oppose it they need to let the people know they’re in opposition to it.”

Carson said the animal control issue hasn’t come before the board because of the negative reaction from the public. He said most people don’t want Swain to adopt any more regulations for animal control other than what the state has on the books.

“From talking to lot of folks that’s all they want — there’s not a big push for animal control,” Carson said. “If the county ever built a shelter, I’m afraid it couldn’t be a nokill shelter — euthanasia would have to be part of it but folks don’t want to see that either.”

Sheriff Curtis Cochran already requested funding for two more school resource officers — one more for the middle school and one for the high school. The county will apply for the COPS grant again to fund the positions.

“Safety is of the utmost importance,” Carson said, adding that he would also like to see SROs at the elementary schools as well.

NEWLIBRARY

A new library project has been in the works for several years. A couple donated land on Fontana Road and the Marianna Black Library Campaign Planning Committee has been working toward its goal of raising $1 million toward the project. The problem is the committee is looking for a major financial commitment from the county before construction begins. It’s a commitment commissioners haven’t been able to make.

“I understand it’s an important thing in our community, but we’re trying to find funding for it,” Carson said. “We were presented with a library plan with a cost estimate of $7 million. I think the majority of the board would like to see the plan scaled back. Maybe have a building we could expand later when funds become available.”

The library committee has been putting

Jackson sheriff candidates vie for win in Republican primary

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Jackson County Sheriff Chip Hall may be running unopposed in the upcoming Democratic primary, but two Republican candidates are competing for the chance to challenge him in November. Doug Farmer, currently a detective for the Sylva Police Department, and Brent McMahan, a bailiff and patrol officer for the Swain County Sheriff’s Department, will face off during the May 8 Primary Election.

For both men, school safety, combating drug trafficking, increasing road patrol coverage and engaging the community would be high priorities if elected to the office, but they differ in their evaluation of the current administration.

“This Sheriff’s Office has been too little, too late on prevention,” said McMahan. “It’s taken some type of incident to happen to react to make a policy.”

As examples, McMahan referenced the two suicides that took place in the Jackson County Jail shortly after Hall’s election and the Parkland school shooting and subsequent bomb scares in Jackson schools, saying that these events shouldn’t have had to take place for the sheriff’s office to hire a jail captain to manage the detention center and ask commissioners for more school safety funding.

Farmer, on the other hand, was less willing to criticize Hall’s leadership, saying he has “no issues with the current administration” or any of its officers.

“I’m not going to critique the current administration,” he said. “I’ll leave that up to the citizens of Jackson County. If they’re happy with that, who am I to judge the citizens of Jackson County? But I think I can bring something to the table to better serve that department.”

McMahan and Farmer both feel that their respective sets of experience are best suited to making the needed improvements.

“I’ve held supervisory roles. When I was in Iraq I helped train Iraqi police officers,” said Farmer. “We helped set up police departments, had to show them to how run police departments and what they had to do, techniques they need to know when dealing with the public. Experience is the big thing.”

Farmer, 54, has worked in law enforcement for 20 years, including 11 years with the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, six months with the Highlands Police Department, one year as an international police officer in Iraq and eight years with the Sylva Police Department. He ran for sheriff in 2014 as a Democrat, coming in third of six primary election candidates and pulling 11 percent of the vote compared to Hall’s 42 percent.

McMahan, 41, who has worked eight years in law enforcement, sees his diversity of experience as vital to his qualifications for the sheriff’s seat.

“My opponent has not worked as a detention officer to the extent that I have,” said McMahan. “My opponent has not worked in the court system as a bailiff enforcing court orders. My opponent has not been a (school) resource officer. He doesn’t know what it’s like to be in a school with the children, how to interact with them.”

FIGHTINGDRUGS

It’s no secret that drugs are a problem throughout the region, and both candidates have ideas as to how the sheriff’s department should go about fighting their spread.

In Farmer’s view, getting more K-9s in the force would be an important step. Jackson County currently has two dogs for four shifts, he said, meaning that two shifts have no dogs at all.

Farmer said he would focus on crime at home first rather than spending his energy on larger, regional stings.

“I’m not a big fan of long, drawn out, twoand three-year campaigns trying to get trafficking levels on these guys and working people out of our county,” he said. “I want to curtail the drug problem as much as possible in Jackson County and then worry about the outside.”

Training for officers would be a key component of that strategy, Farmer said. For instance, he said, many officers are “scared to death” to write a search warrant, but “through training they can learn it’s not the big bad wolf they perceive it to be.” A wellplaced search warrant can result in relief for an entire neighborhood, he said.

McMahan said he’d develop partnerships to address the drug issue. For instance, he said, an improved working relationship with the Cherokee Indian Police Department should be a priority, as the Qualla Boundary lies partially within Jackson County. He’d look to restructure the department to create a squad whose sole purpose is combating drug movement.

“As the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, we can greatly impact and help Cherokee

Meet the candidates

The Republican primary election will feature two candidates for sheriff in Jackson County, with the May 8 winner facing incumbent Chip Hall in the November General Election

BRENT MCMAHAN

• Age: 41

• Community: Scotts Creek

• Current position: Bailiff, Swain County Sheriffs Department

• Qualifications: Haywood Community College graduate with basic law enforcement training. Work experience includes eight years in law enforcement, including as a detention officer, school resource officer, road patrol officer civil, process officer and bailiff in Swain County and as a road patrol officer in Jackson County.

• Reason to run: “I decided to run for sheriff due to the increasing problems in Jackson County, the increase in drug activity, the lack of protection in our school systems and the lack of leadership in that office when it comes to policies pertaining to the jail and civil processes.”

DOUG FARMER

• Age: 54

• Community: Dillsboro

• Current position: Detective, Sylva Police Department

• Qualifications: Advanced law enforcement certification and various other professional certifications. Twenty years of work experience includes experience as a detention officer, road patrol, sergeant and detective for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, officer for the Highlands Police Department, assistant team leader for the International Police Liaison Service, and road sergeant and detective for the Sylva Police Department.

• Reason to run: “I think I bring some things to the table, some fresh and new ideas that are needed. I started at the bottom as a detention officer and have worked my way up, so I know what it’s like to work from the bottom and come up, to know what you need from your higher-ups and what they expect from you.”

Farmer said he’d like to develop community watch and community policing programs, and that he’d work hard to build relationships with his constituents, also mentioning the usefulness of town hall meetings in gathering input.

“I’ve always prided myself on that as a deputy, being able to get out and talk to anybody, not just be a face in a patrol car but get out and talk to people,” he said.

BOOSTINGROADPATROLS

Farmer and McMahan both see increased road patrols in Cashiers as a priority for the next term. Currently, both said, Jackson County has four patrol officers per shift, one of which covers Cashiers solo. It’s a large area for one person to patrol, they said, and the long distance down to Sylva poses a variety of issues.

“One officer is at great risk if you’re a proactive officer trying to make arrests or trying to work any kind of drug interdiction,” said Farmer. “It’s unsafe at best.”

“I’ve been up there (as a patrolman). My backup was over 22 minutes away,” agreed McMahan. “It’s my fear you’re going to have an officer killed or seriously injured up there before really wanting to make a change on that.”

Farmer, who spent 11 years with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, said that county, which is of similar size to Jackson, had six patrol officers per shift at the time he left in 2010. He said that four officers per shift to cover northern Jackson County would probably be adequate, with two officers covering the Cashiers area. However, increasing coverage would require commissioners to increase the department’s budget.

Expanding coverage in the southern end of the county could go a long way toward pushing back against the influx of drugs into Jackson, said McMahan, explaining that people entering the county through Tuckaseigee and N.C. 281 are unlikely to encounter law enforcement as they cross the county line and descend the mountain.

Farmer suggested that Jackson County also explore a recent state law allowing sheriff’s offices to enter into mutual aid agreements with private security companies. Such security officers could prove valuable in providing a timely helping hand in a bad situation, he said.

JAILHOUSEMANAGEMENT

with the flow of drugs that are coming through Jackson County into the reservation,” McMahan said.

Community outreach would be a cornerstone of McMahan’s administration, he said, explaining that he would plan to hold a monthly town hall meeting with the location rotating through various Jackson County communities, giving citizens a chance to tell him their issues and observations related to crime and law enforcement.

“That way the citizens can become my informants and tell me times that cars are coming in and people that don’t belong in the community,” McMahan said.

For McMahan, a pair of suicides at the Jackson County Detention Center in November 2014 and March 2015 raises real concerns about leadership in the sheriff’s office. Follow-up investigations determined that the jail didn’t follow detoxification and monitoring rules in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring, and both suicides took place after Hall’s election — though the 2014 death happened before he’d been officially sworn in and was still serving as chief deputy under former Sheriff Jimmy Ashe.

McMahan, who has worked in and with the Swain County Detention Center for years, sees that record as unacceptable.

“We house U.S. Marshall inmates, people awaiting murder trials,” McMahan said of the population in Swain County. “We house the worst of the worst, and we’ve operated without incident the whole time I’ve been up here.”

McMahan believes there’s more to be done to prevent such things from occurring in the future, and he’d also like to see greater weight given to rehabilitative services.

“It’s one thing to arrest someone and put them in jail,” he said. “It’s another thing to rehabilitate them and reform them.”

Farmer believes that Hall has already addressed the issues that resulted in the 2014 and 2015 suicides. However, he said the jail does seem to be a bit short-shifted at times and could use some additional officers.

“I can’t critique all of those until I get in there and see how each of those processes are done,” he said. “I’m sure there would be some changes.”

KEEPINGSCHOOLSSAFE

Both candidates see school safety as a high priority for a new administration.

McMahan, whose resume includes 1.5 years as a school resource officer, said he would push for more officers in the schools. It’s important, he said, and not just in the case of an active shooter.

“Right now the school teachers, the principal and the administration are having to enforce court orders, which is a duty of the sheriff’s office,” he said. “For example, a domestic violence protection order or a custody order.”

Having a law enforcement officer in the school would allow someone trained to handle such matters to deal with it, letting school personnel concentrate on what they do best. School officers also get a solid feel for what is going on in the community and may be able to address developing problems before they erupt, he said.

Farmer agreed with the need to have an officer in every school, and said that in addition he’d focus on improved training for law enforcement, staff and students so that everybody knows how to respond in an active shooter situation.

“You can take all the precautions in the world and try to stop something from happening, but you can’t foresee every avenue that somebody would try to do something,” he said. “The best we can do is prepare and continue to think outside the box so that hopefully, should a situation arise, we can resolve it quickly.”

K-9 searches in the schools should be part of the solution, Farmer said, and parents should be encouraged to teach gun safety to their kids.

The county is in the process of implementing significant changes to school safety, with commissioners voting last month to fund enough additional school resource officers to give each school a dedicated officer.

Commissioners also approved $400,000 for security cameras and monitors and another $27,000 for architectural work toward an estimated $741,000 of security improvements. Further increases in school safety spending are on the table during this year’s budget talks.

Transportation survey available

The French Broad River MPO has opened a survey on transportation projects that are currently being considered for funding through the State of North Carolina’s prioritization process.

This includes roadway projects as well as bike/pedestrian and public transportation projects in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. Not all of these projects will be funded in the next few years, so the MPO is soliciting input from the public on which projects are most important to the region.

The images and descriptions shown in the survey are preliminary. Should the projects be selected for funding, designs will be developed by engineers through NCDOT that may differ from what is shown and described based on physical constraints, cost, further public input and transportation engineering analyses.

The survey can be accessed here: www.fbrmpo.org/survey2018.

Greens make the grade

Ballot access boosts third parties

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

This fall, voters in North Carolina will be treated to a new choice at the polls come election day.

“We worked so hard for this and at times it seemed like it was impossible, but we’re all really excited about it,” said Camille McCarthy, co-chair of the Western North Carolina Chapter of the N.C. Green Party.

On March 27, the State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement issued a press release officially recognizing the Greens after a 2017 law dramatically lowered the threshold for third-party ballot access.

“We’ve been working on the current round since November 2016, so that’s a year and a half now,” McCarthy said. “But we’ve been working on ballot access since the early 2000s or maybe even the 1990s.”

The Green Party now joins the Democratic, Libertarian and Republican parties both on ballots and as a voter registration option.

“Right now, if you want to change to the Green Party you just have to fill out a form and check the ‘other’ box and write ‘Green’ and then your card that you receive will say

Co-chair of the WNC Green Party

says the

on

to

‘Green’ on it,” McCarthy said. The board’s press release says it is “updating and will distribute new voter registration forms that include the Green Party

option.”

Because the sign-up period for the Primary Election has already passed, candidates wishing to run on the Green Party ticket can qualify through a state convention later this year.

“We have seen this two-party system for decades and decades, but there are other ways to run a government,” said McCarthy.

While yet small, the Greens could conceivably play spoiler, especially in local races; although McCarthy said her party is different than the others and has its own value system, its ideological bent cants hard to the left.

“Those values really separate us from both the Republicans and Democrats, so we are really not stealing votes from other parties,” she said. “We are our own party with its own independent platform.”

Still, some don’t see it that way. Even before the State Board of Elections could issue its own press release on the Greens, the North Carolina Republican Party welcomed them in a press release of their own.

“We look forward to competing with the Green Party in the marketplace of ideas,” said NCGOP Chair Michelle Nix in the release March 27. “I am proud of our Republicans in the General Assembly for providing the opportunity for more candidates and political parties to compete for votes in North Carolina. “

Impeachment issue returns to Cherokee courts

Former chief seeks ruling that process was unfair

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

While nearly a year has passed since former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert was removed from office, a court hearing March 29 showed that debate over the legality of the process is not dead.

Last year, Lambert and the 2015-2017 Tribal Council appeared in a series of court hearings stemming from a complaint Lambert filed, claiming that the impending impeachment violated his due process rights. Tribal Council, represented by attorney Robert Saunooke, contended that the tribe’s sovereign immunity protected it from Lambert’s claims and that an elected office is not a property right, meaning that due process laws don’t apply.

The case resulted in multiple appearances before the Cherokee Tribal Court’s trial court and then before the Supreme Court, with that highest court ultimately issuing a preliminary ruling that allowed the impeachment to proceed.

Lambert was removed from office in May of 2017, and in February 2018 the Supreme Court finally issued a full opinion on the questions it had been asked the previous year. That new guidance, as well as motions filed by both parties, prompted the lower court to schedule a hearing that would revisit the motion to dismiss.

About 15 people watched the proceedings that day, a collection of community members that included several current and former

Tribal Council members, and a total of five lawyers gathered around the counsel tables before Temporary Associate Judge Sharon Barrett. Saunooke represented Tribal Council, assisted by attorney Chris Siewers and Carolyn West, legislative counsel for Tribal Council. Scott Jones represented Lambert, and Attorney General Mike McConnell appeared on behalf of the tribe.

When the suit was originally filed, Danny Davis was the attorney general and had entered arguments opposed to the impeachment process; during last week’s hearing, McConnell’s arguments supported the process and opposed Lambert’s attempt to have the court rule on its legality. McConnell told the court that he plans to file a voluntary dismissal of the claims that Lambert had brought in his official capacity. Richard Sneed is now the principal chief and does not support those claims.

McConnell said that would mean dismissing all the claims except for the one Lambert had brought as an individual, which states that Tribal Council had maliciously abused the process. However, Jones argued that all the official claims were tied to a corresponding individual claim.

“There are claims that Chief Lambert brought both in his official capacity and in his individual capacity,” Jones said. “That’s analogous to a husband and wife who are in a car wreck. You can have them both as plaintiffs. One can decide to dismiss their claims, and it doesn’t mean the others’ claims aren’t exactly the same when they go forward. Chief Lambert’s claims go forward.”

Barrett then asked the parties whether it would be acceptable to

FIssuance of a Supreme Court opinion in February prompted a new court hearing on a motion to dismiss claims that Cherokee’s 2017 impeachment process was illegitimate.

amend the parties involved to be simply Patrick Lambert, individually, versus the defendants.

While Lambert’s claims may remain on the complaint, the court has yet to rule on whether the defendants’ motion to dismiss should be granted.

Saunooke argued that the tribe is protected from suit by sovereign immunity, and that even if the court should decide sovereign immunity doesn’t apply, the claim is invalidated by something called the “mootness doctrine” — because the impeachment is past, there is no longer any actual controversy, so the court cannot review the case.

“The Supreme Court’s opinion I think is a great foreshadow of what would happen if this case went forward,” Saunooke said. “I think the Indian Civil Rights Act protections are not at issue here. An elected office is not a property right that gives an individual due process.”

Tribal Employee Rights Office certification for his businesses and will not receive the pension given to chiefs who serve at least one full term.

While Lambert is not asking to be restored to office, so as to avoid a “constitutional crisis” for the tribe, the impeachment decision has had lasting consequences for him, Jones said.

“This continues to affect him every day in his business and his personal life,” Jones said.

The case is also a matter of “public interest and general importance,” Jones said, because a majority of voters elected to put Lambert in office. If the process used to take him out of office were found to be unlawful, he said, that would harm not just Lambert

“I think the Indian Civil Rights Act protections are not at issue here. An elected office is not a property right that gives an individual due process.”

“Tribal Council did remove and impeach Mr. Lambert. That is now done,” he continued. “I don’t know where this would go at this point with the remedy. You can’t put him back in office.”

— Robert Saunooke, attorney for Tribal Council

but all those who cast a vote for him.

McConnell concurred, affirming that Tribal Council followed the proper process when it conducted the impeachment and that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the sovereign immunity issue is clear.

“The court said there was a waiver to the extent that the attorney general had intervened seeking injunctive relief, and you held, Your Honor, that there was a limited waiver, and it went to the Supreme Court,” McConnell said.

Jones, however, pointed out that the Supreme Court opinion said that sovereign immunity had not been waived “at the preliminary injunction stage,” implying that the sovereign immunity question could be answered differently at a later stage. He also said that the last claim in Lambert’s suit names certain people in their individual capacities, seeking monetary damages — that claim would not be barred by sovereign immunity, he said.

In regard to the mootness issue, Jones admitted that he was a bit nervous when he first realized he’d have to address it, but said that nervousness stopped when he read the law in question. There are five exceptions to the mootness doctrine, and three apply in this case, though the court need find that only one apply to move forward, he argued.

One of those relates to collateral consequences. As a result of the impeachment, Jones said, Lambert is barred from running for elected office, has not been able to get a

Finally, he said, it’s a matter that’s “capable of repetition yet evading review.” Another impeachment could happen in the future, but when Lambert brought the question before the court prior to the impeachment hearing, he was told his complaint was premature.

“This is our next chance to be before this court, and if the court now tells us, ‘You’re too late,’ isn’t that the definition of something that’s capable of repetition yet evading review?” Jones asked.

In his response, Saunooke vehemently opposed Jones’ argument, reiterating his view that an elected position is not a property right and that the Supreme Court had upheld Tribal Council’s right to do what it did.

“There is no controversy,” Saunooke said. “Declaratory relief becomes an advisory opinion. This court is not in a position to do that.”

Saunooke further argued that Lambert’s claims could be considered frivolous, since he doesn’t have standing to bring his claims and there’s really no way he can be granted relief at this point. His client will be seeking recovery of attorney’s fees, Saunooke said.

“In this case the court did enjoin the suspension of the plaintiff from office,” Barrett responded. “Doesn’t that suggest the action was not frivolous?”

“It is the maintenance of the issue,” Saunooke replied.

Jones contested that view.

“We are properly before this court, and proudly so Your Honor,” he said.

As of press time, Barrett had not yet issued a ruling in the case.

Email marketing seminar in Franklin

Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center will be hosting an email marketing seminar from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce in Franklin. The seminar, entitled “Grow Your Business with Email & Social Media Length” will go over how to make the most of email marketing plus social media for your business. Attendees will get a greater understanding of marketing basics like goals and objectives. To register, visit http://bit.ly/ncsbcn.

WOMEN In B U S INE SS

Chef Nicolas Peek & Mary Grace Samardzia

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen

Street

NC 28786

Join the Chamber and Birchwood Hall's own Chef Nicolas Peek for a relaxing luncheon featuring his unique farm to table culinary delights. Chef Nicolas & Restaurant Manager, Mary Grace Samardzia will share their belief of keeping ingredients local, while showcasing the talent and necessity of local farmers.

Supreme Court issues opinion in impeachment case

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Nine months after arguments concluded in a dispute over the process used to impeach then-Principal Chief Patrick Lambert, the Cherokee Supreme Court issued a full, 22-page opinion on the matter.

The court had given a one-page order on the case just hours after the May 10, 2017, hearing ended, affirming that Tribal Council has the authority to impeach and remove elected officers, that Grand Council doesn’t have the force of law unless Tribal Council enacts the decisions made there and that Lambert’s claims couldn’t be heard at the preliminary injunction stage. Then-Attorney General Danny Davis had intervened to represent the tribe in the case, and while the court ruled that the time was right to hear Davis’ claims, it said Lambert’s claims came too early, as no impeachment hearing had yet occurred.

That order had included a statement that a written opinion would follow. However, no such opinion materialized until months after the impeachment concluded and a new principal chief was sworn in.

The Supreme Court case was heard by a three-justice panel, and ultimately the three justices were not able to agree on all aspects of the case. The 22-page majority opinion was signed by Justice Robert Hunter and Justice Jerry Waddell, with an 11-page dis-

senting opinion by Presiding Chief Justice Brenda Toineeta Pipestem.

The majority upheld the original order that Tribal Council could remove Lambert from office, that Council could vote to impeach and remove Lambert even though a census hadn’t been performed in the legally required timeframe to determine how council votes are weighted, and that the April 2017 Grand Council didn’t have the authority to stop the impeachment.

However, the opinion included some statements that could bode well for Lambert’s cause now that the impeachment is over with. The majority held that tribal members have a “substantial right” to a lawful impeachment process.

“The lawfulness of the impeachment process will remain in question after its completion,” the opinion reads. “Consequently, we hold that the answers to the complex legal questions raised in this appeal affect a substantial right, and that right will be lost if we do not hear this case.”

However, the justices were careful to say that they did not want to be in the business of deciding political questions. Whether Lambert should have been removed from office is “a political question that we will not entertain,” the opinion said, but the court can decide if the process used to remove him followed tribal law.

The issue is, who has the authority to ask

the court that question?

Sovereign immunity, a doctrine that protects tribal governments from suit unless they explicitly waive that protection, is typically a barrier to those claiming that a particular government action is unlawful. However, the opinion said that sovereign immunity was waived to an extent when Davis brought claims against Tribal Council in his capacity as attorney general. The majority ruled that Davis’ intervention in the matter was lawful.

“All enrolled members of the EBCI, including those who are in favor of impeachment and those who are not, are inherently interested in the legitimacy of the impeachment process itself, and the only means by which they can act to protect that interest is through the Attorney General’s intervention in this matter,” the opinion reads.

Davis’ intervention caused sovereign immunity to be waived, the opinion said, “but only with regard to the justiciable issues raised by the Attorney General on behalf of the EBCI.

As to the claims raised solely by Chief Lambert, sovereign immunity has not been waived at the preliminary injunction stage.”

The opinion did not state whether Lambert’s claims might be able to go forward at a stage other than the preliminary injunction stage, but it also didn’t say that they couldn’t. Davis is no longer the attorney

general, and the person currently in that position does not share Davis’ views regarding issues with the impeachment process.

Pipestem’s dissenting opinion took issue with the majority’s ruling that Davis had the right to intervene and that this intervention resulted in a waiver of sovereign immunity. According to Pipestem, the attorney general can prosecute and defend cases in which the tribal government is a party but is not authorized to represent the tribal membership as a whole. While the North Carolina attorney general does have the ability to bring suits on behalf of the state’s citizens, Pipestem wrote, the language in state law granting that ability is absent in tribal law. Because the section of tribal law in question is modeled on state law, she continued, “it appears that the drafters of the Cherokee Code made a conscious decision not to grant the AG the authority to act on behalf of the public interest.”

“Absent the AG’s authority to intervene, this Court is without jurisdiction at the preliminary injunction stage to hear any of the issues raised by the parties because there has been no waiver of tribal sovereign immunity,” Pipestem wrote.

With the Supreme Court opinion now published, the impeachment issue is back in the courts, with the ruling on a March 29 hearing not yet filed as of press time.

Haywood tourism website recognized

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority recently received several awards for its website, VisitNCSmokies.com.

The site was redesigned and launched in Fall 2017 in partnership with Crawford Strategy, a marketing and communications agency in Greenville, South Carolina.

“It’s an honor for our website to be recognized as one of the best in the industry,” said Lynn Collins, director of Haywood County TDA. “Our website serves as a gateway, as an invitation to visit our wonderful corner of the world. We want our website to effectively communicate the beauty, vibrancy and personality of our region while also serving as a valuable resource for visitors and partners. We are thrilled that this new website is not only fulfilling our goals, but also receiving recognition for its design.”

at Lake Junaluska

The outdoor labyrinth at Lake Junaluska has long been a place where people go to seek spiritual renewal. Recent renovations have improved the appearance and functionality of the labyrinth and ensured that it will endure for generations to come. Labyrinths are used by many cultures and religious traditions for walking meditation or paths of prayer. Christians began using labyrinths in the Middle Ages as a physical metaphor for going on a transformational spiritual journey to the heart of God through Jesus Christ.

Anyone is welcome to use the labyrinth at Lake Junaluska. It is located in the lawn beside Memorial Chapel, near the lakeshore and along the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail. Users follow a winding path that is level to the ground to the center and back out.

Lake Junaluska is hosting a free workshop on Thursday, April 5, 10:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m. in Memorial Chapel to learn ways to use labyrinths — with a group or as an individual — for joy and celebration, processing grief, seeking healing, and enrichment of everyday prayer. Rev. Mitzi Johnson, director of programming at Lake Junaluska, will lead the workshop. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A Service of Dedication will take place following the workshop at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the recent renovation of the prayer labyrinth.

The Lake Junaluska labyrinth was originally built in 2001. It was made possible by Jimmy Carr, former executive director of Lake Junaluska, and his wife Joy, who wanted to create a sacred space for spiritual transformation. Over time, the dirt path, which was sunken below the level of the grass, began to deteriorate, and it became clear that updates were needed. The original path of the labyrinth remains the same, now with a sturdy base of crushed stone and concrete in which specially cut Tennessee Flagstone was set. The path is level with the grass.

The refurbishment was completely funded through the generous gifts of multiple donors. Charitable giving is vital to the sustainability and improvement of the lake and grounds at Lake Junaluska. For more information on giving, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/support.

The Nut House

Best place around for old-fashioned boiled peanuts! Monday-Saturday | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Waynesville - 3BR, 1BA

$174,900 #3373118

Waynewood Village - 3BR, 2BA

$216,500 #3373685

Dogwood Trails - 2BR, 2BA

$239,000 #3373615

Waynesville - 3BR, 1BA, 3HB

$359,000 #3372458

Pine Ridge - 3BR, 2BA

$185,000 #3371119

Waynewood Village - 3BR, 2BA

$228,900 #3373035

Auburn Park - 3BR, 2BA

$249,000 #3372317

Crestview Pointe - 3BR, 3BA, 1HB

$590,000 #3374313

Cascades Estates - 2BR, 3BA

$199,000 #3371279

Waynesville - 3BR, 3BA

$229,000 #3373728

Sugar Cove Estates 3BR, 2BA, 1HB, $335,000 #3370762

Villages Of Plott Creek - 3BR, 3BA

$949,000 #3372632

Eagles Nest Mountain 4BR, 4BA, 1HB

$1,295,000 #3370689

Business in brief

Macon EDC hosts BizWeek 2018

The Macon County Economic Development Commission has announced planned activities for BizWeek 2018, April 16April 20.

BizWeek kicks off Monday, April 16, with Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center Women’s Business Networking Luncheon. The event, to be held at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, provides a platform of support for women entrepreneurs.

Bizweek continues Tuesday, April 17, with Entrepreneur Networking Night VIII at 5:30 p.m. at the Root + Barrel in downtown Franklin. Event highlights will include the introduction of the finalists for the first time Macon County Up & Coming Business Award.

Business education is the highlight on Wednesday, April 18, with SCC’s Savvy Social Summit at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce. This one-day summit is geared toward current business owners looking to increase their bottom line using the latest social media technology.

The week closes out with the BizWeek 2018 Banquet at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at

the Bloemsma Barn. Keynote speaker is Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. All events are free, but seating is limited. Registration is required at www.maconedc.com or by calling 828.369.2306.

Sales tax workshop in Sylva

The NC Department of Revenue will host a sales and use tax workshop for small business owners from 2 to 4 p.m. April 10 at Southwestern Community College’s Burrell Building Room 303, 447 College Dr., Sylva.

The workshop will discuss the basics of sales and use taxes including registering for a sales and use tax account, learning about the most common types of taxes collected, and preparing and filing a sales and use tax return.

Register at www.ncdor.gov/taxes/business-tax-seminars-workshops.

Program addresses sexual harassment

To ensure that employers know the law and have appropriate policies in place to address sexual harassment, Western Carolina University will offer a half-day workshop titled “Reduce the Risk of Sexual Harassment: Know How to Act and React” from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the university’s instruc-

tional site at Biltmore Park in Asheville.

Jon Yarbrough, an attorney with Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, a national labor and employer law firm located in Asheville, will lead the workshop.

The cost for the workshop is $79 for those registering before Sunday, April 1; thereafter the cost is $95. Register at pdp.wcu.edu or 828.227.3070.

Cashiers tackles workforce development

Representatives from Western North Carolina state and local government and Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College met recently with Cashiers Area business leaders during a workforce development summit sponsored by the Cashiers Area Chamber and Jackson County Tourism Development Authority.

With a focus on the tourism industry, which generates nearly $190 million annually to the county’s economy, the 24 participants discussed the complex issue and how to improve recruitment, housing, training and retention of qualified employees.

The Chamber currently sponsors an online jobs board (CashiersAreaJobs.com) and annual job fair, which will be held 10 a.m. to noon April 14 at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library.

Visit www.CashiersAreaChamber.com, call 828.848.8711 or email director@discoverjacksonnc.com.

• The Macon County Economic Development Commission is accepting nominations for the 2018 Up & Coming Business Award through April 6. To submit a nomination, visit www.maconedc.com.

ALSO:

• The WNC Association of Health Underwriters was recently recognized with Gold Certification as part of NAHU's Chapter Certification Program, which is an ongoing program that recognizes excelling chapters throughout the calendar year.

• Southern Trout magazine has embarked on a Go Fund Me drive to fund a fish tank at the new aquarium planned for the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City. Their fundraising goal is $5,000. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/fish-tank-forthe-museum.

• The Otto Business Alliance will hold a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Otto Community Center, 60 Firehouse Rd., Otto.

• Old Edwards Hospitality Group has appointed Brian Fletcher as the resort’s farm manager and promoted Hannah Delany from clubhouse manager at Old Edwards Club to culinary and farm assistant for OEHG.

‘What took you so damn long, Joyce?’

It was the shortest funeral service I’ll likely ever attend. And though there were tears and somber conversations, there were also a lot of happy, smiling people. And for good reason.

Joyce Jones — Aunt Joyce to me — passed away March 22 at 91 years old. Her husband, Uncle Robert, also 91, had died on March 4. Took her 18 days to be reunited with her man, the guy she had been married to for 74 years. A perfectly fitting end to one hell of a life together. What’s not to like about that?

While I was growing up, I spent a lot of time around Uncle Robert and Aunt Joyce. They weren’t really my aunt and uncle, but this is the South. My mother’s sister, Aunt Marie, married Robert’s brother, Wilton. They were extended family, but those distinctions didn’t really matter to any of us. They were aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins and dear friends.

These were the people whose lives my mom and her best friend Aunt Wanda and Aunt Marie would recount during visits home as we sat around my our kitchen table. The matriarchs would fill us in on all the happenings and make sure to ask enough questions so our story could also be passed along to the rest of the clan. We would laugh or cry or just talk as we caught up on boyfriends, girlfriends, weddings, divorces, jobs, children, moves and all the other intricate, weblike strands of information that connect big families.

Robert and Joyce sat on a perch atop the clan. My mother loved and respected them so much. In a family where failed marriages and divorces were all-too-plentiful — my mother was married three times — she admired their stability and

WLOS corporate line tough to swallow

To the Editor:

This letter is director to Julie Fries, news director for Channel 13 WLOS, and to Joe Fishleigh, the general manager of the station which is owned by the Sinclair Broadcasting Group.

Recently, I watched an evening news presentation on Channel 13, our local station. I was shocked to hear your anchors recite Sinclair Broadcasting company’s ironic dogma on warning people of fake news through media outlets as “extremely dangerous to our democracy.”

It’s clear that this is an attempt to change the landscape of the media, your broadcast station included. Now you are associated with fake news with a clear agenda. Now you are acting like hostage takers mandating to their victims (employees) to recite a company mantra. This self-projected view is fundamentally disingenuous.

Sadly, your viewers can and will see through this manipulative strategy forged within corporate headquarters. Even though you have a market monopoly in Western North Carolina, other broadcasting stations in the area will surface as genuine news channels which truly have a reputation for sourcing their news and identifying the violators. Your organization will undoubtedly be linked to one of those media outlets with low standards for reporting fact-based, unbiased information.

their children, the life and family they built together. As my brothers and I gathered for the funeral, we knew she would be happy that we all three made it.

Uncle Robert was a boxer, a stock car driver, a musician and one of those “men’s men” who was both charming and gruff. He was an accomplished singer and musician, having played in bands most of his life. What a voice, a baritone that wooed whomever was in earshot.

Editor Scott McLeod

She was a lot like him, both tough and sentimental. At family get-togethers, my mom always insisted I “go sit with Aunt Joyce and talk to her for a few minutes.” It was like paying homage, although she and Uncle Robert were as down-to-earth as anyone you’d ever met.

My fondest memories of them are from their place at the North Carolina coast in Swansboro. Uncle Robert was a fisherman, raised near New Bern and one of those people who knew every inch of the inlets and sounds where he spent so much time. He was barrel-chested and strong, and I can picture him with no shirt, a baseball hat on and a cigarette in his mouth. The last time he took Lori and I out on his boat, he wasn’t interested in fishing as much as talking about the water and the tides and what fish you would catch in certain places and at what times of the year. It was more a tribute to a place that held his heart.

Instead of pandering to an obvious politically-driven mandate from your parent company, joining a virtual choir of sister agencies synchronized in forecasting big brother voice, why not just report the news?

Jon Jicha Waynesville

The left has reached a new low

To the Editor:

Week after week I read the opinions and dissertations from the left. It seems that those of us on the right never speak up, so I decided to change that.

Isn’t it interesting that with all the left and usually biased mainstream media, it is always Fox that gets criticized? Want to know why?

According to a poll I saw last week (not on Fox), Fox is the No. 1 most watched news channel, beating out No. 2 by almost a million viewers. The used-to-be “go to” channel CNN — which has turned into the Trash Trump channel among others — was ranked as No. 12.

I saw a snippet last night of the Stormy Daniels interview with Anderson Cooper (she’s the porn star who alleges to having an affair years ago with President Trump). Cooper asked her if he (Trump) used protection. Has he reached a new low to get viewers?

One reason viewers watch Fox is because most discussions have views from the left and right, Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative. As nightly news host Bret Baier

When we would bring the boat in, Aunt Joyce would feed us. Fresh fish and other country fare, my favorite being her fried cornbread. I can taste it right now.

As the years passed and I left Fayetteville, I saw them less and less. My mom got rid of her place in Swansboro years before she died, and so those visits ended.

But the memories are alive, and will be for as long as I’m breathing. As a kid I didn’t “get” the love affair between the two of them, the shared life, the day-in-and-day-out highs and lows that come with spending such a long life together. My mother did, and I know now that’s why she admired them both so much.

Many of us have heard those stories, the love affairs of two people so intertwined with each other that there is no reason for going on after one dies. And so I heard it from their three children, each of them having endured the death of both parents in less than a month. Uncle Robert and Aunt Joyce were cremated, and their ashes will be mixed and scattered together.

Marguerite told my brother that the time between Robert’s passing and Joyce’s passing was probably the longest they’d been apart in those 74 years.

Standing in the food line at church after the service, I told their son, Cackie, how sorry I was for the loss. Through puffy, tear-filled eyes he just smiled at me.

“You can’t make this kind of ending up,” I said to him.

“I can hear daddy now, Scott,” he said, the smile growing. “‘What took you so damn long, Joyce? I been waiting 18 days.’” That wait is over. RIP.

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

says, “We report, you decide. Fair, balanced and unafraid.”

Fox also tells “the rest of the story,” to quote Paul Harvey. Do you remember the article a couple weeks ago from journalist Martin Dyckman, who says we should show respect and gratitude for British spy Christopher Steele for risking life and limb to get us the report which started the Russia investigation? Indepth investigations from some great reporters have shown that Steele did not want Trump to get elected, that this dossier has never been collaborated or verified, and that the Hillary Clinton’s Democratic campaign paid millions for this report in hopes of getting something to be used against Trump in the election.

To make matters worse, this same dossier was presented to the FISA court as evidence to allow spying on an American citizen and to start the Russia probe. The now-fired Andrew McCabe, Deputy Director of the FBI, testified before the House Intelligence Committee that without this dossier, the FISA court would not have gotten the warrant.

Oh, and did I mention that the fact that the Hillary campaign paid for this dossier was never revealed to the FISA court.

As more and more is revealed, I think that the public who is acceptable to the truth will find out that the Obama administration was the most corrupt in our lifetime. I read “7 Steps to Becoming a Dictator” from last week’s opinion page, and seems to me Obama had them all. The political bias on the part of the Justice Department and the FBI during Obama’s term is frightening. Eric Holder is

the only Attorney General in history to be held in contempt by Congress for not handing over requested documents which they were entitled to see. Wonder what he was hiding? It is sad that so many hard-working rank and file agents and employees have to see how a few bad apples can spoil things.

McCabe has now been fired, not by President Trump as the left media will tell you, but by the recommendation of his own Office of Professional Responsibility of the FBI and the report of the Inspector General. Democrats are offering him a job for a few days so he won’t lose his million dollar-plus pension paid for by the hard-working taxpayers, most of us who cannot afford to retire at age 50, certainly not with that sizable pension. Sad when Democrats want to reward someone for wrongdoing.

Unfortunately, when it was revealed that the IRS was targeting conservative groups under Obama, Lane just took the 5th and retired into the sunset with a nice pension. Maybe, finally there is going to be some justice done for those who do something they shouldn’t do.

Speaking of the IRS, I challenge anyone to Google “IRS refunds to illegal immigrants” and be dumbfounded by the billions of dollars that have been given to illegal immigrants because of Obama’s actions. So much went on in that administration that most of the public is unaware of.

So (the new word that no one can begin a sentence without) there you have a conservative Republican point of view.

Gretchen Branning Lake Junaluska

The best reason of all to play

It’s one of those late March days that can’t make up its mind whether winter is really over or might hang on for another of weeks. When the sun elbows through a patch of low, gray clouds, it’s warm enough to take off your jacket, but then the wind picks up and you put it back on.

these boys were seven or eight years old, there were enough players for seven or eight teams, or even more. Now, the coaches implore the players to scrounge up another couple of their friends to play so that we will have enough players to field two teams.

The boys don’t care. Assembled in little clusters — one near the dugout, another on the bleachers, and yet another in the parking lot — they seem to be paying no attention whatsoever to the proceedings on the field, the tail end of practice for the Waynesville Middle School baseball team. Some of them tried out for the team and didn’t make it, while others didn’t even bother trying out, for one reason or another. So here they are in baseball purgatory, too old for Little League, but not on the school team either. This is what remains, a collection of boys who are neither here nor there, but still want to play the game.

Most of these boys are 13 or 14 years old, that magical age when their voices deepen, their complexions betray them, and their moods are held hostage by inexplicable forces. They are giddy one minute, sullen and withdrawn the next. I’ve known several of them for seven or eight years, from the time they played tee ball and their mothers fussed over them and screamed with delight every time they managed to make contact with the ball and run more or less in the direction of first base, or any direction really.

I remember their tiny bodies in toolarge uniforms that nearly swallowed them whole, as they crowded around a big cooler behind the dugout after the game was over, waiting their turn for juice boxes and little bags of Fritos. In those days, not only were the bleachers filled to capacity, but all along the first and third baselines on the other side of the fence, the players’ relatives sprawled in lawn chairs and on blankets, while some of the dads stood near the dugouts, shouting instructions to their addled sons. Sisters sat with other sisters, looking up from their phones or their homework only when their brothers came up to bat. The concession stand thrived, and somebody usually had a dog straining against a leash trying to get to the field. The atmosphere was pure baseball carnival. This is something else altogether. The doting mothers have largely vanished, off to yoga or the grocery store or to take a younger sister to her piano lesson. Except for the players and two coaches, almost no one is here. For these boys, the carnival is pretty much over. Which leaves the game itself, and that’s the beauty of it. When

Very few people will show up to watch them play once the games begin in a couple of weeks. There won’t be Rice Krispie treats and little bottles of Gatorade waiting for them after the game, nor team trips to Zaxbys after a big win. Maybe a cookout or a pizza party after the season is over, if they’re lucky. There will be no participation trophies, and probably no team pictures, unless one of the moms is feeling nostalgic and snaps one with her iPhone.

What remains and abides is the love of the game for its own sweet sake. The snap of a ball finding a mitt. The metallic ring of an aluminum bat whacking a double into the left field gap. The shaking of a head when a pitch half a foot outside is called a strike. Taking infield practice on gameday, with the starting pitcher warming up in the bullpen. Running out routine ground balls. Rounding first on a sharp single up the middle. Beating the throw from right field to score the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning.

All of that is yet to come, but on the first day of practice, it’s just drills, drills, drills. Playing catch, taking grounders, making throws, hitting the cut-off man. They run laps to get back into shape after a long winter’s hibernation in front of their Playstations. They knock the rust off their swings, trying to get their timing back. It will take three or four practices for that.

They punch each other, laugh, and complain about the running. When the coaches close the first practice, they talk about fundamentals, about playing the game right, about knowing every situation, about how the umpires are going to call anything close a strike, so they better be ready up there when the games start in a couple of weeks, and no complaining about bad calls under any circumstances.

It may well be that two or three of these young guys will take another step in their development and make the high school team in a couple of years, but for the majority of them, their days on the diamond are numbered and they know it. They’ve played organized baseball for most of their lives and look forward to it every March as the days lengthen in their daily increments. It has become a part of their lives. Their coach tells them this just might be the best season ever. It just might be. They are no longer playing for their parents, or the trophies, or the cool uniforms. There is only one real reason left to play. The love of the game is all that’s left, and that’s the best reason to play of all.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher. jchriscox@live.com)

tasteTHE mountains

the Mountains is an

APPLE ANDY’S RESTAURANT

3483 Soco Road, Maggie Valley located in Market Square. 828.944.0626. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wednesday and Thursday. Serving the freshest homemade sandwiches, wraps, and entrees such as country fried steak and grilled flounder.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE

454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and

Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH

119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1401. It’s winter, but we still serve three meals a day on Friday, Saturday and long holiday weekends. Join us for Breakfast from 8:00 to 9:30am; Lunch from 12 to 2:00pm; and Dinner featuring entrees such as prime rib, Virginia ham and lime-marinated chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. And a roaring fire in the fireplace. We also offer a fine selection of wine and craft beer. Come enjoy mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Reservations are required. For more details, please call 828.926.1401.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE

Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4

p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER

20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

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

828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

DELLWOOD FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT 651 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville. 828.944.0010. Warm, inviting restaurant serving delicious, freshly-made Southern comfort foods. Cozy atmosphere; spacious to accommodate large parties. Big Farmhouse Breakfast and other morning menu items

tasteTHE mountains

served 8 a.m. to noon. Lunch/dinner menu offered 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Come see us. You’ll be glad you did! Closed Wednesdays.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA

243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

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

HARMON’S DEN BISTRO

250 Pigeon St., Waynesville

828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY

U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817 Open for dinner at 4:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM

617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva. 828.586.3555. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies Thursday trought Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB

1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine. Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT

2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. 828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more. Breakfast all day including omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy. facebook.com/carversmvr; instagram @carvers_mvr.

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ

9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

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

PATIO BISTRO

30 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches for lunch with homemade soups, quiches, and desserts.

PIGEON RIVER GRILLE

101 Park St., Canton.

828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Southern-inspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake. Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center

70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201

Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska. Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95. Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

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.

TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL

176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

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

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

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY

32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

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

Events begin at 7:15pm unless otherwise noted. Dinner and Music reservations at 828-452-6000.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Music from the award-winning film featuring Dulci Ellenberger (guitar, vocals) and Kevin Williams (piano, vocals).

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

Musical Tribute: Carole King Living Room Tour. Sheila Gordon piano, vocals.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

Wine Pairing Dinner + Jazz, $49.99++ per person. Dinner features four beautiful wines and four delicious courses by Master Chef Michelle Briggs. Jazz piano by Richard Shulman at our Steinway. Music begins at 6:30pm, reservations required.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

Hope Griffin Duo guitar, cello, vocals. Folkrock, Pop, Originals.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.

828-452-6000 • classicwineseller.com 20 Church Street, Waynesville, NC

Musical, pop culture icon to play WNC

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

In conversation, Art Garfunkel is as poignant and whimsical as his music. The strong, heartfelt emotion behind his thoughts and words swirl around both sides of the conversation. At 76, he’s still that kid wanting you to play in the sandbox with him.

Sure, he was one half of Simon & Garfunkel, a cornerstone of American music, whose folk melodies will forever be played so long as raindrops fall outside your window or you’re in need of a backroad cruise on a lazy afternoon to clear your mind, ready to open yourself up to the possibilities of a new tomorrow. But, like his timeless music, the depths of Garfunkel have no accurate measure.

The Smoky Mountain News caught up with Garfunkel at his home in Manhattan. On a recent snowy morning, he was giddy about the weather in his native New York City, enjoying the snowfall, perhaps even tempting the idea of going outside in search of adventure. To

of Garfunkel Art

Want to go?

Art Garfunkel will hit the stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. Tickets start at $76 per person. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.dwtheatre.com.

Garfunkel, each day given is a gift from above — no time to waste, let’s see just where this gift will lead and who it will lead to.

Smoky Mountain News: You were in the spotlight in the midst of a very tumultuous time in this country (1960s). Do you see the similarities of where we are today?

Art Garfunkel: Tough question. In the middle of your question, I was going to say, “No, we had it better.” It was more joyous. It was less cynical in my age. You can’t compare this to the 1960s. It was fabulous in the ’60s. There was the sense of busting out of the boring ’50s — the Eisenhower era of tract houses. Things changed. It got more constricted, I believe. I wouldn’t compare today, with all of its bullshit, to the ’60s, which was exciting. In the ’60s, we opened

our shirts, we jumped in the ocean and swam more. It was a busting out of the spirit. It was a kind of release from how sane the ’50s were. We really got more creative in our private lives. It was a wonderful period. The Beatles may have led the way, but we were right with them.

SMN: Are you optimistic about the future?

AG: Yes. Because life is a surprise, and a surprise means you never know. And this means it’s up to you to make the future. “How do you feel about it, Mr. Garfunkel?” Well, I have to believe when I go onstage here comes my best show that I ever did. And I do. I go onstage with a tremendous youthful feeling of, “Here comes a surprise to me and everyone. This show is going to be my best.” That’s optimism about the future. If that’s me, then why would the whole rest of country be different from me? That’s the spirit of the age.

SMN: It’s one of those things [of] what can one person do? I look at it as wherever you are, try to make your own backyard a better place, a kinder place, and hopefully there’s other people in their spots doing the same thing.

AG: Beautiful. Life is a multiple view. Whatever you feel, why wouldn’t that be what

people feel nowadays? So, you represent the scene that you help create. I love what you just said. Pay attention to what you specifically are doing, and you’ll see the whole nation. The [multiple view] is a multiplication of you.

SMN: Since you’ve gotten your voice back with these last couple tours, do you look at it as a victory lap or a new, unwritten chapter?

AG: Well, I added an element that was an unwritten chapter that is bold and different. I became a writer in the last 10 years and got a contract with Knopf, a wonderful, prestigious book publishing company. And I finally had the bravery to take all this writing I’ve been doing [and released a book, what is it all but luminous: notes from an underground man]. You know, I walk across countries. And in my walking, I carry my notebook and I’ve been writing to myself — I thought — all these years, these prose poems. I started getting more serious and shaping the prose poems, making sure the rhythm really had rhythm. I bring it into my concert and read some of the bits — that’s big [for me].

SMN: You talk with so much gusto about performing...

AG: I love this work. That’s why I’ll come to town with a kind of innocence. I get onstage and I’m nervous. I’m like a kid. I start singing and I’ll be thinking, “Thank you Lord, for giving my voice back — it’s so much fun to sing.” Then, I enjoy my gift as it comes out. And, like the pros do, I work that microphone with infinite degrees of exactitude. It takes a ton of concentration and love. I love the job, I think I love it more than ever. The older we get, the more we burn with the joy of what we’re doing, because soon you won’t be able to.

SMN: I feel like you’ve never lost the childlike wonder of life.

AG: That’s true. Don’t you feel the same? Every morning you wake up, don’t you feel it’s fantastic to have free eyesight, free hearing, free touch, smell? To have the gifts of being a person, for free. Isn’t it a joyful, magnificent thing? I feel that everyday — oh, thank you, God, more life.

Editor’s Note: To listen to the entire conversation, you can stream the audio for free by going to YouTube and searching: “Art Garfunkel Garret K. Woodward.” If you would like to contact Garret K. Woodward, email garret@smokymountainnews.com.

“I love this work. That’s why I’ll come to town with a kind of innocence. I get onstage and I’m nervous. I’m like a kid. I start singing and I’ll be thinking, ‘Thank you Lord, for giving my voice back — it’s so much fun to sing.’”

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

I know I'll see you again in the long run

Somewhere around central South Carolina my mind began to drift.

I’d been on the road over a week, rambling from Waynesville to Georgia to Florida, only to slingshot back to Western North Carolina before this past Monday reared its ugly head. Leaving Interstate 95 for Interstate 26, my pickup truck roared through the Low Country, eager to once again see the tops of those mountains on the horizon I’m always running towards.

HOT PICKS

1

Folkmoot will host the Appalachian Friendship Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Elevated Mountain Distillery in Maggie Valley.

2 Western Carolina University will celebrate the cultures and traditions of its diverse student population during the university’s 39th annual International Festival on Wednesday, April 11.

3

4

5

And there I was. End of March in the year 2018. Ten years ago, I was 23 and working at my first newspaper gig, way out on the high desert prairie and high peaks of Eastern Idaho. Seems like a million years ago, seems like it never even happened sometimes. But, then again, it feels like it was yesterday, and that a big piece of my soul still remains out there, only to be retrieved when I finally cross back over the Mississippi River with eyes aimed westward.

What’s funny is what has changed and what has remained the same in my thought process. So many mornings in those old cowboy diners, drinking coffee and staring out the window onto the Grand Teton Mountains, wondering if this is where I was supposed and what I was meant to be doing in the grand scheme of things.

Sitting in those Idaho diners, alone and in the corner, I would write in my journal, something that carried over from

Handbell choir The Raleigh Ringers will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Eric Hendrix (singer-songwriter) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7.

Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host The Buchanan Boys (country/rock) at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 7.

when I was in college in Connecticut, holing up in some 24-hour Greek diner with a journal and nice pen given to me by a dear friend who said, “I think you should start writing down your thoughts. It’ll be good for you.” It was that friend, that journal and pen, that led to the discovery of the untouched waters of my soul, pouring out of me from seemingly out-ofnowhere, this newfound urgency to scribble down every thought and desire, finally clearing my jumbled head in a way I’d never known before.

And it was in that corner of the Bunkhouse Bistro in Driggs, Idaho, where I’d sip on endless cups of coffee, nibbling on bacon and eggs, trying to figure out this path I was heading down, and currently remain on. I kept thinking about my hometown up in the North Country, thousands of miles away — physically and emotionally — with once familiar faces becoming fuzzy around the edges in my memory.

Entry from 2008 Idaho journal:

“What has happened to those I left behind in Clinton County, New York? I continue on this damn quest of all that is righteous and heinous. At 18, I started this journey with all who were familiar with me, my peers who I cherished and never thought would find myself a stranger in their eyes, a foggy memory of a time gathering dust and falling further back into the closet of life. And now, they are gone, all of them, like a few scattered specks of flesh and bone dotting the horizon, disappearing into the distance, the lonely night, just as I turn around to see if they still will catch me when I fall, still be there in the morning.”

Ten years later, the mind still races, trying to make sense of nothing and everything. Did you dig yourself into a hole? Or did you dig that hole to bury the bullshit, and used that nearby pile of dirt to stand atop of instead? Ain’t nobody perfect, that’s the damn truth. But, such incredible beauty lies within the flaws in our minds and the dents in our souls. The older you get, the more you realize you can’t really change hard truths about yourself. What you can change is whether or not to feed into those hard truths, trying to push divinely upward and not swing-n-miss outward.

Poem from 2018 North Carolina journal:

“The midnight air filters through/The raggedy screen door/Streetlight buzzing on the corner/Illuminating the make and model/Of the vehicles zooming by/To destinations known and unknown/Speedometer determined by current emotion/Usually about 10-15 miles above the speed limit/When I’m on the highways these days/Passenger window rolled all the way down/Rear window slid all the way across/Driver’s window two-thirds down/Due to wear and tear on an aging truck/Two-thirds is all the window crank can take/Two-thirds down is better than twothirds up, eh?/Especially when the wind kisses your face/With a sweetness only found in the depths of early April/In the ancient mountains that laugh at me/When I look up at them and ask/‘How old is old?’/‘Silly human, time is all but a single moment/So, enjoy responsibly and lovingly.’/The wind howls pridefully on a backroad curve/Few more wrinkles and grey hairs noticed/When adjusting the rear-view mirror/Don’t forget to smile at your reflection once-inawhile/Don’t forget to smile, period/The dot at the end of a sentence not yet written/It’s in there somewhere, you say to yourself/Scratching your head/Trying to shake out the words that say who you are/And where you’re at during this juncture/Where time sticks out its tongue/Teasing you because you thought too much/Much ado about nothing, brothers and sisters/Thoughts like fireflies in the darkness of your mind/Bright lights then fade to black/Black then fired back up into a glowing spectacle/ A sensation chased after with a reckless abandon.”

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

APRIL SCHEDULE

On the beat

Franklin music extravaganza benefit

To raise money for the “Shop with a Cop” program, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary — with the help of the Rotary Club of Franklin — have organized a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Friday, April 6, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

The concert will feature local musicians performing legendary country, bluegrass, and rock classics. The event’s Emcee, 99.9 Kiss Country’s Eddie Foxx, will entertain the crowd between nine different performances spanning decades and covering classic hits from a range of genres. Audience members can expect local musicians performing legendary songs from artists such as Patsy Cline, Jamey Johnson, Hank Williams Jr., Reba McEntire and more.

For the last 22 years, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office’s “Shop with a Cop” program has been providing Christmas for children in need in the community. The program, which was started by Sheriff Robert Holland and his wife Marci as a way to help a single family in need around the holidays, has grown to

WCU music series features bluegrass

The 2017-18 First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Series at Western Carolina University will conclude with a concert featuring the bluegrass band Charleston Township on Thursday, April 5.

The group’s performance at 7 p.m. in the ground-floor auditorium of H.F. Robinson Administration Building will be followed by an 8 p.m. jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate.

“Charleston Township promises to deliver a fine experience for all who attend,” said Ashton Woody, a WCU student and intern in the university’s Mountain Heritage Center, which sponsors the series. “The sound of Charleston Township is a marriage of the best traditional music with bluegrass, sealing the vows with their innovative personal style.

now serve more than 400 children a year. “Shop with a Cop” is completely funded by community donations and is made possible by the support and financial contributions of individuals.

Local musicians include Limited Distance, Michaella Hedden, Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys, Chelsi Reynolds, The Hackers, Brent Ledford, Susie Copeland, and Blue Ridge. Also taking the stage will be contestant for this season of American Idol, Alma Russ.

All of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the “Shop with a Cop” program. In addition to raising money for the program, the benefit concert will also serve as an opportunity to raise awareness about the dozens of organizations and agencies who volunteer each year to make Shop with a Cop a success.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Annex building and at the Macon County Detention Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door beginning at 6 p.m. April 6. Tickets are $15 for adults. Tickets for children 10 years and under are $10 each and children 5 and under are free.

www.greatmountainmusic.com.

Band member Mikel Laws says they are creating music in a traditional way, but expanding their craft to be ‘traditional with a personal twist.’”

Members of the group hail from Bryson City, and the name of the ensemble reflects the town’s historical name from the 19th century. In addition to Laws, who plays the banjo, the band includes Mark Cable, guitar; Will Howell, bass; John Morgan, guitar; and B.J. Taylor, mandolin.

The traditional music concerts and jam sessions at WCU are free and open to the public. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the jam sessions, which also are open to those who just want to listen.

The First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Series will resume next October with a new slate of artists for 2018-19.

For more information call 828.227.7129.

Dark Star Orchestra returns to WNC

Beloved Grateful Dead tribute act Dark Star Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at The Orange Peel in Asheville.

In their 20 years together, the members of Dark Star Orchestra have equaled — if not surpassed — the number of shows played (over 2,300) and endless miles traveled by the Grateful Dead.

As torchbearers for the sound, attitude, and ultimate message of the Dead, DSO have emerged headlong into the 21st century as a platform of simple compassion and sincere human connection between all

Karaoke at HART

walks of life — the exact social hub the Dead provided from 1965 to 1995.

A melting pot of rock-n-roll, blues, jazz, folk, and Americana music, the music of the Dead has remained a beacon of light in dark times — past, present, and future. And with DSO forging ahead into their third decade, the band sees itself on more of a mission, an ode to the Dead and its fans.

Tickets are $28 in advance, $30 day-of-show. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.theorangepeel.net.

As a part of the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre “Winter Studio Season,” the theater has opened up its bistro Harmons’ Den for karaoke performance on Saturday nights.

The theater began offering karaoke in January and it has proven so popular that HART has decided to continue to offer karaoke on Saturdays beginning at 8 p.m. throughout the year. It is also open mic night.

On nights when there’s a theater performance in the Fangmeyer Theater, karaoke begins after the show is over. You don’t have to sing to enjoy being a part of the fun, and the theater atmosphere inspires a variety of musical styles, from pop to jazz to country to Broadway.

www.harttheatre.org.

YMCA Camp Watia in Bryson City is a coed overnight camp community with big impact! We’re a tight-knit family committed to the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Every summer is filled with friends new and old, adventures big and small, and connections that will last a lifetime. We provide opportunities that inspire campers to dare, discover, and dream. Learn more at ymcacampwatia.org.

OPEN HOUSE DATES: April 14 and May 12

On the beat

Bryson City community jam

A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5 and 19, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join.

The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts. 828.488.3030.

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” with Lindsay Beth Harper April 6 and The Trailer Hippies April 7. All shows are free and begin at 5 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

ALSO:

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host Logan Watts (singersongwriter) April 6 and Thomas Yon (singersongwriter) April 13. All shows begin at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/balsamfallsbrewing.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. April 5 and 12. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Joe Cruz (piano/pop) April 6, Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams doing music from the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” April 7, Sheila Gordon (piano) April 13 and Joe Cruz (piano/pop) April 14. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Eric Hendrix (singer-songwriter) April 7. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.curraheebrew.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Kevin Fuller (Americana/folk) April 6, So What? April 7 and Hunter Grigg (singersongwriter) April 14. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night April 4 and 11, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo April 5 and 12. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host The Roamies 7 p.m. April 5, The Novel Ideas 7 p.m. April 6, Matt Fassas Trio w/Kevin Daniel 8:30 p.m. April 6, The End of America 7 p.m.

April 7, Jackie Vinson 9 p.m. April 7, Lance & Lea 5:30 p.m. April 8, Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions 7:30 p.m. April 10 and Sumitra 7 p.m. April 11. www.isisasheville.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Nick Prestia (singer-songwriter) April 6, Twist of Fate April 7, Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) April 13 and Beggars Clan April 14. There will also be an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host an open mic night every Thursday. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Mountain View Intermediate School (Franklin) will host an a cappella choir spring term from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 4 through May 30. New members welcome. 828.524.3691.

• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Arnold Hill (Americana) April 6, The Buchanan Boys (country/rock) April 7, Circus Mutt (Americana) April 13 and Special Affair April 14. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• O’Malley’s Pub & Grill (Sylva) will host Caribbean Cowboys (rock/pop) April 7 and West King String Band April 14. All shows are $3 and begin at 9 p.m.

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

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

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

• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host Dylan Streuber (singer-songwriter) April 7 and Gypsy & Me (Americana) April 14. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. 828.586.1717 or www.soulinfusion.com.

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

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Beggars Clan (funk/reggae) April 7 and Jake Silver Band (country/rock) April 14. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host West King String Band April 13. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

Ready for the Ringers?

An internationally acclaimed concert handbell choir, The Raleigh Ringers will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

The Raleigh Ringers has been dazzling audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, including famous rock tunes arranged just for handbells. They are considered America’s

premier professional ensemble.

In addition to six albums, the group has released two holiday concert videos. Their holiday concerts have aired over American Public Television. The ensemble performs on one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments owned by any handbell ensemble in the world.

Tickets are $15 each. They can be purchased at the church office or by calling 828.456.9475.

On the street

Barbeque, music and moonshine with Folkmoot

Folkmoot will host the Appalachian Friendship Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Elevated Mountain Distillery in Maggie Valley.

The Appalachian dinner will feature pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner rolls and dessert. Musical guests are Americana string band Ol’ Dirty Bathtub. “Moonshine,” quite naturally, will be offered by Elevated Mountain Distilling and beer by Bearwaters Brewing.

Elevated Mountain Distilling is a craft distiller of top-shelf whiskeys and spirits. Located in the heart of Maggie Valley, at 3732 Soco Road, Elevated Mountain Distillery chose its name as a reflection of the fact that Haywood County has the highest average median elevation of any county east of the Rockies.

Tickets for this Friendship Dinner are $25 for adult, $20 for students and $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.folkmoot.org or by calling 828.452.2997. Seating is limited, so advance purchase is advised.

Folkmoot’s year-round programming ini-

tiatives have been made possible by Haywood Regional Medical Center, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.

Folkmoot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating many cultures in one community. The Folkmoot Friendship Center is located in the Historic Hazelwood School at 112 Virginia Avenue in Waynesville. Staff can be reached by phone at 828.452.2997 or by email at info@folkmoot.org.

History of Smokies cemeteries

Dr. Gail Palmer will be presenting “Stories From Researching Smoky Mountain Cemeteries” at at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City. The meeting is part of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society.

Cemeteries throughout the Great Smoky Mountains hold the remains of the earliest families who settled in the area. These hallowed grounds tell the stories of those who once lived in the cabins that dotted the hills and farmed the land they cleared. Since the late 1990s, Palmer has been researching these mountain cemeteries and the families connected with them. She will be sharing some of these stories and history gleaned from her research.

Palmer is a native of Blount County, Tennessee. She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she served as director of the Advising Center for the College of Communications and taught Basic News Writing. Her interest and research of the area draw on her roots in the mountains; at least two generations of her maternal grandparents lived in Cades Cove and Sparks Lane in the Cove was named for her great, great grandparents.

WCU Commemoration of Cherokee removal, Trail of Tears

Western Carolina University will host a daylong symposium titled “Cherokee Challenges and Tribulations: Exploring Scholarship, Memory and Commemoration” on Wednesday, April 11, in the Grandroom of A.K. Hinds University Center.

Free and open to the public, the 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. event will mark the Trail of Tears route designated as a national historic trail by the National Park Service, as well as celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act declaration by Congress.

The national historic trail designation aids in the historical interpretation of the forced removal of the Cherokee from their homeland in the 1830s to present-day Oklahoma, now known as the “Trail of Tears” for its brutality and death toll. The significant locations include sites of military posts, roads

International Festival at WCU

WCU’s international students get their nations’ flags ready for the world flag parade during a previous International Festival on campus.

Western Carolina University will celebrate the cultures and traditions of its diverse student population during the university’s 39th annual International Festival on Wednesday, April 11.

Hosted by WCU’s Office of International Programs and Services, the festival is designed to foster cultural awareness, appreciation and understanding of the world’s diversity through music, food, dance, arts and crafts.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center and around the fountain with a world flag parade. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, WCU’s acting chancellor, will join Brandon Schwab, associate provost of academic affairs, and Ling LeBeau, director of international programs and services, in welcoming attendees at 11:15 a.m.

Performances will begin at 11:30 a.m., kicked off by Blue Ridge Gamelan, an orchestra of tuned metal percussion instruments from the western part of the island of Java in Indonesia. The players will include

used for movements of troops and Cherokee deportees, and sites of Cherokee organization and resistance. Today, the National Trail of Tears Historic Trail spans nine states, including North Carolina, and covers 5,043 miles of water and land routes.

The symposium is presented by the National Trail of Tears Association, the North Carolina Trail of Tears Association and WCU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Department of History.

Speakers include three citizens of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma: Jack Baker, president of the National Trail of Tears Association and the Oklahoma Historical Society; Will Chavez, editor of the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper; and Troy Wayne Poteete, executive director of the National Trail of Tears Association. Regional speakers include Mike Wrenn of the Alabama Trail of Tears Association and Jeff Bishop of the Georgia Trail of Tears Association, who also is director of the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society.

Casey Cooper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and CEO of the Cherokee Indian Hospital, will speak on the role of memory and commemoration in Cherokee families and communities, along with Chavez. Both are alumni of the annual “Remember the Removal Bike Ride,”

music students, faculty members and others from the WCU community.

Other performances will feature Sri Lankan and northern Indian music, a karate demonstration, Japanese calligraphy and Bon Odori, a Japanese dance.

The International Festival will offer 43 booths staffed by representatives of different nations, campus departments, and service and community organizations. Eighteen countries will be represented by international students and study abroad returnees, and their booths will offer free food samples traditional to the respective country. In addition, Aramark, the campus food service provider, will be giving out food samples, and information will be available about WCU’s Study Abroad and Intensive English programs.

Activities will conclude at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact the Office of International Programs and Services at 828.227.7494 or international@wcu.edu.

which retraces the 950-mile journey of the Trail of Tears. WCU speakers will be Brett Riggs, Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies, and Ben Steere, director of the Cherokee Studies Program. In addition, Diane Weddington of the National Trails System Act 50th anniversary committee will share plans for further recognition and celebrations.

WCU’s 2017-18 interdisciplinary learning theme is “Cherokee: Community. Culture. Connections.” The theme encourages faculty, staff and students to immerse themselves in the Cherokee culture through conversations, programming and opportunities to take a holistic look at the original inhabitants of the region and the ground that the WCU campus is built upon.

“We are excited for this opportunity to partner with WCU to present this symposium to honor and commemorate the Cherokee people,” said Sue Abram, president of the North Carolina Trail of Tears Association.

Preregistration for the symposium is encouraged. Public parking is available in the Coulter Building and Reid Gymnasium metered parking lots. For more information, contact Abram at smabram@wcu.edu or 828.227.2735, or Anne Rogers at rogers@wcu.edu.

On the street

Social justice leader to speak at WCU

Vernon Wall, an author, lecturer and consultant, will speak at Western Carolina University about social justice and contemporary issues at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, in the Grandroom of A.K. Hinds University Center.

His topic will be “One Better World the Journey Begins with You,” dealing with privilege, identity and individual roles in society. Through interactive activities and focused discussions, attendees will learn how their identities influence all they do and how to use this knowledge to become agents of change on campus and in the world.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Wall said. His visit comes as WCU students, faculty and staff engage in ongoing conversations about ways to improve the climate for diversity and inclusion on campus.

Wall is a nationally-known speaker on social justice and leadership styles. He was a founder of the Social Justice Training Institute, which provides diversity trainers and practitioners with laboratory experience where they can focus on their own learning and development to increase their multicultural competencies as social justice educators. He also has served as a trainer for the

Tap into Sylva Brew Hop

In honor of NC Beer Month, join City Lights Café, Balsam Falls Brewing, Innovation Brewing, Mad Batter Food & Film and The Cut Cocktail Lounge for the Sylva Brew Hop from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7, in downtown.

In its third year, ticket-holders will visit each of the five establishments and taste two local or regional beers. Tickets include a souvenir glass and two four-ounce pours at each location.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at www.mainstreetsylva.org/sylvabrew-hop.

• Line Dance Lessons will be held on Tuesdays in Waynesville. Times are 7 to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday. Cost is $10 per class and will feature modern/traditional line dancing. 828.734.0873 or kimcampbellross@gmail.com.

• “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admission. For more information, please call 828.335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. April 7 and 14 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in

Martin Luther King Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta.

The event is free and open to the public, and sponsored by WCU’s College of Education and Allied Professions, College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs, and Department of Intercultural Affairs. For more information call 828.227.3251 or email diversity@wcu.edu.

Haywood history speaker series

The popular “Haywood Ramblings” series presented by the Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission will return. Each event runs from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Room on Main Street and is free to the public.

• “Prominent Waynesville Families,” presented by Sarah Sloan Kreutziger. Thursday, April 5.

• “History of Main Street, Waynesville,” presented by Alex McKay. Thursday, May 3. In case of snow, the event will be automatically rescheduled for the second Thursday of the month.

Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. April 7 and 14 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.

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

• The next Civil War Round Table meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9, in the H.F. Robinson Auditorium at Western Carolina University. Social hour will be at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments in the lobby.

On the wall

New WCU art installation

The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center will present present “Lining: Sheathing” through May 4, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. April 19 in Cullowhee.

“Lining: Sheathing” is a large-scale installation about the tactile and protective qualities of textiles by collaborators Denise Bookwalter and Lee Emma Running. This installation was developed in residencies at Penland School of Crafts, Constellation Studios, and Small Craft Advisory Press.

The focal point of the installation is a room-size tent suspended beneath a skylight. The tent is made from large printed and dyed textile panels which create a space that viewers can enter. Viewers are invited to try on one of the handmade garments and view the series of eight queen bed sized woodblock prints on handmade paper. The artists have been working together for five years, creating installations and artist books that include printed fabric, handmade paper, woodblock prints, custom garments and embroidery.

In addition to the installation and exhibition inside the WCU Fine Art Museum, Bookwalter and Running have also created a three-story site-specific window installation in the Star Atrium at Bardo Arts Center. The installation is particularly engaging when viewed during the afternoon as sunlight filters through the windows at Bardo Arts Center creating a dynamic array of shadows throughout the space. Lee Running is a visual artist from Grinell College in Iowa and Denise Bookwalter is an Associate Professor of Art at Florida State University.

The WCU Fine Art Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10

a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public.

Open year-round, the WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center features a growing permanent collection and exhibitions highlighting regional, national, and international artists.

For more information, jilljacobs@wcu.edu or 828.227.2505.

Meadows announces Congressional Art Competition

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) has officially announced his annual Congressional Art Competition for 2018.

The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students who reside in the 11th District. All entries must be original in design, concept, and execution, with open categories such as painting, drawing, print, and more.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of art professionals and there will be a reception for all the students who enter, as well as their teachers and families, on April 28. The overall winner of our district's competition will receive two round-trip tickets to the National Reception in Washington, D.C., a $3,000 scholarship to a prestigious southeastern art college, and their art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.

The deadline to enter this year’s competition is Friday, April 13. Entries may be dropped off earlier, but all entries must be received by 5 p.m. April 13 at Rep. Meadows’ main district office located at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 90, Hendersonville, NC.

For more information, visit Congressman Meadows’ website at meadows.house.gov.

GALLERY 1 FEATURESWORKOF TERRY BARNES

Gallery 1 Sylva will present the work of Terry Barnes. The showcase will open from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the gallery on Main Street. Barnes’ work will be on display the month of April and May, including large works printed on gallery wrap canvas.

Dillsboro ‘Airing of the Quilts’

The mountain tradition of “Airing of the Quilts” will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro. The public is invited to be a part of this special day by exhibiting quilts — old or new. Register quilts online at www.appwomen.org/quilts by April 2. Include a photo of your quilts and as much of the history of your quilts as you know.  For more information contact Cheryl Beck at 828.421.3820.

On the wall

• Gallery 1 Sylva will celebrate the work and collection of co-founder Dr. Perry Kelly with a show of his personal work at the Jackson County Public Library Rotunda and his art collection at the gallery. All work is for sale. Admission is free. Children are welcome. art@gallery1sylva.com.

• Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

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

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (April 5 and 19) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

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

• A “Youth Art Class” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Appalachian Art Farm on 22 Morris Street in Sylva. All ages welcome. $10 includes instruction, materials and snack. appalachianartfarm@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.

• Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in

On the stage

HART winter season continues

One of the bright spots of the winter is the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre Studio Season. The final show of the season will be “In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play” (April 6-15).

Each year, HART in Waynesville presents a festival of plays in its intimate 60seat Feichter Studio. The space is located backstage in the Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House and for many this is where the region’s most exciting theatre happens.

Tickets are only $10 with general admission seating, but reservations are

Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday. Bring your own materials and join an ongoing drawing course led by gallery artists from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at 828.349.4607.

• An “Intermediate Bladesmithing Class” is being offered with Brock Martin from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7-8 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Produce a blade of high carbon steel with attention on fit and finish. Students must wear closed toe shoes (preferably leather), long pants, and cotton clothing, and should bring a lunch. Cost is $340 (materials included), and is due at registration. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 828.631.0271. www.jcgep.org.

• The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, April 9, at the Tartan Hall in Franklin. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. Meeting and program begin at 10 a.m. Guild Co-President Suzanne Wingett will demonstrate the one-block-wonder technique in preparation for two workshops she will lead April 21 and 28. Anyone interested in the art of quilting is welcome to attend guild meetings. For more information about the guild and the upcoming workshops, visit www.smokymtnquilters.org.

• Grant Benoit, the artist in residence at The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts, will be discussing his studio practices at 1 p.m. Monday, April 9, at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin. The Macon County Art Association general meeting will follow the presentation. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For information on art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at 828.349.4607. franklinuptowngallery@gmail.com or www.franklinuptowngallery.com.

Quality Trailers, Quality Prices

recommended as many shows regularly sell out. Another cautionary note, don’t arrive late. Once the show begins, no one can be admitted.

A complete schedule is available on the HART website at www.harttheatre.org. Season tickets are also available for the winter season. Most shows traditionally run two weekends, but reservations are only taken one week at a time due to possible weather cancellations. Those attending can also dine at Harmons’ Den Bistro at HART prior to the show.

To make reservations or for more information call the HART box office at 828.456.6322. HART is located at 250 Pigeon Street in downtown Waynesville.

One of the most “green” fireplaces to own & operate.

564 High Output Dancing-Fyre™

The 564 HO GS2 is a breakthrough fireplace offering you the choice of three different burners; the high performance EmberFyre burner with the choice of ceramic brick or stone liners, the entry level Dancing-Fyre burner with black painted interior, or the contemporary Diamond-Fyre burner with the choice of black painted, stainless steel or black enamel liners. This fireplace features 564 square inches of high quality, high clarity tempered glass that comes standard with the 2015 ANSI-compliant invisible safety screen, increasing the overall safety of this unit for you and your family.

The 564 HO GS2 is sure to keep things warmed up year round with a heat output of 35,000 BTU’s and the ability to heat up to 1,400 square feet. The high efficiency fireplace offers a turndown ratio of up to 71% (NG) or 79% (LP). The fireplace also features close clearances to the mantle by incorporating “film cooling” technology. This allows for a more balanced look to the fireplace.

The 564 HO comes standard with the revolutionary GreenSmart system, making it one of the most “green” fireplaces to own and operate.

If you’re going through hell: a book and some thoughts

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

— Winston Churchill

By hell, I mean neither a trivial badhair day nor that bleak circle of earthly hell reserved to the clinically depressed, a condition treated these days with medication and counseling. No — by hell I intend that protracted war in which you are a lone soldier and the forces arrayed against you are as dark and insidious as Mordor’s Orcs.

immune to temptation and are stunned when we betray our sense of honor.

It is this self-made hell that Joshua Max Feldman investigates in Start Without Me (William Morrow, 2017, 274 pages).

The novel brings together Adam, a

demolished possibilities, losing not only his self-respect and his career, but also Johanna, the woman and partner in music he once loved. Feeling abandoned and wounded by her husband’s behavior, Marissa runs into an old boyfriend at the airport, spends the night with him, and becomes pregnant. Having severed relations with her mother, she finds herself alone with what she has done.

Their self-judgment comes from “what they have done and what they have failed to do.” At the core of their painful journey is this lesson: “Progress. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time.”

Cody to present debut novel

Michael Amos Cody will present his debut novel at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. A living portrait of the artist as a wayward musician, Gabriel’s Songbook is the story of a musician whose talent carries him from the hills of Appalachia to the grime and glamour of Nashville and back home again. Gritty and lyrical, rock-n-roll and old-time country, the book transports the reader deep into that age-old dream of making the big time, and shows us the beauty and pathos that lurks underneath.

This is the hell where you wake before dawn beset by your demons as soon as you open your eyes, fiends aroused by self-doubts, physical diseases, the betrayals and lies of others, a sense of your own failings, your own worthlessness. This is the hell where your hours are ordeals to be endured, where you take punch after punch against the ropes. This is the hell where, unlike King Midas, all that you touch turns to lead. This is the hell where twilight offers no beauty, no laughter, no comfort other than the knowledge that sleep may soon be yours, releasing you for a few hours from your interior Alcatraz.

Sometimes circumstances or the words and actions of others build those prison walls. You are preparing supper for your husband and children when the oncologist’s office calls and changes your life forever. You wake to the sound of knocking and find two grim policemen at the front door, telling you about an accident and wondering whether the girl they name, the girl you have raised and loved for 17 years, is your daughter. You realize one day — the enlightenment comes as suddenly and as vividly as nirvana to a bodhisattva — that someone you love no longer loves you. You give your life to a dream, achieve it, and then watch it stripped from you by the jealous and the greedy.

Sometimes we build our own fences, brick walls, and guard towers. Rarely in these instances do we intend to fashion a prison. No—we begin with innocent thoughts and pure intentions. We get a credit card, then another and another, and one day find ourselves shackled by debt and financial ruin. We fall in love, but realize too late it’s the wrong time and with the wrong person. We feel

former musician and a recovering alcoholic, and Marissa, a flight attendant whose marriage is coming apart. It is Thanksgiving, and both find themselves struggling with the demands of family. Adam’s loved ones — his parents and siblings — want to embrace him, but the barricade he erected with his drinking remains between them. Marissa, who grew up poor, the daughter of an alcoholic mother, has married into a wealthy family who keep her at arm’s length because of race and class.

As we follow Adam and Marissa through their Thanksgiving Day, we learn how both of them have fallen, failing those around them, sometimes deliberately, sometimes accidentally. They have become prisoners of their past, fettered in irons they themselves have forged.

Adam looks at his own life in terms of

After Adam’s phone loses its charge at a crucial moment, he thinks “Just my luck… But no, he corrected himself, that was the dumbest, the most dangerous way to think: That it was bad luck; that he was its victim; that he was a victim at all. Self-pity was toxic to recovery. It was the vortex that pulled in all your resolve, all your good intentions, all your promises to yourself….”

In Start Without Me, Marissa and Adam grapple with the storms of their past while navigating the dangerous waters of the present. During their Thanksgiving Day odyssey, parts of which they endure together, they laugh and quarrel, advise and support each other. By the novel’s final pages, which end on a note of hope, we learn what they have learned, that to accept responsibility for our actions is the hard way but the only real way to live. The musician and the stewardess teach us that courage and acceptance are the shield and armor needed to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.

In our “age of the victim,” Start Without Me reminds us that often the best target for our grievances is the mirror. Only when we look at ourselves, when we shove away self-pity and refrain from blaming others for our fallen state, will we begin to find our way into the light.

Winston Churchill, as Adam and Marissa discover, had it right: when you are going through hell, keep going. (Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. minick0301@gmail.com.)

Cody is a professor in the Department of Literature and Language at East Tennessee State University. After working as a songwriter in Nashville, he earned his PhD in English from the University of South Carolina. His short fiction has appeared in The Tampa Review, Yemassee, and other publications, and his albums include Homecoming and Wonderful Life.

To reserve copies of Gabriel’s Songbook please call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Distinguished Poet reading

There will be a poetry reading with Franklin High School senior Morgan Guynn and Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Pat Riviere-Seel at 6 p.m. Monday, April 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

The Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Series is sponsored by the North Carolina Poetry Society and the North Carolina Center for the Book. The mentoring program aims to foster a greater appreciation for poetry, improve reading and writing skills, provide opportunities to share poetry in public spaces, and forge relationships with communities across the state. A Distinguished Poet is chosen to represent each of the three regions in the state — the west, the central, and the east.

Any middle school, high school, or college student as well as adults not currently enrolled in college are eligible to apply. Students must be residents of North Carolina. To apply to the GCDPS in western North Carolina, students need to fill out the application form found at the North Carolina Poetry Society’s website, www.ncpoetrysociety.org/gcdps, and email it with a three-page sample of the student’s poetry to Dr. Catherine Carter at Western Carolina University (ccarter@email.wcu.edu). Counties included in the western region are listed at www.ncpoetrysociety.org/gcdps/gcdps_application.

The application requires the signature of a parent and of a teacher or public librarian for students under 18.

New work on WWII fake art

Author Thomas Thibeault will present his book Fake: The Crimes of Hans van Meegeren at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at Blue Ridge Bookstore in Waynesville.

Han van Meegeren faked the masterpieces of Dutch art and sold them to the Nazis. War made him a millionaire. Joop Pillers fought in the Resistance and survived the Holocaust. Peace made him a detective hunting collaborators. Pillers’ quest brought new terrors, the choice between the fake and the real.

Those travels also involved working as a deckhand, soldier, truck driver in Africa, art model in Ireland, train brakeman in Canada, and a tour guide at the Pyramids. Thibeault brings a wealth of experience to writing which expresses our primal experiences. Half-a-century of wide reading, wider traveling, and concentrated thinking have provoked him into writing. For more information call 828.456.6000 or click on www.blueridgebooks.com.

Walking Waynesville’s watershed

Hike offers rare glimpse into unspoiled area

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Of all the rugged places in Western North Carolina, one of the most pristine and unique is also one of the least known — but that’s by design.

Mention Rocky Branch Lake and you’ll find few who’ve heard of it, and even fewer who’ve actually been to the 86-acre pool that serves as an ample reservoir for the Town of Waynesville’s drinking water. That’s because public access is restricted year-round.

Such has been the case in the 8,030-acre watershed for decades, since the town began acquiring parcels in this isolated mountain valley in the mid-1900s.

Today, however, that valley sits at the intersection of conservation and recreation, as town officials and residents continue to ponder its best and highest use.

‘MAXIMUMPROTECTION’

Human habitation in the Waynesville watershed likely dates back some 8,000 years; Native Americans hunted and fished the Allens Creek area, leaving traces of their deeds in the form of tools and projectiles, according to Christine Osborne, author of a brief but comprehensive history of the watershed that was released in 2010.

As Europeans made their way to the valley thousands of years later, they established more permanent settlements to take advantage of the deer, grouse, turkey and bear that could be found there, as well as the plentiful trout that still call the crisscrossing network of clean coldwater streams home.

By 1901, two Pennsylvanian lumbermen, Edwin Quinlan and his son Charles, were harvesting more than five million board feet a year of mixed hardwoods like chestnut, hickory, ash and oak from the steep slopes of the valley, supplying not only the Southeast but also insatiable demand from the North.

The largest local deposit of mica, a fireresistant mineral similar to asbestos, also snakes its way through the area, which in conjunction with large-scale timber harvesting made the whole valley an important economic driver that also employed hundreds of locals.

As Canton’s Champion Paper plant began to grow, harvesting operations in what was now called Quinlantown directly supported the plant until Quinlan’s company mysteriously “faded away” by 1920, according to Osborne.

Three years later, the Town of Waynesville paid $2,043 for 2,043 acres as a hedge against a series of droughts that had recently plagued

the region. After World War II, the town began thinning the forest by selling millions of board feet of wood, while the few remain-

ing families and landowners in Quinlantown moved on and moved out.

The town condemned the remaining settlements, and by the late 1950s the area was again largely deserted, although the town continued selling wood through the 1980s.

In 1976, a large dam was constructed near the northern edge of the watershed, impounding millions of gallons of water behind the rocky rubble quarried on-site; not long after, the watershed was designated by the State of North Carolina as WS-1, which according to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is “High Quality Water” suitable for drinking or in food processing applications for users desiring “maximum protection” of their water.

“Waynesville had the forethought to put this together years ago, to think ahead as far as the water

supply is concerned,” said Tim Petrea, a recreation program supervisor with the Town of Waynesville. “They weren’t just thinking for

the day, they were thinking for years to come, so we could be assured that our water supply is good, and good quality.”

On March 31, Petrea led a dozen-odd hikers on a guided hike through the watershed — a rare opportunity to see what lies behind Rocky Branch Lake. Petrea’s been with the town for just over five years, but as a hike leader has been through the watershed many times.

There’s really no convenient way to loop back around to the starting point near the town’s water treatment plant, which lies just outside the dam, so the hike ends up being a pleasant 3.5-mile out-and-back along a nicely maintained logging road that lacks any truly steep inclines but peers down through thick stands of rhododendron to babbling brooks bubbling over stairways of well-weathered boulders.

“It’s about getting people of different ages together and getting them out into the wilderness,” Petrea said of the watershed hikes offered through the town’s recreation department just twice a year, once in the spring, and once in the fall. “But for the watershed, it’s about environmental education and teaching stewardship.”

Strict stewardship of the watershed has kept the tract remarkably free of human impact, important in maintaining that WS-1 classification; during the entire five-hour affair, the group removed exactly one piece of litter from the watershed — a bright green plastic soda bottle that may

Cradle of Forestry reopens

The Cradle of Forestry in America will reopen for the season Saturday, April 7, operating under a new Expanded Partnership Agreement that will result in more daily activities and events throughout the season as well as increased fees.

The opening celebration, Old Time Plowing and Folkways, will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 7, offering a chance to get hands-on with horse plowing, mingle with living history volunteers, hear old-timey music and explore the trails.

General admission is $6 for ages 13 and up and $3 for ages 4 to 12. Golden Age Passport and Friends of the Cradle Annual passes accepted.

Birds, bogs and blooms

A leisurely 6-mile stroll will provide an introduction to early spring birds and botany from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 13, through a class at Alarka Institute in Cowee.

The route will include a high-elevation spruce bog, with the class perfect for anyone who would like to grow their knowledge of Appalachia’s botanical and bird splendors. Led by Brent Martin, co-owner of Alarka Institute, and Adam Bigelow of Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions.

$65 includes vegetarian lunch and afternoon happy hour. Space limited. Sign up at www.paypal.me/cedartree.

Hike through history

An 8-mile hike to Little Cataloochee will give participants a chance to travel back in time Tuesday, April 10, during the second installment of Friends of the Smokies’ Classic Hikes series.

The group will ascend 1,500 feet on Pretty Hollow Gap and Little Cataloochee Trails, with highlights including the recently restored Cook Cabin, historic Baptist church and cemetery, and spring wildflowers.

Classic Hikes founder, author and hiking expert Danny Bernstein will lead the

Perry will share his experience with the group and answer questions about the restoration process.

$20 for members; $35 for nonmembers includes a one-year membership. Register at hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

Get outdoors at NOC

A celebration of Appalachian Trail thruhikers and a plethora of outdoor activities will comprise the Outdoor Elements Festival, April 13 and 14 at Nantahala Outdoor Center near Bryson City.

have blown in from up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which borders the watershed to the south. Aside from that, neither plastic bag nor cigarette butt nor even a bead of Styrofoam was in sight.

HIGHANDDRY

Whether the watershed retains that character into the future remains to be seen; sporadic talk of opening the area to various forms of recreation conjures up images of empty beer cans and spent shotgun shells fading in the sun, but the possibility of adding dozens of miles of trails to the town’s park system for hikers, bikers, anglers or hunters is an appealing one both recreationally and economically.

The town, however, has already waded into an aggressive multi-year, multi-million dollar recreation master plan with no real way to pay for it.

That plan doesn’t include the millions it might take to provide safe public access to or parking at the site, or the ongoing main-

The event will kick off with a movie night at 7 p.m. Friday, April 13, with Saturday featuring an action-packed schedule. The Flint Ridge 5K will begin at 9 a.m., with an outfitter’s store vendor fair set up 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., outdoor yoga 10 a.m. to noon, and whitewater kayak demos 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The evening will start with a thruhikers feast at 5 p.m., followed by an attainment race 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., live music 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and an outdoor film 7 to 8 p.m.

expertise to restore Cook Cabin last year, with the team camping in that remote area of the park for the duration of the project.

Free, with 5K registration $29. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is located along U.S. 74, about 12 miles past Bryson City. Full schedule is online at www.noc.com/events/outdoor-elementsfestival.

Wander through the wildflowers

A spring wildflower hike in the Big Creek watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be offered 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14.

The easy 4-mile hike to Mouse Creek Falls will be led by wildflower aficionado Donna Machen, whose passion for wildflowers began 25 years ago. Spring wildflowers are abundant in the Big Creek area throughout April and May.

Part of Haywood Waterways Association’s “Get to Know Your Watershed” series of outdoor recreation activities designed to raise awareness of Haywood County’s natural beauty. Free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Space limited, with RSVPs required by April 12 to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667.

tenance that would soon become necessary.

In fact, expanded public access to Rocky Branch Lake seems to be taking a back seat to expanded utilization of the watershed for its primary purpose – serving the town’s 6,400 residential and commercial customers of today and tomorrow.

The Town of Waynesville’s water treatment plant can process up to 7 million gallons of water a day, but on average handles about half that.

Throughout fall 2016, large swaths of the Smokies were parched and/or ablaze; the historic drought and wildfires that season ignited a serious discussion in Haywood County on how the watershed’s output might be regionalized for use in such emergencies.

“Going back to the drought, as the drought deepened [in 2016] we got informal requests from Canton and the Maggie Valley Sanitary District for over 2.5 million gallons of water a day,” Waynesville Town manager Rob Hites told The Smoky Mountain News last year; those requests

were in addition to existing service provided to the Junaluska Sanitary District and Lake Junaluska Assembly. “We don’t have the reservoir capacity to sell that much water continually during a protracted drought.”

Over the past 91 years, 13 droughts have affected the watershed, half of them since 1999.

A recent study conducted by engineering firm McGill and Associates on behalf of the town said there’s probably some additional capacity at Rock Branch Lake, almost double the current average yield.

More studies would be needed before any increases would be made, including one on dam stability and presumably others by local, state and federal emergency management agencies.

Given the mechanics of that process, it appears that even if political will is present to either broaden access or increase capacity, Waynesville’s watershed will likely remain unspoiled and inaccessible for years to come.

Sustainability work planned in Pisgah

Public comment on a proposed project in the Pisgah National Forest is wanted, with an open house planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the Pisgah Ranger Station in Brevard.

The project aimed to increase the sustainability of recreation and includes trail construction and reconstruction, trailhead construction, change of authorized trail use, select roadside campsite closures, watershed improvements, road decommissioning, heavy trail maintenance and removal of a vault toilet.

Comments can also be submitted through April 27, online at cara.ecosystemmanagement.org/Public/CommentInput?p roject=53329, through the mail to Jeff Owenby, 1600 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, N.C., or in person at the Pisgah Ranger Station.

More details about the project are online at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53329.

Bear activity prompts warning in Panthertown

An increase in serious bear encounters in Panthertown Valley has led the U.S. Forest Service to recommend that backcountry campers there use bear-resistant containers and carry bear spray.

Bears are smart animals and quickly learn to associate campsites with food when people don’t properly store their food and trash.

“We recommend no overnight camping without bear-proof containers and some form of personal protection in the backcountry,” said Nantahala District Ranger Mike Wilkins. “This will help reduce bear encounters until berries and other natural foods become available. Also, it is advisable to avoid abandoning food containers, backpacks and other items to a bear one may encounter to avoid teaching the bear to associate people with food.”

Panthertown Valley is a popular backcountry recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers. For more information about bears in the area, visit www.panthertown.org/bears

Help preserve history

A volunteer work day at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Smith-McDowell House Museum in Asheville will be one of nearly 200 events planned nationwide for the Civil War Trust’s Park Day 2018.

The effort includes sites relevant to the Civil War, Revolutionary War and War of 1812, enlisting volunteers to help keep America’s hallowed grounds and classrooms looking their best.

The Asheville event will include a variety of yard work, with volunteers provided with food and free tickets to the house museum. Registration is required with Elaine Blake, Elaine@wnchistory.org or 828.253.9231. For a full list of participating sites, visit www.civilwar.org/events/park-day.

Cycle Western North Carolina

For cycling enthusiasts across the region, warmer weather means one thing — time to start pedaling. With a variety of organized rides underway in the mountains, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the roads and trails with other pedalers.

Franklin

n A ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, with alternating starts at Smoky Mountain Bicycles and South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com. Check the “Macon County Cyclists” Facebook page for updates.

n Starting in June, a ride will leave at 8 a.m. on Saturdays from South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary with distances typically 1525 miles. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com. Check the “Macon County Cyclists” Facebook page for updates.

Sylva

n A no-drop relaxed road ride will roll 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through the end of October from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop. Routes vary and are open to cyclists of all levels. Organized by Motion Makers, 828.586.6925.

n A group road ride will leave at 6 p.m. Tuesdays through the end of October from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop to tackle a 40-mile

“race” to the Balsam Post Office. Organized by Motion Makers, 828.586.6925.

Cullowhee

n A ride exploring the Western Carolina University mountain bike trails will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, with the next ride planned for April 5. Participants will meet at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching and divide into a beginner group and a nonbeginner group, with 60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time. Organized by the Nantahala

Cherokee

n A ride exploring the Fire Mountain Trail System in Cherokee will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, with the next ride planned for April 12. Participants will divide into a beginner group and a non-beginner group, with 60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time. Organized by the Nantahala Area Southern OffRoad Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com.

Haywood County

n A ride for cyclists at the intermediate level and above will be offered at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, with starting points alternating between the Waynesville Recreation Center and the Canton Recreation Park. Cyclists regroup as necessary and typically cover about 20 miles over the course of an hour and a half. Bob Clark, bobclarklaw@gmail.com

Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com

Asheville

n A pair of ladies-only mountain bike rides will be offered at 6 p.m.

Wednesdays through Oct. 31 from the Ledford Branch Trailhead at Bent Creek.

A beginner-friendly, recovery pace social ride will cover 5 to 8 miles, with all skill levels encouraged to attend.

Simultaneously, a training ride for ladies who know how to handle a bike and want to increase their speed will cover 8 to 12 miles on Bent Creek’s more technical trails. Organized by Motion Makers Bicycle Shop. 828.633.2227

Runners kick off the Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon from the center of WCU’s campus.

Run the Valley of Lilies in Cullowhee

The eighth annual Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K will return to Western Carolina University Saturday, April 7.

The half marathon will take runners on a scenic 13.1-mile journey through campus and along the Tuckaseigee River, with the 5K stepping off at 8:15 a.m. Registration is $60 for the half marathon and $25 for the 5K through 4 p.m. Friday, April 6, with day-of registration $80 for the half and $30 for the 5K. Early packet pickup will be available 4 to 8 p.m. April 5 and 6 in Room 204 of WCU’s Health and Human Sciences Building, and on race day 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at the Campus Recreation Center. Sign up at www.runsignup.com.

Haywood Community College’s campus arboretum has been growing for 50 years.

Donated photo

HCC named Tree Campus USA

Haywood Community College was recently named a 2017 Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, commemorating this accomplishment by planting a mountain silverbell tree on campus.

Now in its 10th year, the Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. HCC earned the title by meeting the program’s five standards: maintaining a tree advisory committee, having a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for the campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a

Bird walks resume

student service-learning project. Currently, 344 campuses nationwide have the Tree Campus USA designation.

District ranger for the North Carolina Forest Service and HCC forestry graduate Matthew Hooper presented the award to the College.

“It is the commitment to the campus environment that has earned Haywood Community College its designation as a Tree Campus USA and reflects the dedication of the people and leaders of this college to lead by example, in care and management of its trees,” Hooper said at the presentation.

April marks the resurgence of weekly birdwatching walks in Franklin, with the Franklin Bird Club holding its first walk of the season at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, along the Little Tennessee River Greenway starting from the Macon County Public Library parking lot.

The group holds its walks at 8 a.m. Wednesdays, typically along the greenway, with meeting points varying.

Find the schedule online at www.franklinbirdclub.com or call 828.524.5234.

Meet baby animals

In preparation for the upcoming baby wildlife season, volunteers are wanted for Edith Allen Wildlife Sanctuary’s second annual Welcome Wildlife Baby Shower, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 14, in Canton.

The event will also feature a tour of the facility and a chance to meet some of the baby animals. The sanctuary’s primary mis-

sion is to rehabilitate injured, mistreated or otherwise unwanted wildlife, and it also works to educate others about responsible animal ownership and advocate for the animals it helps.

A wish list of supplies for the sanctuary is online at www.edithallenwildlife.com, and the facility is located at 539 Buckeye Cove Road in Canton.

828.646.8639 or eawsinc@gmail.com.

Learn the ABCs of gardening

A seminar covering the basics of gardening will be offered on three upcoming dates in Jackson and Swain counties.

n 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the Jackson County Extension Center in Sylva. n 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 12, at the Swain County Extension Center in Bryson City. n 10:15 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 1, at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Library in Cashiers.

The class will cover site selection and preparation; soil and plant fertility needs; spacing; crop rotation; cultivars; cool versus warm-season vegetables; and common disease and pest issues. Free. Offered by the Jackson/Swain County Cooperative Extension. Register with Christy Bredenkamp, 828.586.4009 or clbreden@ncsu.edu.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• A commemoration of the Cherokee removal and Trail of Tears will be offered from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on April 11, in the Grandroom of the A.K. Hinds University Center in Cullowhee. smabram@wcu.edu, 227.2735 or rogers@wcu.edu.

• Volunteers will be available to assist with federal and state income tax preparation and filing from through April 13 in Jackson County. Info: 293.0074, 586.4944 or 586.2016 or www.aarp.org.

• The popular “Haywood Ramblings” series presented by the Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission will return in the Town Hall Board Room on Main Street.. “Prominent Waynesville Families,” presented by Sarah Sloan Kreutziger. Thursday, April 5. All events are from 4 to 5 p.m. In case of snow, the event will be automatically rescheduled for the second Thursday of the month.

B USINESS & E DUCATION

• The Swain County Chamber of Commerce meets at 10 a.m. on April 5, at the chamber in Bryson City.

• Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center will host an email marketing seminar from 3-5 p.m. on April 5, at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce in Franklin. Register: http://bit.ly/ncsbcn.

• Greg Varley will offer a presentation on the CSS Hunley at 7 p.m. on April 9 at the Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table meeting at the H.F. Robinson Auditorium on the Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee. Meet and greet at 5 p.m. at Bogart’s in Sylva; Social hour at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium lobby.

• Registration is underway for a workshop on “Sales & Use Tax Workshop” offered by the N.C. Department of Revenue from 2-4 p.m. on April 10, in Room 303 of the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College in Sylva.

• Vernon Wall, an author, lecturer and consultant, will speak at Western CarolinaUniversity about social justice and contemporary issues at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, in the Grandroom of A.K. Hinds University Center. His topic will be “One Better World − the Journey Begins with You,” dealing with privilege, identity and individual roles in society. 227.3251 or diversity@wcu.edu.

• The Swain County Tourism Development Authority will hold a workshop at noon on April 11 at the Chamber of Commerce. No requests; no voting.

• Tourism-related businesses will have an opportunity to meet with “Visit North Carolina” staff from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 11, at the Lake Junaluska Harrell Center Auditorium.

• “Reduce the Risk of Sexual Harrassment: Know How to Act and React” will be offered for employers from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 12, at Western Carolina University’s instructional site in Biltmore Park in Asheville. Cost: $95 Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.3070.

• The Waynesville Branch of the Haywood County Public Library will have an open house from 5-7 p.m. on April 12. Tour the facility, meet new Library Director Kathy G. Vossler and attend the second annual Presidential Volunteer Service Awards ceremony. Cal Shepard, state librarian, will be keynote speaker.

• A Health Sciences Exploration Day will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on April 13, in the Balsam Center of Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. The college’s 13 health sciences programs will participate and offer demonstrations and information. 339.4305.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Western Carolina University will offer a one-day workshop on “Contract Negotiations, Liability and Risk Factors in Business” from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on April 13, at the university’s instructional site in Asheville. $119. Lunch included. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.3070.

• “Walking the Tracks: A Conversation about Old Hazelwood-Waynesville” will be hosted by Alex McKay, Curator of the Waynesville Archive Museum, from 1-3 p.m. on April 14, at the Waynesville Library Auditorium.

• Registration is underway through April 6 for a job fair that will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 14, at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. 743.5191.

• A hunter safety course will be offered from 6-9:30 p.m. on April 16-17 at Haywood Community College, Room 3322, Building 3300, in Clyde. Must attend both evenings to receive certification. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• A boating safety course will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on April 17-18 in Room 3322, Building 3300 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• The Swain County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, at the Fryemont Inn.

• Registration is underway for a two-day seminar on financial reporting for public higher education at Western Carolina University’s instructional site at Biltmore Park in Asheville. Open to accounting staff from public colleges and universities. Seminar is from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 23-24. Cost: $349. Includes lunch each day. Pdp.wcu.edu and click on “Financial Reporting for Higher Education” or 227.3070.

• Registration is underway for “Bizweek 2018” through the Macon County Economic Development Commission in Franklin. April 16-20. Registration required. For info/schedule and to register: www.maconedc.com or 369.2306.

FUNDRAISERSAND B ENEFITS

• The Canton Senior Center holds a fundraiser for operation by selling concessions during Canton’s Picking in the Armory starting at 5 p.m. on April 6. 648.8173.

• “Spring Fling” vendor event is Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lifeway Church is Sylva. The event is free to attend. Over 20 vendors, snacks, raffle tickets, and yard sale (weather permitting) will be offered at the event. Vendor fees and other money raised at the event will go to support the Encore! Performing Arts Studio and Royals Dance Company families with their competition fees, costumes, dancewear and provide scholarships. Crystal Akers at 507.0452.

• Tickets are on sale now for a fundraising gala to support Western Carolina University’s University Participant Program. The event is set April 7, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. $50 for students; $100 for all others. Program addresses the need for inclusive services beyond high school for individuals with disabilities. For info or tickets: 575.6495 or upgala2018@gmail.com.

• Entries are being accepted for the Feline Urgent Rescue’s second-annual Cat Photo Contest. $15 per photo. Deadline is April 7. Categories: Diva cat, funniest cat, cutest cat, laziest cat, “Cat-i-tude” and “Cats and Friends.” Instructions: www.furofwnc.org. Info: 844.888.CATS (2287), furofwnc1@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/furofwnc.

• A yard sale will be held by Masonic Lodges starting at 7 a.m. on April 7, at the Stanberry Insurance Parking Lot. Proceeds benefit N.C. charities including the Masonic Children’s Home Oxford. 813.817.7318.

• The Blind Hog Spring Thaw Disc Golf fundraiser tournament is scheduled for April 7-8 at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa. Benefits Haywood Waterways and Haywood County Special Olympics. $1/ Register: https://tinyurl.com/y7xsxb7e. Info: TPetrea@WaynesvilleNC.gov.

• Registration is underway for the “Casino Royale” Autism Awareness Golf Tournament, which is set for 9:30 a.m. on April 9, at Maggie Valley Club. $400 per foursome; single-player tickets are $100. All proceeds benefit Richie’s Alliance for Autism. Sign up: www.richiesallieance.org/event/autism-awareness-golftournament or 421.2408.

• Tickets are on sale now for the Richie’s Alliance for Autism’s “Taste” event at 4:30 p.m. on April 11, featuring the region’s top culinary talent, award-winning wines and local craft beer. Silent auction, live band and dancing. VIP tickets are $100; General admission ($45) starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets: www.richiesalliance.org/event/taste.

• A disc golf tournament is scheduled for April 14, at Lake Julian Park in Arden. Fundraiser for Green Built Alliance. https://tinyurl.com/ybwqy8kl.

• Folkmoot will host the Appalachian Friendship Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Elevated Mountain Distillery in Maggie Valley. Tickets for this Friendship Dinner are $25 for adult, $20 for students and $30 at the door. www.folkmoot.org or 452.2997.

• Tickets are on sale now for Feline Urgent Rescue of WNC’s WineTasting and appetizer buffet, which is from 5:30-8 p.m. on April 21, at HART’s Daniel & Belle Fangmeyer Theatre in Waynesville. Tickets: $35 per person; includes three wine tastings or beers. Sponsorships are $125. www.furofwnc.org.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS

• A benefit concert will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 6, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin to raise money for the “Shop with a Cop” program. Tickets will also be sold at the door beginning at 6 p.m. April 6. Tickets are $15 for adults. Tickets for children 10 years and under are $10 each and children 5 and under are free. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• A Volunteer work day is scheduled for 10 a.m. on April 7, at the Smith-McDowell House Museum in Asheville. Includes sites relevant to the Civil War, Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Registration required: Elaine@wnchistory.org or 253.9231. Full list of participating sites: www.civilwar.org/events/park-day.

• Sign-ups are underway for participants and volunteers for “Walk MS: Fletcher,” a fundraising walk for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The event is set for April 15 at Bill Moore Park. Info or sign up: walkMS.org, 855.372.1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org.

• Applications are being accepted for artist vendors for the Folkmoot Festival this summer. Applications are being accepted at folkmoot.org/applications through April 30. 100 applications will be accepted from vendors offering unique, handmade items. $25 fee. Info: 452.2997 or vendors@folkmoot.org.

H EALTH MATTERS

• “Open Heart Journey: Cacao and Self-Love” will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6, at Waynesville Yoga Center. $35 in advance; $40 at the door. 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• “Restorative Gentle Yoga + Essential Oils + Healing

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

Touch” will be offered from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Waynesville Yoga Center. $35 in advance; $40 at the door. 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• Goode oils will be hosting a doTERRA essential oil Make & Take at the Spring Fling on April 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 pm at Life Way Church in Sylva. If you have digestive issues, spring related issues, tension, and sleep issues then you won’t want to miss the chance to make up a solution to your health issues. Each essential oil roller is $5, make as many as you want. The Spring Fling is a vendor event that supports the Encore! Performing arts Studio & Royals Dance Company families with their expenses. 246.2256 or goodeoils@gmail.com or my.doterra.com/goodeoils

• A grief support group, GriefShare, will be held from 67:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through May 23 at First Alliance Church in Franklin. Topics include grief’s challenges, guilt, anger, relationships with others, being stuck and what to live for now. $15 cost covers materials; scholarships available. Register: www.franklincma.com. Info: 369.7977, 200.5166, scott@franklincma.com or www.griefshare.org.

• Nutrition counseling and diabetes education are offered through Macon County Public Health in Franklin. 349.2455.

• “Pain Clinic: Rotator Cuff” will be offered from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, at Waynesville Yoga Center. $30 in advance; $35 at the door. 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• An Advance Care Planning clinic to learn about and prepare advance-care planning documents is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. on Monday, April 16, at Canton Senior Center. 648.8173.

• Ortho-Yoga will be offered from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the Waynesville Yoga Center. Gentle, clothed bodywork therapy in which providers work to minimize their clients’ pain, reduce tension and support balance in the body. $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

R ECREATIONAND FITNESS

• Registration is underway for a course in Women’s Police Judo Tactics that will be offered for ages 15-up from noon-1:15 p.m. on Saturdays, April 28-May 19, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $60 per person. waynesvillejudo@gmail.com.

S PIRITUAL

• “Labyrinth Walking as Transformative Practice” will be offered from 10:30 a.m.-noon on April 5 in Memorial Chapel at Lake Junaluska. Learn ways for joy, celebration, processing grief, seeking healing and enrichment of everyday prayer. Led by Rev. Mitzi Johnson. www.lakejunaluska.com/support.

P OLITICAL

• The Otto Business Alliance meeting is scheduled for

5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, at the Otto Community Center.

• The Jackson County Democratic Party Issues Roundtable will hold an informative meeting on local environmental issues at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 9, at party headquarters, 500 Mill St., in Sylva. Jacksondems.com.

AUTHORSAND B OOKS

• Siv Ashley, author of a book about her life in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge’s reign, will speak at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, at Sylva Baptist Church. Supper at 5:15; please call 586.2095 to register. There is a charge for the meal.

• Michael Amos Cody will present his debut novel at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of Gabriel’s Songbook please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• Author Thomas Thibeault will present his book Fake: The Crimes of Hans van Meegeren at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at Blue Ridge Bookstore in Waynesville. 456.6000 or click on www.blueridgebooks.com.

• A poetry reading with Morgan Guynn, a senior at Franklin High School, and Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Pat Riviere-Seel will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 9, in the Macon County Public Library’s Meeting Room in Franklin.

• Merrilee Bordeaux has just released her first work A Song of Life and Other Poems. Bordeaux will hold a reading and book signing event from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 23, at the meeting room in the Franklin Public Library. Light refreshment will be provided.

• The Mountain Writers meeting, featuring author Darryl Bollinger, is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, at Trailhead Café on Main St. in Waynesville. Mountain Writers of North Carolina meetings are held at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month.

K IDS & FAMILIES

• Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) has officially announced his annual Congressional Art Competition for 2018. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students who reside in the 11th District. All entries must be original in design, concept, and execution, with open categories such as painting, drawing, print, and more. Winners will be chosen on April 28. The overall winner of our district’s competition will receive two round-trip tickets to the National Reception in Washington, D.C., a $3,000 scholarship to a prestigious southeastern art college, and their art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The deadline to enter this year’s competition is Friday, April 13. Entries may be dropped off earlier, but all entries must be received by 5 p.m. April 13 at Rep. Meadows’ main district office located at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 90, Hendersonville, NC. meadows.house.gov.

• A Pisgah hike will be offered for ages 8-13 from 8 a.m.-noon on April 5 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• Registration is underway for a Spring Break Adventure Camp for ages 6-14. Camp is scheduled for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 9-13 at the Piked Antler Project in Waynesville. Hiking Skills & Safety, map and compass navigation and more. Pricing info: Find Piked Antler Project on Facebook or call 558.1004 or 989.0209.

• “You Took the Kids Where? Adventuring While Your Children Are Young” will be presented by author Doug Woodward on April 11 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• The Macon County Public Library will present Family Science Night from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, in Franklin. Theme is “The Science of Food and Drink.” www.ncsciencefestival.org, 524.3600 or maconkids@fontanalib.org.

K IDSFILMS

• “Star Wars The Last Jedi” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. April 6 & 7 p.m. April 7 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “The Greatest Showman” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. April 13, April 20 & 7 p.m. April 14 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

beers. Tickets include a souvenir glass and two fourounce pours at each location. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by clicking on www.mainstreetsylva.org/sylva-brew-hop.

ON STAGE & I N CONCERT

• HART in Waynesville presents “In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play” from April 6 though 15. Tickets are only $10 with general admission seating, but reservations are recommended as many shows regularly sell out. Season tickets are also available for the winter season. at www.harttheatre.org.

A&E

FESTIVALSAND S PECIAL EVENTS

• Western Carolina University will hold its 39th annual International Festival starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11 in Cullowhee. 43 booths staffed by representatives of different nations. 227.7494 or international@wcu.edu.

• The Outdoor Elements Festival, a celebration of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and a variety of outdoor activities, is scheduled for April 13-14 at Nantahala Outdoor Center near Bryson City. 5K registration: $29. Full schedule: www.noc.com/events/outdoor-elementsfestival.

F OOD & D RINK

• In honor of NC Beer Month, join City Lights Café, Balsam Falls Brewing, Innovation Brewing, Mad Batter Food & Film and The Cut Cocktail Lounge for the Sylva Brew Hop from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7, in downtown. In its third year, ticket-holders will visit each of the five establishments and taste two local or regional

• First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Series at Western Carolina University conclude on April 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. with Charleston Township featured. For more information, call the Mountain Heritage Center at 227.7129.

• The Raleigh Ringers, a handbell choir, will present a concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Tickets: $15, available at the church office (456.9475) or online: http://bit.ly/2EOIJFn.

• The Summit choral ensemble from Tuscola High School will perform its annual Country Western Show April 20-22 in the high school auditorium in Waynesville. Theme is “Song of the South.” Performances at 7 p.m. on April 20-21 and 2:30 p.m. on April 22. 456.2408.

• The Colby Deitz Band will be playing 9 p.m. on Friday, April 20 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. $5. 586.2016.

• Tickets are on sale now for “The Cirque,” which will offer performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Sphere of Fear, Triple Wheel of Death, Human Slingshot, juggler and more. Tickets start at $12.50 (for first 100 adult tickets) at www.TheCirque.com.

Puzzles can be found on page 40.

These are only the answers.

CLASSESAND PROGRAMS

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (April 5 and 19) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• Dr. Gail Palmer will make a presentation on “Stories from Researching Smoky Mountain Cemeteries” during the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting at 6:30 p.m. on April 5 at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City. www.swaingenealogy.com.

• Registration is underway for an “Intermediate Bladesmithing Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 7-8 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $340; materials included. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

• The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild’s monthly meeting is at 9:30 a.m. on April 9 at Tartan Hall, 26 Church Street, in Franklin. www.smokymtnquilters.org.

• Dogwood Crafters will host their 10th annual English Tea on April 14 at First United Methodist Church of Sylva. Reservations: 586.2248.

• A Fused Glass Garden Art class will be offered from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 14 at Haywood Community College. Make a fused glass piece of art. Cost: $50. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will welcome back “SnowBirds” at 7 p.m. on April 16, at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. Social time at 6:30 p.m. www.smokymtnquilters.org.

• A String Class 1 will be offered on Monday evenings from April 16-June 11 at Haywood Community College. Violin, cello, viola and string bass for beginning to intermediate levels. Meets from 7-9 p.m. Cost: $150. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• A String Class 2 will be offered on Monday evenings from April 16-June 11 at Haywood Community College. Violin, cello, viola and string bass; focus more on playing as an ensemble. Meets from 5-7 p.m. Cost: $150. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• A ceramics workshop will be offered by the Dogwood Crafters Co-op at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Make an item using bisque and learn painting and staining techniques. Cost: $10. Register: 586.2248.

• Beginning Music Reading will be offered on Tuesdays from April 17-June 5 at Haywood Community College. Meets from 5-7 p.m. Cost: $150. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• A Vocal Class will be offered on Tuesdays from April 17-June 5 at Haywood Community College. Meets from 7-9 p.m. Cost: $150. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• A Latin Cross workshop will be offered by the Dogwood Crafters Co-op from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Learn techniques used in beading to create the cross. Cost: $10. Register: 586.2248.

• The Jackson County Senior Center will host its annual yard sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at 100 County Services Park in Sylva. Yard sale tables can be rented for $10 each or $15 for two. Application: 586.5494.

• Registration is underway for a “Warhammer Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 26-27 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $400; materials included. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

• Registration is underway for a “Kukri Making Class” that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 12-13 at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $400; materials includ-

ed. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

ARTSHOWINGSAND GALLERIES

• Gallery 1 Sylva will present the work of Terry Barnes. The showcase will open from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the gallery on Main Street. Barnes’ work will be on display the month of April and May.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present, “LINING: SHEATHING” through May 4, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. April 19 in Cullowhee. “LINING: SHEATHING” is a large-scale installation about the tactile and protective qualities of textiles by collaborators Denise Bookwalter and Lee Emma Running. The WCU Fine Art Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public. jilljacobs@wcu.edu or 828.227.2505.

• The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) is excited to announce that the “Watercolor & Wax” exhibit will run through April 28. www.haywoodarts.org.

FILM & S CREEN

• “Ready Player One” will be shown at 7 p.m. on April 4-6, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m on April 7 & 8 and 7 p.m. April 9-12 at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. See www.38main.cc for ticket prices.

• “The Shape of Water” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “Phantom Thread” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on April 11 & April 12 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “The Post” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on April 18 & 7 p.m. April 21 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

• “All the Money in the World” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on April 19 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.2016.

Outdoors

• An easy cycling ride aiming to help people ease into a healthier lifestyle through cycling is offered in the Canton area, typically covering 8-10 miles. Road bikes are preferred and helmets are required. Nobody will be left behind. A partnership of Bicycle Haywood N.C., the Blue Ridge Bike Club and MountainWise. For specific start times and locations: mttrantham@hotmail.com.

• Veterinarian Elizabeth DeWandeler will make a presentation entitled “Hiking With Dogs” at 6 p.m. on April 4 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. www.facebook.com/events/136206057048744.

• The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Trout Unlimited Cataloochee chapter are seeking volunteers to help stock the West Fork of the Pigeon River at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 5. Meet at the parking lot past Lake Logan and before Sunburst Campground off N.C. 215 across from the shooting range. Tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

• Bartram Author Philip Lee Williams will offer a presentation on “The Flower Seeker” from 6-7 p.m. on April 5 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. www.facebook.com/events/136206057048744.

• A cycling ride exploring the Western Carolina University mountain bike trails will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, with the next ride planned for April 5 in Cullowhee. Participants will meet at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching and divide into a beginner group and a non-beginner group, with

60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time. Organized by the Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist with maintaining trails and nature loops from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 5, 7 and 19. 497.1949 or adam_monroe@nps.gov.

• Volunteers are being sought for a spring clean-up of campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Deadline to sign up is April 6. Clean-up is the morning of April 21 at a number of campgrounds including Mount Pisgah (mile marker 408.8). Sign up: 348.3419 or BLRI_Volunteers@nps.gov.

• Currahee Brewing will host a Hiker Bash on April 7 in Franklin. www.facebook.com/curraheebrew.

• “Hiking: Just Getting Started” will be presented by 900-mile hiker Joey Holt from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. $69. https://tinyurl.com/ya3uvm7g.

• A birding hike will be offered for ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 7 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• The Cradle of Forestry in America reopens on Saturday, April 7. The opening day celebration, OldTime Plowing and Folkways, runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 7. General admission is $6 for ages 13-up and $3 for ages 4-12.

• The Pisgah National Forest will hold an open house from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, to discuss a proposed project to increase the sustainability of recreation. Submit public comment: https://tinyurl.com/y8ygwnjx or attend the open house.

• An introduction to fly fishing will be offered for ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 10 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• An “On the Water: East Fork French Broad” fishing program will be offered for ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 12 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• A cycling ride exploring the Fire Mountain Trail System in Cherokee will be offered at 6 p.m. every other Thursday, with the next ride planned for April 12. Participants will divide into a beginner group and a non-beginner group, with 60 to 90 minutes on the trail each time. Organized by the Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, with an event page at www.facebook.com/NantahalaAreaSORBA/. nantahala.area.sorba@gmail.com.

• “Appalachian Trail: An American Legacy” – a documentary by Sam Henegar – will be shown at 2 p.m. on April 12 in the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• A leisurely six-mile stroll providing an introduction to early spring birds and botany will be held from 9 a.m.5 p.m. on Friday, April 13, at Alarka Institute in Cowee. $65 includes vegetarian lunch and afternoon happy hour. Sign up: www.paypal.me/cedartree.

• A backyard birding by ear class for beginners will be offered for ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-noon on April 14 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.

• A Chimney Rock Naturalist Niche Hike, Spring Wildflowers – moderate, is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. $23 per adult; $8 per annual passholder; $13 for ages 5-15 and $6 for “Rockin’ Discovery” passholders. Advance registration required: www.chimneyrockpark.com.

• Franklin’s AT110 Hikerfest will be hosted by Rathskeller Coffee Haus at 5 p.m. on April 14 in Franklin. Live band, bonfire and parade. 369.6796.

• “Introduction to Orienteering” will be presented by

Neal Buckingham on Saturday, April 14, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. $69. https://tinyurl.com/ycddjexg.

• “Basic Wildflower in a Cove Hardwood Forest” will be presented by Wanda DeWaard on Sunday, April 15, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. $69. https://tinyurl.com/y88kn6ou.

• “Nantahala National Forest: A History” will be presented by author Marci Spencer from 6-7 p.m. on April 18 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. www.facebook.com/events/136206057048744.

• Registration is underway for a Neotropical Arrivals Weekend birding event, which will be held April 21-22 in the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest. $225 for a private room or $175 per person in shared room. Register: www.paypal.me/cedartree. Info: alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com, 371.0347 or alarkaexpeditions.com.

• A ride for cyclists at the intermediate level and above will be offered at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, with starting points alternating between the Waynesville Recreation Center and the Canton Recreation Park. The season starts April 27 with a ride leaving from Waynesville. Cyclists regroup as necessary and typically cover about 20 miles over the course of an hour and a half. Bob Clark, bobclarklaw@gmail.com.

• A cycling ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, with alternating starts at Smoky Mountain Bicycles and South Macon Elementary School in Franklin. Routes vary. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com. Check the “Macon County Cyclists” Facebook page for updates.

• A no-drop relaxed cycling road ride will roll from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Sylva. Routes vary and are open to cyclists of all levels. Organized by Motion Makers, 586.6925.

• A group road cycling ride will leave at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Sylva to tackle a 40-mile “race” to the Balsam Post Office, climbing 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Organized by Motion Makers, 586.6925.

• A pair of ladies-only mountain bike rides will be offered at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays through Oct. 31 from the Ledford Branch Trailhead at Bent Creek in Asheville. A beginner-friendly, recovery pace social ride will cover 5 to 8 miles, with all skill levels encouraged to attend. Simultaneously, a training ride for ladies who know how to handle a bike and want to increase their speed will cover 8 to 12 miles on Bent Creek’s more technical trails. Organized by Motion Makers Bicycle Shop. 633.2227.

• A weekly nighttime mountain bike ride is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Mondays from the Ledford Branch Trailhead at Bent Creek in Asheville. Organized by Motion Makers Bicycles. 633.2227.

• A cycling ride leaves at 8 a.m. on Saturdays from South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary with distances typically 15-25 miles. Starts back in June. See Facebook page for additional information. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com.

• A 25-mile cycling ride covering the back roads from Sylva to Balsam leaves at 6 p.m. Tuesdays from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Sylva. The route includes 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Organized by Motion Makers, 586.6925.

• An easy cycling ride aiming to help people ease into a healthier lifestyle through cycling is offered Thursday mornings in the Canton area, typically covering 8-10 miles. Road bikes are preferred and helmets are required. Nobody will be left behind. A partnership of Bicycle Haywood N.C., the Blue Ridge Bike Club and MountainWise. For specific start times and locations: mttrantham@hotmail.com.

COMPETITIVE E DGE

• Registration is underway for the eighth annual “Valley of the Lilies” Half Marathon and 5K, which is Saturday, April 7, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. $80 for half marathon and $30 for the 5K on race day. http://halfmarathon.wcu.edu or valleyofthelilies@wcu.edu.

Registration for the annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival 5K is now open. The race will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Mark Watson Park in Sylva, North Carolina. Registrants who enter before April 20th will receive a t-shirt. All proceeds from the race support the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. www.greeningupthemountains.com Registration ends on April 25. jeniferpressley@jackonnc.org.

FARMAND GARDEN

• Sign-ups for seed trays will be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on through April 7 at the Old Armory in Waynesville. $5 per tray; limit of five trays per person. 456.9207 or oldarmory@waynesvillenc.gov.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will add a Wednesday evening market from 4-7 p.m. starting April 4 in the Bridge Park Paved Lot. Opening market celebration is from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, April 7. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org or jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

• The Highlands Biological Station will host a “Grow Your Own Shiitake Mushroom” workshop on April 6 in Highlands. $50; materials provided. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.

• The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service will hold a pair of seminars on Gardening Basics 101. The first is from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, at the Jackson Extension Center in Sylva; and the second is from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, April 12, at the Swain Extension Center in Bryson City. For info or to register: 586.4009 (Sylva), 488.3848 (Bryson City) or clbreden@ncsu.edu.

H IKING CLUBS

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate, sixmile hike with an elevation change of 800 feet on Saturday, April 7, on a section of the Appalachian Trail in the Standing Indian area. Info and reservations: 524.5298.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate, three-mile hike with an elevation change of 800 feet on Sunday, April 8, in Tellico Valley. Info and reservations: 524.5234.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a six-mile hike with a 1,000-foot ascent on Sunday, April 8, at Twin Falls. Info and reservations: 707.6500 or chrispallen@icloud.com.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 6.6-mile hike with a 1,550-foot ascent on Sunday, April 8, at Hyatt Ridge. Info and reservations: 628.6712 or knies06@att.net.

• Friends of the Smokies will have an eight-mile hike on Tuesday, April 10, to Little Cataloochee. $20 for current members or $35 for new members. Hike.FriendsOfThesmokies.org.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 5.4-mile hike with a 1,150-foot ascent on Saturday, April 14, at Courthouse Falls. Info and reservations; 505.0471, 860.798.9905 or mwbromberg@yahoo.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate-tostrenuous eight-mile hike with an elevation change of 1,000 feet, on Saturday, April 14, on the Georgia Bartram Trail. Info and reservations: 772.263.3478.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate-tostrenuous eight-mile hike with an elevation change of 1,000 feet on Saturday, April 14, from Warwoman Dell to the Pinnacle on the Georgia Bartram Trail. Info and reservations: 772.263.3478.

MarketPlace information:

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

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads,

■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

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

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

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

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising:

Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

AUCTION

PUBLIC AUCTION

Saturday, April 7th @ 9am. 1916 Sulphur Springs Rd. Shelby, NC (2) Honda 4 Wheelers, 2012 Raised Golf Cart, Horse Buggy, Forklift, SkyJack, Quantity of Tools. See Website 704.791.8825 ncaf5479 www.ClassicAuctions.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT AUCTION

Saturday Beginning at 10am.

201 S Locust Ave. Locust, NC Cabinet Sets, Doors, Carpet, Tile, Hardwood, Bath Vanities, Windows, Lighting, Patio Sets, Trim, Appliances, Name Brand Tools. Check our website for details. Phone: 704.507.1449; ncaf5479 www.ClassicAuctions.com

INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRACTORS, Cobalt Boat, Minivans, Cars, Zero Turn Mowers, Street Sweeper and More sold at Auction, Online Only, Begins Closing 4/7 at 12pm, Visit: www.ironhorseauction.com, or call us 800.997.2248. NCAL 3936

AUCTION

YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC!

Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $375 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com

BUILDING MATERIALS

HAYWOOD BUILDERS

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

ACORN

The affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE.

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RESTAURANT & 2.32+/-Acres & Road Tractors, Trailers, Backhoes & More. Real Estate is Online w/Bid Center, Ending 4/10 at 12pm, Personal Prop. is Online Only, Ending 4/10 at 2pm, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936

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! Call1.800.698.9217

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HAYWOOD BUILDERS

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PAINTING

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CARS -

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AUTO INSURANCE

Starting At $49/ Month! Call for your fee rate comparison to see how much you can save! Call: 855.970.1224

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

Top Dollar Offer! Free Towing From Home, Office or Body Shop. All Makes/Models 2000-2016. Same Day Pick-Up Available! Call Now: 1.800.761.9396

PAYING TOO MUCH FOR Car Insurance?Not sure?Want better coverage?Call now for a free quote and learn more today!

888.203.1373 SAPA

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DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pick-up. Call Now for details. 855.972.0354 SAPA

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Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1.855.617.2024 SAPA

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

HAVE AN IDEA

For an invention/new product? We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp®, FREE INFO! 866.783.0557 SAPA NEW AUTHORS WANTED!

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GILES CHEMICAL

- HOUSEKEEPING -

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BROWN TRUCKINGIs looking for COMPANY DRIVERS and OWNER OPERATORS. Brown requires: CDL-A, 2 years of tractor trailer experience OTR or Regional in the last 3 years, good MVR and PSP. Apply Online at: driveforbrown.com. Or Contact Brandon at 919.291.7416. SAPA

HOUSEKEEPER & PART-TIME MAINTENANCE MAN NEEDED

Jonathan Creek Inn in Maggie Valley is Currently Hiring for a Housekeeper & PT Maintenance. Year-round Positions, Background Check Req. Must be able to Work Weekends & Holidays. Apply in Person - 4324 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC.

DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.655.7452

PART-TIME DELIVERY/ STOCKROOM ASSOCIATE:

Individual Needed to Work 29 Hours per Week inThriftStore. Must be able to Work Saturdays. Valid Driver’s License with NO POINTS Required.Must Provide Driving Record at Time of Interview. Must be able to Support or Lift a Minimum of 50 Pounds. Applications Available at PathwaysThriftStore, 329 Jackson Plaza, Sylva NC 28779. Call Barbara or Gale at 828.631.1167for More Info.

FINANCIAL

MANAGER-THRIFT STORE:

Outgoing Energetic Individual to Manage Day-to-Day Activities Including Staffing, Inventory, Stocking, and Donations.Must have the Ability to Coordinate Volunteers.Must be Customer Oriented, a Self Starter, Dependable, have a Valid NC Driver’s License and be able to Lift 50lbs.Retail Experience Preferred.Benefits Include Dental, Life and TeleMedicine. Please fill out Application and Submit Resume at Pathways Thrift Store, 329 Jackson Plaza,Sylva,NC28779. For More Information Contact 828.631.1167 and Ask for Barbara or Gale.

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to a loan company. SAPA

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SAVE YOUR HOME!

Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner's Relief Line! Call 855.995.4199

IRS TAX DEBTS?

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PUBLISHER’S

NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

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

SAVE YOUR HOME!

Are you behind paying your Mortgage?Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bankthreatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now! 844.359.4330

HOMES FOR SALE

BRUCE MCGOVERN

A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

LOTS FOR SALE

EXECUTIVE HOME SITES

Waterfront or View- Improved Home Sites, By Owner, State Rd., Gated, Sites are Prepped, Well, Electric, 3/BR Septic In, Dock, Southern Exposure & Private.

For More Information Call 828.788.6879

VACATION RENTAL

BEACH VACATION SPECIAL Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. Mention ad to receive an extra $25 off all vacation rentals. Near Myrtle Beach/Wilmington. Golf, fishing. Family beach 800.622.3224 www.cookerealty.com SAPA

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

FURNITURE

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC.

The best bedding at the best price! 533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

KILL BED BUGS!

Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/KIT Complete Treatment System. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com SAPA

FOR SALE

BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment. Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each. 828.593.8321

WANTED TO BUY

FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312.291.9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com

- WANTED TO BUYU.S./ Foreign Coins! Call Dan 828.421.1616

THAT IS VERY APPEALING. HE SITS NICELY AND LEANS ON HIS NEAREST HUMAN TO SAY HE LIKES YOU.

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Berkshire Hathaway www.4Smokys.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates beverly-hanks.com

• Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com

• George Escaravage - gescar@beverly-hanks.com

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Birch stills were once plentiful in the mountains

Throughout spring the pendent catkins of sweet birch (Betula lenta) will be dangling gracefully in the wind in rich woodland settings below 4000 feet.

Catkins are the male pollen-carrying portion of the sweet birch (Betula lenta), also known as black, cherry, or mahogany birch. They serve as a reminder that moonshine stills weren’t the only kind of stills that once proliferated the region. Indeed, there was a time more than a century ago when birch stills were more common than moonshine stills. They weren’t illegal and didn’t need to be hidden.

Birch stills rendered an extract known as either “birch oil” or “oil of wintergreen.” This was used to flavor candies, medicines, and drugs.

Another source for the extract had been the little woodland plant named wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), also called checkerberry or teaberry. But sweet birch became the more popular source in the latter part of the 19th century.

A description of a still was provided by longtime Asheville Citizen-Times columnist John Paris in one of his columns about local history:

When I was a boy, my father had a still that he would move about through the mountains to wherever he run on a good stand of sweet birch-

BACK THEN

es. Back then, sweet birch was the source of wintergreen oil. He would strip the bark from the sweet birches and distill the oil. His still was made out of two-inch wood that would hold steam. There was a cap over it and a pipe or worm went into it. It had a furnace like an old-time molasses furnace. As the oil was distilled, it came out of the worm and dropped off into a can of water. Instead of floatin’ like most oils, it sank to the bottom of the can of water.

It would take a day and night to make a run, which would be from about a half gallon to three quarts. It fetched $1.25 a pint and folks back then thought that was pretty good money.

In the 19th century, $1.25 for a full day’s (and night’s) work was very good money. For instance, as late as the 1930s construction workers along the Blue Ridge Parkway were paid just 30-cents an hour. But, of course, they thought that was “pretty good money,” and it was.

The problem birch distilling, however, was the devastating amounts of sweet birch required

to produce a single quart of oil. After all of the choice bark from the larger trees had been stripped and processed, the birch distillers turned to birch saplings — using both bark and wood chips — as their source. It required 100 or so of these saplings to render a single quart of the oil from the crude stills.

The sweet birch stands in our forests were spared total decimation by the fortuitous development of synthetic oil of wintergreen. This process combines wood alcohol and salicylic acid.”

red side. Cut this inner bark into small pieces and pour boiling water over it. Making birch syrup is probably a waste of time. After going to the trouble to tap the trees in early spring, you’ll only get about a pint of syrup per 10 gallons of boiled sap.

A recipe for birch beer found in several sources reads as follows: “Tap the trunk as the sugar maple is tapped, in spring when the sap is rising and the buds are just swelling; jug the sap and throw in a handful of shelled corn, and natural fermentation … [this] will finish the job for you.”

Old-time mountaineers also made beer, tea, and syrup from the sap of the sweet birch tree via processes that one can still utilize. The tea-making process is real simple. Gather a little bark and strip out the inner

Other sources append this warning about birch beer: “It has a reputation for stimulating the appetite. But more than a glass or two at a time is liable to stimulate other things, for it has a kick like a

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)

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