Baseball team for autistic youth planned in WNC Page 32
On the Cover:
Though the global market demand for recyclables is currently down, county governments in Western North Carolina encourage residents to continue their recycling efforts. Residents should also be more diligent about rinsing out their recyclables to prevent contamination, which leads to recyclable items ending up in the landfill. (Page 6) Cory Vaillancourt photo
News
Major expansion set to open at Pathways ..................................................................4
Charter school dismisses parent grievances ..........................................................11 Canton alderman resigns, leaves vacancy ................................................................12 Franklin cuts nonprofit funding from budget ............................................................13 Macon raises taxes to fund public education ..........................................................14 Health News ......................................................................................................................17
Opinion
Let’s encourage young adults to engage ..................................................................18
A&E
Rock Hall of Famer Denny Laine rolls through WNC ..........................................22
Outdoors
Baseball team for autistic youth planned in WNC ................................................32
As homelessness continues to rise in Western North Carolina, Haywood County’s innovative and effective adult shelter is about to cut the ribbon on a brand new dorm designed to be a place of refuge for a critically underserved population.
“Due to the fact Pathways could not house mothers and their children until now, this opens a whole new world to being able to help a family,” said Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher. “If you are on your way to a life transformation, you need to have, at the very least, the most basic needs met — especially when it comes to children. The completion of this project is a sign of this organization’s tireless dedication toward making Haywood County better.”
Christopher spearheaded a community coalition that turned a disused former state prison into a shelter back in 2014, with the aim of reducing recidivism. The numbers bear that out, but harder to measure is the impact Pathways has in keeping those who become homeless from first sliding down the oft-inevitable slope to eventual incarceration at taxpayer expense.
At that time, the two dorms at Pathways were segregated by gender and could only accommodate about 60 individuals, but no children.
As of June 17, Pathways’ overall capacity has increased to 96 with the opening of the new family shelter, exclusively for the use of women with children.
“I really like the way it turned out,” said Pathways Executive Director Mandy Haithcox of the two-story, 5,300 squarefoot modular building located on the Hemlock Street grounds. “The support of all the people who came in here made it look so homey.”
Each room in the 10-bedroom facility was “adopted” and decorated by a different community organization, including area church-
es, Beverly Hanks realtors, and local Rotarians with the Rotary Club at Western Carolina University, who outfitted the two computer labs with a quote from late former Chancellor David O. Belcher.
“Experience, knowledge and values are useless without DOING something,” it reads. “If this is the time to make the world better — and it is the time — what will I DO? Am I going to be a noun or a verb?”
Both of the 2,700 square-foot floors are nearly identical, but for the secure reception area up front and space for a caseworker just past the entrance. There’s a large community area with couches and a small kitchen, including refrigerator and locking cabinet space for each family. In addition to the computer labs, there are also two sets of washer/dryers for each floor.
As in the adult shelter, guests can stay in the family shelter for up to six months if they are a resident of Haywood County, aren’t a registered sex offender, can pass a drug screening and can follow program rules designed to give them the skills they need to live independently.
Unlike the shelter, walk-ups are not admitted, and some additional rules regarding child custody and visitors apply.
No taxpayer money was involved in procuring or erecting the $650,000 facility, and little to no taxpayer money goes into Pathways’ annual budget, the majority of which comes from private donations and churches. A recent fundraising drive in Waynesville’s Mountaineer newspaper set out with modest goals but ended up contributing more than $150,000 to the effort.
“There’s no debt on the building whatsoever, and we’re not making mortgage payments,” said Haithcox. “But our costs are going to go from about $35,000 a month to $40,000 a month for the whole operation, to add in these extra 36 beds and to staff it and run it.”
Haithcox said Pathways was already planning another project to ensure sustainable funding.
“A social enterprise,” she said. “But not another thrift store. There’s plenty, and they are helpful for those places, but that’s not us.”
Summer Camps for Ages 5 -13
June 24 - August 8
Afternoon & Evening Classes All Skills & Levels
Open Studio on Wednesdays 6:00 - 10:00pm
Greg Christopher
Each floor features a cozy community room and a shared kitchen. Cory Vaillancourt photo
All 10 bedrooms in Pathways’ new dorm are decorated thanks to community organizations. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Rep. Queen invites labor secretary to Oconaluftee
BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR
In an effort to save the Oconaluftee Job Corps Center from being shut down, N.C. Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, has invited state and congressional leaders to come see the center’s successes in person.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced May 24 that Oconaluftee would be one of nine CCC Job Corps centers nationwide slated for closure while another 16 centers, including LBJ Job Corps Center in Franklin, will be transitioning to private management.
Queen sent a letter last week inviting Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and his staff to join him for a tour of the Job Corps facility to reconsider its closure. The same offer was extended to North Carolina’s Republican Congressmen Sen. Richard Burr, Sen. Thom Tillis, Rep. Mark Meadows as well as N.C. Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin.
“The Oconaluftee Job Corps is an incredible benefit to the Cherokee Community,” said Queen. “The center is an incredible supporter of local small businesses, and it is a bright light in Western North Carolina.”
According to the press release, the USDA’s decision to get the Forest Service out of operating the centers was made after a close review of all CCC operations and performances. Of the 125 centers in the U.S., over 75 percent are already under private management while the remaining centers — located on federal lands — are operated by USDA or Forest Service staff.
“This action creates an opportunity to serve a greater number of students at higher performing centers at a lower cost to taxpayers by modernizing and reforming part of the Job Corps program,” the press release stated.
“The U.S. Department of Labor reviewed the CCCs performance and outcome measurements, internal controls, capacity and proximity, costs, and ongoing needs of each CCC against the overall Job Corps program to determine the best path forward.”
In his letter to Acosta, Queen pointed out that the Oconaluftee Job Corps Center, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is ranked 18 out of 124 centers in the nation. It’s top performance record is what makes it difficult to understand why Oconaluftee is on the chopping block.
The program at Oconaluftee provides atrisk youth ages 16-24 a chance to get their high school equivalency, learn important life skills and train in a high-demand trade. Modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps established during the Great Depression, the program has trained and educated more than 2 million students at more than 100 Job Corps centers across the country.
The Oconaluftee center also provides a workforce pipeline for regional industries like Asplungh, Blue Ridge Home Health Care, Coca-Cola Corporation, the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Forest
Service. With Job Corps center staff helping students with resumes and interview skills, students who graduate from the program have a great shot at landing good-paying jobs locally.
“In the past two years, 14 CNA-prepared students took jobs in nursing homes in Cherokee and Sylva. Another eight are working for Asplundh in Swain County, and even more have stayed in the area after finding permanent employment,” Queen wrote. “The Oconaluftee Job Corps is responsible for helping young adults find these good, quality jobs in rural towns and communities.”
Job Corps is also a highly utilized resource in the community as the students have completed hundreds of hours of volunteer labor for community projects.
In his letter to Acosta, Queen pointed out that the Oconaluftee Job Corps Center, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is ranked 18 out of 124 centers in the nation. It’s top performance record is what makes it difficult to understand why Oconaluftee is on the chopping block.
The announced Job Corps closures will result in the loss of more than 1,000 Forest Service positions. The Department of Labor is accepting public comment on the pending closures through July 1, which gives some people hope that Oconaluftee and others can be saved.
However, a student at the Oconaluftee Center told The Smoky Mountain News last week that students were already beginning to transfer to other centers while others were given departure dates. Everyone has been given notice to vacant the center by Aug. 31.
Job Corps supporters were given a little hope when Sen. Steve Daines made a call to President Donald Trump and convinced him to keep Anaconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center open because of its importance to the economy in southwest Montana.
The Smoky Mountain News reached out to the offices of Burr, Tillis and Meadows for comment on the issue but haven’t received a response.
To leave a comment regarding the closures, visit https://tinyurl.com/y5hptts4.
Quality Trailers, Quality Prices
HOW TO GET IRON IN YOUR DIET
Types of Iron: Heme (found in animal products) and nonheme (found in plant products and enriched grains). Heme iron is more readily absorbed by your body.
Sources of heme iron: Best sources of heme iron are red meat, pork, chicken, fish/seafood, poultry and eggs.
Sources of nonheme iron: iron-fortified cereals, tofu, beans, lentils, and dark green leafy vegetables.
How to increase absorption: Since nonheme iron is less easily absorbed, pair those foods with a source of vitamin C to help increase your body’s ability to absorb it.
For example:
1. Have berries with your iron-fortified breakfast cereal.
2. Add sliced oranges or citrus fruits to your kale salad.
3. Have 4-6 oz of a 100% fruit juice high in vitamin C with a meat-free meal.
How much do you need: (19-50 yrs old) Men-8mg/day; Women: 18mg/day (Pregnant women need more iron. Iron needs for women typically decrease after age 50)
Who may be deficient:
• If you are vegan or vegetarian or eat a primarily meat-free diet.
• Individuals who have had surgery or experienced blood loss from trauma.
• Women who are pregnant or menstruating.
• Individuals with celiac disease or those that have had gastric or bowel surgery.
Signs of deficiency: anemia, weakness, fatigue, pale skin, headaches.
Global market for recyclables is down in the dumps
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF W RITER
Local governments try to do their best in keeping recyclables out of local landfills, in part because it extends the life of the landfill and saves taxpayers money, and in part because of the tremendous energy savings realized when something like a glass bottle is made into a new glass bottle.
But those recyclables don’t just magically appear somewhere, ready for repurposing. They’re collected curbside or at convenience centers and then hauled to places like Haywood County’s Materials Recovery Facility, where they’re separated, stockpiled and shipped to sorters who sell to buyers.
Unfortunately, buyers aren’t always buying.
“You have to understand the recycling market,” said Kris Boyd, Haywood County’s development services director who also serves as solid waste administrator. “It’s just like all other economic drivers — some things are up, some things are down. Cardboard was always pretty good, but now it’s down a lot. By some accounts, it’s about 20 percent of what it used to be.”
In 1960, municipal solid waste generation was estimated to be about 88 million tons a year, according to global business data website Statista. That grew steadily to an estimated 265 million tons in 2015.
Of that 88 million tons in 1960, only 5.6 million tons of it was recycled, or about 6.4 percent. Thankfully, that number has grown through the years, with more than 25 percent of 2015’s trash — about 67 million tons — now being recycled.
Know before you throw Local waste management resources expensive, finite
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF W RITER
Most people don’t give a lot of thought to what happens when they throw something away, but the ecological and economic consequences of the western consumerist lifestyle don’t end when that bag, bottle or box hits the garbage can.
“So many people think, ‘It’s gone, I’ve thrown it away, it’s in the compactor in the convenience center,’ but that’s where the life starts, and where the expense starts,” said Kris Boyd, Haywood County’s development services director who also serves as the county’s solid waste administrator.
The story of Haywood County’s waste disposal process begins with two characters, affectionately referred to as “Wolf” and “Murph.” Wolf is the county’s White Oak Landfill — hence “WLF,” located in the Fines Creek area.
“It’s not a dump,” said Haywood County Manager Bryant Morehead. “There’s a lot of science behind everything.”
That’s led to a global waste recycling services industry that was valued at $265 billion in 2017 and is expected to grow to $377 billion through 2024.
That estimate, though, might have to be revised downward in light of a recent move by China, which had long been the biggest buyer of recyclables in the world.
After it joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, China began shipping consumer products across the world in shipping containers; rather than let the containers come across the Pacific Ocean back empty, Chinese firms began buying up all the recyclables they could.
Early in 2018, the Chinese government enacted a policy known as “National Sword” but also called “Green Sword.” The anti-pollution measures in that policy banned four categories of recyclable imports outright, and further demanded that imported recyclables be 99.5 percent free of contamination; even the best American firms only reach about 97 percent contamination-free loads.
As a result, demand for certain types of recyclables has plummeted, and recyclables that used to sell quickly can now languish for months.
“Some things now, there’s no market to recycle them,” said Boyd. “One of them is carpet. There used to be a market, now there’s nowhere to take it to recycle.”
According to Haywood County Recycling Coordinator Zondra Kuykendall, other things that used to be in high demand like the rigid plastics found in outdoor furniture aren’t as sought after as they once were. The same goes for plastic bags.
At least part of that is due to the emergence of cheap domestic shale oil that makes creating new plastics cheaper than at almost any time in history; recyclable plastic exports from the United States dropped from an all-time high of over 5 billion pounds in 2014 to less than 4 billion pounds by the beginning of National Sword.
Boyd says there’s still a market for electronics and televisions. Tires and computers, also still in demand, end up getting shipped to buyers in Northeast Georgia.
“We do recycle things, we just don’t have the markets very close for a lot of them,” Boyd said. “So we will stockpile them until there’s a tractor-trailer load, and ship that tractor trailer load in time.”
According to a CBS News report last fall, a bale of mixed paper used to go for about $100, but now it actually costs money — about $15 — to get rid of it.
The United States has no national recycling policy, so some municipalities have tried to find other markets in other countries for their recyclables, often to no avail, but some segments of the global market remain strong.
Last year, U.S. exports of scrap steel were up 18 percent over 2017, and scrap aluminum rose by 16 percent.
Still, some municipalities are being forced to dispose of some of their unrecyclable items in their local landfills.
“If there’s no market to recycle, that’s our only option,” Boyd said. “We prefer to recycle, obviously. But when that bell [curve] pops up on the other side, there will eventually be a place for it.”
True trash with no recyclables goes to WLF, where two of seven available cells have already been filled; at current rates of disposal, there’s at least another 30 years of use left in the site, which has a capacity of 160,000 cubic tons of trash per year.
All Haywood County municipalities use WLF, which is managed by private company Santec and is permitted by the state to accept waste from up to 18 surrounding counties, but currently only four — Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Jackson — have a contract with Santec to bring trash to the site. Santec collects a fee for that privilege, of which Haywood County receives a small percentage.
Madison and Jackson’s contributions are very small, according to Haywood County Program Administrator David Francis, but as WLF’s capacity is finite, county officials are doing everything they can to ensure its longevity.
“I’ve heard for years, that it would almost be impossible to permit a new [landfill], not specifically here, but anywhere in the state,” said Morehead. “But in North Carolina, we’re growing like crazy, so as a state we’ve got to figure out how to do a better job because — talking about NIMBYism, nobody wants a landfill in their back yard.”
That’s where “Murph” comes in. The Materials Recovery Facility — MRF — in Clyde accepts and attempts to process recyclables, to help keep things out of WLF that don’t belong there.
Those recyclables come from citizens dropping them off directly at MRF, from curbside pickups in municipalities or from one of the county’s 10 convenience centers.
Three convenience centers have recycling compactors — Mauney Cove, 209 and Hazelwood — but not every recyclable can go to the convenience centers. Things like TVs and tires have to go directly to MRF, but some convenience centers accept used oil and oil filters, compact fluorescent bulbs, antifreeze and other hard-to-dispose-of items.
“At some of our larger convenience centers, we’re trying to accept more things, but some like Hazelwood are so tight and compact, you can’t get anything else in there,” Boyd said.
But there are still lots of myths and misinformation out there about recycling in general — something Francis says the county is trying to counter.
RECYCLING
“Kris and Bryant and I have been working through some of these challenges, and we thought we needed to dedicate someone to that,” he said.
That someone is 19-year county employee Zondra Kuykendall, who recently added the title of “recycling coordinator” to her other county duties.
“There’s lots of efforts to really promote it more than we have in recent years,” said Boyd.
Kuykendall said she was about to embark on a public education campaign, including in schools, but also took the opportunity to dispel a lot of popularly held beliefs about what recyclables are and how they’re handled.
“We’re doing single-stream now, it all goes together, your cardboard, everything will go into that compactor together,” she said. “No plastic bags, no plastic film, anything that’s film-ish, Styrofoam, even if it’s got a number on it, we don’t take Styrofoam because we don’t have a way to process that.”
Even the term “single-stream” doesn’t mean what many people think it means.
“When we said single stream, everybody thought, ‘Oh, I’ll put my recycling and my
trash in the same can because it’s all together and they’ll sort it,’” she said. “General household recyclables — anything that you’re going to generate in your kitchen, in your bathroom, your bottles, cans paperboard, paper, toilet paper rolls, that kind of thing, that all goes together.”
The biggest misconception, though, about local recycling efforts isn’t the difference between single-stream and the county’s old dual stream system — it’s about contamination.
“That seems to be the single biggest thing we can address and educate the public on,” said Boyd. “That’s the single biggest thing we see, is the lack of understanding of what is a clean recyclable.”
Take a plastic Coke or Pepsi bottle, for example. If you throw it away with a small sip remaining, that bottle cannot be recycled. Even if you screw the cap back on the bottle before placing it in a recycling bin, if that bottle gets punctured in transit (possible) or in a compactor (probable), that sticky-sweet syrup will contaminate everything it touches, rendering other recyclables unrecyclable.
“People don’t understand how contaminated things can be,” Boyd said. “A pizza box — the grease on the bottom contaminates it. But if it’s clean on the top, you can rip that off. That’s why it’s perforated.”
Along those same lines, other unwashed recyclables aren’t actually recyclable — things like yogurt cups or cans that once contained meats and vegetables. Even Starbucks cups, which obviously have coffee on them, are contaminated — only the cardboard sleeves are recyclable, but at least the lifespan of that cup in a landfill is short, and it may have already been made from recycled paper in the first place.
Then there are the multi-component recyclables, like cereal boxes. The box is recyclable, but the bag inside is not, similar to the cardboard Amazon boxes that also contain unrecyclable plastic packets filled with air for shipping.
Such recycling mistakes nationally end up
contaminating upward of 25 percent of all materials bound for recycling.
“We hear one comment a lot — ‘I saw them dump a bunch of plastics in the landfill when I was out there.’ Well, you probably did,” Boyd said. “That’s the only place to dispose of it, if they become contaminated. People don’t understand contamination. If you don’t rinse that drink can or bottle and get that contamination out of that bottle, it
“[Contamination] seems to be the single biggest thing we can address and educate the public on. That’s the single biggest thing we see, is the lack of understanding of what is a clean recyclable.”
— Kris Boyd, Haywood County solid waste director
does go in the trash. It’s going to get kicked out. So you wasted your time putting it in a bag, you wasted your time putting it in the recycle compactor, we wasted our time trying to haul it to Curbside [an Asheville-based sorting center] when it gets kicked out because of contamination.”
Kuykendall said that the state does not allow certain recyclable items to enter a landfill.
“We have a cardboard ban, a tire ban, a plastic bottle ban and aluminum ban,” she said. “By law, you can’t knowingly throw them in the landfill, but once it’s contaminated, it’s not a recyclable. I get a lot of people who just leave things dirty, [saying,] ‘It’s going to end up in the landfill anyway.’ That’s the mentality we’re trying to change. If it goes to the landfill, you bury it once, but you’re paying for it forever. Instead of paying for 50
years to have that bottle sit in the landfill, give it a quick rinse, and it’s going to become something else.”
There’s also the misconception that Haywood County is being used as a dumping ground for out-of-state trash.
“We can’t take anything from out of state,” Kuykendall said. “So even as close as it is, we can’t take anything from Tennessee.”
Boyd said he gets complaints like that regularly.
“I’ve heard people say, ‘I just saw a truck with Florida or Georgia plates [full of trash headed for Haywood County],’” said Boyd. “Well, Waste Management has lots of tags on lots of vehicles. We hear that a lot about tags from Louisiana.”
Francis said that even if it were allowed, transporting trash isn’t cost effective after about 70 miles. Finding cost-effective solutions is in everyone’s interest — in fiscal year 2019, the county spent $6.37 million on its waste management operations at WLF, MRF and the convenience centers. This year, the county will spend $6.42 million.
There aren’t really many other options on the table for reducing the amount of waste that goes into the finite confines of WLF, so ensuring the public is knowledgeable about the limits of Haywood’s system seems to be the wisest thing to do.
“There’s always something,” Boyd said of emerging technologies in recycling. “Folks talk about incineration, and there is a mechanism for recycling Styrofoam, but the cost for a private investor is enormous.”
That, coupled with the county’s current investment in WLF and MRF, means that the way Haywood County handles its waste is unlikely at any time in the foreseeable future.
“We set a path with buying that much land for the landfill, and opening it with seven projected cells over the life of that,” said Boyd. “We’re only in cell three out of seven, so there’s 30-plus years of life. The ‘cutting edge’ is not enough, or not cheap enough, to warrant throwing away that investment.”
Blocks of baled paper sit inside the warehouse at MRF. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Several refrigerators await their eventual fates outside MRF in Clyde. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Market is down, but Macon County recycling continues
BY J ESSI
While the global market for recyclable materials can fluctuate month to month, Macon County residents are encouraged to continue utilizing the county’s recycling program.
Recycling Director Shaun Cribbs said the county doesn’t make much money off recycled items in a downward market, but the department is still able to move the items out of the county without adding more to the county’s landfill.
“We are making some money off some items but not nearly as good as it used to be,” he said. “With the current market it’s not as good as it used to be as far as exporting overseas — they’re not taking as much product as they used to so it’s flooded the domestic market and drove prices way down.”
Back when Cribbs started working with the recycling center last November, the county was getting about $100 a ton for cardboard but now it’s down to $40 a ton. Glass and mixed paper was bringing in about $5 to $10 a ton but right now it’s basically at zero because there’s no market for it right now — some places are even having to pay to get rid of those items as opposed to making a little money.
“Metals are still holding strong and No. 1 and 2 plastics we’re getting about 5 to 10 cents a pound but scrap plastic is about a penny a pound,” Cribbs said. “It’s definitely not enough to cover the expenses of bailing, shipping out and paying our employees but it keeps it out of the landfill, which saves taxpayers in the long run.”
Macon County has had a recycling program in place as long as it’s had the landfill — well over 20 years — but unlike some other towns and counties Macon County hasn’t transitioned to single stream recycling where all recyclables can be mixed together and sorted later at the processing center. There is no curbside residential pick up for recycling either — residents have to sort their own recycling before taking it to one of the coun-
ty’s convenience centers to be placed in separate bins.
“Macon County is just too rural and spread out for a single stream system or pick up,” he said. “But our residents do a good job and try to recycle. Tourism generates a lot of recyclable goods in the warmer months as well. If they have any questions they can give us a call and all our centers have attendants who are there to help.”
The convenience centers accept cardboard, plastics, clear and colored glass, aluminum, steel, mixed paper, batteries, electronics, carpet and shingles. Once those recycles are brought to the processing center at the landfill, they’re sorted, weighed and sold off to several different sources.
RECYCLING
“We bale the cardboard and sort mix paper and plastics, aluminum, etc. — for all the material we have a shipping company we use to come get it. Some might go overseas, cardboard goes to Jackson Paper, mixed paper is shipped out to different mills, No. 1 and 2 plastics goes to American Recycling in Enka/Candler; glass is sent to Atlanta usually and we have a deal worked out with a local scrapyard to pick up scrap metal,” Cribbs said.
While Haywood County has been holding on to some of its recyclables waiting for the market to improve some, Cribbs said Macon doesn’t make a habit of letting items sit around for long even if the county isn’t going to get as much money out of it.
“Macon County has an ordinance that says no cardboard is to go in the landfill — that means all businesses have to recycle cardboard so we’re baling cardboard every day,” he said. “We can’t sit on it — we’ve got to move it.”
Just like other counties, Macon does experience some challenges when soiled recyclable items make it to the processing center. Greasy pizza boxes or jars that aren’t cleaned out well can contaminate the whole batch or
Single stream increases recycling in Swain
BY J ESSI STONE
N EWS E DITOR
Swain County has had a recycling program in place since the 1990s, but a recent change over to a singlestream recycling program has increased participation among residents.
Single-stream recycling allows residents to dump all of their recyclables — paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, etc. — into one bin that is later separated out and processed by county employees.
“We were using a separation system but switched over to single-stream about two years ago,” said Swain County Manager Kevin King. “And we’ve done a lot more recycling since we bought the large compactors and went singlestream.”
attract flies, bees and other pests while sitting in the yard waiting to be hauled off site.
“It can be a huge problem if household trash gets thrown in the cardboard bin — we can’t bale soiled cardboard,” Cribbs said. “It takes more time and more money for our guys to go through and try to separate it out than it’s worth and it will end up in the landfill. If there’s flies in the trailer when the shipping company comes to pick it up, they’ll reject the whole trailer.”
Even though the market is down right now, Cribbs said it’s expected to rebound in the coming months and encourages residents and visi-
Unlike other counties, Swain only has one convenience center for trash and recycling drop offs located on Old U.S. 19 in Bryson City. While the center used to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for convenience, the county had to begin setting hours at the site two years ago after spending about $350,000 to better secure the site with a fence and to purchase new trash and recycling compactors.
The problem was mostly with illegal dumping — people bringing their trash and recycling from other counties. Now the center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Swain County accepts all recyclable materials but there is a fee for certain items, including TVs and other electronics.
“One year we had 10,000 TVs recycled because we let people bring them for free — we think people were bringing them to us from other counties,” King said. “So we had to start charging a $5 fee because we do have to pay to get rid of those.”
Like others in the region, King said sometimes the
tors to Macon County to continue to recycle.
“We’ve had folks say, ‘why are we recycling because it all goes in the landfill’ and that’s definitely not true. We do our best to promote reducing, reusing and recycling,” he said. “By the end of July and early August the market is supposed to come back. Recycling efforts are not being overlooked — everything is being processed and hopefully turned into something else.”
For more information about recyclable items accepted in Macon County or convenience center locations, visit www.maconnc.org/ solid-waste-recycling.html.
county makes money or at least breaks even on some recyclable items while other items can cost more to ship off because of the current market.
“For example, plastics — China isn’t accepting all of it like it used to — but we’re still doing good on cardboard and metals,” he said.
Either way, it’s worth it to the county to try to keep trash out of the landfill because it saves on sanitation costs. Other counties have their own landfills, but Swain County hauls its trash to Homer, Georgia, which means the county has to absorb transportation costs and has to pay per ton to dump its waste in Homer.
Recent legislation passed in Georgia will have Swain paying three times more in tipping fees when taking trash to Homer. King said the county has been paying 50 cents per ton and it could go up to $1.50 per ton. The county is also looking at the possibility of hauling its trash to Haywood County’s landfill instead to save money (see story on page 6).
For more information on Swain’s recycling program, visit www.swaincountync.gov/waste-management.html.
Richard Greene helps sort cardboard at the Cartoogechaye recycling center in Macon County. Bob Scott photo
‘Zero Waste’ group forms in Haywood
BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR
Recycling is great but there is more people can do if they want to keep trash out of the landfill — don’t produce as much trash.
Waynesville resident Tatia Childers — a certified sustainability consultant and zerowaste coach who recently received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in health and wellness with an emphasis in environmental science — is trying to raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste by starting a Toward Zero Waste chapter for Haywood County.
“Once I started having children, like all parents, I wanted to leave a healthy planet for them when I die. I feel like I can’t truly tell them that I love them if I’m not willing to do everything I can to make sure that happens. Love isn’t about convenience. It’s about doing the difficult — or inconvenient things — no matter what,” Childers said.
The mission of Toward Zero Waste, a statewide organization, is to create “a North Carolina where individuals, families, businesses and local governments are mindful of the waste they create and take active steps to drastically minimize landfill contributions.” The organization is working toward a state where reusing, refilling, repairing, composting and bringing-your-own become the norm, where recycle bins are used only when necessary and were garbage bins are used as a last resort.
While the market for recyclables varies throughout the year and you may not be sure what is actually recycled and what ends up in the landfill anyway, Childers said it’s much easier for people to simply reduce the trash they create in the first place.
“Recycling is a business, so if there is no market for the materials that we send to be recycled it’s because not enough people and businesses are demanding recycled products. The more we demand recycled products, the more they will be produced, creating more demand for recyclable materials,” she said. “However, even recycling isn’t the pinnacle of what we should be doing. Recycling should be our last choice. If we can get out of the mindset that by sending anything to be recycled, we’re doing our part, that would be a huge step in the right direction.”
Childers wants people to go beyond recycling and that means changing the way you shop, how you cook and how you store items at home. People have to rethink everything from using disposable plastic bags at the grocery store to the packaging food comes in at the store or in a take out container.
“Opting for things that are reusable, thrifted, repaired, etc. first should be the go-
to, rather than something that is disposable because when something is thrown away, there really is no ‘away — it has to go somewhere,” she said.
To get the group going, Childers started a Facebook page that has about 25 members right now. Anyone looking to learn more about sustainability and ways to reduce their waste is welcome to join the group. So far, the group has been communicating online but there will be a Toward Zero Waste Happy Hour Mixer at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5, in the Birdie Room at the Waynesville Inn.
“When we moved here, I loved the town of Waynesville’s tagline of ‘progress with vision,’ but then was dismayed to see that being environmentally responsible didn’t seem to be very high on the list of priorities,” she said. “That’s why I volunteered to lead the Toward Zero Waste Haywood County Facebook group. It’s a place where residents can share resources, provide support for one another in their Zero Waste journey, ask questions, and band together to create change in our beautiful corner of the world.”
Childers encourages residents to find alternatives to the items that can’t be recycled and to stop using one use plastics like water bottles, containers and straws. Those items can easily be replaced with reusable bottles, reusable containers and metal straws. Making those simple changes will eliminate the need to recycle and also save you money.
“I’m happy to come and talk to groups, businesses, or other organizations if they would like to get started on their journey,” she said. “I know it can seem overwhelming at first, but with a strategic, step-by-step plan, I know that anyone can make simple changes and different choices. Sometimes the problem is simply not knowing that other options are available, so I do my best to help.”
Search for Toward Zero Waste Haywood County and ask to join the group to be a part of the movement or visit www.towardzerowaste.org to find out more.
Tatia Childers.
Haywood Habitat
holds annual meeting
Haywood Habitat for Humanity will conduct its Annual Meeting at noon Wednesday, June 26, in the Faith Classroom at First United Methodist Church-Waynesville.
The meeting includes lunch and is free and open to the public. A reservation is required. The past year’s milestones will be celebrated, new board members will be voted in, and outgoing board members recognized.
Call 828.452.7960 to make a reservation no later than Friday, June 21. For more information, visit www.haywoodhabitat.org.
Political debates in Cherokee
The Cherokee One Feather will be hosting televised debates involving candidates for Principal Chief, Vice Chief, Tribal Council seats, and School Board. Dates are as follows:
n Thursday, June 20 — Cherokee County/Snowbird, Paintttown Council candidates
n Tuesday, June 25 — Wolfetown and Yellowhill Council candidates
n Thursday, June 27 — Vice Chief and Principal Chief candidates n Tuesday, July 9 — Board of Education seats
The debates will start at 5 p.m. at the Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the Cherokee Central Schools campus. These events are open to the public. The events will be broadcast via tribal cable and streamed viawww.ebci.com.
Haywood takes precaution amid measles outbreak
BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR
As public health officials continue to monitor the measles outbreak across the nation, Haywood County Schools will be taking more precautions during the next school year to ensure the outbreak doesn’t impact the student population.
As of yet, there have been no known measles cases in North Carolina, said Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte, adding that the school system would continue to communicate with public health officials as they monitor this developing communicable disease situation. Nolte also said there would be a policy update pertaining to measles for the coming school year.
“If a measles case is identified among Haywood County Schools’ students during the 2019-20 school year, the diagnosed student will be removed from school based upon recommendations from the attending physician and public health officials,” he said. “Additionally, any students who do not have valid documented measles vaccinations will be removed from the diagnosed student’s school.”
Approximately 60 students in Haywood County Schools do not have valid documentation of measles vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
recommends, “Persons who continue to be exempted from or who refuse measles vaccination should be excluded from school, childcare, or other institutions until 21 days after rash onset in the last case of measles.”
North Carolina law requires immunizations for every child in the state and every parent or guardian is responsible for ensuring that their children receive required immunizations unless the parent receives a medical or religious exemption.
If a parent with a religious exemption decides to get just one vaccination for their child, the exemption is voided. Some students receive a medical exemption because of compromised immune systems. However, there is no form or proof required to receive a religious exemption — parents just have to claim it.
According to the Associated Press, New York was recently the first state to do away with the religious exemption for vaccine requirements for school-aged students. The action was prompted by the nation’s worst measles outbreak in decades with more than 1,000 illnesses reported. Another 45 states also have similar exemption laws and several legislatures are considering similar legislation to do away with them.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate is still a very controversial topic with impassioned
Cemetery decorations continue on North Shore
opinions on both sides of the issue. The school system received more than 60 comments on the press release when it was posted on Facebook. Some parents were angry at the school system’s announcement while others insisted all students should have to be vaccinated unless they have a legitimate allergy.
“There is no legitimate excuse other than life threatening allergy that should exempt you from being vaccinated. The fear mongering throughout society of the risk of a child’s development of a learning disability or a mental illness is ridiculous,” said AmandaMagnum Rathbone. “If a person experiences an allergic reaction to the vaccine that is a legitimate excuse but in this century there are ways to combat even the worst reaction. I myself am allergic to the DTap vaccine and can’t have it. However my children were vaccinated! Not vaccinating your child to me should be considered neglect. You are endangering the welfare of that child and every other child who has immune deficiencies.”
Other parents said there are plenty of viruses that go around the schools that don’t have a vaccine — hand, foot and mouth disease, mono, strep and staph — and that it’s no one else’s business why a parent decides not to vaccinate.
“Maybe parents of kids with compromised immune systems should start their own private school?” said Casey Morgan. “Don’t worry about other kid’s medical status. Worry about your own child. Absolutely no one in this state has to disclose that information.”
The North Shore Cemetery Association will be hosting decorations at Bone Valley and Hall Cemeteries on Sunday, June 23, with the first boat leaving at 8:30 a.m. and the last boat leaving at 10 a.m. from the Cable Cove Boating Access Area off of NC 28 near Fontana Village. Participants are asked to wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for hiking and outdoor activities. Decorations are held rain or shine. You may bring a dish or two to share with those who ‘potluck’ or provide your own lunch and drinks. Plates and tableware are provided. Pets are not allowed in accordance with national park rules and regulations.
Shining Rock holds illegal meeting to dismiss parent grievances
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF W RITER
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of stories on Haywood County’s public charter school, Shining Rock Classical Academy, which has been beset by a host of academic and organizational problems since opening in 2015.
The results of an investigation conducted by Shining Rock Classical Academy’s board-appointed attorney into grievances filed against Shining Rock Interim Head of School Joshua Morgan — dismissing all claims against him — were presented to and accepted by Shining Rock’s governance committee during an illegal meeting in which public notice laws were violated.
“I’m not surprised. It’s not the first time they’ve done it,” said Melissa Taylor, one of three women who filed grievances with the Shining Rock board May 8 alleging improper disciplinary procedures by Morgan. “I would think they would be happy to let everybody know that their lawyer decided that nothing was done wrong, but at the same time, I think they didn’t want any of it to come to light in the first place.”
In North Carolina, all public bodies are subject to a suite of transparency laws that govern everything from public records to open meetings.
“Charter schools are subject to the open meetings law. The law applies to all public bodies, and it lists examples, which include committees,” said Frayda Bluestein, the David M. Lawrence Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government at the UNC’s School of Government. “So, a committee of a public body is itself a separate public body and all of the requirements apply.” Taylor, along with Kelley Messer and Laura Arrington, received emails from Shining Rock Board Chair Michelle Haynes on June 7 that read, “... Shining Rock Classical Academy Governance Committee, in a special meeting held on June 6, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., unanimously approved the general findings, conclusions, and recommendations presented by the Grievance Facilitator to the Committee in closed session of that meeting.”
Notice requirements are different for different types of meetings — regular, special and emergency. In this case, the required notice for the special June 6 meeting should have been emailed to what’s called a “sunshine list” at least 48 hours prior.
Anyone can ask any public body to be included on the sunshine list, but usually the lists consist mostly of media outlets. Two separate Smoky Mountain News email accounts should have received the required notice of the meeting, but neither did.
The Smoky Mountain News reached out to other media outlets on the list, several of which confirmed that they hadn’t received the required email notification of the meeting, either.
Since its inception in 2015, Shining Rock has run afoul of open meetings laws a number of times — after a closed session dealing with property acquisition in July, 2015, prior to the resignation of founding School Director Ben Butler in October, 2017, and then again because of inclement weather in January 2018.
During that same time period, Haywood County Schools failed to comply with open meeting laws once — around the same time, for the same reason and in the same fashion as Shining Rock did in 2018.
At its next meeting, the HCS board acknowledged that it “may have” inadvertently violated state law, and then voted to “redo” all actions taken at the previous meeting to ensure the decisions made at the illegal meeting couldn’t be challenged.
Smoky Mountain News reached out to Haynes June 12 to ask about the June 6 governance committee meeting. When she responded June 17, she referred us to SRCA’s lawyer in Charlotte.
The board’s attorney David R. Hostetler said the board did post notice of the meeting on the school’s website — under the regular school calendar tab — and claimed the board posted a physical paper notice at the school, but did fail to send an email notification out to the sunshine list.
“It doesn’t appear that any email notice was sent out,” he said in an email. “If it was required and we missed it, it was an unintended oversight and we will work to correct that for the future.”
Per G.S. 143-318.16, in North Carolina any citizen has standing to ask for relief in the courts over violations of open meeting laws, including but not limited to a judicial order to comply with meeting notice requirements in the future and the invalidation of any actions taken during such illegal meetings.
“Going into it, especially with the members of the grievance committee who are also members of the school board — who we have publicly called out as corrupt — I really didn’t think anything was going to come of this investigation,” said Taylor. “I was hopeful. So I’m not surprised, but I am disappointed.”
Taylor had alleged multiple instances of Morgan allowing “his temper to control his actions,” resulting in her children and other students not feeling safe.
Hostetler’s summary again recommended no disciplinary action, but did say that the board should remind Morgan “to ensure that his disciplinary practices are proportionate to the circumstances and consistent with school values and best practices. And as a reasonable precaution, his discipline of students should also be generally monitored, accordingly, subject to invited feedback from peer observers (e.g., fellow administrators), and that it be one focal part of his job performance evaluations.”
Arrington’s grievance was dismissed because she couldn’t corroborate improper statements allegedly made to her child by Morgan, who denied any such statements were made. Arrington said the board was “standing behind” Morgan.
It’s also not unheard of for defendants to bear the cost of the plaintiff’s litigation in such suits, or for board members to be fined personally. A search of the county’s court database indicated that no such actions have ever been filed against Shining Rock.
As upset as they are about the June 6 meeting they knew nothing about, Messer and Taylor are even more disturbed by the results of the investigation into their grievances against Morgan, which was conducted by Hostetler.
Hostetler, whose annual contract was recently renewed by the board, was appointed as a grievance facilitator by Shining Rock’s grievance committee to conduct the investigation into the grievances, including Messer’s allegation that Morgan had used “improper physical contact and force” when disciplining her child.
His summary was that “the evidence fails to show that Mr. Morgan violated any policy or law, or otherwise acted improperly or unreasonably under the circumstances. Therefore, it is determined and recommended that no disciplinary action against Mr. Morgan is warranted.”
“I wasn’t surprised at what happened,” said Messer. “I didn’t expect the board to take any disciplinary action. I mean, everybody knows it happened, but his side of it is that he’s trying to say he was justified in doing it, so them not taking any disciplinary action is like saying it’s OK.”
Taylor thinks the investigation was biased and flawed from the start.
“That was my main concern,” she said. “They pay [Hostetler’s] salary, so how impartial can you be?”
She added that although she was upset about Hostetler’s findings, she wasn’t surprised.
A number of teachers and board members also stood behind the embattled Morgan, offering testimonials to his leadership and ability at a recent board meeting, on social media, and in the opinion section of The Smoky Mountain News.
Others, including former co-workers from as far away as South Carolina, supported the claims made against Morgan in the grievances.
Shortly before the grievances were filed, Morgan emerged as a leading candidate for the school director position recently vacated by Nathan Duncan, who was terminated by the board amidst allegations of sexual harassment that Hostetler found credible during his investigation.
On May 7, the day before the grievances were filed, then-Chair Anna Eason said she’d hoped to make a decision on the school director position on May 23. Two weeks later, current Chair Michelle Haynes said the board would wait to fill the position until Hostetler’s findings were presented.
The email sent to Arrington, Messer and Taylor along with Hostetler’s report said that the findings were “reviewed and accepted by [Governance Committee] members” and that “the conclusions contained therein represent a final decision in this matter.”
“It is what it is,” said Messer, who works for Buncombe County Child Protective Services and has also contacted the Waynesville Police Department about her allegations. “All I can do is wait for the investigation with the police department to finish up and see what happens there, and if not, then take other legal actions. It’s not right, and it won’t end. He’s had similar situations in other schools, so it’s not the first time and if something’s not done it’s not going to be the last.”
Shining Rock’s next regularly scheduled board meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at the school, located at 1023 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville.
Canton alderman resigns
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF W RITER
Just 18 months after winning the second of two open alderman seats in the town of Canton, James Markey told the Canton Board of Aldermen/Women June 13 that he was resigning his office due to a change in residency.
“This past fall, Bethany and I both received and accepted positions an hour from our home on Haywood Drive. In the months following, after much prayer and discussion, my wife and I concluded that our lives were taking a turn that we could not have anticipated two years ago,” Markey said. “Through prayerful consideration we concluded our time living in Canton must come to an end.”
Canton’s board lauded Markey, who wasn’t seated with the rest of the board when
the meeting was called to order but instead addressed Mayor Zeb Smathers, Mayor Pro Tem Gail Mull, Alderman Dr. Ralph Hamlett and Alderwoman Kristina Smith from the podium.
Markey, who changed his voter registration to a Hendersonville address that same day, said his time as an alderman had been “truly rewarding” and something he would cherish.
“I’ll not call you alderman any longer,” Smathers told him. “I’ll simply call you friend.”
Hamlett, professor emeritus of political science and Brevard College, said he’d learned a lot from Markey, the board’s only non-Democrat. Markey ran as an unaffiliated candidate in 2017.
“Sitting next to me, at meetings, you informed my thinking,” Hamlett said. “This board is better off because of you. The town of Canton is.”
Mull said she was grateful for Markey’s contributions to the board.
“We appreciate everything you’ve done, everything you accomplished,” she said. “We wish you well and may God go with you.”
Rounding out the praise was Smith, who
“This past fall, Bethany and I both received and accepted positions an hour from our home on Haywood Drive. Through prayerful consideration we concluded our time living in Canton must come to an end.”
— James Markey
came in during the same election as Markey.
“Thank you for your service. If there is one word to describe you, it would be that. Service — to community, your church, your faith and your family,” she said. “I appreciate your time and your friendship on this board.”
Markey’s departure leaves the town with the option of appointing someone to the open seat, or leaving it vacant.
“The candidate filing period will open as usual July 5, but with a vacancy for a twoyear unexpired term, regardless of if the town appoints someone or not, or when that happens,” said Robbie Inman, director of
HealthPATH
the Haywood County Board of Elections.
To Smathers’ way of thinking, it’s best not to let Markey’s seat remain empty until the election.
“I understand the ease in leaving the seat vacant until November, but personally, I would rather have a full board that fulfills its obligation to represent our citizens and voice their concerns as provided in our charter,” he said. “We are good as a three-member board, but better with four. “
If appointment becomes the way to go, Smathers hopes for a quick but thorough search.
“I suspect it will involve some type of application procedure,” Smathers said. “But it is important to me that our process is open and efficient. It is my preference to have someone in that seat by the first of August, if not sooner.”
Whoever is appointed to the board could opt to run and serve out the rest of Markey’s remaining four-year term, or decide against it. In 2017, Markey narrowly beat Carl Cortright 187-179. Cortright said he wasn’t sure if he’d run.
“It all depends on what the board does next with that seat,” he said.
Hamlett and Mull have already said they would stand for re-election to their four-year seats in the General Election, which will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Dr. Consky Sylva
Dr. Burgon Waynesville
Dr. Warburton Waynesville
James Markey
Franklin cuts nonprofit funding from budget
BY J ESSI STONE
N EWS E DITOR
The town of Franklin’s adopted 2019-20 budget will not include funding for local nonprofit organizations as it has in the past.
The town typically allocates $40,000 a year for the nonprofit funding pool, which provides up to $5,000 grants for nonprofits through an application process. Then those applicants come before the town council in September to plead their case for funding. Though the funding pool has been a major help to struggling nonprofits trying to provide much needed services to residents, it’s also received a good amount of criticism in recent years.
Franklin resident Angela Moore has appeared before the town council for several years in a row asking the town to stop donating taxpayer dollars to nonprofits of their choice. While she didn’t speak at the public hearing for the budget this year, council had already decided to reallocate the $40,000 elsewhere in the budget.
The town council members have gone back and forth on the issue — realizing it’s controversy and also knowing those local nonprofits that receive town funding are providing valuable services to the town’s citizens that the town isn’t able to provide. Some of the nonprofits that have received funding
Besides the questionable role of government in funding nonprofit charities, Scott said it was difficult for council members to remain objective in the decision-making process because most are involved in community work and have nonprofits they support more than others.
“I feel like that money we had in the budget could probably go to serving a greater good of the town,” he said.
Councilmember David Culpepper said the question had been brought up during past budget talks but that this year everyone seemed on board with finally doing away with the nonprofit pool.
“I think everybody had an idea of what they wanted to do with money instead and also the thinking was it might not be ethical to tax people and dole out the money how six people see fit,” Culpepper said. “Not that I don’t want to support nonprofits, but I’d like the town to find another way to help support them.”
He would like to see the town help facilitate some kind of event downtown where funds from a dunk booth or some type of auction could go to support local charities. He said he’d be more than willing to let people dunk him or to take a pie in the face for a good cause.
Councilmember Barbara McRae said the nonprofit pool was originally created to cut down on groups coming before the board every month asking for different funding requests. At least this way there was one pot of money and one application process for everyone once a year, but still it became too cumbersome.
from the town include Appalachian Animal Rescue Center, Macon County Arts Council, Community Care Clinic, KIDS Place, Macon County Care Network, Macon County Historical Society Museum, Macon New Beginnings, Read2Me, Scottish Tartans Museum and the Literacy Council.
While all these organizations are working to address things like affordable health care, homelessness, rehoming stray animals, literacy and child abuse, the town council was finding it more difficult each year to pare down the requests.
The council is also trying to maintain a low property tax rate while continuing to meet the increasing costs of running a town.
Franklin Mayor Bob Scott said choosing which nonprofits to fund became challenging and that perhaps it shouldn’t be a government’s role to choose which charities to support.
“If we can’t fund them all, we begin to make enemies. We were trying to cut back everyone’s request trying to equalize it to give everyone and it doesn’t work,” Scott said.
“And also I’m just not sure if we should be in the business of deciding who deserves it more.”
In 2017, the town had 13 local charities requesting a total of $52,250. In 2016, there were $58,000 in requests compared to $66,000 in requests for 2015.
“A part of me hates see it go because it really helped some nonprofits but questions always questions arise and you have your friends there asking for money. It’s a hard decision. How do you judge what’s more important — literacy or food?” she said.
So, where was the $40,000 shifted to in the budget? It doesn’t seem to be allocated to specific line items yet, but Town Manager Summer Woodard mentioned a few ideas council members had brought forward, including putting $15,000 toward a public art project and $20,000 to perhaps partnering with the county to hire an addiction specialist to work with inmates in the jail.
Franklin isn’t the only government body that has supported nonprofit causes in Western North Carolina. Macon County recently approved its community funding pool within the 2019-20 budget. The county also has an application process but has a separate committee to review the proposals and recommend allocation amounts for the commissioners to approve. The county used to budget $50,000 a year for the CFP, but increased it to $75,000 in 2017. Requests to the county for funding have come in over $150,000 a year.
The Town of Waynesville also has a similar grant funding program for nonprofits providing valuable services to its residents, though the allocations have decreased in recent years and the application process has become more competitive. In the 2017-18 budget, the town allocated $119,000 compared to $163,000 in 2016-17.
Macon County Arts Council is one of many nonprofit organizations that requests funding from the town of Franklin each year. File photo
Macon County raises taxes to fund public education
BY J ESSI STONE
N EWS E DITOR
The property tax rate in Macon County will be increasing by half a cent after commissioners approved a 2019-20 budget that puts additional funding toward public education.
While County Manager Derek Roland’s original budget presentation didn’t include several of the school system’s requests, ongoing budget talks helped convince commissioners that certain items couldn’t wait another year — and the county can’t depend on the state to fund those needs.
“This small increase — and it is relatively small though it might not be to some folks, we realize that — we decided a long time ago that regardless of what Raleigh does or what Washington does it’s gonna come back to this board to keep our schools viable and we’ve tried to do that,” said Commissioner Ronnie Beale.
Roland had an updated budget proposal for the board during a June 11 meeting that included a few of the most essential items for the school system. The original plan was to take $310,000 from the school’s capital outlay budget and allocate it to funding the current STEM coordinator position ($75,000); Macon County Early College ($75,000); teacher assistant supplement pay ($60,000) and the increased cost of operations ($100,000).
However, the final budget keeps the $310,000 in the schools’ capital budget while also funding all of those items plus two additional STEM teaching positions for Macon County Schools for a total of $415,000.
The additional half-penny property tax increase will generate an estimated $419,000, which will be enough to cover the extra school budget expenses. Macon’s property tax rate will increase from 36.9 cents per
$100 of assessed value to 37.4 cents of assessed value.
Commissioner Karl Gillespie said he also supported increasing funds to enhance the school system’s STEM program because it was important for the students’ future and also the future workforce of Macon County.
“I don’t want a tax increase any more than anyone else but I also realize that’s how things are funded,” he said. “We need to be educating our kids to be able to perform globally and the funding in this budget goes a long way to doing that.”
Commission Chairman Jim Tate said the board hasn’t raised taxes in the eight years he has served as a commissioner yet the cost of doing business has continued to increase — everything from pay increases, cost of school construction, and other unfunded mandates handed down from the state level.
“I commend our county staff for what they’ve held together with a flat tax rate — it’s amazing we haven’t had an increase in that time,” he said. “Both of my children are in the public school system and personally I want to see us do all we can. We want to provide them what they need to be successful.”
Commissioner Gary Shields, a former high school principal, was also supportive of the additional funding for the schools, especially for the STEM coordinator and the two new STEM teachers. A Golden Leaf grant has funded the STEM coordinator position for the last couple of years but that funding has run out. He wants to see STEM continue in the schools and also see it grow to meet the increased demand. Right now with only one coordinator for the entire school district of 4,000 students, she can only do so much. Most of the STEM program opportunities are offered after school and the one class at the high school has a long waiting list. Hiring two new STEM teachers will allow more students
Helping Seniors With Their Needs
The additional half-penny property tax increase will generate an estimated $419,000, which will be enough to cover the extra school budget expenses. Macon’s property tax rate will increase from 36.9 cents per $100 of assessed value to 37.4 cents of assessed value.
to access the program.
“I’m serving 11 schools in K through 12, working with SCC, writing grants, trying to fund after school programs and something’s gotta give,” said STEM Coordinator Jennifer Love. “These positions would move the program forward to get students ready for careers in the changing world. The demand is there. We had 56 students sign up for the one computer science class and have 192 students on the waiting list.”
Economic Development Director Tommy Jenkins also told commissioners how impor-
tant it was to continue to build on the school’s STEM program to encourage kids to go into science, technology, engineering and math careers.
“We feel like the STEM program is essential to our workforce development in Macon County — not just for students who want to pursue the sciences but it’s also for carpenters, plumbers — STEM education teaches you how to build and work through real life situations,” he said.
The vote to approve the final budget with the amended changes passed 4 to 1 with Commissioner Paul Higdon in opposition. He said he could have gone along with the less than 2 point tax increase originally proposed to keep a revenue neutral budget but he couldn’t support a last minute decision to increase taxes for one department.
“Why couldn’t we shift something around to stay within the small tax increase? I can’t approve a 2.5 mill increase when we charge you (county manager) with a revenue neutral,” he said. “I think we should spend some down on our fund balance but that’s probably not a popular opinion. “With a $22 million fund balance sitting there — I know we need a healthy fund balance — but $22 million seems more than adequate for a viable fund balance.”
Higdon also questioned whether the board should hold off
on a final vote on the budget since the changes were announced during the budget hearing.
Roland said there was nothing prohibiting the county from adopting the budget that night.
Beale agreed some of the changes were last minute but that they just learned about a few emergency capital projects that had to be completed at the schools, including a broken chiller at Cartoogechaye Elementary and a leaky roof at the high school. Those projects alone will cost $221,000, which is why the county decided not to reallocate $310,000 from the schools’ capital outlay budget. In total, the school system will receive $1.15 million for capital improvements though the school board asked for $2.4 million.
School Superintendent Dr. Chris Baldwin thanked the commissioners for their continued support of public education and understanding the position they’re in with the uncertainty of a state budget that won’t be passed until months after the county budget needs to be passed.
“The recommendation tonight is not originally what we asked for but it will allow us to manage our budget for next year and it does go beyond and allows us to expand,” he said. “Since I’ve been superintendent for six years and this is the first time we’ve been able to expand what we’re providing to school children in Macon County. That’s something I’m excited about and I know our teachers and administrators are too.”
During the public comment portion of the budget hearing, several people spoke in favor of increasing taxes for education, including Macon County educator John deVille. Even though North Carolina has improved from 37th in the country to 29th for teacher pay, he pointed out that those salary increases have impacted the rest of the budget.
“We’ve cannibalized the rest of the budget for supplies and textbooks,” he said. “And a lot of that (salary increase) has come from local supplements from the counties. We’re still 39th in per pupil funding so we’re still lagging far behind.”
Molly Phillips, a mother of children in the public school system made reference to an editorial in The Franklin Press stating that the county was adequately funding the school system.
“They meant it positively but none of us want to be described as adequate. I know you have difficult jobs and there are many funding needs worthy, but study after study has shown the correlation between investing in public education and a reduction in crime, lower teen pregnancy rates, a rise in healthy lifestyles and economic stability,” she said.
Nancy Scott of Franklin agreed that “adequate” wasn’t enough and that the school system can’t continue to keep doing more with less.
“They have made the most of what they have but we need to strive for excellence,” she said. “We brag about having the lowest tax rate but we need to brag about having the best schools.”
Even with the property tax increase, Roland said Macon County is still below the regional average of 46 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Celebrating 40 years of Service
The Rotary Club of Haywood County was chartered on February 23, 1979. On May 23, 2019 the Club celebrated their 40th Anniversary during their annual fundraiser. Funds raised from this event will be used to provide financial support and coordinate with local non-profits and businesses to provide financial literacy classes and set up incentive savings plans for families and students in Haywood County. Thank you to those that donated and supported, not only this year’s fundraiser but the Rotary Club of Haywood County over the last 40 years. Please join us on Thursday’s at 12:30 at The Southern Porch in Canton to find out more about Rotary and our upcoming projects.
A special thank you to our Platinum and Gold Sponsors
Mark Hinson
WOW donates $10,000 to Sharin Care
Women of Waynesville recently donated $10,000 to Sharin Care, a fund designated to help relieve the financial burdens associated with medical and dental needs for people in Haywood County.
A majority of the proceeds were raised during WOW’s third annual Kentucky Derby Gala held May 4 at Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley. The Sharin Care fund was established in memory of Sharon Queen Rathbone, a lifelong Haywood resident who was diagnosed with a rare cancer and unable to afford the treatment. Her family immediately began raising money for her treatment, but Sharon died before enough funds were collected. They decided to honor her memory by using the money to start a fund for medical expenses so other families wouldn’t have to experience the same heartbreak.
“One of the last things Sharon hoped to do was to go to the Kentucky Derby. Unfortunately that wasn’t able to happen, so as a family we feel like this is her own Kentucky Derby,” said Gloria Tart, a family member of Sharon Rathbone. “Those funds will benefit families in Haywood County who need help with their medical expenses. I know Sharon is smiling down about how well the event turned out and how many people we will be able to help.”
Learn more about Sharin Care at http://opendoor-waynesville.org/sharin-care/ or WOW at www.womenofwaynesville.org.
Haywood County names health priorities
In collaboration with community partners, Haywood County Health & Human Services Agency has worked since fall 2018 to prioritize key health issues and complete a community health assessment.
The newest Community Health Assessment is now available to the public, and it highlights the process and data the county used to determine health priorities. For 2019-2021, the priority health areas are mental health and substance use; perinatal and early child health and chronic disease prevention.
The next step, community health strategic planning, will create a plan to address these issues. Additional community input is welcome in the next phase over the next few months. If you’re interested in helping the community take action on one of these issues, contact Lauren Wood at 828.452.6675 or lauren.wood@haywoodcountync.gov or keep informed by reviewing updates and upcoming meeting dates at www.healthyhaywood.com.
To view the entire report, visit www.haywoodcountync.gov/417/public-health-services.
New member joins Dogwood Health Trust
Dogwood Health Trust, a private, non-operating foundation whose purpose is to dramatically improve the health and well-being of all people and communities of Western North Carolina, has appointed McDowell County native Dawna GoodeLedbetter to the organization’s board of directors.
Goode-Ledbetter has been an advocate for health equity and community development in McDowell County for more than 20 years. Since 2005 she has served as outreach coordinator at
the McDowell Senior Center, where she helps facilitate home services for residents and oversees the Seniors’ Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), assisting Medicare beneficiaries to make informed decision about their health care needs.
Goode-Ledbetter has three children and seven grandchildren and resides in Marion. She is the 13th member of the Dogwood Health Trust Board of Directors.
Winners of school wellness challenge
Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are proud to announce the winners of the annual school wellness challenges in Jackson, Swain, and Graham counties.
The programs include teachers and staff from area school systems participating from September to May in customized wellness programs designed by the hospitals. Cash awards are granted to the schools making the most progress.
Jackson County Schools had 157 participants with Katie Swartzwelder as the top winner for overall health score. Other points winners were: Janet Bottoms, Becky Buchanan, Janice Hoyle, Paige Brooks, Nathan Frizzell, Kay Conner, Kim Carpenter, Rebecca Farmer, and Sherry Maney.
Swain County Schools had 100 participants with Elise Lossiah as the top winner for overall health score. Other improved score and points winners were: Karen Cook, Laura Holden, Michele Herron, Emily McClung, Amanda Walls, Jonathan Cook, Joanna McMahan, Rachel Lackey, Michelle Collins, Dora May, Tiffany Yow, Evan Clapsaddle, Brenae King, Annette Clapsaddle, Brandi Sutton, Karen Williams, Sherry Wright, Jared Turbyfill, Katrina Turbyfill, BJ Ledford, Mary Parton, Teresa Caron and Trishia Chapman.
“We are pleased to support our local teachers and school staff with a wellness program that’s fun and customizable to their needs. Because it
He completed a fellowship in cardiology and a residency in internal medicine at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee after graduating from the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University.
Westermeyer has held cardiology service line leadership positions at hospitals in Georgia, Maine, and Alabama. He most recently practiced in Gainesville, Georgia.
To make an appointment, call 828.586.7654.
Health grants available
Haywood Healthcare Foundation has announced its request for proposals for grants relating to unmet healthcare needs in Haywood County.
In accordance with its mission, Haywood Healthcare Foundation’s Grant Program will be providing grants to Haywood County nonprofit organizations, government agencies and schools for healthcare initiatives and educational and leadership programs related to improving healthcare.
lasts the entire school year it provides time to attain real results in one’s personal health and models healthy habits for students,” said Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital.
To learn more about community wellness programs, contact Chelsea Burrell at 828.586.7391.
HRMC earns high rating for home care
In its most recent report, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Five-Star Quality Rating System recognized Home Care Services of Haywood Regional Medical Center with a 5-star rating in both quality and patient satisfaction. According to the data, the Waynesville home health provider achieved the highest rating possible in both categories.
Home Care Services is a home health partner of HRMC and part of a joint venture partnership with LHC Group, a national provider of in-home healthcare services with 32,000 employees operating locations in 35 states and the District of Columbia.
“LHC Group is proud of the team at Home Care Services of Haywood Regional Medical Center and its exemplary performance,” said Keith Myers, LHC Group’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The CMS star ratings are among the healthcare industry’s best indicators of who is providing best-inclass service, and this team of healthcare professionals continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence.”
Cardiologist joins Harris
Harris Regional Hospital recently hired board certified cardiologist Dr. Scott Westermeyer to Harris Cardiology.
Westermeyer will practice alongside Frederick Dressler, MD and Francis Nullet, MD in providing
Grant applications are available from Marge Stiles at the Haywood Healthcare Foundation Office or by calling 828.452.8343 and completed applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. Completed grant applications will be accepted by mail at Haywood Healthcare Foundation, 262 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721, can be emailed to marge.stiles@haymed.org or faxed to 828.452.8973.
• An hour yoga class is offered for $15 at 9 a.m. every Wednesday at the Maggie Valley Wellness Center located at 461 Moody Farm Rd., Maggie Valley. Every third weekend of the month (June 15-16) the center has donation based acupuncture appointments. Clients would be asked to donate $35-$55 for the appointment. Call 828.944.0288 or visit maggievalleywellness.com.
• Macon County Public Health has MMR vaccine available, which protects against measles. Call Macon County Public Health at 828.349.2081 to make an appointment or for more information.
• Gentle Yoga for Cancer is offered from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Haywood Breast Center. Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient, in treatment healing, or recently won the battle, yoga can support active physical and mental health self-care. A loved one or support person is welcomed to attend with participants. For more information, visit MyHaywoodRegional.com/YogaforCancer or call 828.452.8691.
• Learn more about using essential oils from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 27 at Maggie Valley Wellness Center. Essential oils enhance wellbeing emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. The class is free and open to the public. RSVP by June 21.
Let’s encourage young adults to engage
Many readers know or suspect that Hannah McLeod, who has been publishing columns semi-regularly in The Smoky Mountain News since mid-2018 after graduating from Appalachian State University, is related to me. She’s my daughter.
Hannah is smart, well-read and stays informed on happenings in our country and abroad. She can discuss literature or poetry, current events, music, movies, pop culture, geography, history, and is fluent in Spanish. She took her college classes seriously and managed to earn two undergraduate degrees.
OK, call all me a proud father. Guilty as charged.
So, when we received Sam Edwards’ column two weeks ago that was a rebuttal to a column by my daughter, I was glad. Hannah had heaped criticism on the role the evangelical movement is playing on the current spate of over-the-top abortion laws (my opinion) being passed by state legislatures, along with the fact that most of these laws are being passed by law-making bodies composed of mostly old white guys (a club to which I belong).
Because here’s the thing. The conservative movement in this country spends a lot of its time bashing our public schools and public universities. They say public education needs competition to help them improve, so they send tax dollars to charter, private and religious schools in the name of choice. They deride universities for being too liberal and for
OWM built the nation
To the Editor:
In a recent issue of The Smoky Mountain News, Ms. Hannah McLeod expressed her disdain for evangelical Christian Old White Men (OWM). While most of her attack was centered on the abortion issue in Alabama, she also made a variety of other assumptions and charges I would like to address.
It is the OWM, along with women and persons of various colors and nationalities who have collectively built this nation. Though not perfect, it is far better than most other countries in the world. For over 200 years it has led the world in innovation, freedom, and wealth. While wealth may be disproportionate in our country, opportunity still exists where it is unavailable to much of the world. Why else would so many individuals risk so much to reach our borders, still hoping to live the American dream?
Most young Americans like yourself have grown up in this country of enormous economic affluence. Many decry how financially challenged they are, while talking and texting on their expensive phones, using laptops, drinking specialty coffees, and driving personal cars. They have been blinded to their good fortune. Yet it is the OWM, among others, who have led this country in the very innovations and technologies to make these lifestyles possible. It is also the OWM who have established enormous charitable foundations to help the less fortunate.
You speak with distain of evangelical Christians. Since when is being a person of
But my daughter is anything but that. She went to the public schools right here in Western North Carolina, then on to a public university. And you know what? She’s a young woman who graduated with a pretty decent classical education. I’d like to think Lori, my wife, and I played a role in that. We had a couple oldschool traditions in our household we seldom broke, and that was sit-down dinners together and no TV during the week. We talked about what was going in the world, in the country, in Western North Carolina.
Hannah wasn’t the most talkative at those dinners, but she soaked it in. She went to college craving a better understanding of the world we live in, and she learned a lot. Now, she debates her points with passion and clarity. And she can write.
So I ask: isn’t that what those of us who care about the future of this country want? We shouldn’t care so much whether a 23-year-old woman agrees with us or not, but should celebrate that she’s informed and engaged about what’s going on. Her and those of her generation will, I think, lead this country to a great future.
As my good friend and Hannah’s old elementary school
LETTERS
any faith so bad? It was predominately the OWM of deep faith who founded this country, fought our battles, and built our nation’s infrastructure. Yes, we have been blessed along the way to add young women and persons of color, both people of faith and no faith, to our political decision-making bodies and we are better for it. You claim that the expression “In God We Trust” is nothing more than “a weapon used by OWM to ensure everyone in this nation adheres to their antiquated and narrow-minded ideals.” I am genuinely at a loss to see how you come to that conclusion.
Regarding persons of different sexual persuasions, I do not seek to find fault with anyone’s sexual leanings. I do struggle however when others, like yourself, assume they know what my political and social beliefs are based strictly on my being an OWM. And, after making those assumptions, the rainbow community demands that I embrace their life-styles and beliefs while demeaning what they assume are mine. If a member of the LGBTQ community wants to marry or live an alternate lifestyle, please do so, with my blessings. However, there are plenty of clergy and professionals who will provide services for you without you demanding that I and others like me, who may not believe as you do, compromise our personal beliefs simply to accommodate yours.
Now to the topic of abortion. Under the Alabama law, it is the abortion doctor, not the woman, who faces prosecution. As for abortions for pregnancies resulting from rape and
principal John Sanderson pointed out in a guest column in last week’s edition, Edwards’ column veered toward a personal attack on Hannah. As any father will attest, that will get one’s cackles up. But I also know if she’s going to put her opinions out there, she’s going to have to learn to be tough. The world, and one’s adversaries, are not always fair. That’s a lesson children and adults often have difficulty learning.
Most important in all this, in my opinion, is the immeasurably important need to get people — especially young adults — involved in the discussion of important issues. Hannah heaped strong criticism on a group, but she did not attack anyone personally. Her column has elicited quite a few responses, both from people who disagree with her and those who commended her for speaking up. Online, as always, the range of comments has ranged from downright nasty to inspired. That column has prompted many of us come to grips with how we stand on this important debate.
I’m elated by all the discussion. It’s what we need. It’s what happens when young people tell us what they think, and do so with passion. It hits people harder when it comes from young adults, much more so than when the argument comes from, well, an OWM like me.
Thanks Hannah, for sharing your opinion and putting it out there for all the world, and for taking the pushback that comes with doing that.
(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)
incest, I will take seriously those claims only when police reports have been filed in advance of a request for abortion services. Otherwise, I believe they are simply a convenient ruse to support your convenience. You state that everyone should be able to make their own choices. Please tell me what choice a fetus has. If a fetus is not a human, why does killing a pregnant woman in most states result in two murder charges, one for the woman and one for the fetus. If a fetus is not human, a person shouldn’t be convicted of killing it. If it is human, then abortion is murder. You state that abortion harms no one. As a mental health professional, I can tell you that your view is very myopic. Many people including the woman obtaining the abortion, and especially the fetus, are significantly hurt. Also, undesired pregnancies are not, as you claim, due to the lack of contraception. Contraceptives are available to everyone including the minority and poor. The real problem, I believe, is our permissive “hookup” society, where people want to live in the moment, engage in risky behavior, and not take personal responsibility for proper planning. I have worked in several major universities where I have personally observed this trend among today’s youth.
If you are unhappy with the state of our nation, come back and take responsibility for making a difference. Your contributions, not your criticisms, will lead to meaningful change. And, when you demand my respect, please show me yours. Thank you.
Bruce C. Prevatt, Ph.D. Balsam
‘Reasons’ for war?
To the Editor:
In the summer of 1964, I was a 20 year old boiler-man aboard the U.S.S. Preston (DD795), docked in Hong Kong. Word came to our Captain that two sister ships (Maddox and Turner Joy) had been fired on by North Vietnamese naval vessels. We were ordered to relieve the Maddox in order for repairs to be made. I had no doubt about the veracity of that information then. Like my daddy who served before me along with three brothers who were serving at that time I believed we were loyal to God and country. Protecting democracy!
Since then I have read about our Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Alamo, Indian Fighting, WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Invasion of Iraq. I have also read, “War is a Racket” by Smedley Darlington Butler. Butler was a 33-year Marine Major General who for years was the most decorated Marine in history. As the title suggests Butler developed increasingly deep doubt about the reasons America fights wars. I have, too.
So, excuse me for being a bit more than skeptical about the evidence our current Commander in Chief is presenting to show the need to confront Iraq. Perhaps even using military force. Do you remember Colin Powell’s vial that purported to show that Iraq had chemical weapons?
How can Donald Trump keep a straight face when talking about military affairs? Does he think we have for-
Editor Scott McLeod
Potential life lessons of burlesque dancing
Burlesque dancing may be in my future.
Some of us gals at The Smoky Mountain News have been invited to attend a burlesque dance class. As we were mulling around the idea recently, I told them I could only do it on a weekend my boys were with their dad.
My two colleagues looked puzzled and the following conversation with one of them ensued.
“The boys could just come with you,” she pointed out.
“Um, no. That would be weird, them watching me dance like that,” I said.
“Really? Think of the stuff we were exposed to as kids in the 80s, and we’re fine.”
“Are we fine?” I asked her.
“I think so,” she said.
This conversation made the think.
I certainly feel more rigid and protective with my children than my parents ever were with me. And in doing that, am I somehow holding them back or disallowing them to stretch their wings and see the world’s true colors?
When I was a little girl, my dad taught an evening GED course at Craggy Prison in Asheville. When the inmates were released, they would often contact my dad to thank him and sometimes a friendship manifested.
My dad would become something of a mentor to many of these individuals. In fact, a few became friends with our entire family. We trusted my dad to not bring hardened criminals around his daughters, so if he felt they were safe, my sister and I embraced them.
Two gentlemen, in particular, stand out in my mind. One of them was tall and lanky with a gaggle of red wavy hair. His name was Jimmy. I don’t remember a lot about his story or what led him to prison, but I do remember him helping me pull two of my baby teeth and me being very appreciative because it meant the tooth fairy would visit.
Another guy was named nicknamed Blue. I’m not sure about his birth name. He was a large black man with the sweetest heart. He never learned to read, so my sister and I spent hours reading Dr. Seuss books
gotten about his “bone spurs”? Would his two sons, Eric and Donald, Jr. be willing to go and fight for me since I did for them? Or would we need to put Creedence Clearwater Revival on and play “I ain’t no fortunate son” repeatedly for days on end?
Read about Smedley Butler and figure out for yourself who benefits materially from war. Read about 500,000 veterans who marched on Washington in an attempt to
to teach him simple word blends and sounds. When he finally read a book on his own, we gave him one of our beauty pageant trophies.
Interacting with people like Jimmy and Blue no doubt developed my character and taught me compassion. Had my parents been horribly overprotective, none of this would have happened.
When I told my boyfriend, Matthew, about the burlesque classes, he wasn’t exactly sure what burlesque dancing was. I told him it’s where a person dresses rather scantily and dances around chairs and other props sort of in a dramatic or comedic way.
He asked me if we were planning to perform somewhere. When I said no, he sighed a breath of relief. We then watched burlesque dancing videos on YouTube so he could better understand what I was talking about.
I turn 40 this year and am the mom to two young boys, so I don’t foresee myself moonlighting as a burlesque dancer. With that being said, the experience will be fun. Further, the consideration of whether or not my boys should sit in the lobby and possibly catch a glance of us really made me reflect on how tight I’m holding their leashes.
One time I heard President Obama say that watching his daughters go into the world was like watching his very own heart grow two legs and be openly exposed to all of the hurt, hate and possible dangers. As a parent myself, I knew exactly what he meant. But, if we hold on to our babies too tightly, they may never develop the skills and wherewithal to survive in a world that’s becoming more and more challenging to navigate. It’s a complicated balance, for sure.
The dance class is in a few weeks. When you grow up with parents who offer fun and unique experiences, like I did, you develop a thirst for newness and adventure. I’m still not sure I want my boys to watch us practice, but if they catch a momentary glimpse of me dancing, it won’t be the end of the world. In fact, years from now, one of them may write his own column about the many life lessons learned from having a mom who dabbled in burlesque dancing.
(Susanna Shetley is an salesperson, editor and writer for Smoky Mountain News, Smoky Mountain Living and Mountain South Media. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com)
draw the pay they had been promised but denied.
I am no longer an 18 year old country boy who didn’t even know Vietnam was a nation when I graduated from high school in 1962. I think about the “reasons for war.” I don’t like it when we are provided excuses rather than reasons. How about you?
Dave Waldrop Webster
3-7
The Independence Day Celebrations feature activities for the whole family! Join the fun with concerts, a cirque-style performance, live music by the lake, barbecue picnic, square dance, parade, family Olympics competition and fireworks!
tickets now for: July 4 ~ Lake Junaluska Singers July 5 ~ Imagine Circus July 6 ~ Balsam Range All performances take place at 7:30 p.m. in Stuart Auditorium. Prices vary. Special pricing for ages 12 and under is available for Imagine Circus. For more information and to buy tickets, visit lakejunaluska.com/july4th or call 800-965-9324
General admission tickets are available daily at the Bethea Welcome Center open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., where you can bundle and save when you buy tickets to all three performances for just $50!
Columnist
Susanna Shetley
tasteTHE mountains
828−646−3750
828−452−5822
the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251
BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL
207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.
BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY
50 N Main Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0350. Taproom Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gem Bar
Open Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at Boojum’s Downtown Waynesville restaurant & bar. Choose from 16 taps of our fresh, delicious & ever rotating Boojum Beer plus cider, wine & craft cocktails. The taproom features seasonal pub faire including tasty burgers, sandwiches, shareables and daily specials that pair perfectly with our beer. Cozy up inside or take in the mountain air on our back deck.”
BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE
454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in handcut, 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.
CHEF’S TABLE
30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator
Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.
CHURCH STREET DEPOT
34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville. 828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining.
Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.
THE CLASSIC WINESELLER
20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.
COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT
3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley.
828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.
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.
FIREFLY TAPS & GRILL
128 N. Main St., Waynesville
828.454.5400. Simple, delicious food. A must experience in WNC. Located in downtown Waynesville with an atmosphere that will warm your heart and your belly! Local and regional beers on tap. Full bar, vegetarian options, kids menu, and more. Reservations accepted. Daily specials. Live music every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE
44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 9:30 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. Reservations accepted. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.
HARMON’S DEN BISTRO
250 Pigeon St., Waynesville
828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:309 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org
HAZELWOOD FARMACY & SODA FOUNTAIN
429 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville. 828.246.6996. Open six days a week, closed Wednesday. 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast until noon, old-fashioned luncheonette and diner comfort food. Historic full service soda fountain.
JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE
4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley. 828.926.0212. Open seven days a week! 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family-friendly restaurant that has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors of Western North Carolina for decades. 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.
KANINI’S
1196 N. Main St., Waynesville.
828.452.5187. Lunch Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., eat in or carry out. Closed Sunday. A made-from-scratch kitchen using fresh ingredients. Offering a variety of meals to go from frozen meals to be stored and cooked later to “Dinners to Go” that are made fresh and ready to enjoyed that day. We also specialize in catering any event from from corporate lunches to weddings. kaninis.com
MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM
617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva.
828.586.3555. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, house-ground burgers, steak sandwiches & fresh salmon all from scratch. Casual family friendly atmosphere. Craft beer and interesting wine. Free movies Thursday through Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows & events.
MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB
1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley.
828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine. Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.
MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT
2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.
tasteTHE mountains
SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE
828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more. Breakfast all day including omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy. facebook.com/carversmvr; instagram @carvers_mvr.
PIGEON RIVER GRILLE
101 Park St., Canton. 828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Southerninspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake.
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.
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.
TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL
176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.
WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY
32 Felmet Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0927. Open Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.
RESTAURANT
Carry me back to the days I knew then
Rock Hall of Famer Denny Laine rolls through WNC
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF W RITER
Simply put, singer/guitarist Denny Laine is one of those mystical characters you cross paths with almost serendipitously.
He’s an old soul really, someone who’s seen and experienced the world over. But, Laine is also happy to share that wisdom with whoever will sit and chat for a moment. It’s a cosmically curious conversation between two souls playfully in search of the answer to the eternal question — what does it all mean?
And it’s that timeless feeling in conversation with Laine where one can see why and how he’s written some of the most beloved melodies in the history of rock-n-roll music.
A founding member of The Moody Blues and Wings, Laine is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (inducted in 2018 for The Moody Blues) who has meandered his way through the decades in collaboration with some of the biggest names in music: Paul McCartney, Ginger Baker, George Harrison and Steve Winwood, which is just the tip of the iceberg.
Now 74, Laine is still out there, still on the road and standing onstage on any given night, always with a story to tell and a tune to play. For him, he’s never lost sight of the beauty of live performance — the idea of connecting with a stranger or friend alike through a melody held closely to the heart of both sides of the microphone.
Smoky Mountain News: Why within you this is still what you love doing?
Denny Laine: Well, it’s something you’ve built up over the years. It’s like an addition, almost. It’s a creative part of you that’s always going to be there, and it was there from the beginning. And it comes and goes in waves as to where you put that creativity, whether live work, studio work, whatever. The other thing is, I still love to travel, like to go to new places, meet new people, eat different food.
SMN: It sounds like you’ve never lost that childlike wonder towards life and curiosity…
DL: That’s exactly what it is. There is this childlike approach to still being turned on and amazed by things. Especially younger artists and the younger generation, it’s still a great influence to older people, too. And that’s a great energy boost. But, then you’ve got all the other experiences and stories to go with it as well. And that’s what I do onstage, I tell a few stories and play a few older songs. It’s not a nostalgia thing, it’s more an up-todate expression of me at the moment.
SMN: I would surmise that if it ever did come across like a nostalgia thing, you probably wouldn’t do it…
DL: You’re right, I wouldn’t. I mean, there’s always the fear of that with anything. If you’re going to be doing the same show forever, you don’t want to be doing that either, whether it’s nostalgia or not. You’ve got to keep changing it up. You can’t just go through the motions because that gets across to the audience, too. And also, it’s not satisfying. There has to be an element of risk with anything new. You try harder when you don’t really know what you’re doing.
Want to go?
Rock legend Denny Laine will perform “Up Close & Personal: Solo Songs & Stories” at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at The Grey Eagle in Asheville.
Tickets are $25 per person, with $35 premium seating available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.thegreyeagle.com.
SMN: Have you always been an old soul?
DL: Yes, definitely. Well, I come from a family of old souls. And it’s always been there, that kind of history that I’ve always been interested in. I’m definitely from the past in some ways, and I live in the past in lots of ways. But, I apply it to the future, and therefore that becomes “the now.”
SMN: How important is the storyteller component of your performance, that back-andforth with the audience?
DL: It’s as important as the music, in the sense that you’re describing the song or the people you were hanging out with at the time. I’ll bring up Ginger Baker [of Cream] or John Bonham [of Led Zeppelin], people I’ve known and written songs with. People do like those stories. They haven’t heard them before.
But, it’s just a matter of seeing how the audience goes, and you kind of pick your way through it. And it’s going well. I’m enjoying it, much more than I thought I would. We’re all kids at heart. You don’t feel any different [as you get older], though it’s harder to get up in the morning — there’s always something that’s going to drive you forward.
Editor’s Note: If you would like to listen to the entire audio stream of this conversation, go to YouTube and search: “Denny Laine Garret K. Woodward.”
“There has to be an element of risk with anything new. You try harder when you don’t really know what you’re doing.”
Denny Laine.
— Denny Laine
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
HOT PICKS
1
On Monday morning, as I woke up, packed and said goodbye to Bonnaroo for this year, I can say — in all honesty — that I’ve never had more gratitude in my life than at that moment in time.
I’ve also never been more exhausted. ‘Roo was my 10th music festival since midMarch. Ten weekend gatherings in the last 12 weeks. And it’s not even summer yet.
neath hot dog buns and sneak in. It worked. And it was during “IT” where I found myself standing there in the mud, amid all the melodic chaos of people, places and things, and realizing that from that point forward nothing would ever, ever be the same again in my life. And I was at peace with that notion as I transitioned fully into adulthood.
Skip ahead to ‘Roo 2005. Now a junior in college, I left for the festival on a solo road trip. First trek of that sort. Just me, my old pickup truck, a sleeping bag and a case of cheap beer. Halfway through the event, I had an epiphany (while reading Kerouac’s On the Road) — more so a lightning bolt of inspiration — that I wanted to be a writer. That was what I wanted to do with my life, come hell or high water.
The “An Appalachian Evening” summer concert series will kick off with legendary bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
2
Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host the Porch 40 (rock/jam) album release party 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22.
3
Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host the final show of The Buchanan Boys & Friends (country/rock) at 7 p.m. Friday, June 21.
4
Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27.
5
Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” with Joey Fortner & The Universal Sound (Americana/folk) at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20.
I’ve officially hit my threshold of what my 34-year-old body, mind and soul can handle at ‘Roo in Eastern Tennessee. Especially the last four weekends, which have completely drained me: DelFest (Maryland) > Cold Mountain Music Festival (North Carolina) > Los Angeles > ‘Roo.
What was truly full circle was standing there amid tens of thousands on Sunday night as Phish closed out ‘Roo. A native of the North Country, the iconic Vermont jam band initially set me on this trajectory of attending and covering music festivals. That band set the tone by which I’ve chosen to live and work. They remain at the core of who I am as a human being in the greater universe.
I remember being 18 years old and taking off for Phish’s “IT” festival in northern Maine in 2003. I had just graduated high
school and was soon to head to Connecticut for college, an institution which was some six hours from my Upstate New York hometown, six hours away from all that was familiar and loved up to that point.
Back then, my best friend from high school and I jumped into my 1991 Plymouth Acclaim and disappeared from our town in the middle of the night and drove 12 hours through New England to “IT.” We didn’t even have tickets. But, we’d find a way in. Nothing was going to stop our quest to see our favorite band.
Eventually, we parked outside the abandoned Loring Air Force Base (where the festival was held) in Limestone, Maine, only to then trade a joint with the bread truck guy going into the venue so we could hide under-
And during that festival, I stood towards the back of the main stage crowd during Widespread Panic, just observing the madness and pondering how in the hell I would make a career out of writing. I wasn’t a writer. But, I would figure it out. I just felt something so deep and powerful within me for the first time in my life: my true calling.
After ‘Roo 2005 ended, I headed straight to my girlfriend’s house in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. She noticed a change in me, in my demeanor and energy. I told her I was going to be a writer. She replied, “A writer? What? But, you don’t know how to write?” That sentiment would follow me (from other ex-girlfriends and friends in general) for several years, even after I started getting things published in small periodicals for peanuts.
And, 14 years later (this past Sunday night) at ‘Roo during Phish, I walked over to the same exact spot as during Panic in 2005. Way in the back of the main stage crowd. I stood there and felt such a vibration within me, as if time itself doesn’t exist, where it’s all one moment we’re trying our best to navigate. I stood there and thought of how long this road has been over those last 14 years. All the rejections, setbacks, breakups, lack of employment, lack of income, lack of creative fulfillment, all those endless miles crisscrossing America in search of the sound through written word. I also thought of my looming deadline of festival coverage to Rolling Stone once Phish ended ‘round midnight.
And all I could do in that moment — and in this moment, too — is smile. It has all been worth it. Every single second, for good or ill. I’ve never wanted (or wanted to do) anything else but this.
And none of this would come to fruition without the eternal love and support from all of my friends, family members and readers (yes, you) all across this wild, wondrous planet.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
Fireworks during Phish at Bonnaroo 2019.
On the beat
Junior Appalachian Musicians Camp
Preserving and perpetuating bluegrass, old-time, mountain and string music for generations to come, the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) summer camp will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 15-19 at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville
JAM is designed to acquaint area young people, grades 4 through 8, with their mountain cultural heritage through instruction in mountain music and exposure to mountain dance, songs and stories. The JAM after-school
Concerts on the Creek
The 10th season of the Concerts on the Creek summer music series continues with Shane Mead & The Sound (Americana/folk) at 7 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Bridge Park in Sylva.
The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Concerts on the Creek events are free and open to the public with donations encouraged. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the shows.
The other performances are as follows:
• June 28: The Rewind Band (classic hits/rock)
program takes place every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. throughout the school year.
JAM Camp is an extension of that program for five days in mid-summer. In addition to mountain instrument classes, daily sessions in mountain dance (clogging, buck dancing and flat footing) and in mountain songs and stories will be offered. Robby Robertson, Travis Stuart, Maddy Mullany and Cary Fridley are the instructors.
The cost of Jam Camp is $95. The Harmon Foundation and Smoky Mountain Folk Festival are sponsoring this camp.
To register, call the Haywood County Arts Council at 828.452.0593. The registration deadline for JAM Camp is June 29.
For more information about Junior Appalachian Musicians program (JAM), as well as other programs or events, visit the Haywood County Arts Council website at www.haywoodarts.org or at www.facebook.com/haywoodarts.
The mission of the Haywood County Arts Council is to promote artists, art education, and innovation in art. This project receives support from the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
• Thursday, July 4: Fireworks & Festivities, The Carolina Soul Band (soul/R&B/beach/classic hits)
• July 5: Hot Trail Mix (progressive bluegrass)
• July 12: The Darren Nicholson Band (bluegrass/classic country)
• July 19: Geoff McBride & Scott Baker (classic hits/soul)
• July 26: Dashboard Blue (rock/classic hits)
• Aug. 2: Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats (rock/blues)
• Aug. 9: Tuxedo Junction (classic hits)
• Aug. 16: Mama Danger (folk/newgrass)
• Aug. 23: Troy Underwood (Americana/folk)
• Aug. 30: Maggie Valley Band (Americana)
828.586.2155 or visit www.mountainlovers.com. Follow the Concerts on the Creek Facebook page for series updates.
Groovin’ on the Green
The Groovin’ on the Green summer concert series will host Porch 40 (rock/jam) at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, at The Village Green in Cashiers.
Other performers will include Andalyn (rock/Americana) June 28, Continental Divide (Motown/beach) July 5, Hurricane Creek (rock) July 12, Hi-5 (rock) July 26, The Currys (country/blues) Aug. 2, Eat a Peach (classic rock) Aug. 9, Americana Jones (roots) Aug. 16, Andrew Beam (classic country) Aug. 23 and Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues (blues) Aug. 31.
Coolers are welcome but food and beverage vendors will be on site as well. Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times.
A new policy is in place this year with setting up for Groovin’ On the Green concerts. Tents must be set up next to the path at the very back of the event lawn. Chairs may be set up in the lawn anytime the day of the concert, however no chairs may be set up within the wings of the Commons until after 4:30 p.m.
For a full concert schedule visit the concerts page on The Village Green website, www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.
WCU Music Ensemble reunion
concert
Some 30 vocalists of the choral ensemble, which presented the annual Madrigal Christmas Dinners at Western Carolina University, will join to present a concert at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building on campus.
Under the leadership of Dr. Robert Holquist (retired WCU Director of Choral Activities), the group will be singing favorite madrigals, ceremonial selections, and Christmas choral settings which were favorites of the group members, and the audiences which enjoyed the Madrigal Dinners from 1970-2013.
“The main reason we are doing this is to sing together again,” said Holquist. “And we hope that our followers will be able to come to hear us revisit a part of our past.” Holquist joined the WCU music faculty in 1979, where the Madrigal Dinners had been done since 1970, with the University Center staff and Food Services providing the dinner, service, decorations, and the set. Dramatic assistance was provided by students and faculty from the Theatre Department (now School of Stage and Screen). Dr. and Mrs. James Dooley reigned as “Lord and Lady of the Feaste” from 19792009. Their roles were assumed by Boyd and Lynda Sossamon for 2010-2013. The alumni represent singers from those first years up to the last production in 2013.
stment
Porch 40.
Franklin welcomes Herman’s Hermits
Iconic 1960s British pop/rock group
Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
Herman’s Hermits was a hugely successful English beat band in the mid-1960s with hits including, “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” and “I’m Henry the
ALSO:
• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” at its Calaboose location with Joey Fortner & The Universal Sound (Americana/folk) June 20, The Trailer Hippies June 21, Brother! June 22, Blue 4 p.m. June 23, Lindsay Beth Harper June 27, Somebody’s Child (Americana) June 28, Scott James Stambaugh (singer-songwriter) June 29 and Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) June 30. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host WCW June 21. All shows start at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. June 20 and 27. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host a bluegrass open mic every Wednesday, an all-genres open mic every Thursday, Porch 40 (rock/jam) album release party 9:30 p.m. June 22 and Billingsley June 29. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.boojumbrewing.com.
• Concerts on the Creek (Sylva) will host Shane Mead & The Sound (Americana/folk) June 21. Shows begin at 7 p.m. at Bridge Park. Free and open to the public.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Indentured Servants June 21, Mindframe June 22, The Penny Pinchers June 28 and Carolina Sky June 29. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.
Eighth, I Am.” They have sold over 60 million records and continue to consistently play to sold-out venues all over the world.
Noone became part of Herman’s Hermits when he was 15 years old and an already experienced actor on a popular British soap opera. Throughout the years, Noone has performed, composed, and produced with David Bowie, Debby Boone, and many other notable stars.
Tickets start at $25 each. For more information, visit www.greatmountain music.com or call 866.273.4615.
• Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host Porch 40 (rock/jam) June 21. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night June 19 and 26, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo June 20 and 27. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host the final show of The Buchanan Boys & Friends (country/rock) June 21 and Todd Hoke (singer-songwriter) June 22. All events are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.innovation-brewing.com.
• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host Lawn Series w/Rahm & Friends (funk/soul) 6 p.m. June 19, Dave Cofell (Americana/storyteller) 7 p.m. June 19, Lawn Series w/In Flight Trio 6 p.m. June 20, Richard Shulman Trio 7 p.m. June 20, An Evening of Swing w/Good Shot Judy 8:30 p.m. June 21, Sylvia Rose Novak 7 p.m. June 22, Gretchen Peters w/Jane Kramer 8:30 p.m. June 22, Christy Snow 6 p.m. June 23, The Asheville Opry 7:30 p.m. June 23, Tuesday Bluegrass Session w/Serene Green 7:30 p.m. June 25, Lawn Series w/Fwuit 6 p.m. June 26 and Jess Jocoy & Scott Bianchi 7 p.m. June 25. www.isisasheville.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, George Reeves & David Besley June 21 and Sol Rhythms June 22. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Legends Sports Grill (Maggie Valley) will host music semi-regularly on weekends. 828.926.9464 or www.facebook.com/ legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) at 7 p.m. June 27. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host the “Stone Soup” open mic night every Tuesday, Frank & Allie (Americana/old-time) June 22. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Circus Mutt (Americana/indie) June 21 and Andalyn (rock/pop) June 22. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.
• The Paper Mill Lounge & Theatre (Sylva) will host Dillon Streuber 8 p.m. June 21. 828.508.0554 or www.thepapermilllounge.com.
• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday. Free and open to the public. www.pub319socialhouse.com.
• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and a Trivia w/Kelsey Jo 8 p.m. Thursdays.
• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and live music on Friday evenings. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.
• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.
• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host Bluegrass Thursdays w/Benny Queen at 6:30 p.m.
• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Bluegrass w/Nitrograss Wednesdays at 7 p.m and Arnold Hill (Americana) 9:30 p.m. June 29
• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic Night” on Mondays, karaoke on Thursdays, EDM w/DJ Bent-It June 21 and Pajama Karaoke June 22. All events at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.456.4750.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Jason Lyles 5:30 p.m. June 27. All shows start at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.743.6000 or www.whitesidebrewing.com.
“People stop me to tell me that are
“Who’s
From porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges to facelift dentures and dental implants, Dr. Highsmith can transform the appearance and restore the health of your smile.
It’s a smile that people will notice. But more importantly, it’s a smile that will help you look and feel your very best.
All restorations and lab work by North Carolina’s only AACD accredited lab technician.
828.634.7813
Peter Noone.
On the street
Summer activities at Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center has long implemented innovative shared experiences that celebrate faith, recreation, arts and education.
On weekdays throughout June and July, the center invites the wider community into that tradition through daily free and low-cost activities designed to appeal to all generations.
“Summer is a perfect time for slowing down and making memories with friends and family, and we want everyone to feel that they are part of our Lake Junaluska family whether they live here or are visiting for only a few days,” said the Rev. Mitzi Johnson, director of programming at Lake Junaluska.
Summer Activities Program weekly events include morning and evening yoga lessons, board game nights, morning lakeside devotionals, bonfires, indoor and outdoor movies, and live music. This year, the retreat center has added Tuesday morning “Sharing Circles” — workshops led by knowledgeable residents on topics ranging from Cherokee culture to spirituality to life coaching.
Also new this year, three movies will be screened outdoors while four will be shown indoors with an earlier start time.
“We know people can watch movies at home, but there’s just something about laughing and crying together over old favorites like ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘Hoosiers’ that draws us together,” Johnson said.
ship services and hymn sings in Memorial Chapel.
“To have this kind of environment for some very simple but rich relational experiences around fun, devotion and caring just seems appropriate and fulfilling to the mission of Lake Junaluska,” said Bill Gattis, a Lake Junaluska resident.
Other special events are offered once or twice throughout the season. Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to participate in a hike, nature walk or birding tour. Those with a competitive spirit can participate in the shuffleboard tournament or play in the roundrobin tennis tournament.
The Summer Activities Program, now in its fourth year, is funded by charitable donations to the lake and is run primarily by volunteers.
Free musical offerings include clogging lessons taught by Marty Scott at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym, jam sessions of oldtime mountain music, a lakeside performance of the Blue Ridge Big Band, or Taize wor-
“I’m constantly amazed by the generosity of Lake Junaluska’s residents who not only give to support the program, but also sign up to acts as teachers, hosts, facilitators and tour guides so that Lake Junaluska will continue to be a place where people can gather and build relationships,” said Tammy McDowell, assistant director of programming at Lake Junaluska. “We couldn’t offer the program without them.”
For more information on the Summer Activities Program and a calendar of events, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/summeractivities.
Yoga at Lake Junaluska.
On the street
Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend
The inaugural Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend will be held June 22-23 on the Shelton Campus at 49 Shelton Street in Waynesville.
The Shelton House, Haywood’s Historic Farmer’s Market and Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART) are proud to announce that they will be hosting the two-day event on the newly formed Shelton Campus.
On June 22, events will include a craft fair, crafter demonstrations, vendors, a quilt exhibit, open house museum, food, drink and lots of fun activities. On June 23, there will be a special event at the HART with live bluegrass music, while outside there will be traditional mountain dancing hosted by Joe Sam Queen. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sheltonhouse.org or call 828.452.1551.
On the table
Bosu’s tastings, small plates
Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville will continue to host an array of wine tastings and small plates.
• Mondays: Free tastings and discounts on select styles of wine that changes weekly.
• Thursdays: Five for $5 wine tasting, with small plates available for purchase from Chef Bryan’s gourmet cuisine in The Secret Wine Bar.
• Fridays: The Secret Wine Bar will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and open for drinks and small plates from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturdays: Champagne cocktails from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Secret Wine Bar will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m.
For ticketed events, there will be a
Nominations sought for Heritage Awards
Western Carolina University is accepting nominations for the Mountain Heritage Awards, prestigious honors bestowed on an individual and an organization each year for contributions to or for playing a prominent role in research, preservation and curation of Southern Appalachian culture and folklore. Recipients are chosen by a committee comprised of regional and campus representatives. The awards, through two categories, recognize an individual and an institution or organization for distinguished service, accomplishments, influence or expertise in maintaining the cultural viability of the mountain region. Awards will be presented at the 45th annual Mountain Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 28, on the WCU campus.
• The Jackson County Genealogical Society will hold its annual “Fun-Raiser” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Bridge Park in Sylva. Silent Auction. Raffle for quilt and shotgun. Hot dog lunch. Live music by Kim Shuler, Mark Jones & Turning Home, Chuck Norris & The Faithful Pilgrims, Betty Brown & Friends, The Deitz Family, Liberty Baptist Church Choir, Haven Bryant, Laila Messer, Ella Ledford and Jesse & Friends. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the festivities.
• Contra Dancing will be offered at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Historic Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin. Caller will be Diane Silver, with live music by Darlin’ Honeys. Partners are not required. Tickets available at the school the night of the dance. For more information, call 828.369.4080 or visit www.coweeschool.org.
• “Thunder in the Smokies Rally” will be June
Letters of nomination should not exceed five pages and should include the full name of the individual or organization being nominated, with a website address if applicable; the mailing address of the nominee; the founding date for organizational nominees; a list of the nominee’s accomplishments; a list of the awards and other recognitions received by the nominee; information about the nominee’s influence in the relevant field of expertise, such as crafts, music or organizational cause; and information about the nominee’s role as a teacher, advocate, leader or curator of mountain culture.
Nominations should be delivered no later than Friday, June 28, to the Mountain Heritage Center offices, located in Room 240 of WCU’s Hunter Library; mailed to Mountain Heritage Center, 1 University Drive, Cullowhee N.C. 28723; or emailed to pameister@wcu.edu.
28-30 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. Live music, dozens of vendors, $1,000 bike show and bike games, and much more. www.thunderinthesmokies.com.
• Maggie Valley Swap Meet/Camaro & Firebird Show will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 2021 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, June 22 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Admission is $5 daily for ages 13 and up. Call 423.608.4519, email rodneybuckner@att.net or visit www.surfboardpromotion.com.
• Vendors and demonstrators are wanted for the 2nd annual Mountain Heritage Fest in Cruso. This great day of barbecue, crafts, and music will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Cruso Community Center. Vendor spaces are $10 for a 10x10 space and demonstrators can participate for free. All spaces are outdoors. www.crusonc.com/fest, call Levi at 828.400.7323 or email crusoquiltshow@gmail.com.
French Dinner & Wine Pairing from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 and a Paint & Sip with celebrated visual artist Genevieve Bagley from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22.
For more information and/or to RSVP, call 828.452.0120 or visit www.waynesvillewine.com.
• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. June 22 and 29 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.
• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a group of closely related compunds that act on cannbinoid receptors in the body, unique to cannabis (or hemp). The body creates compounds called endocannabinoids, while hemp produces phytocannabinoids, notably cannabidiol. Cannabinoids is traditionally used for pain, sleep, and fibermyalgia.
The Endocannabinoid System is perhaps the most important physiologic systerm involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Although the endocannabinoid system affects a wide variety of biological processes, experts believe that its overall function is to regulate homeostasis.
The Shelton House.
On the wall
WCU ‘Cultivating Collections’ exhibit
The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center will be highlighting its permanent collection this summer with a new exhibition “Cultivating Collections.”
The exhibition focuses on three strengths of the museum’s collection that the curatorial team expects to grow over the next five to ten years: photography, artist books, and contemporary Native American art.
As the museum expands its holdings of more than 1,800 works of art, these concentration areas will provide a foundation for future directions in collecting.
One of the most notable galleries in the exhibition is “Cultivating Collections: Photography,” which was curated by undergraduate and graduate students taking the Exhibition Practicum course at WCU.
Featuring regionally and nationally-known photographers — many who visited, taught, studied or exhibited at WCU during their careers — this gallery brings a student perspective to the museum’s ever-expanding photography collection.
As part of the course, students selected works to display, interviewed artists, and evaluated strengths and opportunities for the collection. The works they chose for display represent a variety of photographic processes with subject matter ranging from still lifes and landscapes to emotionally charged images addressing war and personal trauma.
Featured artists include Ed Ruscha, Fran Forman, Pinky Bass, Susan Harbage Page, Drew Cameron, John Dickson, David
Bosu’s paint and sip
Join celebrated visual artist Genevieve Bagley for a relaxing afternoon of creative expression and wine sipping from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville.
Come for the painting and wine, stay for the gourmet snack and laughter. All are welcome. After studying art and design at the Savannah College of Art & Design, Bagley went on to distinguish her creative point of view in a number of mediums.
Under her enthusiastic tutelage, guests will create a unique piece of art to take home. The session focus is a sunflower garden in acrylic, 8x10. Perfect for any space that needs a pop of color.
Ticket includes materials and gourmet snack. Wine and beer menu available. This is a ticketed event, registration required. Cost is $45 per person plus tax and gratuity.
To RSVP, call 828.452.0120.
Creating Community Workshop
The monthly Creating Community Workshop on artist trading cards will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Artist trading cards (ATCs) is a conceptual art project initiated by the Swiss artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann in 1997. He called it a Collaborative Cultural Performance.
Packer, Susan Alta Martin, Ken Abbott, Herman Goustin, Alice Sebrell, Cathryn Griffin, Ian Ward, and others.
“Cultivating Collections: Artist Books” highlights objects
Artist trading cards are 2 1⁄2 by 3 1⁄2 inches in size, the same format as modern trading cards (hockey cards or baseball cards). They are self-made unique works or small series, signed and dated on the reverse by the artist/producer, exchanged and collected by the people who participate in the collaborative performance.
Attendees should wear old clothes or bring an apron. Materials will be provided, but if you have any pictures or other 2-D objects that would fit on a 2 1⁄2 by 3 1⁄2 inches card, feel free to bring them. Instructor Helen Vance’s love of Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) began many years ago.
This class is limited to 10 participants. For more information or to sign up for the class call 828.586.2016 or stop by the Reference Desk. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library (www.fontanalib.org).
Waynesville Art School summer camps
Registration is currently underway for summer art camps at Waynesville Art School.
• Art Sparklers camps for 7 to 9 year olds will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily on June 24-27 and July 22-25. Cost is $110 for a four-day session or $35 single day camp enrollment.
• Shining Minds camps for 10 to 13 year olds will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12:30
united by the artists’ desire to express an idea through a book-like format. The WCU Fine Art Museum holds over 100 artist books by American artists. These include altered books, visual narratives, conceptual books, sculptural volumes, and works that combine poetic text and imagery.
The WCU Fine Art Museum also has a strong commitment to exhibiting contemporary Native American art as a regular part of the museum’s changing exhibitions program.
Over the past 15 years, many of these exhibitions inspired purchases and donations of artwork to help the museum deepen its focus in this area. The art on view in “Cultivating Collections: Contemporary Native American Art” features a selection of the works acquired during this period.
The reception for Cultivating Collections will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. July 25 at the WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday until 7 p.m. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.
“Cultivating Collections” is part of an exhibition series that takes an in-depth look at growth areas of the Museum’s permanent collection as a way for the curatorial team to plan for future acquisitions.
The exhibition series will continue next summer and will culminate in the publication of a catalogue that describes the focus areas of the Museum’s collection. The catalogue is expected to be published in 2020, the 15-year anniversary of the Bardo Arts Center.
Stecoah Drive-About Tour
The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29 in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville.
With their studios open to the public, the self-guided driving tour highlights artisans who have built a livelihood with their creative talents. Media include pottery, beeswax lanterns and pillar candles, original paintings and drawings, fiber, quilts, photography, artisan cheeses and more.
The tour includes: Nantahala School for the Arts (Southwestern Community College), Sawmill Creek Pottery, Gallery Zella, Stecoah Artisans Gallery, Yellow Branch Pottery & Cheese, Taylor’s Greenhouse, Wehrloom Honey & Essentials and Junk ‘n’ Style.
The Schoolhouse Café at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center will be open during both days of the Artisans Drive About. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.
p.m. daily on July 8-11 and July 29-Aug. 1. Cost is $110 for a four-day session or $35 single day camp enrollment.
• Kinder Artists camps for 5 to 6 year olds will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. daily July 15-18 and Aug. 5-8. Cost is $45 for a four-day session or $15 single day camp enrollment. For information and/or to register, call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com.
HCAC Cherokee Artist Demonstrations
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) in Waynesville will continue with its line up of Cherokee Artist Demonstrations as part of its current exhibit of the works of leg-
endary Cherokee artist John Julius Wilnoty, which will be on display through June 29 at HCAC.
• Saturday, June 22: 10 a.m. to noon. Betty Maney, Cherokee Baskets. Maney makes white oak baskets, pottery, Cherokee dolls, and a variety of beadwork pieces. In addition to being a talented crafts person and demonstrator, she also excels as an educator in hands-on workshops.
• Saturday, June 29: 3 to 5 p.m. Joshua and Lauren Adams, wood carvers. Joshua is part of a long lineage of Cherokee woodcarvers, starting with his great aunt and uncle James and Irma Bradley. Joshua also had the privilege to study under renowned Cherokee artist Dr. James Bud Smith and was directly influenced by legendary Cherokee artists Amanda Crowe and John Julius Wilnoty. www.haywoodarts.org.
On the wall
Cullowhee Arts workshop series
Cullowhee Arts’ eighth annual Summer Art Workshop Series will continue at Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design.
This annual event features Visual Art Workshops in ceramics, fiber, mixed media, painting, printmaking and photography.
Workshop dates remaining: Week 2: June 24-28 and Week 3: July 1-3, (three-day workshops): Cost includes tuition, lunches and two group dinners; focused & concentrated learning with access to WCU Art Studios and facilities. Studios are open 7 a.m. to 10 pm.
On campus lodging available. www.cullowheemountainarts.org or 828.342.7899.
Mountain Artisans showcase
The 30th annual Mountain Artisans “Summertime” Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29-30 in the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University. Dozens of local artisans. Admission is $4.50 for adults with children under 12 free. Concessions and free parking. www.mountainartisans.net.
ALSO:
• “Red Poppies in Oil” with Sun Sohovich will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 24, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Join Sohovich for this pallet knife oil class. All supplies are provided. Cost is $40 for HCAC members or $45 for non-members. Class size is limited to 10. Prepayment is required to hold your spot. Checks should be made out to: Sun Sohovich. Make a reservation by calling 828.452.0593.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host a “Paint & Sip” night at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 24. Come have fun painting and learn step-by-step what to do, all while you sip on a tasty craft brew. Cost is $30, which includes everything to paint with. Space is limited. Text 828.400.9560 to sign up. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• “Fused Glass Wind Chime Class” with Gayle Haynie will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. In this class you’ll learn the basics of fused glass. Learn to cut and snip glass to the size and shape you prefer and how to add layers to your pieces to create color and interest. Cost of class includes all glass, firing, assistance with assembling, wire and hooks: $55 for HCAC members or $60 for non-members. Class size is limited to 10. Make your reservation today at 828.452.0593.
• The Cowee Pottery School in Franklin will have a buy one, get one 50 percent off pottery class special for the month of June. To get the deal, go to www.coweepotteryschool.org and use the promo code during checkout: “Bring a friend.” Must register both students at same time. One coupon per registration. contact@coweepotteryschool.org.
• The graduating class of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts program will exhibit their best work at the 2019 Graduate Show. The show will be held through June 23 at the Southern Highland
Craft Guild Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. The Folk Art Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. 828.627.4673 or creativearts.haywood.edu.
• The Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville is looking for a new identity for the annual Haywood County Studio Tour. Submissions will be accepted through Aug. 1. The contest is open to everyone. Visit www.haywoodarts.org/logo-contest for the application form and additional information. Winner will be selected by the Haywood Arts Council Studio Tour committee. Call 828.452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.
• The Weekly Open Studio art classes will resume from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville, Instructor will be Betina Morgan. Open to all artists, at any stage of development, and in the medium of your choice. Cost is $20 per class. There will also be a Youth Art Class from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Cost is $10 per class. Contact Morgan at 828.550.6190 or email bmk.morgan@yahoo.com.
• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through next April.
• A “Beginner Step-By-Step” adult painting class will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There is also a class at 6:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month at Balsam Fall Brewing in Sylva. Cost is $25 with all supplies provided. To RSVP, contact Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560 or wncpaintevents@gmail.com.
• Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.
On the stage
Take a trip back to a 1940s nightclub
Transforming the new Fangmeyer Theatre into a 1940s nightclub in honor of the classic song by Hoagy Carmichael, “Stardust” will hit the stage at 6 p.m. June 20-22, 27-29, and at 12:30 p.m. June 23 and 30 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. The evening begins with the bar open for cocktails, then a grand buffet, then a short time for dancing before the floorshow begins. Many of HART’s stars are on hand to perform standards from the era and there are even show girls in elaborate costumes to complete the picture.
“Stardust” is not just a show, it is meant to be an experience that HART will repeat if this proves popular.
If you ever wished you could go back to the days of Ricky Ricardo and the Tropicana, or spot the stars at the Coconut Grove or the Copacabana, this is your chance to step back into an era we now see only in old movies.
Director Glenn Arnette has spent the past year working on every detail and Chef Christy Bishop has come up with a retro menu that she is sure will capture the era.
The cast includes: Stephen Gonya, Lyn Donley, Marta Christmas, Randall Robins, Leslie Lang, Grizel Gonzalez-Jeuck, James Brice, Jerri Harris, Charles Mills, Karen Covington Yow, Lise Hoffman, Madison Garris, Carol Leslie Duermit, Sarah
A merry heart is good medicine
Pastor Paul Hensley and Life Church are pleased to present an evening of food and laughter with comedian, author and minister Joe Philips at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the church in Waynesville.
Philips is a communicator, comic, author and actor with a wide background in ministry. He has been a pastor, denominational leader, Bible teacher, coach and missionary. For the last several years he has exclusively traveled the country and world spreading the life changing message of Jesus.
Mosgrove, Allison
and the dance group, The Liquid Sirens.
Seating for “Stardust” is at tables of six, but if you want a more intimate experience for a small upcharge there are tables for two and four stage side. There won’t be cigarette girls, or a hat check, but that’s all that will be missing.
To make reservations, visit www.harttheatre.org or call the HART Box Office at 828.456.6322.
Tickets are $15 per person for the meal. Contact the church at waynesvillelife@yahoo.com or call 828.452.9235 for more information.
• There is free comedy improv class from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. No experience necessary, just come to watch or join in the fun. Improv teacher Wayne Porter studied at Sak Comedy Lab in Orlando, Florida, and performed improvisation with several groups. Join Improv WNC on Facebook or just call 828.316.876
Elizabeth
Stinson,
Books helps us understand our own history
“We need to know what kind of firm ground other men, belonging to generations before us, have found to stand on. In spite of changing conditions of life they were not very different from ourselves, their thoughts were the grandfathers of our thoughts, they managed to meet situations as difficult as those we have to face, to meet them sometimes lightheartedly, and in some measure to make their hopes prevail. We need to know how they did it.”
— John Dos Passos, cited in the epigraph for Wilfred M. McClay’s Land Of Hope
Every day gives us the opportunity to reflect on some great deed or disaster from the American past. The internet provides us with an abundance of calendars relating the events of our country’s history.
From June 4 to June 7, 1942, for example, the American Navy by force of will and by luck tore apart a Japanese fleet of carriers and turned the tide in the Pacific war.
On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Allied forces invaded France, gained a toehold against the Germans, and launched an offensive that would help topple Hitler and his Nazi regime.
On July 1-3, 1863, Southern forces lost the Battle of Gettysburg. A second turning point in the War occurred the following day, the Fourth of July, when the Confederate forces at Vicksburg, Mississippi, surrendered to Union forces commanded by General Grant, giving the North control of the Father of Waters and splitting the Confederacy in two.
On July 4, 1776, of course, colonial delegates in Philadelphia signed the Declaration of Independence and set afire the American Revolution.
To appreciate the blessings of the present, and to apprehend its troubles, demands an understanding of the past. To be ignorant of that history is, to steal a phrase Cicero, to remain forever a child.
And yet, by any measure, Americans in the twenty-first century are woefully and indeed dangerously uninformed about their past. Tests of our students in secondary schools
and colleges, ignorant remarks made by some of our politicians, random conversations with acquaintances, the advocacy of some for certain remedies to problems that have in the past failed again and again: these are just some of the indicators revealing our lack of historical knowledge.
Our educational system, from elementary school to university, must bear some of the responsibility for this deficiency. The study of history in many classrooms is either dumbeddown or ignored. Yet we ourselves must also
• Mason Lackey will present her poetry book of childhood memories Come Walk with Me and children’s book Horris the Horrible Germy Worm at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies, call 828.586.9499.
• Award winning novelist Darryl Bollinger will present his latest book The Cure from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Bollinger has a master’s degree in health care administration from Trinity University and spent 28 years working in the health care industry. Now retired and living in Western North Carolina, Bollinger uses his knowledge and experience to write
accept responsibility for our unfamiliarity with such concepts as Manifest Destiny and “Root, Hog, or Die,” such events as the burning of the White House in the War of 1812 or the consequences of the Mexican War. But help is here.
In Land Of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story (Encounter Books, 2019, 458 pages) Wilfred M. McClay gives us a wonderful vehicle for traveling the roads of the American past.
In this compact volume, McClay covers the history of the United States from its earliest Native American settlements and the European Age of Exploration all the way up to the present. In his “Introduction: One Long Story,” McClay writes that “A culture without memory will necessarily be barbarous and easily tyrannized, even if it is technologically advanced.” In Land Of Hope, McClay, a professor at the University of Oklahoma, recipient of many academic honors and author of various books and articles, seeks to revive our knowledge of our country.
Several qualities set Land Of Hope apart from other American histories.
First up is its sheer readability. Land Of Hope could easily serve as a high school textbook, yet it also offers an excellent narrative history of America, easily accessible to the general reader. Here McClay tell his readers a story, the story of the American past, includ-
medical thrillers. For more information, click on www.blueridgebooksnc.com.
• Asheville author Michael Havelin will officially launch his latest book in the Ben Bones series, Ben Bones & the Uncivil War, at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To order copies, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.
• The Western North Carolina Historical Association is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. It has been presented by WNCHA since 1955. The award comes with a $2,500 cash prize. The deadline for submission of nominated works is July 15, 2019. For information on the
ing explanations as needed, but becomes a pleasure craft carrying the reader along through this stream of time.
Next on reasons to raise a glass to Land Of Hope is its balance. While it is clear that McClay finds much to admire about America — the title itself gives that away — he examines events from different sides. McClay’s presentation of Prohibition in the 1920s provides just one of several hundred examples of his even-handed approach to a subject. He writes that “Prohibition may have had noble intentions,” but that it was a disaster in practice and doubtless gave an enormous boost to organized crime. He then points out an even greater damage done by the attempt to ban alcohol, “that a significant minority of Americans would be disinclined to obey, laws which moreover could never be seriously enforced. In doing so, the architects of Prohibition had seriously undermined respect for the law itself.”
Finally, and best of all, McClay warns readers again and again against judging past morality by the standards of the present. In his Introduction, McClay writes that “One of the worst sins of the present — not just ours but any present — is its tendency to condescend toward the past, which is much easier to do when one doesn’t trouble to know the full context of that past or try to grasp the nature of its challenges ….” In his discussion of immigration and urban politics in the latter part of the nineteenth century, McClay writes of some of those calling for a curtailment of immigrants, in part because of their distrust of Catholics, in part because many of the immigrants were coming not from Northern Europe but from Central and Southern Europe, McClay again reminds us to “draw back and look at the matter as broadly and historically as we can and to reserve our moral judgments. As the historian Herbert Butterfield once put it, “the historian is of greater service when he is a recording angel rather than a hanging judge.”
In Land Of Hope, Wilfred McClay is a recording angel.
(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. Minick0301@gmail.com)
application process and criteria, go to www.wnchistory.org and click on the “WNCHA Programs” tab with the “Awards” section underneath it.
• The Summer Learning Program theme this year is “A Universe of Stories” at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Children of all ages will be able to earn prizes for reading, be entertained with movies, and gain lots of knowledge through our various programs. All of the programs will take place at the library. Be sure to grab a calendar at the library or check out the online calendar at www.fontanalib.org to make sure you get the details for all of these amazing, fun, and educational programs. For more information, call 828.488.3030.
Writer Jeff Minick
Baseball for autistic youth planned in WNC
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF W RITER
The fresh cut grass, the din of the crowd, the white chalk lines on the dusty dirt infield — every year, millions of American kids suit up and take to diamonds across the country to play baseball, for decades considered the quintessential outdoor American pastime.
As such, it hasn’t always been as inclusive as it is could have been, especially for people on the autism spectrum.
“I can’t believe it’s taken 200 years to get to this point,” said 23-year-old Taylor Duncan, who founded the nonprofit Alternative Baseball Organization in 2016. “Thanks to those who have helped me throughout the years, my mother, my teachers, my coaches and my mentors, I’ve been able to get where I am today to provide an opportunity, and we’re excited to be expanding everywhere we possibly can.”
The ABO makes the thrill of competitive baseball available to teens and adults with autism and other special needs, in an accepting environment that encourages participants to be the best they can be while also instilling in them the confidence to fulfill their dreams on or off the field.
“We strive to bring that authentic baseball experience,” Duncan said. “We play strictly by major league rules, wood bats, dropped-third strike. The only adaptation is the size of the ball itself, which is slightly larger and much softer.”
As someone on the autism spectrum, Duncan knows firsthand what it’s like to be denied the physical and social benefits that organized team sports can provide.
“I had a lot of developmental delays when I was younger and because of that I was often put out of traditional youth sports just because I wasn’t ready for it then,” he said.
Get in the game
The Alternative Baseball Organization is a nonprofit sports league for players ages 15 and up with autism and other special needs. Taylor Duncan founded the league in 2016 after years of being unable to play traditional youth sports due to his own issues with moderate autism.
Duncan’s looking to add more teams to the dozen or so that already take the field, and he’s got his sights set on Sylva, Waynesville and other Western North Carolina communities.
To learn how you can help make Duncan’s dream a reality — as a coach, a player, a volunteer or a donor — visit www.alternativebaseball.org and then contact Duncan at alternativebaseball@gmail.com or at 770.313.1762.
“Then as I got older, I faced a lot of preconceived ideas of what people think is possible versus what isn’t.”
Those preconceived ideas can sometimes be as inhibiting to the development of people with autism as the condition itself.
“Our individuals are capable of more than people think,” said Kim Moore, program director in the Waynesville office of A Small Miracle, a statewide agency providing an array of support and services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “They’re very intelligent, and very aware of what’s going on in the world.”
Moore has worked in the I/DD field since graduating from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology 1993, and has been in Waynesville since 1997.
She explained that A Small Miracle’s services, furnished through Medicaid, often involve a one-on-one worker that teaches social skills, self-help skills and the like, but there’s also a service that helps people with autism establish more natural “unpaid” relationships, like by making friends through a membership at a gym. Alternative Baseball, she said, could also support that aspiration.
“I think it really will help with their senso-
ry adjustment, especially with crowds,” said Moore. “In a sport like baseball, players are usually a pretty significant distance from each other on the baseball field. The earlier you expose people with autism to environmental factors, to crowds, to trying to communicate with others, the more they can adjust later in life.”
Duncan said that when he first came up with the idea of the ABO, some people were puzzled because nothing like it had ever been done before, even suggesting there wasn’t enough demand to make the league viable.
Today, there are more than a dozen ABO teams competing from coast to coast, including several in greater Atlanta, a few in the Chattanooga area, several in Florida, and in Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., with teams as far away as Tacoma beginning to form.
“We want to be able to offer this opportunity in as many communities as we can,” said Duncan. “Obviously, first we’re targeting the southeastern region, but we’re always looking for new coaches and managers and volunteers anywhere, because every person on the spectrum deserves the opportunity to play baseball without preconceived ideas and perceptions.”
The closest team to Western North Carolina right now is the Carolina Crusaders, in Chesnee, South Carolina. Duncan, originally from Dallas, Georgia, hopes to add many more in the coming years, including one in Sylva and Waynesville.
Moore thinks it’s possible here, but may take some time as awareness builds.
“I do think it would take a lot of grassroots effort,” she said. “In Waynesville, we could probably pull people from Asheville over this way and that may help.”
In an era where travel youth sports is big business, parents have shown great willingness to drive players to weekend tournaments hours and hours away from home, suggesting that an hour’s drive might not be too long of a trip for the chance to play on an Alternative Baseball Organization team.
“We start by founding teams to establish leagues, and if there’s only one club, they play amongst each other,” said Duncan. “If we get one going in Waynesville, or in Sylva then we will start looking for a manager/coach in Asheville or Black Mountain or somewhere else easy to travel to.”
Teams typically practice for about 90 minutes a week, including warm-up stretches, batting practice and fielding drills. The games are umped by real umpires and game experiences are tailored to the ability level of each individual player. ABO coaches strive to teach the physical skills, but just as important for many with autism are the social skills they’ll build by being part of a team.
“I have found that there are
ABO founder Taylor Duncan is honored as a ‘Community Hero’ by the Atlanta Braves this past April. Donated photo
Taylor Duncan prepares to take a swing during a recent game. Donated photo
Tennis courts get makeover at Lake Junaluska
Renovated tennis courts will greet Lake Junaluska visitors this summer season.
Donors provided for resurfacing, repainting, new chain-link fencing and new nets, as well as new pickelball lines on two courts. The renovations totaled about $95,000.
“Tennis has meant a lot to our family over the years,” said Joe Taft, a donor and
longtime Junaluskan whose grandparents bought a house at the lake in 1919. “We’ve supported it at the lake because it’s a great way to get exercise and it’s just been an allaround important part of our life.”
This summer, the Lake Junaluska tennis courts will be available to tennis and pickleball players on a first-come, first-served basis from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Recreation Center to host basketball camps
Former Appalachian State Head Basketball Coach/Georgia Tech Associate Head Coach Kevin Cantwell will host two dribbling and shooting camps at the Waynesville Recreation Center this summer.
From June 24-27 and then again from July 15-18, Cantwell, also the author of Parent’s Guide to Youth Basketball and Beyond, will utilize training drills to assist players in learning or improving ball handling and shooting skills, developing them into a true offensive threat – a good shooter not afraid to dribble.
Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $150 per person, and a deposit of $25 is required. Campers are also asked to bring a snack. For more information, call 828.456.2030 or email academy7@live.com.
eventually really good employment opportunities for individuals with autism,” Moore said. “With that exposure then they can see what people with autism can do, and help them develop in their own communities. That’s one of the connections the community can make when they watch the teams play.”
Duncan said he’s already seen examples, just in the three years ABO has been in existence.
“We’ve had some who have wanted to go out and find work, to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, all because we’re showing them, yes you can, and you will,” Duncan said. “There was one person who started in our program, and eventually his social skills improved through the sport, because we do a lot of team chemistry work. It improved so much that now he holds down a parttime job at a restaurant.”
Perhaps due to stories like that, the ABO hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by major media outlets.
This past April, in fact, was a busy month for Duncan, who appeared in a segment about the ABO on NBC’s Today Show. Days later, he told his story on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight and in Sports Illustrated. Around that time he was recognized as a “Community Hero” by none other than the National League’s Atlanta Braves and also presented a TedX talk in Atlanta — a pretty big splash for someone who said he had issues with anxiety and speech, due to autism.
“You never know what’s going to happen,” Duncan said, “unless you give someone an opportunity to try to show what they can do — and the support they need — so they can grow to be able to do much more.”
Women’s homesteading group to hold interest meeting
The National Ladies Homestead Gathering, a group dedicated to empowering women through homesteading, has more than two dozen chapters across the country, and may soon have one more — in Haywood County.
An interest meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28 at the Tap Room Sports Bar & Grill, 176 Country Club Drive, in Waynesville, to gauge the level of support for establishing a local chapter.
The National Ladies Homestead Gathering provides a welcoming environ-
ment where women can share knowledge, celebrate victories, and address challenges while cultivating community with likeminded women. All women are welcome who have a dream or desire to be more selfreliant. Whether their homesteads are in the planning phase or already established, all women have something to contribute or gain from coming together.
For more information on the meeting or to RSVP, visit www.facebook.com/ladieshomestead and click on “events.”
Stop killing your houseplants
A seminar on the proper care of houseplants will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Waynesville Library Auditorium, 678 S. Haywood St. Led by master gardener Cynthia Slaughter and sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the program will cover topics like basic care, common pests, problems and propagation. There will also be a raffle for houseplant starters. Registration is required, so call 828.356.2507 or email kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov to reserve a spot.
Nominations sought for FSA committees
The Farm Service Agency will start accepting nominations for county committee members on Friday, June 14.
Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program can be nominated — people can nominate themselves or others as candidates. Committees are
made of three to 11 members and typically meet once a month, with members serving three-year terms. They play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the agency.
For more information, including a nomination form, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nominations must be postmarked or received by the local FSA office by Aug 1. Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 4.
SPACE AVAILABLE
How to control thistle on a small plot of land. National Ladies Homestead Gathering photo
Mason Lackey Booksigning
Saturday, June 22 • 3 p.m.
Walk to Hazelwood shopping, restaurants and coffee shop. This Affordable condo is located on second floor and is well maintained and offers open floor plan, 2-bedroom, 1-bath, approximately 840 sq ft, and all appliances, almost new (1 year old Carrier) HVAC. This home is perfect to live in or have as an investment!
MLS# 3506650 $89,750
The #1 Listing & Selling Team In Haywood County Noland-Proben Team
Brian K. Noland & Catherine Proben RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROFESSIONALS
74 N. Main Street, Waynesville bknoland@beverly-hanks.com • 828.734.5201 cproben@beverly-hanks.com • 828.734.9157
The name was later moved to another mountain after it was discovered that the peak was already known as Mount Collins in Tennessee.
Family Collection/ GSMA photo
Kephart bio to be reviewed
George Ellison and Janet McCue’s biography of naturalist and author Horace Kephart has only been out a short time, but has already generated a lot of discussion.
The Friends of the Bryson City Cemetery will hold another one, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 in the conference room of United Community Bank at 145 Slope Street in Bryson City, where they’ll cover the principal findings and deductions of Ellison and McCue’s Back of Beyond, published by
the Great Smoky Mountains Association. Independent observations on the life and work of Kephart, including events and perspectives not covered in the biography, will also be provided.
The FBCC seeks to promote area history associated with those buried in the Bryson City Cemetery, like Kephart; monthly meetings are open to the public, and visitors as well as members are welcome. To learn more, visit www.friendsofthebccemetery.org.
Blue Ridge Parkway hike offers ‘Devilish Views’
Join Blue Ridge Parkway rangers at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 21, for a strenuous half-mile hike to the top of Devil’s Courthouse. As famous for its views as it is for the Cherokee myth of Judaculla — the slant-eyed giant who dwells in the area — Devil’s Courthouse rises to more than 5,700 feet above sea level and offers heart-pounding scenic vistas. Hike begins at the Devil’s Courthouse parking area, which is located at milepost 422.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Pisgah Forest. Be sure to bring water, wear good walking shoes and be prepared for changing weather conditions. For more information, call 828.298.5330, ext. 304.
Friends of the Smokies offers Gatlinburg hikes
On June 25 and 26, join Friends of the Smokies for a very special fundraiser that will explore America’s most-visited national park, all from the comfort of East Tennessee’s classic country inn, The Buckhorn.
Tuesday, June 25 is Twin Creeks “Discovery Day,” featuring a 3.8-mile afternoon hike, social hour meet-and-greet, dinner at the Buckhorn Inn with surprise guest, and overnight lodging, also at the Buckhorn. On Wednesday after breakfast, choose from two unique guided excursions:
Option 1: Rainbow Falls Trail (5.4 miles) This hike will highlight the work of the Trails Forever program, and end at the stunning 80-foot Rainbow Falls.
Option 2: Laurel Falls – Little Greenbrier – Roundtop (14.9 miles) This all day adventure offers two extremes: one of the most popular trails in the park — Laurel Falls, and one of the least traveled trails — Roundtop. After a short trek to enjoy one of the most well-loved waterfalls in the park, this hike will follow the southern exposures of Roundtop and Little Roundtop Mountains through a pine oak forest to a part of the Smokies few ever experience.
The cost for the two-day expedition is $300 per person ($125 of which is tax deductible) and includes two guided hikes, lodging, a social hour, an evening program, dinner and breakfast. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact marielle@friendsofthesmokies.org with questions, or register at hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.
Kephart sits atop the first Mount Kephart.
George Masa/Kephart
Hike the Bartram, hear the Bartram
Local writer and guide Brent Martin is going to be a busy man on Friday, June 21.
At 9 a.m., Martin will lead a 4.6-mile round-trip eco-tour along the Bartram Trail from Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain, while discussing flora and fauna along the trail and telling stories about naturalist William Bartram’s travels, along with Bartram Trail Society’s Walter Wingfield. The hike is moderate-difficult — a narrow trail over uneven ground with roots and rocks. A picnic lunch will be provided.
Then at 6 p.m., Martin will celebrate the release of his book, The Changing Blue Ridge Mountains: Essays on Journeys Past and Present in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room.
During the 18th century, naturalist and artist William Bartram traveled the Blue Ridge Mountains, chronicling plant life as well as the customs of the Middle Town Cherokee Indians. Since then, people like Bartram have sought out Western North Carolina’s wild and remote places, often
Better access to Bartram Trail
A relatively new trailhead now has a brand new parking lot that’s sure to make accessing the Bartram Trail in Macon County easier and more convenient than ever.
Thanks to a partnership between Mainspring Conservation Trust, the U.S. Forest Service, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Bartram Trail Society, a gravel parking lot is available directly across Hickory Knoll Road from the Bartram Trail trailhead.
The Forest Service prepared the site, which sits on a portion of 72 acres purchased by Mainspring in 2018. Mainspring’s acreage borders the Nantahala National Forest to the east and the North Carolina Needmore Game Lands across the Little Tennessee River to the west.
Gravel was delivered and spread by the NCWRC, and Mainspring and Bartram Trail volunteers placed bollards and installed bumpers to define the parking spaces.
putting their experiences into words. Martin’s essays compare the present to the past, and explore the idea of wilderness and what change means for the future of the people and the species who live in the mountains.
Martin’s book release is free and open to the public. The hike is $10 for members of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, or free for new members who join at the $35 level.
Visit www.hicashlt.org to register.
Eventually, an informational kiosk and some landscaping, including
1770s travels through the region, are also planned for the area.
plants encountered
Help inventory scenic views on the Appalachian Trail
Spend a day, or a few, helping the Nantahala Hiking Club, the Appalachian Trail Park Office and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy conduct an inventory that will help the National Park Service better manage and protect visual resources on a 25-mile section of the Appalachian Trail.
Volunteers will embark on a day hike to the scenic views, and spend about an hour with a small team of people at each viewpoint. Shuttle drivers are also needed to help ferry hikers efficiently to and from trails.
The inventory doesn’t begin until July 29, but there’s a June 28 training session offered in Roanoke, Virginia, for interested volunteers.
However, that training session is not required — prior to the inventory, volunteers will be given various training options, including the Visual Resources Inventory Training Manual and links to YouTube videos as well as a webinar, all of which help explain the inventory process.
For more information or to volunteer, call Bill Van Horn at 828.369.1983.
native
by explorer and naturalist William Bartram during his
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
•Lake Junaluska Summer Activities Program is offered weekdays through July. The center invites the community to enjoy daily free and low -cost activities. Summer Activities Program weekly events include morning and evening yoga lessons, board game nights, morning lakeside devotionals, bonfires, indoor and outdoor movies, and live music. Visit for schedule: www.lakejunaluska.com/summeractivities.
• The North Shore Cemetery Association will host decorations at Bone Valley and Hall Cemeteries on Sunday, June 23. First boat leaves at 8:30 a.m.; last one leaves at 10 a.m. from the Cable Cove Boating Access Area off NC 28 near Fontana Village.
• Village Green is hosting open houses this summer for visitors to see progress on its construction project in Cashiers. Dates are June 26 and July 3. Info: 743.3434, courtney@cashiersgreen.com or www.VillageGreenCashiersNC.com.
• Bingo will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 27 in the Maggie Valley Pavilion next to town hall. Sponsored by the Maggie Valley Civic Association.
• Grant applications are being accepted from local nonprofits for grants that will be provided by Grace Church in the Mountains. Proceeds from a July 27 Parish Fair go toward supporting these grants. Application: www.gracewaynesville.com. Info: 456.6029.
• The Haywood County Arts Council is accepting submissions for a Studio Tour Logo Contest through Aug. 1. Info and application: haywoodarts.org/logo-contest.
B USINESS & E DUCATION
• Resume writing assistance is available from 1-3 p.m. on the following Fridays: July 5, 19; Aug. 2, 16; and Sept. 6 and 20 in the Waynesville Library Upstairs Conference Room. Info: Kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov or 356.2507.
• Registration is underway for a “Lean Thinking Workshop” that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Led by Dr. Todd Creasy, MBA director and associate professor of management and project management at WCU. Learn to improve customer experience while reducing unnecessary clutter and process steps. Early bird registration fee: $249. After July 9, cost is: $279. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.
• Registration is underway for a Five-Star Customer Service for the Hospitality Industry workshop, which will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Registration: $119. For info or to sign up: pdp.wcu.edu or jcthompson@wcu.edu.
FUNDRAISERS AND B ENEFITS
• Ticket reservations are being accepted for two fundraisers that will benefit the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society this summer: Bark, Beer & Barbeque on Thursday, June 20, at The Farm at Old Edwards; and Pawsitively Purrfect Part on Monday, Aug. 19, at Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Cost for each event: , $195 per person, $390 per couple or $1,800 for a table of 10. To request an alert once tickets are available, call 743.5769 or write shannon@CHhumanesociety.org.
• The Maggie Valley Lions Club will sponsor an Italian Dinner Extravaganza at 5:30 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, at the Maggie Valley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Cost: $12 adults; $6 for under-12.
All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.
Advance tickets available at Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley or 926.9794.
• The Jackson County Genealogical Society will hold its annual “Fun-Raiser” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Bridge Park in Sylva. Silent Auction. Raffle for quilt and shotgun. Hot dog lunch. Live music by Kim Shuler, Mark Jones & Turning Home, Chuck Norris & The Faithful Pilgrims, Betty Brown & Friends, The Deitz Family, Liberty Baptist Church Choir, Haven Bryant, Laila Messer, Ella Ledford and Jesse & Friends. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the festivities.
• Registration is underway for the 26th annual Golf Tournament and gala benefiting Haywood Christian Ministries. Tournament is July 10 at Laurel Ridge Country Club and Waynesville Inn & Resort; Gala is July 11 at Laurel Ridge. Proceeds primarily benefit the heating program that ensures no elderly, infants, preschoolers or seriously ill folks go without heat this winter. Gala tickets are $30; golf is $125 per player (includes one gala ticket). Entry forms at the HCM office, local area golf clubs or haywoodministry.org. Info: 456.4838.
VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS
• Vendors and demonstrators are wanted for the 2nd annual Mountain Heritage Fest in Cruso. This great day of barbecue, crafts, and music will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Cruso Community Center. Vendor spaces are $10 for a 10x10 space and demonstrators can participate for free. All spaces are outdoors. For more information and for applications, please visitwww.crusonc.com/fest, call Levi at 400.7323 or email crusoquiltshow@gmail.com.
• Feline Urgent Rescue is seeking volunteers and sponsors. Info: 422.2704, www.furofwnc.org, www.facebook.com/furofwnc or 844.888.CATS (2287).
H EALTH MATTERS
• Gentle Yoga for Cancer is offered from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Haywood Breast Center in Waynesville. Info: MyHaywoodRegional.com/YogaforCancer or 452.8691.
• On the third weekend of each month, Maggie Valley Wellness Center hosts donation-based acupuncture appointments. $35-55. 944.0288 or maggievalleywellness.com.
• Mountain Audiology will host its Lunch with the Doctor’s event on Thursday, June 27 and July 18, at the Franklin Office and July 12 in Clyde office. Lunch from local restaurant provided. Register: 627.1950.
• The International Essential Tremor Foundation’s regional support group for Jackson, Macon, Swain and Haywood Counties meets at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at the Jackson County Senior Center, room 135. Info: 736.3165 or teddyk1942@gmail.com.
• Maggie Valley Wellness will host an essential oils informative session from 6-7:30 p.m. on June 27. RSVP by June 21. 944.0288.
• Mountain Audiology will offer hearing screenings through June 14 at its Clyde Office and from June 24-28 at the Franklin Office. Appointment: 627.1950.
R ECREATION AND FITNESS
• An hour yoga class is offered at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Maggie Valley Wellness Center. $15 for a single class, or $55 for a package of four classes. 944.0288 or maggievalleywellness.com.
• The High Mountain Squares will host their “Atlanta Here We Come Dance” from 6:15-8:45 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building, Georgia Road in Franklin. Western-style square dancing, mainstream plus levels. 787.2324, 332.0001 or 706.746.5426.
• Waynesville Yoga Center will offer Disco Buti + Bubbles from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Cost: $14. Info and reservations: 246.6570 or WaynevilleYogaCenter.com.
• Waynesville Yoga Center will offer “Present Moment Awareness: What’s the Big Deal” from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. Info and reservations: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• Waynesville Yoga Center will offer Buti Yoga from noon-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 29. Soulful blend of yoga, cardio-intense movement, tribal dance and deep abdominal toning. Cost: $14. For info and to register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• Waynesville Yoga Center will offer “Groove on OM!” for women only from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29. Dancing fun with no pressures, expectations or judgment. Cost: $20. For info and to register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• Contra Dancing will be offered at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Historic Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin. Caller will be Diane Silver, with live music by Darlin’ Honeys. Partners are not required. Tickets available at the school the night of the dance. For more information, call 828.369.4080 or click on www.coweeschool.org.
• A program entitled “Learn to Meditate the Easy Way” will be offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, at Waynesville Yoga Center. Cost: $14. Info and reservations: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• Throughout June, Dance Tonight Haywood offers weekly evening classes on Argentine Tango (Mondays), Salsa (Tuesdays), Swing (Wednesdays) and Blues (Thursday) at 61 ½ Main Street in Canton. For times and to RSVP, text your name and email to 316.1344.
S PIRITUAL
• Lake Junaluska’s Summer Youth Events, run through July 14. Morning and evening sessions with worship, guest preachers and workshops for sixth-through-12th graders. www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth or 800.222.4930.
• An evening of food and laughter with comedian, author and minister Joe Philips is set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at LIFE Church of Waynesville. $15 for the meal. Waynesvillelife@yahoo.com or 452.9235.
• Lake Junaluska will host a Summer Worship Series on June 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4. Start time is 10:45 a.m. each date except June 23, which starts at 10 a.m. Spirited services led by internationally known preachers in Stuart Auditorium. This year’s theme is “Psalms for Our Time.”
• Registration is underway for Music & Worship Arts Week, which is from June 23-28 at Lake Junaluska. Multi-generational educational event including arts, praise and renewal. For ministry leaders or those who want to sing, dance or act all week. Musicartsweek2019.wordpress.com.
• Registration is underway for Native American Summer Conference, which is June 28-30, at Lake Junaluska. Speakers, Bible study and workshops. Lakejunaluska.com/sejanam or 800.222.4930.
• Come, Holy Spirit: A Retreat with Jack Levison and Priscilla Pope-Levison is scheduled for July 8-10 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. www.firstlightproductions.org or 734.0630.
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
• Registration is underway for Guided Personal Retreats, on July 22-24, Sept. 16-18 and Oct. 21-23 at Lake Junaluska. Lakejunaluska.com/retreats or 800.222.4930.
P OLITICAL
• The Haywood County NAACP will have its monthly members meeting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Harris Chapel AME Zion, 26 Prospect Road in Canton. Discussions and reflections on the George Radcliffe monument.
• Indivisible Swain County will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 24, at the United Community Bank, 145 Slope Street in Bryson City. Nonpartisan group committed to applying peaceful, persistent pressure on government officials for the common good. 736.0704.
AUTHORS AND B OOKS
• Brent Martin will present his new book entitled “The Changing Blue Ridge Mountains: Essays on Journeys Past and Present” at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room.
• Mason Lackey will present her books Come Walk with Me and Horris the Horrible Germy Worm at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.
S ENIOR ACTIVITIES
• Senior Tennis Time is from 9 a.m.-noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Oct. 30 at the Donnie Pankiw Tennis Center at 128 W. Marshall Street in Waynesville. For ages 55-up; intermediate or higher skill level. $1 per person per day. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.
K IDS & FAMILIES
• Base Camp on the Go, a series of outdoor and environmental education activities, will be offered at a variety of locations this summer, through the first week in August: 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at Waynesville Recreation Center; 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Canton Town Park; 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at Fines Creek and 10 a.m.-noon on Fridays at Waynesville Recreation Center. cmiller@waynesville.gov.
• Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva will host a video game night on Wednesday’s this summer from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Play Smash Bros. & Mario Cart on the big screen. Free. 586.3555.
• Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club will be offered for ages 4-7 from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Aug. 8, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Learning, outdoor activities and crafts. $5 for kids and $3 for accompanying adults. Info and register: 877.3130.
• The Junior Forester Program will be offered to ages 812 from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Thursdays, through Aug. 8,
at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Learning, outdoor activities and crafts. $5 for kids and $3 for accompanying adults. Info and register: 877.3130.
• Summer youth swim programs are being offered through July at Reid Gym on Western Carolina University’s campus in Cullowhee. Led by retired WCU professor Mike Creason. Info: swim.wcu.edu, 227.7397 or 293.5364.
S UMMER CAMPS
• Waynesville Art School will offer three youth camps this summer at 303 N. Haywood Street. Kinder Artists camps are for ages 5-6 and will be offered from 1011 a.m. on July 15-18, and Aug. 5-8. Cost: $45 for four-day session or $15 for single-day camp enrollment. Art Sparklers camps are for ages 7-9 and are offered from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. on June 24-June 27 and July 22-25. Cost is $110 for four days or $35 for single-day enrollment. Shining Minds Camps are for ages 10-13 and are offered from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on July 8-11 and July 29-Aug. 1. Cost is $110 for four days or $35 for single-day enrollment. 246.9869 or www.WaynesvilleArtSchool.com/programs-1.
• Discovery Camp with weekly camps are available through Aug. 16 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Open to pre-K through rising eighth graders. Register: www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/discoverycamp.
• Registration is underway for a residential camp program scheduled for this summer at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman: Astro Camp, for ages 11-14, from Aug. 4-9 For info, scholarship opportunities and to register: www.pari.edu or 862.5554.
• Registration is underway for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s Critter Camp, which is offered from July 15-19 and Aug. 5-9. Camp hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fun, immersive experiences with animals at no-kill shelter for rising first-graders through sixth-graders. $300 per child for each week. 743.5752 or info@CHhumanesociety.org.
• Professional skateboarder Jared Lee will lead a summertime “Big Brother Boards Skate Camp” from 9-11 a.m. on the following Saturdays: June 22 and 29, July 13 and 20 and Aug. 3. First session is $30 and includes a camp t-shirt; additional sessions cost $25 each. Info: bigbrotherboardscamp@gmail.com or 400.1252. Register: www.eventbrite.com.
• Registration is underway for two basketball shooting and dribbling camps that will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 24-27 and July 15-18 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Led by former Appalachian State University coach Kevin Cantwell. Cost: $150 per person; deposit of $25 required. Register or get info: 456.2030 or academy7@live.com.
• Registration is underway for a pair of summertime nature/science camps offered by Western Carolina University for rising sixth-ninth graders. Nature Exploration Camp is from June 24-28; explore the natural world through field trips and activities in the region. Cost $279 (lunch provided). Science Laboratory Camp is from July 8-12 and explores laboratory science through activities and experiments in biology, chemistry, geosciences and more. Cost: $199 (lunch provided). Info: camps.wcu.edu or 227.7397.
• Smoky Mountain Sk8way is enrolling participants for its Summer Camp, which is for ages 6-14 years old. Games, art and crafts, learning and group activities. $35 a day or $150 per week. Nine weeks. For info or to enroll: www.smokymountainsk8way.com or 246.9124.
• Registration is underway for the Junior Appalachian Musicians Camp, preserving and perpetuating bluegrass, old-time, mountain and string music. Camp is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 15-19 at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Cost: $95. Sign up: www.haywoodarts.org or www.facebook.com/haywoodarts.
• Registration is underway for the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office’s “Sheriff’s Summer Camp,” which is for ages 10-13 and will be held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on July 8-12. Activities, field trips and opportunities to get to know deputies. A Facebook live video drawing determines which 20 campers are selected. 356.2880.
• Registration is underway for #campgirlboss, which is from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on July 15-19, at Macon Middle School, 1345 Wells Grove Road in Franklin. For middle school girls, ages 11-13. Learn how to formulate a business plan and develop self-confidence and empowerment. CampGirlBoss.com.
K IDS FILMS
• “The Secret Life of Pets 2”, will be shown at 7 p.m. on June 19-20 at The Strand in downtown Waynesville. Visit www.38main.com for pricing & tickets. 283.0079.
• “Toy Story 4”, will be shown at 10 a.m. on June 2122, 28-29, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on June 21-22, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. on June 22-23 & 29-30 and 1 p.m. on June 24, 26 & July 1at The Strand in downtown Waynesville. Visit www.38main.com for pricing & tickets. 283.0079.
• “Captain Marvel”, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on June 21 and 7 p.m. on July 6 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.
• “Dumbo”, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on June 28 & July 5 and 7 p.m. on June 29 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.
• The Highlands Biological Foundation will offer a series of nature-themed films and documentaries shown at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of March in Highlands. For info on each show, call 526.2221.
• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.
Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29 in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville. Particular studios will be open to the public. The self-guided driving tour highlights artisans who have built a livelihood with their creative talents. Media include pottery, beeswax lanterns and pillar candles, original paintings and drawings, fiber, quilts, photography, artisan cheeses and more. Visit www.stecoahvalleycenter.com for a list of participants.
• The 30th annual Mountain Artisans “Summertime” Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29-30 in the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University. Dozens of local artisans. Admission is $4.50 for adults with children under 12 free. Concessions available and free convenient parking. www.mountainartisans.net.
• The 22nd annual Sweet Corn Festival is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, at St. Cyprian’s Church on Roller Mill Road in Franklin. Featured music is West Sound of Asheville. Food, bake sale, arts, crafts, children’s games, historic church tour and trail walk.
• Tickets are on sale now for Folkmoot’s 36th annual festival, which will feature 24 events from July 18-28 throughout Western North Carolina: International folk dance performances, live music, parades, craft beer, food trucks and artisan vendors. Performances in Waynesville, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Canton, Cherokee, Hickory, Asheville and Hendersonville. Full schedule and tickets: 452.2997 or folkmoot.org.
F OURTH OF J ULY
• Lake Junaluska will host Independence Day Celebrations from July 3-7. Concerts by Balsam Range (7:30 p.m. on July 6) and the Lake Junaluska Singers (7:30 p.m. on July 4) and a show by Imagine Circus (7:30 pm. On July 5). Also: A parade (11 a.m. on July 4), a picnic (noon-2 p.m.), and fireworks (approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 4).
A&E
S PECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
• The inaugural Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend will be held June 22-23 on the Shelton Campus at 49 Shelton Street in Waynesville. On June 22, events will include a craft fair, crafter demonstrations, vendors, a quilt exhibit, open house museum, food, drink and lots of fun activities. On June 23, there will be a special event at the HART with live bluegrass music, while outside there will be traditional mountain dancing hosted by Joe Sam Queen. Free and open to the public. www.sheltonhouse.org or 452.1551.
• The Maker’s Hand will present the summer Artist & Antique Festival at 9 a.m. on June 22 at Antique Antics, 1497 S. Main Street in Waynesville. Demonstrations in blacksmithing, featherweighste wing, vintage hand tools, flute making, spinning and metal arts. Antique vendors. Fall Festival is at 9 a.m. on Oct. 25. Info: 452.6225.
• Maggie Valley Swap Meet/Camaro & Firebird Show will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 20-21 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, June 22 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Admission is $5 daily for ages 13 and up. 423.608.4519, or rodneybuckner@att.net or www.surfboardpromotion.com.
• Tickets are on sale now for “Thunder in the Smokies” motorcycle rally, which is June 28-30 in Maggie Valley. Vendors, Blue Ridge Parkway Tour Ride, bike show, games and more. Handlebarcorral.com.
• The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive About
• Bosu’s Wine Shop will offer Lunch with Us on July 36 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eclectic lunch experience made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Outdoor seating available. Reservations are welcome. 452.0120.
F OOD & D RINK
• A pod meeting for Plant Pure Nation is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, in the kitchen above Sassy Girls in Dillsboro. Plant-based cooking demo and dinner.
• Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville is offering lunch on Friday & Saturdays, “Lunch with us” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring fresh seasonal menu with outdoor seating weather preminting. 452.0120 or www.waynesvillewine.com.
• Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville will host five for $5 Wine Tasting from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Come taste five magnificent wines and dine on Chef Bryan’s gourmet cuisine. 452.0120 or www.waynesvillewine.com.
• Secret Wine Bar is hosted by Bosu’s in Waynesville on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contact for more information and make reservations. 452.1020.
• A free wine tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bosu Wine Shop in Waynesville. 452.0120 or www.waynesvillewine.com.
Bosu’s will host a Cocktails & Lunch on Saturday’s. Serving house-made champagne cocktails from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.waynesvillewine.com
• A free wine tasting will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 631.3075.
• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 10, Sept. 7, 21 & 22, Nov. 2 and Dec 31 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first-class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.
S UMMER M USIC
• Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will Porch 40 (rock/jam) June 21 at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com
• The Concerts on the Creek will host Shane Meade & the Sound (Americana/folk) at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 21 at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public. Occasionally there are food trucks onsite. 586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.
• The Concerts on the Creek will host the Rewind Band (classic rock) at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 28 at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public. Occasionally there are food trucks onsite. 586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.
• “An Appalachian Evening” summer concert series will kick off with legendary bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
ON STAGE & I N CONCERT
• The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 25 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee. 800.438.1601 or www.visitcherokeenc.com.
• Folk act Swamp Rabbit Railroad will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at 7 PM in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. The band is a modern folk duo that carries on the rich tradition of folk music, while adding to it with stand out vocal harmonies. 586.2016. (www.fontanalib.org).
• Transforming the new Fangmeyer Theatre into a 1940s nightclub in honor of the classic song by Hoagy Carmichael, “Stardust” will be on stage at 6 p.m. June 20-22, 27-29, and at 12:30 p.m. June 23 and 30 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. The evening begins with the bar open for cocktails, then a grand buffet, then a short time for dancing before the floorshow begins.
Seating for “Stardust” is at tables of six, but if you want a more intimate experience for a small upcharge there are tables for two and four stage side. www.harttheatre.org or 456.6322.
• The Upbeats Band will play rock n’ roll from 8-11 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at The Gathering, 555 Depot Street in Franklin.
• The Highlands Performing Arts Center will present a live concert, “Travis LeDoyt: A Tribute to the King,” at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, in Highlands. www.highlandspac.org or 526.9047.
• Life Church are pleased to present an evening of food and laughter with comedian, author and minister Joe Philips at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the church in Waynesville. Philips is a communicator, comic, author and actor with a wide background in ministry. He has been a pastor, denominational leader,
Bible teacher, coach and missionary. For the last several years he has exclusively traveled the country and world spreading the life changing message of Jesus. Tickets are $15 per person for the meal. waynesvillelife@yahoo.com or 452.9235.
• The Remnants Band will play rock ‘n roll from 8-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at The Gathering, 555 Depot Street, in Franklin.
• Some 30 vocalists of the choral ensemble. which presented the annual Madrigal Christmas Dinners at Western Carolina University, will join together to present a concert at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building on campus.
CLASSES AND PROGRAMS
• The Jackson County Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 3. Theme is the Great Jackson County Read: Armchair Traveler. Info: 586.2016.
• Encouraging art classes for beginning through advanced adults are offered by the Inspired Art Ministry at the following times and dates: Drawing classes from 1-4 p.m. on Mondays; painting classes from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Info: 456.9197, charspaintings@msn.com or www.iamclasses.wbs.com.
• Waynesville Art School offers afternoon classes for children, teens and adults at 303 N. Haywood Street. Info: 246.9869, info@waynesvilleartschool.com or WaynesvilleArtSchool.com.
• Registration is underway for the Cullowhee Arts’ eighth-annual Summer Art Workshop Series that will be held June 24-28 and July 1-3at Western Carolina University’s School of Art & Design. www.cullowheemountainarts.org or 342.7899.
• The Green Energy Park will offer a Glass Paperweight Class on Friday, June 21, in Dillsboro. $35 for a 30-minute time slot between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Preregister: 631.0271. Ages 13-18 may participate with parent present. www.jcgep.org.
• Paint & Sip with Genevieve Bagley is being offered at Bosu’s Wine Shop on June 22 and July 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, July 30 from 6-8 p.m. All are ticketed event so call to reserve your spot. $45 per person which includes art supplies and gourmet snack. Wine & beer are available for purchase at the event. 451.0120 or waynesvillewine.com.
• “Red Poppies in Oil” with Sun Sohovich will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 24, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Join Sohovich for this pallet knife oil class. All supplies are provided. Cost is $40 for HCAC members or $45 for non-members. Class size is limited to 10. Prepayment is required to hold your spot. Make your reservation today at 452.0593.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host a “Paint & Sip” night at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 24. Come have fun painting and learn step-by-step what
to do, all while you sip on a tasty craft brew. Cost is $30, which includes everything to paint with. Space is limited. Text 400.9560 to sign up. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Interest meeting for Ladies Homestead Gathering is from 7-8:30 p.m. on June 28 at the Waynesville Inn & Country Club’s Tap Room. https://tinyurl.com/y524uu9p.
• Cowee Pottery School will have a party starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the home of Doug and Patti Hubbs, 131 Cross Creek Road in Franklin. Bring a covered dish and beverages. Burgers, buns, condiments, beans, tea and water provided. RSVP by June 24: contact@coweepotteryschool.org or 704.785.0628.
• Haywood County Libraries Adult Summer Reading program has started and runs through Aug. 30. Info: www.haywoodlibrary.org or 452.5169 (Waynesville) or 648.2924 (Canton).
• Joshua and Lauren Adams will demonstrate Cherokee wood carving from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. HaywoodArts.org or 452.0593.
• A Fused Glass Wind Chime Class will be offered from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Cost: $55 for members; $60 for nonmembers; cost includes supplies and equipment. Reservations: 452.0593.
• Registration is underway for a Viking Spear Class scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30, at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge. Walk away with a high-carbon, functional weapon. Cost: $380; includes all materials. Preregistration required: 631.0271 or www.jcgep.org.
• A Contra dance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center. Lessons at 7 p.m. Live music by the Darlin’ Honeys. $7 admission; free for 14-under. CoweeSchool.org.
ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES
• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through April 2020.
• Betty Maney will demonstrate Cherokee basketry and display her work from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, June 22, at the Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. HaywoodArts.org or 452.0593.
• Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Students will have a “Graduate Show” to exhibit their best work through June 23 at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art CenterInfo: 627.4673 or creativearts.haywood.edu.
• “Rhythm Systems: Nature and Geometry” exhibition will be on display through July 21 at The Bascom in Highlands. www.thebascom.org or 787.2878.
• The exhibit “Cultivating Collections: Photography, Artist Books, Contemporary Native American” will be on display through July 26 at the Bardo Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. July 25.
• Photographer and Clyde dentist John Highsmith presents “Breathless,” a metal-print series of underwater people and waterborne fabrics. The photo exhibit will run through July 15 at Green Sage Café Westgate in Asheville. 734.6301.
• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.
FILM & S CREEN
• The world premieres of “Guardians of Our Troubled Waters” are scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 20 at Blue Ridge Community College’s Thomas Auditorium; 7:30 p.m. on June 22 at the NC Arboretum in Asheville and 7:30 p.m. on June 23 at White Horse Black Mountain. Director David Weintraub’s film on ordinary people who did extraordinary things to protect southern rivers and streams. Tickets: $15/$20 at the door; advanced reservations online at www.saveculture.org or 692.8062.
• “US”, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on June 20 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.
• The Second Tuesday Movie Group meets at 2 p.m. in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. For info, including movie title: 452.5169.
• Free movies are shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. See website for listings and times at madbatterfoodandfilm.com.
Outdoors
• Volunteer work days for the Trails Forever program are held every Wednesday, through August, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For details and to volunteer: 497.1949 or adam_monroe@nps.gov.
• A “Casting for Beginners: Level 1” program for ages 12-up is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 27 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• Friends of the Smokies is partnering with Navitat Canopy Adventures to offer one day each month through September where Navitat visitors receive a 10 percent discount, and a portion of sales will be donated to Friends of the Smokies. Dates are: Tuesday, July 30, Saturday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 28. Navitat Asheville is located at 242 Poverty Branch Road in Barnardsville. Reservations and info: 626.3700.
• An “On the Water: Looking Glass Creek” program will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 21 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• Alarka Expeditions will offer an excursion to search for the elusive mountain camellia flower from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 21, along the Little Tennessee River. Led by Jack Johnston. The mountain camellia is the Southern Appalachians’ only member of the tea family. Cost $45. Sign up: www.alarkaexpeditions.com.
• Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will offer an EcoTour along part of the Bartram Trail on Friday, June 21. The NC Bartram Trail Society’s Brent Martin will share stories about the man who inspired the trail. www.hicashlt.org or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.
• Through Aug. 2, Great Smoky Mountain National Park officials are holding a celebration of the Cosby Campground on the Tennessee side of the park. More info: 865.436.1257 or Katherine_corrigan@nps.gov.
• A series of gatherings aimed at improving survival skills with a few useful knots will be offered from 6-7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of June and July at Sierra Nevada’s Brewery in Mills River. Bill Sanderson, a trail maintainer with Carolina Mountain Club, will demonstrate knots using medium-sized braided cord. Janonan59@gmail.com.
• Haywood Waterways will offer a six-mile, moderate hike along the Mountains to the Sea trail on June 22 from Skinny Dip Falls to Graveyard Fields. Free for members; $4 for nonmembers. RSVP: Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 476.4667, ext. 11.
• Backpacking course, will be offered by Landmark Learning on June 24-28, Aug. 12-16 and Oct. 21-25. www.landmarklearning.org.
• The Highlands-Cashiers land Trust will offer its first Village Nature Series presentation of the season at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers. Brent Martin will present “Blazing Trails – looking into the natural and cultural history of the Bartram Trail. www.hicashlt.org or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.
• Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway at 8 a.m. on June 26. Meet off Fox Ridge Road, just south of Franklin Flea Market on Highlands road. Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.
• Adult Snorkeling in the Stream will be offered for ages 16-up from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 29 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• Registration is underway for “Picture Yourself in the Smokies” event, which is Friday through Sunday, Sept. 20-22, at the River Terrace Resort and Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Early bird registration until July 12. Info: lisad@gsmassoc.org or 865.436.7318, ext. 257.
• Alarka Expeditions will offer an excursion to search for the elusive mountain camellia flower from 9 a.m.5 p.m. on July 5, in the Fires Creek watershed in Clay County. Led by Jack Johnston. The mountain camellia is the Southern Appalachians’ only member of the tea family. Cost $55. Sign up: www.alarkaexpeditions.com.
• A guided walk of the historic Kelsey Trail from Whiteside Mountain to Highlands Recreation Park is scheduled for Friday, July 5. Cost: $75 (includes picnic lunch and membership in the Highlands Plateau Greenway. highlandsgreenway@nctv.com.
FARM AND GARDEN
• ASAP’s annual Farm Tour is scheduled for noon-5 p.m. on June 22-23 at farms located within an hour drive of Asheville. Guided tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities and tastings. Passes are $30 and available at asapconnections.org. Once pass admits a carload of visitors to all farms both days. On day of, passes can be purchased for $40 at any participating farm.
• Macon County Master Gardeners are offering a free tour of gardens on Saturday, June 22, at the Environmental Resource Center, 1624 Lakeside Drive in Franklin. 369.7352.
• A program on proper care for house plants is scheduled for 2-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Led by Master Gardener Volunteer Cynthia Slaughter. Registration required: 356.2507 or Kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov.
FARMERS MARKETS
• The Swain County Farmer’s Market is held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through October at the barn on Island Street in downtown Bryson City. 488.3848 or www.facebook.com/SwainCountyFarmersMarket.
• Jackson County Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or www.jacksoncoutyfarmersmarket.org.
• The ‘Whee Farmers Market is held from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October at the entrance to the village of Forest Hills off North Country Club Drive in Cullowhee. 476.0334 or www.thewheemarket.org.
• Haywood Historic Farmers Market is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the HART Theater parking lot and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church overflow parking lot beside Exxon. waynesvillefarmersmarket.com or haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville. 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.
• Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market runs 8 a.m. to noon, on East Palmer Street across from Drake Software. 349.2049 or www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.
• “Locally Grown on the Green,” the Cashiers farm stand market for local growers, will be held from 3-6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Rd. next to the Cashiers post office. info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or 743.3434.
H IKING CLUBS
• The Nantahala Hiking club will take an easy-tomoderate 2.5-mile hike with an elevation change of 400 feet on Saturday, June 22, at Cliffside Lake Recreation area. $5 parking fee or Senior National Park pass required per vehicle. Info and reservations: 954.632.7270.
• Carolina Mountain Club will have an 8.5-mile hike with a 1,700-foot ascent on June 23 from Mount Pisgah to Beaver Dam Overlook. Info and reservations: 692.0116, 696.6296 or bbente@bellsouth.net.
• Carolina Mountain Club will have a five-mile hike with a 300-foot ascent on Sunday, June 23, from Caney Bottom to Cove Creek. Info and reservations: 384.4870 or stuengo@comporium.net.
• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 7.2-mile hike with a 2,600-foot ascent on Wednesday, June 26, from Craggy to Little Snowball. Info and reservations: 423.9030 or rfluharty54@gmail.com.
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.
■ $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. Up to 25 words.
■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.
Classified Advertising:
Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com
AUCTION -
Semi Trucks and Custom Trailer Auction in Lexington, NC, Online Only, Begins Closing 6/20 at 2pm, Property at JKS Inc. 301 Welcome Blvd, Lexington, NC,ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL# 3936
BANKRUPTCY AUCTION
Of Remaining Lots & Acreage Tracts of Haven Heights Subdivision in Marion, NC, Online w/Live Bid Center, Begins Closing 6/26 at 2pm, Bid Center at Marion Community Building,ironhorseauction.com, NCAL 3936
BANKRUPTCY AUCTION
Of Sunrise Performance Inc. d.b.a. Paradise Tack, Online Only, Begins Closing 6/24 at 12pm, Dressage Attire Inventory, Equestrian Care Products, Tools, Farm Equip. and more,ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936
AUCTION
HOME IMPROVEMENT AUCTION
Saturday, June 29th @ 10am, 201 S. Central Ave. Locust, NC. Cabinet Sets, Doors, Carpet, Tile, Hardwood, Bath Vanities, Windows, Lighting, Patio Sets, Trim, Appliances, Name Brand Tools. www.ClassicAuctions.com 704.507.1449 NCAF5479
AUCTION
Restaurant/Bar Equipment Auction
Wednesday, June 19 @ IOam 1211 Battleground Ave. Greensboro, NC
Large Quantity of Used & New Equipment.Coolers, Freezers, Gas Stoves, Ovens, Fryers, Ice Machines. 704-791-8825 NCAF5479 www.ClassicAuctions.com
CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING
AFFORDABLE NEW SIDING! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with beautiful New Siding from 1800Remodel! Up to 18 months no interest. Restrictions Apply 877.731.0014
NC ironhorseauction.com, NCAL 3936
FREE AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES. See how much you can save! High risk SR22 driver policies available! Call 855.970.1224 SAPA CARSA-1DONATE YOUR CAR For Breast Cancer!HelpUnitedBreast Foundation Education, Prevention, & Support Programs. FastFree Pickup - 24 Hr ResponseTax Deduction 855.701.6346
BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day Updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877.661.6587 SAPA DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions. Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson. Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747
ENERGY SAVING NEW WINDOWS! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with New Windows from 1800Remodel! Up to 18 months no interest. Restrictions apply 888.676.0813.
‘DEAD MAN WALKING’
N.C.
• STORE WILL BE OPEN ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY RAIN OR SHINE - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! JACK WADHAM 828.564.3878
ROOFING: REPLACE OR REPAIR. All types of materials available. Flat roofs too. www.highlandroofingnc.comFrom the Crystal coast, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Triad, and the Triangle. 252.726.2600, 252.758.0076, 910.777.8988, 919.676.5969, 910.483.3530, and 704.332.0555. Highland Residential Roofing.
EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT
AVON - EARN EXTRA $$. Sell
844.660.6943
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD
IS HIRING FOR THE 2019 SEASON FOR:
1) Cook & Kitchen Staff- Prepares and plates all 1st Class meals with a primary focus on high standards in food quality, sanitation & presentation.
2) Track Worker- Full Time with benefits Responsible for all replacement, upkeep and clearing of the railroad tracks with emphasis on safety.
3) Coach Maintenance- Full Time with benefits. Responsible for all repairs, renovations, and maintenance of coach fleet.
4) Property Maintenance- Full Time with benefits & Seasonal positions $11+. Responsible for cleaning & maintenance of property buildings and grounds. Pay dependent on carpentry & electrical skills.
5) Show Conductor- The Show Conductor interacts with all passengers on Family First, Crown, and Coach Class Cars while providing entertainment for the passengers in terms of railroading knowledge, stories, and regional history.
6) Parking Attendant- Coordinates vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic and park cars in a courteous, safe manner.
7) Ticket Agent- Greets customers, confirms reservations, sells tickets and directs passengers to designated boarding stations. They may also provide info to “walk-up” customers regarding the train excursions.
8) Concessionaire- Responsible for the daily duties of the Depot Café or Concession Train Car including but not limited to: food prep, customer service, cash handling, inventory control, merchandise, supply restocking, and facility upkeep.
9) Food Runner- Makes sure that food & beverage needs are fulfilled before the train leaves the station, run food from kitchen to passengers, assist in clearing tables after each course, perform cleaning and closing duties upon the train returning to the station.
10) Crown Host- Provides drink service, tour guiding, & customer service to passengers ensuring the safety and comfort aboard the train.
11) Rear Brakeman- Works as a member of the train crew to get train ready for departure, greet & help board passengers, provide customer service onboard, and perform duties to put the train away after the excursion.
12) Cleaning Supervisor- Responsible for the cleaning of train cars on a daily basis and overseeing of cleaning crew staff. Plans, organizes, directs and controls all cleaning crew activities to ensure cleaning crew goals & objectives are reached and consistent with established Company policy and procedure. Functions as a direct report for cleaning crew staff.
13) Cleaning Attendant- Performs a variety of cleaning duties to ensure that all train cars are clean & ready for the next scheduled departure.
14) On-Board Musician- The Musician/Onboard Entertainer travels from car to car providing musical entertainment and customer service for the passengers during the rail excursion.
15) Food & Beverage Supervisor- Core with benefits. Responsible for the daily operations of First-Class Service and Concessions in the Food & Beverage department. Plans, organizes, directs and controls First Class Service and Concession activities to ensure the department’s goals and objectives are reached and consistent with established Company policy and procedure. Works as a team member of the Food & Beverage Department.
16) Concession Supervisor- Responsible for the daily operations of Concessions in the Food & Beverage department. Plans, organizes, directs & controls Concession activities to ensure the department’s goals and objectives are reached & consistent with established Company policy & procedure. Works as a team member of the Food & Beverage Department.
Visit: GSMR.com/jobs for full job descriptions, list of additional benefits, employee perks & to download an application. Return applications to: srodeck@gsmr.com, or Depot at 226 Everett St or main offices at: 225 Everett St. EOE. All jobs are seasonal unless stated otherwise.
EMPLOYMENT
AIRLINES ARE HIRING
-
Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.441.6890
THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Is recruiting for a Processing Assistant IV in the Medicaid Transportation Program: Responsibilities include medical transportation coordination and other assigned duties. This position requires graduation from High School & demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities gained through at least two years of office assistant/secretarial experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This position is timelimited with benefits. The starting salary is $27,937.59. Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD107) and submit it to the Jackson County Department of Social Services, 15 Griffin Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or to the NC Works Career Center. Applications will be taken until June 17, 2019.
LAND SURVEYING POSITION
Morehead City, NC - Crew Chief or S.I.T. Pay $15-$21 per hour depending upon experience. Email: Chase Cullipher: chase@tcgpa.com or Call 252.773.0090 SAPA
PARAPROFESSIONAL POSITION
Full Time, Benefits. Provides Supports for Adults with Disabilities, Assists Residents with Daily Living Skills, Meds Administration, Overnights Required. High School Diploma & Auto Insurance also Required. Training Provided. Waynesville Area. For more information call 828.778.0260
EDUCATION/VACANCIES
2019-2020: Elementary Education, Special Education, School Psychologist, Middle Education, Biology, Agricultural Education, Mathematics, Building Trades, Business & Information Technology, English, Instructional Technology Resources.www.pecps.k12.va.us. Prince Edward County Public Schools. Farmville, Virginia 23901. 434.315.2100. EOE
EMPLOYMENT
FTCC -
Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor (10-month contract) Network Management: Microsoft & Cisco Instructor. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at:https://faytechcc.peopleadmin. com/Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet:www.faytechcc.eduEOE
FINANCIAL
BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.
DO YOU OWE
More than $5000 in Tax Debt? Call Wells & Associates INC. We solve Tax Problems! Personal or Business! IRS, State and Local. 30 years in Business! Call NOW for a free consultation at an office near you. 1.844.290.2092 SAPA
CONSOLIDATED CREDIT
Fed Up With Credit Card Debt? We Can Help Reduce Interest Rates&Get you out of Debt Fast… Free Consultation.24/7 Call Now: 855.977.7398 SAPA
OVER $10K IN DEBT?
Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe. A+ BBB rated.Call National Debt Relief Now 844.235.9343. SAPA
0 YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE With Bad Credit and High Interest Rates!Get a FREE Consultation Today, and Start Improving your Credit Now. Call 855.705.7246 Today! SAPA
FURNITURE
COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE
Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.
HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC.
The best bedding at the best price! 533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240
LAWN & GARDEN
HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC.
Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com
DO YOU HAVE A CAR, VALID LICENSE & WEDNESDAYS FREE?
The Smoky Mountain News is Hiring a Dependable Newspaper Delivery Person for Our Macon County Route. This Position is Considered Contract and is Year Round. A Perfect Opportunity for Local Retirees or for Someone Seeking Additional Work on Wednesdays. No Phone Calls Please. For More Information on this Opportunity, Please Visit: jobs.smokymountainnews.com
Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10. Operation Pit is in Effect! Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville
USE HAPPY JACK® PARACIDE
To Control Fleas & Ticks on Dogs & Cats. Eliminate Doggy Odor & Restore Glossy Coat. NC Clampitt Hardware, 828.488.2782, www.fleabeacon.com
GATED, LEVEL, ALL WOODED, 5+acre building lots, utilities available in S.E. Tennessee,between Chattanooga and Nashville. www.timber-wood.comCall now to schedule a tour 423.802.0296. SAPA
SAVE YOUR HOME!
Are you behind paying your Mortgage?Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bankthreatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now! Free Consultation 844.359.4330 SAPA
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
SCENTSY PRODUCTS
Your Local Independent
Consultant to Handle All Your Scentsy Wants & Needs.
Amanda P. Collier 828.246.8468 Amandacollier.scentsy.us apcollier1978@gmail.com StartOwnBusinessforOnly$99
RECIPE
Unique Jerk Chicken Pizza Recipe! Mouth Watering Simply Delicious Pizza Recipe You’ll Love. Send $1.00 To: Your Easy Recipe Source, PO Box 11272, Merrillville, IN 46411
Preventive health screenings from LifeLine Screening. Understand your risk for heart disease, stroke, and more before symptoms. Special: 5 vital screenings only $149! 855.634.8538
A PLACE FOR MOM.
The nation's largest senior living referral service.Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. Call Us Now 1.888.609.2550
DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY
Disability?Appeal! If you're 50+, filed for SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pocket! 855.404.5388
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
For those facing serious illness. You may qualify for a Living Benefit Loan today (up to 50 percent of your Life Insurance Policy Death Benefit.) Free Info. CALL 1.855.402.5487
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
SERVICES
EARTHLINK
High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1.866.887.0237
EXPIRES SOON: Switch to DISH + get $50 gift card (Courtesy of Satellite Deals)! Plus get Free Premium Channels for 3 mos. & Free Installation (up to 6 rooms)! Call 888.753.3635 SAPA
And hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1.877.914.6068 SAPA
YARD SALES
INDOOR GARAGE SALE
Sat. June 22nd, 9:00 til 1:00 p.m. Located: 858 Moody Bridge Road in Cullohwee. See Pics on CraigslistUnder ‘Garage Sales’ then Under ‘Household Items’. Lots of Sewing Supplies & Fabric. Also, Adding Porcelain Dolls, Molds & Supplies for Dolls.
The naturalist’s corner
BY D ON H ENDERSHOT
Birding daze
The six weeks from May 1 to June 15 are always a busy time for me. That is the window for my annual Forest Service bird survey. I have more than 200 points spread across the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests from the Hiwassee Dam to Yellow Mountain, to Brevard, to Mt. Mitchell and Roan Mountain and points in between. This year because of all the rain in early May and then the passing of my brother in late May, that window was even more constricted.
But even with the stress of deadline and the loss of a beloved sibling, the beauty and wonder of nature will not be denied. Whether it be Gray’s lily below the Overmountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, or a golden-winged warbler along the Overmountain Trail; or a small-flowered purple-fringed orchid on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mt. Mitchell; or Swainson’s warblers singing and flitting about from the wet tangles of the Grandfather District; or the melodious winter wren; or the mix of hermit thrush and veery and least and alder flycatchers along Ivestor Gap and Art Loeb trails; or the yellow-rumped warbler at the
Rhododendron Garden atop Roan Mountain; or the orange, pink and golden brilliance of sunrise in the Blue Ridge, nature will fill you up.
Now don’t get me wrong — anyone who works or hikes or spends lots of time in the forest can tell you it’s not always a bed of roses. This was a particularly tough winter re downed trees and road washouts behind the gates. My vehicle smells of gas and bar lube oil for six weeks as my chainsaw, as well as a pair of heavy duty loppers and a couple of tow ropes stay in my vehicle — they were all well used this spring. There is surely a place for discussion regarding the need for roads in our national forests — how many, what kind, how long, etc. — but, at this point in time, from my strictly utilitarian perspective, I would be dead in the water without roads to get to, or at least close enough to my points that I could get in and out quickly. But even if you have to spill a little sweat and/or deal with the frustration of a washed out road nature provides the best backdrop.
And nature provides a huge paradox. It has such a visceral, emotional connection with our species. Once it nurtured us — we took our food from it; we took our shelter from it, our sustenance. And we learned if
we nurtured nature it would provide always. Then we turned to technology and industrialization and nature became a resource to plunder, and it was so bountiful we became addicted. And now there is a battle raging within us and among us about what our “proper” relationship with the natural world should be.
The sad thing is, as we muddle through this battle, we of the Anthropocene are impacting nature in such a way and with such speed that her beauty and wonder may be lost for generations to come.
(Don Hendershot is a naturalist and a writer who lives in Haywood County. He can be reached at ddihen1@bellsouth.net
EXPERIENCE WORLD CULTURE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
