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CONTENTS

On the Cover:

Western Carolina University officials discuss how the N.C. Promise Tuition Plan will affect the university’s enrollment, budget and reputation in the future. The controversial piece of legislation, waiting for the governor’s final signature, will decrease tuition to $500 a semester for in-state students at WCU and two other state universities. (Page 6)

News

Candidate for Jackson commission alleges wrongdoing

New rules could change the face of downtown Waynesville ................................4

Junaluska Singers’ director resigns amid allegations

Good Samaritan looks to partner with Blue Ridge Health

Macon applies for mental health assistance grant................................................11

Two businesses expand operations in Macon ........................................................11

Mad Anthony’s mad at Waynesville’s food truck ruling

Canton couple to open mountain wedding venue

Opinion

A&E

Outdoors

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Candidate for Jackson commission alleges wrongdoing

Permit denial was politically motivated, Luker claims in lawsuit

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Mickey Luker has been working on a remodel of Caney Fork General Store ever since he purchased the property in 2011, but now the county commissioner candidate is claiming that politically motivated nefariousness caused the county health department to deny him the wastewater permit he needs to add a deli line to his business.

“The Jackson County Department of Public Health is politically motivated to harm the Petitioner (Caney Fork),” reads a court statement filed June 3. “The Jackson County Commission is predominantly Democrat. The Petitioner is owned by … a Republican who is running for County Commissioner against an incumbent Democrat opponent who also sits on the Board of Public Health.”

So, in March Caney Fork General Store filed suit against Jackson County’s health department, claiming that the department had “substantially prejudiced” his rights, acting “erroneously,” “arbitrarily,” and failing to “use proper procedure” or “act as required by law or rule.”

“It’s impacted us for over a year now,” Luker said. He spent about $60,000 on kitchen equipment to get the deli going, he said, and he hasn’t been able to see any return on that investment thus far.

sion. The commissioners have no involvement in the permitting process, he said.

“It doesn’t come under our jurisdiction, and I find it interesting that Mr. Luker would take this route that he’s taking to try to cry politics when politics really isn’t in play,” McMahan said.

Luker, meanwhile, maintains that the reasons given for denial just don’t make sense.

“There has been this type of facility before,” he said. “This is not a change of venue or anything.”

dealing with permitting, she wrote — the state’s Department of Health and Human Services should be the defendant. While the health department is a county entity staffed by county employees, the inspections they carry out deal with state law, and they exe-

According to court documents filed by Luker’s attorney Jay Coward, the deli was installed in 1994, before Luker owned the business. Luker disconnected the deli lines to the wastewater treatment line after he bought the business in 2011 and began to remodel. Prior to construction, say court documents submitted by Caney Fork, Luker and health department personnel met to talk about the renovations, and Luker received verbal approval for the plans. Franklin-based Mountain Soils Inc. consulted on the project, and at its suggestion Luker decommissioned an apartment unit below the store to ensure that overall wastewater discharge would be reduced.

The court agreed that the Jackson health department was the wrong entity to sue, so Caney Fork had to amend its petition to name the state DHHS instead.

That was met by another motion to dismiss, this time from the state. The motion

cute them in their capacity as state agents.

“Anytime they’re working in their capacity as environmental health specialists, they’re really working for the state,” she explained.

“I find it somewhat humorous that he would try and pull my name into this situation. We on the Board of Health, we’re not privileged to the information on day-to-day operations and inspections.”

The letter Luker received outlining his denial explained as much, Baker wrote. The instructions say “Do not serve the petition on your local health department. Sending a copy of your petition to the local health department will not satisfy the legal requirement (in state law).”

— Mark Jones, Jackson County Commissioner

County Commissioner Mark Jones — the incumbent Democrat who sits on the health board Luker had mentioned in the lawsuit — bristles at the accusation of political misconduct.

“I find it somewhat humorous that he would try and pull my name into this situation,” Jones said. “We on the Board of Health, we’re not privileged to the information on day-to-day operations and inspections.”

County Commission Chairman Brian McMahan says he doesn’t know why Luker’s application was denied but can’t see how politics would have been part of the deci-

However, when inspection results came in on Feb. 24, 2015, Luker’s permit was denied. The letter he received stated that the reconnection would violate state regulations dealing with daily flow requirements and minimum horizontal distances.

THELEGALJOURNEY

Luker filed a petition to contest the outcome, but the legal process following was anything but smooth.

When the suit against the county health department hit the books, County Attorney Heather Baker responded with a motion to dismiss. The Jackson County Department of Public Health has no culpability in anything

Haywood Sheriff implements S.A.L.T. program

“Despite, and contrary to, the above informative statements in the document constituting agency, Petitioner (Caney Fork) chose to bring a contested case hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings against the Jackson County Department of Public Health,” Baker wrote.

Caney Fork, meanwhile, responded that the Jackson Health Department should indeed be the body served with a suit.

“It is action taken by the Jackson County Health Department that is being protested, not the Department of Health and Human Services, which is nowhere mentioned,” the response reads.

A look at the letter Luker received does show that petitioners are asked to serve a copy of the petition to the NC DHHS. The letter does state that petitions should not be served on the local health department.

claims that Caney Fork can’t bring the petition because it did not serve the petition to DHHS — as required by state law — within the 30-day window following notice of inspection results. The letter mailed to Luker in February had instructed him to serve his petition to DHHS, but in a June 2 court document DHHS said it had not yet received a petition. So, it argued, the statute of limitations was exceeded.

Caney Fork replied by repeating its argument that the instructions for serving the petition were not nearly as clear as the state claims they were. Dismissing the claims would be “a flagrant misuse of process and a violation of any potential litigants’ constitutional rights.”

Administrative Law Judge David Sutton has yet to rule on the motion to dismiss. But if Caney Fork’s suit survives, the case will be heard in Waynesville the week of Aug. 1. Luker is one of two Jackson County Republicans running to unseat Democratic county commissioner incumbents in the November elections. Luker is looking to oust Mark Jones, who has held his seat since 2006, while Ron Mau — a finance professor and councilmember for the Village of Forest Hills — is hoping to beat out Commissioner Vicki Greene, who is finishing up her first four-year term.

Luker filed for election on Dec. 21. His property was inspected on Dec. 1 and the letter informing him the permit had been denied is dated Feb. 24.

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New rules could change the face of downtown Waynesville

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

By a 4-1 vote on June 28, the Town of Waynesville finally got around to complying with an Oct. 1, 2015, state requirement that could potentially threaten the very existence of one of its best-known institutions.

The North Carolina General Assembly’s 2015-16 budget included a provision that changed some of the requirements of Metropolitan Service Districts, known as MSDs.

MSDs are a geographical creature of local governments that wish to establish additional taxes in a particular place for a particular service. MSDs are created for a variety of outcomes, such as beach control, erosion protection and drainage, sewage or transit projects.

"CARINGFORTHE COWS" PART 2

See inglesnutrition@blogspot.com for entire article.

What would you say to people who think that dairy farmers give their cows antibiotics all the time or that antibiotics are in conventional milk?

Bart Ramsey: I'd say they don't understand dairy farming. With the help of our veterinarian we have a vaccination program to prevent disease. If you're a dairy farmer you have to have a good relationship with your veterinarian. If one cow gets sick they can make the whole herd sick pretty quickly so you really have to watch for that. We don't put antibiotics into the feed of our cows. We only give our cows antibiotics if they are sick and that's all supervised by a veterinarian. If a cow is sick and on antibiotics we have to observe a withdrawal period after treatment with that antibiotic ends. Milk cannot be sold until after the withdrawal period. We also do a snap test of our milk before it's loaded onto the tanker. This insures that there's no antibiotics present in the milk. The last thing you want is for your milk to get to MILKCO where they do more tests . If my milk was to test positive for antibiotics it would be a big mess...the Department of Agriculture shows up, inspectors show up, I'd be fined and I might lose my contract to supply milk to Piedmont Milk Sales temporarily or permanently. The state will take away the permit to sell milk after repeat offenses. I would lose a lot of money so we are very, very careful about that.

What about hormones in milk?

Bart: Cows have to have their own hormones in order to produce milk. It's just like lactating women who produce milk. MILKCO has us sign an affidavit that we don't administer artificial growth hormones and we wouldn't give our cows any artificial hormones.

Another common use of MSDs in North Carolina is for downtown revitalization, and Waynesville’s MSD has been doing exactly that for more than 30 years.

In Waynesville, property owners within the mile-long MSD — which centers on Main Street and runs from Veterans Circle on South Main Street to the intersection of Wall and North Main streets — pay an extra 20 cents per $100 in assessed property valuation on top of the city’s current 48.57 cents.

That extra revenue approaches $100,000 each year. Other donations and contributions push the total budget closer to $200,000 each year, which is spent on planning, marketing and streetscaping the downtown district.

The private organization that provides those services in exchange for that revenue is the Downtown Waynesville Association.

The DWA has managed Waynesville’s MSD since its inception in January 1986, and indeed predates the MSD itself, having been established in late 1985. It consists of a large volunteer board, a full-time executive director, a small paid staff and an even smaller office.

Because of the October 2015 legislation, the free ride for the DWA is now over.

It — like any other interested, qualified entity — must now submit to the town by 4 p.m. July 14 a formal proposal to compete for the management of the MSD, setting up a potential battle for control over the MSD’s revenue and authority.

Not that there are organizations lining up to compete for the right to provide this service, which is highly specialized, relies heavily on the cooperation of and volunteerism from MSD property owners and offers slim opportunity for any profit-taking.

On June 25, the Mt. Airy Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal from Mount Airy Downtown Inc. (MAD) to continue managing its MSD, which taxes property owners 21 cents per $100, earning about $80,000 a year.

No other entity submitted a proposal for the Mt. Airy contract, and it appears likely the same will happen in Waynesville — at

least this year.

During the town board meeting, Mayor Gavin Brown said the only two organizations off the top of his head he could imagine even considering the possibility of competing for the contract to manage Waynesville’s MSD were the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

TDA Executive Director Lynn Collins said the chamber has “plenty to do” marketing the county and isn’t interested; Chamber President CeCe Hipps said they weren’t interested, either.

Contracts to manage an MSD may be awarded for up to five years, but it’s certainly now a possibility that this peculiar line of business — managing MSDs — could attract entrepreneurs utilizing economies of scale to manage many North Carolina MSDs from centralized offices miles away at a lower cost.

Granted, it would probably take a lot to unseat the DWA, especially thanks to the support of Alderman Jon Feichter, who called the solicitation of proposals “a solution in search of a problem.” He also cast

It would probably take a lot to unseat the Downtown Waynesville Association.

what he called a “protest vote,” which was the lone opposition to the measure.

Feichter is vice president of the executive board of the DWA, and his father Rex was instrumental during the time of its formation.

Other stipulations in the new regulations for MSDs include the requirement that governments seek “meaningful input” from property owners as well as residents. That can come in the form of focus groups, public comments, or a public hearing, which the town of Waynesville has called for July 12.

The town must also hold a public hearing before the contract is awarded.

Perhaps the greatest threat to the DWA is another new law — stemming from the same 2015 requirements forcing competitive bidding on MSD service contracts — that may allow property owners within an MSD the opportunity to leave.

In accordance with Session Law 2016-8, introduced by Rep. Ted Davis, Jr., RWilmington, property owners within an MSD may submit in writing a request to have their parcels removed from an MSD if that parcel is “not in need of the services, facilities, or functions of the proposed district to a demonstrably greater extent than the remainder of the city.”

If the municipality finds after holding a public hearing that the reasons for removal are compelling, they can by ordinance redefine the MSD and exclude the parcel.

Current, former Lake Junaluska Singers allege drug abuse, favoritism

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

The resignation of Lake Junaluska Singers Director Dr. Melodie Galloway comes after one member of the well-known choral group made several written allegations to Junaluska officials after his termination from the group on June 25.

A June 30 press release from Lake Junaluska said Galloway had resigned her position and went on to announce the “suspension of the 2016 season of the Lake Junaluska Singers.” Galloway had directed the group since 2009.

The abrupt resignation and cancellation of the season followed the June 25 dismissal of Rusty Moore from the group and a complaint he filed with Lake Junaluska Human Resources manager on June 27. That complaint — obtained by The Smoky Mountain News on July 3 — made several allegations regarding Galloway and others in the group.

In the complaint, Moore claims one reason he was singled out for criticism was because he had picked up the habit of smoking cigarettes to help him cope with rehab for alcoholism. His complaint also made allega-

tions about alcohol and marijuana use by members of the group while at the Colonial Inn, where members are housed. Many members of the group are 18 but not 21, and alcohol is not allowed anywhere on the premises of the Lake Junaluska Assembly.

According to police records from Vidalia, Georgia, Junaluska Singer Wesley Charles McCleary-Small was arrested for smoking marijuana on July 9, 2015, while the group was on tour. McCleary-Small remained a member of the 2016 Lake Junaluska Singers group until the season’s cancellation last week.

Three other current and former singers, some of whom approached Lake Junaluska Executive Director Jack Ewing in support of Moore’s complaints, corroborated the allegations made by Moore in his letter to human resources.

Madison Carter was a member of the 2015 Lake Junaluska Singers when McClearySmall, then 22, was arrested in Vidalia for smoking marijuana. When on tour, singers often stay with a host family; according to multiple sources, McCleary-Small’s host family was notified of his arrest and attempted to

bail him out of jail, but it remains unclear who actually did so, according to statements from current and former members of the group.

Carter said it was as if the arrest “never happened” as far as any formal discussion about it among the group and its director, and both Moore and Carter believe Ewing did not learn of the arrest until the human resources complaint was filed on June 25.

ANABRUPTEND

TOTHESEASON

For the Lake Junaluska Singers, July 3 and 4 should have been some of the best days of their young lives. Instead, Independence Day found many of them angry, heartbroken, stranded and demanding answers.

When contacted, Galloway said she couldn’t comment on her sudden resignation, but Mackensie Kvalvik said that Galloway’s resignation was forced.

“In no way was it her choice to leave,” said Kvalvik, a Junaluska singer and Galloway’s daughter.

“People were very upset and crying and they asked, ‘Why? Why did this happen? What’s going on?’” said Kvalvik.

Ten minutes before the group was to depart for a concert at an Asheville retirement home June 29, Kvalvik said they all received a text from an unknown number instructing them to report to the administration building “immediately.”

There, Ewing gave them the news and gave them paychecks through August.

“It’s hard for us to have to deal with it that way,” Ewing said on July 1. “We want to protect the Lake Junaluska Singers, we want to protect Lake Junaluska, and we want to protect Dr. Galloway, so we are not talking publicly about the reasons behind the decision to suspend the season.”

Ewing went on to say that the process of finding Galloway’s replacement had already begun, and that he expected to have someone in place well before the 2017 season begins next June.

Also a performer, Galloway has toured extensively throughout the world, and serves as an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina – Asheville, Musical Director/Conductor for the Asheville Choral Society, and leader of the UNCA Chamber Singers.

She has a master’s degree from Florida State University in vocal performance and a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, according to online sources.

“You can verify this from any number of people that at every single Lake Junaluska Singers [performance], I’m sitting in the front row and I’m clapping as loud — I’m on my feet as often as anybody else,” said Ewing. “This has been a very important part of my life personally. It is an important part of the life of Lake Junaluska.”

Ewing, meanwhile, stood by what he said was a difficult decision.

“One of the things that any crisis of this magnitude does is it tests your systems,” he said. “You have confidence in the way in which you process challenges, make decisions during those challenges, handle the aftermath of them, and I have a great deal of confidence in the team that was involved in this process.”

“It unfolded quickly, but we have a great deal of comfort in the integrity of what we have done,” he said. “It’s not the outcome we would have liked but certainly we do not have any second thoughts about, ‘Should we have handled anything differently?’”

Disappointed fans and some singers took to social media to express their frustration at the cancellation, and to vent at the Lake Junaluska administration. Kvalvik said that she thought some negative posts on the Lake Junaluska Facebook page had been deleted, and that detractors had been blocked.

Tenor Shane Bloemetjie, with the group since 2010, said in a Facebook post on his own page that he was “baffled, disgusted, and utterly devastated” by the decision, and opined that “Lake Junaluska will regret their hasty choice to relieve Dr. Galloway.”

His post was shared by at least one other member of the group, some of whom are now staying at Galloway’s Arden home, said Kvalvik.

“A lot of the singers have nowhere to go,” said Kvalvik. “Some of the singers, they are not in a higher economic bracket and don’t have a way to get home.”

Singers come from across the county to be part of the group. They all lived at the Colonial Inn at Lake Junaluska, but had to vacate the premises when the season was suspended, according to Kvalvik.

WCU voices support for tuition reduction plan

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Ever since a controversial bill proposing to slash tuition rates at selected University of North Carolina schools popped up in May, leaders at Western Carolina University have been working to parse its language, ferret out its potential impacts and prod legislators toward a version they could support.

The latest version, embedded in a budget bill the legislature passed July 1 — is expected to gain the signature of Gov. Pat McCrory this week and seems to have addressed the most serious concerns the university had with the original proposal.

“My fellow trustees and I understand that total cost of attendance at WCU and other colleges and universities remains out of reach for many students of modest means,” said Ed Broadwell, chairman of the WCU Board of Trustees. “Although (the plan) is not the final answer to college affordability, we believe it to be a good start.”

Under the N.C. Promise Tuition Plan, undergraduate tuition fees would drop to $500 per semester for in-state students — a significant decrease from the $1,947 charged now.

“It’s roughly equivalent to about a $3,000 scholarship on an annual basis,” said Melissa Wargo, chief of staff for WCU.

Fees and costs for dorms and meal plans would stay the same, so the total cost to an instate student living on campus with an average meal plan would sit around $14,000 under the new plan, down from $17,000.

WCU is one of three schools statewide included under N.C. Promise, joining the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Elizabeth City State University.

“The original intent of the bill’s sponsors was to have a geographical range of institutions participating in the N.C. Promise

Tuition ‘buy down’ promises future entanglements

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

As the 2016-17 North Carolina budget came together, a significant part of it — touted by both Democrats and Republicans — was the N.C. Promise Tuition Plan, intended to make education more affordable for college students who often graduate saddled with great debt, or worse, don’t graduate but retain similar levels of financial obligation to lenders facing increased scrutiny for what some call “predatory” practices.

An early version of the language, however, presented several potential issues, and although that language was eventually

Program,” Wargo said, “so that every citizen of the state from Murphy to Manteo would have the ability to access a high-quality, highvalue institution within the state.”

The chosen schools — though fewer than the list of institutions originally included in the bill — are spaced according to that desire. WCU covers the western portion of the state, Pembroke is in the middle and Elizabeth City is on the coast. Western is a natural fit for the program, Wargo said, as it’s historically prided itself on extending high-value education to students from rural areas and first-generation college students.

That’s a sentiment that’s been echoed in statements from everyone from the Board of Trustees to Chancellor David Belcher, but it would be wrong to say that everyone’s offering unqualified support for the program. While the university has come out strongly in favor of the program in its presently planned form, the rumbling of misgiving that has existed since the program began being discussed has not disappeared.

The main concerns center on funding and reputation. With WCU taking in less money from each student, how will the shortfall affect the university? And if WCU is singled out as the “cheap” school, will that diminish its academic reputation?

When the bill first came out, the voices decrying the funding aspect were much louder than they are now. The legislation didn’t specify where the money would come from to make up the shortfall, and WCU couldn’t exactly say goodbye to millions in revenue without sacrificing quality.

But the most recent version states plainly that the state budget director must allocate $40 million — the amount that the three universities combined are projected to lose in revenue — each fiscal year, with that money going to the three institutions

to cover their costs.

“We’re glad to see that in the language of the bill and in the language of the budget,” Wargo said. “Having it in both is as close to a guarantee as we could get for funding.”

That said, it’s true that a future legislature could make whatever changes it wanted to the law or the funding. Nothing is guaranteed, and the tuition reduction could increase Western’s vulnerability to funding cuts. But, said David McCord, a WCU psychology professor whose term as chair of the Faculty Senate recently ended,

removed, there still could be unforeseen consequences and broken promises subject to the political whims of whoever happens to control the legislature in coming years.

The way it all works is that tuition will be capped at $500 per semester for in-state residents at three institutions — Elizabeth City State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University.

According to Mike Byers, vice chancellor for administration and finance, WCU’s tuition before the adoption of the plan was $1,946.50 per semester, meaning WCU stood to lose $1,446.50 per in-state student, per semester.

To backfill that gap, the budget measure said that “the Director of the Budget may, on recommendation of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, authorize an increase in the base budget for The University of North Carolina of up to seventy million dollars ($70,000,000) to cover the cost of lost tuition revenue for that fiscal year.”

As followers of the nationwide concealed-

“If the availability of funds from the $40 million pool becomes a limiting factor, we would simply stop growing our enrollment.”

— Mike Byers WCU vice chancellor for administration and finance

carry debate can attest, there are major implications in the minor nuances of the word “may,” which means “might,” as opposed to “shall,” which means “must,” leaving open the option for the budget director to make no authorization for the funds.

Another ambiguity in the proposed version concerned student fees, stating they must be reduced by 5 percent beginning in 2018 as compared to 2016’s fees, after which a maximum 3 percent raise could occur each year.

But there wasn’t a plan in place to reimburse schools for the decrease in revenue associated with the caps, since the reimbursement as outlined said it was to be used

for “the cost of lost tuition revenue” and said nothing about lost fee revenue.

Those issues were corrected in the final version of the legislation, but as is sometimes the case, other issues took their place.

“May” became “shall,” but $70 million became $40 million as the amount of schools subject to the tuition cap was reduced from five to three. Three historically black colleges were removed from the bill after protest from the NAACP and other opponents who claimed the bill would only set those institutions up for failure.

So what happens if too many students attempt to take advantage of the reduced tuition, thereby exhaust-

overall the situation looks good.

“None of our budget is guaranteed into the future,” he said. “I think the potential positives to the people of the state outweigh the risks.”

Student debt in North Carolina has shot way up, increasing 52 percent since 2007-08 to $23,4440 among those who graduate with debt from a four-year public institution, and the median income for a North Carolinian with a bachelor’s degree is about $40,000, according to language in the original bill.

“Anything that we can do to help families better plan and afford college I think is great for every citizen of the state,” Wargo said.

There’s also some lingering concern that the reduced tuition could reduce WCU’s academic reputation as well. Belcher acknowl-

“Although (the plan) is not the final answer to college affordability, we believe it to be a good start.”

— Ed Broadwell, WCU Board of Trustees chairman

edged the criticism in a seven-paragraph statement he issued on the topic.

“I understand that some alumni and friends are concerned about the possible unintended reputational impact of the N.C. Promise Tuition Plan out of a fear that lower out-of-pocket expenses for undergraduate students and their families could somehow ‘cheapen’ the perception of the education we offer,” Belcher said. “The fact of the matter is that the cost of providing an education at WCU will not decrease at all.”

Education at public universities has always been subsidized, Wargo said, because the goal of having them is to offer an education that’s accessible to families of modest means. This bill will simply increase the level of subsidy at particular schools, including Western. And the result, she said, would likely be a more academically able student body,

ing funding?

“We (universities) all manage our enrollment,” said Myers. “In other words, we don’t admit every student who applies. Many factors ‘limit’ our growth over time: physical capacity in classrooms, labs, [and] residence halls and personnel factors such as faculty positions to teach the needed course sections. When such limiting factors are reached, we become more selective about which applicants to admit. If the availability of funds from the $40 million pool becomes a limiting factor, we would simply stop growing our enrollment.”

Myers went on to speculate that since the nature of the NC Promise Tuition Plan is to make higher education more affordable and more accessible, “I would imagine that the amount appropriated for it would be revisited in the future just as all other funding sources are.”

One would imagine. But stranger things

not the other way around. WCU is expecting an increase in applications as a result of the reduced tuition price.

“If you have more applications, then in order to keep a reasonable size class we would have to take fewer of those students, so we would be able to select from the best and brightest of the students who do apply,” Wargo said. “We would anticipate in a relatively short amount of time the academic profile of our incoming students would actually increase.”

McCord said he’ll look forward to seeing how the university handles that reality. Will WCU become more academically selective? Or will the emphasis move to expanding capacity so that more students can attend?

“That’s a fun problem to have I think. I think many of us are still going to be committed to the access mission of giving the people of Western North Carolina and the state a chance to get a college degree and take some chances on people,” McCord said. “At the same time you can be capturing increasingly capable students because you have a bigger applicant pool.”

WCU plans to take a hard look at its processes and facilities before the N.C. Promise Plan goes into effect in 2018, Wargo said, so it will be ready to address those questions. The program will affect how the school goes about marketing and recruiting, and it will elevate the need to carefully evaluate university facilities to see what kind of capacity is available to take on additional students.

“One of the critical factors of how many students you can take is how many beds you can provide,” she said.

N.C. Promise is not yet a completely done deal — the bill still needs McCrory’s signature to become law, something that’s likely to happen this week.

“Absolutely it will have a significant impact on Western,” Wargo said. “This will be a very innovative approach to addressing issues of access and affordability and student indebtedness. Western has always been on the forefront of providing a high-quality, high-value education, so we feel like we’re leaders in that area to begin with.”

have happened in the North Carolina General Assembly. Like with the fees portion of the agreement.

Final language removed the immediate 5 percent reduction in fees, instead only mandating that student fees may not be increased more than 3 percent each year.

Fees for the 2016-17 school year are $2,678, including $1,111 for health insurance (if a student isn’t already covered), according to Myers.

As costs grow, year by year, 3 percent may not be enough to keep up with inflation — over the past decade, fees have risen an average of 4.4 percent each year, but no state revenue is mentioned as being dedicated to filling that gap if and when it arises. And although that, too, should probably be “revisited” in coming years, what happens in the future is just as unpredictable — and just as tied to — as the results of the November General Election.

Here’s How to Keep Your Portfolio Healthy

If you have a medical appointment this week, you might want to wish your nurse a happy National Nurses Week. This annual event is designed to celebrate the important role nurses play in health care. Of course, while nurses and doctors can help you in many ways, you can do a lot of good for yourself by adopting healthy living habits, such as eating right, exercising frequently, and so on. But you can also do much to help your financial health.

Here are a few suggestions:

Stay invested. During times of market volatility, it can be temping to head to the investment “sidelines” until things “cool off.” Going to the sidelines can mean a few different things – you could simply not invest anything for a while, or you could move a substantial portion of your portfolio to “cash” instruments, which are safe in the sense of preserving your principal but offer almost nothing in the way of return or protecting against inflation. If you’re not investing during a market downturn, or if you’ve moved heavily into cash, you might well miss out on the beginning of the next market rally.

Rebalance your portfolio. It’s a good idea to periodically rebalance your portfolio to make sure it still reflects your goals and your comfort level with risk. Over time, and without any effort on your part, your portfolio can become unbalanced. For example, following a long “bull” market, the value of your stocks could have risen to the point where they make up a greater percentage of your portfolio than you had intended. When that happens, you may need to rebalance by adding bonds and other fixed-income vehicles.

Diversify. Rebalancing is important. But a balanced portfolio should also be a diversified portfolio. If you only owned one type of financial asset, such as U.S. growth stocks, you could take a big hit during a market downturn. But different types of financial assets don’t always move in the same direction at the same time, so by owning a wide variety of investments – U.S. stocks, international stocks, government securities, corporate bonds, real estate, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on – you may help reduce the effects of market volatility on your portfolio. Keep in mind, though, that diversification by itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss.

Maintain realistic expectations. If you expect the financial markets to always move upward, you will be disappointed many times. Market downturns are a normal part of the investment process, and they will always be with us. Once you accept this reality, you will be less likely to make questionable decisions, such as abandoning a long-term strategy. If you’ve designed an appropriate strategy, possibly with the help of a financial professional, you can stick with it through all market environments.

By following the suggestions mentioned above – staying invested, rebalancing your portfolio as needed, diversifying your holdings and maintaining realistic expectations, you can go a long way toward maintaining the fitness of your financial situation.

This

Health care for the least of these

Potential free clinic partnership sparks both enthusiasm and concern

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Apartnership that could quadruple patient volume and expand medical staffing for the uninsured of Jackson County has been the subject of a flurry of meetings and conversations since The Good Samaritan Clinic of Jackson County announced last week that it’s moving toward a partnership with Hendersonville-based Blue Ridge Health Center.

Following a meeting Thursday that involved more than 30 people spanning government, health care and nonprofit organizations, enthusiasm was easy to detect.

“I think it’s a positive for the citizens to have Blue Ridge come in and offer services they offer to low-income, noninsured — and folks with insurance can go there, too,” said Jackson County Commissioner Mark Jones, who also sits on the boards for Good Samaritan and the county health department.

“They’re projecting to increase the number of patients being seen in the Jackson County area,” agreed Commission Chairman Brian McMahan. “It’s a fairly significant increase in who’s going to be served, and all that sounds great. I’m very proud and pleased to hear that.”

“I think it’s a good opportunity to really increase access and really help increase quality care to our community, to those folks that don’t have the means or the ability to obtain health care,” said Doug Keskula, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Western Carolina University and a Good Sam board member. “It’s a great vehicle to be able to provide that service.”

Blue Ridge, around since 1963, is a nonprofit community health center that operates on a combination of federal grants, patient revenue and private grants and donations. The partnership would involve Blue Ridge coming into Jackson County, bringing its resources and organizational structure to bear on Good Sam’s mission to offer health care to those who can’t afford it. It’s unclear what, exactly, the partnership would look like — Good Sam is still in the midst of a strategic planning process, and the final fallout will hinge on the outcome of a federal grant application Good Sam and Blue Ridge are putting together.

If awarded, the Access Point Grant, given by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, would provide $650,000 per year for two years to the new Sylva Health Center. In the third year, the Sylva Health Center would become part of Blue Ridge’s overall grant request, which has met success with each iteration of the three-year grant cycle in the organization’s 53 years of existence.

“We’re considered as far as the feds go to be very good stewards of the taxpayer dollars,” said Jennifer Henderson, chief strategy

Janet James’ position as nurse practitioner, paid for with grant money, has increased the Good Samaritan Clinic’s ability to see more patients more often, but the clinic’s board hopes a new partnership with Blue Ridge Community Health Center could further bolster that capacity.

officer for Blue Ridge. “They see us as a very successful grantee.”

“I believe this could be a strong move for our community to strengthen what we’ve got and expand,” said Rebecca Mathis, director of Good Sam.

A HASTENED PLANNINGPROCESS

Blue Ridge has been in talks with Jackson County organizations off and on since 2013. The most recent iteration, between Blue Ridge and Good Sam and with encouragement from Harris Regional Hospital, began about a year ago.

“What our executive committee realized was we were not ready to have that conversation (about making a formal partnership),” Mathis said.

Instead, the committee applied for and received a grant to embark on a strategic planning process — that process is still ongoing — meanwhile continuing the conversations with Blue Ridge.

But things whipped into full gear this spring after the Access Point grant was announced in mid-April.

“We actually had to move our board meeting up to even have the conversation with our board. It’s a very quick turnaround,” Mathis told commissioners. “We’ve been having conversations for months about how we might want to do this, we might want to partner together. Then all of a sudden it was, ‘If you want to apply for the federal funding, this is when it’s due.”

That’s why, when Mathis and Henderson approached commissioners at a special-called meeting last Tuesday (June 28), it was with an urgent request. Please write a letter of support, Henderson asked commissioners, and

community health center, because they have to make money to stay open,” Olson agreed.

Good Sam, like most free clinics, has lived hand-to-mouth since its inception, Olson said in a follow-up interview, and it’s been extremely difficult at times to get the resources and the professionals needed to meet the acute needs among uninsured in the community. But the flip side is that because free clinics can’t accept money, there’s no incentive to prioritize some patients over others because of ability to pay.

Olson fears that a community health center like Blue Ridge could tend to offer less comprehensive service to patients who can’t pay, treating them more like urgent care cases to take care of the problem of the moment than like full-on primary care patients.

Henderson’s face displayed shock as Olson made her comments, and in a followup interview she avowed that helping lowincome and impoverished people is Blue Ridge’s entire reason for existence. In 2015, 56 percent of Blue Ridge’s payers were uninsured, and 31 percent had public assistance such as Medicare or Medicaid. Only 13 percent paid with private insurance.

Holly Kays photo

please write it quickly. The grant application is due July 15, with Henderson needing all the materials in a week beforehand to fine-tune the extensive application package.

The tight timeline took commissioners aback. Except for Jones, a member of the Good Sam board, it was the first time they’d heard about the plan. They had a lot of questions and expressed hesitation at writing a letter of support for an organization they hadn’t worked with before. Good Sam has been an integral part of the community since its founding in 2001, and commissioners include funding for it in the budget each year — the current allocation is $61,400. Personal investment in the clinic’s success is strong.

“We didn’t see any of this information until right now,” Commissioner Vicki Greene told Henderson. “It’s a lot to take in. It’s a lot to figure out and it sounds like we don’t have time to figure it out. You’re asking us to trust you, and I don’t know who you are.”

VOICESOFCAUTION

Becky Olson, director of Good Sam until her retirement in 2014, sat in the audience alongside Health Department Director Paula Carden. When Greene pressed the two for their opinions on the matter, commissioners were treated to a less-than-rosy take on Blue Ridge.

“Honestly, right at this minute I don’t support it because of what I’ve seen and heard in other communities about what happens to the type of patients that Good Sam sees,” Carden said. “That care gets somewhat rationed, it’s longer to get appointments.”

“Good Samaritan Clinic serves a very specific population of uninsured and lowincome, and those folks historically can’t all be served usually in a high percentage by a

In terms of income, 98 percent of the patients are low-income — which Blue Ridge defines as living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line — and 81 percent are living at or below the poverty line itself.

“We are their medical home,” Henderson said. “We are treating their chronic condition. We are not an urgent care. We do not treat just acute issues.”

If awarded, the Access Point Grant, given by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, would provide $650,000 per year for two years to the new Sylva Health Center.

Blue Ridge uses a sliding payment scale based on income, with $25 the fee at the bottom of the scale. But Henderson insists that the $25 payment is not a barrier to care — if a patient can’t pay it, they’re seen anyway.

“I personally know of a patient who has for the last nine years been paying a dollar a month because that’s what she can pay, and she never misses a payment,” Henderson said. “We would never turn her away if she didn’t pay her dollar. No Blue Ridge patient is ever turned over to collections. That’s a flat policy across the board.”

Typically, she said, Blue Ridge’s budget breaks even, but last year they lost $350,000.

“For anyone to think we’re making any money on this, we truly are only trying to expand care for the underserved,” she said.

In addition, Henderson pointed out, Blue Ridge’s board of directors has a 51 percent patient membership — and those are patients that “match the demographic” of the people served.

Since

PRIORITIZINGCOLLABORATION

Olson had another concern as well. Good Sam has been built on community relationships, an interconnected web of doctors and nonprofits and businesses and governments that all give a little to help uninsured patients a lot.

“It was a very extensive relationship that was based on sharing the loss,” Olson said of her time at the helm of the organization. “None of that was going to bring anybody any money, but what it was going to do was spread the cost around.”

Olson feels that what she’s seen of Blue Ridge so far is a diminished willingness to work collaboratively and involve other organizations in planning its services. And that’s a quality of vital importance, she said, because bad things can happen when care is duplicated, such as two different doctors prescribing two interacting prescriptions without being aware of what the other is doing.

“You’ve got to coordinate and make the best use of services that already exist, so there is not unnecessary duplication of services and consequently the potential for overlapping, dangerous care to take place,” Olson said.

As evidenced by the fact that commissioners were only just hearing of the plan for the first time a week before their letters were requested due, that coordination is not off to a great start, Olson said.

But there’s a reason for that, Mathis said. Collaboration is indeed of vital importance to both Blue Ridge and Good Sam, but due to the timeline of the grant, things had to move quickly. After the grant was announced, the board went into serious discussions with Blue Ridge, and board members were asked to sign a confidentiality agreement as particulars such as financial information and staff salaries were discussed.

“I think it’s what we had to do,” Keskula said. “I don’t know that we had a choice with it. It allowed us the opportunity to do our diligence and as board members and as community members to be able to make sure we were learning and doing the things so we understood.”

By the time the board had decided to move forward, the grant deadline was imminent, and quick buy-in from the community was needed.

Olson questions the characterization of

the grant as a sudden and unexpected opportunity — it’s not an emergency, she said. Such grants come around every year.

“This was not a last-minute notification that required quick action,” she said.

It’s true that Access Point grants aren’t a new thing. The one announced this year would be the fourth one awarded. But they’re not given on any particular schedule. The first grant opportunity was announced in August 2010. The next was January 2013, then July 2014 and, most recently, April 2016.

“There’s no guarantee the funding will be available in the future, because these are Affordable Care Act dollars,” Henderson said. “We don’t know what the availability will be in the future.”

Much of that availability will hinge on the outcome of November’s federal elections — it’s impossible to predict.

A SHIFTINGPICTURE

There’s no guarantee that Blue Ridge will even land the grant, though the organization has had a high success rate in the past. Awards will likely be announced in December — if awarded, Blue Ridge would have 120 days after the announcement to open the new center. If the grant isn’t successful, Harris Regional Hospital has agreed to fund the new community health center, though the hospital dollars wouldn’t fully cover the $650,000 that would come from the grant.

“Regardless of the grant award, the hospital will continue to support the project,” said Lucretia Stargell, vice president of business and service line development for Harris. “Because the outcome of potential grant funding remains unknown and because the cost of operations in the Sylva Health Center model is yet to be determined, it is too soon to identify an amount of financial support.”

The partnership itself is also a shifting picture.

“We believe that each community is unique, so we operate in several counties and it looks different in every county,” Henderson said.

Haywood is an example that Mathis is looking at closely. Blue Ridge’s partnership with The Good Samaritan Clinic of Haywood is still very new, with the Haywood Health Center opening its doors a month ago.

“We’ve been very pleased with our partner-

ship with Blue Ridge Community Health Services because we both have the same mission of helping people improve access to health care,” said Carmine Rocco, director of Good Sam in Haywood. Rocco served as Haywood Health Department director for 10 years and is also a board member with Blue Ridge.

After the partnership went into effect, the staff of Haywood’s Good Sam clinic diminished by one-third — kind of. Good Sam went down from six employees to two, but Blue Ridge moved into the building right next door, and most of the employees who no longer worked for Good Sam took on similar roles at Blue Ridge. Now, instead of providing primary care — Blue Ridge takes care of that — Good Sam focuses on wraparound services such as helping patients find food, housing and counseling resources.

“What we’ve seen in the past month has been a very big demand for our case management services,” Rocco said. “I believe we are fulfilling a need in the community that the Haywood Health Center (operated by Blue Ridge) may not have the time to meet.”

In the meantime, he said, what’s happened is that the waiting list Good Sam had always operated with has disappeared. More people are getting seen faster.

“I think this partnership in the long run will benefit access to care for Haywood County and treating people holistically,” Rocco said.

LOOKINGFORWARD

Decreasing wait time and getting patients seen has been a goal of Good Sam’s

for a long time. The organization got a big boost a year ago when it landed a grant — written by Judy Neubrander, director of WCU’s School of Nursing — that funded a full-time nurse practitioner in the clinic, and also brought nurse practitioner students from the university in for clinical rotations. Before that grant, patients would have to wait months to be seen.

The numbers are clear that the grant has been effective at getting more patients seen more often. In 2014, the clinic saw 427 patients over 877 visits, but by the end of 2015 — the grant went in place midway through the year — the numbers had exploded to 524 patients and 1,625 visits.

But it’s a two-year grant, so Mathis is looking for how to keep increasing Good Sam’s service to the community after it ends. Blue Ridge is a win, in her book — in the first two years, Henderson said, Blue Ridge could bring the patient count in Jackson County up to 3,800.

“I don’t go into any of this lightly,” Mathis said. “I have been reassured time and time again by the integrity of what Blue Ridge has been doing in this region and their success.”

And while many of the stakeholders seem to support the move — McMahan said all the commissioners wound up in favor, and the letter of support is already executed — the time for caution is not past, Keskula said.

“The devil’s always in the details,” he said, “and there are things we need to be careful about as a board and as good community citizens.”

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Macon wraps up fiscal year

Commissioners dole out funding for last minute priorities

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Macon County commissioners had some last-minute spending decisions to make before heading into the new fiscal year that started July 1.

With money still sitting in the county’s contingency fund, commissioners made several allocations, including about $40,000 for economic development incentives (see story on page 11), $5,000 to fund a bonus for the county manager, $20,000 for the public library and $12,350 for security upgrades at the senior services building.

COUNTYMANAGERRAISE

In following Jackson County’s process for hiring a new county manager, Commissioner Jim Tate said he was a bit surprised to see the top candidate offered a starting salary of $125,000. It got him thinking about how much Macon County pays its manager Derek Roland and whether it’s a competitive wage for the work he does.

“I sure don’t want to lose Derek,” he said.

bring wages in line with other counties, walked the county through a revaluation year and has presented a revenue neutral budget to commissioners for the last three years without a tax increase.

Tate made a motion to give Roland a one-time $5,000 bonus with the understanding commissioners will discuss giving him a raise at their July board meeting.

Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin agreed with Tate that Roland had done a great job for the county and deserved to be compensated fairly.

“I feel like we run Macon County like a business … we have the third lowest tax rate in the state,” Corbin said. “If we were a business and we performed this well, the CEO would get a good raise or bonus — I think it’s fair.”

The board unanimously approved a $5,000 bonus for Roland and will discuss a raise at its next meeting.

LIBRARYGETS FINANCIALBOOST

While the commissioners didn’t fulfill the library’s request for an additional $120,000 in this year’s budget, the county did agree to cough up another $20,000 to assist its three facilities in Franklin, Nantahala and Highlands.

At the age of 28, Roland was hired as Macon’s county manager in 2013 at the starting salary of $100,000 — $35,000 less than former manager Jack Horton, who had more than 30 years of experience in the position. Roland hasn’t received a raise since he was hired.

Tate compared Roland’s salary to the salaries of other county managers in similar populated counties. He found the average pay was around $120,000, with Transylvania County on the low end of $100,000 and Beaufort County on the high end of $150,000. Tate also made a point to mention that Highlands’ town manager makes a good bit more than Roland. Highlands’ population is around 1,000 compared to Macon’s population of about 35,000.

He said it was time for the board to discuss a raise for Roland given his many accomplishments in the last three years.

“To be successful in my opinion, you have to have two strong qualities — one is respect for your fellow man and your employees and the second is knowing no matter what happens you have the ultimate responsibility to look after this county and your employees,” Tate said to Roland. “We can’t deny that anything we’ve asked you to do, you’ve brought it back and exceeded our expectations.”

Roland has led an overhaul of the county’s health care plan that saved the county’s health care reserve fund from going bankrupt, implemented an employee pay plan to

The Macon County Library has been struggling for a few years to replace aging technology like computers and printers and to give employees much-needed raises, but the county hasn’t been willing to increase its funding to meet those needs. The county has allocated close to a million dollars for the library system for the last two years.

Commissioner Ronnie Beale, who acts as a liaison to the library board, said he met with Librarian Karen Wallace to go through her list of needs. With three libraries to support, Beale suggested allocating $20,000 out of the contingency fund to help Wallace with library needs.

“It will help her with some of the things and she will continue to go after grants — $20,000 is better than a slap in the face,” Beale said.

The board unanimously approved the allocation.

SENIORCENTERSECURITY

A couple of recent incidents at the county’s senior services center prompted the county to spend more than $12,000 to make security upgrades to the building.

While he wouldn’t go into the details, Beale said law enforcement had to be called out to the senior services building twice in the last two weeks regarding incidents at the county’s adult daycare program.

Local security companies were asked to come in to evaluate and make recommendations for improving safety conditions. Beale said the $12,000 would go toward installing panic buttons and entry access upgrades with keypad entry for employees.

WTekTone Sound to expand operations in Macon Harmony House Foods expands to

ith the help of matching grants funds from Macon County, TekTone Sound & Signal Manufacturing Inc. will expand operations at the county industrial park with the purchase of the former SKF facility.

The company has committed to hiring an additional 35 workers over the next five years and plans to invest $2.9 million in the expansion. The former SKF facility includes 72,000 square feet of space for the expansion plans. The average salary for the jobs being created is $48,000.

The project was made possible in part by performance-based grants from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s OneNC Fund ($90,000) and Macon County ($30,000). These grants are contingent upon a combination of verified job creation and investment performance benchmarks. Tektone’s agreement with the Macon County Economic Development Commission includes appropriate claw-back provisions in case those performance benchmarks are not met.

Tommy Jenkins, Macon’s economic development director, told commissioners last month the county would benefit from additional property tax on the currently abandoned building and the company’s investment in new equipment.

County Commission Chairman Kevin

Corbin said the county would be able to recoup its investment in two years through tax revenue — not to mention the trickle down impact it will have on the local economy.

“We are excited to have TekTone investing in the economic future of Macon County,” said Corbin. “We are appreciative of their commitment to providing good jobs and investment in our community. Transacting business on five continents, they are an excellent example of a local company thriving in a global economy.”

Founded in 1973, TekTone opened its manufacturing facility in Franklin in 1989. TekTone designs and manufactures wired and wireless nurse call, apartment entry, area of rescue assistance, alert integration and resident wandering systems. TekTone healthcare communications systems are found in hospitals, retirement communities, skilled nursing and assisted/independent living facilities around the globe.

TekTone world headquarters is in Franklin, and the company’s network of firstrate distributors and representatives stretches worldwide. The privately held company currently employs about 70 people locally.

“The purchase of the former SKF facility is a significant investment for us. When it became clear we were outgrowing our current facility, we made it a priority to stay in Macon County, if at all possible,” said Tektone President Carlos Mira in a press release. “We

Macon applies for mental health assistance grant

BY J ESSI STONE

EWS E DITOR

Macon County Emergency Management Services hopes to expand an existing health care model to better serve mental health patients in the county — and a grant from the Evergreen Foundation may help the department fund it.

Emergency Management Director Warren Cabe told county commissioners he hoped the program would help reduce health care costs and his department’s costs by taking a more proactive approach with mental health patients in the comfort of their own homes.

“We understand that if we can keep these folks out of the back of our ambulances it frees up resources for people who may really need us,” Cabe said. “It will also keep them out of the long-term beds at the hospital.”

Macon EMS implemented the Community Care Paramedic program a year ago in which high-risk re-admission patients — mostly those with chronic but manageable disease — were identified and monitored on a regular basis by EMS staff.

Paramedics are currently performing inhome visits three days a week for 28 patients

new location

Harmony House Foods has purchased the current TekTone Sound and Signal Manufacturing facility in the Macon County Industrial Park, following the TekTone purchase of the former SKF building in the park.

Located in the Macon County Business Development Center, Harmony House is a seller and distributor of dehydrated foods, both domestically and internationally. Its honors include the Editor’s Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine and the “Business People of the Year” nomination by the Small Business Administration for the State of North Carolina.

“Harmony House will be expanding from an 8,500-square-foot facility to an over 32,000-square-foot location, showing sig-

thank our employees, customers and partners for making this a reality, and look forward to expansion and growth in the Macon County Industrial Park.”

Jenkins recently told commissioners the company is also going after a building re-use program grant to help with the cost of reno-

nificant growth since becoming a Business Development Center tenant in 2013,” said Tommy Jenkins, Macon County Economic Development Director. “Being a family owned and operated business, as well as located in a region world renowned for hiking and outdoor recreation, Harmony House is a perfect fit for our local economy.”

Harmony House plans to steadily increase its workforce over the next several years as new products come to market.

“We have so many opportunities for product growth that it just made sense to expand,” said John Seaman, president of Harmony House. “Expanding right here in Franklin was an easy choice because Macon County has provided such an excellent business environment.”

There are also plans for a future outlet store adjacent to the production facility.

“A.T. hikers and local residents often ask if we have a storefront they can visit. We hope to provide that for them,” said Vice President Linda Seaman.

vating the facility. Qualifying businesses can receive up to $12,500 per job created for renovations. The county committed to providing a 5 percent match, which comes out to $5,375. Commissioners allocated all the grant match funding from its 2015-16 budget contingency fund.

in the program.

Cabe said this kind of integrated health care model came out of the Affordable Care Act and helps to fill the gap between hospital care and home heath care.

“We tried to identify patients we know have minor problems that may become major problems if they’re not addressed,” he said.

Now EMS wants to apply the same concept to helping mental health patients in the county — if the Evergreen Foundation awards the county $34,500 as requested.

According to Cabe’s grant application, Appalachian Community Services evaluated 7,627 new mental health patients in Western North Carolina between April 2013 and February 2016. During that same time period, mental health patients spent an average of about 29 hours in an emergency room.

Mental health patients can cost law enforcement and health care providers a lot of time and money. When magistrate judges issue an involuntary commitment order, a law enforcement officer from that county is required by law to transport the patient to a hospital for evaluation, but the shortage of available beds for mental health patients is

making the process burdensome. Officers have had to drive hours to find a bed for a patient, which can eat up a lot of patrol hours and fuel. In 2014 alone, Macon County Sheriff’s Office spent 8,299 hours and $253,625 on involuntary commitments.

With a limited number of beds available for mental health patients and the increase in involuntary commitments, patients have to wait longer and travel farther for treatment. It’s a statewide problem — one that health care providers are trying to address.

Cabe said he met with the Evergreen Foundation, which is a nonprofit arm of Smoky Mountain Mental Health, about what Macon County EMS could do to help residents with mental health issues. After analyzing some local data, Cabe said he quickly realized many issues mental health patients were having revolved around problems with their medications.

“With this program, we will help people understand their medication and take it correctly,” he said.

If Evergreen approves the $35,000 grant, Macon EMS will spend the money to fund an additional eight hours a week for a current full-time employee and another eight hours a week for a part-time employee. Funding will also be used to partner with the community college to develop and provide specialized crisis intervention training for all paramedics and supervisors. Originally Cabe thought the community college would have to put togeth-

er an all-new program to be able to provide that type of training, but Smoky Mountain Mental Health offered to provide the crisis intervention training — cutting down on the cost to pilot the mental health program.

“This grant request will allow us to do two days week to see these patients,” Cabe said. “We may already be seeing some of these same people through the other program.”

Similar programs have been successful in Nash and Vance counties where the number of involuntary committals has been cut by as much as 80 percent. The program implemented at Grady EMS in Atlanta, Georgia, prevented the ambulance service from transporting 175 mental health patients, which saved the EMS department about $13,000 and saved local emergency rooms $140,000.

If the program is successful in Macon, Cabe said he would request additional funding from Evergreen Foundation in the future as well as ask community health care providers to contribute since they would be reaping the financial benefits.

Commissioner Ronnie Beale, who has been heavily involved in mental health issues through the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, said the program could make a big difference in the lives of people in Macon County.

“The bottom line is to cut down on involuntary commitments,” he said. “This program is very innovative. It’s a real game changer for these folks.”

Food Fight: Anthony’s mad at Waynesville

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

The Mad Anthony’s food truck debate culminated last week in what will go down in the annals of Waynesville lore as “The Battle of Branner Avenue” — the story of a local businessman who did almost everything wrong but was in the right, and the town that did almost everything right but was in the wrong.

In the end, no one was happy, and everyone lost.

THETWO WAYNES

Pennsylvania-born Anthony Wayne is a revered historical figure who represents a romanticized version of the early American patriots. A surveyor and state legislator, Wayne took up arms at the outset of the Revolutionary War as a citizen-soldier and quickly earned a reputation as a loyal and fearless commander.

Accordingly, countless counties, streets, schools, cities and businesses are named after him — including the Town of Waynesville, and Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

General Wayne earned for himself the nickname “Mad Anthony” during the Battle of Stony Point, where he and 1,300 men scaled a cliff in the middle of the night and silently bayonetted a British garrison into submission.

Lesser commanders would never have jumped into a battle like that without making far more substantial preparations — but the course of history often pivots on those instances when otherwise reasonable people make unreasonable decisions.

David Young is co-owner of Mad Anthony’s, which opened on Branner Avenue in Spring 2015 after he renovated a century-old farmhouse that had seen better days, transforming it into a stylish, contemporary-yetclassic taproom that added culture to the community and coin to the coffers of the town.

The bar had, in recent months, become extremely popular among a diverse clientele — young, old, straight, gay, townies, tourists, tattooed, pierced, or not.

Some have gone so far as to call it a “cultural hub” where attorneys and Realtors mingle with musicians and artists on the shady side porch or down in the open-air grove, where industrial-grade string lighting sags lazily above tree-shaded picnic tables and dogs chase Frisbees as children look on and laugh.

There was, however, just one problem with that idyllic scene — David Young was not following the rules.

The roof throwing shade over the side porch hadn’t been permitted, nor had the lighting system. Adding to this pattern of ignorance, negligence or the desire to save a buck, a food truck showed up behind the bar in fall 2015 — also unpermitted.

But there wasn’t a real “permit” per se for the Mad Anthony’s food truck — affectionately and cleverly named MA’s Kitchen, for its

owner Glenna Young, David’s mother — because Waynesville had yet to issue definitive guidelines on a trend that had only just begun to permeate the far reaches of Western North Carolina.

A fixture in many northern cities for decades and in larger cities across the region in recent years, food trucks have become the internet-age version of the old apple cart, serving up banh mi or baked Brie with a side order of savvy opportunism.

Waynesville got its first taste of the issue when someone wanted to open a hot dog stand near the Haywood County Historic Courthouse last winter.

Around that same time, Young approached Waynesville about his food truck, which differed significantly from the proposed hot dog stand as well as from the traditional idea of a mobile food truck pulling up to a curb in a busy business district and serving trendy young urban professionals eclectic ethnic cuisine on their lunch break.

Young’s “food truck” isn’t really even a truck — it’s a trailer, located on private property, isn’t intended to be mobile, and has utility connections to the main building. Although Young did acquire a temporary use permit for the food truck on Feb. 5, that permit had to be renewed periodically.

OPENINGSHOTSFIRED

Missteps caught up with Young right around that same time, perhaps due to the elevated interest in a local business that was making waves and making unusual requests.

Town code officers notified Young that he was in violation of building codes (for the porch roof), fire codes (for the lights) and the town’s light pollution ordinance (also for the lights). The implicit threat behind the notifications was made explicit by Waynesville Development Services Director Elizabeth Teague, who said she wanted the building code violations to be dealt with before considering the renewal of Young’s temporary use permit.

Young said he was unclear on how his roof and lights violated building codes, because the town hadn’t told him.

Those violations weren’t necessarily the result of shoddy construction; indeed, the patio roof looks overbuilt. His violations were due to the fact that he hadn’t applied for permits, which usually includes a depiction of the project. Sometimes that’s a rough sketch, and sometimes that’s a full set of certified architectural drawings.

In this case, the town had nothing.

Tom McGuire, Waynesville’s senior building code officer, correctly told Young that it wasn’t the city’s job to draft construction plans for citizens. This opening skirmish resulted in a stalemate of sorts, but may have put Young at a tactical disadvantage; he’d already earned the attention and possibly the ire of Waynesville officials, and the town still held the high ground.

In mid-April, Teague and a code inspector met with Young at Mad Anthony’s under a

flag of truce to try to resolve their differences peacefully.

Both sides made concessions, with Young agreeing to apply for permits for his roof and lights, and the town giving him more time to correct violations. The town also allowed the food truck to remain as well — for the time being.

But in the background, a parallel discussion was being had about the larger issue of food trucks in general. The town — noticing that such operations were beginning to appear with increasing regularity — had to get caught up and figure out appropriate policies for its regulation, because it was becoming increasingly clear that the use of temporary permits like Young’s wasn’t going to be sufficient.

BATTLE LINES DRAWN

The controversy over food trucks in Waynesville was only beginning, and as awareness of the issue began to spread, a host of practical and theoretical dilemmas emerged.

The Downtown Waynesville Association engaged in some saber rattling of its own, early on, stating that the Main Street area was no place for food trucks. DWA Executive Board President John Keith — also a Main Street business owner — broached the issue of property taxes, which food trucks obviously don’t pay.

The DWA manages Waynesville’s Municipal Service District, where business owners pay an extra 20 cents per $100 in assessed property valuation on top of the city’s rate, which currently stands just above 48.5 cents. The DWA spends that revenue on planning, marketing and improvements for the district, and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Richard Miller, the DWA’s past president

and also the owner of a business within the DWA’s jurisdiction, expressed similar disdain, opining that no temporary establishments should be able to sponge off of the fertile business climate Miller and the DWA have worked hard to create, beginning in the mid-1980s.

On the other hand, isn’t that what innovators do? Entrepreneurs seek out needs, and attempt to fulfill them, making a buck in the process. If food truck operators — who have the benefit of less overhead than a brick-andmortar establishment — have stumbled on to a lucrative economic niche, shouldn’t they be allowed to exploit it within the confines of the reasonable regulation? Isn’t that what downtown business owners like Miller and Keith did?

While members of the community openly bandied about such philosophical questions, another considerably less intellectual quandary arose — if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, is it still a truck?

The unfolding food truck ordinance didn’t exactly concern Mad Anthony’s because MA’s Kitchen is not located in the DWA’s MSD, and they certainly weren’t driving around hitting the downtown festivals and biker rallies in Maggie Valley.

In fact, the trailer hadn’t moved at all since it was first parked, which begged the question — is it a building, or is it a vehicle?

Should it abide by state building codes, or those of the department of motor vehicles?

Either way, Waynesville aldermen agreed that food trucks needed to acquire a free permit, obtainable after passing a health department inspection and complying with some other minor regulations. They also agreed that the permits would be issued for no more than 180 non-consecutive days within a calendar year on any individual lot.

But these regulations still didn’t settle

things definitively for MA’s Kitchen, and the Youngs would soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a divided town board trying to simultaneously balance development and growth with zoning and permitting.

SUBTLEDIPLOMACY

On May 24, the Waynesville Board of Aldermen met, attempting to settle things one way or the other.

What they came up with was, they thought, a tightly-crafted compromise that would in essence create a loophole for MA’s Kitchen that would allow it to continue to operate, without unleashing a feeding frenzy of food trucks on every street and block of the town.

That loophole was called the “Mad Anthony’s paragraph,” which read, “A mobile food unit operating on the private property of its commissary shall be exempt

Elizabeth Teague, Director of Development Services for the town of Waynesville, hopes to work with Mad Anthony’s to bring them into compliance. Cory Vaillancourt Photo

from the time limit, provided that the mobile food unit is kept in good repair at all times, in the rear or side yard of the property, and does not exceed the allowable signage for the business on the lot.”

The key word in the paragraph is “commissary.”

As MA’s Kitchen sits adjacent to the building from which it acquires its supplies — its “commissary” — it would be allowed to stay under the proposed loophole.

However, immediate problems surfaced with the measure, which, as Alderman LeRoy Roberson pointed out, would apply to the entire town and not just to MA’s.

In theory, this would allow some property owners to sidestep design standards and building codes.

“If it applies just to [MA’s], I wouldn’t have a problem with it,” Roberson said during the meeting. “But if we pass something like this it applies to the whole town, and that’s what we have to consider.”

Glenna Young dug in to her position by saying she thought that food trucks cost too much to open and were “hard, hard work” not likely to be undertaken by hobbyists. She also pointed out that while her overhead was indeed less than a traditional restaurant, her margins were likewise much slimmer.

During questioning by aldermen, it became clear that they were split on the meas-

ure, and the vote was postponed while the town and the Youngs reconsidered their respective stances.

SHOWDOWNON MAIN STREET

A dozen or so proponents of MA’s kitchen filtered in to the town board meeting on June 28, even though the opportunity for public comment had passed. They were there to show their support for David Young, who was right in his approach and his aesthetic and his intention to earn for himself a living and for the town tax revenue and increased employment, but wrong in his approach to it all.

Opposite them were Aldermen Gary Caldwell, Jon Feichter, LeRoy Roberson, Julia Boyd Freeman, and Mayor Gavin Brown, who were right in their approach and their aesthetic and their intention to earn for themselves the reputation of problem-solvers and for the town tax revenue and increased employment, but wrong in their inability to find a happy medium.

Feichter and Freeman were the only two aldermen who voted to support the Youngs, both citing the need to be flexible and creative in encouraging entrepreneurship.

But Caldwell, and especially Roberson, continued to assert that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s not a truck. Or a trailer. It’s a building, a permanent fixture that needs to be regulated according to building codes, not vehicular ones.

Mayor Brown sided with Caldwell and Roberson, breaking the tie when he said that trucks [or trailers] licensed by the DMV aren’t permanent structures.

The decision left almost no one happy.

“I feel like we got burned, and I would be very leery of getting in to any more projects that involve the town,” David Young said. “Unfortunately, you can’t change a lightbulb without involving the town.”

Facebook posts by Mad Anthony’s reflected that sentiment; Young told fans that the possibility of closing both the food trailer and the bar itself was an option; fans responded by demonizing the city as shortsighted and anti-development, going so far as to blame “cronyism” and the ever-convenient fallback, “good ol’ boys.”

“I think there would be a process where we could work with them to convert that unit to something that would work in Waynesville and be compliant with state building codes,” Teague said. “We’ll have to be kind of creative with it. And that’s fun. That’s a cool thing to do, and it could be something kind of funky, and fit in with the beer garden look. It would be great. I’d love to work on that with them.”

Glenna Young seemed to indicate some willingness to bury the hatchet with the town.

“I didn’t get in to this with haste, and I’m not going to make any decision in anger,” she said. “If the town wants to sit down around the table and hash this out for all of our betterment, I’m not opposed to that. But big misunderstandings lead to big problems, and I can’t afford any more problems. ”

MA’s Kitchen will continue to operate until the new ordinance is finalized, after which time they’ll be given a “reasonable” amount of time to apply for a new permit, said McGuire.

BLUEBERRIES NOW PICKING!

Couple works to open wedding venue at family farm

BY J ESSI STONE

DITOR

Nearly five years ago, Taylor and Preston Gregg stood on top of Chestnut Ridge and recited their wedding vows.

Taylor couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular view on her wedding day, and she knew then that the secluded mountain views from Preston’s family farm off Dutch Cove Road would make an ideal wedding destination for others.

Since then, Taylor has been working her way into the wedding planning business with the ultimate dream of constructing a one-of-a-kind wedding venue on Chestnut Ridge. As the 2016 winners of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Startup Award, she is one step closer to making her dream of owning a wedding venue a reality.

Every year entrepreneurs compete for the $10,000 prize that comes with the award in hopes of getting their business off the ground. The Greggs competed against nine other entrepreneurs for the funding and were one of four to make it to the interview process. When asked why she thought her business plan stood out among the rest, Taylor said it was because her wedding venue business would directly and indirectly impact so many other businesses in the area — caterers, bakers, florists, photographers and all the other vendors needed to pull off a wedding. Not to mention the construction crews and local building supply stores that will benefit from the construction of a $1 million facility.

“The judges said we would be impacting the other four candidates being interviewed for the competition either directly or indirectly,” Taylor said. “The wedding industry employs a lot of people.”

While holding down a day job at an Asheville bank, Taylor has spent the last two-and-a-half years building up her wedding planning business and getting to know all the vendors in the area. She is planning nine weddings in 2016, which is all she can handle with a full-time job and 8-month-old twins at home. Her knowledge of the growing industry is another reason her business plan may have stood out to chamber judges.

“I’m already in the industry and I think they could see I did my research and I’m not cutting any corners,” Taylor said.

Even with her experience, putting together a professional business plan — a 3-inchthick binder — was no easy task. Taylor and Preston were in the midst of the business loan and plan process at Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center when SBC Director Katy Gould told them about the chamber’s startup competition. It was the perfect opportunity for the Greggs — the only catch was the business plan was due within a month. But the short notice only pushed her to finish it, and it paid off.

Chestnut Ridge wedding venue will consist of two facilities on Gregg’s family farm — a 6,400-square-foot enclosed reception barn and a 2,400-square-foot ceremony

tional amenities like a firework send-off, skeet shooting, onsite bridal party yoga and massages, and a pool table and flat-screen televisions for the groomsmen. Smoky Mountain Sub Shop will also provide onsite lunches for the wedding party on the day of the event.

Chestnut Ridge will offer a basic venue package price and also an all-inclusive package that will include all of Taylor’s preferred vendors — Catering by Corey, Nettie’s Bakery, Fox & Owl Studio photography, Flawless Makeup & Hair, Music Explosion Sound, HeartIsTree Videography and Maggie Valley Wellness Center.

Taylor did her research and visited wedding venues all up and down the eastern seaboard before nailing down her ideal space. She’s confident that Chestnut Ridge is not just another rustic barn setting.

pavilion. The reception barn will include a bridal loft, groom’s den, full kitchen, bathrooms and working bar.

The venue will be able to accommodate up to 299 people with church pew seating in the pavilion and Amish farm tables and wooden cross back chairs in the reception barn.

Taylor’s vision for Chestnut Ridge is for it to be a welcoming place for the entire wedding party that provides a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

“My main goal is I don’t want it to be a quick in and out venue — I want it to be an entire weekend worth of laidback experiences,” she said. “They’ll be making the most important memories of their life here.”

While brides and their bridesmaids typically have a day of spa treatments or brunch before their big day, Taylor also wanted her grooms to be able to relax during their weekend in the mountains, whether it’s playing golf or skeet shooting on the property. That’s why Chestnut Ridge will offer addi-

“It’s completely different. The barn will be more of a modern industrial space. The bride can make it look rustic if she wants, but that’s just a trend — she can also make it formal and elegant if she chooses,” she said.

One thing about outdoor weddings in the South is that summer and winter months are slow because of the unpredictable heat or cold, but the Greggs’ venue will have central heat and air with plans to have the venue booked throughout the year. As far as pricing goes, Taylor said their venue fees would be right in line with the regional and national average. Chestnut Ridge expects to get plenty of destination weddings as well as local couples wanting to marry there. A local discount will be available.

“Take the top venue in Asheville and other popular ones in our price range and they probably have 75 weddings a year — we’re expecting our capacity will be 99 weddings,” Taylor said. “We hope to achieve that by year seven.”

In the future, they hope it will be more than a wedding venue. Preston said the space has the potential to be booked for conferences, business seminars and retreats as well.

While Taylor and Preston make good partners in life, they also seem to be ideal business partners. Taylor is a planner by nature and her experience in the wedding and the banking industry gave her the knowledge to create a solid business plan. Preston is an engineer for the town of Waynesville and has been the one to deal with the construction end of the project. They are both very excited about the potential of their new venture.

“We really think this will be unlike anything out there,” Taylor said.

Road construction up to the wedding venue site has already begun, and the Greggs hope to be open for business in the fall of 2017.

Taylor said the $10,000 from the Chamber of Commerce competition will go toward the start-up costs for marketing — logo, purchasing a website domain, designing a website and more.

K-9 certifications |to be held in Haywood

The United States Police Canine (K-9) Field Trial Certifications will be held Aug. 812 in Haywood County.

Local Law Enforcement K-9 units are hosting this countywide K-9 event, which will bring 50 to 80 police handlers and their dogs, most staying in Maggie Valley. They will be coving narcotic detection, explosive detection, tracking, agility course, suspect search, article search and apprehension. The apprehension session will be on Tuesday, Aug. 9, and Wednesday, Aug. 10, and is open to the public. The event will be held at the Tuscola High School ball field.

Help support local K-9 units with fundraising efforts through donations. A raffle will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 10. Items from local businesses are needed.

Call Officer Matthew Boger with the Maggie Valley Police at 828.736.3317.

Calling all Ammons relatives

The eighth Ammons Family Reunion will be held Saturday, July 16, at the Holly Springs Community Building in Franklin.

Ammons family relatives are invited to come out and visit with kinfolks. Registration is from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Barbecue and chicken wraps will be served by Martha’s Kitchen of Franklin ($8 adults/$5 children).

A new “Discovering the Ammons Family History” booklet is available this year, one free to each family attending the reunion.

Speakers will each talk about the Ammons family roots and involvement of three Ammons brothers in the Revolutionary War, one of whom most of the Ammons in Western North Carolina are direct descendants. Bring pictures, records and stories and learn more about your family heritage.

The Holly Springs Community Building is located at 2720 Cat Creek Road, Franklin. Call Amy Ammons Garza at 828.631.4587.

Fundraiser planned for Tammy Carmona

A fundraiser for Tammy Carmona, a Haywood County resident currently undergoing treatment for Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 24, at Frog Level Brewery, 56 Commerce Street, Waynesville.

Proceeds will go toward living expenses during treatment while she cannot work. Come prepared for fun with music and entertainment by DJ Captain Moose, karaoke, dancing, food, a silent auction, fabulous door prizes and more to celebrate life with Tammy Carmona. A donation of $10 at the door includes admission and food.

Donations can be made at any branch of TD Bank, to the following account: Router: 052401026, Account: 4329609593, and at http://youcaring.com/givetotammycarmona. 828.550.7050.

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Switch to U.S. Cellular® now and get 50% off iPhone 6s. Things we want you to know: New Shared Connect Plan and Retail Installment Contract required. Device Protection+, Smartphone turn-in and credit approval also required. A $25 Device Activation Fee applies. A Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (currently $1.82/line/month) applies; this is not a tax or gvmt. required charge. Additional fees (including Device Connection Charges), taxes, terms, conditions and coverage areas apply and may vary by plan, service and phone. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. See store or uscellular.com for details. 50% Off Smartphones Promo: 50%-off rebate on select Smartphone devices. Rebate shall be equal to either 50% of device price before taxes or $336, whichever is lower. Rebate fulfilled in the form of a U.S. Cellular Promotional Card issued by MetaBank,® Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Valid only for purchases at U.S. Cellular stores and uscellular.com. Allow 8–10 weeks for processing after final submission. Turned-in Smartphone must be in fully functional, working condition without any liquid damage or broken components, including, but not limited to, a cracked housing. Smartphone must power on and cannot be pin locked. Cracked screens allowed. Device Protection+: Enrollment in Device Protection+ required. The monthly charge for Device Protection+ is $8.99 for Smartphones. A deductible per approved claim applies. You may cancel Device Protection+ anytime. Insurance underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida. Service Contract Obligor is Federal Warranty Service Corporation, except in CA (Sureway, Inc.) and OK (Assurant Service Protection, Inc.). Limitations and exclusions apply. For complete details, see an associate for a Device Protection+ brochure. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. ©2016 U.S. Cellular

With 3D Touch, Live Photos, 7000 series aluminum, A9 chip, advanced cameras, 4.7-inch Retina HD display, and so much more, you’ll see how with iPhone 6s the only thing that’s changed is everything. Requires Retail Installment Contract, credit approval and mail-in rebate.

Tourism increases in Jackson County

Visitation to Jackson County for the 2015-2016 fiscal year was the highest recorded in the four-year history of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, with occupancy tax seeing a record 9.6-percent increase for this fiscal year.

“Tourism is the number one industry in Jackson County, and the rise in occupancy tax reflects the significant increase in overnight visitors to the area,” said Nick Breedlove, executive director of the JCTDA.

The JCTDA, the official marketing organization for Jackson County, operates on a budget comprised solely of room occupancy tax, and the organization reinvests every single available dollar back into advertising and promotion to market Jackson County as a premier tourist destination. The room tax rate of 4 percent is one of the lowest in the region, making lodging in Jackson County one of the most affordable draws to the county.

Jackson County Tourism Director Nick Breedlove (right) leads a tour of Jackson County Tourism assets June 14 for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis’ Western Region representative Colton Overcash. Breedlove cited tourism as the number one industry in Jackson County and the region. Donated photo

Consulting firm celebrates 20 years

TNB Consulting Group, Inc., an international consulting firm, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The firm has created, designed and implemented customized marketing strategies for clients within the U. S., Canada and Australia.

CEO and President Nyda BittmannNeville’s innovative solutions have been implemented in the industries of financial, insurance, travel, health, high-tech, law, construction, education, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and government.

She is an image and brand doctor, executive coach, a nationally sought after professional speaker, certified corporate trainer, certified color specialist, and an author in Becoming a Professional Woman and On Stage! Image, Etiquette, Branding and Style. Visit www.NydaSpeaks.com.

EDC facilitates industry meetings

The Haywood Economic Development Council is currently facilitating meetings with different business sectors in Haywood County.

The goal is to establish ongoing dialog with leaders from each industry and highlight areas where the EDC can support the needs and foster growth within those sectors. “These are important conversations,” said Mark Clasby, EDC executive director. “We want to better understand their priorities and align our efforts accordingly.”

So far, representatives from the EDC have met with leaders in health care and agriculture. Additional meetings to be

scheduled include manufacturing. www.HaywoodEDC.org.

HCC dean receives SkillsUSA NC Champion Award

Haywood Community College Dean of Business and Industry Doug Long, was recently awarded the SkillsUSA NC Champion Award.

SkillsUSA NC is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure that America has a skilled workforce. From industry-designed competitions to professional and leadership development workshops, this career and technical student organization gives students an opportunity to enhance both their technical and employability skills.

The Champion Award is presented to someone who has tremendous impact on the organization and the growth of it.

Chili’s restaurant coming to WCU

Chili’s Grill and Bar will be open for business on the campus of Western Carolina University this fall as the full-service dining establishment is the latest tenant announced for Noble Hall, the mixeduse facility being constructed on the site of structures damaged by fire in 2013.

Operated by Aramark, WCU’s food service partner, the restaurant will be the first Chili’s location in Western North Carolina west of Asheville.

The restaurant, which will represent the latest Chili’s prototype currently in development, will bring more than 50 jobs to the

• Organic Beans Coffee Company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house to celebrate the store’s new owners, Christine and Donald Chamberlain. The coffee shop is located at 3680 Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

• The Franklin Board of Realtors merged with the North Jackson Board of Realtors recently and is now known as The Carolina Smokies Association of Realtors, Inc. Their new office is located at 131 Heritage Hollow Drive in Franklin.

• Traditional Hands Native American Art & Jewelry Gallery in Cherokee recently celebrated its grand opening. The well-known Cherokee artist General B. Grant is introducing a new concept of an artist working studio that will provide a meeting place for artists and collectors to get acquainted on a personal level. 828.554.5884 or tradhands@gmail.com.

ALSO:

• QuartzyOne and B&C Winery in Maggie Valley are teaming up for another fun night of jewelry making and wine from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the winery, 2499 Soco Road. Cost is $30 plus tax. A small food platter will be provided. For reservation, call 828.550.3610.

WCU campus. The restaurant will consist of about 4,200 square feet and seat more than 120 guests.

HCC’s Small Business Center has moved

Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center is now located at 144 Industrial Park Drive, in Waynesville.

Situated beside the college’s Regional High Technology Center, the former Smoky Mountain Development Corporation location provides current and prospective small business owners easy access to the services offered by the Small Business Center.

The new SBC location is a resource to further connect the Small Business Center to the business community and provide easy access for those looking to utilize SBC services.

Library to host basic banking seminar

In partnership with Wells Fargo, the Jackson County Public Library is hosting a series of banking seminars designed to help the public with banking and money managing techniques. These seminars are free of charge.

The first seminar will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday July 12, in the Community Room. The Basics of Banking will introduce participants to basic banking concepts, such as types of financial institutions— banks, credit unions, and savings institutions, the different accounts they can open to help save money, use money to pay for day-today expenses, or even save for long-term goals.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• Whistle Stop Depot recently held a ribbon-cutting celebration at the grand opening of its new location at 145 River Road just off the Highlands Road. www.WhistleStopAntiquesNC.com or 828.349.1600.

• Southern Trout Magazine names Bryson City "North Carolina's Top Trout Town" in its June/July issue. Editor Don Kirk says, "Long a sleepy mountain hamlet, today Bryson City is ground zero of the fly fishing for trout earthquake today that is ripping through the western region of the Tar Heel State.”

• Pinnacle Anti Aging recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening in Cashiers. The business is owned by Dr. Bonnie Dean and Susan Black and is located at 45 Slab Town Road, Suite B4. 828.743.7437.

• Little Caesars Pizza recently held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony with the owners and staff of the located at 139 Commons Drive in the Walmart Shopping Center. Owners David Carswell and Roth Schoepf are excited to open a location in Franklin. This is their 16th location.

• Pearl Laser Design recently held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration in Franklin. Pearl Laser Design is owned and operated by Ryan and Polly Ehrenkaufer. Pearl Laser Design provides custom laser engraving on a wide range of materials. 828.200.5119 or pearllaserdesign@gmail.com.

• Brook Trout Inn recently held a grand opening celebration in Sapphire. The inn is located at 19259 Rosman Highway, Sapphire.

• Pisgah Pet Control recently held a grand opening celebration in Glenville. The new business is located at 4312 Highway 107 N., Glenville.

• Kumpanios Cane Corso Kennels & Boarding recently opened in Franklin at 565 Wayah Road. The new facility has 12 kennels for boarding. 828.342.7302. www.kumpanioscanecorso.com.

• The Historic Franklin Terrace recently celebrated the reopening of the bed and breakfast at 159 Harrison Avenue. The Franklin Terrace was built in 1887 as a women’s boarding school and became Franklin’s public school in 1902. In 1915, it was converted into a hotel and in 1982 was added to The National Register of Historic Places. www.Franklin-Terrace.com or 828.369.8888.

Battling the twin evils of gerrymandering and money

BY M ARTIN DYCKMAN G UEST C OLUMNIST

Most of Europe’s aristocracy didn’t think the infant United States would last a decade, and there were Americans who doubted it also. Yet here we are, 240 years after bidding an unaffectionate farewell to George III and his progeny.

Those years have fulfilled the prophecy of a foreign observer, the Baron Hyde de Neuville, who wrote after the First Congress had adjourned in 1791:

“These rebel colonists are on their way to become one of the most powerful of nations. We shall one day see them the astonishment of Europe, and if they do not actually dictate laws to the two worlds, at least, they will be their example.”

Unfortunately, the best of revolutions can be compromised or betrayed. That has happened to ours in two dire respects — campaign finance and gerrymandering.

The money — which amounts to bribery on an immense scale that the founders could not have imagined — has reduced Congress and the state legislatures to servants of wealth and corporate power.

And when voters go to the polls, the outcome has most often been fixed by whichever party abused the opportunity to draw the district lines.

North Carolina, first under the Democrats and now the Republicans, has long been a case study in extreme gerrymandering. House Bill 2, still controversial and still wrong despite the General Assembly’s recent partial fix, is an exam-

ple of gerrymandering’s distorting effects.

According to Common Cause of North Carolina, 80 percent of the legislators who voted for it in that one-day steamroller session March 23 either had no opponents in the 2012 general election or won by more than 10 percent.

Experience had taught most HB 2 supporters that they had nothing to fear from the voters except, perhaps, those on the far right or far left of their own parties.

Most of them are effectively unopposed this year as well.

According to the website Ballotpedia, North Carolina’s state Senate races are “the least competitive in the country.”

Eighteen of the 50 districts are unchallenged; only seven are really in play. Candidates, nearly all of them incumbents, ran without opposition in 58 of the 120 House districts. Only 15 other districts on the November ballot are rated competitive — less than two out of 10 of the total.

However, there are competitive races affecting Haywood, Jackson, Swain and Macon counties. The voters have three chances to vote against gerrymandering.

Rep. Joe Sam Queen, the Democratic incumbent in House District 19, has repeatedly co-sponsored legislation to create a nonpartisan districting process modeled on Iowa’s highly successful system. Although majorities of House members have either sponsored or actually voted for it on several occasions, Republican bosses in the Senate refused to allow even a committee hearing.

Rhonda Cole Schandevel, the Democratic nominee in House District 118, favors that legislation. Michele Presnell, the Republican incumbent, has never supported it and insists there is “no such thing” as nonpartisan redistricting.

We are going to have to all help push the wagons

To the Editor:

I recall some 65 years ago when citizens were often complaining about their governments, primarily about their inabilities to furnish all the desired benefits to these citizens. So here we are 65 years later and the complaints, it seems, have gotten more and more about more and more (benefits or goodies). With misnamed “government benefits” from one of the three governmental entities — county, state or federal — on our wish lists, the matter is simple but unappreciated. There are too many riding on the wagon and too few (taxpayers) pushing said wagon.

My observations are that our commissioners and legislators do a great job with the dollars that they have to fill the holes in the state’s dike. Neither Haywood nor the state has the monetary assets to solve each problem that wanders through the minds of our voters. It might be wise for any group seeking a substantial amount of aid for any project to be required to develop a comprehensive plan for the availability of the requested funds.

There is no free lunch, and if you have some suggestions for resolving these issues please submit them in writing or email to our elected representatives. Or even better, sign up to run for office so that we don’t have to wait for your suggestions to wind through the system.

How about me? I don’t think that I can get the votes after this letter, and I’m too old to put up with foolishness from the uninformed. If the shoe fits, wear it; if not, try the socialist program of

tight everything, including shoes. Look around you: there are more regulations, statutes, directives, etc., than a show dog can jump over just to tell us how to brush our teeth or pull them out.

What I want to say is that things can get worse very soon, and what is complained about now will be minute compared to what’s on the way. Let’s talk about the Armed Forces; they’ve been gutted by political bungling at the highest level, as many good troops have opted out of a force that is not permitted to win without apologies. The women are now on the front lines (if there are any), and I’m confident will fight as hard as anyone to prevail. However, we’ve not witnessed body bags filled with parts of a female yet, but it’s coming.

You know, of course, that a body bag should be renamed “a body part bag.” Rough but true. After a number of years of mendacity by the Armed Forces and their civilian bosses, truth might seem a bit callous. But this country needs some truth, and a thought among many is that it’s coming.

Let’s give our elected officials our appreciation for their efforts to try to make two dollars out of one; and try to plug the holes created to a large degree by regulatory authority, without — you guessed it — the necessary financing for the mandated items.

Let’s all push the wagon. We can’t support those who can push but desire to ride. Get off and help us.

KG Watson Maggie Valley

Jane Hipps, the Democratic nominee opposing Republican incumbent Jim Davis, R-Franklin, in Senate District 50, likewise supports the redistricting reform.

Gerrymandering and campaign finance, the terrible twin evils of modern American politics, account for nearly all of what angers many of our people so much that they support a foul-mouthed, bigoted and conspicuously unqualified character for president.

But you won’t hear Donald Trump address either of those issues. They’re too complex for him. Moreover, he has boasted of having given money to control other politicians, and he owes it to one of the Supreme Court’s several campaign finance blunders that he could self-fund his primaries campaign.

Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has pledged to appoint Supreme Court justices who would regard the Citizens United case as wrongly decided. It’s likely that her appointees would also tip the court in favor of overturning political gerrymandering and jerking the chain of the North Carolina legislator who admitted he had drawn a congressional map to the gross advantage of his own party. He did it, he said, because he could.

That farsighted quote from the Baron de Neuville appears at the end of author Fergus M. Bordewich’s impressive new book, The First Congress: How James Madison, George Washington and a Group of Extraordinary Men Invented The Government.

After making his prediction, the Baron added this:

“Only let the Americans be wise.”

(Martin Dyckman is a retired journalist who livesi n Western North Carolina. dyckmanm@bellsouth.net.)

Doing business with your neighbors

In not every town do the children of doctors and lawyers go to the same schools as the children of teachers and mill workers, but in Haywood County, that’s the case. When I was teaching full-time in the classroom, I taught students whose parents owned boats and vacation homes, and I taught students who slept in a car and ate meals at The Open Door.

In Haywood County, there aren’t the “private school kids” and the “public school kids.” They are all kids in our community. I love that our schools are melting pots of all socio-economic echelons. I think it offers intangible lessons and character development non-existent at schools where the population is very homogenous.

Several of our close friends are medical practitioners at Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC). Those with children have told me they love our school system and are very happy with the opportunities it offers their children. These friends of ours eat in local restaurants, shop at locally-owned stores and are valued members of their respective churches.

Yet, many Haywood County residents still drive to Asheville for hospital care. Unless you have only lived here a couple of years, you probably remember the debacle that occurred with HRMC back in 2008. After an unannounced audit, the hospital was considered out of compliance in regard to standard of care requirements. The hospital was given 23 days to correct the issues.

When the audit team returned, they felt the hospital had not made sufficient changes. Shortly thereafter, HRMC lost Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement. This was a massive blow considering Medicare and Medicaid accounted for more than half of HRMC’s patient volume and nearly 70 percent of hospital revenue. Within days, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and others suspended HRMC from their networks or allowed the facility to withdraw.

In the few years following, the hospital struggled to survive. I remember the county’s fight to hang on to HRMC as a non-profit, community-driven hospital. And while it’s nostalgic and sentimental to think of HRMC as a hospital with humble beginnings dating back to the early 1920s that grew into a thriving medical center, HRMC was part of a dying breed. Very few hospitals of its kind even existed anymore.

The hospital needed major help to survive. It needed financial assistance and significant leadership changes, which it

received through a series of events that included Duke LifePoint purchasing HRMC. Reputable doctors and surgeons remained on staff while young, progressive colleagues joined them. Updates have been made to the facilitaties, innovative equipment has been acquired, standards and regulations have tightened, and a new reputation is beginning to develop.

But in my mind, that old mindset is lingering longer than warranted, and there are still too many people making comments like,

“You had your baby at Haywood? Why didn’t you go to Mission?”

“It’s worth driving to Asheville for that procedure.”

“Don’t go to Haywood’s ER. It’s a madhouse.”

I’m thinking these folks haven’t actually been to HRMC in quite some time, if ever.

I visited the ER twice in 2015 after two separate car accidents that were no fault of my own. Both times I felt extremely well taken care of. The first time I was wheeled on a stretcher into a room and didn’t make any observations, but after the second wreck, I rode in a car to the hospital and consciously thought about how organized and efficient the front desk and waiting area were.

During the first ER visit, my 2-year old child was with me, and the ER staff went above and beyond to calm him and make him comfortable. A friend of mine had the same experience recently when her little boy broke his arm and visited the ER.

Further, with two of our close friends being on HRMC’s surgical team, I see firsthand how much they care about their patients, their job and their hospital. I observe how brilliant and kind they are and hear them talk of modern, cutting-edge surgical practices. They spend hours working on patients but somehow find energy to be great fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, friends and community members.

I think it’s time we as a community once again wrap our arms around our local hospital. Thank you to those who already have. The hospital team is investing everything they have into our community, so shouldn’t we do the same for them? It is Haywood County where HRMC’s doctors and nurses want to live and thrive, raise and school their children, where they want to shop and dine, where they want to devote their time, money and intellect.

If you are a person who still holds a grudge toward the hospital because of incidents that occurred almost a decade ago, maybe it’s time for a change of heart. As the saying goes, “Invest in those who invest in you.”

(Susanna Barbee is a writer who lives in HaywoodCounty.Shecanbereachedat susanna.barbee@gmail.com.)

tasteTHE mountains

Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in

If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251

APPLE CREEK CAFE

111 N. Main St., Waynesville. 828.456.9888. Tuesday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to midnight. Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. We are excited to be on Main St. serving lunch and dinner with a full bar. Our menu includes items such as blackberry salmon, fettuccine alfredo, hand-cut steaks, great burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Join us for live music every Friday and Saturday nights. Friday 6 to 9 p.m. live piano music. Saturday 6 to 9 p.m. live jazz music. No cover charge.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL

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

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE

454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ

6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in

house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items. Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH

119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 am to 9:30 am – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch every day from 12:00 till 2 pm. Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays, featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The evening social hour starts at 6 pm, and dinner is served starting at 7 pm. So join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

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. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

CITY BAKERY

18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881. Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials. Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet

cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked trout bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panini sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

CITY

LIGHTS CAFE

Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

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 Open Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA

1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley. 828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE

44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday

tasteTHE mountains

and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

GANKO EXPRESS

1896 S. Main St., Waynesville

828.246.9099 Monday through Saturday

11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Serving a variety of Hibachi, Chinese, Thai and Sushi dishes.

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY

U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817

Open nightly for dinner at 4 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m. for lunch. Daily luncheon special at $6.99. Worldfamous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE

4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

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

JUKEBOX JUNCTION

U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

THE LUNCHBOX CAFE

100 Spicewood Dr., Clyde, 828.246.6296

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Serving up scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner all made with care in a welcoming environment. Subs, salads, sandwiches and more.

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM

617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva. 828.586.3555. Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB

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

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ

9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music

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

PASQUALE’S

1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoors, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

PATIO BISTRO

30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center

828.926.0201 Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m and Sunday 7:30 a.m to 9 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

ROB’S HOT DOG SHACK

42 Montgomery St., Waynesville

828.707.7033. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rob’s serves gourmet hot dogs and has homemade side items. Outdoor and indoor dining, café style restaurant. Locally owned and operated. Family oriented business.

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE

1941 Champion Drive. Canton 828-6463750 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. Local acoustic music on Tuesday nights.

SMOKEY SHADOWS LODGE

323 Smoky Shadows Lane, Maggie Valley 828.926.0001. Check Facebook page for hours, which vary. Call early when serving because restaurant fills up fast. Remember when families joined each other at the table for a delicious homemade meal and shared stories about their day? That time is now at Smokey Shadows. The menus are customizable for your special event. Group of eight or more can schedule their own dinner.

SPEEDY’S PIZZA

285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800

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

Discovering the world within yourself

Wonky Tonk will play July 10 in Sylva. Donated photo

GKW: How has your childhood, your hometown and its landscape influenced, shaped and colored the words you put to paper that gets put to guitar?

WT: I think mostly the whole situation is I’ve never fit in or felt comfortable, always feeling that I could be better and that there was something bigger. It took a minute to learn that to get bigger and better you had to seek the lesson from the now, which is often hard because you have no one to blame or rely upon than yourself — that can be very daunting, especially in art. My hometown has never been a home at all, often bringing me sadness and dim lessons, thus I thank it for urging me to leave as much as possible, letting me experience different towns and people that ultimately shaped the landscape of my life as a rambler and entertainer. The faces and places that find their way into my soul are the ones who ultimately either gave me light or took it all. We often forget the “okay” moments, but can certainly remember the worst meal ever or the most beautiful sky. The things that inspire me are the people who are either stuck physically, but have eyes and minds as big as stars — I need to tell their story, for while they can not leave their space, I can still help carry their energy and their story.

Want to go?

Outlaw country/rock singersongwriter Wonky Tonk will perform at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. The show is free.

www.wonkytonkmusic.com or www.nonamesportspub.com.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

It’s about what you see in mirror, and what you’re willing to acknowledge within the reflection staring right back at you.

For Jasmine Poole, aka “Wonky Tonk,” her reflection is one of beauty wrapped up in a whirlwind of emotions, either created by her or forced upon her lot in life. Hailing from Kentucky, the singer-songwriter crisscrosses the country in her old sedan. She’s the product of her punk rock roots and outlaw country upbringing, and she also absorbs the pain and happiness of everyday life.

It’s something most folks might keep to themselves, but for Wonky Tonk, it’s the sincerity of the emotion, for good or ill, that provides for the best material. And it’s about bringing those feelings and sentiments to the forefront, onstage each night in empty bars or, perhaps, a packed house when you least expect it.

With her new record, “Stuff We Leave Behind,” Wonky Tonk is finding footing in a dream that seemed shaky and uncertain years ago. She is Wonky Tonk, an attitude and wayof-life one that looks fate right in the eye, right in the mirror, and sticks out her tongue.

Garret K. Woodward: What is Wonky Tonk?

Wonky Tonk: This is an awfully long story, but the short and disjointed of it is somehow I started playing tunes,

“The faces and places that find their way into my soul are the ones who ultimately either gave me light or took it all.”

— Jasmine Poole, aka “Wonky Tonk”

mostly because I’m very shy and needed a way to talk to people; Wonky Tonk allows me to act a little more confidently through the moniker than I could as “Plain Jane” Jasmine. My dad’s stepmom would always ask me if I was feeling a “bit Wonky,” and I adopted this word in my youth, which I define as so curly it’s straight, so bad it’s good — sort of that middle ground that inevitably comes from the extreme of extremes.

GKW: What about that old school and outlaw country really speaks to you?

WT: I love people like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton — girl power at its best, say what you mean. Mean it and stand by it no matter how hard that may be. I love Waylon Jennings. Dr. Ralph Stanley. Willie Nelson. And I prefer folks with a silver lining like Guy Clark and John Prine.

GKW: As a touring musician, and also on your own, what are you seeing out there in 21st-century America?

WT: Humanity-wise, despite all of the bad news out there, I’m met as a solo, traveling, female musician who often couch surfs or sleeps in Walmart parking lots with extreme kindness and goodwill. Folks offering food or places to sleep, conversation or hugs — sometimes the kindness I find boggles my mind and that makes me so happy. You have places like Colorado who are pretty fluid to visitors where you are met with a smile, Texas which is surprisingly wholeheartedly kind and gracious and full of door-holders, Mississippi which is tough and weathered, but wholesome and gentle. This truth I have found, that humanity is actually beautiful and good is something only a traveling person could understand. In this way, I urge anyone who has been surrounded by the same to go out and learn someone else’s story, and in the process of telling yours you may also learn about yourself.

GKW: What has a life playing music and traveling taught you about what it means to be a human being in the grand scheme of things?

WT: What I like to call “The Little Big Secret,” which is that it is all relative — existentialism at its best. We are all together, nothing and everything. Your influence may seem small in some arenas, but it can affect the world. And to remember that life is fluid and to remain open to all possibilities, to let go of resistance is the hardest feat. To get lost in the moment, and to let the song sing you.

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

abandoned air force base in rural upstate Maine. It was a last-minute trek to Utica for a steamy late fall gig in an old arena. It was finding a ticket in the parking lot in Knoxville. It was tailgating with old chums in Vermont, in Buffalo, and at SPAC.

And in recent years, since I’ve relocated to Western North Carolina, I’ve lost touch with Phish, and also the scene itself. I would keep telling myself, “Ok, this summer I’ll go catch ‘the boys’ live again.” But, something would always come up, and I’d put that notion aside.

Ending up back in New York for a wedding recently, I realized I was passing right by SPAC when they were playing. I contacted Phish’s management for a press pass and was on my way into the pavilion. Parking my truck, I got out and didn’t know what to expect or who I’d run into. The smells, voices and euphoric chaos were what I remembered. But, something was different, and that something was me.

HOT PICKS

1

The “Saturday’s on the Pine” concert series at Kelsey Hutchinson Park in Highlands will host Lyric (pop/funk) at 6 p.m. July 9.

2

“An Appalachian Evening,” a weekly bluegrass/Americana summer concert series, will return with Front Country at 7:30 p.m. July 9 at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville.

3

Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host The Corbitt-Clampitt Experience (rock/blues) 8 p.m.

July 9.

4

The academic presentation “Up For Discussion — Mark Twain, Moralist” will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. July 14 at the Waynesville Public Library.

5

I turned around with 25,000 faces looking towards me. Standing underneath the gigantic pavilion at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center last weekend for Phish, it struck me — these are my people. And as the Vermont-based jam band tied a bow on an unforgettable three-night run in Upstate New York last Sunday, I felt a sense of myself I hadn’t crossed paths with in years, which was the foundation of who I am today. Raised right across Lake Champlain from the band’s hometown of Burlington, it was their sound and that city’s attitude that shaped my childhood and adolescence. I’ve always said any kid born in the North Country comes out of the womb with a Phish album in hand. And there’s a lot of truth to that. The sonic ambiance of the group is a touchstone of humanity, wonder, curiosity and joy for all of us folks up yonder. It’s “North Country Gothic,” where the sights, sounds and scents of our great land are soaked in their melodies.

No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) at 9:30 p.m.

July 8.

Gyrating about the pavilion, I couldn’t help but gaze around in awe. Familiar faces from my hometown, from high school and college. Sure, we all have a little more grey hair and wrinkles these days, but those things well-earned, and we’re all still here to shake hands and hug, in remembrance of our journey to this time and place.

Phish was that first band I discovered on my own, away from the influence of my parents or the radio. Heading to the nearby Ames Department Store and picking up a copy of their seminal 1990 album “Lawn Boy,” I vividly recall placing the record into

my parents’ bitchin’ stereo and cranking it. Opening track “The Squirming Coil” changed everything. I’d never heard lyrics like that before or instruments flutter up and down the spectrum of possibility with such ease and excitement.

This was my band. And where had they been all my life?

From then on, my friends and I would, like countless others, follow the quartet around, making elaborate plans to make attending the shows feasible, or simply taking off on a whim and hoping we’d be able to find a ticket at the gate. All of those performances, all of that magic amid others seeking the same moment and feeling.

It was leaving in the middle of the night and a 12-hour drive from New York to an

“It was a last-minute trek to Utica for a steamy late fall gig in an old arena. It was finding a ticket in the parking lot in Knoxville. It was tailgating with old chums in Vermont, in Buffalo, and at SPAC.”

I found myself meandering around the enormous crowd, constantly running into people not seen in years. Some had new wives or new kids, while others moved away and were also “home for the show.”

And it was when Phish played “Sample In a Jar” that goosebumps emerged on my arm, a slight moisture blurring my vision — I was home, in whatever surreal context or beautiful form that may be.

Working my way out of the pavilion and onto the lawn, I ran into my first publisher, Mike, who gave me my start in music journalism. As we talked, it dawned on us that it was exactly 10 years ago this week that my first piece was printed by his magazine State of Mind. There have been innumerable miles, shows, ups and downs on both sides of the conversation since Mike entered — and forever changed — my life.

Strolling back to my truck, a grin rolled across my face. I shook my head in amazement of the night. I shook my head in pure appreciation of those folks who, not matter the distance between both parties, will always be an important part of your life.

Pulling out of SPAC, I thought of when I put “Lawn Boy” into the stereo for that first time. I was a kid, but my destiny had already been put into motion. My soul, like a well witch, going with the energies of the world — the cosmic abyss— and always trusting in the universe that things happen for a reason, and in their own time.

That’s family. That’s friends. That’s life. That’s Phish.

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

Lough to showcase Appalachian ballads

Folk musician and dulcimer player Anne Lough will perform at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Waynesville Public Library.

The program features folk songs that reflect the musical heritage of the region and nation, including lilting mountain ballads and songs of the American Frontier plus traditional Irish and Scottish tunes. Lough plays many instruments, including autoharp, guitar, and mountain and hammer dulcimer, and teaches dulcimer at Campbell Folk School and at festivals and workshops across the country.

The event is sponsored the Haywood County Arts Council. www.haywoodarts.org.

On the stage

Sylva theater for kids

‘An Appalachian Evening’ welcomes Front Country

Celebrating its 17th season, “An Appalachian Evening,” a weekly bluegrass/Americana summer concert series, will return with Front Country at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville.

The 2016 series will also include: Mac Arnold (July 16), The Snyder Family (July 23), Balsam Range (July 30), Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (Aug. 6), The Walking Roots Band (Aug. 13), The Jeff Little Trio (Aug. 20) and Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (Aug. 27).

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.stecoahvalleycenter.com or call 828.479.3364.

Bluegrass tribute to Samantha Bumgarner

The Jackson County Genealogical Society will feature The Deitz Family presenting “A Musical Tribute to Samantha Bumgarner” at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Historic Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva.

Bumgarner was one of the first to be recorded “on wax” playing the five-string banjo, performed at Bascom Lamar Lunsford’s inaugural Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and traveled west with young fiddler Harry Cagle to play on Dr. John Brinkley’s infamous XERA radio station. Mountain Heritage Award winners, The Deitz Family “flows easily from bluegrass to country to old-time fiddle tunes.”

All JCGS events are free of charge and the public is welcome.

828.631.2646.

The Jackson County Arts Council and the Jackson County Public Library are partnering to provide a theatre program for children at 11 a.m. Friday, July 15, at the library in Sylva.

The Bright Star Touring Theatre will do a performance of its “Once Upon a Time” production in conjunction with the library’s summer reading program in the Community Room. Afterward, there will be a theater and acting workshop.

The “Once Upon a Time” production is best suited for grades pre-K through fifth-grade. Literature comes to life in this hysterical production, bringing to the stage the stories of Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk! Mabel and Lenny, the comic duo who made Aesop’s Fables such a roaring success, are determined to reenact these two classic fairy tales, undertaking more than a dozen roles each. 828.507.9820 or www.jacksoncountyarts.org.

‘Songwriters’ welcomes Hobbs, Hill and Jones

The “Songwriters in the Round” series will continue with Becky Hobbs, Benita Hill and Kacey Jones at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Balsam Mountain Inn.

The Balsam Mountain Inn began the “Songwriters in the Round” series 15 years ago, and modeled it after similar performances at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. Balsam’s performers are most often the Nashvillearea songwriters who pen lyrics performed by country and western stars. Many performances feature Grammy and CMA award winners, and all include writers of many top-ranked songs.

A buffet dinner is included in the $49 ticket price, and seating begins at 6 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.balsammountaininn.net or call 828.456.9498.

Choir brings world music to Franklin

The Ubuntu Choir will perform a concert of music from around the world and here at home at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the First Presbyterian Chapel in Franklin.

The a cappella choir sings inspiring and uplifting music drawn from diverse traditions and cultures, in several languages including Aramaic, Hawaiian, Maori and Zulu. The group is composed of residents

Bryson playhouse presents ‘Steel Magnolias’

The stage production of ‘Steel Magnolias’ will be performed at 7:30 p.m. July 7-9 and 14-16 and 3 p.m. July 9 and 16 at The Grove on 1127 Franklin Grove Church Road in Bryson City.

The production is the beloved story by Robert Harling featuring a close-knit group of women living, working and raising families in the South.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students ages six to 17, and free for children under six.

Visit the Little Town Playhouse page on Facebook or call 828.226.5637 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Little Town Playhouse will hold auditions for its fall performance of “You are a Good Man Charlie Brown” on Aug. 1-2 at the Swain County Recreational Center in Bryson City.

from counties around Western North Carolina and northern Georgia, all sharing a passion for harmony singing. Ubuntu is a worldwide choral movement open to all people who enjoy singing together in harmony. This family-friendly event is presented by the Arts Council of Macon County, with funding from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

Free, but a $5 donation is suggested. www.artscouncilofmacon.org.

ALSO:

• The Unto These Hills outdoor drama will run at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Aug. 13 at the Mountainside Theater in Cherokee. General admission tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-12 and free for children under age 5. Reserved tickets also available. 866.554.4557 or www.visitcherokenc.com.

• “Chicago — The Musical” will be performed through July 9 at the Highlands Playhouse. Tickets are $38 per person, $15 for children up to age 12. www.highlandsplayhouse.com.

• The production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 8-9 and 14-16 and 2 p.m. July 10 and 17 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. www.harttheatre.org.

On the beat

• Andrews Brewing Company will host Scott Stambaugh (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. July 8, Gold Rose (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. July 9, Magnolia Justice 6 p.m. July 15 and Wyatt Espalin 7 p.m. July 16. All shows are free. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Apple Creek Café (Waynesville) will host an evening of piano music on Fridays and jazz on Saturdays. Both events are free and run from 6 to 9 p.m. 828.456.9888 or www.applecreekcafe.com.

• BearWaters Brewing Company (Waynesville) will have live music and Doc Brown BBQ at 6 p.m. July 7 and 14. 828.246.0602 or www.bwbrewing.com.

• The Bryson City Train Depot concert series will host The Twelfth Fret (pop/rock) July 9 and Grits & Soul (Americana/folk) July 16. All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• City Lights Café (Sylva) will host Liz Nance (Americana/folk) July 9. Shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.587.2233.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (folk/pop) July 8, Steven Fiore (singer-songwriter) July 9, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) July 15 and “Jazz Night” with Michael Jefry Stevens, Teri Roiger & John Menegon. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Darnell Farms (Bryson City) will host a Gospel Music Festival all day on July 9. Groups include Walking By Faith, One Step Closer, Waldroup Family, Gospel Messengers,

‘Concerts on the Creek’ finds its roots

The seventh annual “Concerts on the Creek” series will host The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/bluegrass) at 7 p.m. Friday, July 8, at the Bridge Park Pavilion in Sylva. Other shows are as follows: Robertson Boys (bluegrass) July 15, PMA (reggae/rock) July 22, Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) July 29, Buchanan Boys (rock) Aug. 5, Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana) Aug. 12, Porch 40 (rock/funk) Aug. 19, surprise band on Aug. 26, and Erica Nicole (country) Sept. 2. Concerts are free, with donations accepted. Chairs and blankets are allowed. www.mountainlovers.com or 828.586.2155.

The Colby Deitz Band will play July 8 in Sylva.

and more. Hayrides, car show and food also available. www.greatsmokies.com.

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

• The “Friday Night Live” concert series at the Town Square in Highlands will host Southern Highlands (Americana/bluegrass) July 8 and Tallulah River Band (Americana) July 15. Both shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Jimi McKenzie at 8 p.m. July 15. All shows are free. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night July 6 and 13, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo July 7 and 14. All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Jackson County Public Library (Sylva) will host Marshall Ballew (Americana/folk) at 6 p.m. July 8. Free. 828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host The Corbitt-Clampitt Experience (rock/blues) 8 p.m. July 9. All shows are free. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host Marshall Ballew (Americana/folk) at 7 p.m. July 7. Free. 828.524.3600 or www.fontanalib.org.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a community music jam from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 7. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything

unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. Free. 828.488.3030.

• The Nantahala Outdoor Center (Bryson City) will host The Freight Hoppers (Americana/oldtime) July 7, Bird In Hand (Americana) July 8, Max Gross Weight July 15 and The Bayou Diesel Band July 16. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.noc.com.

• Nantahala Brewing Company will host Nameless in August on July 15 and The Freeway Revival (rock/jam) July 16. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) July 8, The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/bluegrass) July 9, Wonky Tonk (outlaw country) July 10, Jonny Monster Band (rock) July 15 and Scott Low (country/rock) July 16. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. July 16. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• The “Pickin’ On The Square” concert series will continue with The Rick Morris Band (country) July 9 and The Caribbean Cowboys (rock/surf) July 16. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. A community jam begins at 6:30 p.m. www.franklinnc.com or 828.524.2516.

• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an Open Mic with Sandra Hess at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. 828.456.3040.

MOUNTAIN STREET DANCES

DANCE

DANCE

FEATURING:

Banjo champ to play Cashiers

Two-time banjo champion Mary Z. Cox will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library. Cox, a third generation Floridian from Brevard County, has played banjo since she was 12, and is a two-time Florida banjo champion as well as winning last year’s old time banjo contest in Brevard. She has been a recording artist since 1999, and records CDs, plays concerts and festivals, gives workshops, and authors banjo & dulcimer instruction books. Her music has been played on National Public Radio’s “Thistle & Shamrock” and “All Songs Considered,” Pandora World Music Genome, and the BBC. Free.

828.743.0215.

Banjoist Mary Z. Cox will play July 7 in Cashiers. Donated photo

Americana music at Cradle of Forestry

Musician Joe Penland will play the Songcatchers Music Series at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the Cradle of Forestry in America.

Admission for all shows is $6 for ages 16 and older, $3 for youth 15 and under and America the Beautiful and Golden Age pass holders. Beverly Smith & John Grimm will perform on July 17.

828.877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org.

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host The Ozone Spiders July 9 and John Philip Brooks (singer-songwriter) July 16. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• The Rendezvous Restaurant at Maggie Valley Inn will host Stone Crazy Band (rock/pop) from 3 to 6 p.m. July 10 at the poolside tiki bar. 828.926.0201.

ALSO:

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Mile High (rock) at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Andrew Rickman (rock/acoustic) will also perform on Saturdays. All events begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company (Sapphire) will host a jazz brunch with Tyler Kittle & Friends from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays. 828.743.0220.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Jimandi at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, “Funky Friday” with Bud Davis at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Isaish Breedlove (Americana) at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• The “Saturday’s on the Pine” concert series at Kelsey Hutchinson Park in Highlands will host Lyric (pop/funk) July 9 and High 5 (rock/blues) July 16. Both shows are free and begin at 6 p.m.

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host Contra dancing 8 p.m. July 8, Heidi Holton (blues/folk) 8 p.m. July 9 and Scott Stanbaugh (singer-songwriter) 8 p.m. July 16. There will also be a “Funk to What?” open jam at 8 p.m. every Thursday. 828.586.6440.

• Southern Porch (Canton) will host Hope Griffin Duo July 7 and The Ryan Perry Band July 8. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.492.8006 or www.facebook.com/southernkitchenkandd.

• The Stompin’ Ground (Maggie Valley) is now open for live mountain music and clogging at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 828.926.1288.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will host Trippin Hardie 8 p.m. July 8 and ‘Round the Fire (rock/folk) 9 p.m. July 15. Both shows are free and start at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.9230.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host a “Bluegrass Mix-Up” night at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. 828.743.3000.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host a weekly Appalachian music night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays with Nitrograss. 828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a performance by The Southern Experience Band (rock/country) at 7 p.m. July 13 on the UC Lawn. www.wcu.edu.

‘Groovin’ on the Green’ rocks out

The “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series will host Hurricane Creek (rock/blues) at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 8, at The Village Green in Cashiers.

Other performs include: The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/bluegrass) July 22, Miss Kitty & The Big City (pop/rock) July 29, Erica Nicole (pop/country) Aug. 5 and The Buchanan Boys (country/rock) Aug. 12.

All shows are free and open to the public. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

Nantahala pours ‘Week of Rock’

The “Week of Rock” celebration will continue at 8 p.m. July 6-9 at Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City.

Performers include The Jon Stickley Trio (Americana) July 6, Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) July 7, Urban Soil (roots/rock) July 8 and The Buchanan Boys (country/rock) July 9.

Other activities include special craft beer releases, cornhole, and more. Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com or 828.488.2337.

Bryson brings the blues

The Summer Music Series will continue with Karen “Sugar” Barnes and Dave Magill at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Barnes plays heritage blues and was one of the founding members of the "Blues Bombers" from Sylva. As well as singing, she plays acoustic guitar, slide guitar, and the ukulele. Barnes performs regularly in Western North Carolina with Magill, who will be backing her up and singing a few songs of his own.

The Friends of the Marianna Black Library will also be there to provide light snacks and refreshments. This program is free and open to area residents and visitors.

828.488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

Swannanoa Chamber Music fest

The Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 10, 17 and 24 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Founded in 1970, festival is the premier chamber music festival of the Carolinas.

The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) is proud to sponsor another season of world-class chamber music in Haywood County.

The festival is unique among classical music festivals for its approach to performance, favoring close, intimate interaction

Let your love of animals live on

Your life-long love of animals can become part of your legacy. Yes, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of Haywood County’s pets by considering the Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation Bequest Program.

Leaving a bequest to Sarge’s, when planning a will, supports Sarge’s mission of saving dogs and cats — far into the future.

Bequests to Sarge’s will give comfort and safety to homeless animals right here in Haywood County. Let your love of animals live on through Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation.

For the Bequest Program information: Call 828-246-9050 or email

Laura Ivey, Sarge’s Executive Director, at sargeexecdir@gmail.com

Eroica Trio at WCU

The multi-Grammy nominated chamber music ensemble Eroica Trio will perform Wednesday, July 13, at Western Carolina University as part of the HighlandsCashiers Chamber Music Festival.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the recital hall of WCU’s Coulter Building.

between listener and performer. Every summer, groups of world-class musicians travel from all corners of the globe to western North Carolina in order to perform, collaborate, and practice their craft at the Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival.

For a full program list, please visit www.scm-festival.com. Tickets are available now through the Haywood County Arts Council office by calling 828.452.0593 or visiting 86 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

Prices are as follows: season ticket: $100 (bonus ticket to the Young Artist Concert on Sept. 30 if purchased prior to June 1); individual ticket, $25; Student Ticket, free to individuals under age 25. www.haywoodarts.org.

Featuring Erika Nickrenz on piano, Sara Parkins on violin and Sara Sant'Ambrogio on cello, Eroica Trio has released eight critically acclaimed recordings for Angel/EMI Classics Records and has toured extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Asia.

Tickets are $35 and available at www.wcu.edu/bardoartscenter or by calling 828.227.2479. Tickets also will be available at the door.

The renowned Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival is in its 35th season, with performances and events through Sunday, Aug. 7. www.h-cmusicfestival.org or 828.526.9060.

On the street

Get on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ train

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Rail Events Inc., and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad announce the debut of The Wizard of Oz Train Ride beginning July 14 at the GSMR depot in Bryson City.

The 2.5-hour roundtrip journey will retell the story of the beloved movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” on board a real train. Guests will board the train with Dorothy and several of her special friends as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy refreshments and live onboard entertainment featuring all the characters from the iconic film. You’ll then return to Munchkinland with the characters on board the train and available for photos. Children will receive a special gift for helping Dorothy on her unforgettable journey.

The adventure operates July 14-17, 21-24, 28-31 and Aug 4-7. Exact excursion times and ticket prices are available by calling 800.872.4681 or by visiting www.gsmr.com.

Tickets begin at $48 for adults (13+) and $38 for children (2-12). Upgraded seating is available. Families are encouraged to wear their favorite Wizard of Oz attire and costumes for the ride.

Mountain Cooking Club in Fines Creek

Chef Ricardo Fernandez will be hosting a Mountain Cooking Club class from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Fines Creek Community Kitchen.

Fernandez was the former coowner/head chef of Lomo Grill. The classes celebrate local ingredients and seasonal fare. His classes combine his native Argentine cuisine with influences from Spain and Italy, the home of his parents.

The menu for this class will include seared shrimp and arugula crostini with remoulade sauce; sesame crusted Ahi tuna with Asian coleslaw; cabernet poached pears, Amish blue, walnuts toast points; Scottish salmon tartare, capers, shallots, dill, cream cheese canapés; Mediterranean summer bruschetta; and spinach, onion, bacon and gruyere mini tarts.

Class fee is $65 plus a $1 Mountain Cooking Club 2016 membership fee. To reserve a space, mail a check (payable to Ricardo Fernandez) to Suzanne Fernandez at 3553 Panther Creek Road, Clyde, North Carolina 28721. Reservations confirmed upon receipt of payment.

828.246.7465 or chefricardos@gmail.com.

Cataloochee ‘Way Back When’ dinner

The “Way Back When” trout dinner will continue at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.

The dinner showcases a recreation meal, music, storytelling and atmosphere of a 1930s Appalachian trout camp. Enjoy a wagon ride across the ranch property amid the authentic recreation of Mr. Tom and Miss Judy Alexander’s first fishing camp.

Cost is $39.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The dinner will also be held July 15 and 29, Aug. 12 and 26, and Sept. 2 and 16.

To RSVP, call 828.926.1401 or 800.868.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com.

On the street

American Revolution bus trip

Joe Sam Queen, president of the Western “Boundary” Water Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, is inviting the public to go on a one-day bus trip with him on Saturday, July 16, to Fort Watauga in Erwin, Tennessee.

On the tour, patrons will explore the fort, museum and see the play “Liberty,” which is about the Cherokee Indian War of 1776.

The bus leaves Waynesville at 11 a.m. and will be back at midnight. They will stop on the way and have a picnic at a state park in Tennessee and eat dinner at the Golden Corral before the play. Box lunch, snacks and water are provided. Dinner is ala carte. The tickets are $60 each and may be purchased from Bill McEntire at 828.550.0816 or billmcentire@charter.net.

• The ceremonial Cherokee bonfires will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 1 Spend an evening with the Cherokee people by a roaring fire. Guests sit by the fire near the Oconaluftee riverside enjoying a unique and entertaining experience. The events are free and open to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

ALSO:

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host a steamed clams and slow boil at 2 p.m. July 10 and Salamander Slam IPA canning all day July 13. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• The Appalachian Heritage Festival will be all day July 16 in downtown Franklin. Nearly 50 live demonstrations of local artisans and crafters. 828.524.7766 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

• There will be a block party from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at Appalachian Ace Hardware & Fox Mercantile in Franklin. Music, food and more. www.franklin-chamber.com.

• The 19th annual Sweet Corn Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at St. Cyprian’s Church in Franklin. The event offers food, activities, large silent auction, arts/crafts vendors, live entertainment and more. www.franklin-chamber.com.

• There will be a “Bubbly Tasting Five-ForFive” from 3 to 7 p.m. July 13 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. $5 to try, $5 for glasses. The Secret Wine Bar at Bosu’s will also have small plates, glasses of wine and craft beer available from 6 to 10 p.m. July 8.

• A bingo night will run at 5:45 p.m. on Thursdays through Sept. 1 at the Maggie Valley Pavilion. Cash prizes and concessions by Moonshine Grill. Sponsored by the Maggie Valley Civic Association. 828.926.7630.

Bryson City craft beer, barbecue

A “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train” will be departing at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot in Bryson City.

The dinner features slow-cooked barbecue prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing Nantahala Brewing Company. The train travels to the Fontana Trestle and arrives just around sunset for a spectacular view, then returns back to the depot at 9 p.m.

The event is for ages 21 and over. Tickets start at $69. Additional beer will be available for purchase onboard the train. Admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is included with ticket purchase.

800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• The third annual Paper Airplane Contest will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at the Canton Public Library. The library will supply materials and there will be prizes for the furthest flying planes for each age group. All ages are welcome. 828.648.2924.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. July 9 and 16 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. July 9 and 16 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 9 and 16 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free with dinner ($15 minimum). There will also be a craft beer tasting and taco night on June 30 and July 7. 828.452.6000.

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

• The Coloring Club for ages 12 and up will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at the Canton Public Library. Coloring books and pencils will be provided. 828.648.2924.

• Ronald McDonald will show magic, games and surprises for kids of all ages at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Program limited to 150 people. Tickets to be distributed the morning of the event at the library. 828.586.2016.

• The Mountain Circus Arts family troupe will perform at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Canton Public Library. Entertainment for all ages. Juggling, magic, comedy, fire, and clowns. 828.648.2924.

On the wall

The Maggie Valley Arts & Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9-10 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Local and regional artisans, food vendors and more. Parking and admission is free. 828.926.1686 or www.maggievalley.org.

Plein Air Festival in Cashiers

Dozens of juried artists will travel from across the country to paint the landscape and lifestyle of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the Cashiers Plein Air Festival, which runs July 12-16.

Art enthusiasts can watch art happen at a number of scenic sites or attend the featured live artist demonstrations under the Festival Grand Tent at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road in Cashiers. On the afternoon of Friday, July 15, artists of all experience levels are invited to paint

outdoors at The Village Green Commons.

This year’s festival features a Youth Art Paint event at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16. Youth in Grades 1-12 can join the fun of the festival as they will be individually paired with a festival artist. The $30 fee includes supplies. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. Call 828.743.3434 for more information.

www.villagegreencashiersnc.com or www.pleinairnc.com.

Haywood artist member show

This July, the Haywood County Arts Council is proud to feature 40 artists in its annual HCAC Artist Member Show at their Gallery & Gifts location in downtown Waynesville.

The show is a celebration of our community, allowing locals to share their great work at the height of the summer season. It is a show filled with variety, including local painters, potters, jewelers, photographers and more.

Though the member show deadline has passed, artist members are still welcome. For a $40 annual fee, artists get great benefits including an artist page on the HCAC website, first calls for work to artists and more. www.haywoodarts.org/how-to-join.

• Paint Nite Waynesville will be held at 7 p.m. on Fridays at the Panacea Coffeehouse. Grab a cup of coffee, glass of wine or pint of craft beer and get creative. $20 per person. Group rates available. Sign up at Panacea or call host Robin Smathers at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• The Blacksmithing Fundamentals Class with Brock Martin will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 16-17 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Limited to six students. $175.

• The next meeting of the Western North Carolina Woodturners Club, Inc. will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Blue Ridge School in Glenville. The school is located on Bobcat Drive. Drive to the back of the school to the woodworking shop. Visitors are always welcome. The club meets the first Thursday of every month March through November.

• The Potter’s Wheel series will feature Susan Coe from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at The Wild Fern in Bryson City. The Wild Fern is hosting several local potters at the studio throughout the year. Stop by to see works from the potter's collection and chat with these talented artists as they create on the wheel and share their unique styles. 828.736.1605 or info@wildfernstudios.com.

• There will be a jewelry and wine night from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Maggie Valley Town Center. B&C Winery and QuartzyOne Studio are teaming up for the event. $30 per person. Small finger food platter included. To reserve a spot, call 828.550.3610 or 828.944.0745.

ALSO:

• “Stitch,” the gathering of those interested in crochet, knit and needlepoint, meets at 2:30 p.m. every first Sunday of the month at the Canton Public Library. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.haywoodlibrary.org.

• The “Movies on Everett” summer film series will screen “Raiders of the Lost Ark” July 8 and “The Lego Movie” July 15. All films are free and start at 8:30 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• The films “Monty Python – Meaning of Life” (7:30 p.m. July 7), “Finding Nemo” (6:30 and 8:30 p.m. July 8) and “Kung Fu Panda” (2, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. July 9) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. www.madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• A screening and Q&A of “Whiskey Mountain” will be at 2 p.m. July 15 at the Hudson Library in Highlands. Director William Grefe will be onsite for the Q&A. 828.586.3031.

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Falling into the rabbit hole of fiction

For reasons unfathomable to me, I have spent the last two weeks on a fictionreading jag. Until I was about 40, fiction was my favorite literary genre, probably because I wanted to write novels and reading fiction is the best way, other than actually writing, to learn how to put together such a beast.

In my forties there occurred one of those sea changes in taste that only gradually made itself known to me. I still read plenty of novels, but looking back I can see that my interest dwindled, giving way instead to biography, history and essays. Several opportunities came my way to write essays and reviews for publication, including book reviews for The Smoky Mountain News, and I found I enjoyed writing these pieces. Not only did I take pleasure in composing an essay on, say, Ernest Hemingway, the Catholic Church or the Muslim idea of fitna, I discovered as well that this sort of writing appealed to me as a reader.

At any rate, fiction held first place in my recent reading. Here are some novels that have given some added pleasure to this first month of summer.

Robert Harris’s Dictator (Alfred A. Knopf, 2016, $26.95, 376 pages) tells the story of Cicero and the bloody, fractious days of the dying Roman Republic. Harris, a British writer classically trained, has written other novels set in Ancient Rome and frequently pops up, deservedly so, on various best-seller lists. I have read some historical novels that have brought great rewards — authors Kenneth Roberts and Sigrid Undset come to mind — and Dictator did not disappoint.

As we watch Cicero trying to balance obligations to friends, family and political ambition in this tumultuous era, we may find ourselves thinking of the current state of our own republic, wherein the wealthy and the elite seem to be fighting for the votes and favor of people they neither know nor care for, dictating to those in flyover country how to live

instead of asking us how we’d like to live. Apparently, such folks have been trotting around for a lot longer than we generally recognize.

Along with Dictator, I also read Harris’s The Ghost, now nearly 10 years old but as relevant as it was in 2007. Like Dictator, The Ghost, which Hollywood later made into a film titled The Ghost Writer, deals with politics, family and friends, but this time Harris sets his story in our own time. I had seen the film before reading the book, and was glad to see that the movie had remained loyal to the

Do you really know Mark Twain, Huck Finn?

book. (Of course, it helps that Harris wrote both). Once again — and perhaps this is a theme that runs throughout Harris’s other work — we see the machinations of politicians and their effects on those close to the them.

In The Ghost, a former prime minister, Adam Lang, is engaged both in writing his memoirs with a ghostwriter

and in a major political scandal involving his possible association with the Central Intelligence Agency. Here again we see what Harris showed us in Cicero’s Rome: the lying, the subterfuge, the confusion and the betrayals that can mark the arena of politics. It’s an ugly world, one that most of us can’t imagine living in, but Harris makes that world real. While driving around town, and to and from various family gatherings, I listened to a recorded novel, Nick Hornby’s Juliet, Naked. I am an admirer of his collection of book reviews titled Ten Years In The Tub, and Hornby fits snugly into this review because he is the brother-in-law of Robert Harris. Juliet, Naked features three main characters: Annie, who works for a modest English museum; Duncan, her lover who teaches in a college and has a fetish for a singer-songwriter,

Tucker Crowe, who dropped out of the public eye some 20 years ago; and Tucker Crowe himself, who begins as a figure of mystery in the novel, but then gradually emerges from his self-imposed exile.

What struck me most about listening to this book rather than reading it was the humor. The three readers — Jennifer Wiltsie, Ben Miles and Bill Irwin — were excellent, and as I listened, I began wondering whether I would have caught some of the book’s humor without their voices. Jennifer Wiltsie, for example, gives us Annie’s voice, and I’m not sure, had I read the book rather than listened to it, that I would have caught her hilarious putdowns of Duncan or her fears of her own inadequacies. If you’re looking for a wise, humorous novel about music, love, and loneliness, Juliet, Naked might do the trick.

Finally — and I finished another novel as well, but will save it for a further review — I read Alexander McCall Smith’s The Novel Habits of Happiness: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel (Pantheon Books, 2015, $24.95, 257 pages). I have often seen Smith’s books — he’s written close to 50, including those in the popular “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series” — and I’m not sure why I picked this one up except, perhaps, being intrigued by the title.

The main character in Novel Habits is Isabel herself: a professor of philosophy, editor of a philosophy magazine, wife and mother. People from all walks of life come to her with problems, and Isabel helps solve them. What astounded me about Smith’s story were the everyday experiences he includes in his narrative. He spends pages on the most mundane aspects of life, which might sound boring but which struck me as refreshing, a sort of antidote to the rush-and-run world most of us inhabit.

So there you go. Enjoy!

The academic presentation “Up For Discussion — Mark Twain, Moralist” will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Waynesville Public Library. The presentation will be hosted by Merritt Moseley, Ph.D., chair of the Literature Department, UNCA. This is a rare opportunity to experience The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn under the guidance of a scholar who loves the story and its lessons, but also because it is a rollicking tale about danger. Several copies of the book are available at the library and Blue Ridge Books.

• Author Marci Spencer will host a presentation of her book Potluck at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Inspired by true events, Spencer records Potluck’s historic flight announcing the good news to waiting crowds: "The Great Smoky Mountains are saved!" Potluck was a homing pigeon whose story is told in a wonderful picture book. The author will discuss her book and bring two of her own homing pigeons. 828.456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

Remembering the removal Wayside markers trace the Trail of Tears in WNC

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Agrowing collection of roadside signs has been popping up along rural drives and main thoroughfares in Western North Carolina over the last decade, and while their presence might be barely noticeable to the untrained eye, they trace the history of a story that shaped the region before most of the roads they adorn were even built.

The Trail of Tears.

The trail is the route that Cherokee people were forced to follow when they were taken from their native lands in the Southeast in 1838 and marched to a reservation in Oklahoma, where the Cherokee Nation is today. The reason for the term “Trail of Tears” isn’t hard to imagine — in addition to the reality of being forced to leave the land where their culture had grown up, the Cherokee people, as well as other tribes forced along the same routes, were treated terribly by the soldiers and many of them died along the way.

But while the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail — part of the National Parks System — has been around since 1987 to commemorate the key places and events along that route, North Carolina wasn’t included until 2009. The trail had largely focused on the route from Eastern Tennessee, where Cherokee people gathered in large camps were sent off toward Oklahoma.

Become a member

The N.C. Trail of Tears Association is looking for members who want to go deeper in learning the story of the forced removal of Cherokee people from North Carolina.

“Most people have so very little knowledge of the significant places and events associated with the Cherokee Removal from the region, and one of the goals of our organization is to change that,” said Sue Abrams, chapter president.

Members receive newsletters and access to the annual National Conference. To join, visit www.nationaltota.org/become-member or www.nctrailoftears.org.

Fort Lindsay

Andrew Denson, a history professor at Western Carolina University who has helped oversee creation of a website and brochure for the N.C. Trail of Tears Association, stands by the Qualla Town marker at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Holly Kays photo

“A lot of the political drama of removal focuses on Georgia, because that’s where the Cherokee capital was and Georgia is the state that pushes hardest for Cherokee removal,” explained Andrew Denson, history professor at Western Carolina University and a board member of the N.C Trail of Tears Association.

“It’s Georgia that really precipitates the political crisis that leads to removal.”

But North Carolina has a definite place in the story as well, and it’s a story with a unique spirit and vigor within the larger Trail of Tears narrative.

“Here in North Carolina,” Denson said, “the Trail of Tears story ends up being a story of perseverance, survival, resistance and not just a story of terrible injustice.”

Marker location: uphill from the Almond Boat Ramp, Almond When Cherokee people were rounded up from their various homes and villages, soldiers took them to one of many small forts established throughout the mountains. Fort Lindsay, which was built in 1837 somewhere under what is now Fontana Lake, was one of those sites.

Even when still standing, said Andrew Denson, history professor

Cherokee people in North Carolina resisted removal as best they could — sometimes by working through political channels, other times by deceiving troops bent on rounding them up for removal, and other times by simply hiding out. And while history shows that even the North Carolina Cherokees lost most of their land, some of them wound up prevailing as the Qualla Boundary was created and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians established.

“Here in WNC there are really interesting episodes that aren’t very widely known outside this area,” Denson said.

Telling those stories is a goal of the N.C. Trail of Tears Association. The state is now part of the trail — after years of work by

at Western Carolina University and a board member of the N.C Trail of Tears Association, “The forts themselves aren’t all that impressive but they give you a sense of the geography of removal.”

In this particular location, geography was on the Cherokees’ side. Soldiers had a hard time finding fugitives in the dense forest and rough terrain characterizing the area, and many residents of the nearby Nantahala community successfully eluded capture.

The troops would fan out from Fort Lindsay, gather Cherokees,

Resistance in Qualla Town

Marker location: Museum of the Cherokee Indian grounds, Cherokee Qualla Town, the precursor to the modernday Cherokee, became something of a refugee haven for Cherokee people during the removal era.

Before the removal began in 1838, Cherokee land was ceded to North Carolina, acreage that included some of the nation’s most sacred sites — Nikwasi, Cowee, Kituwah, for example. But the agreement contained a provision for land preserves, and many Cherokee people went through the process to take them. They became U.S. citizens and claimed their 640 acres of land.

“North Carolina doesn’t particularly like that, and North Carolina meanwhile distributed a lot of that land to non-Indians,” said Andrew Denson, history professor at Western Carolina University and a board member of the N.C Trail of Tears Association.

Many of the Cherokee people who planned to stay on those reserves wound up in Qualla Town.

Qualla Town residents, with U.S. citizen William Holland Thomas as their advocate, managed to convince the U.S. government they should be exempt from the removal. But that didn’t mean that the drama of the historical moment eluded them. Cherokee people who were not on the list of those “allowed” to remain continued to come, and there was an ongoing tension between Qualla Town Cherokees and U.S. soldiers — the resident Cherokees wanted to protect their fellow Cherokees from deportation but had to balance that with the desire not to be deported themselves. After all, would anyone in the government really raise a fuss if the U.S. soldiers took a few trouble-making Qualla Town residents to Oklahoma along with those slated for removal?

“What’s important about Qualla Town is it became part of the founding of the Eastern Band after removal, but they also play a role in helping other Cherokees who are supposed to be removed to stay,” Denson said.

Brent Riggs, Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies — and 16 different wayside exhibits have been installed throughout the region to tell various parts of the story. And thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership, the

bring them to the fort, and then march them down to Fort Butler in Murphy. From there, they’d travel the Unicoi Turnpike Trail toward the larger camps in East Tennessee.

Today, boats bob peacefully on the level waters of Fontana Lake. There’s no clue above the water as to the human suffering that happened within the now-invisible fort.

“One of the challenges in North Carolina for this sort of work is we don’t have a lot of structures,” Denson said.

Mostly, just stories.

Don’t miss this

■ A slide lecture showing North Carolina’s role in creating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will illustrate history 2-4 p.m. Monday, July 11, at the Center for Life Enrichment in Highlands. Presented by Anna Fariello. 828.526.8811.

■ A “Gardening with Children” workshop at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Franklin First United Methodist Church in Franklin will give tips on involving kids in gardening, include tasting garden veggies and send families home with a book and seeds. A project of the church’s

North Carolina Trail has a new website and newly printed brochures to guide visitors through the route.

“As an enrolled member of the Eastern Band we try to do all that we can to stress the importance of the culture to tribal members, and of course the Trail of Tears is a big important historical point,” said Mary Wachacha, a tribal member who is on the board for the North Carolina chapter.

In Cherokee, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t have some ancestor who was involved in the removal. So passing that heritage on is of vital importance.

“It’s just a living, breathing history for myself, and unfortunately a lot of our young people and a lot of adults just don’t realize that the Trail of Tears still exists today,” she said. “I want to be part of the North Carolina chapter to make sure we keep working not to let that be forgotten.”

Accessibility was an important consideration to that end.

“The sites are all really easy to access,” Denson said. “It’s more a question of whether you have time to follow them.”

Perhaps in the future, he said, the website could include a few suggested routes to cover a cross-section of the larger story without requiring too much driving.

One of the challenges with bringing the trail to life, Denson said, is that very few structures — houses, forts, graves, etc. — still exist to engage visitors with the story. Though the good thing about WNC is that the mountains and forests are still here to give a clue as to what the landscape looked like back in the 1800s.

“It’s changed, obviously,” Denson said, “but you can still get a sense of the landscape, what it was like in the early 19th century.”

And by standing there, feet planted on the same ground where the tragic story played out between American soldiers and native people who had grown roots there for millennia, hopefully people will feel themselves drawing closer to the stories and the people who lived them. And maybe, Denson said, greater understanding of the many sovereignty and political issues facing Native Americans today will result.

“The removal itself is one of those few Native American history episodes that is pretty famous and in a general way is kind of well known,” Denson said, “so I’m interested in how we can use what’s well known about that story to expand that and talk

Share & Serve Garden. Free. 828.524.3010.

■ A boating safety course will be offered 6-9 p.m. July 13-14 at Haywood Community College, with those attending all six hours receiving certification. Free through a partnership of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and HCC’s Department of Arts, Sciences and Natural Resources. RSVP required at www.ncwildlife.org.

■ A youth flag football league will be open for registration July 11-12 at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. Open to boys and girls in first through sixth grades, the league will involve Tuesday practices beginning Aug. 30 and Thursday games beginning Sept. 8. $30.

Valley River Resistance

Marker location: Rest stop on U.S. 74 at Andrews

During the removal, certain Cherokee families were given exemptions and allowed to stay — mostly those with political and economic connections. The John Welch family, near Andrews, was one of those.

“The soldiers quickly realize the Welches are helping people who are supposed to be removed to avoid the troops,” said Andrew Denson, history professor at Western Carolina University and a board member of the N.C Trail of Tears Association. They’d feed them, or relay information to the hills as to the soldiers’ plans and whereabouts.

As a result, John Welch was arrested and detained in Tennessee for the duration of the removal, though allowed to return afterward.

“It kind of breaks his health,” Denson said. “He suffers for that political decision to help his fellow Cherokees.”

Meanwhile, a white emigration officer named Preston Starrett working on the site began to develop some sympathy for the Cherokee people. He began giving out deportation exemptions willy-nilly, not just to the “important” people they were intended for.

“Pretty quickly you get these military leaders coming back to headquarters where the officers are, reporting ‘There’s this guy named Starrett. I think he’s kind of overstepping his authority,” Denson said.

So, the troops came in, basically ignoring all those exemptions that had been handed out. But even all that couldn’t stop the area around Welch’s farm from becoming a gathering place for those Cherokees who did stay. Small Cherokee communities coalesced around the area, referred to as Welch’s Town.

It’s a fascinating story that’s not really told in literature outside the region, Denson said, but it’s one of the many stories rooted in WNC that delivers “a more human element” to the narrative of Cherokee removal.

again about the persistence of Native American people in the Southeast and America.

“There’s a lot more you can do with that story or use that story as an anchor for talking about a broader array of subjects that continue to be important in Native American communities today.”

Learn about brook trout restoration in the Smokies

Water sampling and brook trout restoration projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be discussed by an expert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley.

Mike Kesselring, who is the N.C. Fisheries Volunteer Coordinator for the park, will give the talk.

Free and part of Cataloochee Trout Unlimited’s regular monthly meeting.

To learn more about volunteering in the park, visit the Facebook page Kesselring created for the purpose, www.facebook.com/ smokyparktroutvolunteers.

tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

Pull cash from the river

Fish a share of $10,000 in prizes out of Cherokee’s tribal waters with the Tim Hill Memorial Trout Tournament Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17.

The tournament is named in honor of a longtime employee at the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ trout hatchery who passed away, and a portion of entry fee proceeds will be donated to a charity — yet to be determined — in his honor.

Except for the Qualla Boundary’s 2.2 miles of catch-and-release waters, rivers throughout the tribal lands will be stocked with tagged fish. Anglers can redeem fish for prizes of up to $1,000.

$11 entry fee. Open to all ages and legal fishing methods. Register to redeem cash prizes wherever fishing licenses are sold.

Cherokee Welcome Center, 800.438.1601 or travel@nc-cherokee.com. www.fishcherokee.com.

Experience the allure of angling

A couple of opportunities are coming up to learn the basics of fishing.

■ A kids fishing day Saturday, July 9, at Ralph J. Andrews Campground in Jackson County will draw in kids ages 5 to 15. Rods and bait will be provided for catch-and-release fishing. $5 with RSVP required by July 8 at the Cullowhee or Cashiers/Glenville recreation centers, 828.293.3053 or 828.631.2020.

■ A fishing day open to all ages will be held 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Mountain Test Farm in Waynesville. Equipment is provided, with anglers allowed to keep seven of the catfish they catch. Free, with registration required to Tanya Poole, 828.329.2472 or Tanya.poole@ncwildlife.org.

Strike black gold

An intro to making black gold — also known as compost — will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at the Canton Public Library.

Guided by Master Gardener Mary Decker, participants will learn how to use kitchen scraps, leaves and yard waste to create a rich, organic materials that will give gardens a boost.

The program will be held in the Giving Garden, located behind the library. The garden is used for educational programs throughout the year, with produce donated to feed those in need.

828.648.2924 or www.haywoodlibrary.org.

Healing herbs to be demystified

The art of growing and preparing healing herbs will be up for revival at 2 p.m. Monday, July 18, at the Canton Public Library, taught by naturopath Michelle Sanderbeck.

Offered in keeping with the library’s adult summer reading theme, “Celebrating Appalachian Arts,” the workshop will cover growing requirements for common herbs, the history of medicinal herbs and how to make tinctures, poultices and decoctions.

Samples will be raffled off. Free, with RSVP required to Kathy Olsen, 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Bubble soccer bounces back

Bubble soccer has arrived once more in Jackson County, played at the Cullowhee Recreation Center every Thursday night this month.

Using the rules of conventional soccer, the game comes with a twist — all players run enclosed in a giant plastic bubble. The game can get raucous and bouncy — mouth guards and kneepads are recommended.

Women-only games will be played 7-7:45 p.m. with co-ed play following through 9 p.m. $1 per game, with a minimum age of 18. 828.293.3053, ext. 4.

Get wild in the mountains

A rendezvous with animals from next door and across the globe will offer allure for all ages at the 13th annual Mountain Wildlife Days July 15-16 at Sapphire Valley Resort. Friday, July 15

■ 9 a.m. — A bird walk will take in 24 species of frequently seen birds, led by Highlands Plateau Audubon Society President Russell Regnery.

■ 9:30 a.m. — Two nature hikes will be offered. An easy 2-mile hike will take in King Creek Falls, and a moderate hike will travel the Chattooga East Fork Trail. Both will visit the Walhalla Fish Hatchery.

■ 3:30 p.m. A birds of prey program designed for youth groups, campers and Boys & Girls Club members will introduce the raptors from Balsam Mountain Trust.

world to life. A “Creation Celebration” opening program will feature Bryan Heller on piano and Greg Hall on trumpet, and nature photographer and naturalist Bill Lea will

Saturday, July 16

■ 9:30 a.m. Exhibits and silent auction will open. Proceeds benefit WNC Wildlife Outreach, a program that brings outdoor education programs to students throughout WNC.

Take note

■ 10 a.m. A program about black bears by Cynthia Train of the BEAR Task Force will feature an entertaining visit from Arthur the Bear.

■ 11 a.m. Birds of prey will take the stage with “Hunters in the Sky,” presented by Carlton Burke.

■ 1 p.m. “Wolves — Our Most Misunderstood Animal” will attempt to correct misunderstandings about the predator in a program by Rob Gudger and his wolves.

■ 2 p.m. A close-up look at unusual Australian animals will be offered thanks to the North Georgia Zoo.

■ 7 p.m. A fusion of music, photography and wildlife education will bring the natural

afterward present a program titled “Bobcats, Foxes and More — God Made Predators, Too” focusing on the animals’ vital roles in the ecosystem. $5 for adults; children free.

Put anacondas on your agenda

Unless otherwise noted, all Friday programs are free. Saturday admission is $8 for adults and free for children.

Sponsored by Sapphire Valley Resort with support from individual donors.

RSVPs to 828.743.7663 are required to attend walks and bird hikes. www.mountainwildlifedays.com.

A daylong reptile event featuring live animals, seminars, a swath of vendors and free raffles will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Asheville. The ReptiDay Asheville Reptile & Exotic Animal Show is hosted by Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Expos. $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and free for those under 5. 863.268.4273 or repticonevents@repticon.com. www.reptiday.com/asheville.html.

7TH

BLUE RIDGE BREAKAWAY

TAKE THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE!

The Hawk (105.7 miles) • The Trout (76.43 miles) Both covering sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Panther (50.8 miles) • The Rabbit (25.8 miles) All routes will begin at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. Riders will explore mountain valleys near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest and in the shadow of Cold Mountain.

ALSO:

• Friends of the Smokies received a $3,750 grant to go toward projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park such as trail maintenance, resource management, environmental education, facilities management and law enforcement. The grant came from HomeTrust Bank as part of its 90K for 90th Community Support contest, which celebrates the bank’s 90th anniversary with donations to community organizations selected through online voting.

• The Waynesville Recreation Center closed out June with a record attendance of 14,744, the highest for June since opening in 2001. Rhett Langston, director of Waynesville Parks and Recreation, attributes the statistic to support from the town and the recent addition of new equipment.

• Dick Dickson, a member of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, won the professional category of the 2016 Audubon Photography Awards with his image of a flying osprey. More than 1,700 photographers submitted nearly 7,000 entries to the contest.

Experience waterfalls through photography

A visual tour of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls will take off at 3 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the Cashiers Public Library, ferried along by the photography of Kevin Adams.

A photographer for nearly 30 years, Adams is the author of eight books including the bestselling North Carolina Waterfalls. His presentation will show waterfalls of all sizes photographed in all seasons and lighting conditions. In addition to photography tips, he’ll discuss the waterfalls’ natural and cultural history.

Free. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cashiers Library.

www.kadamsphoto.com

If you have already submitted your application, it will be considered

for 6

from the date of application. To qualify, applicants must be 21 years or older (18-21 years

for non-gaming positions), must successfully pass an RIAH hair/drug test and undergo an investigation by Tribal Gaming Commission. Preference for Tribal members. This property is owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, managed by Caesars Entertainment. The Talent Acquisition Department accepts applications Mon. - Thur. from 8am - 4:30pm. Call 828.497.8778, or send resume to the Talent Acquisition Department , 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719 or fax resume to 828.497.8540.

Franklin wants input from cyclists and pedestrians

The final workshop in an ongoing effort to plan for a more walkable and bikeable Franklin will be held 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at the First Presbyterian Church’s Tartan Hall.

Last year, Franklin was one of 10 North Carolina towns chosen for a $36,000 N.C. Department of Transportation grant to improve pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure around town. The town has been working since to gather input from citizens on which projects would be the most effective use of the money. Next week’s workshop will provide opportunity to review project recommendations, provide input and speak with consultants and town staff.

www.bikewalkfranklin.wordpress.com.

Hike Mount Sterling

A strenuous 5.4-mile hike to Mount Sterling will pay off with stunning views from an historic fire tower on Tuesday, July 12.

The hike, which features a total elevation gain of 2,000 feet, is located in one of the most remote areas of Haywood County. Part of Friends of the Smokies’ Classic Hikes of the Smokies series, the excursion will be guided to offer insight into the area’s natural and human history, as well as current issues such as backcountry bear conflicts.

$20 for members; $35 for non-members, with one-year membership included. Donations benefit trail rehabilitation through the Smokies Trails Forever program.

Register at www.Hike.FriendsoftheSmokies.org.

Wander in the wilderness

Walk toward wilderness with an easy, 2-mile ranger-guided hike 10 a.m. Friday, July 8, leaving from the Black Balsam Trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Taking the Art Loeb from the parking lot, it doesn’t take long to arrive in the Shining Rock Wilderness. Parkway rangers will help hikers understand what attracts people to wilderness and what there is to see and do upon arrival.

The hike begins on Black Balsam Road, which turns off the Parkway at mile 420, about 1 mile south of Graveyard Fields. Bring water, hiking shoes and clothing for changeable weather.

828.298.5330, ext. 304.

Comment period extended for proposed camping fee increase

The comment period for a proposed fee increase at campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been extended 14 days to last through July 12.

Smokies officials recently learned that the National Park Service’s Planning, Environmental and Public Comment website is able to accept anonymous comments and extended the comment period to allow for those wishing to comment anonymously to do so.

The proposal, which would raise fees by about 25 percent in all frontcountry sites except for those in Cataloochee Campground — fees increased in that area in 2011 so the proposed increase is less— aims to bring campground revenues closer in line with expenses. Except for Cataloochee, fees haven’t

increased since 2006, while operational costs have increased. The park estimates that the increase would add $400,000 of revenue per year to the $1.6 million collected from campground fees in 2015.

The proposal was released on May 26, and informational open houses were held June 20 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee and June 23 at Park Headquarters near Gatlinburg. So far, more than 60 comments have been submitted. There is no need to resubmit comments that have already been submitted.

The proposal is available at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/grsm. The site contains a portal for online comments. Comments can also be emailed to GRSM_Fee-Management@nps.gov or mailed to Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Attn: Proposal to Increase Fees, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

All comments are public record, so commenters should be aware that contents could be disclosed at any time.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Game Night with Cyber Realms for ages 6-up is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• An estate sale is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, July 8, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at 22 Bage Street in Waynesville. Antiques, furniture from home with three generations. Must sell all in two days.

• The eighth annual Ammons family reunion will start at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, at the Holly Springs Community Building in Franklin. 631.4587.

• A one-day bus trip to Fort Watauga in Erwin, Tenn., is being organized by Joe Sam Queen, president of the Western “Boundary” Water Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, for Saturday, July 16. Tour includes visit to fort, museum and the play “Liberty.” Tickets are $60. 550.0816 or billmcentire@charter.net.

• Cruise in Maggie Valley event is held from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday at 2771 Soco Road. Vendors: $10 per space. Cruising@MaggieValleyAntiques.com.

B USINESS & E DUCATION

• A 90-minute workshop on Saving Money using Technology will be offered at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, at Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Register or info: 586.2016.

• A banking seminar will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on July 12 at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

FUNDRAISERSAND B ENEFITS

• Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will host its 12th annual barbecue and gospel sing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. $8. Proceeds support church missions. 926.9794.

H EALTH MATTERS

• A caregiver education class on the topic of Person Center Thinking will be offered from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, July 8 at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 or haywoodseniors.org.

• A “Ready, Set, Move! Brain Gym” program is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 14 at the Waynesville Library. 356.2511 or lhartzell@haywoodnc.net.

• Healthy Eating with Buy Haywood is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 19 at the Waynesville Library. 356.2511 or lhartzell@haywoodnc.net.

• Participants are being sought for a clinical trial for those overweight with knee pain. Directed by Dr. Kate Queen of Mountain Medical Associates. wecan@wfu.edu or 558.0208.

• A support group for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis, family and friends meets at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Heritage Room at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva. Info: 293.2503.

R ECREATIONAND FITNESS

• Registration is underway through July 15 for A co-ed sand volleyball tournament, 4-on-4, that the Jackson County Recreation Department is holding on July 23 at East LaPorte Park. $45. Coaches meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 18, at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. 293.3053.

• Bubble soccer is held every Thursday in July through the Jackson County Recreation Department. Women play

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

from 7-7:45 p.m.; co-ed is from 7:45-9 p.m. $1 each time you play. Must be 18 or older. 293.3053.

P OLITICAL

• The Mountain High Republican Women’s Club Luncheon Meeting is at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club in Cashiers. 743.1658 or mtnrepublicanwomen@yahoo.com.

• A lunch-and-discussion group will be held by the League of Women Voters at noon on the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. RSVP for lunch: lwvmacon@wild-dog-mountain.info or 524.8369.

• Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor has coffee and an open public discussion with Highlands residents from 11 a.m.-noon on the last Friday of each month at Hudson Library in Highlands. www.fontanalib.org or 526.3031.

THE S PIRITUAL S IDE

• Dr. Robert E. Long, pastor at St. Luke’s United Methodist in Oklahoma City, will be the featured speaker at 10:30 a.m. on July 10 in historic Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. Part of the Summer Worship Series. http://lakejunaluska.com/summer-worship.

• Episcopal services will be offered in the Spanish Language at 6 p.m. every Sunday starting July 10 at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville. 456.6029.

• Rev. Amy Coles, Assistant to the Bishop of the WNC Conference of the United Methodist Church will be the featured speaker at 10:30 a.m. on July 17 in historic Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. http://lakejunaluska.com/summer-worship.

AUTHORSAND B OOKS

• Author Marci Spencer will present her picture book about Potluck the homing pigeon at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

• The Theme Team Book Club will be presented by the Waynesville Library from 2-4 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Sign-up required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Book donations are being accepted through July 8 at the circulation desk of the Waynesville Library for the Friends of the Library Book Sale that’s scheduled for late July.

• A community book discussion on Donald Davis’ “Tales from a Free-Range Childhood” will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Sign-up required by July 13: 356.2507.

• “Up for Discussion,” a conversation about Mark Twain, moralist, will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at the Waynesville Branch of the Haywood Public Library.

• Bill Hart will discuss his book “3,000 Miles in the Great Smokies” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Bryson City’s National Park Visitor Center and Heritage Museum. www.SmokiesInformation.org or 888.898.9102, Ext. 325, 222 or 254.

S ENIORACTIVITIES

• An iPhone/iPad user group meets from 2-4:30 p.m. on July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 30, Sept. 6 and Sept. 20 at the

Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 or haywoodseniors.org.

• A trip to Asheville Outlets is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, through the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Register by calling 356.2800 or stop by the center.

• Haywood County Sheriff’s Office is starting a new initiative: “Seniors And Law enforcement Together” with a first meeting set for 2-3 p.m. on July 14 at the Waynesville Public Library. SALT will meet every second Thursday. 356.2882 or HaywoodNCSheriff.com.

• A Community Women’s Circle for ages 55-up will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursdays, July 14 and 28, at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 or haywoodseniors.org.

• An iPad 101 class meets from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 or haywoodseniors.org.

K IDS & FAMILIES

• Kindergarten Readiness Storytime is from 10-10:30 a.m. on Fridays throughout July at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• A Family Storytime for ages 0-5 is at 11 a.m. on the first three Fridays in July at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Teen Olympics will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Stories, songs and a craft are offered for ages zerosix (and caregivers) at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• A program called “Imagine”, an art program for children 8-12 meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library. Program contains art, writing, and drama. 586.2016.

• Staying Safe program featuring Waynesville Fire Department is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 6 at the Waynesville Library. 356.2511 or lhartzell@haywoodnc.net.

• Flamingos, poison ball and more will be at 3:30-5 p.m. on July 6 at Macon County Public Library in Waynesville.

• “Forestry’s Big Picture” will be the topic of a Junior Forester program for ages 8-12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on July 6 at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.

• A paper airplane contest is set for 2 p.m. on July 7 at the Canton Library. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• A “Gardening with Children” workshop is set for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the First United Methodist Church Outreach Center in Franklin. Free book and seeds. 524.3010, fumc.shareandserve@gmail.com or look up share and serve garden on Facebook.

• Youth flag football registration is July 11-12 at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. For girls and boys first through sixth grades. $30. Practice starts Aug. 30; games start Sept. 8.

• An introduction to crochet will be offered by the Macon County 4-H from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 11. For ages 7-18. Register or pick up forms at 193 Thomas Heights Rd. in Franklin. 349.2046.

• “A Week In the Water” – classes on the art and skill of fly fishing – for ages 8-15 is scheduled for July 1115 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah/E ventRegistration.aspx.

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

• A Manners Matter program will be offered from 1-3 p.m. on July 12 by the Macon County 4-H. For ages 518. Register or pick up forms at 193 Thomas Heights Rd. in Franklin. 349.2046.

• LEGO Club meets at 10:30 a.m. on July 12 at Canton Library. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• Digital Story Time for ages 3-6 is at 10:30 a.m. on July 12 at Canton Library. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• A program on healthy eating for kindergarten through second graders will be offered at 11 a.m. on July 12 at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 488.3030 or www.fontantalib.org/brysoncity.

• A Balsam Nature Center presentation of “Monarch Butterflies” for ages 0-7 will be offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Exercises in Science for grades 3-6 is offered at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• A Pottery Painting program is scheduled for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 13 for ages 5-18. Offered by the Macon County 4-H. Cost: $11. Register or pick up forms at 193 Thomas Heights Rd. in Franklin. 349.2046.

• “Tree Stories” will be the topic of a Junior Forester program for ages 8-12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on July 13 at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. $4 for youth; $2.50 for adults. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.

• A program entitled “Water: Every Drop Counts” will be offered July 14 at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. Part of the “Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club,” which meets Thursdays through Aug. 11. Register: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.org.

• Mountain Circus Arts is at 2 p.m. on July 14 at Canton Library. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• Ronald McDonald will present magic, games and surprises for kids of all ages at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• Ronald McDonald will present magic, games and surprises for kids of all ages at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 488.3030 or www.fontantalib.org/brysoncity.

• A “Kid’s Introduction to Archery” class will be offered for ages 8-15 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on 1-2:30 p.m. on July 16 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah/E ventRegistration.aspx.

• ReptiDay Asheville Reptile & Exotic Animal Show featuring vendors offering reptile pets and merchandise as well as seminars is scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 16 at the WNC Agricultural Center, Boone Building, in Asheville. www.reptiday.com/asheville.html, repticonevents@repticon.com or 863.268.4273.

• A fishing clinic will be offered from 9-11 a.m. on

Saturday, July 16, at the Test Farm. Register or get more info: tanya.poole@ncwildlife.org or 329.3472.

• A “Kebari Fly Tying” class will be offered to ages 14up from 9 a.m.-noon on July 16 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Kebari is the art of Japanese fly tying. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah /EventRegistration.aspx.

• “Science or Magic” will be presented by the Division of Air Quality for ages 4-up at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• “Ready, Set … Slime!” for grades 3-6 is at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• An “Introduction to Fly Fishing: Lake Fishing” class will be offered to ages 12-up from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 19 through the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah /EventRegistration.aspx.

• The Macon County 4-H will present a “Farm Tour and Solar System” program from 8:30-4:30 p.m. on July 19 for ages 5-18. Register or pick up forms at 193 Thomas Heights Rd. in Franklin. 349.2046.

• “Full Steam Ahead!” for ages 5-12 is at 4 p.m. on July 19 at Canton Library. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• “A Great Big Forest” will be the topic of a Junior Forester program for ages 8-12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on July 20 at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. $4 for youth; $2.50 for adults. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.

• A “BB Gun Shooting Range” class will be open to ages 8-15 from 9-11 a.m. on July 20 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah /EventRegistration.aspx.

• A “Stream Investigation” class for ages 8-up will be offered from 9-11 a.m. on July 20 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah /EventRegistration.aspx.

• Library Olympics – field day fun is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 20 at the Waynesville Library. 356.2511 or lhartzell@haywoodnc.net.

• Rompin’ Stompin’, an hourlong storytime with music, movement and books, is held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays and at 11 a.m. on Fridays at Canton Library. For ages zero to six. 648.2924.

• The Macon Library is offering free events for tweens and teens in June and July, including Camp All Star as well as a Reading Contest for gift cards and other prizes. Volunteer opportunities are also available. www.fontanalib.org/franklin.

• “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read” summer library program is underway at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Prizes, programs and activities.

• The Hudson Library’s summer reading program for children and teens is ongoing. In Highlands.

• Crafternoons are at 2:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Registration is underway for summertime swim classes will be offered for children from ages six months to teenagers through Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education. 227.7397.

• Library Olympics will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday’s at Jackson County Public Library. Children age 5 and up get active through relay races, bingo, mini golf. 586.2016.

• Stream Splashers, an opportunity for ages 5-12 to

wade through a mountain stream in search of aquatic critters, will be offered at 5 p.m. on Sundays and Wednesdays through Aug. 13 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• A 45-minute program on Smoky Mountain elk will be offered for ages 5-12 at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays at the Palmer House in Cataloochee Valley through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• An opportunity to chat with a ranger about what makes the Smokies special is held at 2 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays on the Oconaluftee Visitor Center porch for ages 5-12 through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• A one-hour after-dark hike for ages 5-12 to learn about the creatures of the night is offered at 8:45 p.m. on Mondays and Saturdays at Smokemont Campground through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. Registration required: 497.1904.

• A blacksmithing program for ages 10-12 is offered from 10-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Mountain Farm Museum next to Oconaluftee Visitor Center through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• “Batteries Not Included” – an opportunity to find out what kids did for fun before video games and iPads – will be held on the half-hour from 10-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Mountain Farm Museum through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• Kids ages 5-12 can learn about park animals with “Mammal Mania!” at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• A hands-on Creepy Critters program about bugs and macro-invertebrates will be offered for ages 5-12 at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at Mingus Creek Trail through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• Ramble with a ranger by a mountain stream at 2 p.m. on Fridays on the Oconaluftee River Trail through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

• Learn about the elk’s return to the Great Smoky Mountains at 7 p.m. on Saturdays outside the Oconaluftee Visitor Center through Aug. 13 as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Junior Ranger program. 497.1904.

S UMMER CAMP

• Smoky Mountain Sk8way is offering a nine-week summer camp The summer camp is for kids ages 6 to 13 years old with a daily drop in or weekly schedule. Daily attendance is $30 a day or week 4-5 days $110. www.smokymountainsk8way.com or call 246.9124.

• Registration is underway for Camp WILD for rising seventh and eighth graders. Camp is from July 11-14 and meets daily at 8:30 a.m. at the Jackson County Recreation Center’s parking lot; camping overnight on July 13. Info or register: 586.5465 or janefitzgerald@jacksonnc.org.

• Registration is underway for a British Soccer Camp, which is July 25-29 at Recreation Park in Cullowhee. www.challengersports.com.

• A shooting and dribbling camp will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. from July 18-21 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. 456.2030 or academy7@live.com.

• Registration is underway for a British Soccer Camp that will be offered for ages 3-14 from July 25-29 at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

• Registration is underway for the ATOWN Volleyball Academy, which is for fourth through 12th graders

and will held July 11-14 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Info: atownvb@yahoo.com.

• Weekly summer camps highlighting adventure and hands-on science education will be offered through July 29 at Lake Logan Episcopal Center. susan@lakelogan.org or 646.0095.

• A summer adventure camp aimed at Spanishspeaking youth will be offered July 10-15 and July 1822. For rising sixth through eighth-graders. Opportunity to hike, paddle and hear regional history. www.outdoormissioncamp.org, 926.3253 or jamie@outdoormissioncamp.org.

K IDSMOVIES

• The “Movies on Everett” summer film series will screen “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on July 8 and “The Lego Movie” on July 15. 8:30 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday (but not July 29) at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• A children’s movie is shown at 1 p.m. on Mondays throughout July at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Teen movie will be shown at 2 p.m. on July 6 at the Canton Library. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• The films “Finding Nemo” (6:30 and 8:30 p.m. July 8) and “Kung Fu Panda” (2, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. July 9) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. www.madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• An animated family movie will be shown at 2 p.m. on July 10 at Canton Library. For info, including movie title: 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• An animated family movie will be shown at 2 p.m. on July 11 at Canton Library. For info, including movie title: 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• A family movie will be shown 1 p.m. on Monday’s during the summer at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Family story time for ages zero to six years old is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• A block party will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Appalachian Ace Hardware & Fox Mercantile in Franklin. Live music, food, and more. www.franklin-chamber.com.

F OOD & D RINK

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host a steamed clams and slow boil at 2 p.m. July 10 and the Salamander Slam IPA canning all day July 13. 454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• A “Bubbly Tasting Five-For-Five” will be held from 3-7 p.m. on July 13 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. $5 to try, $5 for glasses.

• An evening of jewelry making and wine is set for 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at B&C Winery in Maggie Valley. $30 plus tax; additional $10 to use sterling silver. Presented by B&C Winery and QuartzyOne. Reservations: 550.3610.

• The next “Way Back When” trout dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. The dinner will also be held July 29, Aug. 12 and 26, and Sept. 2 and 16. To RSVP, call 926.1401 or 800.868.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com.

• A Mountain Cooking Club Class meets from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Fines Creek Community Kitchen. Reservations: 246.7465 or chefricardos@gmail.com. Mail check to Suzanne Fernandez at 3553 Panther Creek Road; Clyde, NC 28721.

• A “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train” departs at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot in Bryson City. Ages 21 and older. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

ON STAGE & I N CONCERT

• The Unto These Hills outdoor drama will run at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Aug. 13 at the Mountainside Theater in Cherokee. 866.554.4557 or www.visitcherokenc.com.

• Mary Z. Cox, two-time Florida and North Carolina banjo champion and recording artist, will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215.

• Marshall Ballew will present 20th-century Americana music at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. http://reverbnation.com/marshallballew.

A&E

FESTIVALSAND S PECIAL EVENTS

• The Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 10, 17 and 24 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. For a full program list, please visit www.scm-festival.com. www.haywoodarts.org.

• The 19th annual Sweet Corn Festival is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at St. Cyprian’s Church in Franklin. Proceeds benefit All Saints Episcopal outreach and CareNet. www.allsaintsfranklin.org.

• The Cashiers Plein Air Festival, which benefits the Village Green, is scheduled for July 12-16. 25 invited artists paint the landscape and lifestyle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Activities and events. Youth Art Paint is at 11 a.m. on Saturday; $30 fee includes supplies. Info: 743.3434 or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• The Appalachian Heritage Festival will be all day July 16 in downtown Franklin. Nearly 50 live demonstrations of local artisans and crafters. 524.7766 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

• “Steel Magnolias” will be presented by the Little Town Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. on July 7-9 and 14-16 as well as at 3 p.m. on July 9 and 16 at The Grove in Bryson City. 226.5637 or search for Little Town Playhouse on Facebook.

• Marshall Ballew will present 20th-century Americana music at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 8, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. http://reverbnation.com/marshallballew. 586.2016.

• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be presented from July 8-31 at HART in Waynesville. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on July 8-9, 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30 and at 2 p.m. on July 10, 17, 24 and 31. Tickets: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• “Chicago — The Musical” will be performed through July 9 at the Highlands Playhouse. www.highlandsplayhouse.com.

• Front Country will perform at 6 p.m. on July 9 at Stecoah Valley Center as part of the Appalachian Evening series. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/performance.html.

• Anne Lough, folk musician and dulcimer player, performs at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the Waynesville Public Library. www.haywoodarts.org.

• The “Week of Rock” celebration will run at 8 p.m. through July 9 at Nantahala Brewing Company in

Bryson City. Performers include The Jon Stickley Trio (Americana) July 6, Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) July 7, Urban Soil (roots/rock) July 8 and The Buchanan Boys (country/rock) July 9. Other activities include special craft beer releases, cornhole, and more. Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com or 488.2337.

• Joe Penland will play the Songcatchers Music Series at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, at Cradle of Forestry in America. $6 admission for 16-up; $3 for youth 15 and under. 877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org.

• Ubuntu Choir performs music from around the world at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, at First Presbyterian Chapel in Franklin. A capella. $5 donation suggested. www.artscouncilofmacon.org.

• The multi-Grammy nominated chamber music ensemble Eroica Trio will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, at Western Carolina University as part of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.wcu.edu/bardoartscenter or 227.2479. www.h-cmusicfestival.org or 526.9060.

• Karen “Sugar” Barnes will perform blues at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

• “THE WIZARD OF OZ™” train ride debuts July 14 at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroads depot in Bryson City. Operates July 14-17, July 21-24, July 28-31 and Aug. 4-7. 800.872.4681 or by visiting www.gsmr.com.

• The Deitz Family will present “A Musical Tribute to Samantha Bumgarner” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, as the Jackson County Genealogical Society’s July program. 631.2646.

• The Bright Star Touring Theater will perform its “Once Upon a Time” production in conjunction with the Jackson County Public Library’s summer reading program at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, in Sylva. 507.9820 or www.jacksoncountyarts.org.

• Benita Hill, Becky Hobbs and Kacey Jones perform at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, as part of the “Songwriters in the Round” series at Balsam Mountain Inn. Reservations and more info: www.balsammountaininn.net or 456.9498.

• Beverly Smith and John Grimm perform the Songcatchers Music Series at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, at Cradle of Forestry in America. 877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org.

• The Ugandan Imani Milele Children’s Choir will present a concert at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. The choir is comprised of children and teenagers under the care of the Imani Milele Children Program. 586.2358.

OUTDOORMUSIC

• The “Concerts on the Creek” series at Bridge Park in Sylva will host Colby Deitz Band (Americana) July 8. Free and begins at 7 p.m. www.mountainlovers.com.

• The “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series at The Village Green in Cashiers will host Hurricane Creek (rock/blues) July 8. Free and begins at 6:30 p.m. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• Lyric (pop/funk) performs at 6 p.m. on July 9 at Kelsey Hutchinson Park in Highlands as part of the “Saturdays on the Pine” concert series.

• A Gospel Music Festival will be held all day on July 9 at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com.

• Western Carolina University’s Summer Concert Series resumed with Brent Cobb at 7 p.m. on July 6 on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center in Cullowhee. Concerts are held every Wednesday.

• Western Carolina University’s Summer Concert Series will feature The Southern Experience Band at 7 p.m. on July 13 on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center in Cullowhee. Concerts are held every

Wednesday.

• Mac Arnold will perform at 6 p.m. on July 16 at Stecoah Valley Center as part of the Appalachian Evening series. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/performance.html.

• Western Carolina University’s Summer Concert Series will feature Mangas Colorado at 7 p.m. on July 20 on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center in Cullowhee. Concerts are held every Wednesday.

CLASSESAND PROGRAMS

• Cribbage is at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Maggie Valley Inn. 410.440.7652 or 926.3978.

• A “Ready, Set, Move! Circle dancing” class will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on July 7 at the Waynesville Library. 356.2511 or lhartzell@haywoodnc.net.

• “Who are the Melungeons” will be presented by teacher/historian Scott Withrow at 6:30 p.m. on July 7 at the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society Library in Bryson City.

• Doreyl Ammons Cain will offer a class on Outside Birds Pastel Painting from 2-5 p.m. on July 9 at Nature’s Home Preserve in Tuckasegee.. 293.2239.

• Susan Coe will be featured as part of The Potter’s Wheel series from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at The Wild Fern in Bryson City. 736.1605 or info@wildfernstudios.com.

• The Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 9-10 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. 926.1686 or www.maggievalley.org.

• An iPad Users Group meets at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• Doreyl Ammons Cain will offer an Outside Birds Pastel Painting class from 2-5 p.m. on July 13 at Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus. Topic is outside wildflower pastel painting. 293.2239.

• A Game Day will be held at 2:30 p.m. on July 14 at Hudson Library in Highlands. Registration required. 526.3031 or www.fontanalib.org.

• Doreyl Ammons Cain will offer a class on Outside Birds Pastel Painting from 2-5 p.m. on July 15 at Stecoah Valley Center. 293.2239.

• A Blacksmithing Fundamentals Class with Brock Martin will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 16-17 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Designed to introduce students to the art of blacksmithing, forge safety, basic hammer techniques, general shaping, heating and more. Limited to six students. $175.

• A quilling workshop will be offered by Dogwood Crafters from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Taught by Lawrie Williams. Cost is $13. Register by July 11. 586.2435 or junettapell@hotmail.com.

ARTSHOWINGSAND GALLERIES

• A touring exhibition of work by artist Wendy Maruyama will be on display starting July 12 at the Penland Gallery in Penland. Opening reception is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on July 16. www.penland.org.

FILM & S CREEN

• The film “Monty Python – Meaning of Life” will play at 7:30 p.m. on July 7 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. www.madbatterfoodfilm.com

• Viewing of the film “Whiskey Mountain” will take place at 2 p.m. on July 15 at the Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• Adult movie time, 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. Call for title of movie. 586.2016.

• A movie for adults and teens will be shown on Wednesday, July 6, at the Canton Library. Movie is based off a best-selling young adult book series by Rick Yancey. For title and info: 648.2924.

Outdoors

• A “Knot Tying 101” class will be offered July 6 through the Jackson County Recreation Department in Cashiers.

• A bird walk along the greenway is scheduled for 8 a.m. on July 6 in Franklin. Meet at Salali Lane. Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• Night Owls: Nocturnal Animals is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3 p.m. on July 7 at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. Part of the “Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club,” which meets Thursdays through Aug. 11. $4 per child or $2.50 per adult. Register: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.org.

• A Zahner Lecture entitled “Fungi of the Highlands Plateau” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on July 7 at the Highlands Biological Station. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.

• An “Advanced WILD” program for ages 18-up is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 7 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah/Ev entRegistration.aspx.

• “Exploring Waterfalls and Wildflowers in the Blue Ridge Mountains” will be led by Dr. Tim Spira, author and professor, on July 8 at PARI in Rosman. Info: javant@pari.edu or 919.848.1153.

• Women’s Introduction to Fly Fishing for ages 12-up is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on July 9 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard. Registration required: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah/ EventRegistration.aspx.

• An opportunity to snorkel on the West Fork Pigeon River is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on July 9. $5 for nonmembers. Meet at Jukebox Junction Soda Shoppe. RSVP by Wednesday, July 6: Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 476.4667.

• An opportunity to learn secrets of nighttime’s winged creatures is set for 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the Cradle of Forestry in America in Pisgah Forest. $6 for 16-up; $3 for youth. 877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org.

• “Great Smoky Mountains National Park: North Carolina’s Best Idea” will be presented by Anna Fariello from 2-4 p.m. on Monday, July 11, at the Center for Life Enrichment in Highlands. Register: 526.8811.

■ 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

• Bike Walk Franklin will hold an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, at Tartan Hall’s First Presbyterian Church. Talk directly to steering committee members, town staff and project consultants.

• An Emergency Medical Technician and WMI Wilderness Upgrade for the Medical Prrofessional will be offered on July 11-30 and Aug. 1-5 - in Cullowhee. Register: 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.edu.

• “Birds of the Gods” film will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at Hudson Library following a mixer at 7 p.m.

• A bird walk along the greenway is scheduled for 8 a.m. on July 13 in Franklin. Meet at Big Bear Shelter parking area. Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• A boating safety course will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on July 13-14 at Haywood Community College, Building 3300, Room 332. Pre-registration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• A Zahner Lecture on the topic of “The Florida Wildlife Corridor: Protecting and Conserving Existing Natural Pathways” will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on July 14 at the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Station.

• “Mountain Wildlife Days” will be presented by Highlands Plateau Audubon Society on July 15-16 at Sapphire Valley Ski Slopes outside of Cashiers. Live animals, commentary, music and photography.

• A visual tour of waterfalls in the East will be given by photographer Kevin Adams at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 15, at the Cashiers Library. Discussion on the natural and cultural history of waterfalls and tips for photographing them. www.kadamsphoto.com.

• Flower Faerie Festivities are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 16 at the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Station. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.

• A “Swiftwater Rescue: Level 4” class will be offered July 16-17 in Cullowhee through Landmark Learning. Register or get more info: 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.edu.

• The Southern Appalachian Office of the Wilderness Society will hold an Open House from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, at its new location at 474 West Main Street in downtown Sylva. 587.9453, michelle_rigrok@tws.org.

• “Birds and Beer” will be presented by Highlands Plateau Audubon Society on July 19 at Satula Mountain Brewing Company in Highlands. Discussion of birds and birding starts at 5 p.m.

• A bird walk along the greenway is scheduled for 8 a.m. on July 20 in Franklin. Meet at Salali Lane. Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• The Sylva Pool will be in operation through August 21. 586.3565 or 631.2022.

• An evening event is scheduled for 7 p.m. every Thursday at locations close to Asheville. Led by National Park Service rangers. www.nps.gov/blri or 298.5330, ext. 304.

• A mini-event will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. most Saturdays. National Park Service rangers will talk about special adaptations animals and plants have made in order to survive. www.nps.gov/blri or 298.5330, ext. 304.

• The N.C. Arboretum, which has been named the nation’s seventh “Bee Campus USA,” will focus its seasonal landscape exhibits program on plants and nesting sites for pollinator species. More info: www.ncarboretum.org/pollinator.

FARMAND GARDEN

• A Jams & Jellies class with Julie Sawyer will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Register by calling 356.2800 or stop by the center.

• A Native Plant Talk with Adam Bigelow is scheduled for at 7 p.m. on July 7 at the Jackson County Public Library’s Community Room. 586.2016.

• An opportunity to learn how to use kitchen scraps, leaves and lawn waste to create “Gardener’s Gold” is scheduled for 5:30-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• A program entitled “Grow and Prepare Herbs for Healing” will be presented by naturopath Michelle Sanderbeck, ND, at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 18, at the Canton Library. Sign-up required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Local farmers can stop by the Cooperative Extension Office on Acquoni Road from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every fourth Friday to learn about USDA Farm Service Agency programs in the 2014 Farm Bill. Info: 488.2684, ext. 2 (Wednesday through Friday) or 524.3175, ext. 2 (Monday through Wednesday).

• The Macon County Poultry Club of Franklin meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Rd, Open to the public. 369.3916.

FARMERS MARKET

• A community tailgate market for local growers is open from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. 734.3434, info@village-

greencashiersnc.com or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• Haywood Historic Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the parking lot of HART Theatre in Waynesville. 280.1381 or haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com or waynesvillefarmersmarket.com

• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville (behind Bogart’s). 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will be on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at Bridge Park located in Sylva. Info: 393.5236. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or website jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• The ‘Whee Farmer’s Market is open from 4 p.m. to dusk every Tuesday at the corner of the N. Country Club Drive and Stadium View Drive in Cullowhee, behind the entrance to the Village of Forest Hills off Highway 107 across from Western Carolina University. 476.0334.

• Franklin Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday at 203 E. Palmer Street in Franklin. Info: collins230@frontier.com.

• The Cashiers Tailgate market is open from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. on Wednesdays at the United Community Bank on N.C. 107 South. 226.9988 or blueridgefarmers@gmail.com.

• Cowee Farmers Market is open from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays starting May 24 at Old Cowee School located at 51 Cowee School Drive. ediescookies@mail.com or www.coweefarmersmarket.com

• Swain County Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays through Oct. and Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Aug. 16 at the barn on Island Street in Bryson City. 488.3848 or Christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu.

COMPETITIVE E DGE

• The Ridges 5K Open Water Swim is Sunday, July 10, on Lake Chatuge. Race starts from Ridges Resort in Hiwassee, Ga. $55. Tri20001@msn.com, 389.6982 or www.raceodysseyevents.com.

• The Path to the Breakaway, a group for women 18 and older, meets regularly in preparation for the Blue Ridge Breakaway on Saturday, Aug. 20. BicycleHaywoodNC. Registration for the race is $41 (by Aug. 1) for the shortest route. www.blueridgebreakaway.com or bobclarklaw@gmail.com.

H IKING CLUBS

• Blue Ridge Parkway rangers will lead a two-mile “In the Forests of the Night” hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and who how animals adapt to life at night at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 7. Meet at milepost 388.8 near Hendersonville Road (Highway 25). 298.5330, ext. 304.

Puzzles can be found on page 46. These are only the answers.

MarketPlace information:

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

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads,

■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

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

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

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

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising:

Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ESTATE SALE Fri. 9 - 4p.m. & Sat. 10 - 3p.m. Antiques & Furniture from Home with Three Generations. Must sell all in 2 Days! Located at 22 Bage St., Waynesville. Presented by Frog Pond Estate Sales and Downsizing

AUCTION

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BUILDING MATERIALS

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CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 800.807.7219 for $750 Off.

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 or 828.508.0316

SAWMILLS

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PAINTING

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SAPA

WE BUY DAMAGED VEHICLES!

B.H. GRANING LANDSCAPES, INC

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EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY

Seeks Creative, Motivated K-5 Teacher with Over Ten Years Exp. for Unique Position Combining Behavior & Instructional Support

Primary Responsibility is Behavior Intervention. Considerable ‘Down Time’ Spent in Classroom Offering Support Suited to Classroom Needs & Strengths of the Successful Applicant. Send Cover Letter & Resume to: teacher@mountaindiscovery.org

WANTED ASSISTANT PREP COOK

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Experiences Preferred • Qualified Culinary Skills Garden Available May-October • 4x/week • Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sunday Call 828-734-3377 or 828-507-1142 to Schedule an Interview

HEAD START DIRECTOR

Mountain Projects is seeking applicants for Head Start/Early Start Director for Haywood and Jackson Counties. Applicants must have a Bachelor Degree in related field but a Master’s Degree is preferred. A minimum of 3 years experience is required including supervision and budget management. Knowledge of Early Childhood Education is preferred. Applicant must be able to travel locally and out of the area, work a flexible work schedule, and work with diverse populations. Strong written and oral skill is necessary. Applications will be accepted through the summer. Resumes submitted without completed applications will not be considered. Mountain Projects, Inc 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786 www.mountainprojects.org EOE/AA

HOMECARE PARTNERS

Is currently seeking In-Home Aides & CNA’s in Graham, Swain, Macon, Jackson and Haywood Counties. For more info call 828.586.1570

TRAIN AT HOME

For a new career as an accounting assistant! Call for more info about our online training program! Learn to process Payroll, Invoices & more! Job placement assistance when completed. HS Diploma/GED required. 1.888.407.7063.

EMPLOYMENT

JACKSON CO. PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES IS NOW PARTNERED WITH MERIDIAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

We are currently recruiting for the following positions in Child Services:

• Clinicians for Outpatient Services

• Clinicians for Day Treatment Services

• Clinicians for Intensive In-Home Services

• Clinicians for DJJ Populations

• Qualified Professionals for Day Treatment Services

• Qualified Professionals for Intensive In-Home Services

Please visit the employment section of our website for further information about any positions listed and apply directly by submitting an application and resume.

www.meridianbhs.org

HIGH-TECH CAREER

With U.S. Navy. Elite tech training w/great pay, benefits, vacation, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419

FTCC -

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Director of Financial Aid. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office. Phone: 910.678.8378 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu. EOE

EMPLOYMENT

LOOKING FOR WORK?

Have a Heart for Supporting Others? Check out Employment Opportunities # The Arc of Haywood County! Now hiring Part-Time and Full-Time Direct Support Professionals. Must have High School Diploma or Equivalent. Must be 18. Must have a valid NCDL. Prefer experience with the IDD Population. Send resume to: thash@arcofhaywood.org

DYNAMIC DOWNTOWN

Waynesville Insurance Office

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NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES!

Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experience Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc. 1.888.512.7122.

TEACHING VACANCIES:

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BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD.

Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company. SAPA

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SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.670.4805 to start your application today! SAPA

FURNITURE

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on an equal opportunity basis.

NC MOUNTAIN RANCH Style 2/bed 2/bath

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BRUCE

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MEDICAL

A PLACE FOR MOM.

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LAKE JUNALUSKA

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Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lifestyle Properties — vistasofwestfield.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates beverly-hanks.com

• Ann Eavenson - AnnEavenson@beverly-hanks.com

• Randy Flanigan - RandyFlanigan@beverly-hanks.com

• Michelle McElroy - MichelleMcElroy@beverly-hanks.com

• Marilynn Obrig - MarilynnObrig@beverly-hanks.com

• Brooke Parrott - BrookeParrott@beverly-hanks.com

• Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com

• Ellen Sither - EllenSither@beverly-hanks.com

• Mike Stamey - MikeStamey@beverly-hanks.com

• Pamela Williams - PamelaWilliams@beverly-hanks.com

Emerson Group

• George Escaravage - george@emersongroupus.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com

• Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com

• Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com

Haywood Properties - haywoodproperties.com

• Steve Cox - info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com

• Sam Hopkins - samhopkins.kwrealty.com

Lakeshore Realty

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com

• Sammie Powell - smokiesproperty.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

Realty World Heritage Realty realtyworldheritage.com

• Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766

• Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com

• Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com

• Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com

• The Morris Team - maggievalleyproperty.com

• The Real Team - the-real-team.com

• Ron Breese - ronbreese.com

• Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

SuperCROSSWORD

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The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Combination science lab and amusement park

Weightless for two seconds is not a moonwalk but at the top of the Space Shot at Huntsville, Alabama’s (Rocket City) U.S. Space & Rocket Center, it does give your brain a split second to wonder — am I going up or down?

That question is quickly answered by a short free fall and Maddie’s (my 10-year-old daughter) laughing scream and ear-to-ear grin. It looks like it was a successful launch. And if the Space Shot Gs aren’t enough for you, you can get a longer G-force experience in the G-Force accelerator, where you are spun around in a centrifuge like some science experiment and actually experience 3Gs of force (similar to what an astronaut experiences at liftoff) for about four minutes.

The Space Shot and the Accelerator are really popular exhibits at the Rocket Center, but they are kind of a commercial break for this truly impressive space-history museum.

More than 1,500 exhibits, from moon rocks to lunar capsules, to a full scale mockup of a Saturn V rocket and the Pathfinder

Space Shuttle occupy the grounds and two buildings. And if you need more the Rocket Center also offers bus tours to the nearby Marshall Flight Center, NASA’s largest spacecraft propulsion research center.

We were there on a lark. Our oldest daughter was away on an extended vacation with a friend and we were looking for an adventure to share with Maddie. Of course, if you have kids in school in Haywood County you know that Space Camp is a big deal. So we asked Maddie if she might want to check it out and well, the rest is, as they say history.

I kind of wish I had done a little more research, but this wasn’t Space Camp this was fun camp. We got there when the center opened at 9 a.m. I mean it is July and it is Alabama, we wanted to hit the outside exhibits while the air was still cool and thin enough to breathe and spend midday in the air conditioned interior. It went mostly as planned, but Maddie got such a kick out of the Space Shot and Accelerator that we had to have two manned flights.

There were lots of hand-on exhibits for Maddie to tinker with and a cool Imax movie, “A Beautiful Planet,” that showed a little about life on the space station and a lot

about what our fragile planet looks like from outer space. But I wasn’t really prepared for the Saturn V Hall, with the immense rocket hanging overhead — a reminder of what a monumental undertaking the Apollo program was. There were training capsules on

display showing the cramped quarters early astronauts like John Glen had to endure. And there was the actual Apollo 16 capsule and a mock up of a lunar module — Apollo 12’s quarantine facility and more. But the thing that brought it all home to me was that photograph of the footprint on the moon left behind by Apollo 11. I like many of my generation watched that landing on television. And when I think of that footprint in context with the Imax feature we watched — I can only hope that perhaps by going out there — we can turn around and see what we are doing down here and realize that we actually have the science and know-how to protect and preserve our big blue marble and that the quest for space is not a quest for some new marble to defile and destroy but a quest to expand our knowledge and compassion and make it universal. (Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

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