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On the Cover:

While Macon County’s tourism sector has gravitated recently toward outdoor recreation like hiking, rafting and kayaking, the outdoor adventure of gem mining still plays a major part in bringing people to Macon County. (Page 6) Michael Serio of Pensacola, Florida, sifts through a bucket of dirt in hopes of finding gemstones at Rose Creek Mine in Franklin. Jessi Stone photo

News

Community fights to keep babies born in Franklin ....................................................3 Meadows discusses perks of new health care bill ..................................................5 Chamber, EDC try to stack the deck in Haywood’s favor ......................................8

Distillery hopes to pack economic punch ................................................................10

Fry Street closure sparks involvement from local business ................................12

Waynesville park acreage to grow 20 percent ........................................................14

Public hearing slated for new Publix site ..................................................................15 Jackson discusses capital improvement plan ..........................................................16

Stalled student housing project could revive ..........................................................18 Business News ..................................................................................................................23

Opinion

Tastes great, can’t take the smell..................................................................................24

A&E

Comedian Dave Stone comes to Franklin ................................................................28

Outdoors

Jackson County’s carnivorous plant man ..................................................................42

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C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Gary Carden (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Barbee (writing).

CONTACT

All of the paper collected on Shred Day will be recycled, saving our natural resources!

To find more dates and locations visit www.mountaincu.org

Community fights to keep babies born in Franklin

When Macon County residents joined together in 1971 to raise money to buy Angel Hospital and make it a community hospital, the effort was dubbed Operation Heartbeat.

The community has once again come together for Operation Heartbeat Two in an effort to ensure Angel Medical Center continues to provide labor and delivery services. The first Operation Heartbeat was successful in raising $300,000 for the hospital. The second coming of the community action group hopes it’s not too late to reverse Mission Health’s decision to shut down the labor and delivery unit at AMC.

An Operation Heartbeat Two Facebook group was created a few days ago and already has more than 700 members, and an online petition has garnered about 1,300 signatures from those opposing the decision.

More than 100 people gathered to protest outside the hospital Monday night as the AMC Board of Trustees held a meeting inside. Dan Kowal, a member of Operation Heartbeat Two, said he had hoped a few members of the group would be allowed to address the AMC board, but they weren’t allowed inside.

It wouldn’t have mattered anyway — Mission Health made the announcement about the closure April 25 and Mission CEO Ron Paulus said during an April 28 press conference that the AMC board already voted in favor of closing the unit as of July 14.

Mission Health issued a lengthy prepared statement Tuesday morning from the AMC board detailing how hard the decision was to make.

“Like you, our neighbors, family, and friends work in that department and we are proud that year after year, the women’s department is recognized for the quality they provide,” it read. “But the decision was

Meadows surprised by developments at Angel

More than 100 people gathered outside Angel Medical Center in Franklin Monday, May 8 to protest the closure of the labor and delivery unit at the Mission-affiliated hospital. Donated photo

not about whether to offer labor and delivery services or not. We were faced with a choice of making sure that the hospital can break even now and in the future so that we know there will be a hospital in Franklin.”

According to the statement, the hospital lost large amounts of money prior to its affiliation with Mission and will lose money again this year without a major change and reduction in costs. Labor and delivery services lose more than $1 million every year, and those losses are expected to climb.

Mission continues to emphasize that it has invested more than $11 million into AMC over the last five years and also plans

Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, said he was just as shocked by the announcement about the discontinuation of labor and delivery care at Angel Medical Center as everyone else in the region.

Despite what Mission Health CEO Ron Paulus portrayed as the reasons leading up to the decision, Meadows said Mission’s decision was based solely on business and not on the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.

Meadows said he has had conversations with Paulus and his senior team about the challenges facing Mission Health, but wasn’t aware this particular decision was a possibility.

“Obviously it came as a bit of a surprise to me but the decision was not predicated on anything we’re working on in regards to the repeal and replace of Obamacare — it was an independent business decision that was made,” Meadows said.

Meadows has become a national spokesperson on the federal government’s health care efforts after the Republican congressional Freedom Caucus — of which he is chairman — blocked

to invest $45 million in the next several years to build a new state-of-the-art hospital in Franklin that will have room for future growth.

“We will work with Mission to develop a new hospital design that could incorporate a labor and delivery wing in the future, provided that financing is available and that the health care funding landscape changes so that labor and delivery services can break even,” the AMC board statement read. “For now, we will continue to focus our efforts on making sure that Franklin has the highest quality hospital available for our community now and in the future.”

President Trump’s first health care bill.

Meadows said he has spoken to county commissioners about the issue and applauded their willingness to work with Mission to make sure labor and delivery services remain available in the community. However, as a private business, he said it would ultimately be Mission’s decision whether to keep the service.

Paulus said Mission would have been better off if the state had expanded Medicaid under the ACA, but Meadows maintains that was not a deciding factor for Mission. If anything, continuing to operate under the ACA would only lead to more losses for Mission.

“When looking at expanding Medicaid, it was mostly going to be for able-bodied single adults — that’s a totally different argument,” Meadows said. “There should be a work requirement there even if it’s volunteering for a local municipality or a nonprofit.”

One of Paulus’ complaints that Meadows and the rest of Congress may be able to address is the issue of disproportionate share funds. The federal pot of money provides higher reimbursement rates for critical access hospitals that have a higher percentage of patients without insurance or are on Medicaid or Medicare.

Harris Regional in Sylva is a designated critical access and therefore has access to those additional funds, but Mission does

Macon County isn’t ready to give up though. The Franklin Board of Aldermen discussed the hospital issue during a May 1 meeting and voted unanimously to send a letter to Mission Health and AMC asking administrators to reconsider keeping deliveries in Franklin, even if it meant looking at other programs to cut. Mission and AMC have not responded to that request.

AMC board member Joe Collins also serves as an alderman for the town and voted to oppose the closure and send a letter to Mission. Even though the May 1 town

PAGE 4

not even though Paulus said 75 percent of its patients are on government subsides or have no insurance at all.

“I’m working with colleagues in the Senate on how we can work with what they call the disproportionate payment for Mission and other hospitals,” Meadows said. “We now have to look at how we can make sure there’s incentive for taking care of those with critical needs and also keep providers financially viable.”

The health care bill just passed by the House removes the federal subsidies for health care coverage provided under ACA and replaces them with flat tax credits based on age, which would dramatically reduce assistance for people who can’t afford an insurance plan. Meadows said he’s confident the final bill out of the Senate will include a “more robust” tax credit for the working poor than what was passed in the House.

Meadows also said there is a proposal out there to make the tax credit available on a limited basis to hospitals when a patient isn’t insured.

“I’m optimistic we will find a credible financial model that provides a real safety net and at the same time make this work for providers,” Meadows said. “At the end of the day, making sure our health care providers have adequate resources to provide health care is something we must do.”

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board meeting was packed full of people who spoke in opposition to the labor and delivery closure, Collins didn’t speak up during the meeting to give any kind of explanation for the board’s decision or even disclose the fact he still serves on the AMC board.

Until last week, the AMC website contained an outdated list of board members from 2014-15. It wasn’t until several media requests that Mission updated the list online.

BLAMEGAME

Mission Health CEO Ron Paulus listed a number of reasons why Mission needed to close the labor and delivery unit at Angel — North Carolina not expanding Medicaid mixed with Mission’s 75 percent rate of patients on government insurance policies or with no insurance at all, inadequate reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, increased costs of delivering services and the uncertainty of what the Affordable Care Act replacement would look like.

Peanut Butter

One of the staples in my fridge is a jar of natural, no sugaradded peanut butter. I prefer crunchy because I like the texture of the nuts. Peanut butter can be an easy way for those following vegan or vegetarian diets or aiming for more plant-based meals to get protein into their diet.

Here are some fun facts about peanut butter:

1

2

It takes about 540 peanuts to make one 12 ounce jar of peanut butter. In the U.S. , by law, anything labeled "peanut butter" must contain 90% peanuts. (http://nationalpeanutboard.org/peanut-info/fun-facts.htm)

Each tablespoon of peanut butter is approximately 100 calories and most of that is from fat (8 grams). Peanut butter is also a good source of protein (4 grams in 1 TBSP) and contains potassium, vitamin E and magnesium.

Whether adding it to a smoothie or making satay sauce or just spreading it on bread for PB & J sandwiches, peanut butter is a versatile option that many can enjoy. For recipe ideas go to the National Peanut Board: http://nationalpeanutboard.org/recipes/

When asked if U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, was made aware of the potential financial problems presented at AMC before the decision was made to close labor and delivery, Paulus said he had conversations with Meadows about the

is $34 million behind where it needs to be.

With the labor and delivery unit losing up to $2 million a year, AMC President and Chief Nursing Officer Karen Gorby said it was putting the financial solvency of the entire hospital at risk. Without delivery services at AMC, pregnant women will have to cross over Cowee Mountain to deliver at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde or travel an hour and a half to stick with Mission in Asheville.

Gorby emphasized that AMC would continue to offer prenatal and postnatal care for patients, which she thinks will encourage expecting mothers to travel from Franklin to Asheville to deliver and stay with their Mission-affiliated providers. She also said Mission would be working closely with Harris Regional — a Duke LifePoint Health affiliated hospital — in the coming months to ensure a smooth process for Mission physicians to apply for privileges at Harris so they can deliver there as well.

COUNTYRESPONSE

Macon County commissioners have been communicating with Mission Health and hope to have a more defined action plan by its May 16 board meeting. Commissioner Ronnie Beale said the board understands the huge impact this will have on the community and is trying to understand the economics of Mission’s challenges as well.

“We’re asking Mission to please let the stakeholders be more involved in the decision-making process because we’ve had no involvement at all.

— Ronnie Beale

state of rural health care.

“It would be impossible for him not to know — not to be aware this could happen because it’s happening all over America,” he said.

Paulus said he didn’t think Meadows and others leading the Republican effort to replace ACA were mean-spirited or purposefully trying to hurt people or the hospital but are just dealing with “unfathomable choices” just like Mission Health.

Had the N.C. General Assembly expanded Medicaid under the ACA, which the federal government would have funded for several years, Paulus said Mission Health would have been about $8 million better off. Instead, he said the nonprofit health system

“We’re all working on it,” Beale said. “We’re asking Mission to please let the stakeholders be more involved in the decisionmaking process because we’ve had no involvement at all. We’re a pretty innovative bunch in our area and we might be able to come up with a solution.”

Beale said the county is also concerned about the closure date of July 14, which is only 60 days away. He said that wasn’t enough time for any real communications between the hospital, the community and the transition of patient care.

“Delivery services are up at Angel, which means the service is much needed — not just for expected mothers now but also down the road for generations,” he said. “They keep using the word regional and I know there are 37 hospitals in the system, but those who are elected officials and those living in Macon County, we look at it as Angel Hospital — and they can help us here by giving us an opportunity to weigh in.”

Swain clinic to hold open house

Swain Specialty Clinic will hold an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 11. Swain Specialty Clinic includes Harris GI Associates, Harris Women’s Care, and Harris Surgical Associates and recently expanded to a new space in the medical office building on the hospital campus on Hospital Hill. Swain Specialty Clinic is located next to Senior Life Solutions and the outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation office and Swain Pain Center. The physicians and providers of Swain Specialty Clinic see patients on the campus of Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva on a regular basis and visit Swain Specialty Clinic on a rotating schedule. Everyone is invited to the open house. Refreshments will be served. 828.488.4240 or visit www.myswaincommunity.com.

Meadows: ACA repeal will offer better flexibility, lower premiums

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

The Affordable Health Care Act got a bit closer to repeal last week as the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that could drastically affect millions across the country and across Western North Carolina.

Since his first days in office, President Donald Trump has demanded the undoing of Obamacare, but often found himself thwarted, including when Asheville Republican Congressman Mark Meadows, chairman of the influential and conservative House Freedom Caucus, helped wreck Speaker of the House Paul Ryan’s previous effort in late March.

Meadows, advocating for two specific issues in that instance — high-risk pools for pre-existing conditions, and state waivers for essential medical services — finally signed on to the bill, known as the American Health Care Act of 2017, on May 4.

“After weeks of negotiations, conversations, and substantive changes to the bill, I believe we reached the point where both of these criteria will be sufficiently met,” Meadows said in an email that same day. “I believe the revised AHCA will substantially reduce healthcare premiums and provide a strong net of protection for the most vulnerable Americans.”

Matt Coffay, Meadows’ first official challenger. “Meadows voted for the AHCA, a bill that cuts $880 billion from Medicaid. I think it's sad that Meadows is so out of touch with the needs of working people in his district."

Meadows, for his part, insists that isn’t the case.

“I took 17,240 phone calls in the month of March,” he said. “We continually have had interactions, but there’s no one more keenly

Vote ‘em out?

Fat chance AHCA opponents face tough battles

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Even before Obamacare repeal passed the House, Democrats across the country have been salivating over the chance to use it against vulnerable Republicans in the 2018 mid-term elections.

The theory goes that since Republicans — including President Donald Trump — fared very well last November in the poorest states and counties in the Union, many of those voters who are more likely to need affordable health care coverage may revolt if the AHCA doesn’t provide it.

But North Carolina’s Republican Congressional Delegation has little to fear; of the eight, one — Walter B. Jones in the mostly-coastal 3rd Congressional District — joined Democrats in opposing the AHCA, and the other seven won their elections by such margins in 2016 that it would take a monumental defection by GOP voters to unseat them.

Mark Meadows (NC-11)

• 2016 vote total: 64%

• Counties: Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell,

Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey, with part of Buncombe.

Patrick McHenry (NC-10)

• 2016 vote total: 63%

• Counties: Polk, Rutherford, Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln, with parts of Buncombe and Catawba.

David Rouzer (NC-7)

• 2016 vote total: 61%

• Counties: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, Johnston and Sampson, with parts of Cumberland, Hoke, Lenoir, New Hanover, Pender and Robeson.

Mark Walker (NC-6)

• 2016 vote total: 59%

• Counties: Caswell, Person, Rockingham, Surry and Stokes, with parts of Guilford, Alamance, Durham, Granville and Orange.

Richard Hudson (NC-8)

• 2016 vote total: 59%

• Counties: Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland and Stanly, with parts of Cabarrus, Davidson, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Robeson, Rowan and Union.

Virginia Foxx (NC-5)

• 2016 vote total: 58%

• Counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Davie, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin, with parts of Catawba, Davidson, Forsyth, Iredell and Rowan.

Robert Pittenger (NC-9)

• 2016 vote total: 58%

• Counties: parts of Iredell, Mecklenburg and Union.

The bill was approved by a narrow 217-213 vote, without a single vote from Congressional Democrats; 20 Republicans also voted no, and aren’t the only ones crying foul.

"Angel Medical Center in Macon [County] is shutting down labor and delivery because it can't afford to offer them, thanks to cuts to Medicaid,” said Asheville Democrat

attuned to what is critically important to my constituents than I am. We get over 200,000 emails a year that we not only respond to but also keep very close track of; at the end of the day, the vast majority of people I represent understand they’re my priority, and not the special interests. I think if you do right thing for the right reason, it will take care of itself.”

The House bill has not yet become law — first, it must make it through the U.S. Senate, which needs only 51 votes to pass it.

But there are only 52 Republican Senators, meaning Senate Majority Leader

and Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell can only afford to lose one vote.

North Carolina Sen. Tom Tillis said in a March 7 statement on his website that “any replacement must be an improvement over Obamacare,” and his colleague Sen. Richard Burr has been vocal for more than a year in his claim that “Obamacare is imploding.”

He may be right, but more moderate leaders in the Senate may draft a compromise bill that could leave House Republicans hopping mad, or even doom the attempt altogether.

Meadows thinks that’s unlikely; although he didn’t get everything he wanted in the house effort, he says that whatever comes of it, his dual goals of lowering costs and increasing services for needy Western North Carolinians will still become a reality.

“What we call the individual mandate and the employer mandate will get better flexibility on the individual market,” Meadows said.

“The high risk pool should lower premiums for business in the individual market by as much as 38 percent and allow the tax credit to offset most of the premiums.”

Thrill of the dig

Gem mining alive and well in Macon County

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Susan Boyette and her mother Martha Drew drove down from Tennessee early Friday morning to Rose Creek Mine outside of Franklin in search of rare treasures.

They spent hours digging through 12 buckets of native dirt and sifting through unknown rocks not knowing what they might unearth.

“For me it’s the thrill of the hunt,” Boyette said about why she enjoys gem mining. “Knowing that God made this little jewel and I’m the first person on earth to touch it — to me, that is simply amazing.”

The gem-mining trip was the first for Drew, who was celebrating her 76th birthday and an early Mother’s Day trip with her daughter.

“We’ve been planning this trip because I wanted to find a ruby,” she said.

As luck would have it, Drew got her birthday wish. When she took her pan of muddy rocks up to Rock Creek Mine owner Tom Sterrett for sorting, she discovered the big red rock she found was actually a ruby — a 110carat ruby to be exact.

Boyette wasn’t at all surprised at her mother’s discovery. She also has had good luck at Rose Creek in the past. While finding garnets and sapphires at Rose Creek is more common, Boyette once found a rare emerald during a mining trip.

“We’ve had really good luck here,” she said.

Troy and Amanda Morton of Pensacola have also had good luck at Rose Creek. Troy found a 380-carat sapphire about five years ago. He also found an emerald, which he got cut, polished and set in a piece of jewelry to give Amanda for her birthday. Visiting Franklin and gem mining also has some sentimental attachment for the couple since Troy proposed to Amanda at Rose Creek Mine three years ago.

“It’s been a tradition coming up here every year with her family so it’s been an important place to us as a couple,” Troy said.

And it seemed fitting that her engagement ring was made of sapphire similar to some of the gems they’ve found over the years. Since he has such good luck finding gems, Amanda said she didn’t even pay attention when he pulled the ring out from the bucket of dirt.

“He told me he had found a big rock, but he always finds gems when we’re here so I just ignored him,” Amanda said. “But this time he pulled out a large sapphire ring.”

LIVINGUPTOTHENAME

Known as the “Gem Capital of the World,” Franklin lives up to the title with 10 active gem mines throughout the county, plus

numerous gem cutters and jewelry makers to support the industry.

Downtown Franklin is also home to the Gem and Mineral Museum. Located in the former jail on Phillips Street, the museum has been operated by the Franklin Gem and Mineral Society since 1974 and offers a huge inventory of rocks, gems, minerals and fossils.

Franklin also boasts a number of shows and festivals focused on the popularity and history of gem mining in the area, including the Mother’s Day Gemboree that draws thousands of people and the growing New Year’s Eve Ruby Drop. The season really heats up in the summer months when rock hounds from all over the world come to Franklin to gem mine, visit the museum or attend a gem and mineral show.

So what makes Franklin the Gem Mine Capital of the World? Kurt Rhoades, owner of Gold City on U.S. 441, said it’s the vast amount and variety of gems found in the region that gives Franklin the well-deserved title.

“We don’t have the biggest or even the most valuable, but we have the most quantity and variety,” he said.

Gem mines in Macon County

• Rose Creek Mine

• Rocky Face Mine

• Mason Mountain Mine

• Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine

• Gold City Mine

• Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine

• Old Cardinal Gem Mine

• Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine

• Jackson Hole Gem Mine

Al Pribble, a member of the Franklin Gem and Mineral Society, said the region has a deep history in ruby and sapphire mining that dates back to 1870. Commercial companies came in droves to mine for corundum — a rock-forming mineral known for its gem varieties of ruby and sapphire.

Since corundum is the hardest mineral after diamond, Pribble said it was commonly mined and crushed down with other materials to make sandpaper and grindstone before the turn of the century. However, the need for corundum dropped when companies started to use silicon carbide for abrasives instead.

Mica and kaolin were also frequently mined in Western North Carolina and used as a filler component when making everything from plastic to rubber. Pribble said Franklin was once home to a Revlon factory that used mica to add a shiny pigment to its makeup products.

Corundum and other minerals were hauled to the railroad by horse and wagon and shipped out of Macon County in large quantities. While mining for those minerals, they also found quite a variety of gems, which turned the heads of big jewelers up North, including Tiffany and Co. and DeBeers.

American Prospecting & Mining Co. and U.S. Ruby Mining Co. began work in the area looking for the source of the rubies found in the corundum mines. According to historical accounts, both companies ended the search in the early part of the 20th century, leaving the area open to rock hounds and gem enthusiasts. The source still hasn’t been found — not yet, anyway.

Pribble said the area is so rich in gems and minerals because of the Appalachian Mountains. Most gemstones form within the earth’s crust — the top layer of earth that can reach down up to 25 miles. The movement of tectonic plates puts heat and pressure on igneous and sedimentary rocks and minerals and can change their chemistry and turn them into a crystalized structure.

Franklin is near the Eastern Continental Divide that runs along the high ridges and peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. When landmasses collided and pushed upward to

form the Appalachians, all that sediment and minerals mixed together under the earth’s surface to create the vast array of gemstones found today.

“The geology of this area is like a mix master — the layers of earth have been turned over and lifted up so much,” Pribble said.

“And the mountains here are much older than the ones out West — that’s the one thing that draws rock hounds here from all over.”

DIGGINGDEEPER

Many of the large commercial companies abandoned their mines in Macon County, leaving them available for smaller mom and pop businesses to take them over. While there were once more than 40 active mines in the area, only a fraction of them remain.

Tom Sterrett, owner of Rose Creek Mine and current president of the Gem and Mineral Society, said he had been coming to

Franklin museum a real ‘gem’

BY J ESSI STONE

N EWS E DITOR

At first glance, the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum may seem like a hokey tourist attraction, but visitors willing to give it a closer look will discover the largest inventory of gems in the Southeast.

Located in the old jail in downtown Franklin that dates back to 1852, the museum features eight rooms full of local history, one-of-a-kind gemstones, minerals, Indian artifacts and fossils from all over the world. The museum has about 6,000 specimens on display and another 3,000 in storage.

“We get visitors from all over the world — China, Ukraine, Germany, South America — you name it,” said Al Pribble, a member and past president of the Gem and Mineral Society. “Our guest book includes every state in the union. We have a worldwide reputation.”

The museum has a State Room with items found within North Carolina, an

International Hall with pieces from around the world, a Fossil Room and a Florescent Room, featuring rocks that glow under a black light.

Pribble can often be found in the back of the museum working on polishing or setting a gem. He got involved in the gem society in 2010 and quickly found a new hobby. He hopes the museum encourages others to get involved in understanding the importance of geology and how it ties into the rich history of the area.

“Our mission is education,” he said. “We give tours to schools and offer classes to the community.”

Classes offered at the museum teach people how to identify, cut, polish and mount gemstones. People can also learn wire-wrapping techniques for jewelry and faceting.

Virginia Bennis helps teach some of the classes at the museum.

“I moved here from New York where no one cares about rocks,” she said. “But I moved here and met all these people who go rock hunting — I’ve found my people,” she said.

With proceeds from the museum gift shop and proceeds from the annual Mother’s Day Gemboree show, the Gem and Mineral Society is able to offer mini grants to teachers for special science or geology projects and field trips.

“Little kids are always interested in

Upcoming gem and mineral shows in Macon

• May 11-14 — Echo Valley Gem & Mineral Show, 6456 Sylva Rd., Franklin.

• May 11-14 — Highlands Road Gem Show, 1602 Highlands Road, Franklin. One of the area’s longest-running and most popular retail gem shows. Admission is free. Dealers come from across the United States and feature a wide range of products.

• May 12-14 — G&LW Gem Show Franklin, 6296 Sylva Rd., Watauga Festival Center, Franklin. 601.879.8832, info@glwshows.net or www.glwshows.com. Over 200 booths featuring U.S. and international wholesale vendors of diamonds, gemstones, pearls, jewelry, minerals, and fossils.

• May 12-14 — Mother’s Day Gemboree hosted by the Franklin Gem and Mineral Society is cancelled for 2017 because of renovations being made at the community center venue.

Franklin from Atlanta since the ‘70s and finally decided to buy the Rose Creek Mine property about 14 years ago.

“I loved to come up here for the rock hounding and I just got the bug,” he said. “I started collecting rocks in the ‘60s when I was a kid. I’d always leave them in my pockets for my mom to find while doing laundry — still have them in my pockets — and messed up quite a few washers.”

He’s found that people young and old still have an interest in rocks and minerals just like he did as a child and the “good clean dirty fun” found at Rose Creek Mine is something the entire family can enjoy together during their visit.

“It’s the thrill of discovery and even if you don’t find anything, a day of mining is still a good day,” he said. “And there does seem to be a resurgence in gem mining because of more focus on science and geology in the classroom.”

Rose Creek Mine used to be a commercial

rocks,” Pribble said.

Although business has been picking up in the last three to four years at the museum, Pribble said, income would suffer this year with the cancellation of the Mother’s Day Gemboree. The event is usually held at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building, but the facility is undergoing major renovations at the moment and another venue couldn’t be found in time.

park with a chairlift to take people to the top of the mountain. Rhoades said he kept the chairlift running for eight years after he purchased the property until it was no longer financially feasible because of liability insurance and maintenance.

“We’ll be losing a third of our income this year because of that,” Pribble said. “But we hope to have a co-sponsored show in July once the renovations are complete.”

The museum is open noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Oct. 31 and open Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 through April 30.

Visit www.fgmm.org or call 828.371.2436.

Things to know about gem mining

WHAT DO I BRING?

garnet mine before it was privately owned. In the last 30 years, three-fourths of an acre on the property has been mined and 6 acres still remain available for digging. Visitors to the mine get to go fill their own buckets from the pills of dirt that have been excavated from the mining tunnel.

In addition to large garnets found at Rose Creek, the most impressive find has been a pigeon blood ruby, which is the most rare ruby hue in the world. Someone else found a 2,300-carat pink sapphire at the mine.

For those who don’t like the gamble of not finding anything, Rose Creek also offers buckets of dirt that have been “enriched” with gems.

Gold City Gem Mine and Gift Shop is one of the most visible gem mines in Franklin as it’s positioned on the side of U.S. 441 coming over Cowee Mountain. Rhoades has owned the 40-acre property for 25 years, but it’s been open to the public since the 1960s. It once operated as an old western amusement

However, the idea of making his gem-mining business a diverse tourism draw is something he’s tried to hold onto. Gold City offers native and enriched buckets for its visitors to pan through but it also offers a large gift shop with gemstone jewelry from all over the world. Some mines refer their visitors to other jewelers for cutting, polishing and setting, but Rhoades has his own equipment at Gold City so customers can leave there with a gemstone they found already polished and mounted in a piece of gold or sterling jewelry.

Rhoades said he’s still waiting on a better economy before deciding what phase two of his business will look like. With 40 mountaintop acres with roadside frontage, he said there are several options for development.

“The gold and gem mining business is based on retail sale, so right now we’re hoping for more spending by consumers to make that happen,” he said.

Rhoades said the large investment needed to operate a gem mine is why there are only a handful of them left in Macon County. But having less mines means the remaining mine owners get a larger slice of the pie. The number of gems in the area is thought to be finite, but the abundance of gems found locally doesn’t seem to be waning anytime soon.

“They keep saying we’re gonna run out of gems at some point, but we never do,” Rhoades said.

• A plastic bag or a plastic butter dish to take your stones home. Don’t use glass.

• Rubber gloves.

• Sunblock and a hat

• Wear old clothes and tennis shoes or boots.

• A picnic lunch

• A camera

HOW DO I MINE FOR GEMS?

Most mines sell gem dirt in a bucket or bag — only a few allow digging — and you may have to pay an admission fee for the day. You are provided with a screen for washing and there is a flume — a trough of running water — with a bench along it’s length. The dirt goes in the screen, the screen goes in the water and the mud is washed away. Mine operators are on hand to help with technique and identification.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR?

The three C’s of gem mining are color, clarity and crystals. Gemstones come in every color from white to black. Garnets are glassy red, pink or reddish brown. Rubies are silky red, sapphires are every other color, and both have a crystal formation with six sides. Moonstones are pearly white to gray and peach to chocolate brown with a flat box-like shape. Quartz comes in many forms, sometimes clear colors like amethyst and citrine, sometimes opaque colors with mica flecks like aventurine and clear with sides — quartz crystals.

What’s in the cards?

Chamber, EDC try to stack the deck in Haywood’s favor

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Among the various organizations involved in economic development, one often finds a Chamber of Commerce and some development organization.

Although every city, state and county does things differently, Haywood County has both an active Chamber of Commerce as well as an Economic Development Council.

Economic development efforts locally are certainly a team effort, but the unique partnership between the Chamber and the EDC has begun to yield the kind of results this rural Appalachian community needs to remain economically relevant and competitive.

ITTAKESTWO

“Our total budget right now is about $260,000. We do a lot of work for that $260,000,” said CeCe Hipps, president of the Haywood Chamber of Commerce.

A 501(c)6 nonprofit subject to board governance, the chamber focuses on increasing the vitality of the county’s economic environment by providing opportunities for networking, marketing and professional development, all on that relatively slim yearly budget.

“Budget is always a problem for us,” Hipps said. “A lot of people don’t seem to understand that. If you look at it as a pie, part of that pie comes from membership dues, part of it comes from sponsorships and part of it comes from event revenue.”

Although there are other “slivers” of revenue, they are just that — slivers — according to Hipps.

“The county gives us a little, $8,000 a year,” she said. “The town of Waynesville currently does not give us any money, which is highly unusual for a chamber not to receive support from their main municipality or county seat.”

“A lot of times, what we’re doing is trying to very tastefully direct people to the conclusion that they want to be here.”

— CeCe Hipps, Haywood Chamber of Commerce president

Thus the importance of the chamber’s yearly events — Melange in the Mountains, the Gatweay to the Smokies Half Marathon and 4-Miler, the Apple Harvest Festival and its golf tournament.

“The Apple Festival has grown from a small little venue for apple growers,” Hipps said. “The first year that I was here, it was about 70 vendors. Now it’s over 150. Melange is designed to bring people into restaurants during the off-season, and this year, Gateway to the Smokies I think had more than 130 participants.”

Hipps estimated that more than 50 percent of runners were from outside of Haywood County, meaning that while they support the chamber’s activities, they also support local hotels, B&Bs, bars and restaurants.

But a lot of people, Hipps said, see her organization as an “events only” chamber.

“We’re trying to break that perception,” she said.

One focus of the chamber is strengthening existing businesses; the Chamber Learning Network makes educational attainment achievable for the busy professional.

“The reason we started doing the webinars and the online courses is that not all of our members have time during the day to attend a seminar or to participate in lectures,” she

said. “There are webinars that are free and they’re usually like 10-minute videos.”

The webinars offer topics like basic accounting, financial services, human resource management and risk mitigation; other classes available for a fee address a variety of workplace topics including sexual harassment, performance measurement and even what to do in the case of an active shooter.

One claim on the chamber’s website says that companies utilizing such tools “have the potential to boost productivity by up to 50 percent.”

DOING BUSINESS

While the chamber’s resources may be attractive to local businesses, they’re also proving helpful in drawing visitors to Haywood County.

“It’s been a tourist destination the whole time,” Hipps said. “That started back when people would arrive here in the summertime on the train.”

Certainly, there’s lots to offer. When asked why anyone should visit Haywood County, Hipps simply said, “Well why wouldn’t they?”

The county is home to a thriving restaurant and craft brewing scene; wedding venues are plentiful as are lodgings to suit any budget;

shopping districts in Waynesville, Canton and Maggie Valley are bustling; arts and cultural attractions like HART, The Strand theater and Folkmoot offer high-quality entertainment; and there are few better places to drive or ride a motorcycle in the entire country.

And then, of course, there’s the majestic natural appeal of the region.

“You’ve got beautiful mountains, you’ve got the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Hipps said. “It’s definitely a draw. And Asheville has helped a lot. With all the attention they get as a big city now, it bleeds over into our community.”

The pipeline of visitors bleeding over into Haywood County naturally leads to some of them deciding to make the place their home.

“There has been a significant increase in people that are looking to relocate here,” Hipps said. “Personally, I’ve talked with two individuals who were considering moving here in the first three days of this week alone — one from Pennsylvania, and one from Kentucky.”

Attracting new residents is important to the county; a study recently published by the Haywood County Affordable Housing Task Force said that the rate of natural population increase in the county can’t sustain the existing population alone.

If the county — and the county’s tax base — is to grow, it must do so because of people moving here, not being born here.

“A lot of times, what we’re doing is trying to very tastefully direct people to the conclusion that they want to be here,” Hipps said.

“Our job is to sell Waynesville, without hurting my friends that are in Brevard and Blowing Rock, because they’re doing the same thing I’m doing.”

Distillery hopes to pack economic punch

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

If all goes well, Maggie Valley will soon be known as a place where some of the finest spirits in the world are crafted.

But as Dave Angel’s Elevated Mountain Distilling Company prepares to open almost two years after winning the Haywood Chamber of Commerce’s Business Start-up Competition, he’s hoping for much more than that.

“We want to fit in as another attraction,” said Angel. “When you consider the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum and the festival grounds, there’s probably 80,000 people coming through here, at least. When that slows down, Cataloochee [Ski Area, in Maggie Valley] takes up. So we’re hoping to get tens of thousands of people coming to the distillery taking tours. We have invested a lot in the ‘wow’ factor.”

And there is a lot of wow — the cavernous former dinner theater offers Angel ample room and ceilings high enough to accommodate the 920-gallon, 23-foot-tall gleaming steel and brass whiskey still.

“This is not the biggest still in the state, but it’s definitely one of the top five in terms of size,” he said. “When I first started this I think most people pictured a backwoods still sitting in a garage.”

Angel said that overcoming the financial barriers inherent in a business like this — the fire suppression system alone cost more than $150,000 — was a daunting task at first.

“The still and all of that, you could buy a really nice house in Haywood County for what that cost,” he said. “Everybody should go home and talk to their spouse and tell them, ‘I’m buying something that’s worth more than our house to start my career with.’ That’s a really interesting conversation to have.”

Hipps emphasizes the differences in regional communities so prospective residents can make better decisions on which mountain lifestyle might be best for them.

“It’s simple things — like Hendersonville is going to be 5 or 6 degrees warmer, and their traffic is an issue for them,” she said. “The retiree population is large, and it’s a larger place. So we just try to highlight the differences in a very tasteful manner.”

The chamber’s focus on member services and residential relocation is important, but isn’t the only way Haywood County seeks to foster growth.

The chamber’s counterpart in economic development — the Economic Development Council — has been in existence since the mid-1980s, but has experienced recent changes aimed at streamlining development and working more closely with the chamber.

“Three years ago this July, Haywood County’s Economic Development Commission became the Economic Development Council,” said Mark Clasby, executive director of the EDC.

“It wasn’t a money thing,” Hipps said. “It was purely a way to improve the program and to look at things a little bit differently. Other than that, it still operates pretty much the same.”

Convincing doubters that his operation would be both professional and profitable became a whole lot easier for Angel once he won the chamber’s start-up competition in 2015.

Competitors enter by submitting a brief summary of their operation — including a strategic analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats — as well as a management team profile, a market analysis, marketing plan and financial plan. The winner walks away with $10,000.

“Obviously, winning cash, which any business needs, is a great infusion,” Angel said. “It gave me cash which we needed it, but I met my investment bank through them; they got me networked with a lot of people who said, ‘Hey, I think I can help you.’ So I really built a much stronger local network, and I think people took me more seriously at that point. That award gave me credibility and said ‘This is a real operation.’”

“We worked with David and still are working with him, all the way through the process,” said Haywood Chamber President CeCe Hipps. “We had a banker with him on the

A minor change in name belied a major change in structure; formerly under the auspices of Haywood County, the commission merged with the Chamber of Commerce to become the council, reflecting a recent trend among larger municipalities of marrying the two organizations.

“When this merger first took place, it was a transition to emerge or meld the two together,” Hipps said. “We were kind of doing the same thing, but since we’ve been together, now it works more seamlessly as one organization, which is the beauty of what we do.”

Clasby, in contrast to Hipps, focuses on larger companies with questions about land, infrastructure and incentives.

“His issues are complex and sometimes very difficult, and it takes a long time to resolve some of those issues,” Hipps said.

“On our side, our main focus is to help our membership base, but even though we cross that line and will help any business, we want to get information to our businesses and opportunities for them to grow and be successful in Haywood County.”

What Hipps and Clasby do have in com-

committee who was working with him for the SBA loan — those are the type of things that we do, continuing on with that service.”

Angel also credits the competition with helping him to become more disciplined in his approach to the business, and to “really think through” every aspect.

“I think the two reasons Elevated Mountain won was, one, we just had a really strong business plan, and two, they saw the economic impact of what it would do for the community.”

Elevated Mountain will begin by offering four products for sale, all of which offer a graceful nod to the county in which they are produced.

An 88-proof (in honor of Dale Earnhart Jr.) corn whiskey named after nearby Purchase Knob “has a little bit of a malt flavor to it, but is really smooth and really yummy,” Angel said.

A peach pie moonshine — named after Pisgah National

mon is that residents bring jobs, and jobs bring residents; the two sides of that equation are always interrelated and serve as a great example of why Clasby and Hipps — certified economic developer and a certified chamber executive, respectively — now operate as a pair.

“When someone comes in the door and they’re tourists but they’re thinking about moving here, I grab them,” said Hipps.

“When someone comes in the door and they’re thinking about moving a business in, he grabs them. Then if we have questions and want to brainstorm, it’s just walking across the hall, instead of calling on the phone.”

The EDC — which is funded by the county to the tune of about $220,000 annually — seeks to support existing industries while also enhancing capital investment, encouraging job creation and creating an environment where entrepreneurs can flourish.

Clasby’s attractions, however, are somewhat different than Hipps’; Haywood County’s top-10 percent public school system and robust health care system are important factors to companies seeking to locate or expand in the county, as is the easy ingress and egress to two major interstates that provide access to 50 percent of the U.S. population in less than a day’s drive.

These factors are probably important to

S EE E LEVATED, PAGE 11

Publix, the Lakeland, Florida, based grocer planning to open a Waynesville location soon; Clasby said his organization didn’t have much to do with luring them here, but indirectly, the chamber’s and the EDC’s work to help create the kind of environment Publix would consider certainly did.

But just because the EDC no longer operates under the county doesn’t mean the county’s not involved in economic development.

Haywood Tax Assessor David Francis plays an important role linking the chamber, the EDC and Haywood County, which has the power to offer important incentives to induce businesses to consider the area.

“Beginning in the early part of 2016, Ira [Dove, Haywood County’s manager] and then-Chairman Mark Swanger wanted a liaison to work with the EDC and the chamber and various groups on the tax side, helping those entities that are coming in move through the process,” Francis said. “You can see when you start doing this the team effort it takes, moving through the various county offices, talking to the state Department of Transportation or the state Department of Environmental Quality.”

Whether it’s giving businesses a chance to sit before the planning department or navi-

gating the building inspection process, Francis helps businesses move through the distinct layers of

And he’s been busy. “I’ve worked for three or four businesses now, getting then moved over,” he said. “From a business owner’s perspective, sometimes they don’t understand the bureaucratic red tape inherent in governments when you try to get things done. So I think that having that person with boots on ground helps them a lot — somebody to hold their hand a little bit, and marshal the county’s resources to get these things done.”

Francis said he’s working with three businesses right now, two of which are “sizeable.”

“Each one of them has a different set of challenges,” he said. “That’s what makes the job really fun and interesting is that there are unique challenges to each of the businesses, and how do we work through those things?”

A prime example was when Clasby and Haywood County lured Western Carolina Freightliner to Canton from Asheville late last year; the site they chose off Interstate 40 needed some infrastructure improvements, which were paid for by the county and the town.

But the challenges to an established business like WCF are far different than those faced by emerging businesses.

“We wanted to try to incentivize people to complete a business plan,” Hipps said of the chamber’s Business Start-up Competition,

which has taken place every year since 2004. “If you do a business plan, your chances of success are better. So this is a way of motivating people to complete a business plan, to get some help from the community college and to enter into the competition for a chance to win $10,000.”

Last year’s winner, a wedding venue called Chestnut Ridge in Canton, is preparing for a grand opening in the coming weeks, as is the winner of the 2015 competition, a whiskey distillery in Maggie Valley (see Distillery, page 9).

“The success rate is very high for that program,” Hipps said. “In other years that we’ve worked on it, sometimes it happens and you don’t see [the businesses] anymore, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a success. Four businesses have gone out of business, and those businesses were the ones that started during the recession.”

Building a buttress against recessions, depressions, downturns, natural disasters, and other economic calamities is, in a nutshell, what Clasby and Hipps try do through the EDC and the chamber.

“From a business owner’s perspective, sometimes they don’t understand the bureaucratic red tape inherent in governments when you try to get things done. So I think that having that person with boots on ground helps them a lot.”

But as their unique, effective partnership continues to flourish, other factors — emanating from state and national economic development organizations — invariably affect the economic development environment in Haywood County.

Next week’s installment in this ongoing series on economic development will explore these effects, as well as try to answer the question economic developers in the region have been asking themselves for years — is the grass always greener on the other side of the county line?

Public hearing slated for new Publix site

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Although speculation has been rife over the past year, plans for a Publix grocery store in Waynesville have finally been revealed in advance of an upcoming zoning hearing.

The public hearing will concern properties near the intersection of Russ Avenue and Frazier Street, which could be rezoned from Russ Avenue Regional Center Commercial District (RA-RC) to Russ Avenue Regional Center Commercial District Conditional District (RA-RC-CD)

Forest’s Shining Rock — clocks in at about 50 proof, and a 70-proof moonshine root beer named after Maggie Valley bluegrass legend Raymond Fairchild will also grace glasses across the region soon.

His vodka, named after Cataloochee’s Hurricane Creek, is distilled seven times, but true vodka is only flavored by the water added – a big reason why Angel located creekside in Maggie Valley.

“Literally 58 percent of this bottle is water,” Angel said, brandishing one. “And there’s no better water than Jonathan Creek, right behind us.”

Indeed, Angel’s products are about as local as it gets; his barley comes from Buncombe County, but all his corn comes from within 16 miles of the distillery, and some heirloom varieties he uses have been cultivated in the area for centuries.

in order to better accommodate the 50,000 square-foot store, which would be located on the northwest corner.

In North Carolina, laws specifying uniformity for buildings throughout zoning districts make conditions placed upon rezoning unenforceable, but property owners — like at the Ingles grocery store in Hazelwood — can request a new zoning district with conditional uses that can be thought of an “overlay,” according to town Development Services Director Elizabeth Teague.

The public is invited to learn more about the request and weigh in on the proposal at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 15, in the Town Hall Board Room, which is located at 9 South Main Street.

“That’s a big challenge, but 50 percent of North Carolinians live in 10 counties, so there’s obviously 10 counties we want to really focus hard on,” he said, noting that he expects strong support in Western North Carolina.

He can also sell bottles at his Maggie Valley location – but just one, per customer, per year, per state law.

“I lose from that, and the state loses from that,” said Angel. “Basically, a quarter of the bottle to a third of the bottle is taxes. So the state is just walking away from tax money if they don’t let me sell more bottles to out-ofstate customers who really want to get four or five bottles to take home.”

“We want to fit in as another attraction ... We’re hoping to get tens of thousands of people coming to the distillery taking tours. We have invested a lot in the ‘wow’ factor.”

“The Caldwell family in Cataloochee was making moonshine with this stuff, and they still grow it,” he said as he grabbed handful of dusty white ground corn.

Pulling a robust, reddish cob from a small sack, Angel continued.

“The Woody family, from Cataloochee, has been growing this corn, called Bloody Butcher. That’s heirloom — that’s Smoky Mountains right there.”

Buying produce from local and regional farmers helps keep money in the community, but once Angel begins selling the artisanal liquors, he’ll also be bringing outside money in to the community — a big win for economic development in Haywood County.

“Our first focus is with North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control — getting that up and running,” he said of plans to begin selling in state-owned liquor stores.

North Carolina’s alcohol industry still labors under some rather arcane and archaic regulations; Angel said he’d have to go to each individual ABC board — there are about 140 across the state — and convince them to carry his product.

— Dave Angel, Elevated Mountain Distilling

A bill in the General Assembly could up that limit to five bottles, which while not perfect, is certainly less restrictive than one; given that some tourists will only visit Maggie Valley once a year — or once in a lifetime — walking away with just one bottle of Maggie Valley’s newest “export” limits the amount of money he can bring into the community and limits just how big his business might become.

“It takes a couple people to do production, and somebody up front to run the store, and we need people bottling,” he said. “The average distillery North Carolina has two full-time and two part-time employees, but I think we’ll be higher than that in the long run.”

And that long run for Angel and Elevated Mountain begins now.

“We’re bottling everything up. We’ve got half of our product fully made, and if everything works out right, we’ll be open by next weekend – Mother’s Day weekend,” he said. “And what does mom want more than a bottle of vodka?”

Wake-up call

Fry Street closure sparks involvement from local business

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Arecent debacle between the town of Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has been a wake-up call for the local business community.

The issue at hand has been the railroad’s request for the town to close Fry Street for 56 days during the Polar Express rides this winter, but the broader issue that’s come to light is the local business community’s discontent for how its local government is operating.

“People buy property here and retire here, but then they get a wake up call in Bryson City when they find out a handful of people have control of the whole ambiance of why they came here,” said Stan Temple, a local property developer. “A whole county is bearing the burden of a few votes.”

The Fry Street issue drummed up support from many local businesses that recognize the economic impact the train has on Bryson City. For the last several months, business owners packed the town hall to show support for the Fry Street closure.

The board of aldermen originally denied the train’s request for a complete street closure, and rumors began spreading about the train looking to take the Polar Express event back to Dillsboro for safety reasons. Two weeks later the town reversed its decision and allowed the full closure of Fry Street with a few stipulations.

However, business owners don’t feel like the problem is even close to being resolved.

TOWNMEETINGS

Anyone who has been to a Bryson City Board of Aldermen meeting can attest to the fact that the setting is not conducive to public involvement.

The board holds its regular meetings in the lobby area at town hall, which is converted into a makeshift boardroom twice a month. In addition to the board members sitting around a table, there is room for about 10 chairs to accommodate the audience. Most of the time local reporters and a couple of residents there to address a water leak problem occupy those chairs, but lately 10 chairs hasn’t been enough.

While business owners were pleased the town finally allowed for the closure and that the Polar Express would remain in Bryson City, the entire process has left a bad taste in their mouths. It was the first time many business owners had gotten involved in town politics and now they feel obligated to get involved, encourage others to get involved and make some changes.

Tim Goodwin, owner of Watershed Cabins, said he was frustrated by the way town business is being conducted — residents and businesses weren’t allowed to address the board until the end of the meeting after decisions had already been made, the board had little public discussion about issues and town hall didn’t have room to accommodate all the people who wanted to participate in the board meeting.

“I understand they have to keep decorum at the meetings and follow protocol — they don’t want an angry mob at meetings — but they have to give us adequate opportunity to speak. We have a voice and we want to be heard,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin said he also sent an email to the mayor and the four aldermen regarding Fry Street but didn’t get a response from any of them. In a town with a population of less than 1,500, Goodwin said he would expect a higher level of accountability.

MOREINVOLVEMENT

After seeing how the Fry Street issue was handled, Temple said he now sees why residents and businesses don’t attend the town meetings.

“The general public don’t go to the meetings and so they just hear gossip around town,” he said.

Joe Rowland, owner of Nantahala Brewing, is one business owner who has been hesitant to get involved until now. With more than 50 employees between his brewery operation and a new restaurant, he’s had his hands full, but he’s quickly realizing how the town government can impact the future of his businesses and his community.

Ben King, co-owner of Bryson City Outdoors, said one reason local business owners don’t get involved in town politics is because they don’t live in the town limits and can’t vote in town elections. But as stakeholders in downtown Bryson City, their opinions should still matter when it comes to the board’s decisions.

“The idea is to change people’s sphere of thinking to get them to think more globally. All the businesses make a difference. Valuing the opinions of businesses even though we may not be voters is important,” King said.

The Swain County Chamber of Commerce did help get a downtown merchants association started more than a year ago to increase communication and partnerships between local businesses. King is a member of the association and said it’s been helpful in giving merchants a collective voice on issues like the Fry Street closure, which the association supported.

But if the current board of aldermen is unwilling to listen to the business community, King said the next step is to get new leadership in place during the next election.

Mayor Tom Sutton and Aldermen Jim Gribble and Heidi Woodard were all elected to four-year terms in 2015, but Aldermen

Rick Bryson and Janine Crisp will be up for election this fall. Bryson and Crisp both voted against the full Fry Street closure and instead favored a partial closure during an April 3 meeting.

At an April 17 meeting, Crisp made a motion to allow the complete closure pending negotiations with the railroad for the easement at 601 Bryson City Walk. The motion passed unanimously.

Even though the town and train worked out a compromise for the street closure this year, Rowland is certain this won’t be the end of the Fry Street fiasco. The town only agreed to the complete street closure this winter once the train was willing to grant the town an easement it needs to purchase and access a piece of property on Bryson Walk. Rowland said a more permanent plan is needed to prevent this issue from being brought up again next year.

“I see both sides of the issue but if it’s not a

long-term solution then this isn’t over — not if we have to vote on it every year,” he said.

HEARTOFTHEMATTER

If the chamber of commerce, the merchants association and a majority of downtown businesses support closing Fry Street for the Polar Express, then the question remains — why did the aldermen deny the request?

“There’s a lot of voters who have the town council’s ears who think the train gets and gets and doesn’t give back to the community,” King said.

Other than Alderman Heidi Woodard, who has been a supporter of closing Fry Street, board members said they didn’t think the safety concerns were enough to warrant the closure. They also were unhappy with the way the railroad has handled the street closure in the past. By putting up blockades on both ends of the street and erecting tents for

Town board welcomes more community input

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Bryson City aldermen are quite aware of the rift created in the community over the Fry Street closure issue, but say they welcome residents and businesses alike to participate in the local government process.

Too often the town board conducts its meetings without any input from the public because they aren’t present or involved in the daily operations of town government.

Alderman Rick Bryson said he’d like people to see all of the good things the town board is working on instead of focusing on the one polarizing issue of Fry Street.

“Recently we have allowed rafting and kayak operators to operate from the town island at no charge to anyone. We extended garbage pickup on weekends to accommodate restaurants. We enabled a radio broadcasting company to attach a repeater to a pole beside the reservoir,” Bryson said.

He said the town also approved a variance to its own building regulations to enable a third gas station to be built in town and played a key role in getting the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to designate Bryson City as the latest “Trout City.”

“This is a direct benefit to businesses, particularly the outdoor businesses, in our town,” he said. “The WRC estimates that fishermen spend approximately $170 a day when they come to fish.”

Although she can understand how business owners might feel their opinions don’t count unless they live in the city limits, Alderman Heidi Woodard said the town board should — and does — listen to business owners in town as well as voters.

“What goes through our board directly affects them and they do employ a lot of town residents. So by affecting businesses it affects voters,” she said.

Alderman Janine Crisp said the board takes its responsi-

Polar Express activities, the railroad blocked visibility to the merchants on Fry Street.

It’s not a new argument among locals.

Even though the train helps extend the tourist town’s season and brings more than 80,000 people a year to Bryson City, the railroad company is based in Colorado. King agrees the train could do a better job at letting people know what all it does for the community, but the fact is the train is currently the main draw to downtown.

Goodwin said he wasn’t in favor of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority providing funding for the train — a private enterprise — to pay for the restoration of the old steam engine because it was basically funding $700,000 worth of operational costs. The county took out a low-interest loan for the project and is paying it back over 15 years with tourism tax dollars.

“It didn’t sit right with me — they should have had more strings attached — but overall it’s good to have the steam engine,” Goodwin said. “And it fits in with the history of our community — it fits with our culture.”

King said train ridership almost doubles on days the steam engine is running, which means more people in downtown.

Rowland said many residents don’t like the train simply because it causes an inconvenience for them. When the train comes

bility to residents and business very seriously and tries to way all consequences of its actions.

“Policies, rules, and decisions are made with the best intentions for all involved and while we work for the betterment of all, it would be unwise for us to fail to remember that we have been elected to the chair we sit in and thusly are representatives of those who put us there,” she said.

Bryson admitted that in his opinion, Bryson City residents should be the town’s first responsibility because they depend on the town for good streets, clean water, police protection, fire protection and secure sanitation infrastructure.

“It is up to us to keep the town operational; where we can assist merchants, we are glad to do so as long as their requests do not conflict with the needs of residents,” he said.

“I think that hearing comments prior to votes may help us, as board members, see different sides of issues.”

— Heidi Woodard, Bryson City alderman

Residents and businesses have also complained about public comment not being allowed at town board meetings until the end of the agenda — often after the issue at hand has already been decided — but several alderman don’t seem willing to move public comment to the beginning of the meeting.

Bryson said public comment is at the end of the meetings because the business of the town comes first. However, if someone wants to address a specific issue with the board, they can call the clerk at town hall a week in advance and request to be added to the agenda. Bryson said the town is also working on an email list where residents and businesses can express their opinions even if they can’t attend a board meeting, which he thinks will be helpful.

“As for moving public comment to the beginning of meetings — the order of when things occur in meetings was set

through downtown in the afternoon, it blocks traffic on Everett Street.

“People get upset because they only see the train when it comes back through town at 3:40 when school lets out,” he said. “They don’t like to be backed up in traffic — it inconveniences them for 3 to 4 minutes a day. It’s a short-sighted concern.”

King said perhaps that’s one problem that could possibly be solved by rerouting people through town, but two-way communication needs to occur to make it happen.

“Moving forward if we could look at it as a marriage where both sides are going to have to make compromises, together we grow as one,” he said. “We have to be willing to listen to each other and figure out a common goal.”

Temple said he would like to see a nonpolitical forum for businesses and residents to come together and talk about these issues. He’d also like to see the community utilize the talents and resources of the people who have moved to Bryson City. As a developer, he said the retirees, entrepreneurs and half-timers who come to Bryson City are eager to offer resources and expertise.

But first, Temple said, the people of Swain County need to let bygones be bygones. Locals already have distrust for government that dates back to when the federal government seized most of Swain’s land to create the

before I became a member of the board,” Crisp said. Woodard, on the other hand, seems to be willing to move public comment to the beginning of the meeting.

“I think that hearing comments prior to votes may help us, as board members, see different sides of issues,” she said. “I believe that if it was requested of the board to adjust the timing for the public comment section, that it would be considered.”

Woodard also recommended people attend the town workshop held once a month because it’s where more discussion takes place before the actual board meeting.

Crisp assures that the board is not making decisions behind closed doors just because it appears little discussion is occurring at the board meetings.

“When the board has an upcoming issue or matter that they will address it is helpful and time-saving when we have done our homework on those issues before meetings,” she said. “That does not mean that the board meets outside of those posted and public meetings. The board is ever aware of open meeting laws and goes to great lengths to make sure that we remain in compliance with those rules.”

Bryson also acknowledged it would be illegal for more than two board members to discuss town business outside of an official meeting. He said the board receives the agenda package for each meeting the morning prior to the meeting and it would be impractical for them to have “off-books” meetings to discuss issues.

“What people see in our meetings are board members reacting to what is on the agenda. The work of the board could hardly be more transparent than it is,” he said.

As for the cramped meeting space, Crisp said the town hall location is sufficient for 99 percent of the board’s meetings. She said the town has moved a few meetings to accommodate larger crowds.

Woodard said if the board continues to see high turnout for meetings, the town many have to look at finding a larger space.

“I would like to see this volume of involvement from our community members so that we can utilize those voices and opinions to assist with the positive forward movement of our beautiful town,” she said.

national park and Fontana Dam.

“There’s old grudges and people don’t trust the government,” he said. “Take, take, take is all we’ve ever seen, but we need a shift or how can we progress?”

EMBRACINGTOURISM

Swain County’s economy has become more reliant on tourism and outdoor recreation during the last few years as manufacturing jobs continue to dwindle. With no hope that industrial jobs will make a comeback, King said the community needs to embrace the tourism industry and work together to improve it.

“Even though we’re tourism-based — it all works together,” he said. “If there’s no tourism, there’s no people to provide jobs for people to live here and those people are buying gas and groceries and need services.”

Rowland agreed that tourists spend money in the community, which enables the county and town to keep taxes low. They build houses and create jobs and eventually retire here to their mountain homes, which add to the tax base.

Goodwin said most of the town used to shut down between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the Polar Express has kept businesses going through January. He doesn’t

want to see that season shorten again.

“My housekeepers work hard through November and December because of the railroad and they make good money,” he said. “We’re busy when it used to be dead.”

Instead of trying to hinder a tourism business like the railroad that helps to extend the tourism season, Rowland said the town should be asking the train what other special events it can do to bring more people to Bryson City during the off season.

“That’s all we’ve got right now,” Rowland said. “We should be discussing with the train what can we do for January and February to expand it further.”

While some people are afraid Bryson City could turn into an overdeveloped tourism nightmare like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Temple said that could never happen because only 13 percent of the county land isn’t owned by the federal government.

King agreed that no one wanted to see Bryson City change from what has drawn people here in the first place, which is the heritage and history, small town feel and the hospitality from locals.

“I don’t think any of us want to see locals feeling displaced — that’s what makes it feel like a community,” King said. It’s why people come here and what makes me feel at home here.”

Waynesville park acreage to grow by almost 20 percent

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

As summer approaches, Waynesville’s green spaces are getting greener, but they’re also getting greater — in size.

When the town’s recreation master plan was first presented to Waynesville aldermen earlier this year, a consultant told them that despite the otherwise-stellar facilities, a town of Waynesville’s size should have around 100 acres of park land, based on population.

This revelation admittedly took Mayor Gavin Brown by surprise, as the town had about 52 acres of park land at the time but has since grown that by 10 more than acres after obtaining two more tracts.

“We’re ecstatic about the whole idea,” said Rhett Langston, director of Waynesville’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The first tract, a blighted, crime-ridden spot home to a dilapidated church on Calvary Street in Waynesville’s historic Pigeon Street community, totaled about three-quarters of an acre and was purchased from the county in early March for $1.

The town’s most recent acquisition — approximately 9.35 acres — was purchased from Schulhofers Inc. on April 11 for $8,022

per acre, or probably about $75,000 total once the official survey comes back.

“The purchase of the lot that adjoins the Waynesville Recreation Center property will accomplish two important objectives,” said Waynesville Alderman Jon Feichter. “First, it will expand the land available for recreation use — something the consultant that helped craft the Recreation Master Plan identified as a need. Second, it will allow Waynesville to extend our greenway closer to Lake Junaluska.”

The parcels are located adjacent to and just east of the Vance Street Recreation Park, and lie south of Schulhofer’s former junkyard on Howell Mill Road.

“One of the best aspects of this opportunity, however, is that it accomplishes both of these objectives at a reasonable price,” said Feichter. “That is particularly important in a time when budgets are tight.”

Currently, the lot is home to a baseball diamond as well as a training facility used by the Waynesville Police Department and other agencies to train drug dogs.

“We would probably continue to allow that,” said Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites. “[The dog training facility] only sits on a small portion of the land.”

Hites said the town would likely use the

Waynesville’s newest park addition includes the parcel with the baseball diamond as well as the parcel directly to the east. Haywood County GIS map.

land to expand the disc golf course that stretches between Vance Street Park and Recreation Park.

During the public input process for the recreation master plan, respondents rated the disc golf course as one of the highestquality attractions Waynesville offers.

“Disc golf received strong support in the survey, and nationally the popularity of the sport continues to grow,” reads the report, prepared by Chicago-based Alfred Benesch and Company. “This course is very popular and heavily used. Unfortunately, the course layout is very restricted and in some places comes into conflict with other recreation activities.”

Another added bonus will prove attractive to those who enjoy fishing — the parcel is bordered by Richland Creek and will allow about 1,000 feet of creekside frontage to be opened up to the public.

The recreation master plan survey indicated strong appreciation for existing fishing infrastructure, and fishing continues to be one of the area’s major tourist draws.

Class A Office/Professional/Medical space, 1850 sq. ft. MOVE IN ready Building was a complete renovation and space was first built out for Edward Jones office in 2005. Space is currently occupied by Junaluska Internal Medicine and is in excellent condition. Unit includes 2 restrooms, kitchenette and mechanical room. There is direct access to an outdoor covered patio area on the creek. The building has excellent onsite parking and is located in Waynesville only 3/10 mile North of the courthouse. Location is centrally located to all commercial areas of Way. without the traffic backups. Lease is $11.75 sq.ft. and includes exterior maintenance, taxes, water and 3’x8’ lighted sign. Available 5/1.

Jackson talks capital

Five-year plan maps spending for school, health, animal shelter and courtroom projects

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

From softball fields to health buildings to animal shelters, funding requests have been arriving hot and heavy to the Jackson County Commissioners’ desks as budget season heats up. As the deadline for the 2017-18 budget draws nearer, the pressure to make tough decisions about what gets funded and what doesn’t is increasing.

“It’s an unusual year in regard to the requests being so high across the board,” said County Manager Don Adams. In addition to the typical funding requests the county receives each year, he’s received $8.8 million in new requests.

Adams’ charge, in his first budget season as Jackson County’s manager, is to come up with a way to fund everything commissioners think is needed without raising taxes. Last year commissioners hiked the rate by 9 cents per $100 of value in response to rising costs and a reduced county property valuation — increasing it again wasn’t on the table this go-around.

The biggest discussions so far have revolved around capital projects — proposed buildings like Southwestern Community College’s new health sciences building or a new location for the Jackson County Animal Shelter, to name a couple. After hearing all the requests and looking at all the numbers, Adams and Finance Director Darlene Fox put their heads together to come up with a fiveyear capital improvement plan that aims to meet all the requests without robbing the county’s fund balance.

“I think it’s a good plan,” said Commission Chairman Brian McMahan. “I am fully supportive of what the county manager has put forward.”

The four other commissioners echoed McMahan’s support. However, the devil’s in the details, and the board will have plenty to discuss as the projects outlined in the plan move forward.

EDUCATIONPROJECTS

JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The plan calls for $2.4 million in capital projects over the next five years. Of that, $1.4 million would be used to address the top three needs in each school — the list includes upgrading fire alarm systems, installing panic levers and upgrading to Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant water fountains and bathrooms. The remaining $1 million would fund a new softball field and track. The

money would come mainly from the school system’s capital reserve fund. Currently, the school system is working to complete $9 million in capital projects that commissioners funded through a loan issued last year.

SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Over the next four years, SCC would get $19.8 million to construct a new health sciences building. Construction would start in 2018-19, the same year in which the county would take out a $10 million loan to fund the project. The process will begin this budget year using $5.4 million in N.C. Connect bond funds. A quarter-cent sales tax, which Jackson County voters approved last year, would pay the remaining cost, with the building paid off by 2034. In addition, SCC is asking for $935,800 to build a new parking lot, finish building a new maintenance building and complete some general maintenance projects. Recommendations related to this request will be presented with the entire 201718 proposed budget on May 15 and are not part of the five-year plan.

REACTIONS

All the commissioners expressed support for the plan.

“I think that’s a good plan,” said Commissioner Mickey Luker, who said the needs of both SCC and the school system were addressed. “In early discussion that was the only way I said I would vote for it. I’m not going to go for a plan that for 10 years takes all the funding away from our public schools.”

When Jackson County voters passed the quarter-cent sales tax last year, the promise was that funds collected would go toward projects at SCC and Jackson Schools, with the health sciences building as the flagship initial project. But during budget talks, some commissioners expressed concern about dedicating the new funding stream to the SCC building for too many years running. The schools shouldn’t have to wait too long to get their share, they said, and regardless of what had actually been said many voters were under the impression that the funding was mainly for the K-12 schools.

Commissioner Boyce Dietz was one of those, but he’s since changed his mind.

“I was wrong on that,” he said. “Although we’re going to use this money for three or four years to do that (build the SCC health sciences building) with, we have more than adequately done things to help the school system in the last year or so.”

Under the plan, all quarter-cent sales tax proceeds — projected to total $1.2 million this year — will go toward the health sciences building project for the next four years, after which the ratio will gradually shift in favor of the school system. Jackson Schools will get $500,000 of the revenue in 2020 and receive $900,000 by 2024, at which time the annual revenue is projected to be $1.9 million.

However, the school system will have plenty of capital projects to tackle while it’s waiting for the sales tax revenue to come its

An expanded county justice center is one of many capital projects on

for the next five years.

way. Jackson Schools is currently in the midst of spending $9 million the county gave last year to address emergency capital projects, and the five-year plan includes funding for priority projects at several school facilities and a new track and softball field. All that will keep the school system plenty occupied.

“This road map clearly showed what is available and what will be available over the next few years,” said Jackson Schools Superintendent Michael Murray. “The school system is busy spending the over $9 million that were provided through QZAB loans to replace roofs, electrical, HVAC and water sys-

“Most of these have been on our plate for quite some time, and I’d like to see some traction. I’d like to see some construction start. We’ve talked them to death.”

decided to do,” Dietz said, “because it raises quite a bit of money every year that will be there forever to make our community college and our school system better.”

COUNTYFACILITYPROJECTS

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Under the plan, $7 million would be allocated for a new or renovated Health Department building — commissioners have not yet decided which — with construction starting in 2018-19. Of the $7 million, $6.6 million would come from the fund balance and $403,000 would come from capital reserve.

ANIMAL SHELTER

The plan calls for a new $3.5 million animal shelter that would be paid for completely out of capital reserve. Construction would start in 2019-20. However, this timeline is likely to be revised as commissioners have asked Adams to move the planning stage up one year, meaning construction could begin as early as 2018-19.

JUSTICE CENTER EXPANSION

— Brian McMahan, commission

tems within our nine buildings.”

chairman

Of course, the dollars for projects to take place before quarter-cent sales tax money becomes available will be coming from the school’s own capital reserves. However, on the flip side the plan for school funding shows an unallocated $2.9 million in capital reserves and quarter-cent sales tax by the time the five-year plan ends in 2021-22. Of that $1.3 million is sales tax money.

According to Adams, that unallocated, extra money is a “real key part” of the plan, giving the school system some flexibility should new capital needs arise or existing ones cost more than expected. For example, Adams said, it’s quite possible that $1 million won’t be enough to build both a softball field and a track.

“I think the quarter-cent sales tax is one of the best things the citizens of this county ever

The cost to expand courtroom space to accommodate current needs is projected at $1.5 million, to be paid for out of capital reserve with construction starting in 20182019.

REACTIONS

Overall, commissioners are happy with the plan and support the general timeline and projects included. However, several big decisions must be made before these projects can move forward.

When it comes to the health department building, there’s no consensus among commissioners as to whether it makes more sense to renovate the existing building or build a new one. According to a study completed in January, renovating the existing building would cost $4.7-5.7 million, and a new building would cost about $5.6 million. However, the projected cost of the new building doesn’t include the cost of purchasing land, and neither estimate includes architecture and engi-

neering fees, contingency costs, or furniture and equipment costs.

“It’s just something that we’ve got to study a little bit more on,” said Commissioner Charles Elders.

While several of the commissioners said they were leaning one way or another, none of them said they’d firmly made up their minds on the issue, and that’s a basic choice that will have to be made before the project can move forward. The county is currently under contract for a piece of property on Skyland Drive that could hold a new health building if that’s the route commissioners decide to go, but it’s unclear at this point if the county will go through with the purchase or if commissioners would agree that to be the optimal location for a new building.

Luker, for example, favors a new health

The outdated county animal shelter is slated to be replaced within five years. Donated photo

building but would like to see it built near the Department of Social Services, which is located along N.C. 116 toward Webster. The two agencies work closely on many issues, Luker said, so “it’s only beneficial to have both of those agencies very close to each other.”

Land is also the big question in the animal shelter project. Renovating the existing facility is out of the question, but no plans have been made for where to locate a new one.

“If you don’t have property, it’s really difficult to plan any kind of facility without property,” Adams said. “Property can change the facility.”

Going into the next budget year, Adams said finding a spot for the animal shelter must be a main focus.

The fact that so much is uncertain about the scope and location of these projects spurred Commissioner Ron Mau to ask that the timeline on planning the animal shelter get moved up.

“We have money in the budget to go forward with planning, so I was thinking more keep our options open, move forward with the planning for both,” he said. “If we don’t move forward with the planning, we won’t be able to pursue those other options if they were to make themselves available.”

If everything goes according to plan, all three projects will be complete by the time the five-year plan wraps up in 2022. And, though such plans are inclined to fluctuate from year to year, McMahan is hoping that this one sticks as close to the timeline as possible.

“Most of these have been on our plate for quite some time, and I’d like to see some traction. I’d like to see some construction start,” he said. “We’ve talked them to death.”

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Stalled student housing project could revive

Cullowhee development requests sewer easement through community garden

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Two years have passed since developers first got approval to build a student housing complex along South Painter Road in Cullowhee, though not a shovel of earth was ever turned. But the stalled project could move forward this summer if a handful of Jackson County boards give approval.

In 2015, Monarch Ventures got the goahead to construct a 136-unit complex holding 488 beds on the 11.7-acre property, getting its application in just before the Cullowhee Community Planning Standards and county subdivision ordinance took effect. Many people worried about the effect that the large complex would have on the rural area with its narrow roads and lack of walkways, but based on applicable rules the Jackson County Planning Board had to approve the application.

However, the development was never built. Internal issues at the company resulted in the two co-owners going to court, and Monarch Ventures was eventually dissolved. Now, a new developer is hoping to use the land.

Atlanta-based Mallory & Evans Development is proposing a gated student community comprised of 97 townhomes with four bedrooms apiece — a total of 388 bedrooms. In addition to the 12 buildings containing the townhomes, plans call for a pool, a clubhouse and 418 parking spaces.

“A lot of students reach the point where they want a more grownup lifestyle, and usually that means renting houses,” David McKenna, vice president of development for Mallory & Evans, told the Jackson County Commissioners during their May 1 meeting. “That’s the students we’re going for — the older, more mature students looking for an adult type of experience.”

The developers had come to the commissioners requesting an easement across the Cullowhee Community Garden — located directly across the street — to allow for sewer access and stormwater disposal. They also hoped to purchase a triangular 0.19acre piece of county land that is surrounded by the land slated for development. Mallory & Evans offered $10,000 for the easement and $25,000 for the land.

After a lengthy presentation and several back-and-forth rounds of questioning, commissioners decided to table the vote, likely until their next meeting Monday, May 15.

TRAFFIC, PARKINGAND STORMWATER

Potential impacts to traffic and plans for alternative transportation to campus were a significant part of the conversation. The site

is located in an area of Cullowhee characterized by narrow, winding country roads that have been called upon to handle increasing traffic from the student housing developments springing up along them. After a WCU student hit and killed a pedestrian walking nearby Ledbetter Road last year, the county stepped up its efforts to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

The developer has offered to build a sidewalk along the property line and then out to South Painter Road’s junction with Monteith Gap Road. Of course, that would leave a significant amount of road without a sidewalk before reaching the university, and some commissioners feel it’s not a safe bet.

“You build a walk back out there and that’s fine. I think all that’s needed, but we’re just funneling more traffic into a problem road already, and it’s sure not a road that looks like it’s very safe to be walking on right now,”

Commissioner Boyce Dietz said in a followup interview.

He’d rather see a greenway go in along Cullowhee Creek to the university, which is the more direct walking route and likely to be favored by college students. But greenways — which often require easements through private land — are typically harder to establish than sidewalks.

the street from it and what very little parking that they have, the last thing we want to see is that become the overflow parking,” Commissioner Mickey Luker said at the meeting. “I think that’s something we need to think about and study.”

Besinger offered that the development could monitor the community garden parking lot from the clubhouse and ensure folks who are illegally parked get towed. However, Luker feels that the fact that the community is to be gated might make orderly parking difficult to guarantee. With few extra spots inside and access restricted, what happens

The proposed development would go in across the road from the Cullowhee Community Garden, shown in the foreground.

communities.

“My target market is you’re going after me as a parent that wants to keep their children safe,” Besinger told commissioners. “We gate all of our communities so there is security and we can monitor who is going into the complexes, who’s coming out of the complexes. We also put security units in our complexes.”

Commissioners also had some questions about stormwater — how the increased runoff might impact Cullowhee Creek and, in turn, the community garden on its banks. Plans call for construction of a retention

“I would rather see them double-parked, parked on the property’s grass or whatever instead of alongside our roads and impacting South Painter Road or impacting our community garden.”

Brantley Basinger, principal in the project, said the thought process was that building the sidewalk segment might spur the N.C. DOT to bring it the rest of the way to campus. In addition, he said, Mallory & Evans hopes to get bus service to the development. WCU discontinued off-campus busing in 2015 due to decreasing ridership, resulting in a high cost per ride. According to Bill Studenc, communications director at WCU, the developers and the university’s transportation team have had informal discussions about bringing shuttle service back.

“They need some financial support to do that,” Besinger told commissioners May 1. “We can provide that.”

Commissioners also expressed concerns about parking issues. Plans call for 418 parking spaces for the 388-bed development — just 30 extra spaces for friends, family or anyone else who might stop by.

“Having the community garden across

— Mickey Luker, Jackson County Commissioner

when a student hosts a party in their townhome? Would the students park unsafely along the narrow roads rather than fighting for a spot inside the gated development?

“I would rather see them double-parked, parked on the property’s grass or whatever instead of alongside our roads and impacting South Painter Road or impacting our community garden,” Luker said in a followup interview.

Overall, Luker — who has a background in development — isn’t a fan of the gated community concept. He feels that it creates an impression of a desire to be segregated from the community, and that it could cause safety issues should an ambulance or fire truck experience delays getting through the gate. Besinger, on the other hand, said that safety is the reason his company favors gated

pond, with the water straight-piped to the creek when it’s had a chance to settle.

“The soil will be saturated, the Cullowhee Creek itself will be filled with water, so whatever on-site mitigation can be provided by the developer will help minimize those impacts,” said Adam Bigelow, director of the community garden. “It is an interesting subject to look at how it’s going to impact the water flow, and that’s been a lot of my concern as I look at that project.”

Though questions and concerns abound, there hasn’t been much outright opposition to the project.

“I would love it to remain a beautiful, wide-open field blowing in the wind and all that, but the reality is that property has been purchased to be a development and somebody’s going to develop

Kiwanis to hold spelling bee fundraiser

The Kiwanis Club of Waynesville is buzzing with excitement about its Fifth Annual “No Sweat” Spelling Bee, where misspelled words benefit the children of Haywood County.

The Bee will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 12, at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. Todd Barbee, principal at Canton Middle School, will be returning as pronouncer. Each team is made up of three adult spellers who sit at a table with another team. Each team works together to decide how to spell the word.

If they misspell the word, they can buy back the word for $5 in the first round, $10 in the second round and $20 in the third round. In 2016, the Kiwanis gave over $40,000 in grants and other service projects back to the community that was raised through fundraising efforts and other funding sources.

The Kiwanis Club is asking anyone who wants to sign-up as an individual speller or sponsor to contact Marti Peithman at 828.734.9003 or Jim Hoyt at 828.926.0066 or email martipeithman@aol.com.

Talk with a Doc about women’s health

Dr. David Kirk and Certified Nurse Midwife Jody Schmit with Haywood Women’s Medical Center will be presenting the Talk with a Doc dinner seminar “Latest Advances in Women’s Health” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Haywood Regional Medical Center Café. Kirk and Schmit will speak while patrons enjoy a healthy meal. To attend this complimentary dinner seminar, call 800.424.DOCS (3627) – RSVP is required.

Clampitt to hold meeting in Clyde

Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, will hold the second quarterly town hall meeting for Haywood County at 4 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the main auditorium of Haywood Community College.

“The purpose of the meeting will be for people to ask questions about what our office is working on, ask questions about the General Assembly, and to share any concerns they may need assistance on,” Clampitt said.

The main campus of Haywood Community College is located at 185 Freelander Drive in Clyde.

Be heard

The Jackson County Planning Board will decide whether the proposed 388-bed student development on South Painter Road in Cullowhee meets the county’s subdivision ordinance during its meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11, in the Heritage Room of the Jackson County Department on Aging. No public hearing is scheduled, but meetings always begin with an opportunity for public comment. Speakers are limited to three minutes each.

it,” Bigelow told commissioners during the public comment period May 1. “I look across there and see 400 potential garden volunteers … the garden was designed knowing there would be a sewer easement going through here at some point, but really think about the long-term plans for that park.”

Cullowhee resident Curt Collins, also speaking during public comment, told commissioners that “Ultimately, I don’t know if it (the development) is the best idea,” citing the continued traffic issues and recent pedestrian death in the area.

NEEDEDAPPROVALS

Though several commissioners said they’re leaning toward approving the easement when it comes up for a vote May 15, none of them said so with absolute certainty and all said they had more research to do before forming a firm opinion.

However, the question before commissioners May 15 won’t be whether or not the development is a good idea or how student

transportation should be arranged or if the parking situation should be handled differently. They’ll simply be voting on whether to approve the sewer and stormwater easement across the community gardens and whether to sell the 0.19-acre property Mallory & Evans has requested.

The development will still have to gain approval from the Jackson County Planning Board and the Cullowhee Community Planning Council before moving forward.

During its meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11, the planning board will decide whether the development meets the requirements of the county’s subdivision ordinance.

At a later date — likely Monday, June 12 — the Cullowhee Community Planning Council will decide whether to grant a conditional use permit for the project. Townhomes are an allowed use for the property, but the conditional use procedure is triggered anytime the proposed development includes more than 40 units. The Cullowhee planning ordinance requires that, for a permit to be granted, the board must find that the use won’t create a traffic hazard; won’t endanger public health or safety; is compatible with significant natural features; won’t injure the value of adjoining properties; fits the character of the Cullowhee community; and has proper access to facilities such as water, police protection and transportation.

For his part, Besinger is hoping that the county comes back with a favorable reply, and quickly. He wants to have the development finished by the time students arrive for the fall 2018 semester. To meet that deadline, he’ll need to start grading no later than Aug. 1.

“We’re cutting it close now, honestly,” he said May 1.

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Developer to extend water and sewer access in Cullowhee

Controversial development will move forward

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

The Jackson County Commissioners have unanimously approved an easement through county land that will allow plans for a 72-bedroom development adjacent to Cullowhee’s Speedwell Acres Road to move forward.

pay for,” said Commission Chairman Brian McMahan.

The planned development will go in just a stone’s throw from the quiet residential neighborhood of Speedwell Acres.

The developer, J.R. Johnson of Gainesville, Florida, will pay the county $2,500 for an easement to run an 8-inch water pipe and 8-inch sewer pipe from a manhole at the Jackson County Recreation Complex to the planned development, to be located on the opposite side of N.C. 107. By extending the water and sewer, Johnson will give other residents living on that side of 107 — where access to the Tuckasegee Water and Sewer Authority system is not currently available — the chance to tap on. Extending the pipes will cost him $150,000, and he’ll also pay a $45,000 impact fee.

However, so far Speedwell Acres residents haven’t been feeling so kindly toward the planned development. The proposal came before the Jackson County Planning Board at its Feb. 9 meeting, and residents showed up en masse to demonstrate their opposition to the project. A total of 11 people gave public comment — all of them nearby residents, and all of them opposed to the development. They expressed concerns about increased traffic, a change in community character due to partying college students, and potential for crime and vandalism.

However, the proposal met all the requirements of the Cullowhee Community Planning Ordinance, and the planning

“I think probably the investment they’re making in the community of $150,000 and the tap-in fee at $45,000 and making it available to that community is probably worth a lot more than the $2,500 they’re putting on the table.”

— Jay Coward,

“I think probably the investment they’re making in the community of $150,000 and the tap-in fee at $45,000 and making it available to that community is probably worth a lot more than the $2,500 they’re putting on the table,” said Jay Coward, a Sylva attorney representing Johnson, at the commissioners’ May 1 meeting.

The proposed development, called The Highlands at Cullowhee, will be right next to Speedwell Acres, a quiet little single-family development. With the water and sewer extension, those residents will have easier, cheaper access to TWSA hookups should they so desire.

“We were very appreciative of being able to put in a sewer line, utility lines across the road to access that Speedwell Acres area, so that was a positive that the developers will

board just had to review it for compliance with the county’s subdivision ordinance — it met those standards as well, so planning board members passed it unanimously.

The easement from commissioners was pretty much the last hurdle for Johnson to clear before moving forward with development. Now all that remains is to secure the proper permits and start building.

McMahan said he certainly understands why some residents might not be in favor of the development but reiterated that it does meet the zoning standards that Cullowhee residents and county workers spent two years crafting. And where the water and sewer easement is concerned, he said, things are pretty positive.

“It made sense because it benefitted the whole community,” McMahan said, “not just that development.”

TekTone completes relocation in Macon County

TekTone Sound & Signal Mfg. Inc., a global leader in the life safety system manufacturing market, has completed the relocation of its headquarters and manufacturing operations to a newly redesigned headquarters at 324 Industrial Park Road, Franklin.

HCC to hold hospitality training

Haywood Community College’s Workforce Continuing Education will offer a Hospitality Train the Trainer course beginning May 16.

The course will be held every Tuesday for six weeks. Training will be offered twice each Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again at 4 to 8 p.m. at the Lambuth Inn on the grounds of Lake Junaluska.

HCC, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority and the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce offer this great opportunity for hospitality and tourism focused businesses. Topics include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, retention strategies and leadership. Tonya Wilson Snider, owner of tenBiz, will facilitate the training.

Email HCC-communityservice@haywood.edu or call 828.627.4669. A limited number of scholarships are available for qualified businesses.

Register for women’s business conference

The Western Women’s Business Center opened registration for its third annual conference “Her Story, Her Journey,” which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 22 at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville.

“Her Story, Her Journey” will feature a day of business workshops, music, interactive activities and speakers. The event will open with a performance by Asheville-based artist, Leeda “Lyric” Jones. Keynote speakers include owner of Ianodell’s Hat Shop, Sandra Suber; owner of Yukon & Bean, Angie Mattson Stegall; and Selina Delangre, CEO of Selina Naturally, Home of Celtic Sea Salt Brand. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

For conference registration and information, visit www.carolinasmallbusiness.org/initiatives/wwbcconference2017/ or call Jasmine Hanks at 828.633.5065.

More than 70 employees from the engineering, production, sales, marketing, administration, technical support, and IT departments are now housed in 72,262 square feet of redesigned office space. The new headquarters — providing a high-profile Industrial Park presence — features an entirely new single-floor space to facilitate all aspects of life safety system manufacturing, design, training, and sales operations.

With this relocation, TekTone bids farewell to its iconic headquarters at 277 Industrial Park Road, which the company called home since 1989.

“While we acknowledge the spirit and legacy of our former home that served us well for so many years, we are excited to now be working in a 21stcentury headquarters,” said Carlos Mira, president of TekTone. “And I’m proud that we have completed this transition with little interruption in our ability to deliver all of the quality products and services that TekTone customers expect. I salute the TekTone employees who have worked tirelessly for months to make this transition as smooth and efficient as possible.”

Maggie Valley job fair

The Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce will be holding a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at Maggie Valley Pavilion.

All businesses that need to hire for the summer are invited to participate. There is no charge for chamber members to participate. Reserve a spot for your business by May 12 by calling the chamber at 828.926.1686.

Cashiers chamber to hold legislative update

The 2017 Cashiers Area Chamber Annual Legislative Update will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at Cullasaja Club.

Special Guest, Jackson County Commissioner Mickey Luker, District 4, will present an update on Jackson County government's 2017 strategic priorities and how these issues will impact the Cashiers Area. Tickets cost $25 per person, which includes lunch. Space is limited and RSVPs are required.

Non-members are invited to attend at $30 per ticket.

828.743.5191.

U.S. Cellular welcomes new manager

U.S. Cellular has named Wayne Mays store manager for the Waynesville store at 225 Town Center Loop.

Mays leads store associates to help customers get the exact plan and device to meet their needs and show them how wireless technology can simplify and enhance their life or business. Mays has more than four years of wireless experience.

“I am excited to see Wayne grow within our organization and I look forward to the seeing the passion and skills he brings to our team in Waynesville,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in western North Carolina.

“At U.S. Cellular, we focus on providing the best wireless experience for our customers through a high-quality network and the most knowledgeable associates in the industry.”

New gift shop opens in Maggie

Maggie Valley Gift Shop and Design Studio recently opened at 2495 Soco Road.

The eclectic gift shop in offers unique, handmade and one of a kind items from T-shirts, candles, soaps, jewelry and more.

Owner Kelly Parsons also offers photo editing, graphic design and website design services.

For more information, call 828.295.2433 or visit www.facebook.com/pg/maggievalleygiftshop.

Funding conference coming to Asheville

The inaugural "Show Me the Money Conference + Funding Expo" will be held May 11 and 12 in downtown Asheville, bringing “all things funding” to Western North Carolina.

The two-day event will provide attendees with access to the most innovative tools, training, and connections needed to successfully secure funding for their businesses or nonprofits. The Conference, Funding Expo, and Networking Reception will take place on May 11 at the

• Nantahala Brewing brought home 16 medals at the recent Carolina Championship of Beer. The Bryson City brewery won five gold, eight silver and three bronze metals. Held at the Hickory Hops Brewer's Festival, the event featured the handcrafted beers of over 50 microbreweries.

ALSO:

• The Swain County Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual awards banquet where Anthony Viscusi, owner of Anthony’s Italian Restaurant, received the Business Citizen of the Year and Jean Davis was given the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award for her volunteer efforts with Relay for Life, Friends of 288, and Operation Christmas Child.

• The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome The City Restaurant to its membership at a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand re-opening. The City Restaurant is located at 1251 E. Main Street in Franklin.

Asheville Renaissance Hotel and on May 12 there will be optional intensive workshops offered at the Lenoir-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies for those looking to aggressively seek funding platforms.

Full agenda, sponsors, and speakers are listed on the main event website at www.ShowMetheMoneyConference.com.

Franklin restaurant under new ownership

The City Restaurant, located at 1251 E. Main Street in Franklin, is open under new ownership.

“We are proud to reopen the hometown landmark restaurant in its original location. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed, family atmosphere and our food is country cooking at its best” said new owners Jim and Tara Fraize. “We offer daily specials for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

The City Restaurant staff offers free delivery within a 10-mile radius with a $25 minimum order for your convenience. Cash only.

HCC to celebrate retiring employee

Haywood Community College’s College & Career Readiness Department will host a book reading with local author Pamela Duncan in honor of employee Shelley Bleyl’s retirement.

The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, May 10, in the college library. Bleyl is retiring with over 29 years of service and currently serves as LEIS Assessment & Retention Specialist.

828.627.4648.

Tastes great, can’t take the smell

When I read about Wicked Weed Brewing getting bought by AB InBev (formerly Budweiser) — one of the world’s largest brewing conglomerates — my instinct was to be incensed at the decision.

For years, this newspaper has been a very vocal advocate of the homegrown, buy local movement whose roots reach deep into these mountains. As late as the 1950s there were pockets of Appalachia where people still grew, raised, hunted and made a great deal of what they needed to survive. Nowhere else in this country is the resolve to be independent from governmental authority and corporate marketers worn so easily and proudly by so many.

The craft beer industry has taken to heart this spirit of independence and innovation. Although there is a familial camaraderie among brewers, there is also a fiercely guarded proprietary pride in crafting something very good and very different. It’s just a great brewery vibe right now, one that still seems welcoming for almost all brewers and is a source of pride for all of us who live here.

InBev, on the other hand, has built a reputation as somewhat of the Grim Reaper of the craft beer industry. Remember those Super Bowl ads for Budweiser? Funny, perhaps, but a definite backhanded swipe at the craft beer industry and those who enjoy their craft beers.

Here’s the verbiage from one of them: titled “Brewed the hard way” — really, like small brewers have it easy? — the

Corporations are not people

To the Editor:

A recent letter writer opined that corporations function as groups of people. One single sentence in that essay set me aback. I had never heard anyone express a sentiment, a belief quite like it. She wrote, “To consider a corporation just a nebulous entity, a non-person, is ridiculous.”

I began recalling conversations I have had throughout my life with learned people, songs expressing the nature and yearnings of people as well as books I have read. Nothing I have been exposed to seemed to provide any underpinning for that bold statement. That left me wondering if perhaps I had missed something in the King James Bible creation story. Nope! After re-reading relevant Genesis material I found no mention of God creating a corporation.

Still puzzled I went back to “The Origin of Species” written by Charles Darwin in 1859. Once again my memory had served me pretty well. Darwin made no mention of any living entity evolving into a corporation.

Maybe I have led a sheltered life. Maybe I have been misinformed/uninformed by my experiences in life. Maybe I should have already sensed that some theory other than creation or evolution could enhance knowledge/understanding for humans. If someone

words “It’s not brewed to be fussed over” show up on the screen while the voice over says, “The people who drink our beer like to drink beer brewed the hard way …. Let them sip their pumpkin peach ale” (Wicked Weed has both a “Peach Habanera Saison” and a “Pumpkin Up The Volume”).

Editor Scott McLeod

But perhaps where AB InBev has earned the most enmity from craft brewers is not with its advertising, but rather with its distribution practices. According to the Wall Street Journal, beginning in late 2015 the giant brewer began offering distributors reimbursements of up to $1.5 million if 98 percent of the beer they sell were InBev products. In addition, those distributors who sell 95 percent InBev products could get reimbursed for half of their display and marketing costs.

In other words, InBev is paying bonuses to keep small brewers out of the distribution chain. Getting in that chain is a key measure of success for craft brewers who want to grow.

So, the giant conglomerate starts buying the more successful regional craft beer makers — in addition to Wicked Weed they have ownership in Goose Island, Breckenridge Brewery, Blue Point, Golden Road, Four Peaks and Devils Backbone — all the while doing its best to keep smaller craft beer makers

can refer me to literature that will shed light on the creation/evolution of corporations as people, I would really appreciate the reference. But, until I find something more convincing than the Bible, Charles Darwin and Abraham Maslow (Motivation and Personality), I will continue to rely on the wisdom of those three sources.

Dave Waldrop Webster

Perhaps we need ‘climate ambassadors’

To the Editor:

The series of articles you have recently been publishing on “Folkmoot’s Cultural Conversations” have been most enlightening — and worth taking to heart. In the interest of becoming cultural ambassadors, we each of us need to learn to practice the attitudes and skills stressed in those conversations — being polite, keeping an open mind, speaking only for self, keeping confidentiality, acknowledging (and resisting) our capacity for prejudice and stereotyping, understanding how and why we define ourselves as we do — and more.

While those conversations have focused on racial and cultural differences, the same attitudes and skills are needed in our discussions of another major issue and threat facing our nation — climate change.

from inking agreements with distributors.

Wicked Weed has been going like it was on steroids from the day it opened four years ago, and the beers are fantastic. First a brewpub, then the sour beer Funkatorium on Asheville’s South Slope, and then two new production facilities. It is one of those companies that came out of the gate strong and never looked back, and right now it employs almost 200.

So, is it a great story of free enterprise and capitalism? Look, as a journalist-entrepreneur, I’ll admit there was an immediate tinge of jealousy when I read the news. It’s the piein-the-sky dream of most small businesses to attract the attention — and the checkbook — of a corporate giant, to be rewarded for the early mornings, sleepless nights, weekends, for putting your family’s financial future at stake, for believing in the dream while you sweated making the next payroll.

I don’t begrudge those guys making their payday and having more money to invest in product and hopefully for their employees, but I quit buying InBev beer a long time ago. Then it was mostly because their beer just isn’t any good.

No hard feelings, but Wicked Weed will now move to my personal “no-buy” list. If I was making a commercial about my decision, perhaps the verbiage would read something like, “tastes great, can’t take the smell.”

Besides, there are just too many great local beers made by so many fine local brewers.

(Reach Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LETTERS

Research by scientists at George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communications has identified a spectrum of six distinct groups in the U.S. population: the “dismissive” (9 percent) who don’t believe climate change is really happening and thus see it as no threat to our well-being; the “doubtful” (11 percent) who aren’t sure it’s happening but if it is, view it as part of a natural cycle and not human-caused; the “disengaged” (5 percent) who hold no particular beliefs about the matter one way or the other; the “cautious” (23 percent) who believe it’s happening but are immobilized as they wonder what can one person do; the “concerned” (34 percent) who think it’s real and human-caused and address it by lifestyle changes like recycling and changing light bulbs; and the “alarmed” (18 percent), the activist environmentalists who install solar panels, drive electric vehicles, and work for legislation to protect the environment and shift from fossil fuels to alternative forms of energy.

Whichever of these groups we may identify with, in the interest of community cohesiveness and national security and unity, we need to be making use of the above-mentioned Folkmoot approaches by engaging in conversations about global warming. If addressing this head on proves too divisive, we can begin by exploring related topics like clean energy, the plight of coal miners, the

revenue neutral carbon tax, the Tesla phenomenon, the effects of violent storms, coal ash ponds, our love of fishing or hiking, or why we like living in the mountains. By thus breaking the climate silence, we can become “climate ambassadors,” maintaining civility in the process by practicing such time-honored virtues as humility, respect, courage, self-control, teachability, dignity, conviction, kindness, openness, and — need we say it? —love.

In so doing, we “can bring light, compassion, and determination to the national conversation on climate change: light, by helping people grasp its gravity; compassion by recognizing that those most harmed are innocent victims who need protection; and determination by refusing to accept any future that is unsustainable.”

Doug Wingeier Waynesville

Sylva festival is a bad idea

To the Editor:

Thomas Jefferson once stated “I am for a government rigorously frugal and simple.” Yet, these wise words from our third U.S President are regularly ignored and despised by those on either end of the spectrum, and even ignored by officials

F

in our own local government.

Sure, the local government can promote policies that attract new business and sustain current ones, but should it be the role of the local government to promote the sale and consumption of alcohol? Our local Chamber of Commerce certainly believes so. The “Hook, Line, and Drinker” festival, which will be sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, is nothing more than an immoral and impractical way to spend Jackson County taxpayer dollars.

In addition to this, the Chamber of Commerce has the audacity to label the event as “family friendly.” This seems very counter intuitive considering every fifth-grader in our county sits through an extensive drug and alcohol resistance program, funded by taxpayers as well. So, in a sense, Jackson County promotes resisting alcohol for those in adolescence to mid-twenties, but reverses its position and promotes its consumption later in life. Makes sense doesn’t it? The festival is likely another attempt to paint Sylva as an “alternative Asheville,” as well as an effort to smear the originality that is unique to our town and promote the social liberal agenda that is becoming far too familiar in many cities across America. I hope our county commissioners and leaders will have the courage to oppose this festival, as well as look for new leadership in the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

Colton L. Bailey Sylva

Trump right about Andrew Jackson

To the Editor:

In his incessant, sophomoric screeds to diminish Trump, Chris Cox fails once again. He attempts to ridicule Donald Trump’s quote on the Civil War by trying to equate it to a quote from “Animal House.”

We’re all supposed to fall over in derision because Trump said something that Cox apparently thinks is on par with saying that Germany bombed Pearl Harbor, which is indeed an ignorant statement and unworthy of anyone in government. So, I’m left wondering; where was Cox’s faux outrage in March 2014 when Democrat Congressman Keith Ellison did say that Germany bombed Pearl Harbor? He later was a top contender for the DNC chair and was later named Deputy Chairman. Apparently, Democrats have higher standards for Republicans than they do for the leaders of their own party.

Cox compounds his hypocrisy by offering Joe Biden as his candidate of choice. Google “Biden gaffes.” Trump is Ciceronian by comparison. Concerned about Trump’s talking about sexual assault? How about Biden’s innumerable public pawings of women and young girls? Not to mention Bill Clinton’s record. Actions speak louder than words, but

crickets from Mr. Cox on those incidents.

Cox’s choice is the same Joe Biden who is No. 1 on the Cracked.com, Esquire and CNN websites for political plagiarists, handily beating out Obama who made honorable mention. Biden was forced to withdraw from the 1988 presidential race when his plagiarism was revealed.

Notwithstanding the ad hominem attacks on Trump, Cox’s larger error is on substance.

Trump’s statement was not “really, astoundingly stupid.” It was not something the “average eighth-grader could refute.” Far from it. It was a question that has been asked since the Civil War began: could it have been avoided? It’s a very good question. All other countries ended slavery without internecine warfare. Why couldn’t, why didn’t we?

Civil War historians David Herbert Donald, Avery O. Craven, Charles W. Ramsdell, and James G. Randall among others have postulated that the war was preventable.

Trump’s speculation that President Andrew Jackson might have prevented the war is not only supported by historians, but also by his actions in the Nullification crisis. Jackson may well have been the ideal person to prevent the carnage a future president wrought. Contemporaneous writers believed it as well, notably Judge William Johnson who stated in 1861, “If by transmigration, the soul of Andrew Jackson had occupied the body of James Buchanan, we would have had peace to-day.”

Jackson’s response to South Carolina’s Ordinance of Nullification was typical. He was open to compromise and was instrumental in reducing the tariff. But, he also rammed through the “Force Bill” which gave him the power to use armed forces against South Carolina whose governor had assembled an army of 25,000 troops. He sent U.S. Navy warships to Charleston Harbor and threatened to hang any man who worked toward nullification or secession. South Carolina blinked.

Had Jackson been in power instead of the ineffectual James Buchanan during “Bleeding Kansas,” it is unlikely he would have done nothing for three years to end it. In 1860, South Carolina, having just witnessed Buchanan’s waffling, had no reason to believe Buchanan would stop them from seceding. Jackson’s prior actions and reputation would not have left them so sanguine.

I can make quote comparisons, too. I would categorize Mr. Cox’s ruminations on a par with an actual quote from another Democrat Congressional luminary who stated, “My fear is that the whole island [Guam] will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize.”

Be honest, Mr. Cox. Your problem with Trump is not his intelligence (or lack thereof), his morals, or any action or statement he makes. Your problem with him is his politics.

Timothy Van Eck

Whittier

The first Mother’s Day without her

I’ve tried hard to keep grief out of my columns lately. There’s only so much melancholy and broken-heartedness readers can take when reading the weekly paper over a cup of coffee. But with this Sunday being Mother’s Day, I couldn’t help but write a little about my own mom today.

Since last August when she passed, I’ve been dreading the first Mother’s Day without her. All the holidays have been grueling. My first birthday without the person that brought me into the world felt lonely. The first Halloween without her holding one of the boys’ hands during trick-or-treating was sad. The first Thanksgiving without her in the kitchen making my great-grandmother’s dressing felt empty. The first Christmas without her central presence was so overwhelmingly hard, I wanted it to end as quickly as possible.

Then the boys’ birthdays came in January and the Disney trip she helped plan in February and Easter in April and on and on it goes. With each holiday, I miss her warm personality and the integral part she’s always played.

Everyone said the first year would be the worst and while it may be the worst, I’ve decided forevermore will be different. There’s this ongoing absence in my world that I’m sure will ease over time but will always exist.

To be honest, I’ve barely survived these first eight months without her. I’ve kept a brave face, but the grief has been extraordinary and has manifested in ways I didn’t expect or plan for.

I’ve clung for dear life to my faith in God and comfort in family, friends and community. And while these have been powerful allies during a dark time, it’s still been very painful.

With that being said, this Sunday is the pinnacle of all holidays when it comes to moms. The one day of the year where our mothers are honored and pampered. Until you no longer have your mom here on earth, you don’t realize just how many things say Mother’s Day during the month of May. It’s like everywhere I look online or in person, I see “Mother’s Day” in giant, flashing letters. Admittedly, that’s been a bit rough to take.

Even though I’ve been a mom for over eight years, I’ve always felt like Mother’s Day was for my mom. And with my parents living nearby in Weaverville, I’ve spent every Mother’s Day with her since moving back after graduate school. Since having my own children, my Mother’s Day has involved snuggling with two little boys in the morning, gifts that include handmade crafts from their schools (best gifts ever), a church service honoring moms, then lunch and afternoon fun with my mom.

I’m not sure I can manage church this year. It may just be too emotional. As a selfpreservation method, I’ve designed my day to induce as little heartache as possible. I plan

to continue the snuggles and acceptance of handmade gifts from the sweetest little boys in the world, and after that, our day involves lunch with another family, strawberry picking, grilling out at the house, and planting tomatoes and cucumbers. These activities all sound like fun and relaxing ways to get through the day.

Interestingly, while there are many triggers to my grief, what doesn’t make me sad is seeing my friends with their moms. I think it worries them, but seeing them together warms my heart tremendously. It’s like watching happiness with my own eyes. I’m witnessing them make memories they will cherish forever and that’s a really cool thing to watch.

So, as I go forward in my new normal, my focus on Mother’s Day now shifts from being with my mom to honoring her. My own motherhood is no longer an afterthought and now becomes the main focus. And even though I’m terrible at being the center of attention, I will manage because nothing makes me prouder than being mom to my boys, Brooks and Case.

I must have had a premonition last Mother’s Day that my mom’s health was declining more rapidly than we thought because I wrote this final paragraph in a blog post from a year ago.

Even though Mother’s Day has come and gone, I am pretty sure a lot of us celebrate our moms or celebrate being a mom every day. And for my friends and readers who are struggling over the loss of a mom or the sickness of a mom, I’m sorry. I really am. I know it’s hard to see relationships glamorized on social media when you’re hurting so deeply. All I can say is when I feel like that, I look at the smallest things that hold beauty and for some reason that helps. Here’s to moms everywhere, those in our world and those in our hearts.

And now here I am taking my own advice. It’s breathtaking how quickly life can change. Happy Mother’s Day, friends. Hold on to those beautiful moms of yours and pat yourself on the back for a job well-done. Having a wonderful mom and being a mother are two of life’s most precious gifts. Don’t take them for granted.

(Susanna Barbee can be reached at susanna.barbee@gmail.com)

tasteTHE mountains

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

CHEF’S TABLE

BLOSSOM ON MAIN

128 N. Main Street, Waynesville. 828.454.5400. Open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Mild, medium, to hot and spicy, our food is cooked to your like-able temperature. Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy. Traditional Thai food is known to be quite healthy, making use of natural and fresh ingredients, paired with lots of spices, herbs, and vegetables. Vegetarians and health conscious individuals will not be disappointed as fresh vegetables and tofu are available in most of our menu as well as wines and saki chosen to compliment the unique flavors of Thai cuisine.

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; slowsimmered 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 served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Monday through Saturday. Dinner 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday. 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.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ

30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.

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

6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items. Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

BRYSON CITY CORK & BEAN

A MOUNTAIN SOCIAL HOUSE

16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934

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

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.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA

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

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA

1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley. 828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Father and son team

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

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE

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

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY

U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817

Open for dinner at 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Worldfamous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE

4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey’s is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION

U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

tasteTHE mountains

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.

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.

PAPERTOWN GRILL

153 Main St., Canton. 828.648.1455 Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Serving the local community with great, scratch-made country cooking. Breakfast is served all day. Daily specials including Monday meatloaf, chicken and dumplings on Thursdays and Friday fish.

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

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE

1941 Champion Drive, Canton

828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available. Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties.

SALTY DOG’S SEAFOOD & GRILL

3567 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.9105. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Full service bar and restaurant located in the center of Maggie Valley. Featuring daily $6 lunch specials and daily dinner specials such as $1 Taco Tuesdays and 45¢ Wednesday Wings. Backyard Bar is open every weekend thru October. Join us for every NFL game.

SPEEDY’S PIZZA

285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800

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

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.

VITO’S PIZZA

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

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.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Come visit us at:

1111 East Main Street • Franklin, NC

Hours: 7:30 to 2:00 (7 days a week) Breakfast served all day! 524-8198

Turning to face yourself

Comedian Dave Stone comes to Franklin

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

It’s brutal honesty.

Within the wide-spectrum of creative mediums, standup comedy may just be the most vulnerable and jarring of the artisan crafts. Standing in front of a roomful of strangers, all staring at you, comedians peel back the layers of who we think they are, who they think they are, and who they actually are — warts and all.

It’s a therapy session that’s live, raw and in your face. But, between the joke setups and ensuing laughter (or lack thereof), there still is a single person speaking in front of you — directly to you — about the trials and tribulations we all go through, whether we want to believe that or not.

Dave Stone is one of those comedians. Dragging out every single item in the cluttered closet of his mind, Stone brings to light his issues with being overweight, trying to make sense of his southern roots, and also why he feels justified living out of a van that is also his kitchen, office, bedroom and physical/emotional vehicle to bring him that much closer to his comedic dreams.

Smoky Mountain News: Being on the road constantly, and living in your van, what are you seeing out there, socially and what not, with all those people, places and things you’re crossing paths with?

Dave Stone: For the first time in my career, I’m starting to cultivate a legitimate fan base. I’m not sure if it’s my actual comedy, the constant touring, or both, but I’m starting to find my audience. I’ve chosen to avoid generic comedy clubs and instead book bars and rock clubs and it’s fun to interact with real folks after the show who actually came to see me, rather than some ‘90s sitcom star or YouTube sensation, or whoever comedy clubs are booking these days. I’m meeting real folks who appreciate good comedy and are willing to seek it out. The world is more tumultuous than it has been in a long time, and I’m seeing folks who just want to come to a bar, have a few drinks, enjoy a good show and take their mind off of the daily news.

SMN: “The Boogie Monster,” your weekly podcast with beloved comedian Kyle Kinane. How did that come about, and what it is about your relationship with him that makes the dynamic and interaction work?

DS: Kyle and I have been friends for about eight years, ever since I opened several shows for him when he would pass through Atlanta years ago. When I moved to L.A. in 2012 we became closer and pal’d around quite a bit. Most of our time together involved hanging

Comedian Dave Stone.

Want to go?

Comedian Dave Stone will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, May 12, at Currahee Brewing in Franklin.

As part of the “Comedy at Currahee” series, the evening will also include regional comedians Cary Goff (Asheville), John Gibson (Columbia, South Carolina) and Art Sturtevant. The host of the event will be comedian Carlos Canales of Waynesville.

Based in Los Angeles by way of Atlanta, Stone made his television debut on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” in 2013 and in the same year was selected to the presti-

out at shows and bars talking about weird stuff we both were into, UFOs, aliens, Bigfoot, conspiracy theories. One day last summer we were doing just that and he said, “This should be a podcast, us talking about this nonsense.” I attribute our chemistry to the fact that we have similar thoughts on how we see the world and how we treat people. We both pride ourselves in being regular, unpretentious dudes, and I guess that comes out in the podcast. We don’t take ourselves too serious and we’re not afraid to admit we’re just a couple of dumbasses.

SMN: You’re working on this upcoming documentary about you being overweight, and also trying to lose that weight. Although, at first, it seems you’re poking fun at it, toying with the whole thing, you gradually begin to take it more serious and truly make the effort to preserve your health. What provoked that

health and weight loss with physical aesthetics. But, now at my age, I realize it’s more about staying healthy and quality of life. It’s a constant battle. I’ve regained a few of the pounds I lost during the documentary, but I’m still lighter than I was when I started, so I’m turning a profit.

SMN: What are your thoughts on this explosion of comedy and comedians back into the mainstream of pop culture?

DS: It’s great that comedy is in the public consciousness again. I just hope the market doesn’t become oversaturated, or rather, oversaturated with mediocre comedy. It’s important that our collective comedy IQ remains high and we avoid the comedic dumbing-down of America.

gious “New Faces” roster of the “Just For Laughs Festival” in Montreal. Since then, he has been seen on Season 8 of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Viceland’s “Flophouse” and Travel Channel’s “Cheat Day Chow Down.”

When not headlining clubs across the country, Stone regularly tours with Craig Ferguson. He also can be heard voicing several characters on Adult Swim’s “Squidbillies,” co-hosting his new paranormal podcast “The Boogie Monster” with Kyle Kinane, and hosting his weekly alt-country radio show “The Gravy Boat.”

The show is free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 or www.curraheebrew.com.

project, and why is it important now to do it, in this day and age?

DS: “Gutbuster” was shot back in 2015 after a production company reached out to me about their idea for a documentary about the difficulties touring comedians have trying to stay healthy while constantly being on the road, and I fit that description to a “T.” I’ve always struggled with my weight and it seemed like a good opportunity to try and get serious about my health. Comedy is a lifestyle and health can play a positive or negative part, depending on where you stand, health wise, so it’s important for me to make good health more of a priority.

SMN: And with the weight loss documentary, what did you learn about yourself and being overweight?

DS: I realized that, up until now, I equated

“For the first time in my career, I’m starting to cultivate a legitimate fan base. I’ve chosen to avoid generic comedy clubs and instead book bars and rock clubs and it’s fun to interact with real folks after the show who actually came to see me.”

— Dave Stone

SMN: And though these new avenues of exposure are popping up, what does that mean for the genre as a whole, seeing as now there are folks coming out of the woodwork in hopes of being a comedian, whereas before you really only saw the real deal road warriors pushing ahead on their own merits, blood, sweat and tears?

DS: There are definitely more comics now than ever before, or so it seems. The positive side effect of that is many of us are carving our own path and not waiting around for the industry to throw us a bone. That’s a big part of living in L.A. as a comic, trying to catch the attention of the industry, and while I have, and to a small degree, still attempt to do that, recently I’ve taken matters into my own hands. I don’t need Hollywood’s permission to do things like “The Boogie Monster” or “Gravy Boat,” I just do them and provide my own content directly to my fans. I take the same approach with touring. I’m done begging cheesy comedy clubs for work. I don’t need anyone’s permission to book a bar or a rock venue. I just do it and try to provide a good show for people, rather than jumping through the comedy club hoops.

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

That face in the mirror? Own it.

I didn’t know what to say. Standing in the doorway of the music venue, he said it so casually.

“We separated. She moved out this week,” he shook his head, taking another pull from his lukewarm beer.

There’s not much you can say when a good friend(s) find themselves at a crossroads where nothing will ever be the same again. And yet, it’s ultimately up to you as to how you proceed. Do you let the heartbreak and solemn wonder define you, or do you plant it in your foundation to one day blossom and grow into your destiny down the road?

HOT PICKS

1

There will be a celebration of Cherokee traditions during “Cherokee Heritage Day” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

2

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will present the inaugural “Hook, Line and Drinker” festival from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Bridge Park Pavilion in Sylva.

3

Popular Western North Carolina act The Freeway Revival (rock/jam) will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City.

4

A production of “The Nerd” will continue onstage at 7:30 p.m. May 11-12 and 2 p.m. May 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

5

The weird thing in all this is seeing this couple in our friend circle part ways just when another couple (in the same circle) will be getting married this summer. The bookends and complete spectrum of that beating muscle in our chests.

A bluegrass concert featuring Allie Burbrink and Frank Lee will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

faces needs and deserves, before you enter into the impending day.

tered all over the place, about half of those marriages last and half fizzle out into some kind of odd, uncomfortable detachment. Of which, one hopes they find a stable, mutual parting in all of this and not the dragged out chaos we see either in pop culture or in-person when we help those friends pack their belongings or offer up a couch when they “need a place to crash for a couple days.”

It’s the circle of life, and it’s surreal to witness it first-hand. When did we all get so old, so grownup and making these kinds of drastic, lasting decisions? Didn’t we swear we’d “do it right” and never end up in the same fate as our parents? Funny how life comes full circle, especially the more you realize how much we all become — physically and emotionally — more like our parents as time rolls on. It still weirds me out how often I wear running shorts now as daily attire out and about in town, just like my old man did (and still does) to the dismay of my mother and little sister back in the day.

It feels like yesterday when I remember those married friends of mine first meeting, at a high school or college party, rock concert or backyard barbecue, and you could — sincerely — see that something beautiful was unfolding before your eyes.

And here we are, pushing further down the road of our intent, either alone or alongside someone we know, trust, and love. Though part of me thinks monogamy is a crock, where the lines of solidarity and eternal bond of marriage creates more of a selfimposed prison for some folks than for others. Why do caged birds sing, eh? But, what’s the fun of being alone your whole life when you could be sharing experiences with someone who is just as excited about today and tomorrow (and the day after that) as you are?

I straddle the line between those two thoughts — do I want to be a caged bird singing or do I want to not leave myself vulnerable in hopes of letting happiness in?

See, that’s the thing, you can’t find happiness if you keep yourself, well, to yourself. By not opening up, you are closed off to chance, possibility and those daily interactions with fellow human beings that can, with the slightest of ease, change your life — and all for the better.

Now, to preface the following paragraphs, I do (in my heart of hearts) believe in love. Will everyone find love? I’m not sure, but I do know that giving up on it won’t do you any good. Nor will being obsessed with the idea that it is out there, eagerly waiting to surprise you around the next corner. Yes, be open to any and all possibilities, because you just never (never) know who might one day strike a fire within your soul. But, make sure you own the face in the mirror, knowing just what that

As I navigate through my early 30s, I’m beginning the see the cracks and fissures in the relationships of those around me. I remember all those joyous weddings, some five or 10 years ago, some merely a year or two back on the calendar. All of them got married for a wide variety of reasons — high school sweethearts taking the next step, college lovers sealing their passion, maybe they had a kid together, and maybe they actually did find their soulmate. And, just like the marital statistics plas-

So, to those going through the ups and down of married life, or life in general, don’t feel alone. We’re all going through crap. Each and every one of us, regardless of age, race, religion or personal outlook on the “grand scheme of things.” The only difference is how we each let the bullshit affect us. And even when life sucks the most, it still is incredible. It really is. You’re alive, in the here and now. You get to see the sun rise and the sun set, and enjoy all those precious moments that occur in-between. Isn’t that wild?

I raise my glass to you (and you, too). We’re all in this chaos together, and ain’t life grand? Laugh once-in-a-while, will yah? It ain’t all that bad. Throw on “Casual Freefall” by Dr. Dog and relax into a lazy Sunday afternoon. Trust me. Even in the gutter, you’re still able to look up at the stars, in awe of the unknowns that could become known come morning.

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

On the beat

Sylva bluegrass show

A bluegrass concert featuring Allie Burbrink and Frank Lee will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Lee and Burbrink present traditional songs and tunes from the rural South with guitars, banjos, fiddle, and harmony. A passion for traditional songs and tunes from the rural South has fueled Frank’s love of performing for the past 25 years.

As a founding member of The Freight Hoppers (out of Bryson City), Lee has shared this passion with audiences all over the United States and Canada as well as much of northern Europe. He presents a range of oldtime music that spans from raw blues from the Mississippi Delta to the hillbilly music recorded in the South in the 1920s.

camp. In high school and college, she loved playing and singing anywhere from churches to dorm rooms to community events as a distraction from studies. Intrigued by a friend’s clawhammer banjo playing, Burbrink stole from her mom again, taking her banjo down for a week of lessons at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. She now plays and tours both

Burbrink grew up a farm girl in the vast cornfields of southern Indiana. With her mom playing We Sing Fun & Folk cassettes and her dad blaring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band records, it was no surprise at age 14 that she picked up her mom’s old guitar to lead songs and entertain kids at church and

with Frank and The Whipstitch Sallies. This program is free and open to the public. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. For more information, call the library at 828.586.2016.

Want to hear the Kora?

Sean Gaskell will perform his Kora at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Waynesville Public Library.

The Kora is a richly melodic 21-string harp that has been prominent in West African musical culture for 300 years. Some of the traditional songs played on the Kora can be traced back as far as 800 years.

Gaskell will be performing a selection of those songs in addition to his own compositions. Gaskell has studied extensively under Gambian masters. He has been featured at musical festivals in the United States, Gambia and Senegal. He has released two albums.

The Library Concert Series is a joint program of Friends of the Library and the Haywood County Arts Council. The series showcases local artists from a variety of musical backgrounds. For 13 years, the series has provided people in Haywood County opportunities to enjoy familiar soundscapes and to discover new ones.

The events are presented free of charge and are open to all. For upcoming Library Concert Series artists and additional information, visit www.haywoodarts.org and click on “Events.”

On the beat

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) May 12, Hope Giffin Duo (Americana) May 13, Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) May 19 and Frank Lee and Allie Burbrink (bluegrass/Americana) May 20. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. There is also an open mic “Jammin’ with Heidi” on Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Sheila Gordon (piano/vocals) May 12, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) May 13 and 19, and Hope Griffin (guitar/vocals) May 20. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Rachel Stewart (singer-songwriter) May 13 and Hurricane Creek (Americana) May 20. Shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.curraheebrew.com.

• Derailed Bar & Lounge (Bryson City) will have music at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.488.8898.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Hoot & Holler (newgrass) 1 p.m. May 13 and Hard Rocket (rock) 7 p.m. May 19. All shows are free. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Heinzelmannchen Brewery (Sylva) will have live music and a potluck from 6 to 8 p.m. May 11 and 18. www.yourgnometownbrewery.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night May 10 and 17, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo May 11 and 18. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Karaoke May 12, “Bluestime with The Ramcats” May 13 and Tea 4 Three (rock/blues) May 20. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Nantahala Brewing Company (Bryson City) will host Post Hole Diggers (Americana) May 12, The Freeway Revival (rock/jam) May 13, Frank Lee & Allie Burbrink

DOYOULIKE STOMPBLUES?

South Carolina act John The Revelator (dark folk/stomp blues) will perform at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. The show is free and open to the public. www.nonamesportspub.com.

(bluegrass/Americana) May 19 and Redleg Husky (Americana) May 20. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Kiel Grove (folk/blues) May 12, APE (rock) May 13, Bob Shirley (outlaw country) May 19 and John The Revelator (dark folk/stomp blues) May 20. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

ALSO:

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. May 20. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

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

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host line dancing every Friday at 7 p.m. and contra dancing every other Friday at 8 p.m. and Marshal Ballew (bluegrass/Americana) at 8 p.m. May 13. 828.586.6440.

• Southern Porch (Canton) will host Bryce Denton (singer-songwriter) at 6:30 p.m. May 11, Jason Whitaker (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. May 12, Stone Crazy Band (rock/pop) 7 p.m. May 13, Ashley Heath (singer-songwriter) 6:30 p.m. May 18, Ben Morgan & Jesse Stephens (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. May 19 and Mile High Band (rock/classic) 6:30 p.m. May 20. All shows are free and open to the public. 828.492.8006.

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

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (newgrass) May 12 and Kiel Grove (folk/blues) May 13. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. 828.456.4750.

SATURDAY MAY 13 9am-4pm

FOOD VENDORS

My Customers are REAL SATISFIED

“I chose to work with Catherine Proben because I trusted that she had my best interests at heart. She was professional, knowledgeable, and added a personal touch to the entire process. She always was available by phone or text to inform me of the progress of the sale of my home.

I am so impressed with the professionalism, dedication, and innovative ways that she used to sell my home. I highly recommend her & the Waynesville office to all the sellers and buyers in the area.”

- Dr. Sherry Manburg, Waynesville, NC (Seller)

On the street

Explore Haywood’s heritage

The Friends of the Library will hold its annual meeting and host a program called “Celebrating Haywood’s History” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, in the First United Methodist Church’s Christian Growth Center located on Academy Street in Waynesville.

Three award-winning presenters share their music, stories, and historical narratives:

• Richard Hurley will act as Master of Ceremony and will also perform an original song called “The Cold Mountain Bomber Crash” from his album entitled “My Mountains, My Songs.” This song tells the story of the B-25 Bomber that crashed on Cold Mountain in 1946 and killed five World War II heroes.

• Excerpts from the DVD “From New College to Springdale” will be shown and Tom Alexander will elaborate on how the school and camp started by Columbia University became what is now the location of Springdale Country Club. The DVD narrated by Richard Alexander, recounts the unique educational institution that existed in the Cruso community of Haywood County in the 1930s. The school was the concept of the late Dr. Thomas Alexander, a professor at Columbia University, New York City, and father of Richard Alexander.

• Edie Hutchins Burnette, author of Mountain Echoes, will read from her book that explores the history of Haywood County and introduces readers to actual people, places and events from the past. Many of these stories come from columns that she wrote for the Asheville Citizen Times.

Tickets are $10 each and can be pur-

Youth contest will highlight local talent

To showcase the musical and vocal talents of our children, Jackson County 4-H, in association with Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, will again produce the “Mountain Youth Talent Contest” during the Stecoah Valley Spring Bluegrass Festival. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20, in Robbinsville.

Participants in this contest must exhibit a talent that will reflect Appalachian heritage adhere to the qualifications and rules set up by the organizers of the event

Categories of the contest include:

• Poetry/Storytelling (writings about heritage, items of historical significance, old timey ways)

• Vocal Performance — Individual or Group (old timey songs, old gospel songs, bluegrass, heritage tunes)

• Instrumentalists — Individual or Group (feature instruments such as banjo, fiddle, guitar, dulcimer, mandolin playing old timey songs, old gospel songs, bluegrass, heritage tunes)

chased in advance from Blue Ridge Books, Friends of the Library board members, and the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Library. Books, CDs and DVDs will be available for sale at this event. A short business meeting will be held prior to the program.

Edie Hutchins Burnette.

This program is open to all.

Refreshments of sweet and savory goodies from Kanini’s will be served. For additional information, call Nancy Mazzarella at 828.421.0682 or the Haywood County Library at 828.452.5169.

• Dance — Individual or Group (Clogging, Square Dance, Irish Folk Dance, Native American Dance)

Certificates and 4-H ribbons are awarded to all contest participants. “Best of Show” first, second, and third places will be awarded. First and second place “Best of Show” winners will participate in the final contest of the season on the Heritage Stage at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 30.

To enter, complete an online entry form by May 12. Information, guidelines and entry forms are available at the Jackson County 4-H blog: jackson4-h.blogspot.com. For more information, contact Kerri Rayburn, 4-H administrative assistant at 828.586.4009 or kerri_rayburn@ncsu.edu.

Get on the wine train

The “Uncorked” wine and dine train event will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13, on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class ride on the Nantahala River Excursion (includes

‘Whole Bloomin’ Thing’ returns

The 15th annual “Whole Bloomin’ Thing” festival will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in the Frog Level District of Waynesville.

Haywood County’s spring festival kicks off the growing season with new excitement each year as the “Whole Bloomin’ Thing”

Ready for the block party?

With summer on the horizon, the “Haywood Square Block Party” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in downtown Waynesville.

“Bring your friends and family to enjoy the festivities,” said The Dog House coowner Felisha Yon. “We’re setting up a canine kissing booth with well-behaved dogs available for a kiss — for a donation to benefit Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation.”

The Haywood Square block party gives families additional activities close to the

stopover at Nantahala Outdoor Center). Narrator onboard to discuss each pairing of four wines with a meal that includes an exclusive sampling of local cheeses, a freshly made surf and turf entree and selection of handmade chocolates with the last sample taste. All passengers also receive souvenir stemless wine glass.

Age 21 and over only. For tickets, call 800872-4681 or visit www.gsmr.com.

• The Swain County Heritage Festival Committee has announced that booth spaces remain available for the 2017 Swain County Heritage Festival. The festival will be held May 26-27 at Riverfront Park in Bryson City. Persons interested in participating in the Festival as vendors, nonprofits or volunteers are encouraged to contact festival organizers by calling 828.538.0455.

• There will be a “Rose Wine Tasting” event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Taste five

spring festival continues to grow. Flowering baskets, vegetable and herbs, berry bushes, potted plants, trees, perennials, are all a beautiful assortment of color, size and variations. Fresh local produce and organic beef. Local food vendors, fresh ice cream, kettle corn, fresh squeezed lemonade, children’s activities, and more. Local artists will feature a wide range of nature-inspired gifts and handicrafts from baskets to beads, soap to stemware, bags to birdhouses, wreaths, jewelry, planters, wooden, clay, and metal artwork, and more. Live entertainment throughout the day will be provided by local musicians. And don’t forget the Frog Level businesses which offer antiques, antique restorations, pottery, massages, gourmet coffee, food and craft beer, one of a kind art galleries, and more.

www.historicfroglevel.com.

“Whole Bloomin’ Thing” festival, which will be held that day in Frog Level. In addition to the canine kissing booth, the Haywood Square block party will have a children’s craft area, face painting, music, a bounce house and craft vendors.

“The Dog House will give a free goody bag to the first 150 customers at the block party,” Yon said. “There will be chances to win baskets in a drawing, plus big sales.” For information, call 828.456.3753 or www.thedoghousewaynesville.com. For information on Sarge’s, call 828.246.9050 or www.sargeanimals.org.

“Like” Sarge’s on Facebook to see all the happy pet adoption news.

roses from five regions with specialty food bites. $24.99 per person. To RSVP, call 828.452.6000.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. May 13 and 20 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• 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 fifth annual Bloemsma Barn event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20, in Franklin. A fundraiser for the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center, the event will have live music, barbecue, silent auction, cornhole, inflatables, and more. Barbecue plate: $15 per person, $45 family plate. Hot dog plate: $7. Tickets available at the door, at the center, and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Chamber of Commerce.

On the street

Rickman Store reopens for 2017

Celebrating a milestone of 10 years serving Cowee and Macon communities, the Friends of the Rickman Store (FORS) will open again the doors of the historic Rickman Store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13.

Ten years ago, Mainspring Conservation Trust (then Land Trust for the Little Tennessee — LTLT) acquired the 1895 building of the store to preserve what had become one of the most appreciated structures of the Cowee-West’s Mill Historic District. The Rickman Store, operated by Tom M. Rickman from 69 years from 1925 to 1994, embodies the history, culture and traditions of many generations in Cowee Valley.

FORS is a community group of volunteers dedicated to preserve the memories of the store and to offer visitors the opportunity to create new ones by going back on time from the moment they step in. Registered as a member of the Blue Ridge Music Trails, Rickman Store offers a weekly Music Jam of traditional Appalachian music and Blue Grass starting at 1 p.m. No entrance fee, visits on donations basis.

The Rickman Store will continue open every Saturday until the second week of

December. It is located on 259 Cowee Creek Road in Macon County, seven miles north of Franklin by Hwy NC 28. Parking is limited in front of the store. Visitors are encouraged to visit and park at the Macon County Heritage Center in the Old Cowee School.

For more information, visit Friends of the Rickman Store on Facebook or call 828.369.5595.

Canyon Kitchen additions, dinner series

Located in the rustically elegant Jennings Barn at the foot of Cow Rock Mountain in Lonesome Valley, Canyon Kitchen is now open for the 2017 season.

To kick off the season, Canyon Kitchen will host special culinary events and wine dinners on Wednesdays throughout the month of May. On May 10, there will be a fundraiser for the Hospice House. On May 17, guests can enjoy a Coupe Cocktail Dinner with cocktail book author, Brian Hoffman, of Hoffman Media. Lastly, they will close out the month with a wine dinner featuring Chateau Montelena on May 24.

For more information on Canyon Kitchen or reservations, visit www.lonesomevalley.com or call 828.743.7967.

‘Hook, Line and Drinker’

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will present the inaugural “Hook, Line and Drinker” festival from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Bridge Park Pavilion in Sylva.

Unspoken Tradition (bluegrass) will perform from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., followed by Queen Bee and the Stingers (classic rock), who will hit the stage from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. Jackson County is the proud home of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail and the NC Trout Capital. The WNC Fly Fishing Trail features 15 hot fishing spots that run from the northern end of the county to the southern end of the county along the Tuckaseigee River. Jackson County is stocked with more trout than any other county in the state.

The festival will feature Western North Carolina craft beer vendors, area food trucks, fishing guides, clean water organizations, and a farmers market from 9 a.m. until noon. Admission to the family friendly event is free with donations encouraged. Taxi service will also be available on site.

The chamber will partner with the Tuckaseigee Chapter of Trout Unlimited and American Rivers to organize the inaugural Scott’s Creek Cleanup in the fall of 2017. Festival goers can sign up to volunteer.

“We encourage everyone to come spend a great afternoon in beautiful Sylva,” said Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julie Hooper Spiro. “We want to showcase our incredible fishing opportunities, and share all of the craft beer, music, and food we are blessed to have right here in Western North Carolina.”

For more information, visit www.mountainlovers.com, like the event’s Facebook page or call 828.586.2155.

On the street

Celebrate Cherokee heritage

The Cherokee Friends.

There will be a celebration of Cherokee traditions during “Cherokee Heritage Day” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

This is the fifth in a yearlong series that offers free cultural activities on the second Saturday of every month, each with a different theme. May is Anisgvti, traditionally the moon of planting, so activities will celebrate plants and gardening. All presenters are enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A variety of food will be available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Lulu’s by Marsha Ensley, including chili with mini fry bread.

“We hope that people will come and bring their families to enjoy the day and learn a little more about Cherokee culture,” said Barbara R. Duncan, education director at the Museum. “They can meet Cherokee people who know a lot about their traditions, who really enjoy talking with visitors.”

The day provides hands-on activities, demonstrations, and will end with sessions of storytelling and traditional dance. If you would like to bring a group to the event, contact bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org.

Workshops and cultural demonstrations will happen throughout the day. Janie Brown and Mary Brown from the Snowbird Community will share information about Cherokee plants in the Museum Lobby. The Cherokee Friends will be demonstrating moccasin making, twining, and more.

• At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. kids (and grownups) can learn to make traditional Cherokee pottery in a workshop with Jarrett Wildcatt. Also at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Nathan Bush will lead a “Plant Walk” on the Oconaluftee Garden Trail. The plant walk and the pottery workshop will be limited to 15 participants each, and sign up will begin on the day of the workshop.

• At noon the Cherokee Friends will tell stories and lead traditional dances involving the audience. This will be different from the storytelling and dance sessions later in the afternoon.

• At 2 p.m., Dr. Jerry Wolfe, Beloved Man, will show the film “Plants and the Cherokee” and discuss it. He and other Cherokee elders are featured in the film, which was produced by the North Carolina Botanical Garden, Longleaf Press, and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Copies of the DVD will be available for sale in the Museum Store and online.

• At 3 p.m., master storyteller John Grant Jr. will present flute music and Cherokee stories. Grant is a cultural ambassador for the Eastern Band, dances with the Warriors of AniKituhwa and is a well-known powwow singer. He has performed at the Cherokee Bonfire, at Colonial Williamsburg, and throughout the Southeast and internationally.

• At 4 p.m., the Cherokee Friends will lead Cherokee dances including the Bear Dance, Spring Frog Dance, and more. Audience participation is encouraged. Cherokee Friends’ activities are made possible by a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.

Activities for Cherokee Heritage Day are free. The museum’s two exhibits are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include “The Story of the Cherokee People: 13,000 Years” and “Emissaries of Peace: 1762 Cherokee & British Delegations.” Admission to museum exhibits is $11 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-13 and free for children age 5 and under. Discounts are available for AAA, AARP, military, and groups. If you would like to bring a group to the event, contact bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org. 828.497.3481 or www.cherokeemuseum.org.

On the wall

Jewelry workshop in Jackson

The next Creating Community Workshop will be on wire jewelry at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Local artist Lawrie Williams will be showing participants how to make wire jewelry with basic techniques and just a few materials. The technique creates texture, form and toughness in the wire, producing unique effects. Class projects will include a pair of earrings and

• The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild’s “Evening Group” will hold a cutting party for a group opportunity quilt project titled “A New Age” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 15, at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Other 2017 activities will also include special “hands-on” programs for busy quilters unable to attend the Guild’s day meetings. Anyone interested in the art of quilt making is welcome to attend. www.smokymtnquilters.org.

• The next meeting of the Western North Carolina Woodturners Club, Inc. will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Bascom in Highlands. Visitors are always welcome. The club typically meets in Sylva the first Tuesday and In Cashiers the second Thursday of every month.

matching pendant in attendees’ own free form organic design. If patrons happen to have their own jewelry making tools like small pliers, bring them to class. Otherwise all tools and materials will be furnished.

Williams is a local skilled paper artist, jewelry artist and educator with over 35 years experience teaching. She has been a featured artist at Southwestern Community College.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The class is limited to 10 people. For further information and to sign up for the class, call the library at 828.586.2016. This program is free of charge.

ALSO:

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There will also be “Painting at the Porch” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Southern Porch in Canton. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page (search event: Brush N. Brew) or call Robin Smathers 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.

Interested in blacksmithing?

There will be a “Beginning Bladesmithing Class” with Brock Martin from WarFire Forge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20-21 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Participants will begin by making a simple butter knife from mild steel in order to learn the processes involved in shaping a knife. Students will then progress to making a blade from a higher-carbon railroad spike or spring steel. Martin will cover grain properties, annealing, heat treating of knives, and use differential hardening to temper our blades. No prior experience required.

Students must wear closed toe shoes (preferably leather), long pants, and cotton clothing, and should bring a lunch. Cost is $225 (materials included), and is due at registration. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 828.631.0271.

www.jcgep.org.

WNC QuickDraw returns

The 16th annual WNC QuickDraw will be from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville.

The cocktail social will include an hour-long QuickDraw Challenge, silent auction and refreshments. Live artists will be working in the public eye, creating timed pieces, which will then be auctioned off. Proceeds go to art teaching in local schools.

• 4:30 p.m. — Cocktail Social. Register your bidder number and watch artists prep before the shotgun start.

• 5 to 6 p.m. — Artist Stopwatch Challenge. Hour of live creation. Stroll and marvel at the motivated live-action artists painting to beat the clock. Stroll and chat with demonstrator artists using fiber, clay, metals, glass, wood and more, all process-intensive mediums that enable them to work and talk. Each demo artist offers a finished original work at silent auction while they showcase techniques on a piece in process.

• 6 p.m. — Breather. Snacks and conversation and live music while artists frame the pieces and set up the auction preview. Live music. Art teachers show off student works.

• 6:30 p.m. — Live Art Auction. Bid on fresh, original art, ready to hang. Become a collector who saw the artist make it. Team with artists to inspire students and creative classrooms, put supplies on teacher shelves, and send kids to college.

• 7:30 p.m. — Heavy Hors d’oeuvres meet and greet. Meet your artist over delicious food and monitor your silent auction bids.

$60 per person.

www.wncquickdraw.com or 828.734.5747.

Fabric supplies needed for art camp

This summer, the Waynesville Recreation Center has partnered with the Haywood County Arts Council to offer a weeklong art camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19-23. The camp is for rising third through seventh graders. The Haywood County Arts Council is seeking fabric donations for a portion of the weeklong experience.

Fabric needed is as follows:

• For the warp: preferably lightweight knit fabrics, in long lengths (three to four yards).

• For the weft: prints, plaids, florals, anything colorful will do. Again, longer lengths are better, two to three-yard pieces. They will accept fabrics in cottons, rayons, knits, wools, and others.

The donated fabric will be used for an end-of-camp special project led by local fiber artist Suzanne Gernandt. She will lead the camp students through a “human loom” exer-

cise, where the students become the loom and shuttle.

About the project, Gernandt shares, “Being part of a human loom gives children the opportunity to learn weaving on a sensory level — using touch, sight, and hearing. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun to weave a ‘Human’ sized piece of cloth.”

If you wish to donate fabric, drop off at the Haywood County Arts Council at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. They will accept donations through June 14. Other supply costs were generously donated by the office of Michael G. Gillespie, DDS.

The Haywood County Arts Council is a nonprofit agency that serves all artists and arts organizations in Haywood County. As an affiliate of the North Carolina Arts Council, the HCAC fulfills its mission to build partnerships that promote art and artists, explore new cultural opportunities, and preserve Western North Carolina’s mountain artistic heritage. For more information, call 828.452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

On the stage

‘The Great Gatsby’ at HART

A stage production of the literary classic “The Great Gatsby” will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 19-20, 26-27 and June 2-3, 8-10, and also at 2 p.m. May 21, 28 and June 4, 11 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

“Somewhere out there, Jay Gatsby is smiling one of those enigmatic smiles, with everything and nothing behind it. ‘Yes, old sport,’ Gatsby is saying, ‘that’s about right. That’s about right.’ Surely, that smiling sign of approval would be Gatsby’s suitably understated take on Simon Levy’s adapta-

tion of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby…a beautifully crafted interpretation of the 1925 novel which defined the Jazz Age…This is indeed a grand GATSBY.” — London Free Press.

“Sweeping…excellent…Levy’s adaptation wisely anchors itself around the first-person account of narrator Nick Carraway…a satisfying conclusion…affecting.” — Variety.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.harttheatre.org or call 828.456.6322.

• The Triple Threat Musical Theatre Show will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Bardo Arts Center on the Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee.

ALSO:

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Dave Stone Comedy featuring several stand-up comics at 8 p.m. May 12. www.curraheebrew.com.

• The Highlands Performing Arts Center will continue the “Live via Satellite” series with the MET Opera’s production of R. Strauss’ “der Rosenkavalier” at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, May 13. A pre-show discussion will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

HART extends ‘The Nerd’

A production of “The Nerd” will continue onstage at 7:30 p.m. May 11-12 and 2 p.m. May 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Written by Larry Shue, “The Nerd” premiered in 1981 in London’s West End and then transferred to Broadway. It quickly became a regional theater smash hit. It was followed in 1983 by “The Foreigner,” which became as big a hit Off-Broadway. When Shue was getting ready for his Broadway debut as an actor in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” in 1985, he was killed in a plane crash in Virginia. The theater world felt it had lost one of most promising new playwrights.

Tickets are $25.68 per person. www.harttheatre.org or 828.456.6322.

Smoky Mountain Living celebrates the mountain region’s culture, music, art, and special places. We tell our stories for those who are lucky enough to live here and those who want to stay in touch with the place they love.

A fresh look into an enduring classic

After finishing the last pages of LibertariansOn The Prairie: Laura Ingalls Wilder, Rose Wilder Lane, and the Making of the Little House Books (Arcade Publishing, 2016, 259 pages), my first thought was: I am glad I am not a farmer.

general and the American government, particularly during the Roosevelt years. Later, Rose would leave the Little House copyrights to Roger Lea MacBride, whom Rose regarded as

Years ago, I read the Little House books to my children. The one that made the greatest impression on me was The Long Winter, a chronicle of blizzards, temperatures cold as iron, and grinding seed grain in a coffee mill to make bread. But the Little House books are aimed primarily at children, and in Libertarians

On The Prairie, Christine Woodside gives us the harsher truths of that winter and of farming in general in the then new Western lands. Clouds of crop-munching grasshoppers, drought, hail, and fierce winter storms: the Ingalls faced these natural ordeals and more. Add in the poor health of Almanzo, Laura’s husband, and the blindness of Mary, Laura’s sister, and the difficulties these people faced are staggering.

Rather than being daunted by their trials, the Ingalls family, and thousands of other pioneer families, remained staunch believers in individual rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. As inferred by the title, they were libertarian with a small L. Indeed, modern libertarians regard Rose Wilder Lane as one of the “founding mothers” of libertarianism along with Isabel Patterson, Ayn Rand, and Zora Neale Hurston.

In her novels and short stories, Rose celebrated men and women who faced hardship and took responsibility for their actions. She wrote The Discovery of Freedom, a libertarian manifesto with some historical inaccuracies, and numerous columns attacking the state in

a “grandson” and who ran for president on the first Libertarian Party ticket in 1976.

By now many readers are aware that Rose heavily edited and even rewrote the stories put down on paper by her mother, Laura. When they began this collaboration, often a source of friction in an already fractious

Student poets get published

Hattie Rebecca Stanbery of Wayneville had her poetry entered into the “National High School Poetry Contest,” and was accepted for publication.

Her poem entitled “Blue Willow China” recently appeared in the Spring Edition of the American High School Poets “Inside of Me” anthology.

“Inside of Me” is a meaningful study of introspective poems written by teenagers from all over the country. It explores what goes on inside the heads of today’s teens in those quiet moments when the outside distractions are finally turned down and one is alone with one’s own thoughts. It is a quarterly publication published by the Live Poets Society of NJ in conjunction with JUST POETRY!!!, the National High School Poetry Quarterly Magazine.

Hattie is the daughter of Rebecca and Blake Stanbery and attends Akmazo Homeschool and is dual enrolled at Haywood

mother-daughter relationship, Rose was a nationally known novelist and columnist, and her mother had written only simple farm and housekeeping columns for a newspaper. With Rose’s encouragement and then her active involvement in writing the books, Laura’s reputation grew while Rose’s began a long decline.

In addition to giving us this dual biography of Rose and Laura, Christine Woodside takes us, as much as possible given missing letters and manuscript drafts, deep into this remarkable collaboration. We come away cognizant of the frustration of both women, of the resentment each felt toward the other, yet we also realize, as Woodside points out, that both mother and daughter tried to love each other.

And whatever the costs in their relationship, we also come away from Libertarians On The Prairie grateful for both these women. They gave us a portrait of the American spirit, the spirit that lived in so many people then and which, I believe, lives in many Americans now. The Little House books gave rise to the television series, produced by Roger MacBride, to offshoot books like The Little House Cookbook, and to such products as Little House dolls and Christmas ornaments.

That collaboration also gave us not only a great story of grit and courage, but Rose and

Community College. Upon graduation, Hattie plans to become an occupational therapy assistant. www.highschoolpoetrycontest.com or www.justpoetry.org.

‘If You Can’t Play, Get Off the Stage’

Diving into the rich, vibrant and controversial history of bluegrass music, If You Can’t Play, Get Off the Stage: Bluegrass in Western North Carolina and Beyond is the debut work from Garret K. Woodward, arts/entertainment editor for The Smoky Mountain News. Woodward will be holding a reading, bluegrass discussion and book signing at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. The event is free and open to the public. Post-reading beverages will be had at Boojum Brewing Company on Main Street in Waynesville.

Laura also produced some beautiful prose. Here, for example, are the opening words of Little House On the Prairie:

“A long time ago, when all the grandfathers and grandmothers of today were little boys and little girls or very small babies, or perhaps not even born, Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Baby Carrie left their little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin. They drove away and left it lonely and empty in the clearing among the big trees, and they never saw that little house again. They were going to the Indian country.”

If you read those words aloud — only three sentences — you can hear the music in the words. The writer — in this case, writers — use short, simple words and arrange those words into a rhythm that brings to mind the better work of Ernest Hemingway. The first paragraph reveals sadness and regret in their leave-taking, while that one sentence second paragraph brings an instant sense of foreboding as they begin their new adventure.

Some Little House fans were unhappy to discover that Laura did not write the books alone. Rose Wilder Lane’s biographer, William Holtz, roused the ire of many fans with his book, The Ghost In The Little House, in which he pointed out the influence of Rose in the series. In response to these angry readers, Holtz suggested, Woodside tells us, that “many of us had blurred Laura the actual person with Laura the fictional character.”

Instead of being unhappy with the news of this joint effort, readers should instead be thankful and rejoice. These two women, mother and daughter, both tough and independent, put together a series of beloved tales that are as much a part of the American literary landscape as Huckleberry Finn or The Great Gatsby

Kudos to Christine Woods and Libertarians On The Prairie.

(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. Minick0301@gmail.com.)

The book features interviews, profiles, quotes and conversations with the biggest names in bluegrass, mountain and string music, including: Balsam Range, Bobby Osborne, Claire Lynch, David Grisman, David Holt, Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Jesse McReynolds, John Cowan, Larry Sparks, Marty Stuart, Peter Rowan, Raymond Fairchild, Rhiannon Giddens, Rhonda Vincent, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, and many more.

In 2015, Woodward won first place in the North Carolina Press Association awards for “Arts & Entertainment Reporting” for his cover story “Bless Your Heart — The State of Women inBluegrass.” In 2016, Woodward was nominated for “Bluegrass Print/Media Person of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). The NCPA also recognized him with another first place in 2016 for “Lighter Columns” for his weekly column in The Smoky Mountain News, “This must be the place.”

For more information on the book and where to purchase it, visit www.facebook.com/yobrodobro.

• Cullowhee Barber Shop owner Lebern Dills will present his new book at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. His book, How Marvelous! A Life Truly Blessed, is a collection of snippets of his life told with a rewarding sense of humor. Dills works his way through his youth, family, friends and church. Each fragment of his life touches on either a memory, an emotion, or a story told to him as he enjoyed his chosen profession of being a barber. To reserve copies, please call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

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ALSO:

• Western Carolina University anthropology professor and Dillsboro resident Benjamin A. Steere will visit City Lights Bookstore at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 12, in Sylva. He will present his new book, The Archaeology of Houses and Households in the Native Southeast, which is a compelling study that explores the evolution of houses and households in the southeastern United States from the Woodland to the Historic Indian period (ca. 200 BC to 1800 AD). Steere’s major achievement is the compilation of one of the largest and most detailed architectural datasets for the Southeast, including data for 1,258 domestic and public structures from 65 archaeological sites in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and the southern parts of Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois.

• Paige L. Christie will present the first book in her Legacies of Arnan series at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Janny Wurts said of Draigon Weather, the first book in the series, “A tightly focused first installment that delivers a delightful twist on the classic folk tale of appeasement by sacrifice.”

• Terry Roberts will present his new novel at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Set in the summer of 1866, a year after the Civil War has ended, That Bright Land is the story of Jacob Ballard, a former Union soldier and spy who has been sent south into the North Carolina mountains to find a serial killer who is carrying out his own private war in an isolated community. His journey also takes him home to the mountains where he was born. As he searches for the killer, he meets a war widow who helps him heal his own wounds and make peace with his past. Based on true events, That Bright Land paints a compelling picture of a violent and fragile nation in the wake of the Civil War. Roberts’ debut novel, A Short Time to Stay Here, won the Willie Morris Award for southern fiction. Born and raised near Weaverville, North Carolina, Roberts is the Director of the National Paideia Center and lives in Asheville.

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Lebern Dills will present his book of local stories

Sylva’s carnivorous plant man

After nearly 30 years and thousands of plants, carnivorous plants still fascinate

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

When it comes to carnivorous plants, Darwin Thomas knows what he’s talking about. It doesn’t take much to get him started on a fact-filled tangent about the plants’ prey preferences, proper care and feeding, or histories. But Thomas, a heating and air technician by trade, didn’t learn any of it by sitting in a class somewhere.

“I read a lot of books, and just talking to people too,” Thomas said. “I’ve not had any education at all in anything to do with this. I just learned over the years. And after 28 years, I think I’ve learned how to grow them.”

That’s probably a fair statement, because today Thomas is the proud father of thousands of carnivorous plants comprising around 20 species and numberless subspecies

and varieties. As to the exact number of plants, he says it’s impossible to know for sure. They occupy two greenhouses in the backyard of his home in Sylva, and he’s also got another, smaller, greenhouse at an undisclosed location.

HOWITSTARTED

Thomas, who works fulltime as an HVAC technician at Western Carolina University, blames his transformation into a carnivorous plant fanatic on a seemingly innocuous purchase his wife once made.

“It’s my wife’s fault,” he said. “She bought me a four-inch pot with three plants in it at the Bi-Lo store in Sylva.”

Thomas was fascinated and immediately set about finding a book that would teach him

Over the past 28 years, Darwin Thomas has become a self-taught carnivorous plant expert who keeps an inventory of thousands.

more about carnivorous plants. At the time, he could get his hands on only one such book. That was in 1989. Sylva no longer has a BiLo, and Thomas no longer has a shortage of either carnivorous plants or books about them. He now owns about 50 books on the topic.

Thomas began to dig deeper. He joined the International Carnivorous Plant Society, and when the organization had its first world conference in Atlanta just one year later, he went, taking advantage of the opportunity to chat with carnivorous plant growers from all over the globe.

Then, he started to propagate his own plants — first from seed, then from tissue culture.

“Some of the original plants that I grew from seed I still have, so they’re well over 20 years old,” Thomas said. “I think they’re all perennial, almost every one of them are perennial, so they could live 50 or 60 years maybe — I don’t know how long they’ll live.”

He’s pretty much quit growing from seed, favoring tissue culture instead — it takes about six years for a Venus flytrap grown from seed to get big enough to sell, and about four for a pitcher plant. Tissue culture just about cuts the time in half.

THEPLANTMANLIFESTYLE

It was about 10 years into his carnivorous plants hobby that Thomas started to sell them. Like the hobby, the business came about almost by accident.

“I walked out there one day, and the whole backyard was setting there full of pots, and I told my wife, ‘I’m going to have to do something with these things,’” Thomas recalled.

He figured he’d see if he could sell them. Turned out, business was pretty good. He dubbed the enterprise “Darwin’s Backyard Nursery,” with the appropriate tagline “The Bug Stops Here.”

“People are fascinated with them, especially Venus flytraps,” he said. “That’s the one that when I see the children walking along and suddenly they stop and point, that tells me I’m going to have a customer.”

Often, they become repeat customers, because “the number one killer of Venus flytraps is little fingers.” The plants have limited amounts of energy to open and close their traps. When a bug gets caught inside, the trap snaps almost shut and then closes all the way if one of the trigger hairs is touched again within 20 minutes. That’s when the trap closes tight and pumps in chemicals to dissolve the nutrients contained in the bug, feeding the plant a tasty meal and replenishing the energy it spent closing the trap.

Darwin’s Backyard Nursery

Darwin Thomas sells his plants at a variety of shows and festivals throughout the year. Next up is the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, which will be held July 19-22 at Western Carolina University, featuring a variety of lectures, walks and field trips in addition to vendors like Thomas. Conference information and registration are online at www.wcu.edu/engage/communityresources/conferences-and-community-classes/the-cullowhee-native-plant-conference.

Contact information for Darwin’s Backyard Nursery is 828.330.4132 or bugeaters4u@aol.com.

But if a flytrap is triggered four times without getting a meal out of the deal — by, for example, a prodding stick wielded by a curious child — it will die. Do that enough times, and all the traps will fall off.

“After a little while, the whole plant dies. Then I get to sell you a new one next year because the kids done killed the first one,” Thomas laughed.

Thomas mostly sells at garden festivals in the region. Next up is the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, July 19-22 at WCU. Normally he’d be gearing up for The Whole Bloomin’ Thing in Waynesville, but last year’s drought did a number on his plant inventory. Carnivorous plants need the peat moss where they grow to be saturated if they’re to thrive, and when the rain stopped falling last year, Thomas found that requirement hard to meet — many of his plants died. Next year, though, he plans to have a full schedule of festivals once again.

Thomas’ planned retirement from WCU this fall will hopefully make those plans easier to carry out. The whole time he’s been pampering his inventory of plants, potting them for sale and participating in festivals, Thomas has been working fulltime. About three-and-ahalf years ago, however, he switched from day shift to night shift so as to be a better caretaker for his plants. Now, going in at 4 p.m. and getting off at 12:30 a.m., he has all morning to work in the greenhouses and manage sales without taking time off work.

“It’s really satisfying,” Thomas said. “It really gets your mind off of other things when you’re potting and cleaning them up. Sometimes you’ll hear a zzzz zzzz, and I’ll walk around and when I zero in on it I’ll see the trap shaking, and when I see the trap shaking I’ll look back (at the bug inside), and it’s like, ‘Help me, help me.’ I’m like, ‘It’s your own fault, buddy, I didn’t put you in there.’”

Like Venus flytraps, pitcher plants secrete a delicious-smelling nectar to attract bugs. However, the best-smelling nectar is located directly opposite the landing spot, with the cavernous tube of the pitcher in between. This means that all but the longestlegged bugs are likely to fall in as

Learning at Graveyard Fields gets a boost

New educational panels are now on display at Graveyard Fields, a popular hiking area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The signs offer bear and waterfall safety tips, guidelines for responsible hikers, and information on how to keep streams healthy. Funded by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the project is the latest in an effort to enhance visitor experiences at the popular hiking spot.

“The goal is to give hikers a greater understanding of their impact on the trail and the wildlife and ecosystems that make this place so special,” explains Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Wingin’ It Works. Graveyard Fields is located at milepost 418 on the Blue Ridge

Dave Casey, forest supervisor for the Pisgah National Forest, discusses the new signs. BRP photo

The project was a collaboration between the Foundation, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the U.S. Forest Service, with signs designed by David Williams of

Parkway, on the Haywood-Transylvania county line.

Summer soccer leagues starting

Two adult soccer leagues are looking for takers to kick around a ball this summer.

n An open adult soccer league is forming in Waynesville, with registration open through Wednesday, May 17, for a maximum of 10 13person teams. Games will be played 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, June 5 to July 30, at Allens Creek Park. Games are played sevenon-seven with 25-minute halves. The $390 per-team registration fee includes jerseys and tournament prizes.

Register at Haywood County Recreation and Parks, 63 Elmwood Way, Suite B, in Waynesville. All players must be 18 or older. Daniel Taylor, 828.452.6789 or Daniel.taylor@haywoodcountync.gov.

n An adult soccer league in Cullowhee is open for registration through May 21. Players must be at least 14 years old. Games will be played Thursday nights at the Jackson County Recreation Complex in Cullowhee. Per-team fee is $200 and league is limited to 10 teams. Sign up at www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

at Panacea Coffee in Waynesville. An open discussion with area transportation planners and an opportunity to review plans for greenway and sidewalk projects will give participants a chance to share opinions and ideas for promoting active transportation in Haywood County.

n A film showing and follow-up discussion will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18, when cyclists commute to The Strand at 38 Main in downtown Waynesville to watch a collection of short films on the bicycle lifestyle. Afterward, participants will head a few doors down to Boojum Brewing for a beer and chance to talk about the films and active transportation in Waynesville.

How to make a bog

Carnivorous plants grow best in bogs whose soil is made of low-nutrition peat moss — so the best way to get a plant to grow big fast is to build a bog for it. After nearly 30 years as a carnivorous plant aficionado, Darwin Thomas has the process down.

1. Dig out a space about 12 inches deep.

2. Line the hole with either a layer of 42-millimeter pond liner or two layers of 6-millimeter black plastic. Punch a few holes so water can drain out slowly.

3. Fill the hole with peat moss, also known as sphagnum peat.

4. Add hot water until the peat moss is saturated. Cold water will work but requires about two weeks to absorb into the peat, delaying planting.

5. Plant.

6. Add some landscaping — bushes, stones, pieces of wood — to make it look natural.

they lean forward to eat the nectar. In addition to tasting good, the nectar is intoxicating, so as the bugs work themselves further and further down, they’re feeling happy and uninhibited and don’t really think about using their power of flight to escape. By the

Help make Haywood more bikable

A pair of events next week will celebrate the bicycling lifestyle and promote improved walkability and bikeability in Haywood County.

n A Go Haywood! Bicycle and Pedestrian Forum will be held 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, May 16,

The events are part of Strive Not to Drive, a weeklong public outreach and awareness campaign that encourages people to find healthy and sustainable ways to travel. Other events will be held in Asheville, Black Mountain and Hendersonville.

Organized by the Land of Sky Regional Council. Ritchie Rozzelle, ritchie@landofsky.org or 828.251.7449. www.strivenottodrive.org/waynesville.

time they reach the bottom, where the digestive juices await, it’s too late.

When bug abundance is high, the plants can do a pretty brisk business.

“Let’s put it this way. The odor is very, very strong,” Thomas said. “I have seen tubes that are well over half-full of bugs.”

To Thomas, the process is fascinating, but he’s also mesmerized by the beauty of the plants. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors — anytime he hears of a new variety, he wants to have it. And, with North Carolina home to more species of carnivorous plants than any other state in the U.S., it seems appropriate that Thomas should have a robust collection.

Right now he does all the work on his own — potting, dividing, cleaning, selling — though he’d love to hire some help if the right person came along. When asked to estimate how many hours he spends with his plants each week, he had a hard time coming up with a number — he’s with them from dawn to dusk Saturday, mornings during the workweek and even a few hours on Sundays.

But that’s not a hardship, at least not for Thomas. The plants are his babies. “Nobody should be spending that much time with their plants but me,” he said.

A.T. hikers get a warm welcome

Thru-hiker season is just about over in Western North Carolina, with most folks who are attempting the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail having made their way north of the region. But they had some help

Take in Panthertown falls and flowers

A 3-mile hike traversing the waterfalls and views at Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area near Cashiers will be offered 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 18.

The hike, led by Friends of Panthertown founding board member Mike Purdy, will begin on a newly conserved piece of property at the Salt Rock entrance and reach Wilderness and Frolictown Falls before stopping for lunch at scenic Granny Burrells Falls. Spring blooms will be on display throughout.

Friends of Panthertown and Mainspring Conservation Trust recently partnered to purchase 16 acres near the Salt Rock Trailhead, protecting the scenic area from being encroached by development. The hike is part of a series of 20 events Mainspring is hosting this season to celebrate 20 years of existence.

$15, with space limited. Price includes lunch. RSVP to Sharon Burdette, 828.524.2711 or sburdette@mainspringconserves.org

along the way, in the form of several massive “trail magic” efforts locals have spearheaded to make the trek a little more comfortable.

n The First Baptist Church in Franklin served a free pancake breakfast to 950 hik-

Backpack the Smokies

ers, serving up the goods seven days a week from March 20 to April 9. It was the largest number of hikers the church had ever fed in a single season, having served the breakfast yearly since 2008. The church also provided shuttle service for the hikers.

n The Nantahala Hiking Club sponsored the 2017 Thru-Hiker Chow Down Saturday, April 1, at the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company and served more than 70 thru-hikers — almost double last year’s number. The increase is likely due to both increased numbers of hikers and improved publicity on NHC’s part.

n About 22 NHC members helped package and distribute Easter trail bags that went to about 200 hikers from Winding Stair Gap to Tellico Gap near Franklin on Saturday, April 15. The bags contained fruits, veggies, colored hard-boiled eggs and dog treats for canine hikers. Volunteers put in more than 100 hours total.

n A group of 13 served up more than 125 meals to A.T. thru-hikers on Easter weekend, April 15-16. Led by former thru-hiker and Jackson County resident Jerry Parker, the group prepared hefty omelets, coffee cake, cookies, fruits, pit-cooked pulled pork, potato salad and a variety of other menu items. They set up at Deep Gap on Saturday and went over to Rock Gap for the Sunday meal.

A three-night, professionally guided backpacking trip will explore what is arguably one of the best backpacking routes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park May 25-28.

The loop hike begins and ends at the Big Creek Trailhead near Newport, Tennessee, taking in the summits of Mount Cammerer and Mt. Sterling, traveling through old-growth forests, visiting historic sites and passing by waterfalls, a swimming hole and beautiful creek side trail.

Ian Mauhs of Asheville-based Wildland Trekking will lead the trip. The route is rated strenuous due to distance and elevation change. Participants are expected to bring their own food, water and gear. Organized by the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

$300 through May 12 and $350 through May 21; free for Hemlock members of the GSMA who register by May 12. http://conta.cc/2p5fTKU.

Talk wildflowers with an expert

Botany expert Dan Pittillo will speak on wildflowers and show his photos at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Cullowhee Methodist Church on the Western Carolina University campus.

A retired WCU biology professor, Pittillo has been studying plants in the Southern Appalachians since he first collected for Flora of the Carolinas in 1956. The last of the original 1977 founders of the N.C. Bartram Society, he continues to serve on the board.

The talk is part of the Sylva Photo Club’s regular monthly meeting and will be followed with a “share and tell” photography session focusing on wildflowers and street photography. Participants should bring up to six photos downloaded to a USB. $5 for nonmembers is applied toward membership, which is $20 or $20 for students. sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com.

Learn the wildflowers’ names

A spring wildflower identification workshop will give participants the tools to distinguish the flowers growing in the Balsam area during a session 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Balsam Community Center.

Discussion will include basic plant structure, habitat and easily confused species. The morning will also include a short and easy walk outside to find and identify wildflowers. Larry Thompson, who served as the National Audubon Society’s Southeast Regional Vice President for 20 years, will teach the course. He has taught nature courses and led bird watching, wildflower and photography trips for more than 30 years and resides in Balsam. $35. Register at 828.452.5414 or lvthompson@earthlink.net.

Timber harvest proposed near Franklin

A proposal for a 163-acre timber sale in the Nantahala Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest is open for public comment through May 22.

Deer harvest decline spurs public forums

A series of public forums to get input on potential changes to white-tailed deer seasons and bag limits will include sessions in Clyde and Morganton.

n 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Haywood Community College Auditorium in Clyde. n 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Western Piedmont Community College Auditorium in Morganton.

In recent years, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has intensified its harvest and biological data collections, and in 2016 the Commission conducted a statewide survey of deer hunters to understand deer hunters’ expectations and desires.

According to last year’s hunter survey, deer harvest declined across all districts in North Carolina, though the 1.2 percent decline in the western district was the smallest of any district. Overall, deer harvest in North Carolina decreased 7.8 percent from the previous season and was 11.2 percent lower than the 10-year average.

The decline has a variety of causes, including outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease elsewhere in the state; potential declines in habitat quality due to development and changes in farming and forestry practices; increased predator populations; and increased doe harvest, which can lead to declines in deer numbers as fewer fawns are born.

During the forum, Commission staff will

present the 2016 survey results, discuss potential management options and solicit feedback. However, the forum is not a public hearing and the potential management options to be presented are not proposed regulation changes. Any proposed regulation changes will be presented at public hearings in January 2018.

Celebrate migratory birds

A festival celebrating migratory birds and their yearly trek from the far reaches of Latin America to nesting habitats throughout North America will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Jackson County Recreation Complex in Cullowhee.

Hosted by the Balsam Mountain Trust, the International Migratory Bird Day event will feature guided bird walks, live bird demonstrations, educational stations and a food truck.

This year, the theme “Helping Birds Along the Way” will emphasize the importance of stopover sites — critical refuges where migratory birds rest and refuel before continuing their remarkable journeys. By conserving these important habitats, people can support continued, healthy populations of migratory birds.

Free, with a full schedule available at bmtrust.org. More information about migratory bird habitats and IMBD events available at www.migratorybirdday.org.

The goal is to improve the health and diversity of existing forest ecosystems in the stands proposed.

Written and oral comments will be accepted through midnight May 22 and can be emailed to southern-north-carolina-nantahala-nantahala@fs.fed.us; faxed to 828.837.8510; or mailed to Mike Wilkins, District Ranger, Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, N.C. 28734.

The proposed work, to take place in nine different compartments located just west of Franklin, would include chainsaw cutting of tree saplings and grape and smoke vines competing with selected crop trees. It would take place in stands that were previously cleared and have regenerated naturally, or been planted with pine or oak seedlings. No herbicides would be used.

Diversify your garden

The Seed Library of Waynesville will host its second annual Start Plant Exchange, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the Waynesville Library Auditorium. The exchange will allow gardeners to give away starter plants they’re not planning to use and swap them for varieties others are offering. Free, drop-in style. Kathy Olsen, 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

Bonsais, dahlias and butterflies

— oh my!

The N.C. Arboretum in Asheville will be alive with activity Saturday, May 13, with activities ranging from a dahlia tuber sale to a nature play day for kids to the unveiling of a live butterfly exhibit.

n A full display of Arboretum bonsais will celebrate the seventh annual World Bonsai Day, with bonsai curator Arthur Joura hosting

Carolinas Dahlia Society, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Education Center.

n Nature Play Day, offered 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will show families how spending time exploring and playing outdoors can result in a host of benefits, offering the chance to build fairy houses and gnome houses, make a mud pie, catch a salamander and have a great time outside.

n An indoor butterfly exhibit featuring a chrysalis-rearing chamber and a walk-through butterfly house featuring a variety of local species will be debut 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center Greenhouse and will remain on display through Oct. 29.

two 30-minute guided tours of the bonsai garden, at 10 and 11 a.m. An introductory bonsai workshop for youth 12-18 will also be offered, 9 a.m. to noon. The workshop costs $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers.

n The Dahlia Tuber Sale, hosted by the

n A guided trail walk will be offered at 1 p.m., with trained volunteers leading small groups along the Arboretum’s woodland trails and through a variety of forest types.

n The exhibit #themountainsarecalling — which uses photography to capture creativity in plants, trees, flowers, landscapes and more — will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Education Center. Photography by husband-and-wife team Camilla Calnan and Chris Bolm.

n The Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit, a garden-scale model train demonstration the coming of trains to Western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century, will run noon to 4 p.m.

All events are free with the $14 parking fee unless otherwise noted. www.ncarboretum.org.

Explore Smokies skies

A mile-high stargazing event will explore the mountain’s night skies at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, at Purchase Knob in the Haywood County portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

With the Astronomy Club of Asheville offering onsite interpretation and information, participants are sure to come away having learned something new. Telescopes, wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music will complete the evening.

Organized by Friends of the Smokies, the event will support the Kathryn McNeil Endowment for a fulltime, yearround Parks as Classrooms resource education ranger at the Appalachian Highlands

Science Learning Center, which is located at Purchase Knob.

Telescopes will bring far-flung stars close during a May 26 event. Donated photo

$50, with space limited. Purchase tickets at donate.friendsofthesmokies.org or call 828.452.0720.

Spring Fling returns to Waynesville Rec

Admission to the Waynesville Recreation Center will be free to all Haywood County residents as Waynesville Kiwanis hosts its annual Spring Fling, Saturday, May 20.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering games for children and inflatables in the gym with refreshments for sale.

828.456.2030 or rlangston@waynesvillenc.gov.

Kids fishing day planned

A series of youth fishing days will show kids the ropes of angling, with the first session planned for 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Ralph J. Andrews Recreation Area in Glenville.

Aimed at kids 6-12, the day will teach the basics of fishing. Future Youth Fishing Days events are planned for June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16.

$5. Organized by Jackson County Parks and Recreation. Sign up at www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

Species scavenger hunt coming to Pisgah

A celebration of biodiversity featuring a scramble to find as many species as possible in a two-hour window will be held Saturday, May 20, at the Pink Beds Picnic Area adjacent to the Cradle of Forestry in America.

The day will start at 7 a.m. with a twohour morning bird walk, and check-in for the bioblitz — the species search segment — will start at 9:30 a.m. with the bioblitz itself lasting from 10 a.m. to noon.

Celebrate migratory birds

Afterward, teams will upload their photographed observations and stick around for raffle prizes. A guided amphibian and reptile walk will be offered in the evening, 7:30 to 10 a.m.

Free, with registration required by May 13 at www.cradleofforestry.com/event/pinkbeds-bioblitz. All skill levels welcome.

The Cradle of Forestry is located along U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, about 35 miles south of Waynesville. Courtney Long, courtney@cfaia.org or 828.877.3130.

A festival celebrating migratory birds and their yearly trek from the far reaches of Latin America to nesting habitats throughout North America will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Jackson County Recreation Complex in Cullowhee.

Hosted by the Balsam Mountain Trust, the International Migratory Bird Day event will feature guided bird walks, live bird demonstrations, educational stations and a food truck.

This year, the theme “Helping Birds Along the Way” will emphasize the importance of stopover sites — critical refuges where migratory birds rest and refuel before continuing their remarkable journeys. By conserving these important habitats, people can support continued, healthy populations of migratory birds.

Free, with a full schedule available at bmtrust.org. More information about migratory bird habitats and IMBD events available at www.migratorybirdday.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Haywood Habitat for Humanity will hold its last information sessions for applicants at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Waynesville. 452.7960.

• Macon County Schools and the Macon Parks and Recreation Department will host the second-annual Softball Tournament for Students with Special Needs starting with elementary students at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 11. The Macon Middle School and Franklin High School feature game is at 6:15 p.m. at Parker Meadows Complex. 342.0798 or 371.1397.

• The Haywood County Animal Services will hold its rabies clinic from 5-6:30 p.m. on the following dates and at the following locations: Monday, May 15 at Canton Middle School; Tuesday, May 16, at Jonathan Valley School; Wednesday, May 17, at Waynesville Middle School; Thursday May 18, at Bethel Elementary School; Friday, May 19, at Riverbend School and Clyde Elementary School. 456.5338.

• Applications are being accepted for the Haywood County Farm Bureau Scholarship. Students must be graduating seniors, currently enrolled in a Haywood County school or enrolled in a two- or four-year school and a resident of Haywood County. 2.5 GPA or better. 452.1425 or Karen_greene@ncfbssc.com.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health is seeking input from residents who have used its services or who have thoughts on the health needs of Jackson County. http://health.jacksonnc.org/surveys.

• Cruise in Maggie Valley event is held from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday at 2771 Soco Road. Vendors: $10 per space. Cruising@MaggieValleyAntiques.com.

• Qualla Boundary Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

B USINESS & E DUCATION

• A meeting of current and former employees of the Waynesville plant of Champion/Blue Ridge/Evergreen is held at 8 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at BoJangles near Lake Junaluska’s entrance.

• “Show Me the Money Conference + Funding Expo” will be held May 11-12 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville. Attendees will get access to the tools, training and connections needed to successfully secure funding for their businesses or nonprofits. www.ShowMetheMoneyConference.com.

• The Kiwanis Club of Waynesville will host its fifth annual “No Sweat” Spelling Been at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 12, at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. Each team includes three adult spellers. When a team misspells a word, it can buy back the word back for $5 in the first round, $10 in the second round and $20 in the third round. Funds raised benefit the children of Haywood County. Sign up or sponsor: 734.9003, 926.0066 or martipeithman@aol.com.

• Haywood Community College will hold graduation ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. (Arts & Sciences) and 7:30 p.m. (Natural Resources) on Friday, May 12, in Charles M. Beall Auditorium of the Student Services Building in Clyde. www.haywood.edu or 627.4500.

• Southwestern Community College will hold three graduation ceremonies on May 13 in Myers Auditorium at the Jackson Campus in Sylva. Arts & Sciences/Early College graduation is at 11 a.m.; Career Technologies ceremony is at 1:30 p.m., followed by Health Sciences at 4 p.m. www.southwesterncc.edu or 339.4000.

• The historic Rickman Store will open from 10 a.m.-4

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

p.m. on Saturday, May 13. It will be open each Saturday until the second week in December. The store is at 259 Cowee Creek Road in Macon County, seven miles north of Franklin. The store was open from 1925-1994.

• A “Hospitality Train the Trainer Course” will be offered by Haywood Community College starting May 16 at the Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska. Each four-hour class is offered twice, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., on Tuesdays. HCCcommunityservice@haywood.edu or 627.4669. Scholarships available.

• Training in community mediation will be offered by Mountain Mediation Services from May 23-25 in Franklin. $250. Reservations required by May 17. 631.5252 or mmsbryson@dnet.net.

• A class on Twitter will be offered at 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• A Job Fair will be sponsored by the Maggie Valley Chamber from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Maggie Valley Pavilion. 926.1686 or www.maggievalley.org.

• A discussion on Saudi Arabia, part of the Great Decisions Series, is scheduled for 5:15-6:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Waynesville Library. Series is focused on critical global issues facing America today. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• The Cashiers Area Chamber Annual Legislative Update is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Cullasaja Club. Jackson County Commissioner Mickey Luker will present an update on the county government’s 2017 strategic priorities and their impacts on the Cashiers Area. $25 per person. RSVP required: http://tinyurl.com/kmxjt32.

• Cherokee Customer Celebration is scheduled for May 19-20 at the Cherokee Welcome Center. 359.6491.

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

FUNDRAISERSAND B ENEFITS

• Donations are being accepted to help renovate the piano in the Elementary building of the old Fines Creek School. 593.7042.

• Tickets are on sale now for the Ducks on the Tuck “Duck Draw Raffle” to benefit Southwestern Community College’s New Century Scholars program that assures last-dollar tuition to middle school students in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties. More than 30 prizes available including a 50-inch smart flatscreen television. Drawing is May 12. Tickets are $5 each or $25 for six and available from current New Century Scholars, their coordinators in each county and from SCC: 339.4227 k_posey@southwesterncc.edu. A related “Where’s Tucker” social media selfie photo contest is also going on. More at www.southwesterncc.edu/ducksonthetuck.

• The Relay for Life of Haywood County Annual One County/One Cause will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 12, at the Canton Rec. Park. 627.6137.

• The 25th annual Letter Carriers food drive takes place on Saturday, May 13, in Haywood County. Largest single

source of food for the four main pantries in the county. Leave bags of unopened, nonperishable food items by your mailbox before regular mail pickup that day. 456.4838 or www.nalc.org.

• “Smooch for a Pooch” will be part of the Haywood Square block party from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. A canine kissing booth will raise money for Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation. 456.3753 or www.thedoghousewaynesville.com.

• Blossom on Main will host a Folkmoot Thai Friendship Dinner on Thursday, May 18, at 128 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Ten percent of proceeds benefit Folkmoot’s year-round programming.

• United Christian Ministries will hold a fundraiser on May 18-19 at Krismart Fashions behind Kel-Save in Sylva. With a $10 donation, you get 50 percent off any item. Purchase tickets from United Christian Ministries at 191 Skyland Drive in Sylva. 586.8228.

• The 16th annual WNC QuickDraw will be from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. The cocktail social will include an hour-long QuickDraw Challenge, silent auction and refreshments. Live artists will be working in the public eye, creating timed pieces, which will then be auctioned off. Proceeds go to art teaching in local schools. $60 per person. www.wncquickdraw.com or 734.5747.

• The 5th annual Bloemsma Barn event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20, in Franklin. A fundraiser for the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center, the event will have live music, barbecue, silent auction, cornhole, inflatables, and more. Barbecue plate: $15 per person, $45 family plate. Hot dog plate: $7. Tickets available at the door, at the center, and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Franklin Chamber of Commerce.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS

Fabric supplies needed for art camp being held at Waynesville Recreation Center in June. If you wish to donate fabric, please drop off at the Haywood County Arts Council at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. They will accept donations through June 14. 452.0593, info@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org.

• The Swain County Heritage Festival Committee has booth spaces available for its festival, which is May 2627, at Riverfront Park in Bryson City. Prospective vendors, nonprofits and volunteers can contact: 538.0455.

• Town of Dillsboro will be hosting three arts and craft shows open to vendors from the surrounding region. Second show is Saturday, Aug. 20 — The Dillsboro Summer Arts & Crafts Market showcases local art and fine crafts, with a focus on family and children activities. Application due by June 1. Vendors may apply for these shows by downloading an application from the town’s website, www.visitdillsboro.org. 586.3511 or festivals@visitdillsboro.org.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist rangers with managing traffic and establishing safe wildlife viewing areas within the Cataloochee Valley area. To register for training or get more info: karl_danforth@nps.gov.

H EALTH MATTERS

• The Swain Specialty Clinic will hold an open house from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, in Bryson City. Includes Harris GI Associates, Harris Women’s Care and Harris Surgical Associates. Refreshments. 488.4240 or www.myswaincommunity.com.

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

• “Strong Bones for Life” – an educational event featuring Dr. Kate Queen of Mountain Medical Associates –is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at Haywood Regional’s Outpatient Care Center, second floor, in Clyde. RSVP: 800.424.DOCS (3627).

• A workshop on Zentangle, a method for relaxing, increasing focus and sparking creativity, will be offered from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on May 13. $42 per person. www.haywoodarts.org.

• “Latest Advances in Women’s Health” is the topic of the “Talk with a Doc” dinner seminar at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at the Haywood Regional Medical Center Café in Clyde. Featuring David Kirk, M.D., and Jody Schmit, Certified Nurse Midwife. RSVP required: 800.424.DOCS.

• A support group of the International Essential Tremor Foundation will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, at the Jackson County Senior Center. 736.3165 or tkubit@frontier.com.

• Haywood Regional Breast Care Center will have an open house event from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, in Clyde. Ribbon cutting ceremony, tours, massage therapy, refreshments, moonlight mammograms by appointment, desserts and chocolates. 456.8633 or http://myhaywoodregional.com/breastcenter.

• “Ready … Set … Baby” prenatal breastfeeding class will be offered at 6 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, May 18, at the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency. Pregnant mothers-to-be and support persons welcome. Registration required: 356.2207 or 452.2211.

• The American Red Cross will hold a Preparedness Training Workshop from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, at the Waynesville Library. Two segments: “Be Red Cross Ready” and “Hands Only CPR.” Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) meets at noon on Saturdays at the First United Methodist Church Outreach Center at 171 Main St. in Franklin. 407.758.6433 or adultchildren.org.

• The Haywood County Health & Human Services Public Health Services Division is offering a Night Clinic from 4-6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in Waynesville. Services include family planning, immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment. Appointments: 452.6675.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health will offer a general clinic from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 587.8225.

• A Food Addicts Anonymous Twelve-Step fellowship group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville. www.foodaddictsanonymous.org.

• Big Brother/Big Sister, a one-evening preparation class for children who are about to greet a new baby into their family, is offered for children ages 3-10 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses.

• Mothers Connection, an ongoing social gathering for mothers and their babies, meets from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursdays excluding holidays at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses.

• Inner Guidance from an Open Heart will meet from 6-8 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 East Main Street in Sylva. Info: www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105.

• Dogwood Insight Center presents health talks at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

• Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes are available at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Classes are offered bimonthly on an ongoing basis. Register or get more info: 586.7907.

• Angel Medical Center’s diabetes support group meets at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the AMC dining room. 369.4166.

• A free weekly grief support group is open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at SECU Hospice House in Franklin. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life Bereavement Team. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• A monthly grief processing support group will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care in Clyde. 452.5039.

• A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day. 586.4009.

• A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

R ECREATIONAND FITNESS

• Registration deadline is May 17 for an adult summer soccer league through the Haywood County Recreation and Parks Department. 452.6789.$390 per team. Games are Monday and Wednesday evenings from June 5-July 30. For ages 18-up. 452.6789, Daniel.Taylor@haywoodcountync.gov or www.haywoodnc.net.

• Open play and practice for adult coed volleyball will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in May and June at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $4 per person for nonmembers; free for members. 456.2030.

• Registration for a Women’s Tennis League through the Jackson County Recreation Department will run through May 28. $10 singles, $20 doubles. For ages 14-up. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Registration for a Men’s Racquetball League through the Jackson County Recreation Department will run through May 28. $10 singles, $20 doubles. For ages 14-up. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Haywood County Resident Day is from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Residents can use the center at no cost. 456.2030 or rlangston@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Registration for an adult soccer league through the Jackson County Recreation Department will run through May 21. $200 per team. For ages 14-up. Games will be on Thursday nights in Cullowhee. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• An opportunity the Bellyak (prone paddling/lay-ontop kayaking) will be offered through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation department at 11 a.m. on May 21, June 24, July 8, July 22 and Aug. 20. $30. Rec.jacksonnc.org or 293.3053.

• Yoga is being offered at the Fitness Connection in Waynesville. First class is free. Info: 476.0179 or 550.1640.

• An opportunity to learn ski walking is offered from 5:30-7 p.m. on Mondays through May 22 at Monteith Park in Dillsboro. A training tool used by competitive

cross-country skiers to maintain strength in the offseason. 356.4009.

• ZUMBA! Classes, are offered from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at the Canton Armory. $5 per class. 648.2363 or parks@cantonnc.com.

P OLITICAL

• N.C. Rep. Mike Clampitt of Bryson City will hold a quarterly meeting for Haywood County from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, May 19, at Haywood Community College’s main auditorium in Clyde.

• A lunch-and-discussion group will be held by the League of Women Voters at noon on the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. RSVP for lunch: lwvmacon@wild-dog-mountain.info or 524.8369.

AUTHORSAND B OOKS

• Western Carolina University anthropology professor and Dillsboro resident Benjamin A. Steere will visit City Lights Bookstore at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 12, in Sylva. He will present his new book, The Archaeology of Houses and Households in the Native Southeast.

• Cullowhee Barber Shop owner Lebern Dills will present his new book How Marvelous! A Life Truly Blessed at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• Garret K. Woodward, arts/entertainment editor for The Smoky Mountain News.

Woodward will be holding a reading, bluegrass discussion and book signing at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Debuing his work “If You Can’t Play, Get Off the Stage: Bluegrass in Western North Carolina and Beyond”. www.facebook.com/yobrodobro.

• Poets Rosemary Royston and Joan Howard will be the featured readers during “The Literary Hour” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, at John Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.

• A poetry program featuring Forrest Rivers is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Coffee with the Poets and Writers, a monthly meeting, will feature Bob Grove on Wednesday, May 18, at Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville. Grove has published a mystery novella, a memoir, a collection of children’s stories and more. www.bobgrove.org. 389.4441.

• Paige L. Christie will present the first book in her Legacies of Arnan series at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

• Terry Roberts will present his new novel That Bright Land at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

S ENIORACTIVITIES

• The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 926.6567.

• Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina – an effort to help area residents commit to a healthier lifestyle, will meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

• Haywood County Senior Resource Center is looking into starting a weekly Euchre Card Group. If interested, contact Michelle Claytor at mclaytor@mountainprojects.org or 356.2800.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800

• Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center. Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases. Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Pinochle game is played at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Hearts is played at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

K IDS & FAMILIES

• Registration is underway through June 2 for Sandlot baseball (ages 5-7 as of May 1). Meet from 6-7 p.m. on Mondays at Mark Watson Park in Sylva or from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Recreation Park in Cullowhee. Rec.jacksonnc.org or 293.3053.

• Open enrollment is underway for the 2017-18 school year for Haywood Christian Academy. www.HaywoodChristianAcademy.org. Info: 627.0229.

• Nature program will be offered from 9-10:30 a.m. (for ages 3-5) and 4-5:30 p.m. (K-3rd grade) on May 17 at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. http://rec.jacksonnc.org.

• A Nature Nuts program on “Stream Investigation” will be offered to ages 4-7 from 9-11 a.m. on May 15 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• An Eco-Explorers: Stream Stats program will be open to ages 8-13 from 1-3 p.m. on May 15 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• Registration deadline for the Mountain Youth Talent Contest is May 12. http://jackson4-h.blogspot.com. Event is May 20 during the Stecoah Valley Spring Bluegrass Festival in Robbinsville. Info: kerri.rayburn@ncsu.edu, heather_gordon@ncsu.edu or 586.4009.

• The Jackson County Recreation Department will hold its annual bike rodeo from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 13, in Cullowhee. Bike safety checks, helmet inspections, learning to ride and more. 587.8227 or 587.8226.

• A nature program for ages 3-third grade is scheduled for May 17 through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. Program for 3-5 year olds starts at 9 a.m.; program for K-3rd grade is from 45:30 p.m. http://rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Registration has begun for Youth Spring Soccer through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department. Open to players born between 2003-12. Birth certificates required for first-time players. $55. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Sports physicals will be offered at Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals for the following schools: Swain High (3-6 p.m. on May 22), Smoky Mountain High and Jackson County Middle (5-9 p.m. on May 24 at Harris Regional’s West Entrance) and Blue Ridge School (3-5 p.m. on May 30). 586.5531.

• A Youth Fishing Day will be offered for ages 5-12 through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation department from 9-11:30 a.m. on May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16. Introduction to freshwater fishing. $5 per day. Rec.jacksonnc.org or 293.3053.

• Pre-participation physical exams will be conducted by Mission Sports Medicine from 2-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, in the Franklin High School Gym. For rising sixth through 12th-grade students considering participation in NCHSAA-sanctioned sports. Packet: http://tinyurl.com/kt3ltdc, 524.6467, 524.3766 or 349.1325.

• Early registration is underway through May 26 for a summer volleyball camp at Waynesville Recreation Center. Camp is for those entering third through 12th grades. Camp director is Amy Mull, coach for the Asheville Trailblazers. $85 before May 26; 100 after. Camp is from 9 a.m.-noon on June 12-15. Info or register: amymull@bellsouth.net.

• Registration is underway for this summer’s Adventure Day Camp at Lake Logan. One-week camps start on June 19. For grades 1-5. $225 weekly fee. Snacks, crafts, activities, guest speakers and adventure. Susan@lakelogan.org or 646.0095.

K IDSFILMS

• “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is playing at the The Strand on Main in Waynesville at 7 p.m. on May 10-11, 7 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. on May 12, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9:50 p.m. on May 13, and 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. on May 14. See website for prices www.38main.com.

• A family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Movie is about a divorced mom who moves her big-city kids to a scary country house that includes goblins and other supernatural creatures. Info, including movie title: 488.3030.

• “Big Hero 6” is being shown at 8 p.m. on May 20 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

FESTIVALSAND S PECIAL EVENTS

• The 14th annual Tourism Day will be celebrated from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, May 12, at the N.C. Welcome Center at mile marker 6 on Interstate 26. Featuring fiddler Roger Howell and friends as well as 23-time National Clogging Champions: the Bailey Mountain Cloggers of Mars Hill University. 689.4257 or vsealock@nccommerce.com.

• The Whole Bloomin’ Thing Spring Festival is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, in Waynesville’s Frog Level District. www.historicfroglevel.com.

• “Cherokee Heritage Day” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. A variety of food will be available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Lulu’s by Marsha Ensley, including chili with mini fry bread. Activities for Cherokee Heritage Day are free. The museum’s two exhibits are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include “The Story of the Cherokee People: 13,000 Years” and “Emissaries of Peace: 1762 Cherokee & British Delegations.” Admission to museum exhibits is $11 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-13 and free for children age 5 and under. bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org. For more information, call 828.497.3481 or go to www.cherokeemuseum.org.

• Friends of the Library will hold its annual meeting and a program entitled “Celebrating Haywood’s History” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, in the First United Methodist Church’s Christian Growth Center in Waynesville. Tickets: $10 and available at Blue Ridge Books, Waynesville and Canton libraries and from Friends of the Library board members. 421.0682 or 452.5169.

• The Waynesville Kiwanis will host their annual “Spring Fling” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the Waynesville Rec Center. Inflatables, games and more. 456.2030 or rlangston@waynesvillenc.gov.

• “Hook, Line and Drinker” festival will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Bridge Park Pavilion in Sylva. The festival will feature Western North Carolina craft beer vendors, area food trucks, fishing guides, clean water organizations, and a farmers market from 9 a.m. until noon. Free Admission with donations encouraged. www.mountainlovers.com or 586.2155.

F OOD & D RINK

• Located in the rustically elegant Jennings Barn at the foot of Cow Rock Mountain in Lonesome Valley, Canyon Kitchen will be kicking off the season with special culinary events and wine dinners every Wednesday throughout the month of May. The next event, on May 10, is a fundraiser for the Hospice House. On May 17, guests can enjoy a Coupe Cocktail Dinner with cocktail book author, Brian Hoffman, of Hoffman Media. Lastly, they will close out the month with a wine dinner featuring Chateau Montelena. www.lonesomevalley.com or call 743.7967.

• There will be a “Rose Wine Tasting” event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Taste five roses from five regions with specialty food bites. $24.99 per person. To RSVP, call 828.452.6000.

ON STAGE & I N CONCERT

• The Canton Armory will host “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” at 7 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. The event includes mountain music, vintage country, clogging and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free. www.cantonnc.com.

• Tickets are on sale now for a 3 Doors Down performance as a fundraiser for the Better Life Foundation on Oct. 21 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

• “The Nerd” by Larry Shue is playing at the HART Theatre in Waynesville. Performances are May 11-13 and at 2 p.m. on May 7 and May 14. Tickets: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Dave Stone Comedy featuring several stand-up comics at 8 p.m. May 12. www.curraheebrew.com.

• The MET OPERA’s production of R. Strauss’s “der Rosenkavalier” will be shown live via satellite at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in Highlands. Pre-opera discussion led by Beverly Wichman at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: 526.9047 or www.highlandspac.org.

• The bluegrass duo of Allie Burbink and Frank Lee will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• Recording artist Wade Hayes will be the headline entertainment and guest speaker for the Relay for Life of Franklin’s luminaire ceremony on May 19 at Macon Middle School. 371.1868.

• A stage production of the literary classic “The Great Gatsby” will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 19-20, 26-27 and June 2-3, 8-10, and also at 2 p.m. May 21, 28 and June 4, 11 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. www.harttheatre.org or 456.6322.

• The Triple Threat Musical Theatre Show will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Bardo Arts Center on the Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee.

• Sean Gaskell will perform the Kora harp at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the Waynesville Library. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Chris Rock will perform at Harrah’s in Cherokee on May 25 at 8 p.m.

• Tickets are on sale for Leslie Jones’ comedy performance, which is July 1 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. www.ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

CLASSESAND PROGRAMS

• A discussion on the South China Sea, part of the Great Decisions Series, is scheduled for 5:15-6:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at the Waynesville Library. Series is focused on critical global issues facing America today. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• A panel and discussion on the uses of social media will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Not a class or how-to session. Panelists are bobby Coggins, Jennifer Dills, Elise W.P. Delfield and Timothy Tweed. 524.3600.

• Haywood Gleaners will hold a hands-on workshop on cooking fresh produce from 1011:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, at the Pigeon Community Center in Waynesville. Reservations: haywoodgleaners@gmail.com.

• Strive Not To Drive week is May 12-19. www.strivenottodrive.org/master-calendar.

• The Western North Carolina Woodturners Club, Inc., meets at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Bascom in Highlands.

• A workshop on how to make a seasonal wreath will be offered by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Office in Sylva from 9 a.m.-noon on Monday, May 15. Register and get supply list: 586.4009.

• Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild’s Evening Group will hold a cutting party for a group opportunity quilt project at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 15, at Tartan Hall in Franklin. www.smokymtnquilters.org.

• Writer and conservationist Brent Martin is leading a workshop on 18th century naturalist and artist William Bartram from May 15-19 at the Highlands Biological Station. $400. http://highlandsbiological.org/summer-2017, brent_marting@tws.org or 524.7400.

• An iPhone/iPad Users Group meets at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• A crafting class on making a bee-inspired greeting card and luminary table topper will be offered from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, May 18, at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office in Sylva. Register: 586.4009.

• Crafters interested in participating in the inaugural Shelton House Crafter Showcase must submit applications by May 19 with four photos of their particular craft. The showcase opens June 1 in Haywood County. Applications available at Shelton House (49 Shelton St. in Waynesville) or at www.sheltonhouse.org. Info: 452.1551.

• A wire jewelry workshop will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library. Lawrie Williams will be the instructor. Class projects include a pair of earrings and matching pendant. 586.2016.

• A “Beginning Bladesmithing” program will be offered May 20-21 at the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. For ages 13-up. Register: 631.0271 or chelseamiller@jacksonnc.org. www.JCGEP.org.

ARTSHOWINGSAND GALLERIES

• Penland Gallery opens its exhibition season by displaying pieces from 32 artists working different styles and materials. The exhibition is on display now and runs through May 14. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

• “Soft Diplomacy: Quilting Cultural Diplomacy in Liberia” is on exhibit through May 5 at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee. 227.3591.

• The Western North Carolina “Artists Count” project is hosting a series of exhibitions to highlight the rich visual contributions made by area artists. The first such exhibit, “Smoky Mountains Sampler” is now open at the Welcome Center north of Asheville on Interstate 26. Southwestern Community College instructors Ed McIlvaine and Susan Coe as well as SCC student Kari McIlvaine have their pottery on display through July.

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• As part of the Arts Council’s Integrated Arts initiative, a sampling of works by renowned Macon County sculptor Nelson Nichols (www.nicholssculpture.com) will be displayed at this event. Executed in stone, bronze, and wood, Nichols’ sculptural body of work reflects his unique style, Spiritual Expressionism, encompassing anatomical/figurative pieces in classical realism, a series of abstract interpretations, a series illustrating universal/spiritual concepts, and an environmentally inspired series including sculptures of endangered/threatened species. Admission is by donation; $7 is suggested. arts4all@dnet.net or 524.ARTS (2787).

FILM & S CREEN

• “Weight of the Nation: Choices,” a documentary, will be shown at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. 524.3600.

• “LA LA LAND” is being shown at 7 p.m. on May 12 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• A classic 1957 western starring Glenn Ford will be shown at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 12, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. Movie’s about a broke, small-time rancher who’s hired by a stagecoach line to put a big-time captured outlaw leader on a train. 524.3600.

• “Lion” is showing at 8 p.m. on May 13 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• “Memoirs of a Geisha” is playing at 7:30 p.m. on May 18 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• “The Big Year” is showing at 7 p.m. on May 19 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• ABC’s Dirty Dancing remake, which was shot in Jackson County, will be shown at 8 a.m. on May 24.

• A “Dirty Dancing” screening party will be held from 5-11 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at High Hampton Inn and Country Club in Cashiers. $44. RSVP: 743.65000.

• “Inglorious Basterds” is showing at 7:30 p.m. on May 25 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• “The Natural” is playing at 7:30 p.m. on May 26 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• “Forrest Gump” is being shown at 7 p.m. on May 27 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

Outdoors

• The Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the Greenway at 8 a.m. on May 10. Meet at Salali Lane; parking is off Fox Ridge Road just south of Franklin Flea Market on Highlands Road. 524.5234.

• “On the Water: Little River” will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 11 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Practice flyfishing skills under supervision of experienced instructors. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• A Birding Hike will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-noon on May 12 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will offer “Light: It’s All Astronmers Get, or What To Do When It’s Raining Outside” at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 12, in Rosman. $20 for adults; $15 for students/seniors/military; $5 for children ages 6-11. Ages 5-under get in free. Register and pay: www.pari.edu or 862.5554. Info: schappell@pari.edu.

• “Wildflower Wonders” will be the topic of a presentation by Dan Pittillo, Ph.D., to the Sylva Photo Club at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at Cullowhee Methodist Church. $5 for visitors. Membership is a $20 donation or $10 for students. http://sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com, sylvaphotoclub@gmail.com or 226.3840.

• A walk-through butterfly nursery and butterfly house will be available for visitors starting May 13 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. $14 parking fee. www.ncarboretum.org.

• Birding with Ellen and Jim Shelton is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on May 13. Meet at Founders Park in Highlands. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

• “Cades Cove: A Window to the Past” will be offered by the Smoky Mountain Field School from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. $79. www.smfs.utk.edu or 865.974.0150.

• A Swain Clean Cleanup starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, at Ingles of Bryson City.

• A wide range of activities will be offered on Saturday, May 13, at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Bonsais on display, dahlia tuber sale, nature play day, guided trail walk, railroad exhibit, photography exhibit and more. $14 parking fee. www.ncarboretum.org.

• A program on “Pink Beds BioBlitz” will be offered by the Cradle of Forestry from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the Pink Beds valley near Asheville. Download registration form at cradleofforestry.com/event/pink-beds-bioblitz and return by May 13.

• The Cherokee Day of Caring is May 15-18 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 497.5550.

• The Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the Greenway at 8 a.m. on May 17. Meet Macon County Public Library’s parking area. 524.5234.

• Boating safety courses will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on May 15-16 in Building 3300, Room 3322, at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Participants must attend both evenings. Register: www.ncwildlife.org.

• The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will conduct an interactive public forum to solicit input regarding white-tailed deer management at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at Haywood Community College in Clyde. www.ncwildlife.org/deerstudy.

• Birds & Beer (or wine or tea) is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on May 16 at the Ugly Dog in Cashiers. Spirited discussion of birds and birding. . www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

• A spring wildflower identification workshop will be offered from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the Balsam Community Center. Led by Larry Thompson. $35. Register: 452.5414 or lvthompson@earthlink.net.

• Birding with botanist Jack Johnston will be offered by the Highlands Audubon Society at 7:30 a.m. on May 20 at Dixon Park in Highlands. Meet at Founders Park in Highlands. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

• Balsam Mountain Trust will hold a program on “Helping Birds Along the Way, International Migratory Bird Day” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at

the Jackson County Recreation Complex in Cullowhee. www.bmtrust.org. www.migratorybirdday.org.

• Smoky Mountain Field School will offer “Historic Cataloochee Valley, Smoky Mountain Elk & More” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. $79. Register: www.smfs.utk.edu or 865.974.0150.

• An Introduction to Spin-Casting & Spin Fishing will be offered by Smoky Mountain Field School from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. $79. Register: www.smfs.utk.edu or 865.974.0150.

• Fly-Tying for the Beginner will be offered to ages 12up from 9 a.m.-noon on May 20 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• Smartphone Photography will be offered to ages 12up from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on May 20 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• The Adult Riding Club of WNC will hold a gathering of horse enthusiasts from all disciplines and skill levels at 5 p.m. on May 21 at 84 Frank Mann Rd. in Canton. events@anniesplacewnc.com.

• An opportunity to backpack in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be offered May 25-28. Professionally guided. $300 through May 12 and $350 through May 21. www.conta.cc/2p5fTKU.

• An Introduction to Fly Fishing class will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 22 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• A Casting for Beginners: Level 1 class will be offered to ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 24 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• The Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the Greenway at 8 a.m. on May 24. Meet at the Big Bear shelter parking area. 524.5234.

FARMAND GARDEN

• An in-depth Organic Pest Management Seminar for gardeners will be offered by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service from 6-8 p.m. on May 11 at the Jackson Extension Center in Sylva. Info: 586.4009, 488.3848 or clbriden@ncsu.edu.

• Need advice on spring planting projects or what to plant when? Drop by the master gardener booth at the Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival on Saturday, May 13, in Waynesville.

• “Flight of the Pollinators” will be presented by Balsam Mountain Trust from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at the Waynesville Library.

• A soils class will be offered at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, at Haywood County Extension Center in Waynesville. Refresher on taking soil samples, reading

www.ThePrintHaus.com

results and how to access your results online. 456.3575.

• The Seed Library of Waynesville is hosting its second annual starter plant exchange from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, May 19, at the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Try new varieties or share some of your own. Drop-in event. 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

FARMERS MARKET

• The Jackson county Farmers Market is from 9 a.m.noon each Saturday at Bridge Park on Railroad Ave. in Sylva. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org. 393.5236.

• A community tailgate market for local growers is open from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. 734.3434, info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• Haywood Historic Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m.noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the parking lot of HART Theatre in Waynesville. haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com or www.facebook.com/HaywoodHistoricFarmersMarket.

• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville (behind Bogart’s). 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will be on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at Bridge Park located in Sylva. Info: 393.5236. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or website jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• The ‘Whee Farmer’s Market is open from 4 p.m. to dusk every Tuesday at the University Inn on 563 N. Country Club Drive in Cullowhee, behind the entrance to the Village of Forest Hills off Highway 107 across from Western Carolina University. 476.0334. www.facebook.com/CullowheeFarmersMarket.

• The Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays on East Palmer Street across from Drake Software in Franklin. 349.2049 or alan_durden@ncsu.edu.

• Swain County Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays through October at the barn on Island Street in Bryson City. 488.3848 or Christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu.

COMPETITIVE E DGE

• The Mother’s Day 5K is May 14 at the Kituwah Mounds in Bryson City. 359.6783.

H IKING CLUBS

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate four-mile hike, with an elevation change of 800 feet, on Saturday, May 13. Hike is to Long Creek Falls in South Carolina at the confluence of Long Creek and the Chattooga River. Reservations: 864.784.2124.

Puzzles can be found on page 54. These are only the answers.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ESTATE SALE - WHOLE HOUSE

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EMPLOYMENT

BRYSON CITY PRESBYTERIAN

Church is seeking a Part Time Music Director and Accompanist.

Interested individuals are invited to send a resume to: PO Box 549, Bryson City, NC 28713.

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FTCC

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Business Administration Instructor, Business Administration/ Human Resources Management Instructor, Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor-Con. Ed Division, Director of Library Services, Latent Evidence/Criminal Justice Instructor, Senior Vice President for Business and Finance. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com

Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu

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EMPLOYMENT

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Is recruiting for a Social Work Supervisor. This position provides supervision for Child Welfare Services. Minimum training and experience requirements include a Master's degree from an accredited school of Social Work and two years of Social Work or counseling experience; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited school of Social Work and three years of Social Work or counseling experience; or a fouryear degree in a human services field and four years of Social Work or counseling experience; or graduation from a four-year college or university and five years of Social Work or counseling experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The salary range is $41,276.54 – $47,782.76, depending on education and experience. Requires availability by phone after hours and on weekends on a rotating basis. Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD-107) and submit it to Jackson County Social Services, 15 Griffin Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or the Sylva branch of the NC Division of Workforce Solutions as soon as possible.

LOCAL DRIVERS WANTED!

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NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

FTCC

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Automotive Systems Technology Instructor, Financial Accountant. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com

Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu

An Equal Opportunity Employer

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Is recruiting for a Social Worker in Child Protective Services. This position works with foster children and their families. The work requires limited availability after hours and on weekends on a rotating basis. The starting salary is $41,276.54 depending on education and experience.Minimum qualifications include a four year degree in a Human Service field. Preference will be given to applicants with a Master's or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and/or experience providing Social Work services. Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD-107) and submit it to Jackson County Social Services, 15 Griffin Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or the Sylva branch of the NC Division of Workforce Solutions as soon as possible.

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.

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS

- 4:00pm

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HOMES FOR SALE

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FURNITURE

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FINANCIAL

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD.

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LAWN & GARDEN

BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS

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SOCIAL SECURITY

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Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Beverly Hanks & Associates beverly-hanks.com

• Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com

• George Escaravage - gescar@beverly-hanks.com

• Randy Flanigan - randyflanigan@beverly-hanks.com

• Michelle McElroy - michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com

• Marilynn Obrig - marilynnobrig@beverly-hanks.com

• Brooke Parrott - brookeparrott@beverly-hanks.com

• Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com

• Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com

• Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com

• Pamela Williams - pamelawilliams@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com

• Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com

• Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com

Haywood Properties - haywoodproperties.com

• Steve Cox - info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com

• Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff.yourkwagent.com

• Yvonne Kolomechuk - yvonneksells.yourkwagent.com

• The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

Lakeshore Realty

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com

• Sammie Powell - smokiesproperty.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

Realty World Heritage Realty realtyworldheritage.com

• Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766

• Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com

• Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com

• Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com

• Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net

• Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com

• The Real Team - the-real-team.com

• Ron Breese - ronbreese.com

• Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

Rob Roland Realty

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

SuperCROSSWORD

Big name in elevators

State political bodies

GQ

Kong, e.g.

Koteas of “Crash”

100

110 Pal, to Jules

rig?

111 Big name in faucets

112 Process part

113 “As I see it,” online

115 Ending for percent

Harass

118 Like rabbis and shuls

122 PC shortcut used by inflation calculators?

127 Broad road

128 Celestial body circlers

129 Let the wind freshen

130 Not as bold

Deluge

Vagabonds

1 “October Sky” memoirist Homer 2 Eager volunteer’s repetitive response

Ballpoint tip

LUNG CANCER?

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ESTATE SALE - WHOLE HOUSE

1-Day Deluxe Sale, This Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Located at 155 Lambert Ln. (Last House on Street), Canton. 3 Bedrooms & 1 Bath plus Garge; Full of Everything and Must Go! Rain or Shine! Presented by Frog Pond Estate Sales and Downsizing

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. Answers on Page 50

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Even bad days can be good

This past weekend, May 6-7, was the 34th annual installment of the Great Smoky Mountains Birding Expedition (GSMBE.) The expedition began in 1984 as the brainchild of author, naturalist George Ellison of Bryson City, master birder Rick Pyeritz of Asheville and East Tennessee State University ornithologist and field guide author Fred Alsop.

Regular readers of “The Naturalist’s Corner” likely know this is one of my favorite weekends. Because of my work schedule I don’t get to make every one, but I have made many since around 2000 and I hope to make many more.

There are two primary objectives to the GSMBE — to record as many bird species as possible and to have as much fun as possible. A weekend afield with dear friends (old and new) plus getting to rub shoulders with birders like Pyeritz and Alsop ensure that both objectives are easily met.

The game plan hasn’t changed much in the 30 some odd years. A group of — now — slightly postmillennial birders meet at

Elizabeth Ellison’s gallery in downtown Bryson City around 9 a.m.

Now there is a band of rouge birders — those who live out of town but stay the weekend at Fryemont Inn. Usually one or two of these rogue birders will bird the grounds around the Inn before reporting to the studio. From the studio we take a walk around the wilds of Bryson City. The Inn and Bryson City generally provide 30 to 40 species of birds.

After Bryson City we head up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where we lunch at Collins Creek Picnic area. Next it’s up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Heintooga Road with stops along the way, then from Heintooga we head back to the lowlands and finish the day at Kituwah (old Ferguson Fields.)

The next morning we meet again at the crack of 9 a.m. at Nantahala Outdoor Center and bird through the gorge and around the Nantahala put-in.

The weather forecast was weighing heavily on our minds Saturday morning when we convened at the studio. We decided to shorten our walk in town so we would have time to stop at Oconaluftee Visitor Center on our way to Collins Creek.

Returning to the parking lot from our stroll around town, someone looked up and said, “There’s a hawk.” I put my binoculars up and was instantly face to face with a mature peregrine falcon. Just to make sure everyone got a good look the falcon made

We left Collins Creek and made one stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway before the rains came. After consultation with various weather maps — we’re postmillennial, not Luddites — it was decided that Kituwah might provide a respite from the rain. We got to the fields ahead of the rain and were promptly rewarded by a large flock of bobolinks (50-plus) in the front fields.

We made it around most of Kituwah before the rain came again and were able to add orchard oriole, blue grosbeak, yellowbreasted chat, whiteeyed vireo and whitecrowned sparrow to the list.

one lazy circle about 100 feet above us before drifting off towards the northwest.

We made it to Oconaluftee where we found eastern kingbirds and got nice looks at an adult red-shouldered hawk. Rain started falling at Oconaluftee but let up by the time we reached Collins Creek. We picked up a few wood warblers at Collins Creek during our “working” lunch, including blackburnian, black-throated green, hooded and ovenbird.

As soggy and abbreviated as it was, any day I have a peregrine falcon 100 feet above my head and a field full of bobolinks is a good day. The best birds Sunday were a pair of Swainson’s warblers that provided good looks in the Nantahala Gorge.

The trip list for this year’s GSMBE was a meager 88 species, but that other aspect of the trip — “having as much fun as possible” — was still at the top of the charts.

(Don Hendershot is a naturalist and a writer who lives in Haywood County. He can be reached at ddihen1@bellsouth.net