Smoky Mountain News | July 24, 2019

craft distilling law will help the industry Page 18

Sylva Art + Design Committee gets the ball rolling Page 26

On the Cover:

Amid the recent nationwide outbreak of measles, the debate regarding the risks and benefits of vaccines has heated up once more. Local anti-vaccination advocates recently held a public meeting in Waynesville advertised to give parents information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, but health experts still find fallacies in their arguments.

News

Final list of candidates for municipal elections.......................................................... 4 Members appointed to Jackson health board ..........................................................11 Angel Medical Center project moves forward ........................................................12 River Road not safe enough, citizens say ................................................................13 Cherokee holds fourth annual Rally for Recovery ..................................................14 State passes ‘Death by Distribution’ law ..................................................................15 Budget stalemate drags on ..........................................................................................17 Craft distilling law will help the industry ....................................................................18 Health News ......................................................................................................................21

Opinion

What Rep. Queen didn’t say about budget standoff ............................................22

A&E

Sylva Art + Design Committee gets the ball rolling ..............................................26

Outdoors

Floral delight on the Parkway ........................................................................................40

The Naturalist’s Corner

“There is a singer everyone has heard…”..................................................................54

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Six sign up to run for Sylva commissioner

Full slate of candidates in Franklin

BY J ESSI STONE

N EWS E DITOR

Now that the sign-up period is over, there’s a full slate of candidates running for seats on the Franklin Town Council.

Three four-year seats are open on the board and eight candidates have signed up to run, including two incumbents. While incumbent Adam Kimsey — who served one four-year term — is stepping down, incumbents Joe Collins and Brandon McMahan signed up to reclaim their seats. They will be challenged by TJ Wright, Jack Horton, Michael Lewis, Daniel Coates, Charles Kevin Klatt and Peter Mosco. Some of the names are new to town politics while others are quite familiar. Horton has served two stints as Macon County’s manager —  1985-1991 and again from 2008 until he retired in 2013. He also served as the county manager for Haywood County from 1991 until 2006.

Lewis is a civilian employee with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and worked as a reporter and then news editor at The Franklin Press from 2003-2015.

Then there is a two-year unexpired term open on the board. Councilmember Billy Mashburn passed away just days before the 2017 municipal election, but he was still re-

elected to the board. The Town Council decided to appoint his widow Dinah Mashburn to the board to fill his seat until the next election.

Now Dinah is running unopposed to fill the remainder of Billy’s term.

The mayor’s seat is also up for re-election this year. Incumbent Mayor Bob Scott signed up to run for his fourth two-year term and current Councilmember Barbara McRae is challenging him for the seat. If McRae loses the mayoral race, she will be able to keep her seat on the board and serve out her remaining two years, but if she wins the board will have to appoint someone to fill her vacated seat.

Klatt is the owner of Ruby City Gems & Minerals.

Mosco was a building contractor for 25 years, is a licensed Realtor and broker and has served on the town’s Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals board since 2013.

Incumbent Councilmember Joe Collins, a local attorney, served as Franklin’s mayor for 10 years before retiring in 2013. He is running for his second term on the board. McMahan is also running for a second term after being the top vote-getter in the 2015 election. Once the co-owner of The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub in downtown, McMahan is now an elementary school teacher in Macon County.

Highlands Board of Commissioners has three seats open and seven candidates have signed up to run:

• John “Buzz” Dotson (incumbent)

• Eric Pierson (incumbent)

• Mark Hehn

• Hank “Henry” Ross

• Nicholas McCall

• Brian Stiehler (incumbent)

• Michael David Rogers

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

Unless someone else signs up to run for Mayor of Forest Hills by noon on Friday, July 26, the Sylva Board of Commissioners will be the only contested race in Jackson County this year.

With three seats up for election, six people have signed up to run for a seat on Sylva’s governing body. While incumbents David Nestler and Greg McPherson are running for re-election, longtime member Harold Hensley is not. Danny Allen, who sat on the board for 12 years before losing a race for the mayor’s seat against incumbent Lynda Sossamon in 2017, will run for election again. Benjamin Guiney, a member of the town’s planning board, is mounting a campaign, and so are political newcomers Luther Jones and Carrie McBane.

Town elections are nonpartisan, so candidates’ party affiliations will not appear on the ballot. However, according to state records Nestler, Allen and McBane are registered as Democrats, while McPherson, Jones and Guiney are registered as unaffiliated.

None of the candidates are registered as Republican.

In the Village of Forest Hills, incumbent Mayor Kolleen Begley opted not to run for reelection this year, and when nobody had signed up for the seat by the time filing closed at noon Friday, July 19, the Board of Elections extended the deadline for another week. James Wallace filed to run for the seat on Monday, July 22, but filing will remain open through noon Friday, July 26.

“I have sincerely enjoyed working with and for community members, but it’s time for someone else to step up,” said Begley.

When her current term ends, Begley will have sat as mayor for six years, previously serving as the town’s clerk and before that as its finance officer. Incumbent Forest Hills Council Members Timothy Eckard and Jonathan Brooks will run uncontested to seek re-election.

In Webster, Kelly Donaldson will seek reelection but Billie Jo Bryson will not. However, L. Allen Davis is running for a seat on the board. Both candidates will run uncontested.

Contests in Haywood are few, but important

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

The races for this fall’s municipal elections are set, and depending on where you live, things could get interesting.

Across Haywood County’s four municipalities, 15 seats are up this year, and six of them are uncontested. That leaves nine competitive races featuring 15 candidates, five of whom are incumbents.

Canton Alderman Dr. Ralph Hamlett and Mayor Pro Temp/Alderwoman Gail Mull will return to their seats, as no one filed to run against them.

The unexpected resignation of Alderman James Markey, though, means there is a twoyear aldermanic seat on the ballot this year, and that opportunity drew two challengers: Pisgah High School science teacher Tim Shepard, 44, and 29-year-old Arron Jones, a clerk and customer sales rep at Tammy’s Jewelry in Waynesville.

In Clyde, all incumbents will return to their respective offices, as no one filed to challenge Jim Trantham for mayor, or John Hemmingway, Dann Jesse or Diane Fore for alderman.

Maggie Valley’s mayoral race is set —

No contest in Bryson City race

BY J ESSI STONE

N EWS E DITOR

The Bryson City Board of Aldermen race had little interest this year with only three candidates signing up to run and none of them contested.

Incumbent Mayor Tom Sutton signed up to run for a third term in office and doesn’t have any challengers. Sutton won his first term in office as a write-in candidate against the only other candidate on the ballot — Jeramy Shuler — by 22 votes. In 2015, Sutton narrowly defeated his mayoral challenger Catherine Cuthbertson by only six votes.

The Board of Aldermen has two seats open — incumbent Heidi Ramsey-Woodard signed up to run for another term and newcomer Chad Smith signed up to run for a seat. Unless a write-in candidate campaign heats up between now and election day, both Ramsey-Woodard and Smith will get a fouryear term.

Long-time Alderman Jim Gribble did not sign up to run for another term.

The 2019 municipal election in Bryson City is a drastic contrast to the slate of candidates that signed up to run for the board in 2015 when four challengers signed up to run against Gribble and fellow incumbent Kate Welch.

While Gribble and Welch represented

aldermen Dr. Janet Banks and Mike Eveland will campaign to replace Mayor Saralyn Price, who announced last winter she wouldn’t seek re-election. Banks’ candidacy means her aldermanic seat is now open as was that of Alderman Phillip Wight. Wight filed, and so did his wife, Tammy. They’re joined by Allen Alsbrooks.

As with Maggie Valley, Waynesville will see a high-profile mayoral race featuring two local government veterans — current Mayor Gavin Brown, and Alderman Gary Caldwell. All Waynesville aldermanic seats are up for election this fall, and Caldwell isn’t seek-

ing his, but the other three incumbents are –Julia Boyd Freeman, Jon Feichter, and Dr. LeRoy Roberson all filed for re-election. They’ll be challenged by local attorney Chuck Dickson, tech professional and Planning Board Vice Chairman Anthony Sutton and former DEA agent Joel Reece. The top four vote-getters will win seats. As of Wednesday, July 24, Election Day is 104 days away, and will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. For more information, visit the Haywood Board of Elections at www.haywoodcountync.gov/173/elections.

the old guard, the slate of new candidates wanted to have a fresh perspective on the board — one that was encouraging of local business growth as well as the wellbeing of residents. The outpouring of new candidates was likely a result of an ongoing dispute at the time between the town and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The railroad, with support from the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, wanted the town to

close off Fry Street near the train depot to vehicular traffic for the safety of passengers and with the hopes of turning the area into a public pedestrian plaza. However, the town board kept denying the request.

With Ramsey-Woodard winning the 2015 election and unseating Welch, she was able to break the 3-2 hold on the Fry Street vote and the board finally approved the street closure in 2018. Then Ben King, co-owner of Bryson City Outdoors, was elected to the board in 2017, bringing another young and progressive face to town politics. Since the Fry Street debate died down, the board has been working well together with their number one focus on improving and replacing the town’s aging water and sewer system.

WHAT IS INULIN?

Inulin is a prebiotic dietary fiber (a fructo-oligosaccharide – FOS) and may be listed in ingredients as “chickory root”.

What is it made from? Inulin is extracted from the root of the chickory plant and is also found naturally in other plants and grains like wheat, bananas and onion.

What products may have inulin added to them? You may find inulin in a variety of products as it contributes to taste, texture, adds fiber and can be used to reduce the need for some of the sugar and fat in items.

• Dairy products like yogurt, ice cream and drinkable yogurt beverages

• Cereals

• Snack and meal replacement bars

What are the health benefits of inulin?

Because inulin is a prebiotic dietary fiber it may contribute to gut health and weight loss for some individuals.

What are the side effects/concerns about inulin?

Some individuals sensitive to fructans may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when consuming products containing inulin, leading to gas and bloating

Sources: https://www.inspiredbyinulin.com/inulin.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705355/

Unhealthy debate Medical experts debunk claims by anti-vaccination advocates

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Education, litigation, big pharm, little children, doctors, disease, disability, death — the debate surrounding vaccination thrives at the intersection of some of the most contentious topics of the day.

It’s an emotional subject, to be sure, but it’s also one of the most rigorously vetted and empirically analyzed, owing to the scientific nature of medicine.

Some, however, still believe that vaccination is unsafe, unhealthy and unnecessary, right in the middle of the worst national measles outbreak in two decades.

Cloaked in problematic conclusions divined from discredited studies and debunked “experts,” anti-vaccination advocates implore the public to demand of vaccine manufacturers accountability, transparency and academic rigor — principles for which a recent presentation in Haywood County was sorely lacking.

DOWN WITH DISEASE

The practice of vaccination is a relatively recent scientific development, with some of the first significant achievements taking place during the 1790s when English scientist Edward Jenner began transferring material from the cowpox wounds of one person to the arm of a different, healthy person.

This deliberate introduction of disease — albeit, a weakened strain of it — provokes the body’s immune system to produce a variety of defenses against the fullstrength disease itself. Of course, this does carry risk and can lead to illness or death, especially in patients with compromised immune systems.

As medical science advanced so did the study of vaccines, leading to the introduction of some of the first major vaccines in the early part of the 20th century, including pertussis in 1914, diphtheria in 1926 and tetanus in 1938. In 1948, these were combined into one, known as the DTP vaccine.

During the 1950s, every parent’s nightmare was polio, an infectious disease that can lead to paralysis. In 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk introduced his polio vaccine, which had an immediate and dramatic impact, slashing the number of annual U.S. polio diagnoses from more than 15,000 per year to about 10 per year in less than two decades.

“When I was a kid, when the polio vaccine came out, every parent wanted their kid to have that vaccine,” said Patrick Johnson, Haywood County’s director of public health. “Everybody feared polio. And when they came out with an Ebola vaccine in Africa, everybody’s going to want that vaccine, because they fear Ebola.”

Johnson’s been a public health nurse for more than 35 years, including 27 years in the United States Air Force, seven of which he served as an immunization officer.

During that time, those vaccines were administered to men, women and children, along with the next crop of vaccines that emerged in the late 1960s — measles (1963), mumps (1967) and rubella (1969) which were merged into MMR in 1971.

Throughout the 1970s, the only vaccines generally recommended were DTP, Polio and MMR.

The smallpox vaccine, which had been studied since the time of Edward Jenner, was actually removed from the list of recommended vaccines during the 1970s because successful administration of the vaccine in decades prior made the smallpox virus nearly extinct in the U.S.

Despite the success of these vaccines in promoting public health, by the early 1980s anecdotal reports of degenerative brain injury due to the pertussis component of the DTP vaccine began to arise and with them, lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers.

This forced some manufacturers to stop making the vaccine, made it difficult for other manufacturers to obtain liability insurance and drove up the price of the DTP vaccine for consumers, threatening the very existence of the industry as a whole.

There was, however, just one problem: the anecdotal reports of DPT’s dangers were just that — demonstrably false, unsubstantiated claims. The brain injuries reported were later traced to another medical condition altogether, infantile epilepsy.

That whole episode led to the creation of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. Signed by President Ronald Reagan with bipartisan support, the Act prohibited lawsuits from being filed directly against manufacturers and instead directed them to what’s called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP).

The Act also levied a 75-cent tax on all vaccines, which went into a fund used by the NVICP to pay out compensation claims when warranted.

Conspiracy theorists cite this event as a watershed moment in the anti-vaccination narrative by alleging improper government protectionism in the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, when in reality the Act was a direct response to unsubstantiated claims made in frivolous lawsuits.

Thus emboldened by the purportedly nefarious intent of the Act, the anti-vaccination movement would revel in yet another pyrrhic victory just a few years later.

BY THE NUMBERS

N.C. VACCINATION RATES

School vaccination rates are a matter of public record in North Carolina, and per G.S.130A155(c), public, private and religious schools must file an annual immunization report with the North Carolina Department of Public Health by Nov.1 each year.

That report must contain the following information: the number of children attending the school or facility, the number of children who had not obtained the required immunization(s) within 30 calendar days of their first attendance, the number of children who received a medical exemption and the number of children who received a religious exemption.

The lists that follow were created by The Smoky Mountain News from those reports, which can be found here:

www.mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wcqs/files/201808/20172018_kindergarten_immunization_reporting_data_by_school__003_.pdf

The column labeled “percent unvaccinated” is the sum of students receiving a medical exemption (usually because of compromised immune systems), students receiving a religious exemption (no verification from religious authorities is required for such an exemption, only a written statement form a parent or guardian) and students who had not been granted an exemption and still had not been vaccinated in accordance with state law, which mandates MMR, DTP, polio, rubella, mumps, Hib, hepatitis B and chicken pox.

2017-2018 N.C. kindergarten immunization in the WNC region

Most Western North Carolina counties report more unvaccinated students than the statewide average; only Madison, Jackson, Haywood, Graham and Swain counties have fewer unvaccinated students than the statewide average.

2017-2018 N.C. kindergarten immunization reporting by school type

Across the state, private and charter schools showed a higher percentage of unvaccinated students than public schools, however, due to their relative scarcity – 428 private schools and 134 charter schools with a total enrollment of about 16,000 – only around 1,300 of these students are unvaccinated, compared to 1,324 public schools with a lower percentage of unvaccinated students but a higher overall number of unvaccinated students, about 5,900.

2017-2018 N.C. kindergarten immunization reporting by school

In The Smoky Mountain News’ four-county coverage area, most schools have fewer unvaccinated students than the state average. In June, Haywood County Schools created a policy that mandates removing unvaccinated children from schools for 21 days if a case of measles occurs at their school. Shining Rock Classical Academy, a charter school in Haywood County, had the highest rate of unvaccinated students in the county, but refused to comment on whether or not it also had such a policy.

Haywood Kindergarten Percent

2017-2018 N.C. kindergarten immunization reporting by county

Buncombe County ranks third overall in North Carolina for the highest percentage of unvaccinated students. By and large, the vast majority of unvaccinated students across the state claim religious exemptions. Only 60 of more than 1,880 North Carolina schools have a higher rate of medical exemption than religious exemption. Across the country, most states allow some form of religious exemption, but the state of New York recently abolished the practice while in the midst a measles outbreak.

In 1998, one of the world’s oldest weekly peer-reviewed medical journals, The Lancet, published a study that would come to be known as the Wakefield study.

Along with a dozen colleagues, British physician Dr. Andrew Wakefield authored a paper that suggested the MMR vaccine “may predispose to behavioral regression and pervasive developmental disorder in children,” according to the April 2011 issue of the Indian Journal of Psychology.

The study alarmed the medical community as well as the parents of young children, who reacted as most parents would — they stopped vaccinating their children.

There was, however, a problem with that, too: today, the Wakefield study is considered one of the greatest examples of medical fraud in history.

Scholars soon seized on Wakefield’s small sample size, poor experiment design and unsupported conclusions. Wakefield’s claims were completely refuted, 10 of the 12 authors retracted the study, and in 2010 The Lancet retracted the study altogether. That same year, Wakefield was stripped of his license to practice medicine.

It was later revealed that the Wakefield study was funded by attorneys who specialized in suing vaccine manufacturers, meaning Wakefield had engaged in deliberate fraud for financial gain.

“Scientists and organizations across the world spent a great deal of time and money refuting the results of a minor paper in The Lancet and exposing the scientific fraud that formed the basis of the paper,” concludes the Indian Journal of Psychology’s article. “Appallingly, parents across the world did not vaccinate their children out of fear of the risk of autism, thereby exposing their children to the risks of disease and the well-documented complications related thereto. Measles outbreaks in the UK in 2008 and 2009 as well as pockets of measles in the USA and Canada were attributed to the nonvaccination of children.”

The Indian Journal of Psychology article also admits — somewhat sheepishly — that it is a “matter of concern” that the exposé came as “a result of journalistic investigation, rather than academic vigilance followed by the institution of corrective measures.”

The journalist, Brian Deer of Britain’s Sunday Times, had also done earlier reporting on false allegations claiming a link between vaccines and autism.

If anything, both Deer and Wakefield reinforced the critical importance of the basic tenets of scientific inquiry — empirical investigation, theory-based research, clear methodology, rigorous logic, repeatability and transparency.

‘RECORDING PROHIBITED’

On Thursday, July 18, an informational event held by registered nurses Maureen McDonnell and Janet Presson at the countyowned Haywood County Public Library got off to an inauspicious start.

Titled “Vaccines: are they really safe and effective?” the event was advertised on

Facebook as well as by paper handbills, and invited the public to “come get answers to all your questions about safety testing, side effects, efficacy, how vaccines are approved, immunity and product liability.” The flyer also advertised refreshments, handouts and door prizes to entice the public to attend.

Local mom Melanie Williams facilitated the event and its hour-long slide presentation, which she said would be informative in nature.

“I want to be very clear that this is not an anti-vaccine event. This is a vaccine education event, and I want that on the record. We’ve already had some trouble with misconstruction [sic] on that,” Williams said. “We do not claim or accept the title of anti-vaccine. This is about education and choice, so please make sure any reference you make to the event that you’re clear about that.”

At the commencement of the presentation, McDonnell told the audience that video or audio recording would not be allowed.

Kimberly King of Asheville’s WLOS-TV was present with a camera crew and voiced her displeasure, but McDonnell reiterated that she would not permit recordings because it was the first time they’d done such a presentation, and she didn’t feel it was “polished.”

WLOS then told McDonnell that they would call the county attorney, just as Williams’ husband, Chris, rose from the audi-

UNHEALTHY DEBATE

ence and stood in front of the WLOS camera, blocking the shot.

Reporting for The Smoky Mountain News, I told McConnell that I was not recording for broadcast purposes, only for accuracy, but was still denied permission. I questioned the logic of not creating a permanent record of the event to ensure clarity and told McConnell that this being a county-owned building, I would record anyway.

Eventually, someone — WLOS credits an unnamed library employee — told McDonnell to drop her objections to recording.

“Alright,” McDonnell said. “You do have a right to record, and we may not be as polished as we like but again, we are open to discussion afterwards if there’s questions you have.”

Turns out, whoever that person was, was right.

“Since the event was a public event, the recording of the voices and images of persons present at the event is governed by N.C. law, not any county ordinance,” said Haywood County Attorney Frank Queen. “In general, persons voluntarily present at a public event do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy at that public event, which makes the recording of their voices and images permissible. If a member of the public can be at an event, then a representative of the press can equally be there. If a member of the public

While the CDC won’t call it an “epidemic,” it does call the thousand-plus measles cases diagnosed in the U.S. so far this year an “outbreak,” which is accurate considering the CDC declared measles “eliminated” in 2000 when only 86 cases were diagnosed across the nation.

could record the voice or images of persons present, then a representative of the press can likewise make such a recording.”

The presentation’s inauspicious start didn’t set well with the county’s public health director.

“Well that bothered me from the get-go,” said Johnson, who attended the event and as a vegetarian, a stroke survivor and a public health director has more than a passing interest in the academic integrity of a health care presentation. “Right away, I heard somebody say they were going to contact the county lawyer, so I figured immediately that would get reversed. I also thought if they didn’t want it recorded, they didn’t want the general public to know what they were going to be saying, so that concerned me.”

LOGICAL FALLACIES

Johnson’s concerns over transparency were shown to be warranted once McDonnell, a pediatric registered nurse for 42 years who worked in labor and delivery,

served as a national coordinator for the Defeat Autism Now! conferences and as the health editor of WNC Woman Magazine, began her 40-slide presentation.

“There’s a pattern to the anti-vax movement and to the arguments,” Johnson said the next day. “In retrospect, that was a very slick anti-vax presentation. They cherry-pick little things about vaccines for some misleading suppositions.”

Those misleading suppositions are based on misrepresentation of facts, errors of omission, dubious sourcing and improperly equating correlation with causation.

“In 1986 about 12.8 percent of our kids had chronic illness — asthma, allergies eczema,” McDonnell said at the outset. “They had to bus us 45 minutes to see one child with autism, to observe one child with autism, back then. We just had a very low percentage of kids with chronic illnesses back then as opposed to today, over half of our children have been diagnosed with these conditions — one or more chronic illnesses.”

Her slide said the number of kids with

chronic illness today is 54 percent, but a 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 85 percent of U.S. children aged 5 through 11 are in “excellent or very good health.”

Nevertheless, the “13 to 54 percent” figure would permeate the presentation, with McDonnell, Presson and Williams presenting vaccination as the only likely culprit.

That 1986 date figures prominently in the anti-vax narrative as well.

“Encephalitis and encephalopathy have been reported,” it says, “approximately once for every 3 million doses of M-M-R II or measles-, mumps-, and rubella-containing vaccine administered since licensure of these vaccines.”

McDonnell, aided by fellow nurse Presson, then presented a trio of video clips featuring discredited “experts” who project a veneer of authority but have been publicly admonished, ostracized or sanctioned by most of mainstream academia.

“In 1986 something interesting happened,” McDonnell said. “The vaccine industry went to Congress and they said, ‘You know what? We’re getting sued left and right, folks. You’ve got to help us here.’ It was mostly the DPT vaccine at that time that was problematic, and there were a lot of lawsuits and they said ‘Please, we’re going to get out of the business and stop making vaccines if you don’t help us.’”

McDonnell’s right — vaccine manufacturers were being sued “left and right.”

What she failed to mention was that they were being sued over unsubstantiated claims made in frivolous lawsuits that directly led to the creation of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.

“They passed a law that said the vaccine industry is now no longer liable for any injury caused by vaccines,” said McDonnell. ‘It gave blanket immunity to vaccine manufacturers.”

Also somewhat true — except that the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program that was created by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 and is funded by a tax on vaccines does allow for compensation to bona fide victims of vaccine injury.

“So again, in 1986 we had about 13 percent of kids with chronic illnesses, and now we have a much higher percentage,” McDonnell said, strongly implying that the 1986 legislation was somehow responsible for the 54 percent figure that isn’t real in the first place.

“There is a very big push right now to convince all of us that vaccines are completely safe and they are completely effective,” she continued, neglecting to mention the voluminous documentation that comes with most medicines and vaccines today.

According to the FDA, the packaging insert included with the MMR vaccine provides almost a thousand words worth of warnings and precautions.

“Safety and effectiveness of measles vaccine in infants below the age of 6 months have not been established,” it reads.

“Safety and effectiveness of mumps and rubella vaccine in infants less than 12 months of age have not been established … . As for any vaccine, vaccination with M-MR II may not result in protection in 100% of vaccinees.“

Side effects listed on the insert include fever, headache, dizziness, malaise and irritability, along with other, more serious adverse reactions.

First was noted anti-vaccination advocate Del BigTree, a former film student and Dr. Phil show producer who in 2016 produced the movie “Vaxxed: From cover-up to catastrophe.” The film was directed by (former) doctor, Andrew Wakefield.

Next was Dr. Bob Sears, a California pediatrician whose license was revoked by the Medical Board of California in June 2018, for writing inappropriate vaccine exemptions, according to Forbes magazine. Sears’ revocation was stayed, pending 35 months of probation and adherence to sanctions including additional education and supervision by a physician with whom he has no prior relationship, but as also reported by Forbes a month ago, Sears had once again come under scrutiny for the same actions that got him in trouble in the first place.

Last but not least was Dr. Christopher Shaw, who narrated an animated sequence

“This anti-vax thing is silly, and it shuts down discussion, and discourse, and I believe that strongly. None of us are antivaccine, we’re pro-vaccine safety, provaccine education.”

— Maureen McDonnell

describing his study of adjuvants, specifically aluminum, in mice. Adjuvants are additives in vaccines that help the active ingredient linger longer in the human body, producing better results with lower dosages of the active ingredient, which is, again, a disease that brings with it a small risk.

In 2011, Shaw published two reports claiming his mice exhibited clear degradation in behavior, cognition and motor function after the subcutaneous injection of aluminum.

“Once we sacrificed the animals and started looking inside their brains and spinal cords, we found massive damage to motor neurons, and so we may be creating the conditions for Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease. Maybe not immediately,” says Shaw in the video, “but maybe 20, 30, 40 years down the road. We had some concerns when we released the study that it might trigger a bit of a backlash. It actually triggered a lot of silence.”

None of that is true. The World Health Organization quickly called the reports “seriously flawed,” and as in the case of Wakefield, it was later revealed that Shaw had accepted funding — to the tune of $900,000 — from interest groups with anti-vax agendas. As recently as 2017, Shaw has retracted papers claiming that aluminum adjuvants caused symptoms “consistent with those in autism” in mice, according to well-known tech blog Ars Technica.

McDonnell continued the presentation by re-presenting the “13 to 54” percentage with a slightly different, albeit similarly flawed approach.

“Autism, when I was in nursing school, it was 2 per 10,000,” she said. “Now it’s about 1 in 59 according to the CDC.”

One of the very first studies on autism — from Britain, involving children born in 1970 who were tested at the age of five — suggested an autism incidence rate of 4.5 per 10,000, but a 2001 study published by the British Medical Journal reexamined those results with modern criteria. When they did, they found the rate closer 37.6 per 10,000.

McDonnell’s 1 in 59 rate translates to about 170 in 10,000— an increase nonetheless, but not quite as dramatic as portrayed.

Dr. Stephen Wall, a Haywood County pediatrician for 30 years, thinks this is because of both changes in diagnostic approaches as well as increasing exposure to toxic substances.

UNHEALTHY DEBATE

McDonnell, Presson and Williams.

“I did Google anti-vax arguments,” Johnson told Williams. “What we’ve heard here tonight were the typical anti-vaccine arguments.”

McDonnell, though, called it a “healthy debate.”

“There’s

rash and a cold for a week.”

While the CDC won’t call it an “epidemic,” it does call the thousand-plus measles cases diagnosed in the U.S. so far this year an “outbreak,” which is accurate considering the CDC declared measles “eliminated” in 2000 when only 86 cases were diagnosed across the nation.

Measles “is not a mild disease,” according to Johnson.

“People can become deaf from measles,” he said. “They can have encephalitis from measles and they can die from measles. It’s nothing you want your child to go through.”

Somebody with measles, Johnson said, is contagious two weeks before they show signs of the condition, but students in many states, including North Carolina, can be granted exemptions from required vaccines for medical reasons, or for religious reasons.

“In our schools, we know that there are ‘x’ amount of children who are not vaccinated, and a few of them are immune-compromised, and they could be exposed to a child with measles, so it’s not an innocent type of thing,” he said (see By the numbers, page 6). “Pregnant women should not get measles. We definitely don’t want it to be spreading.”

The State of New York recently did away with the religious exemption — a severe reaction to the rash of cases they’d been experiencing — but closer to home, Haywood County Schools introduced a precautionary statement to parents in June.

“I think the diagnoses have greatly expanded, but we have to wonder what people are exposed to — plastics, chemicals pesticides,” said Wall. “In San Francisco they did an analysis of cord blood. They found 200 different chemicals from industry and agriculture that are not normally present in the placenta. So we don’t really know the effect of all this stuff.”

But do vaccines cause or contribute to the rise in autism diagnoses?

“Absolutely not. That’s been totally disproven,” Wall said. “Millions and millions of dollars and hundreds and hundreds of scientific hours have been spent exposing this. It started in England with Wakefield. He was banned from practicing medicine and his article was withdrawn from a British medical journal. This has all been shown to be bogus, and he has made a great name for himself promoting fear.”

Patrick Johnson had raised his hand a number of times during the presentation despite direction from McDonnell to save all questions for the end.

“Number one, I was bothered that they wouldn’t let me respond. Almost every slide, I was raising my hand because I felt like there was misinformation on virtually every slide,” he told The Smoky Mountain News the next day, adding that he felt the entire presentation was nonscientific.

At the end of the 75-minute presentation, Johnson finally got his chance to address

“We’re not anti-vax, we’re pro-children’s health, we’re pro-vaccine education,” she said. “You can go around and call us what you’d like, but this anti-vax thing is silly, and it shuts down discussion, and discourse, and I believe that strongly. None of us are antivaccine, we’re pro-vaccine safety, pro-vaccine education.”

Johnson briefly sparred with the presenters over thimerisol, a mercury-based preservative they correctly pointed out is an ingredient in a very limited number of vaccines but failed to note was also the subject of reporting by Sunday Times journalist Brian Deer, prior to his blowing the whistle on Wakefield.

Deer’s reporting helped debunk claims of connections between mercury-based preservatives, like thimerisol, and autism spectrum disorders.

Presson, an Air Force veteran, still blames mercury for her son’s developmental disability.

“Squeaky-clean lifestyle, no drugs, no alcohol, but we [her and her husband] were both fully immunized for worldwide deployability, which may have triggered something,” she said. “He was doing great, meeting all his milestones. We both had master’s degrees, so we were well-educated parents, and everything was fine, everything was on schedule until he got his shots at 15 months. He stopped talking, stopped looking us in the eyes, and never met his milestones again.”

Mountaineer reporter Kyle Perotti asked Presson how she could tell that it was the vaccines that caused the injury.

“There is now lab work you can do with physicians who understand how to read it, and there is a network of these around the country now, and we’ve got one of those that has done the lab work,” she said. “He said

a pattern to the anti-vax movement and to the arguments. In retrospect, that was a very slick anti-vax presentation. They cherrypick little things about vaccines for some misleading suppositions.”

— Patrick Johnson,

Haywood County director of public health

‘Yeah, [your son] is full of mercury.’ He was loaded with mercury, so where else did he get the mercury?”

During the exchange, Johnson even admitted the undisputed fact that vaccines are not 100 percent effective, only to be met with more misinformation from Williams.

“The flu vaccine had a 1 percent effective rate last year,” she told Johnson.

“That’s not so,” he said. “I think it was more like 45 percent effective.”

Data from the CDC says that for the 201819 flu season, effectiveness of vaccines for influenza A or B across all ages was 47 percent; for influenza A (H1N1), it was 46 percent for all ages. In both cases, the effectiveness was about 60 percent for a particularly vulnerable population — those aged 6 to 17 months. For the H3N2 strain across all ages, effectiveness was measured at 44 percent.

THE THREE R’S: READING, WRITING AND … RUBELLA?

Despite Williams’ claims to disavow the anti-vax label, her personal Facebook profile shows she shared an image from a group called “California Anti-Vax Mommies” on April 30 that derided parents of children suffering from measles.

“We do not have a measles epidemic,” it reads. “We have an epidemic of parents who don’t know how to care for a child that has a

“If there is a case of measles in your school, they’re going to pull each child who is not vaccinated from the schools for 21 days,” said Johnson. “It’s considered a best practice by the CDC.”

The Jackson County Department of Public Health issued a similar statement in May.

Johnson opined that if more and more parents stop vaccinating their children, the consequences wouldn’t be pleasant.

“The diseases would come back. It wouldn’t take too long, but the diseases would slowly start to come back,” he said. “When there was a concern about pertussis in Japan in the 1970s and [the concerns] spread across the population and people stopped getting vaccinated, about three years later there was an outbreak – about 36 deaths.”

The CDC actually reports 41 deaths during the 1979 Japanese pertussis outbreak, but amidst all the other misinformation presented at the event, Johnson still believes his time — on behalf of the citizens of Haywood County — was well spent.

“I’m glad I went,” he said. “I never thought I would go to an anti-vax meeting in Haywood County, of all places. I feel bad that somebody has an autistic child, and I’m really surprised that in this day and age people still connect it with MMR. There is a ton of research to show that MMR is not the cause of autism.”

McDonnell, Presson and Williams challenged Johnson to a formal debate or panel discussion, but given the unwavering appeal to discredited so-called experts and studies, Johnson isn’t sure it would do much good.

“I will only do it if I’m joined by a pediatrician,” he said. When asked if he’d join Johnson, Dr. Wall said, “Possibly.”

Members appointed to Jackson health board

Eleven people were appointed to the Jackson County Board of Health on Tuesday, July 16, following a 4-1 vote from the Board of Commissioners.

“Most of these people who served previously have requested to serve again,” said Chairman Brian McMahan. “Some people chose who were previously on the Board of Health chose not to serve again for various reasons, some because they were retiring and wanted to travel — can’t blame them.”

Commissioners voted to appoint Commissioner Gayle Woody as the representative from local government; Kathy Farmer, Ellerna Forney and Luisa McMahan as the three at-large members; David McGuire as the dentist; Jerry DeWeese as the engineer; Emily Buchanan as the nurse; Brandy Hicks as the optometrist; Kim Cowan as the pharmacist; David Trigg as the physician and Doug Homolka as the veterinarian. State law outlines which disciplines members of county health boards should represent.

Of the 11 members, six served on the health board before commissioners dissolved it in 2018. The board will begin meeting as soon as possible after the appointments’ Aug. 1 effective date. Commissioner Mickey Luker voted against the appointments, while Commissioners Boyce Deitz, Ron Mau, Woody and McMahan voted in favor.

Before 2018, the county’s health and social services boards had long operated as separate entities overseeing the health and social services departments, but a series of party-line votes led to those boards being eliminated in favor of consolidating the health and social services departments and appointing a consolidated board to oversee the new entity.

The move was contentious, with speakers at various public hearings and public comment sessions overwhelmingly opposed. Opposition and confusion about the reasons behind the change lingered among members on the consolidated board, and when they voted to delay hiring a director for the new consolidated department until after the November 2018 elections, commissioners voted in a 3-2 decision on Aug. 20, 2018, to eliminate the board altogether and appoint themselves in its place.

Throughout the process, Republican commissioners had favored consolidation and Democratic members had opposed it. When the Democrats regained a majority in the last election, they quickly moved to restore the boards back to the way they were before consolidation.

The vote to create a new board of social services and board of health took place on March 19, passing 3-2. However, in order for that vote to translate into action members had to be appointed to the new boards.

The health board now has all the appointments it needs to start meeting, but the county is still waiting on the state’s Social Services Commission to appoint two of the social services board’s five members. Nominations are being accepted through Aug. 30, and the commission will meet on Sept. 11. Commissioners will get to appoint another two members, with those four appointees choosing the fifth board member.

Fake news forum in Sylva

“Fake News, Social Media, Misinformation” will be presented by Dr. Enrique Gomez, assistant professor at Western Carolina University, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 29, at 500 Mill St., in Downtown Sylva.

Gomez will present the pitfalls of social media and misinformation. Q&A will follow. Refreshments will be served. This is a non-partisan event offering information to help the whole community. It is sponsored by the Issues Roundtable and will present a Local Issue Forum every fourth Monday of the month through the summer.

The goal is to attract all types of residents to discuss important issues of the day. Issues Roundtable is affiliated with the Jackson County Democratic Party. Additional information can be found at jacksondems.com or by calling 828.586.6556.

Angel Medical Center project moves forward

Franklin Planning Board approves special permit for new hospital

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Plans to construct a new Angel Medical Center in Franklin moved forward last week after the town planning board approved a special-use permit for the replacement hospital.

Hospital administration had to apply for a special-use permit because the new hospital — to be constructed at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Hunnicut Lane — will be larger than what is typically allowed under the town’s Commercial 3 zoning classification.

According to the application, “Since multiple services and care options will be made available, the building needs to be larger than 30,000 square feet of gross floor area. For this reason a special-use permit is being requested.”

Plans for the $45 million, 82,500-squarefoot replacement hospital have been in the works for the last couple of years under Mission Health, but when Mission sold to for-profit HCA Healthcare the new owner committed to continue with those plans.

HCA is under contract with Entegra Bank to purchase about 13 acres to build the new critical access hospital to replace the aging Angel Medical Center facility located on Riverview Street closer to downtown. The current facility is over 60 years old and many of the patient rooms aren’t large enough to accommodate modern technology needs. HCA has not indicated how the old hospital building will be used in the future or whether it will be sold.

Officials with Angel Medical Center recently presented their plans for the replacement hospital set to be constructed off U.S. 441 in Franklin.

Early plans for the replacement hospital included no more than 30 acute care beds, three shared operating rooms, five intensive care unit rooms, 16 emergency department rooms and one gastrointestinal endoscopy

procedure room. The plans also include space for 134 parking spots. The new hospital will not include plans for a labor and delivery unit — a service Mission decided to discontinue in July, 2017.

To receive a special-use permit, a neighborhood compatibility meeting with neighbors within 400 feet of the property was held. While people had lots of questions and suggestions, Town Planner Justin Setzer said there were no major concerns.

Then the planning board has to ensure the project meets five “Finds of Fact” before approving the permit:

a) The use or development is located, designed, and proposed to be operated so as to maintain or promote the public health, safety, and general welfare.

b) There are, or will be at the time they are required, adequate public facilities to serve the use or development as specific in 152.060, below.

c) The use or development complies with all required regulations and standards of this chapter or with variances thereto, if any, granted pursuant to division (S), below, and with all other applicable regulations.

d) The use or development is located, designed, and proposed to be operated so as to be compatible with the particular neighborhood in which it is to be located.

e) The use or development conforms with the general plans for the physical development of the town as embodied in this chapter, the Principles of Growth, the Thoroughfare Plan, and any other duly adopted plans of the town.

The planning board unanimously approved the permit for HCA, but the Franklin Town Council will still have to give final approval at a future meeting.

Going through the town’s special permit process is one of the final steps before the land acquisition is complete and construction plans get under way. However, the new hospital is not estimated to be completed until 2022.

River Road not safe enough, citizens say

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

Agroup of residents living along South River Road in Jackson County say they’ve noticed an uptick in the number of speeders and commercial vehicles along the rural two-lane, and they’re asking the N.C. Department of Transportation to do something about it.

“We want either restrictions or alterations to the road to accommodate how it’s being used,” said Pam Krauss, one of the leaders of Citizens for River Road Safety.

“Leave it like it is and make some restrictions, or alter it in some way that it can safety accommodate the change.”

Krauss and her husband Eric Myers, who is also involved in the effort, say they noticed a big change in the volume of commercial traffic this May, especially regarding dump trucks. They’re guessing it’s related to construction beginning on a parking deck at Western Carolina University and to DOT projects along N.C. 107.

“It has become the shortcut of choice between 107 and 441, both for commercial and for commuters,” said resident Jenifer Montsinger, who addressed Jackson County Commissioners about the issue July 16 along with Krauss and Myers. “We’re faced daily with speeders, drivers crossing the yellow line both deliberately and otherwise.”

In addition to increased construction traffic, said Myers, the road has seen a steady increase in use due to marketing of the stretch as prime access for recreational fishing. Improved safety measures are needed on North and South River Roads, he said.

To underscore those subjective observations, the group gathered data on speed and vehicle type of traffic traveling South River Road. Each of the five observations was based on one hour of data from varying times of day, collected from either the 1100 or the 900 block of South River. Results showed between 42 and 93 vehicles traveling the road within an hour, with between 3.5 and 19 percent of those vehicles traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour, and between 11.9 and 30.1 percent traveling six to 10 over. A pair of observations made July 11 showed the high volume of commercial vehicles, with 33 dump trucks and 10 commercial vehicles counted between 1 and 2 p.m. and 26 dump trucks and four commercial vehicles between 3 and 4 p.m. Solutions, the residents said, could include a reduced speed limit, restrictions on the sizes of vehicles traveling the road and improvements to the road itself, such as wider shoulders.

During the July 16 commissioners’ meeting, Krauss shared one of her personal experiences involving unsafe conditions on South River Road.

“I faced an oncoming vehicle that was tucked close behind a slow dump truck and

attempted to pass in the oncoming lane, where I fortunately was driving well below the speed limit,” Krauss told commissioners. “We came face-to-face. Lots of swerving occurred, avoiding a very close head-on. That’s just one person. We all have the same stories.”

Citizens for River Road Safety has been putting up signs asking drivers to slow down and has also been circulating a petition, which currently has about 100 signatures, asking for improved safety measures on the road. Members have a meeting to discuss the issue with DOT Division Engineer Brian Burch slated for July 25. Burch said he looks forward to hearing their concerns and seeing what new information the group may have to bring to the DOT’s attention.

Burch said the DOT recently completed a speed study on the road, and while he has not yet had a chance to examine the results he did take a preliminary look at the road last week and didn’t see any glaring issues.

“I felt comfortable driving the speed limit,” he said. “I go out there quite often and I do see typically dump trucks hauling stone or materials to the Cullowhee area, and so I see a lot of those trucks. But as long as they’re hauling a legal load they have the right to be on that road. The pavement structure is adequate. I don’t see anything that’s breaking down there and the shoulders were in good shape.”

It is possible to enact ordinances allowing light traffic only on particular roads, but Burch said he doesn’t expect the road has the physical limitations that would warrant such an ordinance. In addition, it’s important to consider the unintended consequences of banning commercial traffic on a particular road.

“You have to look at if you ordinance this road, what roads would trucks then be forced to use?” said Burch. “Some are acceptable. Some would not be.”

GILES CHEMICAL

Awwarded CCIM Designat

Creating a recovery community

Ladybug Bone, 6, adds a few strokes to a painting created at the Rally for Recovery. The piece will be displayed at the Analenisgi Recovery Center. Holly Kays photo

Cherokee holds fourth annual Rally for Recovery

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

By now, most everyone is familiar — often far too personally — with the toll of the opioid epidemic. Lost lives, stolen futures, vanished trust. Loved ones transformed into unrecognizable ghosts of themselves. Law enforcement, mental health and emergency services pushed past capacity.

But the fourth annual Rally for Recovery in Cherokee, held Thursday, July 18, wasn’t about those problems. Instead, it was about solutions.

“We want to provide opportunities so they can start to create this web for each other in their families, in their friendships, and it’s at events like this that we can get all the people at the table,” said Lara Conner, recovery center supervisor for the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority. “We can get the folks in recovery, we can get their families, we can get their children, we can get the employers and the resources that are out in the community.”

The event featured a program of panels and presentations, kid’s activities and more than 50 vendor tables representing organizations that offer everything from recovery support to dental care to mental health to job training to clean needle exchanges. This year, the event even included a whitewater rafting company, Endless River Adventures based in the Nantahala Gorge.

“We wanted to expand that circle out a little bit more and let people know that it’s not just about taking your medication. It’s not

just about stopping drug use or alcohol use,” said Connor. “It’s about filling your life back up with healthy things. A lot of that’s hobbies. So many of our folks have never known hobbies sober.”

Kayaking — and outdoor adventure in general — is just a good tool for maintaining mental health, regardless of whether or not someone is in recovery, said Zuzana Montagne, a paddling guide and instructor at Endless River who manned a table at the event.

“I know that kayaking is a thing that will help me when I am struggling with stuff,” she said. “It’s something that can bring you calmness and peace and strength.”

Finding those sources of peace is important, said Conner, as is dealing with the underlying “stuff” causing the struggle. Those aren’t just platitudes. Conner, like many professionals in the recovery field, is herself in recovery from addiction. She understands now that her own addiction issues were related to underlying depression, which was related to underlying baggage from her past that she had to work through before she could truly move forward with her life.

“Substance abuse is just one part of it,” she said. “I believe that substance abuse is a symptom of other things that are going on, and a lot of it is caused by childhood trauma of various kinds. For the Cherokee it is historical trauma.”

The goal is to create a community-wide support network to help people confront and grow past the things holding them back from a life of recovery.

Sometimes, though, it’s just about keeping people alive until they’re able to make the decision to get clean.

relationships with them and connecting them to other services, like food pantries, shelters — or, when they’re ready, addiction treatment.

“Really we’re the provider that connects to folks that have no place to go,” Almeida said.

On the other end of the spectrum are the people enrolled in the Mother Town Healing Project, a program that’s been making a big impact in its two years of existence. Mother Town is under the Tribal Employment Rights Office, an organization whose work to maintain lists of Indian-owned businesses and ensure those businesses get proper preference in contract bids might not, at first blush, seem to have a whole lot to do with addiction recovery.

But it does in that, while people recovering from addition might have the potential to be skilled contractors, masons and electricians, they often lack the training or work history to get hired.

“We support recovery by training, education and job skills for people that are in recovery, enrolled members that are in recovery that need to re-enter the workforce,” said Billie Jo Rich, program supervisor. “We have a lot of people who may have been in their active addiction from a very early age, so a lot of people may not have any work history, may not have any training, and may be high school dropouts.”

Get into recovery

The Cherokee Indian Hospital’s Analenisgi Recovery Center offers connection to a full range of recovery services. If you missed the Rally for Recovery but want to learn more about the services available for those battling addiction, visit cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi, call 828.497.9163, ext. 7550, or drop by 375 Sequoyah Trail in Cherokee.

“It’s not just about stopping drug use or alcohol use. It’s about filling your life back up with healthy things.”

— Lara Conner, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority recovery center supervisor

“It needs to be OK to meet people exactly where they’re at, regardless of whether they’re using substances or not,” said Stephanie Almeida, director of Full Circle Recovery and harm reduction coordinator for the Western North Carolina Aids Project. When people with addictions use dirty needles or dirty water to deliver their fix, their chance of contracting serious diseases while in addiction shoots up dramatically. WNCAP provides clean needles and sterile water to clients, in the meantime building

Through Mother Town, they get the education, training and job skills they need to get back in the labor market. The program culminates with an internship component, and many graduates have received permanent employment upon leaving the program. Rich said they’re choosy about who gets one of the five internship slots, because those participants have to be ready to take that step for it to have a chance of success.

“The last thing we want to do is set somebody up for failure,” she said.

In addition, participants must be actively engaged in recovery services. That’s a requirement Rich enacted based on her own experience — like her clients, she’s also in recovery, 22 years in October. Even after all these years, recovery takes work to maintain. In addition, most clients have some type of trauma in their past that compounds addiction issues, making continued treatment even more important.

“Until they deal with that, they’re still going to be struggling and having a rough time,” she said. “It took me a number of years to figure that out, and we’ve seen a lot of success because we’re allowing people to go to classes and groups, whereas most employers will frown on people leaving work for that.”

By helping people who are addicts and enlisting the support of their friends, families and community members, the hope is to create a culture where communication about these issues is encouraged, stigma disappears and widespread support can help even the most seemingly hopeless story have a happy ending.

“We want to help create a recovery community, and it’s happening. It’s expanding in Cherokee,” said Conner. “There are so many people getting clean and staying clean, and they’re helping each other. It’s so awesome to watch.”

State passes ‘Death by Distribution’ law

Drug dealers could face murder charges

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Gov. Roy Cooper signed the Death by Distribution Act into law earlier this month, making it easier for prosecutors to charge drug dealers with seconddegree murder for selling someone a lethal dose.

Under existing law, prosecutors have to prove malice in order to charge someone with second-degree murder for an overdose death, which is often difficult or nearly impossible to do. A prosecutor can charge a dealer with manslaughter without showing malice, but the defendant typically receives probation and is right back on the street.

However, the new law passed — House Bill 474 — would remove that burden of proving malice. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have been supportive of the Death by Distribution Act because they see it as another tool in fighting the drug epidemic, especially opioids like pain pills and heroin.

Having seen so many of these types of cases in her seven-county district of Western North Carolina, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch, served on the committee that helped draft the legislation in Raleigh. With large-scale dealers in communities “peddling poison,” Welch said it’s difficult for those suffering from addiction to be able to get help.

“We’re trying to help the people so addicted to drugs that they can’t help themselves,” Welch said during an April interview with The Smoky Mountain News.

She also said having the chance to convict drug dealers of a more serious crime that is subject to a harsher punishment with prison time gives the victim’s family some sense of justice. Her hope is that harsher penalties could also act as a deterrent to drug dealing.

On the other hand, some in the recovery community say the Death by Distribution Act is counterproductive to understanding addiction and the underlying causes of why people take or sell drugs.

Sheriff investigating infant homicide

Around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, Haywood County Sheriff deputies were called to a residence on Lookout Lane in the Jonathan Creek area in reference to an echo cardiac arrest of a 10-month-old baby. The baby was transported to an area hospital and was pronounced deceased later that evening.

Law enforcement and medical person-

The North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, a nonprofit that has done quite a bit of work in Western North Carolina over the last year, adamantly opposed the legislation but it was met with bipartisan support in the General Assembly. Seeing that the measure would most likely become law, the coalition worked toward changing the language to ensure the vulnerable population it aims to protect is shielded from prosecution.

Virgil Hayes, an advocacy and program manager, said the coalition wanted the final version of the bill to include a detailed Good Samaritan provision to give immunity to fellow addicts who may have given the drugs to a friend. What they got, he said, was an “empty provision” that basically says the Death by Distribution Act won’t interfere with current immunities provided by the Good Samaritan Act.

The coalition did have a small victory by getting the language amended so that the legislation had a more clear definition of what is considered an “illegal drug dealer.” Without a more detailed definition, Hayes said the concern is that a fellow addict — maybe a friend or a family member of the victim — could be charged with second-degree murder.

“It’s still not enough to address our concerns with the bill. We don’t know if it will lead to extreme cases like we’ve seen in Ohio where someone set dead bodies on fire inside a vehicle out of fear of being charged under a similar law,” Hayes said. “We hope this law is not weaponized by prosecutors.”

The coalition is continuing it work to expand provisions under the Good Samaritan Act. In the meantime, Hayes said he was in Raleigh Monday when Gov. Cooper signed the Opioid Epidemic Response Act into law. He said the new law will increase access to opioid treatment options and lift any standing bans on funding for clean needle exchange programs.

“Those are important things that need to be addressed and this is an opportunity to really provide education and build awareness because some people still don’t fully understand the complexities of these issues,” he said.

The Death by Distribution Act doesn’t go into effect until Dec. 1, 2019.

nel observed several injuries on the baby. On Friday, July 19, detectives continued to work through the investigative process while the medical examiner’s office is conducting an autopsy.

Preliminary autopsy findings show the death of 10-month-old Chloe Evans was a homicide. Suspect information is not available for release at this time. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing. Charges have not been filed at this point in the investigation.

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Waynesville Rep. Joe Sam Queen speaks at a town hall meeting in Waynesville on Saturday, July 20. Cory Vaillancourt photo

Budget stalemate drags on

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Although Republicans still control both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly, Democratic victories in the 2018 legislative election stripped Republicans of their power to override the veto of Gov. Roy Cooper, D-Rocky Mount. That, said Waynesville Democratic Rep. Joe Sam Queen, has changed the political climate in Raleigh.

“It’s been much more mellow,” said Queen. “Normally, they would just thumb their nose at you and stomp you in the ground, but we really are stopping some stupid stuff.”

Queen still counts the Republican conference budget as one of those things, calling it “capricious and half-baked in every way.”

Cooper vetoed it earlier this summer because it didn’t include provisions for Medicaid expansion, and Democrats like Queen have vowed not to defect and join Republicans in overriding Cooper’s budget veto.

“It wasn’t worth a damn — it left 500,000 folks without healthcare. It didn’t give teachers and state employees the raises they deserve, and we’re going to veto it, because we’re not going to go along with that,” he said. “I’m not willing to throw 500,000 North Carolina citizens under the bus, now that we have worked hard to give them the veto to make that case. We’re going to make our case.”

Queen’s fellow WNC legislators Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, and Michele Presnell, RBurnsville, didn’t respond to emails from The Smoky Mountain News seeking comment on the issue, but Sen. Jim Davis, RFranklin, released a statement on Facebook July 22 that blames Cooper’s veto for holding up $74 million in funding for the coun-

ties in his district.

“It’s not right to block all this funding just because of one policy disagreement,” Davis said. “The Governor is holding Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties’ funding hostage over Medicaid expansion, and he refuses to drop his ultimatum so negotiations on the budget can move forward.”

Democrats have presented a “compromise” budget that Republicans don’t seem to eager to entertain.

According to data produced by Queen during a town hall in Waynesville the morning of July 20, it includes a 5 percent raise for all state employees, versus a Republican 5 percent proposal for only 27 percent of employees; a 5 percent increase for non-certified school personnel versus a Republican offer of 2 percent; a 5 percent increase for UNC-system employees versus a Republican 1 percent offer, a 4 percent raise for community college employees versus a 2 percent Republican offer; and a 2 percent cost of living increase for state retirees, versus a 1 percent Republican offer.

It also includes Medicaid expansion, and a proposal to put a $3.5 billion bond issue before voters that if approved would greatly boost capital spending for schools.

Republicans have proposed an alternative to the Invest N.C. Bond, called the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund, or SCIF, that is in actuality discretionary spending equivalent to 4 percent of the budget that can be doled out at will by Republican leadership.

“This is a far better deal in black-andwhite, but you can’t give the big corporations their extra tax break, and you can’t scam 4 percent off the budget and make these numbers work,” Queen said. “It’s exactly the same amount of money in any of these budgets. All these budgets are balanced.”

Cooper’s compromise cuts that SCIF to 1 percent of the budget, with the remaining 3 percent going towards payments on the Invest N.C. Bond.

With little compromise in sight, the stalemate could drag on indefinitely, and could end up making it easy for Republicans to paint Democrats as obstructionists.

“We are in a political culture,” Queen said. “They will spin that the way they will, but they won’t win that argument.”

High spirits: craft distilling bill

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Ahighly-anticipated reform bill that will open up new revenue streams for the state’s estimated 80 craft distillers has cleared the North Carolina General Assembly and currently awaits the governor’s signature.

Gov. Roy Cooper, D-Rocky Mount, is expected to sign the bill, which is being hailed as a game-changer by distillery owners across the state, including Maggie Valley’s Dave Angel.

“We got a lot of what we wanted so this is a giant leap, if you will, for distilling in North Carolina,” Angel said. “This is a turning point for us as a business. It lets us tap into new income streams that we just didn’t have before. I appreciate our legislature seeing that and then helping us — not just us, but this industry.”

When Angel opened his Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Haywood County two years ago, the legal landscape in which he was forced to operate was far different than it is today.

“When we first opened it was one bottle per person per year, and that was incredibly restrictive,” he said. The legislature last year upped that limit to five, but this year did away with the limit all together.

Big changes will soon come to

“That’s life-changing for us. Every day we have people that want to go over the limit and it’s not that they drink that much, it’s that they’re only here once a year, or once in a lifetime,” said Angel. “Our vodka gets rave reviews, and people want to take it home to their daughter’s wedding to have a special

something you can’t get in Iowa or wherever they’re from.”

Angel’s Soco Road distillery indeed receives visitors from across the country and across the world — including a camera crew

from a top-rated British television show,

week — but sees most of his customers from around the region.

“In reality, Florida is the most likely state to come here, South F

Carolina is second, Georgia’s third. North Carolina is the fourth most likely state to visit us,” he said. “We’re catering more to out-of-state customers. Probably 90 percent of our customers are from out of state.”

Abolishing the five-bottle limit will also help Angel speed up his process.

“What happens at the moment when you come in is, we have to take your driver’s license, we have to scan it and enter you in our system, and every time you come back we have to look you up and see how many bottles you’ve bought, do that tracking, make sure you’re not exceeding your capacity,” he said. “On a Saturday when 20 people are in here at one time, they don’t want to wait in line for you to do that for every single person. That loses sales. Now we’ll just be able

many businesses close during the off-season.

“Just from an economic perspective, this will be good not only good for us, but I constantly hear, ‘Where is the nightlife in Maggie Valley?’ There are some places they tend to have their niche crowds that go there, and this is another niche crowd that isn’t being tapped,” he said. “So this is a boost for Maggie’s economy and it also says to other potential distilleries, ‘You want to be in North Carolina.’”

According to Angel, North Carolina is already a big player in the national distillery scene, and craft-crazed Western North Carolina has more than 2,500 people employed in the beer, wine and whisky industry. The passage of the craft distillery

“We got a lot of what we wanted so this is a giant leap, if you will, for distilling in North Carolina.”

— Dave Angel

Perhaps the biggest change in the bill, already becoming apparent to those who pass by the former dinner theater that now plays home to Elevated Mountain, is the opportunity for distilleries to function the way craft breweries do — by selling beer, wine and mixed drinks, including those made from their own line of whiskies.

Currently, and until the bill takes effect Sept. 1, Angel can sell only five quarterounce samples of his offerings per person, per visit.

“We are already working to set up a permanent bar where we can serve cocktails, beer and wine,” he said. “We are working with some local restaurateurs. Food will be from gourmet food trucks. We’re thinking music venue, where people come and grab a drink and something to snack on.”

The most apparent change, though, is already under way on the east side of Angel’s building.

“We’re going to have an outdoor dining area with an outdoor stage,” he said. “We think we can fit 130 people outdoors enjoying music, dragging people in from off the road who will see it and say, “Hey before I go over to the casino, let’s stop in here have a little fun.”

Angel’s whole operation is poised for substantial expansion, and although he’s not the centerpiece of Maggie Valley’s economy, he is an important part of the entertainment scene, which has struggled since troubled amusement park Ghost Town in the Sky closed down a few years ago.

Since then, there’s been an extremely limited nightlife scene in Maggie, which still functions as a sleepy resort town where

law means that amount is almost certain to grow.

“Hopefully, we’ll be opening around February or March,” said Jonathan Blitz, of Durham-based Mystic Farm, the triangle’s only farm-to-bottle distillery. “We’re just waiting on financing.”

Back in February, Blitz told The Smoky Mountain News he too was optimistic and excited about the possibility of the bill passing, and that Mystic Farm, a womanowned, woman-run business, had plans to open a branch here in the mountains — on the site of an 1880s-era grist mill that burned to the ground in 2017 just east of Whittier off U.S. 441 in Jackson County.

“It’s all about the financing, so you never know,” said Blitz, “but obviously we’re hopeful and the passage of the bill makes it a lot more likely, because as a lender looks at this they can say, ‘Oh, here’s this additional revenue stream.’”

Like Angel, Blitz is thankful the legislature was able to bring parity with craft brewers to the distillery business.

“Just to see legislators from across the state recognizing that we’re a benefit and good stewards of the public trust in terms of respecting the permits — that we are responsible permit holders — was really gratifying,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see that trust put in us and expanded somewhat, and I really think that what ABC’s going to see out of this is an increase in sales of North Carolina spirits, and that’s great for everybody because it keeps the revenue in the state in all tiers of distribution. Our product generally sells for a bit more, so you’re going to see better margins for the local ABC board.”

Sign up for health foundation golf tourney

The Haywood Healthcare Foundation will be hosting the 28th annual Charitable Classic Golf & Gala Aug. 28 and Aug. 29.

The golf tournament will begin and women’s teams will begin at 1 p.m. The tournament will continue Aug. 29 with the same start times at Waynesville Inn Golf Resort.

The gala, which will include a dinner buffet, live music, dancing, awards and a silent auction, will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at Waynesville Inn.

The golf entry fee is $150 per person and includes lunch and one ticket to the gala. Discount tickets for men who participate in two tournaments are $250 each and includes two gala tickets. Individual gala tickets may be purchased for $75 each.

To register for golf or to buy a ticket to the gala, call Marge Stiles at 828.452.8343 or visit www.haywoodhealthcarefoundation.org.

Disability agencies get funded

The Evergreen Foundation board of directors recently provided $428,715 in first quarter funding to 13 agencies providing programs and services for individuals with behavioral health, substance use and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Southwestern Child Development received $50,000 for the expansion of their Family Nurse Partnership program into Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counties to assist high risk, first time mothers.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries-NC Serves received $30,000 for the NC Serves Veterans program in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain counties.

Meridian Behavioral Health received four grant awards — $28,783 to support an integrated care pilot program at the Cherokee Health Department; $125,000 to develop and test a pilot model service called Comprehensive Community Support Services for individuals with mental health and substance use issues in Cherokee, Haywood, Jackson, and Macon counties; $52,200 for continued support of the patient assistance program to provide free medication to people in the seven-county area and $55.308 to upgrade computers and technology for the agency.

Renewed Hope received $4,885 to fund upgrades to storage and additional equipment for their saw mill program which assists men recovering from substance use issues in WNC.

Mountain Projects received $5,119 to purchase computers and other technology for the Circles of Hope program in Jackson County and $50,000 to fund the Resilience Model Training in Cherokee, Clay, Swain and Graham Counties.

The 30th Judicial District DV-SA Alliance received $14,155 to assist with setting up an MDMA Assisted Therapy Clinic to help people with PTSD. www.evergreenfoundationnc.org.

AMC earns stroke award

Angel Medical Center in Franklin has once again earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, which recognizes AMC’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

AMC earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period.

AMC also received the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite recognition. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

KARE receives Evergreen grant

The Robert Forga Family KARE House with the support of a $12,265 grant from Evergreen Foundation, will now be able to provide direct, mental health services to the children who visit the facility.

KARE, established in 1991, with the mission to end child abuse through advocacy, education, and support, is one of the oldest accredited child advocacy center’s in the state. Children who are referred for services will not only be provided with a forensic interview and child medical exam but will also have access to a full-time, mental health clinician for continued support.

The trained, mental-health clinician on staff will be a member of Haywood County’s MultiDisciplinary Team (MDT) to assure their mental health is assessed and monitored and that the children’s basic needs are being met.

Harris has new surgeon

Harris Regional Hospital recently hired board certified orthopaedic surgeon Dr. John Songer to Harris Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

Songer completed a residency in

For more information about this program, contact Sandy Fischer at 828.565.4145 or email sfischer@haywood.edu.

Thompson joins healthcare board

Dogwood Health Trust, whose purpose is to improve the health and well-being of all people and communities of Western North Carolina, appointed economic and community development veteran Sarah Thompson, former commissioner of the town of Sylva, to its Board of Directors.

Thompson is executive director of the Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission, an organization she has served for the past eight years. In that role, Thompson oversees programs in the region’s seven westernmost counties, including 17 municipalities and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, related to workforce advancement and retention, aging services, and community and economic investment.

Previously, Thompson was executive director of the Downtown Sylva Association (now known as the Main Street Sylva Association), which works to enhance the city’s urban areas. She also served as Sylva city commissioner from 2007 to 2011 and chaired the Jackson County Planning Board from 2013 to 2015.

orthopaedic surgery at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando and a residency in general surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College after receiving an undergraduate degree from Penn State University.

Harris Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine has offices in Sylva on the second floor of Harris Regional Hospital, 68 Hospital Road, and in Franklin at Harris Regional Hospital Medical Park of Franklin, 55 Holly Springs Road.

To make an appointment, call 828.586.5531.

Nursing test available at HCC

Haywood Community College’s Nursing Assistant students will now be able to take their state certification exams at HCC.

These students must not only pass a written exam but also demonstrate their ability to perform certain skills in front of a state examiner. The first group of nursing assistant students tested recently. Ten students were assessed and all 10 were successful.

Allied Health Coordinator Sandy Fischer stated, “Having state testing at our facility will be a great benefit to our students. Not having to test in unfamiliar surroundings makes students more comfortable and confident when performing skills testing.”

“During my time on the Dogwood Health Trust Board, I hope to be able to use my community-building expertise to prioritize initiatives that will reduce the social and financial burdens that negatively affect the health and well-being of Western North Carolinians,” Thompson said.

HRMC earns patient satisfaction award

Home Care Services of Haywood Regional Medical Center has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs as a “Superior Performer” for achieving an overall patient satisfaction score that ranked in the top 20 percent of all eligible SHP clients for the 2018 calendar year.

The annual SHPBest award program was created to acknowledge home health agencies that consistently provide high quality service to their patients. The 2018 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall satisfaction score for more than 2,500 home health providers.

“We’re truly proud of our team members at Home Care Services of Haywood Regional Medical Center for achieving this widely respected recognition of dedication to providing high-quality service,” said Keith Myers, LHC Group chairman and CEO. “Their commitment to the patients and families we serve –and this recognition of that commitment – is evidence of a unique company culture of service that influences individuals and teams at locations across our organization.”

The years pass, but Edisto remains

This year, it was the deer and the pelicans. We see deer every summer on Edisto Island, but never as many as this year. We saw them every day. Early in the morning, a mother and two fawns, crowding around the gazebo of the house we rented for the week. Late in the evening, on our bike rides through Wyndham Resort as they strolled the dark, empty roadways and pathways, freezing for a moment as we approached and locking eyes with us to determine whether we constituted a threat or were just part of the evening scenery. Sometimes we stopped, just a few feet away, and everything was just utterly still for a few moments, like being in a painting. I thought of Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn.”

“Thou still unravished bride of quietness

Thou foster-child of silence and slow time…”

I have always enjoyed the pelicans, but in years past my favorite thing about them was watching them hunt for food: gliding over the ocean just inches above the surface, rising perhaps 50 feet in the air, circling a moment or two, zeroing in on their prey, pausing dramatically, and then dive-bombing the water with a calamitous splash. Tremendous fun.

This year, I spent much more time admiring their formations, marveling that anything could be so still and so swift all at once, that the formation was one thing, and within it, each individual pelican a separate thing. The one and the many, approaching on the horizon in a giant ‘V,” 30, maybe 40, of them passing overhead, graceful, serene, as if flying were absolutely nothing at all, completely effortless, whereas the seagulls have to make such a production of it, diving and swooping and flapping and craning their necks and squawking for Cheez-its like a bunch of complete fools. God, give me the serenity of a pelican flying in its community, impervious to such indignities, far above the noonday fray of a crowded beach.

No

theocracy for this country

To the Editor:

Have you really, really thought about these five words: “In the beginning God created…? Maybe it’s time to think again. That is due to the fact that there is a never-ending movement to establish Christianity as America’s national religion. This movement is an affront to both Christianity and the First Amendment to Constitution of the United States.

Here’s why. According to the Bible, each individual has the “free will” to accept or reject the teachings therein. It is a belief system based on obedience to the unenforceable. You tell me how any government could enforce the First Commandment-”Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

The First Amendment adheres to this line of reasoning and believing as it states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof… “

Furthermore the Bible is not a book of facts. There are surely some in it, but it rests on historical accounts written by men. For example — “In the beginning” is very imprecise, revealing the fact that no one knows

We have come here every year for summer vacation since the kids were little. My son said it’s like they’ve grown up here, just as they have in the mountains. We made a conscious choice to do it this way, instead of choosing a different vacation destination each summer, which had its own appeal. It wasn’t just because we liked Edisto and its funky, anachronistic vibe the first time we came here 12 years ago.

We wanted the kids to have a special place of their own. We wanted to form traditions here that were solid and long-standing. We wanted them to get to know it in a way that you can’t possibly know a place you’ve been for only a few days. We wanted them to feel a sense of belonging, of knowing their way around, of being part of it, so that their childhood memories of their family on Edisto Island every summer become as much a part of them as the color of their eyes.

And so they have, in fact, grown up here, year upon year, the experiences and memories accumulating like layers of sediment, rich and strong and deep. Our daughter, who was sixyears-old the first time we came, is now 18, literally days away from gliding off in search of a new formation. Our son, who was still in diapers that first year, is now a high school student who towers over his mother. He knows this island better than any of us, since he is always out on his own exploring every inch of it on his bike. He knows the shortcuts to every beach access. Every time we turn around, he’s gone, out somewhere on that bicycle.

Tammy spends every minute she can in the ocean. The

LETTERS

when the beginning was. Each individual could potentially make up his/her own theory about the date or even era. Secondly, “God created… “ Native Indians wanted to know where Europeans’ God came from. Did he create himself?

As a child I attended Long Branch, Locust Field and Jarrett Memorial Baptist Churches in rural Jackson County. I was taught to believe in God and the teachings of the King James Version of the Bible. To this day I believe there are very solid human relations principles in the Bible, especially in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. But, there is no place in the Bible where I read that God or Jesus asked believing Christians to enforce a belief in God. I see only “free will” given to each person to believe or deny. There is no tenet in the Bible that would suggest that America require its citizens to defer to Christian beliefs. No theocracy. There is nothing in our Constitution that would allow/support a theocracy. Individual choice and “free will” must remain our guiding principles.

Know your Bible. Know your Torah. Know your Koran. But, no theocracy!

Dave Waldrop Webster

kids and I can endure a couple or three hours at a time in the sweltering heat of the day, most of which I spend under the canopy reading a novel, a treat I rarely have time for the rest of the year, when I spend most of my time reading essays and research papers written by my college students.

The kids are in and out of the ocean, sometimes playing with their mom out in the waves, other times playing in the sand or eating snacks in their chairs, cords hanging like weird tentacles from their earbuds. Not Tammy. She would float out there all day, the ocean swells bearing her along, the cares of this world melting into a puddle of steaming nothing under the July sun.

I’m happiest in the late afternoon, when the sun has relented at last, the shadows have lengthened, the beach is nearly deserted, and the tide has rolled in all the way up to the bank — the ocean’s balcony seats — near our canopy. In that magical hour, we can sit in our beach chairs and imagine that we are the earth’s first people — or maybe the last — having come to the edge of the world to marvel at the majesty of creation, to ponder eternity. Sometimes we talk about such things. Sometimes we don’t talk at all.

When that hour is up, we move down to Bay Point to watch the dolphins at play in the sunset, our last one before heading home early in the morning. The sky is glowing burnt orange on the horizon, and the pelicans have abandoned their formations to float in the water, bobbing way out there in that bittersweet twilight. We stand ankle deep in the water, watching, waiting. The water in the bay darkens, and the dolphins, the pelicans, and the horizon, too, are all swallowed up by the night as the first stars appear. Good night, Edisto. Until next year, then.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. You can reach him at jchriscox@live.com)

Story of acceptance saddened me greatly

To the Editor:

The article regarding Waynesville’s First United Methodist Church’s from July 10 (www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/ 27236) saddened me greatly. I am a former lesbian that used to attend a church that told me all I wanted to hear, but not what the Word of God said. Believing I was born gay, that is how God created me and that I could not change, I spent many years trying to find peace with God while living in the gay culture.

I was never at peace.

A small whisper kept calling me until I began seeking the truth. There is a way that seems right but its end is death. What good is it if I gained the whole world and satisfied all my lustful pleasures — but, in the end, lost my soul?

We all will die one day. We all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and receive what is due for what we have done in the small moment of time while we were on earth. The Bible is very clear on all types of sin, including homosexuality. Those engaging in any form of sexual immorality, including the act of homosexuality, will not inherit the kingdom of God. Although I did not want to

accept what I was reading in the Bible, I knew it was true.

I fell down in complete repentance, with a pure heart and asked my heavenly Father to change me. I knew this was something I could not do on my own.  I also knew He could and would. As I chose not to engage in same sex relationships, over time the Lord began the restoration in my heart.

That was 25 years ago. I can honestly say that I no longer have any same sex attractions.  I am not the person I used to be.  I am born again! To God be the glory!

I have written my story “Adele’s Journey” and it can be found on Amazon. Or, you can email me for a free copy at adelesjourney@outlook.com.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. With love, in Christ. Adele Newman Waynesville

The four R’s help the earth

To the Editor:

What are you doing to implement the four R’s to help our environment, which are Recycle, Re-use, Reduce and Refuse? There are things that all of us can do to see that

What Queen didn’t tell readers about budget standoff

BY: PATRICK M. G LEASON G UEST COLUMNIST

What Rep. Joe Sam Queen, DWaynesville, failed to mention in his recent column in these pages is that imposing Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion in North Carolina would require state government to spend an additional $6 billion in taxpayer dollars over the next two years alone. Those additional costs would have to be paid by North Carolina taxpayers.

To put things in perspective, that $6 billion increase in state spending over the next two years represents a 28 percent increase in Medicaid spending and an 8 percent increase in total state spending.

Rep. Queen and other supporters of Medicaid expansion talk about spending billions more in federal dollars like that is free money. Two things to remember:

• Money from the federal government is not free money. That money comes from the billions of dollars that North Carolinians send to the IRS every year.

• The federal government is more than $22 trillion in debt, up from approximately $10 trillion in debt only a decade ago. Assumptions that federal government matching funds for Medicaid will continue forever at existing rates are not based in reality.

Rep. Queen issued a call to action in his column, urging readers to “call their elected representatives and tell them to negotiate with their duly elected governor.”

Rep. Queen’s orders to readers are misguided. The optimal conclusion to this budget standoff is for Rep. Queen and his colleagues to simply vote to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the budget that the General Assembly approved in June. Most members of the state legislature want to override Gov. Cooper’s budget veto, but they need a few Democrats to join them in order to achieve the two-thirds supermajority necessary to override the veto.

Queen writes that without a new budget, “many things can’t go forward — raises, for example.” Representative Queen is correct, but all he needs to do to make sure

much of our waste does not go to landfills which are filling up. Over 90 percent of plastics that we use are not recycled and end up in landfills and waterways, killing wildlife and marine animals. Plastic waste takes around 1,000 years to decompose. Please recycle all plastic bottles, cans and containers. that you are not going to re-use. For household food waste, try composting.

What can you do? You can refuse to use plastic grocery bags, flatware, straws, containers, bottled water and Styrofoam. When you go grocery shopping, take a cloth bag or request a paper bag and refuse the plastic bags. Ask grocery stores to use less plastic in packaging. A group of women in

those raises move forward is to join the majority of his colleagues in the statehouse who want to override Governor Cooper’s veto of the General Assembly-approved budget.

Aside from Medicaid expansion, the other sticking point with the budget is Gov. Cooper’s opposition to the tax relief included in the new budget approved by the General Assembly in June. The General Assembly-approved budget provides tax relief for employers with a franchise tax cut and relief for all taxpayers by raising the standard deduction.

Gov. Cooper indicated last week that he is not interested in reaching an agreement anytime soon when he unveiled a “compromise” proposal that entails spending even more money than his original budget called for, which was much more than the budget approved by state legislators.

Rather than point fingers in opinion pages, Rep. Queen could show bipartisan leadership by helping his fellow legislators, the majority of whom wish to override the governor’s budget veto, enact the new budget passed by the General Assembly last month.

Rep. Queen is correct that North Carolinians who want the budget standoff resolved should indeed call their representatives in Raleigh. Yet rather than tell elected officials to negotiate further with Cooper, as Queen instructs, taxpayers should instead urge Rep. Queen and his fellow Democrats in the General Assembly to join their Republican colleagues in voting to override the budget veto.

Such a veto override will avoid billions of dollars in added taxpayer costs that Cooper is demanding, keep state spending in line with the rate of population growth and inflation, make sure pay raises get to teachers and other state workers, and do all of this while providing further relief to all North Carolina taxpayers.

Patrick Gleason, a Haywood County resident, is vice president of state affairs at Americans for Tax Reform and a senior fellow at the Beacon Center of Tennessee, a Nashville-based think tank.

Asheville are making plastic mattresses for homeless from plastic bags, a way to re-use plastic.

Even worse than plastic is Styrofoam which does not biodegrade. I usually have leftovers to take home when I eat in restaurants. Most restaurants will give you a Styrofoam box for take-outs in a plastic bag. I take a plastic container in a cloth bag with me when eating out to bring my leftovers home with me. It is one small step in reducing the use of plastic and re-using plastic containers.

What will you do about the four R’s?

Mary A. Herr Cherokee

tasteTHE mountains

• Burgers • Wraps

Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL

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

BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY

50 N Main Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0350. Taproom Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gem Bar Open Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at Boojum’s Downtown Waynesville restaurant & bar. Choose from 16 taps of our fresh, delicious & ever rotating Boojum Beer plus cider, wine & craft cocktails. The taproom features seasonal pub faire including tasty burgers,

sandwiches, shareables and daily specials that pair perfectly with our beer.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE

454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in handcut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

CHEF’S TABLE

30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210

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

CHURCH STREET DEPOT

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE

Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday

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

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER

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

COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT

3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley. 828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA

243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde. 828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full

service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

FIREFLY TAPS & GRILL

128 N. Main St., Waynesville

828.454.5400. Simple, delicious food. A must experience in WNC. Located in downtown Waynesville with an atmosphere that will warm your heart and your belly! Local and regional beers on tap. Full bar, vegetarian options, kids menu, and more. Reservations accepted. Daily specials. Live music every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HARMON’S DEN BISTRO

250 Pigeon St., Waynesville

828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:309 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org

HAZELWOOD FARMACY & SODA FOUNTAIN

429 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville.

828.246.6996. Open six days a week, closed Wednesday. 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast until noon, old-fashioned luncheonette and diner comfort food. Historic full service soda fountain.

JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE

4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Open seven days a week! 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family-friendly restaurant that has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors of Western North Carolina for decades. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey’s is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION

tasteTHE mountains

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

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

KANINI’S

1196 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.452.5187. Lunch Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., eat in or carry out. Closed Sunday. A made-from-scratch kitchen using fresh ingredients. Offering a variety of meals to go from frozen meals to be stored and cooked later to “Dinners to Go” that are made fresh and ready to enjoyed that day. We also specialize in catering any event from from corporate lunches to weddings. kaninis.com

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM

617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva.

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, house-ground burgers, steak sandwiches & fresh salmon all from scratch. Casual family friendly atmosphere. Craft beer and interesting wine. Free movies Thursday through Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows & events.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB

1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine. Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT

2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

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

PIGEON RIVER GRILLE

101 Park St., Canton.

828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Southerninspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish

and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake. Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center

70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201

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

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE

1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available. Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar.

TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL

176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY

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

Litmus test of a community

The mural on the Ward Plumbing & Heating Building on Mill Street in downtown Sylva.

(photos: Garret K. Woodward)

Sylva Art + Design Committee gets the ball rolling

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

Huddled around a table at the White Moon Coffee Shop on Mill Street in downtown Sylva one recent rainy afternoon, Kendall Waldrop, Georganna Seamon and Don Panicko discuss the group’s latest endeavor — the Sylva Art + Design Committee.

“We not only focus on public art displays, but also other things around the community — building rehabilitation, art walks, new development, cleanup, landscaping,” Seamon said. “It’s been great to have new people involved that are excited to be part of this organization and make it grow.”

Formerly the Sylva Public Art Committee (SPAC), the Sylva Art + Design Committee (SADC) is a new and improved version of the SPAC, of which several downtown business owners and artists have come onboard in support.

The SADC’s aim is to combine older and contemporary ideas for positive artistic and economic growth within the small mountain town. Now in motion, the pursuits of the SADC are quickly coming to fruition.

Whereas the SPAC was under the banner and supervision of the Town of Sylva, the SADC is now under the guidance of the Main Street

Sylva Association (MSSA) as a subcommittee of the nonprofit. Both the Town of Sylva and the SPAC felt it was mutually beneficial to have the art committee transition over to the MSSA.

“Everything we did had with the SPAC had to be approved by the town board — it was a lot more regimented,” said Waldrop, a local interior designer. “Getting things done wasn’t as streamlined of a task as it is now with the SADC. For us to be under the MSSA, it’s a lot easier to get funding and also be able to conduct meetings and make our ideas comes to life.”

Though the SPAC is now dissolved, it did, however, achieve one great milestone in its tenure — the “Greetings from Sylva N.C.” mural. Funded by a $10,000 art grant, the giant painting is now prominently displayed on the side of the Ward Plumbing & Heating Building right on Mill Street (and just across the street from White Moon Coffee Shop).

Midway through the rainy-day conversation, Kendall’s husband, Brad Waldrop, who’s the owner of Ward Plumbing & Heating, has just closed up the business for the day and

Want to go?

The Sylva Art + Design Committee will present its Pop-Up Art Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Black Balsam Outdoors in downtown Sylva.

This public art installation will showcase the original work of over 20 local artists and includes pottery, watercolors, masks, jewelry, woodworking, crafts, acrylics, mixed media, photography, ceramics, and more. Wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. All the work is for sale, prices range from $20-$350, and a portion of the proceeds will support future SADC events through the Main Street Sylva Association. For updates, to join or to make a monetary donation to the SADC, go to Facebook and search “Sylva Art + Design.” You can also find the organization on Instagram: @sylvaartdesigncommittee.

entered the coffee shop. Proud of the mural and what it represents, Brad — a native Jackson County resident — is the first to speak to the importance of art and artists being showcased in our mountain communities.

“Sylva needs art that’s public because art enriches the experience when visiting the town,” Brad said. “A lot of our commerce in Jackson County and Western North Carolina is dependent upon tourism, with arts and crafts being a big part of Appalachian culture — it’s important to have Appalachian-themed art in and around the community.”

Situated across the table from Brad is Seamon. A relatively new addition to the residential and business sectors of Sylva, she opened up Black Balsam Outdoors on Mill Street earlier this year.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth in Sylva in the eight months I’ve been here, and it’s worthwhile to me because I’m making this place my home,” Seamon said. “I have my business here. And I want people to come here and have a quality place to live and shop.”

“I definitely see the worth is promoting the arts and artists through the SADC. It brings people to Sylva and showcases our community and its businesses,” said Panicko, owner of White Moon Coffee Shop. “When I first stumbled upon Sylva, I was inspired by the way it was — and is — and realizing that artists are what are actually bringing in the people. And I don’t think there are a lot of places left where an artist can make a living doing their craft, but Sylva is one of those places.”

With only a few months since its inception, the SADC will be hosting its first “Pop Up Gallery” on July 26 at Black Balsam Outdoors. The event will feature an array of local artisans, with a portion of the proceeds supporting future SADC events through the MSSA.

“If we as a community can collectively gather artists young and old, we now have this welcoming platform for all artists and local businesses to come and work together — where there’s art there’s people,” Panicko said.

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

If the thunder don’t get you then the lightning will

Though the roads were slick from heavy rainstorms on Tuesday morning, I momentarily couldn’t figure out why my truck was pushing back against my gas pedal on the short drive from my apartment to The Smoky Mountain News office in downtown Waynesville.

HOT PICKS

1

Legendary rockers Drive-By Truckers and The Kentucky Headhunters will headline the Cherokee Summer Concert Series July 26-27 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.

2

The Sylva Art + Design Committee will present its Pop-Up Art Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Black Balsam Outdoors in downtown Sylva.

3

Internationally known storyteller Elizabeth Ellis will present a program of humorous and poignant tales at 7 p.m. Friday, July 26, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

4

At the stop light a block from work, a guy standing on the nearby corner yelled over to me. “Hey buddy, you got a flat tire,” he pointed to the back rear of my Toyota Tacoma. Well, that would explain the push back from the vehicle when I would accelerate. “Thanks,” I waved in gratitude to the good Samaritan, a forced smile in appreciation of the inevitable.

There will be a community fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Fines Creek Community Center at 190 Fines Creek Road in Clyde.

5

The stage version of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 2627 and 3 p.m. July 28, at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

on at it always does, and seemingly at the same speed as money disappears from your bank account due to impending bills and unforeseen costs — all of which serendipitously occurring within the same week. Funny how that works, huh?

Besides, I couldn’t wait any longer. That tire had been giving me a little bit of trouble thus far this summer with a slow leak I had to inflate a couple times since Memorial Day. That, and I have three music festivals outside of the area over the course of the next three weeks: FloydFest (Floyd, Virginia), Confluence (Charlotte) and Railbird (Lexington, Kentucky).

As a journalist with a coverage area of about six states in Southern Appalachia, my truck is crucial to doing my job. If I can’t drive to my interview subjects or events due to a lack of a vehicle, I’m at the mercy of whoever around me — and whatever mode of transportation is available — to get me (literally) to the show on-time.

And yet, there’s this weird sort of calming feeling that washes over you when you find yourself randomly at the tire shop. We as a society get so wrapped up in the breakneck pace of the digital age that is the 21st century — one filled with mostly inconsequential priorities and nonsense — that we tend to lose sight of just taking a moment to stop, breathe, reflect, and repeat.

It’s a moment also found when your flight gets cancelled or you slow up to a traffic jam on the highway. Nowhere to go from here, at least for right now. But, it’s in those moments that you might make a new friend, perhaps someone sitting near you in the same situation.

That, or just taking the time to scan the world around you. Many-a-time when one finds themselves shook out of their daily realities, there comes a transition into deep thought where you start to wonder if what you’re doing is what you should be doing with your life.

That feeling is more so existential pondering rather than a crisis. You find yourself sitting there, waiting while the whole world rushes by you — a race you’re usually participating in, but with no finish line in sight as the wheels continue to go ‘round-n-‘round.

Hunched over in the rain at the Exxon gas station on Main Street, I was able to get enough air into the flat to get me across town to Waynesville Tire. Trotting across the parking lot to the beloved longtime business, and getting soaking wet in the process, the fine folks at Waynesville Tire were able to place my truck in the repair bay immediately.

Once I discovered the establishment did offer free Wi-Fi to its customers, I popped open my laptop and was able to finally get to writing this column on our tight Tuesday deadline (aka: press day).

Sitting in the waiting room, I was sur-

rounded by several other downtrodden faces, all probably now late to wherever it was they were headed to before they realized a flat tire was now their main focus today. And yet, while I was stuck there in that waiting room, all I could think of was my being around my father (as a kid and an adult) when he was faced with similar situations.

For a guy with a short temper and zero slack for bullshit and shenanigans, my dad would always find himself in the midst of vehicular trouble with one mantra in mind:

“If it has got to be fixed, it’s got to get fixed.”

It is what it is, you know? The tire has to be replaced. Doesn’t matter the cost at this point. It has to get repaired. Time will march

Just as I’m finishing up this column in the tire shop waiting room, I get a tap on the shoulder. It’s the guy from behind the counter. I had my headphones on and couldn’t hear his calls to retrieve my truck. I dreaded the news. Am I in for $100 or $200 this time around?

“That’ll be $20, sir. Just needed to do a quick patch up,” he smiled, handing me a tiny screw that was pulled from the tire.

I thank him and pay my bill. Twenty dollars? Good stuff. Looks like my FloydFest craft beer and food truck funds won’t be as depleted as once thought. I hop into the truck and head for the office — the newspaper won’t put itself out.

Back into my impending day. Back into reality. But, this time, my gas pedal isn’t as hastily pushed down as earlier this morning. Maybe I’ll even take the long way to FloydFest this weekend. Who knows? The grandiose nature of nothing and everything.

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

Cherokee welcomes Drive-By Truckers, Kentucky Headhunters

‘An Appalachian Evening’ in Stecoah

The “An Appalachian Evening” summer concert series will continue with Fireside Collective at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.

Other acts in the series will include: Jeff Little Trio (Aug. 3), Becky Buller (Aug. 10), Salt & Light (Aug. 17), The Kruger Brothers (Aug. 24) and Wayne Henderson & Helen White (Aug. 31).

As well, the Fall Harvest Festival will feature bluegrass legends The Gibson Brothers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Stecoah Valley Center.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.stecoahvalleycenter.com. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.

Legendary rockers Drive-By Truckers and The Kentucky Headhunters will headline the Cherokee Summer Concert Series July 26-27 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. The schedule is as follows:

July 26

• 2 to 2:45 p.m. — The Toppers Band

• 3 to 3:45 p.m. — Blue Paint Band

• 4 to 5 p.m. — Swon Brothers

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — The Kentucky HeadHunters July 27

• 2 to 2:45 p.m. — Cecil Gray Band

• 3 to 3:45 p.m. — Brother Hawk Band

• 4 to 5 p.m. — Porch 40

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Drive-By Truckers

Please note that these are limited-seating outdoor events, which come with the charms of the outdoors like weather. As such, bring appropriate clothing, chairs, or blankets if desired.

Food and beverages will be available. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Event will happen rain or shine.

Tickets are $20 per day or $30 for the weekend. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.visitcherokeenc.com or call 828.359.6471.

Concerts on the Creek

The 10th season of the Concerts on the Creek summer music series continues with Dashboard Blue (rock/classic hits) at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Bridge Park in Sylva.

The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Concerts on the Creek events are free and open to the public with donations encouraged. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show. Occasionally, these events

Groovin’ on the Green

The Groovin’ on the Green summer concert series will host Hi-5 (rock) at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 26, at The Village Green in Cashiers.

Other performers will include: The Currys (country/blues) Aug. 2, Eat a Peach (classic rock) Aug. 9, Americana Jones (roots) Aug. 16, Andrew Beam (classic country) Aug. 23 and Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues (blues) Aug. 31.

Coolers are welcome but food and beverage vendors will be on site as well. Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times.

will feature food truck vendors as well.

The other performances are as follows:

• Aug. 2: Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats (rock/blues)

• Aug. 9: Tuxedo Junction (classic hits)

• Aug. 16: Mama Danger (folk/newgrass)

• Aug. 23: Troy Underwood (Americana/folk)

• Aug. 30: Maggie Valley Band (Americana)

For more information, call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828.586.2155 or visit www.mountainlovers.com. Follow the Concerts on the Creek Facebook page for series updates.

A new policy is in place this year with setting up for Groovin’ On the Green concerts. Tents must be set up next to the path at the very back of the event lawn. Chairs may be set up in the lawn anytime the day of the concert, however no chairs may be set up within the wings of the Commons until after 4:30 p.m.

For a full concert schedule visit the concerts page on The Village Green website, www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

The Village Green is a 13-acre privately conserved public park in the center of Cashiers. For more information about this and other events in the park call 828.743.3434, email director@cashiersgreen.com or visit The Village Green website.

‘The Roots of American Folk Music’

A performance titled “The Roots of American Folk Music” with acclaimed musician Marshall Ballew will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Ballew’s concert will be a musical and historical journey through the many years and forms of American Folk Music, with its roots in both the Scotch-Irish ballads and tunes of the British Isles which gave rise to old-time, folk and bluegrass; and the Mother Church of African-American Gospel which birthed jazz, swing, ragtime, and the blues.

Ballew will trace the roots and hybrids of all these forms like rockabilly, hokum, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues on a variety of stringed instruments.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information on Ballew, visit www.reverbnation.com/marshallballew.

Bryson City community jam

A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 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. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the

Sawmill Creek Porch Band.

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

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” at its Calaboose location Chris West July 25, Trevor Pattillo July 26, Emolyn & Lindsey Liden July 27, Scott James Stambaugh July 28, Robert Ferguson Aug. 1, George & Andy Aug. 2, Andrew Chastain Aug. 3 and George Ausman Aug. 4. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host Seth Brand (singer-songwriter) 9 p.m. Aug. 2. Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 1. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

• Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host a bluegrass open mic every Wednesday, an all-genres open mic every Thursday, ‘Round the Fire (rock/folk) July 27 and In Flight (world/jazz) Aug. 3. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.boojumbrewing.com.

• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Russ Wilson Duo (jazz/swing) July 26. Shows begin at 7 p.m. www.classicwineseller.com or call 828.452.6000.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host The Penny Pinchers July 26, The Lighthouse Duo July 27, Members of Moves Aug. 2 and Mama Danger (newgrass) Aug. 3. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night July 24 and July 31, and a

jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo July 25 and Aug. 1. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

(bluegrass/Americana) 7 p.m. July 25. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

ALSO:

• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host Lawn Series w/The Daydream Creatures (Americana) 6 p.m. July 24, An Evening w/Aoife Clancy & Kyle Carey (Celtic/world) 7 p.m. July 24, Lawn Series w/In Flight (world/jazz) 6 p.m. July 25, The Two (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. July 25, The Rough & Tumble (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. July 26, Ellis Paul (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. July 26, Steve James & Del Ray (blues/folk) 7 p.m. July 27, AmiciMusic 8:30 p.m. July 27, Tall Tales (Americana/blues) 6 p.m. July 28, Jesse Barry (pop/rock) 7:30 p.m. July 28, Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions w/Kristy Cox 7:30 p.m. July 30, Mink’s Miracle Medicine & Hope Griffin Trio (folk/indie) 7 p.m. July 31 and Lawn Series w/Whistlepig (country/honkytonk) 7:30 p.m. July 31. For more information about the performances and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.isisasheville.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, George Reeves July 26, Chicken & Pigs July 27 and Totally Awesome 80s Party Aug. 3. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Legends Sports Grill (Maggie Valley) will host music semi-regularly on weekends. 828.926.9464 or www.facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host Granny’s Mason Jar

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host the “Stone Soup” open mic night every Tuesday, Shane Meade July 26, Shayler’s Kitchen Aug. 2 and Wyatt Espalin Aug. 3. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Hearts Gone South July 27 and Lauren & The Howlers Aug. 3. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host Arnold Hill (Americana) Aug. 2. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host The Log Noggins July 27 and Slipper Creek Band Aug. 3. All shows start at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.noc.com.

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

• Pickin’ on the Square (Franklin) will host Tom Floyd Badn (Motown/variety) July 27 and Paradise 56 (rock/Caribbean) Aug. 3. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday. Free and open to the public.

www.pub319socialhouse.com.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Shawn Taylor July 26, Dirty Dave July 27, Twelfth Fret Aug. 2 and Blue Jazz Aug. 3. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and a Trivia w/Kelsey Jo 8 p.m. Thursdays.

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

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

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host Bluegrass Thursdays w/Benny Queen at 6:30 p.m.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Bluegrass w/Nitrograss Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic Night” on Mondays, karaoke on Thursdays and semi-regular music on Fridays and Saturdays. All events at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.456.4750.

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host AcousticENVY 6 p.m. Aug. 3. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 or www.whitesidebrewing.com.

On the street

IT’S TIME TO DANCE

The “Friday Night Street Dance” will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26, in front of the historic courthouse in downtown Waynesville. Live mountain music and clogging. Participation encouraged. Free to attend. www.downtownwaynesvilleassociation.com.

Ready for the Gemboree?

The 53nd annual Macon County Gemboree will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 26-28 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin.

Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations, and more. Daily admission is $2 and free for ages 12 and under. For more information, call 828.524.3161.

Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Macon County Gem & Mineral Society. www.franklin-chamber.com.

Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling

The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 25 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee.

Sit by a bonfire, alongside a river, and listen to some of Cherokee’s best storytellers. The bonfire is free and open to the public. There will be no bonfire events in September.

For more information, call 800.438.1601 or visit www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• The CommUnity Square Dance will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Balsam Community Center located at 400 Cabin Flats Road. Caller Stan Sharp will teach and call all dances to live old-time music. No partner or experience is necessary. pammanottus@gmail.com.

Quality Trailers, Quality Prices

On the street

Folkmalt celebrates craft beer, live music

As part of the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, the inaugural Folkmalt craft beer festival will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Sorrells Park in Canton.

With 16 local and regional breweries (and several food trucks) in attendance pouring fine artisans ales, live music will also be provided by The Get Right Band (rock/soul) and Woody Pines (folk/blues).

“We’ve wanted a signature event in Canton for five years. It’s been considered from every angle, and we felt we needed to look into beer culture,” said Folkmoot

Historical society picnic

Executive Director Angie Schwab. “With all the local and regional breweries here, the beer itself is influenced by international culture. It seemed like a natural fit for us, and it will also help us sell tickets, expand our identity, and now have something in Canton, which is important to us.”

Tickets are $35 for VIP, $25 for general admission and $10 for designated drivers. There are also shuttle tickets available. All tickets include a Folkmalt pint glass. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to www.folkmoot.org and click on the “Calendar” tab.

The Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society annual picnic will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City.

This is a time to gather around good food and swap stories about family and history. Some even get into some “tall” tales. This is an “inside” event, so no worries about rain and flies. Bring a covered dish to share and join the fun.

The facility is at 45 East Ridge Drive. From Bryson City, East Ridge Drive will be a right turn off Buckner Branch Road.

Travels and tall tales in the USSR

There will be a presentation by Alan French, titled “A Circuitous Journey Full of Unexpected Occurrences in the USSR,” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Accompany Alan and U.S. military officers on an extensive tour from Moscow to Estonia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Siberia and returning westward on the Siberian Express.

You will hear how one member of the group disappeared overnight, how a military ID card disappeared forever, how the Soviets knew well in advance of the undercover journey, and how Alan was “invited” to visit the KGB headquarters in Novosibirsk, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Moscow — neither visit being among the most pleasant.

Free and open to the public.

On the wall

WCU ‘Cultivating Collections’ exhibit

The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center will be highlighting its permanent collection this summer with a new exhibition “Cultivating Collections.”

The exhibition focuses on three strengths of the museum’s collection that the curatorial team expects to grow over the next five to ten years: photography, artist books, and contemporary Native American art.

As the museum expands its holdings of more than 1,800 works of art, these concentration areas will provide a foundation for future directions in collecting.

One of the most notable galleries in the exhibition is “Cultivating Collections: Photography,” which was curated by undergraduate and graduate students taking the Exhibition Practicum course at WCU.

Featuring regionally and nationally-known photographers — many who visited, taught, studied or exhibited at WCU during their careers — this gallery brings a student perspective to the museum’s ever-expanding photography collection.

and landscapes to emotionally charged images addressing war and personal trauma.

Featured artists include Ed Ruscha, Fran Forman, Pinky Bass, Susan Harbage Page, Drew Cameron, John Dickson, David Packer, Susan Alta Martin, Ken Abbott, Herman

ceptual books, sculptural volumes, and works that combine poetic text and imagery.

The WCU Fine Art Museum also has a strong commitment to exhibiting contemporary Native American art as a regular part of the museum’s changing exhibitions program.

As part of the course, students selected works to display, interviewed artists, and evaluated strengths and opportunities for the collection. The works they chose for display represent a variety of photographic processes with subject matter ranging from still lifes

“Cultivating Collections: Artist Books” highlights objects united by the artists’ desire to express an idea through a book-like format. The WCU Fine Art Museum holds over 100 artist books by American artists. These include altered books, visual narratives, con-

Over the past 15 years, many of these exhibitions inspired purchases and donations of artwork to help the museum deepen its focus in this area. The art on view in “Cultivating Collections: Contemporary Native American Art” features a selection of the works acquired during this period.

The reception for Cultivating Collections will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. July 25 at the WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday until 7 p.m. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

“Cultivating Collections” is part of an exhibition series that takes an in-depth look at growth areas of the Museum’s permanent collection as a way for the curatorial team to plan for future acquisitions.

The exhibition series will continue next summer and will culminate in the publication of a catalogue that describes the focus areas of the Museum’s collection. The catalogue is expected to be published in 2020, the 15-year anniversary of the Bardo Arts Center.

Waynesville art walk, live music

“Art After Dark” will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, in downtown Waynesville.

Each first Friday of the month (MayDecember), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors.

Participants include Burr Studio, Cedar Hill Studios, Earthworks Gallery, Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts, The Jeweler’s Workbench, Moose Crossing Burl Wood Gallery, T. Pennington Art Gallery, Twigs and Leaves Gallery and The Village Framer.

It is free to attend Art After Dark. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

Cowee master potter workshop

Master potter Joey Sheehan will hold a workshop “Handbuilt Platters and Glazing Plates” on July 27-28 at the Cowee Pottery School in Franklin.

This is a two-day building and glazing workshop. Students will hand build platters on Saturday and experience demonstrations on throwing and slip work. Sunday’s session will be used to finish platters, adding feet and handles. The afternoon will include a glaze demo and students will glaze pre-built bisque pots to practice techniques.

To register and for a full supply list for the workshop, visit www.coweepotteryschool.org.

Waynesville Art School summer camps

Registration is currently underway for summer art camps at Waynesville Art School.

• Shining Minds camps for 10 to 13 year olds will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily on July 29-Aug. 1. Cost is $110 for a four-day session or $35 single day camp enrollment.

• Kinder Artists camps for 5 to 6 year

olds will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. daily on Aug. 5-8. Cost is $45 for a four-day session or $15 single day camp enrollment. For information and/or to register, call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com.

Creating Community Workshop

The monthly Creating Community Workshop will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Led by Wynette Wiles, participants will learn basic macramé knots and their variations: lark’s head, clove hitch, square knot, and half knot. Ornamental beads will be used to add more depth. Based on the knots learned and the use of beads, participants will design their own pattern and create a wall-hanging.

All supplies are included. Free and open to the public. This class is limited to 10 participants. For more information or to sign up for the class call 828.586.2016 or stop by the Reference Desk.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library (www.fontanalib.org).

Encaustic wax, alcohol ink artist demonstration

There will be an artist demonstration with Alice Herring from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville.

Glances of the majestic mountains, roaring streams, clear lakes, blue and cloudy skies, and the rich artistic community in Western North Carolina inspire her art pieces. She works in encaustic and alcohol ink, enjoying the free flow of these mediums.

Free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

On the wall

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host a “Paint & Sip” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5. Cost is $30 per person, which includes all supplies. To RSVP, text 828.400.9560.

www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.

• There will be an artist member show from Aug. 2-24 at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. For more information, call 828.452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

ALSO:

• The Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville is looking for a new identity for the annual Haywood County Studio Tour. Submissions will be accepted through Aug. 1. The contest is open to everyone. Please visit the council’s website www.haywoodarts.org/logocontest for the application form and additional information. Winner will be selected by the Haywood Arts Council Studio Tour committee. For more information, call 828.452.0593, email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

• The Weekly Open Studio art classes will resume from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville, Instructor will be Betina Morgan. Open to all artists, at any stage of development, and in the medium of your choice. Cost is $20 per class. There will also be a Youth Art Class from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Cost is $10 per class. Contact Morgan at 828.550.6190 or email bmk.morgan@yahoo.com.

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through next April.

• A “Beginner Step-By-Step” adult painting class will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There is also a class at 6:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month at Balsam Fall Brewing in Sylva. Cost is $25 with all supplies provided. For more information on paint dates and/or to RSVP, contact Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560 or wncpaintevents@gmail.com.

Dr. Stephen Wall is retiring from Haywood Pediatrics

To all my patients:

It has been a great honor to serve the families of Western North Carolina for the past 30 years. I can never thank you enough for entrusting me with the medical care of your children.

I am retiring this summer. My last day to see patients will be July 25, 2019.

I am very confident that the staff, Pediatricians and Nurse Practitioners of Haywood Pediatrics will provide my former patients with excellent care. However, for those who would wish to seek medical care elsewhere, medical records will be made available by contacting the office of Haywood Pediatrics in Clyde, NC.

Again, it has been a great pleasure and privilege to serve this community and I wish all of you good health and happiness.

Sincerely,

Stephen J. Wall, MD

Fines Creek fish fry

There will be a community fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Fines Creek Community Center at 190 Fines Creek Road in Clyde. There will be a choice between trout or catfish and a combination meal including hushpuppies, cole slaw, baked beans, dessert and drink. The dinner and entertainment will be $10 per person and kids 6 and under free with a paying adult. Music only will be $5 per person. All proceeds/donations from these events will go to community needs. For more information contact FCCA President, Dale at 828.593.7042.

Bosu’s tastings, small plates

Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville will continue to host an array of wine tastings and small plates.

• Mondays: Free tastings and discounts on select styles of wine that changes weekly.

• Thursdays: Five for $5 wine tasting, with small plates available for purchase from Chef Bryan’s gourmet cuisine in The Secret Wine Bar.

• Wednesday-Saturday: The Secret Wine Bar will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Fridays: The Secret Wine Bar will be open for drinks and small plates from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Saturdays: Champagne cocktails from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Secret Wine Bar will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will also be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m..

Dog friendly patio and front garden open, weather permitting. For more information and/or to RSVP for ticketed events, call 828.452.0120 or email info@waynesvillewine.com.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 3 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.

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

DONATE SHOP VOLUNTEER

WALNUT VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a group of closely related compunds that act on cannbinoid receptors in the body, unique to cannabis (or hemp). The body creates compounds called endocannabinoids, while hemp produces phytocannabinoids, notably cannabidiol. Cannabinoids is traditionally used for pain, sleep, and fibermyalgia.

CBD has traditionally been used for:

HART to present ‘Oliver!’ On the stage

The Endocannabinoid System is perhaps the most important physiologic systerm involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Although the endocannabinoid system affects a wide variety of biological processes, experts believe that its overall function is to regulate homeostasis.

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Broadway classic “Oliver!” by Lionel Bart will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 25-27 and at 2 p.m. July 28 at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, the show has a storied past. It opened in London’s West End in 1960 and ran for over 2,000 performances. The original Artful Dodger was played by future Monkees star Davey Jones, who was followed in the role by recording star Phil Collins.

Jones reprised his role when the show opened on Broadway in 1963 and received a Tony nomination for his performance. The movie opened in 1968 and went on to win the Oscar as “Best Picture of the Year.”

“Oliver!” is the rare instance of a show being completely created by one person. Bart wrote the book, lyrics and music for the show, officially titled “Lionel Bart’s Oliver!,” but Bart’s life didn’t go so well. He had a big hit song in 1963 with “From Russia With Love” created for the James Bond film. He wrote a string of pop hits in the 60s that have faded from memory, and two modestly successful West End musicals, “Blitz” and “Maggie Mae.”

To make reservations you can go online to www.harttheatre.org or call the HART Box Office at 828.456.6322.

‘The Little Mermaid’ live production

The stage version of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 26-27 and 3 p.m. July 28, at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

This is the junior version of the play, as the theatre has been hosting a summer camp for kids over the past three weeks. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students ages 6 to 18. Ages 5 and under are admitted free.

The box office will open one hour prior to the show. Reserved tickets are not required. For more information, find the SMCT on Facebook or call 828.488.8227.

The theatre is located on 134 Main Street in Bryson City. Upcoming productions are “Night of the Living Dead” in October and “Miracle on 34th Street” in December.

• There will be a performance by the Triple Arts Camp from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Bardo Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

• The Macon County Community Theater will perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-3, 910 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 4 and 11 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 828.524.3600.

• There is free comedy improv class from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. No experience necessary, just come to watch or join in the fun. Improv teacher Wayne Porter studied at Sak Comedy Lab in Orlando, Florida. Join Improv WNC on Facebook or just call 828.316.8761.

A stirring story of America’s push west

Sometimes we open a book, slip into its pages, and find ourselves the recipients of three wonderful gifts: information and enlightenment, lively prose, and a great story.

Ordinance of 1787 stands alongside the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence as a bold assertion of the rights of the individual.”

The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West (Simon & Schuster, 2019, 330 pages) grants all three gifts to its readers. Here Pulitzer Prize winner and popular historian David McCullough whisks us out of the 21st century and drops us into the Northwest Territory in the years after the American Revolution. Most Americans have only a cursory knowledge of this place and its importance in our history — I include myself in that number — and The Pioneers acts as a time machine taking us into the lives of those whose struggles, sacrifices, and wisdom left a mark on our country that prevails to this day.

We begin our trek to the “Ohio country,” a wilderness that would eventually become the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, in 1786 in Boston’s Bunch of Grapes tavern. Here the Reverend Manasseh Cutler and others gathered to “launch a highly ambitious plan involving the immense reach of unsettled wilderness knows as the Northwest Territory.” After a good deal of political dickering, influenced in large part by the “ingenious, systematic and successful piece of lobbying” by the Reverend Cutler, the fledgling Congress of the United States issued the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, opening the new territory to settlement. As McCullough then writes, “the great Northwest

This Ordinance put its stamp on the American soul. It stressed the importance of freedom of religion and of individual morality. It stated that “schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” It included a tenet with dramatic ramifications: “There shall never be slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory.” As McCullough points out, “It was almost unimaginable that throughout a new territory as large as all of the thirteen states, there was to be no slavery.”

North Carolina Literary Review Celebration

Contributors to the North Carolina Literary Review (NCLR) will gather to celebrate the release of the 2019 publication of the literary journal at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

NCLR is a fusion of a scholarly journal and a literary magazine that seeks to honor the profound literary history and culture of North Carolina and the writers who have shaped said history. The magazine releases an annual print issue in the summer and is available at independent bookstores and via subscription.

Featured authors include: Local Poet Catherine Carter whose poetry collection The Memory of Gills received the Roanoke-Chowan Award, Sally Thomas with her poem “Daybreak,” which received second place in the 2018 James Applewhite Poetry Prize competition, and creative nonfiction author of The Book of Awe, Susan O’Dell Underwood. Each contributor plans to read selections from their works featured in the NCLR publication.

McCullough then introduces us to the pioneers, so many of them from New England, who made these provisions a reality. From farmers who scrabbled for a living to aristocrats like Harman Blennerhasset and his wife Margaret, from physicians and scientists like Dr. Samuel Hildreth to the keelboat men who plied the Ohio River, we meet the people who planted their dreams in this region along with their gardens and their corn fields. They built the schools as directed by the Northwest Ordinance and kept slavery out of this territory, all the while facing epidemics, inclement weather, crop failures, and battles with native Americans and with ambitious men like Aaron Burr.

Throughout most of the book, McCullough focuses on the settlement of Marietta in Ohio, one of the earliest settlements in the region. It was to this town that so many New Englanders first made their way to the Northwest Territory.

What impresses us about these New England transplants to Marietta was the learning so many of these men and women brought to this raw wilderness. Some of the men were graduates of Yale and Harvard, and many of the settlers, men and women, were avid readers. In the letters and diaries cited by McCullough, these men and women repeatedly refuse to complain of their suffering, expressing instead their hopes and dreams for the new territory.

At the end of The Pioneers, McCullough awards this epitaph to Marietta and the pioneers who passed through that settlement:

“… the pioneers of Marietta had finished their work, each in his or her way, and no matter the adversaries to be faced, propelled

To reserve copies of the North Carolina Literary Review, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Iconic storyteller to spin tales

Internationally known storyteller Elizabeth Ellis will present a program of humorous and poignant tales at 7 p.m. Friday, July 26, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

From the Hans Christian Anderson statue in New York’s Central Park to the Glistening Waters Festival in New Zealand, this master storyteller and award-winning author captivates listeners of all ages with her humor, honesty, and Southern-style wisdom.

Recipient of both the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network, Ellis is a frequent favorite at the National Storytelling Festival and at the Teller-In-Residence Program of the International Storytelling Center.

More than a half-million children have been mesmerized by her stories during her 35-year career as a teller. Learn more at www.elizabethellis.com.

Admission is free. Donations are welcome. The library is at 149

as they were by high, worthy purpose. They accomplished what they had set to do not for money, not for possessions or fame, but to advance the quality and opportunities of life — to propel as best they could the American ideals.”

So they did. And they deserve both our remembrance and gratitude.

Years ago, the novels of Jon Hassler entered my life. Mostly set in Minnesota, a state I’ve never had the pleasure to visit, Hassler connected with me along with many other readers through his fictions set in small towns and universities. Staggerford, North of Hope, A Green Journey, Rookery Blues, The Dean’s List: these were just some of the novels that captivated me.

In Jon Hassler —Voice of the Heartland: A Critical Appraisal of His Work (Nodin Press, 2019, 308 pages), Edwin Block, who for years corresponded with Jon Hassler and has published numerous articles on his work, has given us both a brief biography of the writer and a critique of all his major works.

In Esquire Magazine, Ernest Hemingway once said of books and writing:

“All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that it all happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and the sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was. If you can get so that you can give that to people, then you are a writer.”

Jon Hassler was a writer.

Thank you, Ed Block and Nodin Press, for reminding us of that.

(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. minick0301@gmail.com)

Siler Farm Road, with ample parking and handicap access. This event is produced by the Arts Council of Macon County: 828.524.ARTS or arts4all@dnet.net.

Haywood library book sale

The annual Haywood County Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held July 25-27 at the Waynesville branch located at 678 South Haywood Street, in Waynesville. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 25, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 26 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27.

If you are interested in volunteering to work a shift at the sale, call Denman at 828.627.2370. Volunteers are needed for checking out, helping customers, loading purchases, cleaning up, and more. Proceeds from the sale go to support the county libraries. The Friends of the Library book sale provides money for the varied programs for all ages: summer reading programs for children and adults, lecture and discussion series for adults, new equipment, new books and other media, movies, concerts, plays, poetry readings, craft workshops, and more.

Floral delight

Native plants expert leads Parkway tour in search of rare species

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

“When we get out, we’re going to walk across the street and I’m going to show you the most sacred spot,” Larry Mellichamp said as he began his botanical tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The spot in question wasn’t a gravesite or a cultural landmark or even one of the many breathtaking overlooks spread along the Parkway’s 469-foot length. Rather, it was a seemingly dead end — a face of rock bordering the north side of the road, slick with water seeping from within, partly shrouded by flourishing vegetation.

It was the vegetation that, for Mellichamp, earned the spot a place among the sacred. This place was a shrine, he said, to three of the most unique plants in the region — fetterbush, St. John’s wort and pink shell azalea — and it was the only place Mellichamp knew of where it was possible to touch all three at once.

“The only place” was a phrase that came up often during the ensuing hours, and if anyone should be qualified to use it, it’s Mellichamp. Now retired, Mellichamp was a professor in the biology department of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for more than 40 years. His specialty is botany — specifically, the botany of native plants. He’s brought many classes to the Parkway over the years, and he’s been coming to the Cullowhee Native Plants Conference at Western Carolina

University for 33 of its 36 years of existence, nearly always as a presenter or organizer.

In fact, the native plants conference was what had brought him to the Blue Ridge Parkway this particular Friday morning, with nearly 20 conference attendees in tow to experience the field trip he was leading to explore the Parkway’s bogs, seeps and rare plants. The five-day conference offers a diversity of field trips, speakers and workshops, with all topics surrounding various aspects of native plants.

More than 300 people attended the 2019 conference, about average for recent years.

After the Fetterbush Overlook — which, coincidentally, shared a name with one of the three rare plants Mellichamp had brought the group there to see — the two vans rattled along to a place that’s a popular stop for many Parkway visitors, the Black Balsam Trailhead. From that parking lot, hikers can connect to countless trails that offer opportunity for high-reward day hikes as well as challenging multi-day excursions.

But, while Black Balsam is a favorite place for Mellichamp as well, it’s been years since he ventured further than the first half-mile or so of the Ivestor Gap Trail. Mellichamp has a hard time walking too quickly when every foot of trail offers new and fascinating botanical experiences — “floral delight,” as he calls it.

“This is just a fabulous natural shrub

array,” he said, pointing out the fire cherry that produces bright red, fingernail-sized cherries in the fall, the Catawba rhododendron that’s differentiated from the more common Rhododendron maximum by its lack of sheaths on the bud and its white underleaf, and the Carolina rhododendron, whose range is constrained mostly to the high-elevation areas of North Carolina.

“Everything’s kind of suppressed and dwarfed and fitted together into a giant rock garden,” he continued.

If you were to strip away all the shrubs and plants from the hill that rises from the right side of the trail, he said, you’d eventually be left with a pile of large boulders. It’s a great habitat for wildflowers and shrubs, but yellow birch is the only tree species that seems to do that well there.

Every step resulted in something new to point out. Club mosses, whose oil-rich spores were once used to make fireworks; mountain ash, which in a few months will produce eyecatching red fruits; pink turtleheads, attractive rosy flowers fittingly shaped like a turtle’s head; and the little club spurred bog orchid, a green flower that is one of a small number of orchids native to Western North Carolina.

Wet rocks bordering the right side of the trail proved to be perfect habitat for sundew, a native carnivorous plant whose leaves are

There’s a vast number of plants up here — and anywhere, really. It’s all about just learning more about your world around you.”

— Larry Mellichamp

shaped something like the sun, round centers with skinny “rays” sticking out around them. Those “rays” are coated with a sticky substance designed to snare small insects like flies and ants, which the plant can digest to supplement the scant nutrients it’s otherwise able to harvest from its hardscrabble habitat on the rocks.

Eventually, we reached our destination, the botanical landmark that had motivated this hour-long drive from WCU — the southernmost cranberry bog in eastern North America.

It would be easy to miss if you didn’t know what to look for, just a mass of crawling vines, tiny green leaves mostly covering a low, large rock rising up along the trailside. There were still some flowers left, tiny and intricate, fourpronged pink stars with long, pink-red noses sticking out from the center. Fruits were growing, but still green, the taste full-on sour without yet a hint of sweetness.

The class seemed more than satisfied with the day’s findings, but not Mellichamp. There was still one member of the Ivestor Gap family we hadn’t yet visited — the adder’s mouth orchid. Another of the exclusive group of native orchids, the adder’s mouth is small, its bloom an under-the-radar green.

“This orchid is here,” said Mellichamp, poking through the underbrush with his trekking pole. “I’m going to find it. Just one more minute.”

It was a refrain he kept repeating throughout the return walk to the van, as he pledged to do just one more search, then just one more. But to no avail.

“Mother Nature often thwarts your best efforts,” he shrugged, F

Park Service seeks information regarding man’s death

Investigators with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch are trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of David Carver, Jr., who was found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Monday, July 8. They are seeking information from the public to make that determination.

Carver was reported missing by a family member to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office in early June. Searchers found Carver, 64, of Blount County, Tennessee, near

Laurel Creek Road between Townsend and Cades Cove after receiving a tip from an offtrail hiker. His remains appeared to be several months old.

David Carver, Jr.

The Knox County Regional Forensic Center identified Carver by comparing medical records. The cause of death and activity at time of death are under investigation. An autopsy is being performed, and no additional details are currently available Information about Carver’s death, as

well as information that can help investigators determine how Carver got into the park and what he was doing there, can be directed to ISB investigators through any of the following means:

• Call or text the ISB Tip Line at 888.653.0009

• Visit www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip.”

• Email nps_isb@nps.gov.

• Message on Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS, Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS or Instagram @SpecialAgent_NPS.

Callers may remain anonymous if they choose. Monetary rewards may be available to those who provide credible information that aids the investigation.

Man dies following car accident near Clingmans Dome

Cherokee emergency responders were among those who answered the call following a fatal vehicle accident on Clingmans Dome Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park last week.

At about 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, driver Timothy Patrick James McCauley, 37, of Farmington, Missouri, left the roadway when driving his 2009 Chevy Cobalt about 1 mile east of the Clingmans Dome Parking Area and landed about 50 feet below the roadway. McCauley died from his injuries, and passenger Angela Walker, 38, was flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center by Lifestar.

The road was closed for approximately five hours to allow emergency responders safe access to the scene. Park rangers — including the park’s technical Search and Rescue Team — Cherokee Tribal EMS, and Cherokee Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.

“even if you know it’s there.”

Nevertheless, the folks along for the field trip — most of whom don’t live in the mountains — were satisfied with the list of rare plant sightings they’d managed to log.

“It’s such an interesting extreme ecosys-

This was Luckett’s first Cullowhee Native Plants Conference, and she expects it won’t be her last.

“I have heard from others that it’s kind of like Lay’s potato chips,” she said. “You don’t eat just one. People keep coming back to this conference, and I can definitely see why.”

Retired military veteran Jeff Prather said he and his wife were recently debating whether this is their 18th, 19th or 20th time attending the conference, but it’s safe to say that they’ve come every year for quite a number of years. Prather lives in Chapel Hill and is active in the N.C. Native Plant Society, but he’s not a “plant nerd,” he said.

tem that you might not even notice or think about if you were on that trail, it you hadn’t had it pointed out,” said Maegan Luckett, horticulturist for the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants within Duke University’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

“The conference is really for everybody, and it just makes me appreciate that there are people like Larry (Mellichamp) that are working to preserve and educate, because I will never know a fraction (of the plant species),” he said. “I would be happy to be able to differentiate 10 or 12. But how can you take one of these hikes and not appreciate nature?”

Mellichamp certainly knows more than just a fraction of the diverse plant community that thrives along the Parkway in North Carolina. In fact, he guesses there’s probably only a handful of plants out there that he doesn’t know. But when it comes to the walks he leads and the classes he teaches, instilling appreciation is his main goal.

“I’m hoping that they’ll see plants as just, more friends,” he said. “That they’ll pay more attention to them and come to see them and read about them and appreciate them more and realize that there’s more than just a tiny number of wildflowers, that there’s a vast number of plants up here — and anywhere, really. It’s all about just learning more about your world around you.”

For our 2nd birthday, we want to celebrate our community and honor Riley Howell by offering DONATION-BASED CLASSES ($5 minimum) ALL DAY ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14th. All proceeds will benefit the Riley Howell Foundation.

We will also be holding a SPECIAL DONATION EVENING CLASS WITH LIVE MUSIC! join yoga instructor Jillian Pagan and musicians for an evening of flow yoga & gratitude on our outdoor yoga deck from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

If you cannot attend classes that day, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING AT: RileyHowellFoundation.org/Donate WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com

Herbalist to teach how-to class in Sylva

Asheville herbalist Heather Perry will teach a class on harvesting, drying and extracting herbs at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Participants will learn when and how to harvest medicinal plants, how to prep and process plants for extracting, different extracting methods, various plants and their uses and how to create medicine for home use. Originally from Southern California, Perry earned a license in esthetics from the Virginia Institute of Esthetics in Virginia Beach, and she is licensed in massage and bodywork therapy. She became a community herbalist from the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine.

Free, and co-sponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. 828.586.2016.

Smokies to research African American history

A pair of open house events in Maryville and Waynesville will focus on the history of African Americans in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The events will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville and on Monday, Aug. 5, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.

“The National Park Service is charged to preserve all the many voices of our past,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “In learning about our past, we open the doors to our future. We hope that even more people will see themselves included and connected to the Smokies through this effort.”

Participants will have the opportunity to both learn about the history of African Americans in the park and to share their personal experiences or family stories. While African Americans have been in the Great Smoky Mountains since at least the early 19th century, knowledge of their presence is relatively low. The park is conduct-

Become a sediment spotter

In a photo taken between 1890 and 1903, an African American family sits on a porch within what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. William

ing this research effort to better understand the untold history of the African American experience in southern Appalachia.

The research is supported by the Great

Volunteers are wanted for the Trout Unlimited Community Science program, which has a sedimentation survey-training event coming up 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Balsam Lake.

Participants will learn how to use data collection tools for assessing U.S. Forest Service roads and trails in regards to sedimentation issues affecting coldwater streams. A second training will be held Aug. 4 in the Mills River area, and a two-day aquatic organism passage barrier survey will be held at Balsam Lake Aug. 15-16. To participate, sign up with Jacob Hansen, 207.423.1359 or jake.hansen@tu.org.

Ellison family to present place-based art

Meet the Ellison family during a reception and reading/discussion slated for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, at Alarka Expeditions in Franklin.

Visual artist Elizabeth, author-naturalist George and their daughter Quintin, a photographer, will come together to present their recent works. The afternoon will include a Q&A opportunity, reading and conversation about their respective arts, going deep into what compels an artist to delve into a place over the span of a lifetime and how to find new and revealing ways to convey its unique beauty and truth.

George will read from his newly released biography on Horace Kephart, Back of Beyond, and artwork and photography from Elizabeth and Quintin will be on display.

$10. Register at www.alarkaexpeditions.com. Alarka Expeditions is located at 423 East Palmer Street.

Catch a conservation lecture in Highlands

The Zahner Lecture Series is underway at the Highlands Biological Foundation, offering a weekly talk on a conservationrelated topic at 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 12, at the Highlands Nature Center.

Upcoming lectures include:

n “Bears and fire in the southern Blue Ridge” on Thursday, July 25, by Adam Warwick, fire and stewardship manager for The Nature Conservancy’s N.C. Southern Blue Ridge Program. The Western North Carolina bear population has made a remarkable recovery over the last 50 years, and today about 6,000 of the state’s roughly 15,000 bears occur in the mountains. However, bears are also becoming increasingly dependent on human-provided foods as natural foods decline. Warwick will talk about why food drives where bears live and how lack of fire and forest management impacts bear foods, as well as about The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to restore fire to the Southern Blue Ridge.

n “The history of climate change on Planet Earth for the last 65 million years and what it means for the future,” on

Thursday, Aug. 1, by Dr. Jeffrey Chanton, a biogeochemist and a professor at Florida State University in Tallahassee. The earth was in a “hot house” state 65 million years ago with not a single ice cube on the planet, and 2 million years ago it was dominated by glaciers. Chanton will discuss the causes behind this dramatic change and whether historical climate changes can reveal anything about the future.

The lectures are free and held at the Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Road in Highlands. A full schedule is available at www.highlandsbiological.org or by calling 828.526.2221. A free shuttle from Founders Park will run starting at 5:30 p.m.

and coordination of other

Ifyouhavelimitedmobility, contact us about an in-home visit.

Bears workshop offered

A workshop covering the life history of and current research on black bears will be offered 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Cradle of Forestry in America. The program will feature activities that can be incorporated into educational programs, with participants eligible to receive six credit hours for Criteria III toward an N.C. Environmental Education Certification.

Free. Led by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Participants should bring a lunch. Register with Stephanie Bradley, cradleprograms@cfaia.org or 828.877.3130.

Learn the latest in apples and tomatoes

A pair of field days scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and

Extension Center in Mills River will offer an opportunity to learn the latest research on apples and tomatoes.

n The 2019 Tomato Field Day will include registration and a trade show from 8 to 9 a.m., field tours from 9 a.m. to noon and a complimentary lunch at 12:30 p.m. The field tour will show off new, upand-coming varieties and teach the latest disease, insect and weed control practices for staked tomato production and vegetables in Western North Carolina. For more information, contact Jessica Edney or Jeff Chandler at 828.684.3562.

n The 2019 Apple Field Day will begin with registration and a trade show from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a complimentary lunch at 12:30 p.m. Field tours will be offered 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Participants will learn the latest in thinning, post-harvest and other cultural practices, as well as disease, insect and weed control for apple production in Western North Carolina. For more information, contact Jessica Edney or Jeff Chandler at 828.684.3562.

Children cast their lines in the Oconaluftee River during the Talking Trees Trout Derby. File photo

Kids fishing extravaganza returning to Cherokee

The 16th annual Talking Trees Trout Derby will invite children from across the area to fish in Cherokee Aug. 2-3.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, entertainment, attractions and free fishing gear will be available for participants at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Then, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.,

kids will participate in hours of fishing fun at the Oconaluftee Islands Park with prizes, face painting, balloon animals and more.

Open to ages 3 to 11. Entry is free and includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday. www.cherokeetroutderby.com. Lisa Frady, 828.359.6471 or travel@nc-cherokee.com.

Waynesville rec survey available

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public input through a survey now online at www.waynesvillenc.gov/online-survey.

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and is available for all ages. 828.456.2030.

Fall softball teams wanted

An organizational meeting for the Fall Adult Softball League in Waynesville will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at the

Waynesville Recreation Center. Games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on the Vance Street softball field, with the entry fee based on the number of teams at the organizational meeting. Donald Hummel, 828.456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

Survey open for electric vehicle owners

Owners of electric vehicles are wanted to take a short survey aimed at assessing the challenges and benefits of electric vehicle adoption.

The survey is being conducted by the N.C. Division of Air Quality as part of the federal Volkswagen settlement administration. It can be accessed at bit.ly/2SoEbLt through July 26.

Wilderness therapy provider joins chamber

A wilderness therapy business that launched locally in May 2018 is now a member of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. New Vision Wilderness Therapy, which has an office at 673 Siler Road in Franklin, has additional locations in Wisconsin and Oregon that have been in operation since 2007 and 2013, respectively. The business

has a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and serves young adults and their parents in the Nantahala National Forest. New Vision fosters healing in the woods to treat struggles associated with anxiety, depression, adoption, developmental trauma, emotional regulation and addiction. New Vision welcomes opportunities to partner and connect with the community. Contact Executive Director Kristina Fortner at kristina.fortner@nvwild.com or visit www.newvisionwilderness.com.

Explore Dupont

A hike to Dupont State Forest will be offered on Friday, July 26, leaving at 8:30 a.m. from the Waynesville Recreation Center.

Participants should be prepared to hike at least 3 miles and bring their own lunch. Water will be provided. Cost is $8 per person. Register with Tim Petrea of the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department, 828.456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

Hike the Parkway

Hike with Blue Ridge Parkway rangers at 10 a.m. Friday, July 26, along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

The moderate, 1.8-mile roundtrip hike will start from Sleepy Gap Overlook at milepost 397.3. Bring water, sturdy shoes and clothing for changeable weather.

828.298.5330, ext. 304.

Trailhead expansion complete near Mars Hill

The South Toe Trailhead parking area across from Black Mountain Campground in the Pisgah National Forest has been reopened now that construction on the lot is complete.

The trailhead is an access point for five different trails. The project expanded its capacity from nine to 31 spaces and paved the previously gravel lot, as well as adding accessible parking sites and an information kiosk.

The work was funded in cooperation with the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Trail Program and the U.S. Forest Service.

To ensure safe access, parking is not allowed along South Toe Road leading to the trailhead. South Toe Road and Neal’s Creek Road remain closed to vehicles as the result of storm damage in 2017 and 2018. Funding from the Federal Highway Administration has been approved to repair the roads, and work will begin once the funds are received.

New WNC trail wins national award

Weed Patch Mountain Trail, which opened last year in the town of Lake Lure, has been recognized as one of the best new trails in the nation.

The national Coalition for Recreational Trails presented its annual achievement award in the category of trail design and construction to Pete Barr, Conserving Carolina trails coordinator, and Chris “Shrinper” Khare for their work on Weed Patch Mountain Trail. Sen. Richard Burr and the office of Sen. Thom Tillis presented the coalition’s Tom Petri Award.

It was the second year in a row that Conserving Carolina won the national award. In 2018, the award went to Barr and Conserving Carolina for Wildcat Rock Trail in Gerton, in Henderson County. Carolina Mountain Club was one of several entities that contributed to the construction of that trail.

Weed Patch Mountain Trail travels for 8.6 miles through the Town of Lake Lure’s Buffalo Creek Park and connects to Chimney Rock State Park. It offers stunning scenery and backcountry adventure for both hikers and mountain bikers. It also provides the first access to Eagle Rock, a newly established destination for rock climbers. Its spur trail to Eagle Rock in Chimney Rock State Park passes through a natural rock tunnel.

Maps and trail descriptions are available at www.conservingcarolina.org/weedpatch.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• In honor of the Lake Junaluska Golf Course’s 100th birthday, golfers can play for cart fee only ($1 per hole) from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 24. Historic display showcasing changes since 1919. Closest to pin contest for $5. www.lakejunaluska.com/golf, golf@lakejunaluska.com or 456.5777.

• The annual Haywood County Friends of the Library Book Sale is scheduled for July 25-27 at the Waynesville Library, 678 S. Haywood Street. Hours are from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday.

• The Jackson County Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, in the Heritage Room at the Department on Aging. Regarding text amendments to the Cashiers Commercial Area Ordinance, Article VII, Section 7-2 & 7-3 Setback Standards and Article IX Section 9-10 Landscaping and Buffering Standards.

• Person First Services will hold an open house from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at 2775 Highway 74E in Sylva. Artwork display and multiple raffle prizes. Person First Services is a non-profit organization Day Program committed to empowering individuals who have disabilities, and improving their emotional, physical and social well-being.

• The Fines Creek Community Center will be hosting a Fish Fry on Saturday July 27 from 5-8 p.m. There will be a choice between trout or catfish and a combination meal including hushpuppies, cole slaw, baked beans, dessert and drink. The dinner and entertainment will be $10 per person and kids 6 and under free with a paying adult. Music only will be $5 per person. Location at 190 Fines Creek Rd. in Clyde.

All proceeds/donations from these events will go to community needs. For more information contact FCCA President, Dale at 593.7042.

• The Glenville Area Historical Society will present history tours of Historic Glenville Cemeteries starting from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, with a map, brochure guide and tickets available at Hamburg Baptist Church, 4673 Highway 107 North. Tickets: $20 per person. 743.1658, historicalsocietyglenvillearea@yahoo.com or www.glenvilleareahistoricalsociety.com

• Kim Shuler will be the featured vocalist for the Open Door Meal & Sing, which is at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at First United Methodist Church of Sylva. Meal, musical entertainment and fellowship in the church’s Christian Life Center. 586.2358.

• The Haywood County Arts Council is accepting submissions for a Studio Tour Logo Contest through Aug. 1. Info and application: haywoodarts.org/logo-contest.

• The North Shore Cemetery Association will host a decoration for the Cable Branch Cemetery on Sunday, Aug. 4. First boat shuttle leaves at 9 a.m.; last is at 10 a.m., from Cable Cove Boating Access Area off NC 28 near Fontana Village. Search northshorecemeteries on Facebook for changes or cancelations.

• Nonprofit agencies throughout the state’s seven westernmost counties are invited to provide printed informational material for the Recovery Alliance 7 County Western NC Community Summit, which is Aug. 16. Materials due by Aug. 5 and must be mailed to Kaye B. McConnell; P.O. Box 2372; Bryson City, NC 28713.

• First Responders Appreciation Day is set for 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Creekwood Farm RV Park, 4696 Jonathan Creek Road in Waynesville. Barbecue and concert featuring Nashville recording artists Jason Byrd and Band.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Reservations are being accepted for a six-night package, Nov. 23-29, to join Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band as it participates in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28 in New York City. Cost: $2,199 (based on double occupancy), includes roundtrip airfare, transportation to the hotel, six nights lodging at Marriott Marquis in Times Square, two Broadway shows, admission to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a two-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing ticket on a double-decker bus and Thanksgiving dinner with the band. Bmarkle@superholiday.com. Donate to help the band make the trip: givemacys.wcu.edu.

• Registration is underway for Marriage Enrichment Retreats that will be offered three more times over the next year at Lake Junaluska. Led by Ned Martin, an expert in marriage counseling. Price is $699 per couple. Dates are Aug. 18-20 of 2019 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in 2019. Registration and info: www.lakejunaluska.com/marriage or 800.222.4930.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health is seeking input from the community: http://health.jacksonnc.org/surveys. Info: 587.8288.

• Lake Junaluska Summer Activities Program is offered weekdays through July. The center invites the community to enjoy daily free and low -cost activities. Summer Activities Program weekly events include morning and evening yoga lessons, board game nights, morning lakeside devotionals, bonfires, indoor and outdoor movies, and live music. Visit for schedule: www.lakejunaluska.com/summeractivities.

• Cat adoption hours are from noon-5 p.m. on Fridays and noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays at 453 Jones Cove Road in Clyde. Adoption fee: $10 for cats one-year and older. Check out available cats at www.petharbor.com. 452.1329 or 550.3662.

• Cashiers Area Chamber is seeking feedback to improve visitors’ experiences to the area. Take the survey at: tinyurl.com/y6w4uqyo.

• Fontana Regional Library now offers anyone with a library card free access to eMagazines, for reading on any mobile device or computer. This new service joins our popular eBooks and digital audiobook`s selection — all available 24/7 from the library’s digital collection. To get started enjoying digital magazines as well as eBooks and audiobooks, visit e-inc.overdrive.com or download the Libby reading app. www.fontanalib.org.

B USINESS & E DUCATION

• Haywood Community College will offer boating safety courses from 6-9 p.m. on July 24-25 on the campus of HCC, Building 3300, Room 3322. Must attend consecutive evenings. Future offerings are Aug. 28-29 and Sept. 18-19. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• Registration is underway for a “Lean Thinking Workshop” that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Led by Dr. Todd Creasy, MBA director and associate professor of management and project management at WCU. Learn to improve customer experience while reducing unnecessary clutter and process steps. cost is: $279. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for a Five-Star Customer Service for the Hospitality Industry workshop, which will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30

p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Registration: $119. For info or to sign up: pdp.wcu.edu or jcthompson@wcu.edu.

• Registration is underway for a “Powerful Communications Strategies for Women Workshop” that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, at WCU’s instructional site at Biltmore Park. Early bird registration is $139 through Aug. 1; increases to $169 after. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for a six-week online beginning German language course that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from Sept. 4-Oct. 15 in Cullowhee. Cost: $79. Register or get more info: learn.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

FUNDRAISERS AND B ENEFITS

• The Maggie Valley Lions Club will host a Barn Sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at Maggie Valley Methodist Church’s Barn, 4192 Soco Road. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday or Friday, July 24 or July 26. Proceeds support visually impaired in Haywood County.

• Jackson County Public Schools will collect monetary donations for its annual “Stuff the Bus” efforts from 10 a.m.-noon on July 27 at the Habitat ReStore Sylva’s Community Front Porch event. The program provides new shoes, clothing, groceries, snack bags, hygiene products and other basic necessities to students and families who cannot otherwise afford them. Info: 586.2311, ext. 1922 or ataylor@jcps.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for a “Battle of the Badges” flag football game/fundraiser for affordable housing in Haywood County. Game is at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Weatherby Stadium in Waynesville. Adults: $10; students: $5. Tickets available at the Mountain Projects office on 2177 Asheville Road in Waynesville; the Mountaineer Newspaper office at 220 N. Main Street in Waynesville and at mountainprojects.org.

• Ticket reservations are being accepted for Pawsitively Purrfect Part a fundraiser that will benefit the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society being held on Monday, Aug. 19, at Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Cost is $195 per person, $390 per couple or $1,800 for a table of 10. To request an alert once tickets are available, call 743.5769 or write shannon@CHhumanesociety.org.

• Donors and sponsorships are being accepted now for the PAWS 16th annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. Event is Aug. 31; proceeds benefit PAWS of Bryson City. www.pawsbrysoncity.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for Southwestern Community’s “Boots, Blue Jeans & Bling” gala, which is set for Sept. 7 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Fundraiser supporting student scholarships. Musical entertainment by Steve Johannessen (classics) and Crocodile Smile (variety of danceable music). Dinner, silent auction, wine pull, cornhole, best-dressed contest and more. www.southwesterncc.edu/gala, 339.4227 or k_posey@southwesterncc.edu.

H EALTH MATTERS

• Gentle Yoga for Cancer is offered from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Haywood Breast Center in Waynesville. Info: MyHaywoodRegional.com/YogaforCancer or 452.8691.

• On the third weekend of each month, Maggie Valley Wellness Center hosts donation-based acupuncture appointments. $35-55. 944.0288 or maggievalleywellness.com.

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

• Haywood Health Authority Board Meeting is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, in the second floor classroom at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde.

• A “Preparation for Childbirth” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays from Aug. 8-29 and Oct. 324 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Pre-registration required:

MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• “Your Amazing Newborn” class will be offered from 79 p.m. on Sept. 5 and Nov. 7 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Focusing on abilities, behavior, appearance and reflexes of your new baby. Pre-registration required:

MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• Registration is open for the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is Sept. 21 at Pack Square Park in Asheville. http://act.alz.org/Asheville or 800.272.3900.

• “Breastfeeding A-Z” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Nov. 14 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Focusing on techniques for proper latching and comfortable positions for a baby and mom to get started. Pre-registration required: MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• “Nourishing You” – an introductory “Yoga for Cancer” class, is offered from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Haywood Breast Center in Waynesville. Taught by Kim Mulholland, Mindful Yoga for Cancer Duke Integrative Medicine Trainer. Info: 452.8691 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/YogaforCancer.

R ECREATION AND FITNESS

• CommUnity Square Dance is set for 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Balsam Community Center, 400 Cabin Flats Road in Balsam. No partner or experience necessary.

• An organizational meeting for the Fall Adult Softball League will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, at the Waynesville Recreation Center, 550 Vance Street, in room B. Games will be played Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Vance Street Softball field; entry fee will be based on number of teams at the meeting. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a “Back to the 50s” dance party from 7-8:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $10 per person. Sally.roach@ymail.com or 456.2030.

S PIRITUAL

• Sign-ups are underway for the Festival of Wisdom & Grace, which is scheduled for Aug. 5-8 at Lake Junaluska. Theme is “Growing Deeper Roots.” Worship, workshops, Bible study and fellowship. Lakejunaluska.com/wisdom-and-grace. 800.222.4930.

• Registration is underway for Guided Personal Retreats, on Sept. 16-18 and Oct. 21-23 at Lake Junaluska. Lakejunaluska.com/retreats or 800.222.4930.

• The Jackson County Planning Board has rescheduled its July monthly meeting to 6 p.m. on July 25 at the Department on Aging Heritage Room in Sylva. The meeting was originally set for July 11.

• “Climate Reality” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, at Democrat Headquarters, 734 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Discussion will follow. 452.9607 or haywooddemocrats@gmail.com.

AUTHORS AND B OOKS

• Wanda Mills will host a multimedia short story program at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Mills is from Jackson County and lives in the Ochre Hill Community in the home where she and her sister, Nelda, grew up. She has an Associate Degree in Early Children Specialist from Southwestern Community College and has also taken classes in creative writing. www.rollingintothefuture.com. 586.2016.

• Contributors to the North Carolina Literary Review (NCLR) will gather to celebrate the release of the 2019 publication of the literary journal at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

• St. David’s Episcopal Church will host a book launch party for the publication of its church history at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, in the Gathering Place in the church’s parish hall in Cullowhee.

• The Ellison family will be featured in a reading/discussion event set for 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, at Alarka Expeditions in Franklin. Art from Elizabeth and Quintin Ellison will be on display, at George Ellison will read from his newly released biography on Horace Kephart: “Back of Beyond.” Cost: $10. Register: www.alarkaexpeditions.com.

• Anna Fariello will be presenting her book Craft & Community during the next Jackson County Genealogical Society meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, in the Community Room at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

• Anna Fariello will be presenting her book Craft & Community at book signing and reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

K IDS & FAMILIES

• A program on N.C. crayfish will be offered to ages 8-12 from 9-11 a.m. on July 25 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• “Growing Up Wild” – an early childhood education program that invites children to explore wildlife and the world around them – is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Preregistration required: cradleprograms@cfaia.org.

• Nature Nuts: Wild Woodlands will be offered to ages 4-7 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on July 26 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• Exo Explorers: Snakes will be offered to ages 8-13 from 1-3 p.m. on July 26 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• Kids’ Primitive Outdoor Skills will be taught to ages 10-15 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on July 31 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club will be offered for ages 4-7 from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Aug. 8, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Learning, outdoor activities and crafts. $5 for kids and $3 for accompanying adults. Info and register: 877.3130.

• The Junior Forester Program will be offered to ages 8-

12 from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Thursdays, through Aug. 8, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Learning, outdoor activities and crafts. $5 for kids and $3 for accompanying adults. Info and register: 877.3130.

• Online registration is underway for the 2019-20 Young Artists Program, which is set for Aug. 28-30 at Waynesville Art School. For ages 5-19. Info: 246.9869 or www.WaynesvilleArtSchool.com.

• Base Camp on the Go, a series of outdoor and environmental education activities, will be offered at a variety of locations this summer, through the first week in August: 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at Waynesville Recreation Center; 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Canton Town Park; 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at Fines Creek and 10 a.m.-noon on Fridays at Waynesville Recreation Center. cmiller@waynesville.gov.

• Summer youth swim programs are being offered through July at Reid Gym on Western Carolina University’s campus in Cullowhee. Led by retired WCU professor Mike Creason. Info: swim.wcu.edu, 227.7397 or 293.5364.

• Registration is underway for the fall PGA Jr. League golf team at Lake Junaluska golf Course. League runs from September through October. Registration fee: $190. Register: www.pgajrleague.com/sign-up. Info: 456.5777 or ctcarswell@lakejunaluska.com.

S UMMER CAMPS

• Waynesville Art School will offer three youth camps this summer at 303 N. Haywood Street. Kinder Artists camp is for ages 5-6 and will be offered from 10-11 a.m. on Aug. 5-8. Cost: $45 for four-day session or $15 for single-day camp enrollment. Art Sparklers camps are for ages 7-9 and are offered from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. on July 22-25. Cost is $110 for four days or $35 for single-day enrollment. Shining Minds Camps are for ages 10-13 and are offered from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 29-Aug. 1. Cost is $110 for four days or $35 for single-day enrollment. 246.9869 or www.WaynesvilleArtSchool.com/programs-1.

• Voices in the Laurel’s Summer Music Camp is July 29-Aug. 2, at First Baptist Church in Waynesville. Theme is “Change the World with Music.” Open to rising first through 12th graders. Learn healthy singing music while learning traditional choral music. Tuition: $125. Register online: www.voicesinthelaurel.org. Info: 734.9163.

• Discovery Camp with weekly camps are available through Aug. 16 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Open to pre-K through rising eighth graders. Register: www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/discoverycamp.

• Registration is underway for a residential camp program scheduled for this summer at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman: Astro Camp, for ages 1114, from Aug. 4-9 For info, scholarship opportunities and to register: www.pari.edu or 862.5554.

• Registration is underway for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s Critter Camp, Aug. 5-9. Camp hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fun, immersive experiences with animals at no-kill shelter for rising first-graders through sixth-graders. $300 per child. 743.5752 or info@CHhumanesociety.org.

• Smoky Mountain Sk8way is enrolling participants for its Summer Camp, which is for ages 6-14 years old. Games, art and crafts, learning and group activities. $35 a day or $150 per week. Nine weeks. For info or to enroll: www.smokymountainsk8way.com or 246.9124.

K IDS FILMS

• “Lion King”, will be shown at 7 p.m. on July 24-25 at The Strand in downtown Waynesville. Visit www.38main.com for pricing & tickets. 283.0079.

• “The Lion King”, will be shown at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza. Shown at 11 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:55 p.m. on July 24-25. Visit

www.fandango.com for pricing & tickets. Info. on Facebook or 246.0588.

• The Highlands Biological Foundation will offer a series of nature-themed films and documentaries shown at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of March in Highlands. For info on each show, call 526.2221.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

in downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public. Occasionally there are food trucks onsite. 586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

• Groovin’ on the Green will feature Hi-5 (rock) at 6:30 p.m. on July 26 at The Village Green in Cashiers. Upcoming acts include The Currys (country/blues) on Aug. 2, Eat A Peach (classic rock) on Aug. 9, Americana Jones (roots) on Aug. 16, Andrew Beam (classic country) on Aug. 23 and Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues (blues) on Aug. 31. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host The Log Noggins on July 27. All shows start at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.noc.com.

A&E

S PECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS

• The inaugural Folkmalt craft beer festival is set for 3-9 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Sorrells Park in Canton. Sixteen local and regional breweries plus food trucks. Tickets: $35 VIP, $25 general admission, $10 for designated drivers. www.folkmoot.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for Folkmoot’s 36th annual festival, which features 24 events through July 28 throughout Western North Carolina: International folk dance performances, live music, parades, craft beer, food trucks and artisan vendors. Performances in Waynesville, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Canton, Cherokee, Hickory, Asheville and Hendersonville. Full schedule and tickets: 452.2997 or folkmoot.org.

• The “Friday Night Street Dance” will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on July 26 in front of the historic courthouse in downtown Waynesville. Live mountain music and clogging. Participation encouraged. Free to attend. www.downtownwaynesvilleassociation.com.

• The 53nd annual Macon County Gemboree will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 26-28 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin. Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations, and more. Daily admission is $2 and free for ages 12 and under. 524.3161. www.franklin-chamber.com.

• The 92nd Mountain Dance and Folk Festival is set for Aug. 1-3 in UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Hall.

• National Night Out with the Canton Police Department is set for 5-9 p.m. on Aug. 6 at Sorrells Street Park. Food, drink, music, bounce houses, patrol cars, fire trucks and an opportunity to gain awareness about safety while promoting neighborhood unity.

• The Southwestern Community College’s Automotive Club will host its annual car show on Aug. 9-10 at the Mountain High BBQ Festival, which is at the Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center in Franklin. Entry fees: $10 for Friday (includes entry to the BBQ festival for one individual); $20 pre-registration for Friday and Saturday (includes two entries to the BBQ festival each day) or $25 per car for Saturday (includes two entries to BBQ festival).

D_myers@southwesterncc.edu.

• Tickets are available now for the 15th annual Franklin Area Folk Festival entitled “A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage.” Event is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin. www.FranklinFolkFestival.com or 524.6564.

• Tickets are on sale now for “Thunder in the Smokies” motorcycle rally, which is Sept. 6-8 in Maggie Valley. Vendors, Blue Ridge Parkway Tour Ride, bike show, games and more. Handlebarcorral.com.

S UMMER M USIC

• The Concerts on the Creek will host Dashboard Blue (rock/classic hits) at 7 p.m. on July 26 at Bridge Park

• Pickin’ on the Square (Franklin) will host Tom Floyd Badn (Motown/variety) at 7 p.m. on July 27. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

• The Concerts on the Creek will host Andrew Scotchie and The River Rats (rock/blues) at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public. Occasionally there are food trucks onsite. 586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

ON STAGE & I N CONCERT

• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host Lawn Series w/The Daydream Creatures (Americana) 6 p.m. on July 24, An Evening w/Aoife Clancy & Kyle Carey (Celtic/world) 7 p.m. July 24, Lawn Series w/In Flight (world/jazz) 6 p.m. July 25, The Two (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. July 25, The Rough & Tumble (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. July 26, Ellis Paul (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. July 26, Steve James & Del Ray (blues/folk) 7 p.m. July 27, AmiciMusic 8:30 p.m. July 27, Tall Tales (Americana/blues) 6 p.m. July 28, Jesse Barry (pop/rock) 7:30 p.m. July 28, Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions w/Kristy Cox 7:30 p.m. July 30, Mink’s Miracle Medicine & Hope Griffin Trio (folk/indie) 7 p.m. July 31 and Lawn Series w/Whistlepig (country/honkytonk) 7:30 p.m. July 31. For more information about the performances and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.isisasheville.com.

• The Broadway classic “Oliver!” by Lionel Bart will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. on July 25-27 and at 2 p.m. on July 28 at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. www.harttheatre.org or 456.6322.

• “The Roots of American Folk Music” concert will be presented by Marshall Ballew at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. www.reverbnation.com/marshallballew.

• The Kentucky Headhunters will perform at 5:30 p.m. on July 26 as part of the Cherokee Summer Concert Series at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. Other acts include The Toppers Band (2 p.m.); Blue Paint Band (3 p.m.) and Swon Brothers (4 p.m.). Tickets: $20 per day or $30 for the weekend. Info and tickets: www.visitcherokeenc.com or 359.6471.

• Fireside Collective performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville. Upcoming acts include Jeff Little Trio (Aug. 3), Becky Buller (Aug. 10), Salt & Light (Aug. 17), The Kruger Brothers (Aug. 24) and Wayne Henderson and Helen White (Aug. 31). Info and tickets: www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• Drive-By Truckers will perform at 5:30 p.m. on July 27 as part of the Cherokee Summer Concert Series at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. Other acts include Cecil Gray Band at 2 p.m., Brother Hawk Band at 3 p.m. and Porch 40 at 4 p.m. Tickets: $20 per day or $30 for the weekend. Info and tickets: www.visitcherokeenc.com or 359.6471.

• The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre will present its summer production, the stage version of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26-27 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, at 134 Main Street in Bryson City. Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6-18; children 5-under free. Info: Search for the theatre on Facebook or call 488.8227.

• The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 25 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee. 800.438.1601 or www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• Tickets are on sale now for a concert featuring the Lake Junaluska Singers at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. 800.222.4930 or lakejunaluska.com/concerts.

• There will be a performance by the Triple Arts Camp from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Bardo Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

• The Macon County Community Theater will perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-3, 9-10 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 4 and 11 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 828.524.3600.

• Tickets are on sale now for a concert featuring Paul Saik at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 3, at Lake Junaluska. Tickets: $18. Lakejunaluska.com/associates or 800.222.4930.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

• Storyteller Elizabeth Ellis will present a program of humorous and poignant tales at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.ARTS or arts4all@dnet.net.

• “Travel and Tall Tales” event is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. Presentation is “A Circuitous Journey Full of Unexpected Occurrences in the USSR” by Alan French.

• The Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society’s annual picnic is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center, 45 East Ridge Drive in Bryson City.

• A Cherokee Natural River-cane Dying Demonstration/Workshop is set for Saturday, Aug. 3, at Cowee Textiles. Cost: $45. Register: bouchonnet@coweetextiles.com or 349.3878.

• An artist demonstration featuring Alice Herring (encaustic and alcohol ink) is set for 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. 452.0593, info@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org.

• The Jackson County Public Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 3. Theme is the Great Jackson County Read: Armchair Traveler. Info: 586.2016.

• Applications are being accepted for the Jackson County Citizens Academy, which begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Opportunity for county residents to get an in-depth look at the functions of county government. For info or to request and application: 631.2207 or jcfitzgerald@jacksonnc.org.

• Friends of the Canton Area Historical Museum will meet at 11 a.m. every third Tuesday at the museum, 36 Park Street in Canton.

• Encouraging art classes for beginning through advanced adults are offered by the Inspired Art Ministry at the following times and dates: Drawing classes from 1-4 p.m. on Mondays; painting classes from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Info: 456.9197, charspaintings@msn.com or www.iamclasses.wbs.com.

• Waynesville Art School offers afternoon classes for children, teens and adults at 303 N. Haywood Street. Info: 246.9869, info@waynesvilleartschool.com or WaynesvilleArtSchool.com.

• The Weekly Open Studio art classes will resume from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville, Instructor will be Betina Morgan. Open to all artists, at any stage of development, and in the medium of your choice. Cost is $20 per class. There will also be a Youth Art Class from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Cost is $10 per class. Contact Morgan at 550.6190 or bmk.morgan@yahoo.com.

• Haywood County Libraries Adult Summer Reading program has started and runs through Aug. 30. Info: www.haywoodlibrary.org or 452.5169 (Waynesville) or 648.2924 (Canton).

• Uptown Gallery will offer free open studio times from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays at 30 E. Main Street in Franklin. 349.4607, franklinuptowngallery@gmail.com or www.franklinuptowngallery.com.

• The monthly Creating Community Workshop will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Led by Wynette Wiles, participants will learn basic macramé knots and their variations: lark’s head, clove hitch, square knot, and half knot. Ornamental beads will be used to add more depth. Based on the knots learned and the use of beads, participants will design their own pattern and create a wallhanging. All supplies are included. Free and open to the public. This class is limited to 10 participants. 586.2016.

• Paint & Sip with Genevieve Bagley is being offered at Bosu’s Wine Shop on July 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, July 30 from 6-8 p.m. All are ticketed event so call to reserve your spot. $45 per person which includes art supplies and gourmet snack. Wine & beer are available for purchase at the event. 451.0120 or waynesvillewine.com.

• Registration is underway for a “Bladesmithing: Seax Knife Class” that will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-4, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $380 (includes materials). Led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

• Bingo will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 and 22 at the Maggie Valley Pavilion next to town hall. 956.7630.

• Registration is underway for a Blacksmithing Fundamentals Class that will be offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24-25, at the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $275(includes materials). Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

• Registration is underway for an Intermediate Bladesmithing Class, which will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8, at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge. Produce a blade of high-carbon steel with more attention on fit and finish. Advance registration required: 631.0271 or www.JCGEP.org.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through April 2020.

• The exhibit “Cultivating Collections: Photography, Artist Books, Contemporary Native American” will be on display through July 26 at the Bardo Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University. A reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. on July 25.

• The Sylva Art & Design Committee will host its inaugural local art pop-up gallery from 6-9 p.m. on July 26 at Black Balsam Outdoors in downtown Sylva. Theme is “What does Sylva mean to you?” sylvaartdesign@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/sylvapublicart or @sylvaartdesigncommittee (Instagram).

• The Jackson County Arts Council will host an artist presentation and exhibition reception by James Smythe from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, in the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Info@jacksoncountyarts.com or 507.9820.

• An artist member show will be held from Aug. 2-24 at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. 452.0593, info@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org.

• An art exhibition entitled “High Art of the Lowcountry” will be on display through Sept. 15 at the Bascom, 323 Franklin road in Highlands. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. on Sundays. Info: www.thebascom.org or 526.4949.

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

Outdoors

• A conservation lecture on “Bears and fire in the southern Blue Ridge” is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at the Highlands Biological Foundation, 930 Horse Cove Road in Highlands. Part of the Zahner Lecture Series; led by Adam Warwick, fire and stewardship manager for the Nature Conservancy’s N.C. Southern Blue Ridge Program. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221. Shuttle runs from Founders Park starting at 5:30 p.m.

• The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department is offering a hike to Dupont State Forest on Friday, July 26. The Trip leaves Waynesville Recreation center at 8:30 a.m. Hike is at least three miles. Cost: $8 per person. Register: 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A program about how different animals get around is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. “Run, Slither and Swim” program is by WNC Nature Center in Asheville; move around the room in animal fashion focusing on movement styles, restrictions and abilities of various animals. For all ages. Info: 488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

• A Litter Pick Up Day is set for 9 a.m. on July 27 at the High Falls Access Area Visitor Center. 541.450.7097.

• A Wildlife Photo Hunt Competition is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on July 27 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway at 8 a.m. on July 31 in Franklin. Meet at the Big Bear Shelter parking area. 524.5234 or franklinbirdclub.com.

• A workshop covering the life history of and current research on black bears will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Register: cradleprograms@cfaia.org or 877.3130.

• A conservation lecture on “The History of Climate Change on Planet Earth for the last 65 million years and what it means for the future” is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Highlands Biological Foundation, 930 Horse Cove Road in Highlands. Part of the Zahner Lecture Series; led by Dr. Jeffrey Chanton, biogeochemist and professor at Florida State University. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221. Shuttle runs from Founders Park starting at 5:30 p.m.

• The 16th annual Talking Trees Trout Derby for ages 3-11 is set for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2-3, in Cherokee. Entertainment, attractions, free fishing gear, fishing, prizes, face painting, balloon animals and more. Info: www.cherokeetroutderby.com, 359.6471 or travel@nc-cherokee.com.

• Through Aug. 2, Great Smoky Mountain National Park officials are holding a celebration of the Cosby Campground on the Tennessee side of the park. More info: 865.436.1257 or Katherine_corrigan@nps.gov.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation will hold its 14th annual Downtown Dog Walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, in downtown Waynesville. Register: www.sargeanimals.org.

• A pair of Sedimentation Survey training events will be offered by Jacob Hansen of Trout Unlimited –Southern Appalachian Region. The first is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Aug. 3 at Balsam Lake; the second is on Aug. 4 in the Mills River/Horse Shoe area.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials will host an open house event concerning the history of African Americans within and around the park from 67:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville. Rhonda_wise@nps.gov.

• Backpacking course, will be offered by Landmark Learning on Aug. 12-16 and Oct. 21-25. www.landmarklearning.org.

• Volunteer work days for the Trails Forever program are held every Wednesday, through August, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For details and to volunteer: 497.1949 or adam_monroe@nps.gov.

• Friends of the Smokies is partnering with Navitat Canopy Adventures to offer one day each month through September where Navitat visitors receive a 10 percent discount, and a portion of sales will be donated to Friends of the Smokies. Dates are: Saturday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 28. Navitat Asheville is located at 242 Poverty Branch Road in Barnardsville. Reservations and info: 626.3700.

• Registration is underway for “Picture Yourself in the Smokies” event, which is Friday through Sunday, Sept. 20-22, at the River Terrace Resort and Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Early bird registration until July 12. Info: lisad@gsmassoc.org or 865.436.7318, ext. 257.

COMPETITIVE E DGE

• The Lake Logan Multisport Festival will return for its 13th year on Aug 3-4, starting with a half ironman on Saturday and two races on Sunday. The original Lake Logan International Race features a 1,500-meter swim, 24-mile bike and 10K run, and the Lake Logan Spring includes a 500-meter swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run. The race courses offer breathtaking beauty, a wetsuit legal swim in the heat of summer, a rolling bike course and a shaded run along a scenic river. Organized by Gloryhound Events. Sign up at www.gloryhoundevents.com/event/lake-logan-multisport-festival.

FARM AND GARDEN

• A Herbalist class on “Harvesting, Drying and Extracting Herbs” will be offered at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Led by Asheville herbalist Heather Perry. 586.2016.

• Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center will host a tomato field day (8 a.m.noon) and apple field day (11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) on Thursday, Aug. 1, in Mills River. Learn the latest research on apples and tomatoes. 684.3562.

• The Haywood County Plant Clinic is open every business day at the Haywood County Extension Center on Raccoon Road in Waynesville. Master Gardeners are available to answer questions about lawns, vegetables, flowers, trees and more. Info: 456.3575.

• 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 MARKETS

• The Swain County Farmer’s Market is held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through October at the barn on Island Street in downtown Bryson City. 488.3848 or www.facebook.com/SwainCountyFarmersMarket.

• Jackson County Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or www.jacksoncoutyfarmersmarket.org.

• The ‘Whee Farmers Market is held from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October at the entrance to the village of Forest Hills off North Country Club Drive in Cullowhee. 476.0334 or www.thewheemarket.org.

• Haywood Historic Farmers Market is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the HART Theater parking lot and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church overflow parking lot beside Exxon. waynesvillefarmersmarket.com or haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville. 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.

• Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market runs 8 a.m. to noon, on East Palmer Street across from Drake Software. 349.2049 or www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

• “Locally Grown on the Green,” the Cashiers farm stand market for local growers, will be held from 3-6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Rd. next to the Cashiers post office. info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or 743.3434.

H IKING CLUBS

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 1.5-mile TGIF Hike ‘n Swim on Friday, July 26, at Secret Falls near Highlands. Info and reservations: 772.233.7277.

• Blue Ridge Parkway rangers will lead a moderate, 1.8-mile round trip hike along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26. Meet at Sleepy Gap Parking Overlook, Milepost 397.3. Info: 298.5330, ext. 304.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate four-mile hike with an elevation change of 600 feet on Saturday, July 27, to see the water release from Glenville Lake dam drop over High Falls. Info and reservations: 743.1079.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate five-mile hike with an elevation change of 700 feet on Saturday, July 27, on the Kanati Fork Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Info and reservations: 524.5298.

• Carolina Mountain Club will hold a 3.5-mile hike with a 250-foot ascent on Aug. 4 from Bear Pen Gap to Charlie’s Bald. Info and reservations: 860.798.9905, 505.0471 or mwbromberg@yahoo.com.

• Carolina Mountain Club will hold an eight-mile hike with a 2,300 foot ascent on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Ramsey Cascades. Info and reservations: 423.9030 or rfluharty54@gmail.com.

• Nantahala Hiking Club holds monthly trail maintenance days from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on every fourth Saturday at 173 Carl Slagle Road in Franklin. Info and to register: 369.1983.

• Hike of the Week is at 10 a.m. every Friday at varying locations along the parkway. Led by National Park Service rangers. www.nps.gov/blri or 298.5330, ext. 304.

MarketPlace information:

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads,

■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising:

Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

AUCTION

RECEIVERSHIP AUCTION Of Commercial & Residential Lots & Acreage in Wilkes Co. & Lexington, NC & Pulaski, VA, Online w/ Bid Center. Bid Center at Holiday Inn Express in Wilkesboro, NC ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936

YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC!

Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- Over 100 NC newspapers for a low cost of $375 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at: www.ncpress.com, Phone: 919.516.8009

PAINTING

JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING

Interior, exterior, all pressure washing needs and more. Specializing in Removal of Carpenter Bees • New Product Guarantees Success - Save Your Home Before Its Too Late!

Cedar, Log Homes, Painted or Siding! Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

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BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day Updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877.661.6587 SAPA

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

ROOFING: REPLACE OR REPAIR. All types of materials available. Flat roofs too. www.highlandroofingnc.comFrom the Crystal coast, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Triad, and the Triangle. 252.726.2600, 252.758.0076, 910.777.8988, 919.676.5969, 910.483.3530, and 704.332.0555. Highland Residential Roofing.

BUILDING MATERIALS

HAYWOOD BUILDERS

Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson. Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316

ENERGY SAVING NEW WINDOWS!

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CARS -

CASH FOR CARS!

We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash!

NEWER MODELS too! Call 1.866.508.8362. SAPA

FINANCIAL

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD.

Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company. SAPA

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY

Disability? Appeal! If you’re 50+, filed for SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pockets!

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DO YOU OWE

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ICE CREAM TRUCK FOR SALE

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20 PEOPLE NEEDED!!

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HAVE AN IDEA

For an invention/new product?

We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp®, FREE INFO! 866.783.0557 SAPA

INVENTORSFree Info Packet! Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 1.844.348.2206 for a Free Idea Starter Guide. Submit your idea for a free consultation.

EMPLOYMENT

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Is recruiting for a Social Worker in Child Protective Services. This position will work with foster children and provide services to families where needs have been identified. Requires limited availability after hours as needed. The starting salary is $39,310.99, depending on education and experience. Minimum qualifications include a four year degree in a Human Service field. Preference will be given to applicants with a Master's or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and/or experience providing Social Work services. Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD-107) and submit it to the Jackson County Department of Social Services, 15 Griffin Street, Sylva, NC 28779, or to NCWorks Career Center by August 2, 2019.

EDUCATION/VACANCIES

2019-2020: Elementary Education, Special Education, School Psychologist, Middle Education, Biology, Agricultural Education, Mathematics, Building Trades, Business & Information Technology, English, Instructional Technology Resources.www.pecps.k12.va.us. Prince Edward County Public Schools. Farmville, Virginia 23901. 434.315.2100. EOE

FTCC -

EMPLOYMENT

FOSTER GRANDPARENT COORDINATOR FULL-TIME Haywood County - Mountain Projects is currently accepting applications for a Foster Grandparent Coordinator. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Two years supervisory experience in recruiting and retaining volunteers. Must have cooking skills and be a self-starter. Please apply by visiting www.mountainprojects.org. Mountain Projects Inc. 2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786 or 25 Schulman Street Sylva, NC 28779 EOE

WORK FROM ANYWHERE

You have an Internet connection. 13 positions available. Start as soon as today. As simple as checking your email. Complete online training provided.Visit this website for details:

https://bit.ly/2yewvor SAPA

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots! Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

Climate Control Storage

AVON

Sell online or in person from

or work. Free website included. No inventory required. For more info, Call: 844.613.2230 SAPA

Is recruiting for a Community Social Services Assistant. Duties primarily involve transporting foster children for a variety of purposes such as visits with parents, medical appointments, counseling, education, or training. Candidates for this position should be highly dependable, adaptable, able to lift children and car seats, have completed high school, interact well with children, and have a valid driver's license with a good driving record. The starting salary is $23,694.27. Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD-107) and submit it to the Jackson County Department of Social Services 15 Griffin Street, Sylva, NC, 28779 or the Sylva branch of the NCWorks Career Center. Applications will be taken until August 2, 2019.

AIRLINES ARE HIRINGGet FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.441.6890

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Biology Instructor (10-month contract), Database Management Instructor, Director of Facility Services, Simulation & Game Development/Digital Media Instructor. For detailed information and to apply please visit our employment portal https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer

MAD BATTER

Is Hiring Cooks & Counter Help for All Locations! Cullowhee, Sylva & Franklin. If Interested, Please Email Inquiries to: madbatterevents@gmail.com

OWNER OPERATORS, DRIVERS, Fleet Owners for DEDICATED Regional routes. Weekly Settlements. Minimum 12 months 48-53’ tractor trailer experience. 800.832.7036 ext.1626, cwsapps@ilgi.com. www.cwsdedicated.com

BOATBUILDING CAREERSBayliss Boatworks is Hiring! Carpenters, painters, welders, electricians and CNC operators and programmers. Full-time work and great benefits. Visit:www.baylissboatworks.com/about/careers

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

GATED, LEVEL, ALL WOODED, 5+acre building lots, utilities available in S.E. Tennessee,between Chattanooga and Nashville. www.timber-wood.comCall now to schedule tour 423.802.0296 SAPA

Maggie Valley

Haywood Co. Real Estate Agents

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Great Smokys Realty - www.4Smokys.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Heritage

• Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com

• Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com

• Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com

• Michelle McElroy- michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com

• Steve Mauldin - smauldin@beverly-hanks.com

• Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com

• Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com

• Brooke Parrott - bparrott@beverly-hanks.com

• Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com

• Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com

• Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com

• Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com

• Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com

• Billy Case- billycase@beverly-hanks.com

• Laura Thomas - lthomas@beverly-hanks.com

• John Keith - jkeith@beverly-hanks.com

Christie’s Ivester Jackson Blackstream

• George Escaravage - george@IJBProperties.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com

• Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com

• Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com

• Pam James - pjames@sunburstrealty.com

Jerry Lee Mountain Realty

Jerry Lee Hatley- jerryhatley@bellsouth.net

Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com

• The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

• Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com Lakeshore Realty

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com

• Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com remax-maggievalleync.com

• Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com

• The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com

• Ron Breese - ronbreese.com

• Landen Stevenson- Landen@landenstevenson.com

• Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

• Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net

• Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net

• David Rogers - davidr@remax-waynesvillenc.com

• Juli Rogers - julimeaserogers@gmail.com

Rob Roland Realty - robrolandrealty.com

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

The Smoky Mountain Retreat at Eagles Nest

• Tom Johnson - tomsj7@gmail.com

• Sherell Johnson - sherellwj@aol.com

Weichart Realtors Unlimited

• Marsha Block - marsha@weichertunlimited.com

WNC Real Estate Store

• Jeff Baldwin - jeff@WNCforMe.com

HOMES FOR SALE

BRUCE MCGOVERN

A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com

McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

THREATENING FORECLOSURE? Call Homeowner's Relief Line now! Free Consultation 844.359.4330 SAPA

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE - 1.68 ACRES

Located off Plot Creek Road on Dragon Fly Lane. Unimproved and Unrestricted with Spring Located on the Property. $7500/OBO. Send Text to: 828.424.8855

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160. Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more

VACATION RENTALS

OFFER:

Book Your Flight Today on United, Delta, American, Air France, Air Canada. We have the best rates. Call today to learn more 1.855.613.1407 Mon-Fri:10:00am to 7:00pm Sat & Sun: 11:30 am to 7:00 pm (all times Eastern) SAPA

Aeration - Your 1st step toward improved water quality! 1hp Cascade 5000 Floating Pond Fountain Aerator - Beautiful! $798.95 $ave Hundreds! www.fishpondaerator.com 608.254.2735, 7-Days/Week!

2 RIDING LAWN MOWERS

42 Inch Cut, Good Tires, New Batteries. $475 Each. Call: 828.371.7629

HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com LAKE OR POND!

PET SUPPLIES & SERVICES

HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER

828.452.1329 Prevent Unwanted Litters! The Heat Is On!

Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10. Operation Pit is in Effect! Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes! Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Sprays, Traps, Kits, Mattress Covers. DETECT, KILL, PREVENT. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com

NOEL - ADOPTED ABOUT 2-1/2 YEARS AGO, BUT HAD TO BE RETURNED THROUGH NO FAULT OF HER OWN. SHE IS AN AWESOME DOG, NOW ABOUT 4-1/2 YEARS OLD, LOVELY TO WALK ON LEASH, KNOWS "SIT", AND HOUSE TRAINED. SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL, GENTLE DOG WHO WILL BE A TERRIFIC COMPANION AND BEST FRIEND TO HER LUCKY ADOPTER.

LUCIA - BEAUTIFUL GRAY & WHITE FLUFF BALL KITTY, ONLY ABOUT 10 MONTHS OLD. SHE LIKES TO BE PETTED & BRUSHED! SHE IS A LITTLE SHY AND TENDS TO STAY OUT OF SIGHT, BUT IF YOU GO SLOW AND TALK QUIETLY TO HER SHE'LL QUICKLY WARM UP. SHE'LL DO WELL IN A QUIET HOME WITH LOVING FOLKS.

2 RIDING LAWN MOWERS

42 Inch Cut, Good Tires, New Batteries. $475 Each. Call: 828.371.7629

SCENTSY PRODUCTS

Your Local Independent Consultant to Handle All Your Scentsy Wants & Needs.

Amanda P. Collier

828.246.8468 Amandacollier.scentsy.us apcollier1978@gmail.com StartOwnBusinessforOnly$99

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC.

The best bedding at the best price! 533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS

No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment. Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each. 828.593.8321

ICE CREAM TRUCK FOR SALE

Be Your Own Boss - Great for Street Routes & Festivals!

1984 Chevy P-30 W/ 350 Engine & 350 Turbo Transmission, Runs Great! 8,000 Watt Generator, 10,000 BTU A/C, Breaker Box W/ Multiple Outlets, New Ice Cream Music Player W/ 35 Diff. Songs, Back-Up Camera, Shelving, 1 Small Fridge and 2 Freezers, Cotton Candy Maker, Microwave, New Paint & Decals. $15,000. For Pics & More Information Call 864.517.6578

FOR SALE MEDICAL

CAMPING PUP TENT

Never Been Used, Still in Box. $20 For more info call 828.246.7135

BABY CHICS FOR SALE

Whittier, For More Info Call 828.586.0155

WANTED TO BUY

FREON R12 WANTED:

Certified Buyer Will Pay Ca$H For R12 Cylinders Or Cases Of Cans. www.refrigerantfinders.com, 312.291.9169

MEDICAL

ACCURATE & CONVENIENT

Preventive health screenings from LifeLine Screening. Understand your risk for heart disease, stroke, and more before symptoms. Special: 5 vital screenings only $149! 855.634.8538

FINANCIAL BENEFITS

For those facing serious illness. You may qualify for a Living Benefit Loan today (up to 50 percent of your Life Insurance Policy Death Benefit.) Free Info. CALL 1.855.402.5487 SAPA

STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER

With an American Standard WalkIn Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1.855.393.3307 or visit: www.walkintubquote.com/nc

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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SCRAPING FOR A MEAL ACROSS

1 Letters with twists

“For want of -- the horse was lost”

“Fernando” quartet 15 Tax-deferred svgs. plans

19 Not express, as a train

Daring feat

Briny expanses 22 Roman historian

Start of a riddle

Back talk

Caustic compounds 27 “Silkwood” star Meryl

Hail, mostly

Papier- --

IPod option 31 Riddle, part 2

700, to 22-Across

-- -Julie, Que. 39 Morays and congers 40 Lays away

Momentous stretches

“Silence!”

Skinny

Six-pt. scores

Riddle, part 3

One of Isaac’s twins

Prenatal exam, briefly

“I’m so hungry I could -- horse!”

59 J.D. Salinger title girl

Old Russian overlords

Movie house, in Spanish

Moreno of movies

Moo -- pork

Rural tract 68 Riddle, part 4 74 Jackie O’s Onassis

-- Alto, California

Old -- (Disney dog)

Ridge on a fingerprint

of “Roseanne”

Riddle, part 5

Sothern of “Blind

“Scat, cat!”

Email button

Flashy keyboard

of the band

of the riddle

with presence

-- de plume

to the plot

-- (city in Texas)

Riddle’s answer

ANSWERS

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

“There is a singer everyone has heard…”

Robert Frost names that singer in the title of his 1916 sonnet “The Oven Bird.”

The ovenbird is a large (six-inch) grounddwelling warbler common in closed-canopy deciduous and mixed forests from eastern British Columbia to Newfoundland and throughout the eastern U.S. to northern Arkansas. They are one of the most common woodland warblers of the Southern Appalachians. They winter from south Florida to Mexico and Central America and in the Caribbean islands.

This handsome warbler is olive-green to tawny brownish above. It is spotted, thrushlike below, has a bold eyering and an orange crown bordered by bold black stripes. And while this dapper bird is quiet pretty in your binoculars it blends well with the forest floor and can be infuriatingly hard to see.

Ovenbirds would not make “good” children — you know the kind seen and not heard. In fact the opposite, heard but not seen, is often true with ovenbirds. That is one of the reasons I enjoy birding with beginners. They are eager to see each and

every bird they come across and will spend what many birders would consider an inordinate amount of time trying to ferret out this terrestrial gris-gris. I think most birders depend on the ovenbird’s abundance and figure they will get a glimpse of one at some point.

And it’s not like ovenbirds are skulkers; however, their cryptic coloration allows them to hide in plain sight. It’s cool to finally spot one and watch it. They are one of the few warblers (think Louisiana waterthrush and Connecticut warbler) that walk, rather than hop while foraging. Even in the canopy they are often found on limbs large enough they can walk along while foraging. I know, I know, you’ve seen one hopping. Juveniles hop before they learn how to walk.

The ovenbird gets its name from its nest. The nest is a small dome-like structure built on the ground out of dead leaves, twigs and grass, lined with animal hair and having a small opening in the side. It looks like a miniature oven. The female constructs the nest from within and once finished, will toss twigs and leaves atop it to camouflage it. If the chicks begin to knock the walls down as they grow — well, kids will be kids — mom doesn’t care because she’s done with it.

Cool to catch a couple of ovenbirds foraging in my yard. This one hopped up into the holly tree for a nanosecond. Don Hendershot photo

Ovenbirds are early migrants to North America, often reaching nesting grounds in mid-April. They are generally single brooders, so also early fall migrants and begin heading to their wintering grounds in late August.

The mnemonic for the ovenbird’s song is almost always described as two syllables “teach-er teach-er teach-er” or “chur-tee, chur-tee, chur-tee.” But across much of their southern nesting range — including Western North Carolina — the more common song is a single “teach, teach, teach.”

And males with adjacent territories often sing together — the second starting as soon as the first finishes, leaving perplexed pointsurveyors, like yours truly, scratching their heads wondering was that one ovenbird or two.

As Frost says the ovenbird is … “Loud, a mid-summer and mid-wood bird, / Who makes the solid tree trunks sound again.” (Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. His book, A Year From the Naturalist’s Corner, Vol. 1, is available at regional bookstores or by contacting Don at ddihen1@bellsouth.net)