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On the Cover:

After 27 years of educating the community about voting rights and political issues on every level, the Macon County League of Women Voters chapter disbanded due to low membership and a lack of civic engagement. The League was known for its nonpartisan candidate forums and other educational events. (Page 6)

News

Spread of opioids puts strain on sheriff resources ..................................................3

Canton Confederate Christmas controversy quashed

Cherokee wins first-ever state football championship

Mission back in network for BCBS policyholders

Franklin mayor warns of challenges ahead in 2018 ..............................................11

Brunch Bill one step closer to reality in Maggie Valley

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S UBSCRIPTIONS

Spread of opioids puts strain on sheriff resources

BY J ESSI STONE

EWS E DITOR

On any given day, the Haywood County Detention Center is full of people suffering from substance abuse and/or mental illness — to the point where Sheriff Greg Christopher said it sometimes feels like his staff is running a mental health facility as opposed to a jail.

“Western Carolina University completed a study for us in 2016 where they interviewed people coming into the jail — 85.5 percent of people arrested openly admitted to being addicted to alcohol or some other substance,” Christopher said.

The problem has been mounting in recent years as the opioid epidemic reaches the far corners of Western North Carolina. In 2012, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office made 178 drug arrests. In 2016, the sheriff’s office made 457 drug arrests and that number is likely to be surpassed in 2017.

And when drugs are involved, there’s always ancillary crime that accompanies — break-ins, theft, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. Nowadays deputies have to not only enforce the law, but they also have to be counselors, medical workers and arm themselves with more than a gun. Dealing with the intricacies of daily contact with those suffering from mental illness and/or

substance abuse requires more deputies, more training and more resources.

ROOTOFTHEPROBLEM

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it’s estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers. An estimated 467,000 people are addicted to heroin.

“We see so many people that have become addicted to opioids because of situations they had — like an injury or an operation or some kind of health related issue that caused a prescription to begin and they just haven’t been able to get off of it for whatever reason,” Christopher said.

Although pharmaceutical companies began pushing doctors to prescribe opioids for pain relief in the 1990s claiming they were non-habit forming, today’s situation makes it clear just how addictive those drugs can be. Being addicted to prescription pain killers is also expensive, which is why so many addicts end up stealing from friends and families to pay for their habit. The most common opioids found in WNC are Hydrocodone and Percocet, and they go for $1 a milligram on the streets.

When opioid addicts can no longer afford the pills, Christopher said many people turn to heroin because it’s a much cheaper opioid. He said the opioid epidemic has now led to an increase in heroin use and an increase in overdoses. Unlike prescribed pills, people buying heroin off the streets can’t be sure what they’re taking isn’t laced with something even more dangerous than the opioid itself.

Once only kept on hand by emergency medical responders, now law enforcement agencies are arming themselves with Narcan, an overdose reversal drug. Officers are sometimes the first on the scene of an emergency call and need to be prepared to save someone’s life if an overdose is in progress.

Christopher said Haywood EMS administered 144 doses of Narcan in 2016 while 209 doses have been administered so far in 2017.

Narcan has helped save many lives, but Christopher said it’s also having an unintended consequence now that it’s available over the counter.

“Drug dealers are selling $20 worth of heroin to addicts and giving them Narcan to seem like they’re looking out for them, but really they’re just doing it so the addict lives to buy another day,” Christopher said.

COSTTOTHECOUNTY

Once someone is booked into the detention center, it’s the taxpayers that foot the bill for their care — and that care is significantly higher for those suffering from substance abuse.

“The cost to house an inmate is up to $72 a day, and as of today we have 121 people in the jail. When you count those costs to taxpayers in our county it becomes very expensive very quickly,” Christopher said. “So many people we arrest have to have immediate care because they’re so unhealthy. We have to start a detox program with so many of them and that cost is on top of the $72 a day.”

Depending on a person’s level of addiction, it can take seven to 10 days to complete a detox program. The detox process becomes even more expensive and important when monitoring the health of a pregnant inmate.

“Jail is not where these people need to be a lot of times,” Christopher admitted. “But also they have to want to get help and stay clean.”

When the sheriff’s office or any other law enforcement agency takes someone into custody that is a danger to themselves or others, they have to involuntarily commit the person. However, the shortage of behavioral health beds in the state and especially in Western North Carolina puts a strain on law enforcement resources.

“As an agency we have to transport all the involuntary committed patients that leave Haywood to go to other facilities,” Christopher said. “And when that person is released we have to drive back down to the coast or central North Carolina or wherever they are because it’s my responsibly to get them back home safely.”

Deputies use up a lot of man-hours and put a lot of wear and tear on their vehicles performing those transports. But even before they can transport a patient, law enforcement officers often have to sit with the patient in an emergency room following an evaluation until a bed becomes available in a behavioral health facility. Sometimes that can take days.

In 2014 alone, Macon County Sheriff’s Office spent 8,299 hours and $253,625 on involuntary committals. In 2016, Haywood Sheriff’s Office performed 642 involuntary committals. Since law enforcement put the issue to the forefront several years ago, Christopher said the situation is improving.

Haywood Regional Medical Center, which has a behavioral health unit, now has telemedicine technology in the emergency room and staff that can sit with involuntary commitment patients so law enforcement can get back to work.

By the numbers

Number of involuntary committals performed by the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Greg Christopher said the dramatic increase is due to drugs arrests, particularly opioid-related arrests.

• 2014..................................................393

• 2015..................................................618

• 2016..................................................642

• 2017......................567 (through November)

“Our local hospital has done a good job with providing service to the IVC patients and our deputies are not having to stay nearly as long as they used to,” Christopher said. “The new CEO (Rod Harkleroad) understands we need to get back on the road as soon as it’s safe to be able to do so.”

Angel Medical Center in Macon County also took over supervising mental health patients in 2015 to ease the burden placed on the sheriff’s office. Even though Angel Medical doesn’t have a behavioral health unit, the Mission Health affiliate started using video monitoring and specially trained staff to sit with those patients. The change was estimated to save the sheriff’s office $200,000 a year.

Christopher said another expansion project at Appalachian Community Services’ Balsam Center in Waynesville will also take some pressure off the sheriff’s office as well as the local emergency room. The Balsam Center recently expanded from 12 to 16 behavioral health beds and will soon become a 24/7 urgent care facility for people with mental health and substance abuse emergencies.

“We’ll be asking county commissioners for another full-time deputy to be placed there at the Balsam Center at no cost to coun-

ty,” he said “Appalachian wants to pay for that so they can begin receiving patients on a 24/7 basis.”

EXPLORINGSOLUTIONS

Christopher has been a huge proponent of treatment and rehabilitation for inmates being released from the detention center whether they have a mental illness, an addiction or just a lack of resources to improve their lives. He was instrumental in helping establish the Haywood Pathways Center, a Christian-based residential program located right next door to the jail. In the last three years, the program through the Pathways Center has helped reduce recidivism at the detention center and also helped people kick addiction, find a home and learn life skills needed to earn a living.

Christopher said someone from Pathways comes to the detention center at least once a week to speak to inmates about the services the nonprofit offers as well as other community resources. But again, it’s up to the individual as to whether they make their way over to the Pathways Center when released.

“They have to want to be clean. So many people have said until they got tired of

“Jail is not where these people need to be a lot of times. But also they have to want to get help and stay clean.”

— Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher

being sick and that’s when it finally connected with them what they’d been doing is not helping,” he said. “The addiction is so strong that they have to truly in the heart want to make a change.”

If he could wave a magic wand, Christopher would love to have a program inside the jail — perhaps a clinician or addiction specialist who could help address the specific needs of inmates and help them reconnect with friends and family so when they are released they leave with a sense of hope knowing someone cares about them.

“A lot of times people will start to do better when they’re still connected to family — just having relationships can give them hope for the future,” he said.

Christopher said education needed to continue to be at the forefront of the battle. He speaks regularly to students in the school system through the Drugs in Our Midst programs and takes every opportunity to show teenagers the dangers of prescription pills.

“Just today all of the criminal justice classes at Pisgah High came here and toured the detention center and we had drug agents speak with them,” he said. “We want to show them how easy it is for this to happen to them. So many people that did not ever expect to say ‘I’m an addict’ are here. It’s just so easy to start from a prescription given to you.”

Sheriff receives grant to hire four new deputies

New personnel will work toward addressing opioid crisis

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $480,963 grant that will allow the department to hire four fulltime patrol deputies to strengthen their ability to fight crime and to protect the well being of citizens in the community.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services COPS Hiring Program awarded the grant.

Sheriff Greg Christopher said the funding and additional officers would specifically be used to focus on addressing the opioid epidemic.

“We applied for it last year and missed it, so this year we worked hard to get it because we understand what we have to deal with,” Christopher said. “These deputies will assist with developing a strategic plan to combat opioid abuse.”

These new deputies will be charged with creating a formal systematic plan and community orientated policing in communities. Each deputy will be assigned to a particular area in the county to be responsible for.

“We’ll hold them responsible for the coordination of what they’re finding and communicating that to our drug task force and criminal suppression unit,” Christopher said.

He added that a motto the sheriff’s office follows wholeheartedly is “we must get to know our communities, before we need to know our communities.” That means being proactive when it comes to

building trusting, valuable and powerful relationships in the community instead of taking the approach of only interacting with citizens during enforcement actions or when something bad happens.

“We will have more manpower to zero in on where some of the big issues are in our communities. We will have a familiar face and regular presence in these areas so that relationship/trust building process will become even stronger,” he said. “This specific placement of deputies will give us greater knowledge of the criminal activity intricacies of these areas, as well.”

The only downside is the grant money will run out in four years. The grant will pay for three deputies the first year while the county will have to fund one position. The grant will pay for two deputies the second year and the county will have to pick up half the tab. After four years, the county will have to pay to keep those positions. Christopher is hopeful that four years will give his deputies enough time to roll out a plan to address the opioid problem and make some progress.

“Hopefully we can pay for all of it after that and I hope we’re successful enough that commissioners will approve letting us keep the four officers,” he said. “Otherwise we’re going to continue to lose people to this epidemic. We as law enforcement officers as well as others in the community that are gonna have to continue to be diligent to try to put a stop to this.”

The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office was among 179 law enforcement agencies across the nation awarded a combined $98,495,397 through the COPS Hiring Program. The COPS Office is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by providing grant funding directly to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to support hiring additional law enforcement officers for three years to address specific crime problems.

Drugs in Our Midst

Community leaders educate residents about addiction

BY J ESSI STONE

N EWS E DITOR

Jean Parris of Canton has been telling anyone who will listen about the growing drug addiction problems facing Haywood County since 2011, which is when she helped form Drugs in Our Midst.

“I started the wheels rolling. My close family friend had a child that was 27 years old and using drugs. He had some issues and ended up losing his life in downtown Canton when he was shot by a parole officer,” she said. “He was a loving sweet kid but he just had an addiction and was breaking in and stealing things like addicted people end up doing.”

The realization that young adults were senselessly losing their lives and families were left to pick up the pieces inspired her to do something about it. She reached out the Sheriff Greg Christopher, Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed and other community leaders who all agreed something needed to be done.

Drug in Our Midst started holding organizational meetings around the county to gather information from law enforcement, families, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, parents and teachers and anyone else who has a stake in the problem facing the community. Then Parris and others set out to educate the community on what was happening.

“And this was all to tell people about the seriousness of the drug issue and that we need to be getting our act together,” she said.

Today, Drugs in Our Midst offers six hours of drug education to every eighth-grader in the Haywood County School system. Hollingsed talks to students about the drug problems in Haywood County; Christopher tells them what happens to people once they get arrested and sent to jail; Ellen Pitt with

Jean Parris, project coordinator of Drugs in Our Midst, at an informational booth to tell people about the dangers of drugs. Donated photo

the local MADD chapter talks to them about alcohol; Tobin Lee, tobacco prevention specialist for Region A, teaches them about the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes; and peer specialist Richie Tannerhill shares his own personal experience with addiction.

“All students in high school now have had the drug program,” Parris said. “And now we’re going back to give three more hours of drug education to seniors before they graduate, because that’s when kids move away from home and may be tempted by peer pressure.”

Parris said statistics show that more than 40 percent of teens will try drugs by the time they are in eighth grade. Her hope is that the drug program will stop adolescents from experimenting with drugs before they reach the point of addiction.

Drugs in Our Midst is also there to support the families dealing with a loved one who has an addiction. The group hosts a family support group at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday at the sheriff’s office in Waynesville and at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month at The Community Kitchen in Canton.

“We want families to know they aren’t alone and it’s not the first child this has happened to,” Parris said. “Parents tend to think it’s all their fault, but this is an opportunity for them to all come together and share their experiences.”

Parris is hopeful that the state and federal government’s efforts to curb the number of opioid pills being prescribed will help reduce the number of drugs available on the street, but she also knows that many addicts have turned to heroin as a less expensive opioid option.

For now, she wants to continue to educate the public and youth about the dangers of drugs in hopes of minimizing the damage it’s done in the community. She also wants to see more resources put into the mental health system — especially for children — since mental health is so closely tied to substance abuse.

“So many people with mental health issues are from dysfunctional families and they hurt all the time. Sometimes there’s abuse and neglect involved,” she said. “But also addiction is not always related to income or education or gender or ethnicity — it impacts everybody.”

For more information about Drugs in Our Midst, call Parris at 828.648.1358 or visit www.drugsinourmidst.org.

December 19 • 4-7 p.m. ONLY Christmas Cookies & Hot Apple Cider

Question:

Laura Lynn milk tastes so good! Is the date on the milk a “sell by” or “best buy” date?

Answer:

Thanks for the compliment! Laura Lynn milk comes primarily from local dairy farms within 150 miles of Asheville. Milk moves (or “mooves”) from the cow’s visit to the milking parlor on the farm to the our processing plant (MILKCO in West Asheville) then onto the shelves at Ingles. This whole process usually takes just 48 hours so it is very fresh. MILKCO in West Asheville, has extremely high standards for milk quality and rewards farmers for cow health, this results in great tasting milk. The Laura Lynn milk you see at Ingles is also bottled in opaque plastic containers to protect it from the light’s effect on milk that results in vitamin loss. The date you see on a milk carton is a “sell by” date which is for our purposes as a retailer. Once you buy milk, and as long as it is kept at the proper temperature (40 degrees F) and unopened; it can keep up to 7 days past that date. Once you open a container of milk it will only keep 3-5 days after the “sell by” date. For more information on “sell by”, “best buy” dates see www.stilltasty.com

Macon League of Women Voters disbands

Members reflect on 27 years of work toward a well-informed community

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

An aging membership, the inability to recruit younger members, a lack of civic engagement and a shift away from nonpartisanship are all factors the Macon County chapter of the League of Women Voters just couldn’t seem to overcome.

The nonpartisan advocacy group that has worked to encourage civic engagement in Macon County felt it had no choice but to disband after 27 years.

“We formed in 1990 and disbanded this spring, so I think we had a good long run,” said Susan Ervin, a long-time coordinator of the local chapter.

The national LWV has a simple mission — educating the public so voters can make informed decisions at the polls. The Macon LWV has been a critical part of the community, known for offering educational programming to keep people up-to-date on political issues from the local, state and federal level. The group also encourages voting and civic engagement and held public forums for municipal, county commission and state legislative candidates.

Even though the organization is nonpartisan, the current political climate has not been in the League’s favor, especially in rural and red counties like Macon. Because of the League’s stance on women’s rights, immigration, voting rights and gerrymandering, some in the community have labeled them a left-wing group pushing a liberal agenda.

“Leagues have had a hard time, especially in small communities. Asheville has an active League but also has a bigger pool to draw from,” Ervin said. “We live in an area predominantly conservative and Republican and our pool is much smaller. We’re swimming upstream against a lot of current ideas.”

HOWITSTARTED

The League of Women Voters has a long history in this country. It was founded in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt during the National American Woman Suffrage movement, and its original mission was to ensure women used their new voting power to shape public policy responsibly.

“The League started in the wake of women getting the vote in this country and it was all about educating women and representing women’s issues,” Ervin said.

Since the beginning, the League has been a nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization taking tough stances on issues facing the country. It was important for League founders to maintain a nonpartisan position because they felt it would protect the new group from becoming stuck in the party politics of the day. Still adhering to the nonparti-

san mission, the League today is a wellrespected force recognized for molding public policy, advocating for voting rights and encouraging citizen involvement at every level of government.

Elinor Metzger of Highlands, who had been a League member elsewhere since 1948, started the Macon chapter in 1990 during a time when the nonpartisan organization was going strong on a national level as well. Within the first year of forming, Ervin said the chapter had accumulated about 100 eager members, and she was one of them.

Macon resident Maethel Shidelman, who is now in her 90s, was also a founding member of the local chapter. She said she joined because she wanted to have a place to turn to for neutral and factual information about a myriad of issues facing the community and the country.

“We thought there was a great need for a place people could get nonpartisan information and have a chance to meet all of the political party candidates running for office,” she said. “It was a chance for people to look at politics from as many angles as possible in an atmosphere people felt free to express their ideas and listen to others expressing their ideas. I think that’s the best thing we did.”

EDUCATINGTHECOMMUNITY

LWV tried a number of different types of programming in the community throughout the years — everything from monthly educational luncheons to fancy fashion shows trying to drum up new members.

The chapter is probably best known for hosting political forums for local and state candidates. As a nonpartisan group, Ervin said the group of women worked hard to be fair to all candidates and keep the discourse civil during the forums.

“They were held in a very educational and calm way — everyone was timed and given same time to answer questions,” she said. “We didn’t allow the audience to heckle candidates. It didn’t become an exchange between candidates and attendees. We wanted them all to feel respected and not defensive when answering questions.”

Ervin said the League-sponsored political forums always got good press coverage from local papers, but attendance at the events has waned in recent years. They tried changing the day and time of the forums but attendance didn’t increase.

The League also started having a problem with Republican candidates refusing to par-

take in the forums — not so much on the local level but state legislators and congressmen turned down invitations several times.

“We always made a point of being very fair. All candidates were treated the same, but I’m sure some candidates didn’t like the questions we chose,” Ervin said. “But even the last forum — which was a county commissioner forum — was well attended. On a local level we always had great involvement, but when it came to regional or state candidates it wasn’t always the case.”

The League accepted submitted questions from the public in addition to creating its own questions for candidates. The questions were never softballs — the League asked about real issues that would get to the heart of a candidate’s position.

“I feel like the candidate forums were our biggest contributions. We set the idea that candidates needed to communicate with citizens of the county and it let them know that people were paying attention and asking questions,” Ervin said. “They knew people were going to ask in-depth questions and they had to think through and respond to people in a meaningful way.”

N.C. Rep. Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, has attended his fair share of LWV forums when he ran for school board, county commissioner and for the state legislature.

“I always found them to be fair and they asked important questions about real issues,” he said. “They were a great organization that served an important role.”

Macon County Commissioner Ronnie Beale agreed, adding that it would be a disservice to the community if someone doesn’t continue the forums.

“It was the only time all the candidates came together as a group to answer questions about what’s going on in the community and also what the future might hold,” he said. “Any group you put together is going to be labeled as conservative or left-leaning but how they conduct their business is what matters. I always thought their forums

were bipartisan and well organized.”

Kristina Moe, who joined the Macon League around 2005, said the League also hosted educational events in recent years to promote the work of nonprofits in Macon County. With so many organizations providing resources for women and children, the League thought it was important for the community to be aware of the resources available to them in times of need.

“I think getting the different nonprofit groups in front of the community was really important — Like KIDS Place — I wasn’t familiar with what they did before they talked to us,” Moe said.

The League also held voter registration drives and put out voter guides to help people make informed decisions at the polls whether they attended the forums or not. At one time, League members attended town and county meetings as observers to stay apprised of issues and relay it to members and the community.

“It became our mission to inform citizens in Macon County and have good reliable information presented,” Ervin said.

PROGRESSIVEPOSITIONS

Is it possible to be nonpartisan and progressive? The League of Women Voters thinks it is — it’s been the foundation of the national organization for nearly 100 years.

The League does not endorse candidates or support certain parties, but it has historically taken what is now considered to be progressive positions on key issues. The League supports maximizing voter participation and registration, civil rights for workers, women, children and minorities, and prefers diplomatic negotiations instead of aggressive military tactics.

“Some people considered us to be partisan because of the positions we take, which are generally progressive on the spectrum on issues,” Ervin said. “In this particular time in history a lot of those issues fall within the realm of the Democratic Party, but that’s not always been true — the Republican Party was the vanguard of votes for women.”

It hasn’t been the League that’s changed its positions — it’s the parties that have shifted their views through the years. And as the lines between party platforms have widened, there has become little room for bipartisanship, let alone nonpartisanship.

Unfortunately, Moe said, many people view issues like women’s rights, fair wages, voting rights and gerrymandering as “controversial” issues linked to the liberal agenda. She referenced a letter to the editor that ran in the Macon County News as an example of the feelings some people have about the LWV.

“… it is high time this group of liberal women recognized that their pushing the liberal agenda on those interested in politics in the local area is not representative of the average, intelligent American citizen, and is definitely not appealing to them,” wrote Joyce Roberts of Franklin.

Shidelman, who moved to Franklin permanently in 1970, said the community has changed so much through the years. While League events used to foster a sense of open discussion, it just doesn’t seem like there’s

much room for compromise anymore.

“It just seems most people — or a great many people — feel that they must handle issues on a partisan basis,” she said.

She’s disappointed the Macon League had to disband but she remains optimistic about the future and the ideal of nonpartisanship.

“Maybe it comes in waves where the situation is such that people will once again feel at liberty to consider an issue from all of its sides,” she said. “We have some more organizations forming that are trying to adhere to nonpartisan approaches to our political situation. It can be hard for a lot of people, but frankly it’s the only way we’re going to be able to move the agenda of this country forward — by saying, ‘I will listen to what you have to say and maybe we can come to a compromise and move on.’”

NONEWBLOOD

When Kristina Moe joined the Macon League more than 10 years ago, she was in her late 20s and was — and still is at 42 — the youngest member of the chapter.

The founding members, who are now in their 70s, 80s and 90s, stuck around and stayed involved for more than 20 years, but the group has always had a hard time recruiting younger generations to get involved as members, supporters or attendees at events.

Moe works for the Macon County Library in Franklin and used to work for Southwestern Community College when she joined LWV. Her job encourages her to be involved in the community and, after hosting League events at the library, getting involved with that group of women seemed like a good fit.

“When you’re that young you don’t realize you’ve got a voice and a right to speak up, so when they asked me as a member and then to serve on the board, I felt honored to do so,” she said.

Moe said she’s not sure why it’s so difficult to get people her age or younger to become involved in civic groups. Of course there are the typical reasons — a demanding job or schoolwork, children and family responsibilities.

“I don’t know what keeps younger people from it — maybe they’re not interested in something so established and organized,” Moe said.

There could be some truth to that assessment. Franklin does have several other newer organizations that are picking up momentum with the involvement of younger residents, including Forward Franklin, one of the many progressive advocacy groups that have sprung up following the 2016 presidential election.

Ervin said she thinks younger folks just aren’t as involved in civic affairs like they used to be, and if they are, most of them use social media as a platform instead of being part of a larger organization. It may also be that the younger generations are so bombarded with news on the internet they don’t feel they need an advocacy group to keep them informed.

“I think in some ways it’s just not the fashion right now,” she said. “I belonged to a lot of community groups over the years and I see the same people over and over.”

Asheville LWV chapter picking up steam

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

While the Macon County League of Women Voters had to disband this year due to low membership and community involvement, the AshevilleBuncombe League is on the upward swing with a renewed enthusiasm from members and the community.

Formed in 1979, the Asheville League did become dormant for a few years as the board members all burned out around the same time. Current President Alana Pierce said the group became active again about the time she joined two and a half years ago.

“We’re hovering close to 90 members now. That fluctuated last year when we hit 100 members, but we only had between 60 and 80 members before that,” Pierce said. “But we have a reach beyond that — 500 people on our mailing list and 715 people who liked our Facebook page, so engagement is good.”

She attributes the renewed excitement, and perhaps frustration, to the last two election cycles. Members and the community have particularly been upset by the voter ID laws that have since been deemed unconstitutional, the attack on women’s right and redistricting in North Carolina.

“Leagues across the country and state have seen an increase in membership, so right now we’re scrambling to keep people engaged. Luckily we’ve had the busiest year ever in League history,” Pierce said. “We’ve noticed some people really wanted some action right away, but the League doesn’t operate that way. We study issues and take stances — we’re not going to take radical action right away.”

The Asheville League also hosts candidate forums and, like the Macon group, has also dealt with some conservative backlash against the chapter. Pierce said it’s been a nationwide issue with Republicans refusing to attend LWV forums and it’s an issue the League is going to have to fight against. For example, U.S. Rep Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, dodged invitations to League forums in Macon County and Henderson County during the 2016 election.

“I think it’s been a state or national tactic among Republicans, but either way the stigma has stuck,” she said. “We’ve been able to get over that with municipal forums, but honestly we’re going to have to pull some political stunts to get Republicans to show up. We have to demand Mark Meadows shows up to make sure people who live here get what they’re due.”

Pierce also said the Macon chapter isn’t the only one dealing with being labeled as a Democrat or liberal organization.

“We take stances on issues that protect women and children. Those issues have not been so partisan in the past,” she said.

Pierce said it is important for Leagues to keep recruiting younger members in order to prevent burnout. At 38, Pierce joining the board and helping to ramp up social media efforts for the chapter has also helped the organization grow and keep people engaged.

“Social media has helped tremendously. You can create an upcoming event and it automatically reminds people of the event,” she said. “We can post comments and pictures and tell the bigger picture stories.”

Even with the struggles and challenges, Pierce is hopeful for the future of the national and local Leagues and the influence they can have over public policy.

To find out more how to become a member or donate to the League of Women Voters, visit http://www.lwvab.org/.

Canton Confederate Christmas controversy quashed

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

When Canton Alderman Dr. Ralph Hamlett recently proposed a parade entry policy that would limit inappropriate speech during the town’s two annual parades — and in effect limit the display of the Confederate Flag — it understandably generated a substantial amount of negative comments.

Some on social media had even vowed to line the streets of Canton’s Dec. 7 Christmas parade in a show of support for the recently beleaguered banner.

But, after more than 120 parade entrants drove, walked, skated, or, in the case of one group trotted on horseback through Canton’s quaint commercial district that night, just two floats were seen to include the flag in their displays.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I think the vast majority of people that came to watch the parade and to participate in the parade were there to celebrate the Christmas holiday,” said Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. “They weren’t there for politics.”

Chalk it up to apathy, ignorance or possibly even acquiescence, but among the thousands of spectators, there was but one example of anything even remotely resembling a Confederate flag — a starred and barred ski cap atop the head of a young boy. There were no blankets, no tee shirts, no flags, no protests, and certainly no confrontations.

Even after four flyers espousing a white supremacist group were surreptitiously and illegally posted to telephone poles along the route sometime prior to the parade, spectators seemed more concerned with candy being tossed into the crowd by dignitaries like Smathers than with a complex cultural and Constitutional question over symbolic speech.

Once of those spectators was 15-year-old Hendersonville High School student Keelie Jones. With a Ghanaian father and a mom from the states, Jones identifies quite literally as an African American. She’s also the reigning Miss Western Carolina’s Outstanding Teen and regularly attends events throughout her 27-county dominion.

“That would not personally offend me,” she said when she learned of the Canton’s Confederate controversy. “If they want to fly their flag, then I feel like they should be allowed to.”

Jones and other spectators likely saw a float sponsored by the Haywood Republican Alliance — a splinter group not affiliated with the Haywood County Republican Party — that displayed the Confederate flag, as well as a big black pickup truck so adorned. Both displayed the flag accompanied by other historical flags, including the Christian flag, the Betsy Ross flag, the Gadsden flag and the current U.S. flag.

Neither appeared to promote slavery,

Canton’s

parade was

Around this time of year, there’s usually a great lull in municipal government; meetings are cancelled, elected officials are out of town and inclement weather can strike at any moment. Most municipalities then jump right into budget season, which can run from February through June.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I think the vast majority of people that came to watch the parade and to participate in the parade were there to celebrate the Christmas holiday. They weren’t there for politics.”

— Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers

racism or white supremacy, and neither appeared to garner any more cheers or jeers than any other float, which begs the question — with such an outright lack of public support or opposition, where does Hamlett’s proposed policy go from here?

ALWAYSORSOMETIMES

Hamlett’s proposed policy was tabled without discussion Oct. 26 to give Town Attorney William Morgan the chance to review it in detail. In theory, it’s sound, as the U. S. Supreme Court has upheld the right of municipalities to limit inappropriate speech based upon the time, place and manner of its expression.

At the board’s next meeting Nov. 9, six people spoke against the proposal, some citing history, some citing heritage and some citing the slippery slope of speech regulation. The issue wasn’t on the agenda then, and wasn’t on the agenda for the Dec. 14 meeting, so no action has yet been taken.

The town’s next parade, in September 2018, is still months off, but Hamlett remains adamant that the proposal, in some form or another, be presented to the board before then.

But, even before that, it’s clear there are many questions that still need to be answered.

Despite Hamlett’s consultations with the Anti Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, the threat of an expensive and prolonged lawsuit still looms over any enacted policy of the sort, should someone with the legal standing to challenge it decide to do so.

On the municipal level, there’s still a bit of uncertainty as to what, exactly, might make one might run afoul of Hamlett’s proposal, which also proposes to limit symbols of vulgarity, profanity and illegal activity.

“When you get past what this policy may or may not be, the next question is who’s going to enforce it and how?” Smathers said.

The plan names unnamed parade officials as those charged with interpreting what is and isn’t allowed; Smathers said that would likely be town staff and police.

However, the otherwise mostly-tasteful context in which the two flags appeared in the Christmas parade raises even more questions: is the flag always a hate symbol, or only sometimes, within some sort of hateful context that wasn’t present that night?

If it’s not always, then those two displays would have likely passed muster, even if it still offends some — meaning that the proposed policy would be toothless in its attempt to ameliorate the same type of complaints that birthed it.

It’s clear the proposal needs work — an anti-drug organization with a marijuana leaf on its banner wouldn’t be able to march, for example — so until the proposed policy is again presented before the board next year, it’s still rather nebulous and therefore hard to pin down the positions of some board members.

Hamlett was joined by Alderwoman Gail Mull in drafting the proposal, putting them both squarely in the procamp, depending on what comes back from the town attorney.

Since the proposal was first heard, the town saw a Nov. 7 election that elevated Smathers from alderman to mayor also saw the addition of two new, young board members who, like Smathers, will face an early test in how they address this issue but unlike Smathers are neither Canton nor North Carolina natives.

“We are still working through all possible outcomes of any rules or regulations that we put in place,” said Alderwoman Kristina Smith, who finished first in a field of four candidates in November and added that she was “open” to the idea of Hamlett’s proposal. “We want to make sure anything we do ensures that town events will always be open and welcoming events for all citizens and visitors to Canton, while also ensuring safety for participants, town staff and law enforcement.”

Alderman James Markey, Smith’s fellow newcomer to the board, offered a similar openness tempered with acknowledgement of the larger issue at hand.

“I would support a policy that prevents people from using speech that is generally seen as an affront to decency, and I will say that with the caveat that I will not support any policy contrary to what we consider the tenets of free speech now.”

The town doesn’t currently have any policy for parade entrants.

“I do think there should be a policy that the town has regarding parades and public ceremonies,” Markey said. “How that ends up looking, I’m not the first person to determine that because I’m not a lawyer. That’s why we as a board consult with our legal representation on matters such as this before making any new policy, not just this one.”

Regardless, Markey seemed to sympathize with the sentiments of Smathers in that the issue would neither define the town nor its people.

“There was a lot of talk on social media about making an example of this,” Markey said. “But this town is better than that.”

Pride of a nation

Cherokee wins first-ever state football championship

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Pride-filled pandemonium reigned in Cherokee Saturday night, Dec. 8, as the victorious Cherokee Braves football team returned to town. Police cars and fire trucks from the Cherokee Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department flashed their lights and blared their horns in an escort that had met the buses all the way back at Balsam, and fireworks filled the air as fans already tired from the five-hour drive back from Raleigh cheered till they were hoarse.

All this because — for the first time in the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — the Cherokee Braves football players were state champions.

“Everybody was very emotional,” Coach Kent Briggs said of the win’s aftermath. “I think all of us were crying, just about, and so excited that we’d done something historic for Cherokee. We knew that this would be a moment that would last in our minds forever. How great is that? I think I underestimated it.”

Excitement had been running high in Cherokee for days in the week leading up to state championships, with multiple Tribal Council members using their time during a Dec. 7 meeting to offer congratulations and well wishes to the young athletes.

“I know that it takes a special group of kids and a team to make it to state, and I just want to say I hope they bring it home, and I know that they will,” said Councilmember Albert Rose, of Birdtown. “Just to get there after 17 weeks of sacrificing — a lot of people don’t understand what sacrifice a football player gives to get to state.”

Briggs, too, is well aware of how special the current group of seniors is. Briggs is now in his fourth year as coach, and they’re the kids who have been on the team in throughout his tenure with the Braves.

“Our best players were really our freshmen, so I played a lot of freshmen,” Briggs said of his first year coaching. “A lot of these seniors are four-year starters. They got stronger, faster, bigger, more experienced every year, and we’ve added players to the roster over the years.”

Going into the season, everybody knew it would be a year to remember.

“Those four of us that played together as freshmen, we knew once we was all seniors we was going to do something special,” said senior Holden Straughan, who plays linebacker and wide receiver. “But we all thought we was just going to win conference or beat Murphy. We didn’t think anything about winning state or anything like that.”

But, as the season progressed, they did think about it. Until, according to Briggs, “anything less than a state championship would have been a big disappointment for our team.”

As the game against undefeated North Duplin High School — whose students hail from rural Duplin County in eastern North Carolina — began at the Carter-Finley Stadium at N.C. State University in Raleigh, such an achievement looked anything but certain.

“They controlled the ball the first half,” Briggs admitted.

But the Braves defense held off the North Duplin Rebels to maintain a 0-0 score until, midway through the second quarter, North

Duplin scored a touchdown and an extra point to lead 7-0. Cherokee couldn’t get even until a completed pass earned a touchdown late in the third quarter.

The Braves didn’t panic, however.

“I just knew we was going to come back and execute, and I knew if we executed we were going to win, so I wasn’t too worried,” Straughan said.

Briggs was thinking the same thing.

“I just knew once we scored we’d be OK, and that held to be true,” he said.

It certainly did. After that third-quarter score, Cherokee came back in the fourth quarter to score another touchdown, a 51yard rush from quarterback Tye Mintz that

brought the score to 13-7. Then another rushing touchdown boosted the score to 197, and finally a two-point conversion clinched Cherokee’s state title with a final score of 21-7.

“It was definitely my greatest athletic experience I’ve ever been around, just seeing all those kids play so hard and work so hard for something and to go out there and make their dream come true,” Briggs said.

It’s a new week, the state victory days in the past. But for both Briggs and Straughan, it still doesn’t feel quite real.

“I just feel like it was another game,” Straughan said. “It really hasn’t hit me yet, even two days after.”

“We knew that this would be a moment that would last in our minds forever. How great is that?”

— Coach Kent Briggs

{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

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Mission back in network for BCBS policyholders

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

After a months’ long battle, Mission Health hospitals and its affiliates will be back in Blue Cross Blue Shield’s network as of Dec. 15.

Mission has been out-of-network for BCBS patients since the nonprofit health system let its contract lapse Oct. 5. Mission informed BCBS it would not renew its contract back in July, claiming it was dissatisfied with BCBS’s proposed reimbursement rates.

Mission and BCBS both took part in a fairly heated PR media campaign between July and October and communications between the two was nonexistent until after the Oct. 5 deadline. Even after negotiations resumed, the two parties were tightlipped about whether progress was being made until a joint press release announcement was made Dec. 5.

“Mission Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina have entered into an agreement for Mission Health participation in Blue Cross networks effective, Friday, December 15, 2017. Both parties are pleased to reach agreement on the mutual goal of ensuring that the people of Western North Carolina receive the affordable, quality health care that they need.”

The details of the agreement are confidential so there’s no way to know whether Mission will now be receiving the higher reimbursement rates it was holding out for in the first place. Other hospitals across the state, including the Duke LifePoint affiliates in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties, all reached contract agreements with BCBS earlier this year without much fanfare.

Mission’s CEO Dr. Ron Paulus claimed Mission’s position as the rural health care provider in Western North Carolina made BCBC’s reimbursements a lose-lose situation

for a health system struggling to keep up with increasing costs of services and supplies. With the choice of accepting a new contract with a reduction in payments over the next three years or continuing its current contract with BCBS with no increase in reimbursement, Paulus said Mission had no choice but to cancel its contract.

Through a print and social media campaign — “Stand with Mission” — Mission tried to win over support from the community to stand up to the largest health insurance provider in the state. BCBS policyholders, however, seemed more concerned about paying higher out-of-pocket expenses or having to drive farther to find a new physician in-network.

Some communities were already resentful toward Mission for its decision in April to shut down labor and delivery units at rural hospitals in Franklin and Spruce Pine. Paulus said the decision to close those labor and delivery units was a tough financial decision, but one that had to be made to keep Angel Medical Center and Blue Ridge Hospital sustainable and to ramp up services that are in higher demand. The closure at AMC forced expecting mothers in Franklin to travel 30 minutes to the nearest delivery center at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva or an hour and a half to Asheville to stay with Mission Hospital.

North Carolina State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell issued a statement congratulating BCBS and Mission for coming to an agreement since Mission Health provides health services to more than 40,000 members of the State Health Plan in Western North Carolina.

“We’re very pleased that Blue Cross and Mission Health have come to an agreement. I expect it to reduce complexity and increase the value of health care for state employees, retirees and other North Carolina taxpay-

SCHEDULE

MONDAY

As of Dec. 15, Mission Health and its affiliates throughout Western North Carolina will be back in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

File photo

The details of the agreement are confidential so there’s no way to know whether Mission will now be receiving the higher reimbursement rates it was holding out for in the first place.

ers,” said Folwell. “It is so important that State Health Plan members in the western part of the state have in-network access to Mission Health’s facilities.”

The agreement also comes in the nick of time for residents looking to sign up or renew their Affordable Care Act health plan through the online Marketplace. BCBS is the primary provider on the ACA website in North Carolina and the deadline to sign up for a 2018 plan is Dec. 15. Many residents were trying to wait for a decision from Mission and BCBS before deciding whether

to stick with BCBS or move to another provider in-network.

Mountain Projects and Pisgah Legal Services are both offering free consultations and assistance in signing people up for a health insurance policy through the Marketplace.

Appointments can be made with Pisgah Legal by calling 855.733.3711 or visiting www.pisgahlegal.org/free-legalassistance/aca/

Call Mountain Projects to schedule an appointment at 828.452.1447.

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9-10 AM: Restorative Yoga w/ Jay •10:30-11:30: Mixed Level Flow w/ Jay • 5:30-6:15: Barre Above* w/ Jay 6:30-7:30: Fluid Unwind w/ Shelby

WEDNESDAY

9-10 AM: Flow + Deep Stretch w/ Sara • 10:30-11:30: Gentle Yin Yoga w/ Sara • 5:45-6:45: Mixed Level Flow Yoga w/ Kendall 7-8: Intro to Flow + Restorative w/ Maura

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6-7AM: Sunrise Flow w/ Michael • 9-10: Restorative (Chair) Yoga w/ Jay •10:30-11:30: Mixed Level Flow w/ Jay • 12-1: Yoga Basics w/ Amber • 1:30-2:30: Qi gong w/ Bill • 5:30-6:15: Barre Above* w/ Jay • 6:30-7:30 PM: Yoga Basics w/ Shelby • 6:30-7:30 PM: Candlelight Flow w/ Kendall

FRIDAY 9-10: Gentle Restorative w/ Amber • 10:30-11:30: Barre + Flow w/ Jay • 4-5:15: Flow and Sweat w/ Shelby SATURDAY 9-10: Mixed Level Flow Yoga w/ Michael or Amber 10:30-11:30:

Franklin council, mayor sworn into office

Mayor warns of challenges ahead in 2018

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Franklin’s new and returning councilmembers were recently sworn into office and immediately started conducting business during the December regular meeting.

The board thanked outgoing councilmember Patti Abel for her service. Abel served one term on the board and decided not to run for re-election.

New councilmember David Culpepper claimed Abel’s open seat while incumbent Barbara McRae won re-election for a second term on the board. Incumbent councilmember Billy Mashburn, who served on the board for 25 years, won re-election but passed away after a long battle with cancer just days before Election Day.

According to state statute, the town board can appoint someone to the vacant post in Mashburn’s absence for a nonpartisan municipal election, but the issue was not on the town’s agenda for the December meeting.

Angela Moore, a candidate who was the next highest vote-getter after Mashburn, addressed the vacancy during the public comment portion of the town meeting.

“I know the board faces the daunting task of filling the vacant seat. For those (board members) I haven’t been able to get a hold of I’m very interested in the seat,” she said.

This is the fourth time Moore has run for the town board and the closest she’s gotten to being elected with only 16 votes short of Mashburn. Even though the law allows the board to appoint whomever they want to fill the seat, Moore encouraged the board to respect the wishes of the electorate by appointing her to the position.

Board meetings get new start time

The Franklin Town Council voted unanimously to change the time of its regular monthly meetings. The town board will continue to meet on the first Monday of the month at town hall but starting in January will meet at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.

Scott expressed concerns over the status Angel Medical Center, a Mission Health affiliate, and the new replacement hospital being proposed. The current hospital is located right downtown while AMC and Mission are looking at a U.S. 441 location for the new $45 million project.

“I welcome this but at the same time I am still not clear on what may happen with the old facility,” he said. “Mission Health has closed our Labor Delivery Unit and at this time I am worried about the future of our medical care as this is another example of what is happening nationally to health care at the expense of small communities such as ours.”

ment, Scott said, and towns are also seeing more philosophical differences in the way the state and federal governments want them to operate. Towns are receiving less Powell Bill funds to maintain streets and sidewalks, lost the ability to collect business privilege license revenue and are seeing far-reaching consequences of state and national cutbacks for general and human services.

“On the state level we have seen our right to involuntary annexation taken away, water, sewer systems and airports threatened and a move to make municipal elections partisan,” Scott said. “At present, most of the towns and cities are non-partisan and this relieves us of having to make decisions based on political affiliations.”

Scott warned the board and residents of a looming tax increase for the town to be able to address a backlog of deferred maintenance costs. He suggested the board seriously consider a quarter-cent sales tax increase that other towns and counties have passed.

To maintain the town’s current level of fire service, he said the town would probably need to look at a 2 to 3 cent increase in the fire tax.

Towns are receiving less Powell Bill funds to maintain streets and sidewalks, lost the ability to collect business privilege license revenue and are seeing farreaching consequences of state and national cutbacks for general and human services.

Mayor Bob Scott, who ran unopposed this year, was sworn in for a third term. Before moving into the regular agenda items, Scott shared a State of the Union type of address with the councilmembers regarding the issues ahead of them. He thanked the town employees for going above and beyond to make the town a wonderful place to live. He also reminded the board of his priority of being open and transparent with the public.

“I am so very proud that this board has had very few closed meetings in the past four years and I would encourage the board to always find reasons not to go behind closed doors but find reasons to conduct our business before the public,” Scott said. “As such, I will work to see that the town adheres to the North Carolina Open Meetings and Public Records laws. We, as a board, exist to conduct the public’s business. And in that vein, I would remind you of the high ethical standards the public demands of us.”

Also high on the mayor’s priority list are adjustments to downtown parking, adoption of a nuisance noise ordinance and finding the best use of the town’s Whitmire property — all of which have been discussed extensively by the board in 2017.

Municipalities are getting less financial assistance from the state and federal govern-

Scott called for the board to hold a special planning meeting in January to talk about its vision for the town in 2018. Lastly, he encouraged board members to take advantage of the School of Government and NC League of Municipalities training, seminars and conferences.

“Thank each of you for working diligently for Franklin. We have some tough issues facing us,” Scott said in closing.

Brunch Bill one step closer to reality in Maggie Valley

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

As the town’s former police chief and also as a woman of faith, Maggie Valley Mayor Saralyn Price said last month that she couldn’t support the town’s proposed Brunch Bill ordinance that would allow alcohol sales to begin at 10 a.m. instead of noon on Sundays.

But as an elected official charged with carrying out the will of her constituents, Mayor Price made a courageous reversal of that position, throwing her support behind the measure Dec. 11 and moving it one step closer to reality.

“My biggest reason for changing my mind is I said I was going to vote the way the people in Maggie wanted me to vote,” Price said during the meeting. “If it was up to me I’d vote against it, but I’m voting for the people, so I will vote for it.”

Price’s vote was, for once, necessary; mayors usually vote only in the case of a tie, which is exactly what the Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen was facing after conducting several months of public hearings and collecting a substantial amount of public comments, the overwhelming majority of which were in support of the proposal.

Maggie Valley distillery owner Dave Angel again showed up to make the business case for the proposal. Since mid-summer,

Angel’s been everywhere the Brunch Bill’s been heard in Haywood County.

In addressing the board, Angel said that the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce had sent a letter to the town signed by more than 40 businesses — most of which are not involved in the alcohol trade — and that the Maggie Valley Club had also expressed strong support for the proposal, which if nixed would inhibit the club’s ability to compete with other clubs in the area.

“They know this is an opportunity to keep people in Maggie Valley longer,” he said, adding that he knows of three craft brewers on the fence about locating in the Valley. “It’s really not about the businesses today, but about the businesses in the future.”

Both Waynesville and Canton have passed the bill, a fact that wasn’t initially an issue, but over time became increasingly difficult for aldermen to ignore.

“I have come to the conclusion that if they don’t get [alcohol] here in Maggie Valley they’re going to drive to Waynesville to get it,” Price said.

Alderman Mike Eveland also recognized the argument.

“We want to be able to compete with others in the county as well as Sylva and these other places that are going to be vying for new businesses that come up, and we want to be the place perceived as welcoming,” he

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said. “We want to find ways to let you come into this valley and be prosperous.”

Both Alderman Phillip Wight and Alderman Clayton Davis have been steadfast in their opposition to the bill, opposing even a public hearing on the matter; months ago, Wight said it wasn’t relevant to the town since there are so few establishments that might take advantage of it.

During the meeting, Wight suggested it be placed on the November ballot for residents to decide.

“One way or the other I think it falls on us to make the decision here,” Eveland said. “We had a huge loss in commercial property values. Some of those are empty buildings. Do we want to be the face of why they’re empty?”

Alderman Dr. Janet Banks joined Eveland in supporting the proposal.

“I think also we need to recognize that the scenario has changed since Waynesville has passed the Brunch Bill and Canton has passed the Brunch Bill, and we are looking at a new linkage between the [Asheville Area] Chamber of Commerce and the Haywood Chamber to promote businesses between the two counties,” Banks said. “That is a real game-changer in terms of what we as a town need to do to promote economic development for us and within the county.”

Banks was referring to a recently revealed partnership between the two counties that will see the Haywood Chamber paying out a consulting fee to the Asheville Chamber in exchange for Asheville marketing business opportunities in Haywood County; should Maggie Valley pass on the

“We want to be able to compete with others in the county as well as Sylva and these other places that are going to be vying for new businesses.”

—

Alderman Mike Eveland

brunch ordinance, Banks said, those opportunities might look less attractive to businesses that may end up choosing Canton or Waynesville instead.

None of that swayed Davis, however.

“I have no problem with those involved in the alcohol industry who are moderate and create no problems for others,” he said. “But I am concerned about the 10 percent who due to their genetic makeup cannot be moderate and become addicted. Often they are involved in tragedy with themselves and others. If I personally promote and endorse this action, I feel I share in the results.”

With Davis and Wight opposed and Banks and Eveland for, Price cast her tiebreaking vote on the measure, which then passed 3 to 2.

But Bloody Marys and mimosas aren’t on the table in Maggie Valley just yet.

Because the ordinance wasn’t passed by a two-thirds majority on this particular reading (3 to 2 is 60 percent) it must again be voted on at the town’s Jan. 9 meeting, where a simple majority will suffice for passage.

Although aldermen aren’t bound by their Dec. 11 vote, it’s likely the Jan. 9 vote will be a simple formality as long as neither Banks, Eveland nor Price have a change of heart.

If it does pass, Angel’s distillery could receive a substantial boost; although the “brunch” portion of the bill wouldn’t affect his distillery, another provision will allow him to sell up to five bottles of his spirits to each customer, each year. The current limit is one bottle per year, which he says restricts his ability to send visitors home with a taste of Maggie Valley.

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Freshman retention dips at WCU

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

After years of steady upward progress, the freshman-to-sophomore retention rate at Western Carolina University dipped slightly for students who enrolled as firsttime, full-time freshmen in fall 2016.

“We really have looked at everything upside down and sideways, honestly saying if we could just find that one thing that made us drop 1.3 percent and fix that one thing — and I’m not sure that we did,” Glenda Hensley, director of first-year experiences, told the WCU Board of Trustees during a November 30 committee meeting.

In 2015, WCU celebrated achieving an 80 percent freshman-to-sophomore retention rate five years ahead of the 2020 target deadline set in 2012. University leadership considered it a significant accomplishment, as retention at Western had previously been quite low compared to other schools in the University of North Carolina System — in 2007, a full third of freshman students didn’t come back the next fall, with the percentage of returning freshmen hovering in the 70s over the next several years.

The university recognized that something should be done to address the issue and in 2013 hired Lowell Davis as the first assistant vice chancellor for student success. That office has since launched numerous efforts to assist students who may be in danger of dropping out, and retention numbers have climbed accordingly, reaching 80.1 percent for students who entered as freshmen in 2014 and returned as sophomores in 2015. It held level at 80.2 percent for the 2015 freshman cohort but dipped slightly for the 2016 cohort, 78.9 percent of whom returned as sophomores this fall.

Davis said that, while the university realizes the importance of retention, he doesn’t believe that the 1.3 percent drop is especially significant.

“It is something we take extremely seriously, as it is our goal and the chancellor’s goal to make sure we maintain our 80 percent retention goal, but a drop of 1 percent in one year is not something that raises an alarm,” he said.

Sam Miller, the university’s vice chancellor for student affairs, echoed Davis’ stance.

“Numbers have some variation from year to year, and how much of that is statistically valid, it’s hard to say,” he said. “We slipped below 80 percent with last year’s freshman class, but is that a statistically significant change? I don’t even know.”

While the overall percentage difference was small, a breakdown of data showed that some types of students saw significant gains in retention while others saw significant drops.

Retention among student athletes, for example, shot up from 80.7 percent in the 2015 cohort to 85.4 percent for the 2016 cohort. While the change was certainly an increase from 2015, it was right in line with retention rates over the past several years — 86.4 percent for the 2012 cohort, 86.2 percent for 2013 and 88 percent for 2014.

Randy Eaton, director of athletics at WCU, attributed the high rate to the substantial amount of pre-emptive academic intervention student athletes receive. All freshman athletes have mandatory study halls and anyone considered to be at any sort of academic risk has a tutor set up before they even arrive on campus. Plus, many athletes receive student aid.

S EE E NROLLMENT, PAGE 15

WCU RETENTIONBYETHNICITY

FIRST-TIME, FULL-TIMEFRESHMENPERSISTENCERATES

Admissions interest rises at Western

The recently-renovated Brown Hall at WCU.

When Chancellor David Belcher asked Sam Miller, Western Carolina University’s vice chancellor for students success, to tell the Board of Trustees about Western’s “terrifyingly good enrollment activity,” he was only half kidding about the word “terrifying” — but he was completely serious about the word “good.”

Interest in attending Western is growing by leaps and bounds, but university leaders view that as a change that’s all good.

“We’re seeing increases in applications for both our first-time, full-time freshmen in January and we’re seeing increases in applications for the transfer population in January,” Miller said. “Both of those are unusual. We don’t usually see a lot of activity in January.”

Many of the freshmen applicants, Miller continued, are likely holdovers from the summer, when WCU created its first-ever waiting list for admission.

“Western has been on a roll for several years now,” Miller said. “Five of the last six years we’ve had all-time record enrollments, and that momentum I think predates the passage of N.C. Promise. So a lot of things have been going well, and I think growing awareness of Western has been happening, and folks are taking a look at Western that maybe didn’t know about WCU before.”

The university has received about 11 percent more applications this year than at the same point in 2016, though the number of students admitted is about 5 percent lower. However, as Miller told the trustees Dec. 1, “we’ve changed so much about the upcoming admission cycle I can’t say anything without offering a footnote to it.”

Western has changed the application deadlines for early action and added some additional deadlines leading up to the

“There’s a financial incentive as well for my student athletes to succeed and return,” Eaton told the trustees.

Other groups of students didn’t do so well this time around. While retention dipped for all ethnic groups included in the university’s retention report, it decreased the most for Hispanic students. Among Hispanic students entering as freshmen in 2016, 76.9 percent returned as sophomores this fall, down from 86.8 percent for the 2015 cohort — a 10.1 percent drop. That’s the lowest rate since the 2012 cohort, when 71.9 percent of Hispanic freshmen returned as sophomores.

Retention rates also decreased for students enrolled in the university’s Academic Success Program. The program enrolls students who want to attend Western but don’t quite have the academic credentials to gain admission — students who are invited to attend through ASP must first complete a five-week intensive summer program in which they take up to seven credit hours and participate in a variety of events, workshops and seminars designed to support a successful career at Western.

groups but reiterated the university’s commitment to reaching students of all backgrounds and ethnicities. WCU hired a chief diversity officer in 2016, he pointed out, and the university works hard to retain students who are in need of the support services the ASP offers.

“We are continuing to put programming in place to assist those students who come to our institution and to make sure they are not

“We slipped below 80 percent with last year’s freshman class, but is that a statistically significant change? I don’t even know.”

only successful at the end of our first semester but also return to our institution for a second year,” he said.

final application deadline, with the goal of avoiding a last-minute rush of applications and encouraging students who are serious about attending WCU to take action sooner rather than later.

“The later you apply, the tougher it might be to get an offer of admission from WCU,” Miller said. “Before we had early action and we had some deadlines like this, but it wasn’t as competitive and it didn’t have as much impact as it’s going to have this year. I actually think this coming spring semester — January, February, March — we’ll have a waiting list for admission offers.”

That’s not how things have historically gone at WCU, but admission and interest in admission have been on a steady rise over the last several years. In fall 2015, Western enrolled 1,624 first-time, fulltime freshmen. That number rose to 1,913 in fall 2016 and again to 1,980 in fall 2017.

In fall 2018, the school aims to enroll between 2,000 and 2,050 first-time, fulltime freshmen.

Miller attributes increased awareness of Western, and of the quality programs and the mountain lifestyle that it offers, to the rise in enrollment. But another big change is on the horizon. N.C. Promise, the state program that will cause the cost of tuition to drop to $500 per semester for in-state undergraduate students, will kick in come fall 2018. Western is one of only three universities in the state to be part of the program, and the institution’s leaders expect that the reduced cost of attendance will cause interest to spike even further.

“We really are very cautious and want to protect the quality of the experience for students,” Miller said. “We don’t want to just be too aggressive and throw the doors open to admission. But by the same token we have an amazing opportunity thanks to N.C. Promise.”

Among the 2015 cohort, ASP students who enrolled as first-time, full-time freshen in the fall had a 78.3 percent retention rate, a figure slightly above the 78.2 percent retention rate for the 2013 cohort and the 77 percent retention rate for the 2014 cohort. However, retention for the 2016 cohort dropped 12.6 points to 65.7 percent.

Davis said he had no theories as to why retention dropped so dramatically for these

Davis added that the university is continuing to think of new ways to improve retention and will soon roll out a university-wide strategic retention plan. A draft of the plan has been completed and sent to the chancellor and provost for approval. It will then go to the faculty and staff senates before becoming final during the upcoming spring semester.

“We are on a road to success when it comes to retaining our students,” Davis said.

Haywood School Board to fill vacancy

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

After submitting applications, one of three men will be selected to fill a vacancy on the Haywood County School board at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14.

“We want to do this as quick as possible,” said Chuck Francis, chairman of the Haywood County School Board. “We want those people [in the Beaverdam district] to get representation quickly.”

In November 2016, three candidates sought two open seats in the Beaverdam district, where Walter Leatherwood chose not to run again for his seat, and Rhonda Cole Schandevel gave up her seat for an unsuccessful run against State Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville.

Ronnie Clark led the field in that election by earning 41 percent of the vote, and Scott Smith claimed the second seat with 30 percent.

Smith, however, resigned his seat back in October because he moved out of the Beaverdam district he was elected to represent; School Board Chairman Chuck Francis commended Smith, saying he’d done a good job while on the board and that he’d also done the right thing in resigning, because statutes don’t explicitly mention a process whereby a board member who no longer resides in their district may be removed.

Close behind Smith in the 2016 election was Richard Lance, who finished with 29 percent of the vote; Lance again seeks the seat as one of three applicants.

Lance holds a bachelor of social work degree from the University of Kentucky as well as a master’s degree in psychology from Western Carolina University and master’s degree in criminal law from Rollins College.

A U.S. Army senior combat medic for 35 years, Lance worked in child protective services, taught briefly at Haywood Community College, and recently retired from Southwestern Community College after teaching psychology there. That background makes Lance the only applicant of the three with a college education or with teaching experience.

David Burnette is a 1978 Pisgah High School grad who went into retail management shortly thereafter, starting at Mack’s department stores and then logging a stint with Bi-Lo. Since 2010, he’s been in management at Telco Community Credit Union in Asheville, pro-

gressing from branch manager to CEO of the company in 2016.

Larry Harbin is a 1980 graduate of Pisgah; his resume doesn’t list any activity from 1980 through 1995, when he became an outside sales manager for Metromount Materials until 2004. He then took up the same position with Haywood Builders Supply until this past July, when he became outside sales manager for Jennings Building Supply.

Harbin also served on the school board during 2013-14, and was Francis’ vice chair.

“They all seem to be very qualified candidates,” Francis said. “I look forward to talking with them.”

And that’s exactly what he — and the rest of the board —’ will do Dec. 14, in open

upon the completion of Smith’s term.

“I hope anyone who wants to serve plans to run [in 2020],” he said.

Despite recent efforts by Rep. Presnell, school board elections in Haywood County remain non-partisan contests; Burnette, Harbin and Lance are all registered Democrats, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections.

Once the applicants have been sufficiently queried, Francis said he plans to hold a vote that night and expects to swear in the new board member in January.

“It’s really nice to have three qualified candidates, and we want to do the best job we can in picking the right one.”

— Chuck Francis

session.

Francis said they’ll ask all three the same basic questions.

“First of all, it’s why?” Francis said. “Why do you want to serve on this board? And do you have time to serve on this board?”

One unexpected question centers around the political future of the appointee; often, elected boards fill vacancies with candidates who aren’t interested in running, so they’re not a threat come election time. But that’s not the case here — Francis would like to see someone who plans to stick around a while.

Whoever fills the seat won’t be there long, at least initially — Francis said the seat will come up for election in November 2020,

That appointee will join a school board that has helped guide Haywood County Schools to back-to-back top 10 percent rankings among the state’s 115 or so school districts, an improvement over the mid-40s ranking the district earned just a few years back. But that appointee will also see some transition and some change; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anne Garrett announced on Nov. 13 that she plans to retire March 1, 2018, meaning that for the first time in 13 years, a new superintendent will, with the help of the board, try to improve on recent successes.

Francis said that although the timeline is short as The Smoky Mountain News goes to press, there’s still time for members of the public to weigh in on who should be selected. He said he’s received emails and phone calls, and has even been stopped on the street by people expressing a preference to him.

“There’s still time,” he said. “It’s really nice to have three qualified candidates, and we want to do the best job we can in picking the right one.”

New home for Nudge City?

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

The Town of Waynesville solved one problem Nov. 28 by deciding where, exactly, video gaming parlors may in the future be located, but by denying local gambling establishment Nudge City the opportunity to remain in its current location on Dellwood City Road, the town has “created a solution looking for a problem,” according to the business’s attorney, Mark Melrose. Melrose was the only person to speak at the meeting for or against the proposed text amendment to the town’s land development standards, which passed unanimously and relegates such gaming parlors to the Regional Center districts like the Russ Avenue corridor and the Walmart area of Hazelwood.

Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown also added another stipulation of his own.

“We think it should say that alcohol sales for on-site consumption within video gaming parlors are expressly prohibited,” said Brown, referring to Alderman Julia Boyd Freeman.

The real problem is that Nudge City is located in a mixed-use overlay of the historic Love Lane Residential District and shouldn’t have been allowed to open in the first place, according to Waynesville Development Services Director Elizabeth Teague.

Despite the adverse ruling, the business, which is home to games of chance that are currently permissible by state statutes, continues to operate at its Dellwood City Road location, which Melrose argued was suitable in many ways for the operation thereof; he opined that moving such businesses to busy retail corridors would enhance their visibility.

When contacted for comment, attorney Adam Melrose, who has also done some work on the case, said that his client, owner Tami Nicholson, has filed an appeal before the Waynesville Zoning Board of Adjustment, which is expected to hear the request in late January.

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SPACE AVAILABLE

Tribal Council removes alcohol commissioner

Given only five minutes to defend himself,

Bird considers lawsuit

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

In a split decision, the Cherokee Tribal Council voted Dec. 7 to remove a member of the Tribal Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission who had been appointed to the board during the Patrick Lambert administration.

A.J. Bird was appointed to the board on Feb. 4, 2016, and elected chairman one week later. However, on Nov. 4, 2016, the alcohol board voted to remove him as chairman and elected Pepper Taylor to the office instead. Bird was eventually suspended from the board on Nov. 7, and its other members later submitted a resolution to Tribal Council asking that Bird be removed from the body completely.

“He was detrimental to the board,” Taylor told Tribal Council when presenting the resolution.

The allegations against Bird are numerous. The resolution, signed by the other four ABC Commission members, says that Bird expanded the scope of a forensic audit to an amount that cost nearly $50,000 more than what the ABC Commission had approved, refused to share the results of the audit with

other commission members, said he had information about somebody delivering alcohol to the casino without ABC Commission approval but refused to share that information with the commission, and came to fewer than half of the board meetings since his 2016 removal as chairman, among other allegations.

WEIGHINGTHEALLEGATIONS

The resolution to remove Bird was the last item that Tribal Council heard during its Dec. 7 meeting, but Bird addressed the body that morning to request that the vote be tabled — or at least allotted a substantial amount of time for both sides to be heard.

“Have someone conduct an investigation before these allegations are made public,” he asked Tribal Council.

“Generally the person who submits it would request that. That’s how it’s always been done,” replied Vice Chairman David Wolfe, of Yellowhill.

“Thank you for the consideration,” Bird said. “I know that time is of the essence today, but I would request about two hours to go over it if this is heard today. It will take me that long to refute the allegations made against me.”

However, the vote went forward as planned, and Bird was ultimately given only five minutes to defend himself against allegations that took longer than that to be read

into the record.

“I asked this morning for a respectable time, at least an hour and a half, two hours to do so,” Bird said when his time came to speak. “I’m prepared right now to refute every allegation made to Tribal Council in this legislation. My question is, are they prepared? Do they have evidence to prove to you beyond the shadow of a doubt that there’s cause for removal?”

Opinion on the validity of charges was split. Some councilmembers were forthright

“There’s reasons for it, and it’s right here. This is business. It ain’t personal.”

— Albert Rose

in saying that they seemed to be both credible and serious.

“I’m sure the board didn’t just come in and say, ‘Let’s get rid of A.J.,’” said Councilmember Albert Rose, of Birdtown. “There’s reasons for it, and it’s right here. This is business. It ain’t personal.”

Councilmember Boyd Owle, of Birdtown, was concerned by the accusation regarding missing meetings. A former member of the golf board, he said he was well aware of the importance of meeting attendance and

didn’t see a reason for a person to be on a board if he didn’t attend meetings — especially a board such as the ABC Commission, whose members are paid a salary.

“You have to admit, attending meetings is important,” Owle said. “I’m not against A.J. or for him. I’m just relating to how our (golf) board operated. If you don’t attend — and getting paid for it is the next thing. We didn’t get paid at all. But we attended.”

ABC Commission member Brenda Norville also spoke to Council, expressing her reasons for signing the resolution to remove Bird.

“It was brought up that he was aware of circumstances of alcohol being delivered in the casino and not going through our warehouse,” Norville said. “That is a violation of the law. It’s just plain and simple. And that’s why my name went on that resolution. I felt like I needed to get up and speak on that whereas, because that’s proven.”

Some councilmembers, meanwhile, had questions about the allegations and whether they warrant removal.

Councilmember Lisa Taylor, of Painttown, pointed out that the law governing ABC Commission operations doesn’t say anything about commissioners’ attendance at meetings, bringing up the question of whether poor attendance could be deemed a cause for removal.

“The meetings are just the tip

of the iceberg, if you read the rest of the allegations,” said Pepper Taylor.

“I’m just trying to be fair too,” replied Lisa Taylor. “It’s not on me to decide. We have to be fair to both sides.”

Councilmember Richard French, of Big Cove, questioned the charge about expanding the scope of the forensic audit.

“Something like that, does that require that he have the full authority of the commission to do something like that? Is it in writing that he has to?” he asked.

“Right now you’re delving into it and asking questions,” Pepper Taylor replied. “That’s what due process is for.”

DEBATINGDUEPROCESS

After that exchange, Tribal Council prepared to vote on setting a hearing date for the issue, but Legislative Counsel Carolyn West raised her hand to deliver some comments before the vote was held.

“When a government affords due process to someone, it’s because you’re getting ready to take life, liberty or property,” she said. “My opinion is he doesn’t have a property right. This is an appointment. This isn’t his personal property. This isn’t his real property. This is an appointed position. Sure, you can give him notice, which he’s had. He’s here. You can give him an opportunity to defend himself, which is in essence due process, but to label an appointment a property right that an individual has is not appropriate.”

“I think missing meetings and stuff, that’s enough for me to move to pass,” Owle said when West finished speaking.

“I still think he has the right to explain why he was missing meetings,” replied Lisa Taylor. “Do you just want to remove somebody for missing and not know the reason?”

“I really didn’t want to get into the hearing phase of it, but we have a question on the move,” said Chairman Adam Wachacha.

Before the vote, however, Tribal Council heard from Bird for his allotted five minutes, from Norville — and from former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert.

Lambert took issue with West’s definition of due process, stating that there was precedent for board members to be granted a hearing before being removed and noting that Bird’s presence at the meeting didn’t necessarily mean that he’d been served proper notice.

“Merely showing up on the agenda and catching word to be here at a certain time is not due process,” he said. “That’s not proper service or the ability to properly refute.”

Five minutes is certainly not enough time to defend against the allegations, Lambert said, and as to West’s assertion that due process is not required in this case, Lambert pointed out that the law states that board members can be removed only “for cause.”

“Cause dictates due process,” he said.

Lambert also took issue with the fact that, while his name was included on the resolution, he was not served any notice of the upcoming vote. The resolution states

that Bird expanded the scope of the forensic audit “at the direction of Principal Chief Patrick Lambert.”

“If someone’s going to accuse me of something, they better be prepared to back it up and prove that it’s true,” he said.

Wolfe, meanwhile, said that he believes Bird’s due process should have been before the ABC commission, since they’re they ones accusing him.

“I think his due process should be with the board,” Wolfe said. “They’re the ones accusing him. Evidently they have enough. There’s three pages here that they felt that they have enough to remove him or at least present a resolution with cause.”

Other councilmembers said that the due process would come after the vote, during the protest process. Tribal law allows “interested parties” to enter a protest of any decision made by Tribal Council requesting a rehearing or other remedy. However, passage of the resolution would remove Bird effective immediately, whether or not the results of any future hearing later restored him to the position.

“Part of the due process with the resolution is if it’s passed, they have an opportunity to protest the resolution, and there is a hearing,” Wachacha said earlier in the discussion.

In the past, Tribal Council has not always granted hearings requested in protest resolutions. Multiple times in recent years, the body has dealt with protest resolutions by reading the protest cover letter into the record and then voting on whether or not to hold a hearing. In one notable example, then-Chairman Bill Taylor refused to even allow a resolution to be read into the record that was attached to a March protest letter asking that the decision to impeach Lambert be rescinded. Councilmembers then voted 8-4 to deny the protest without a hearing being held.

During the December meeting, the weighted vote on Bird’s removal came in with 61 votes in favor of removing him, 33 in favor of tabling the decision and six absent. Councilmembers Tom Wahnetah, of Yellowhill; Bucky Brown, of Snowbird, Perry Shell, of Big Cove, French and Taylor voted to table the decision. Chairman Adam Wachacha, of Snowbird; Vice Chairman David Wolfe, of Yellowhill; and Councilmembers Jeremy Wilson, of Wolfetown; Councilmember Bo Crowe, of Wolfetown, Rose and Owle voted to pass it. Councilmember Tommye Saunooke, of Painttown, was absent.

Bird maintains that he’s done nothing wrong and can refute every allegation against him. He has already filed a protest of the decision and is waiting to find out whether it will be heard. He is also considering filing a lawsuit.

“Technically Tribal Council has done nothing more yesterday than remove me based off of rumor, hearsay, because there’s no evidence,” he said.

Tribal Council will likely vote on Bird’s protest resolution during its January meeting.

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WCU to hold fall commencement ceremonies

Western Carolina University will hold a pair of commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 16, to honor the university’s fall graduating class and a group of newly minted WCU alumni who were awarded degrees after this year’s summer school sessions.

Commencement for undergraduate and graduate students from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Allied Professions, and Fine and Performing Arts will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a 2 p.m. ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students from the colleges of Business, Health and Human Sciences, and Engineering and Technology. Both events will take place at Ramsey Regional Activity Center and are open to everyone, with no tickets are required for admission.

For those who cannot attend, the ceremonies will be streamed live at www.wcu.edu/commencementstream.aspx.

SCC commencement set for Dec. 15

Southwestern Community College’s fall commencement will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, in Myers Auditorium in the Balsam Building on SCC’s Jackson Campus. Matt Cass, SCC’s physics and math instructor and the college’s 2017 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching award, will serve as featured speaker. Cass serves as the principal investigator of the Smoky Mountains STEM Collaborative, an effort in collaboration with NASA Science, to improve science, technology, engineering, and math education in western North Carolina and nationwide.

For more information, visit www.southwesterncc.edu, call 828.339.4000 or visit the nearest SCC location.

Complete broadband survey

The Southwestern Commission, in conjunction with MountainWest Partnership, is asking local citizens and businesses to participate in a broadband assessment for the region.

The survey will verify availability of services in the western counties, identify actual speeds available, and collect information on demand for services from respondents. While some counties have conducted individual broadband surveys already, this regional effort gives all counties the chance to participate. Data from the county-specific demand surveys (such as Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain) will still be considered in an overall broadband planning.

Visit www.mountainwest.baat-campaign.com to complete the survey.

Community Almanac

Help Habitat meet Oma challenge

In memory of Clara Maurer “Oma” Muerdter who passed away in October, every dollar donated to Haywood Habitat for Humanity by anyone who hasn’t made a donation in the last five years will be matched 100 percent up to $2,500. No donation is too small. Help spread the word to friends and help Habitat reach Oma’s $5,000 challenge. Funding is used to help deserving families own a home of their own in Haywood County.

To make a donation, visit www.haywoodhabitat.org or 828.452.7960.

Enroll for health insurance by Dec. 15

Pisgah Legal Services is continuing to help people sign up for the Affordable Care Act health insurance before the deadline on Friday, Dec. 15. The Affordable Care Act is still the law and consumers can shop the Marketplace during the shortened Open Enrollment period to select 2018 coverage. Financial assistance is still available. Free, in-person help right here in Western North Carolina is available. Appointments can be made by calling 855.733.3711 or make an appointment online at www.pisgahlegal.org/free-legal-assistance/aca.

In addition, there are free events are happening across WNC for the last week of enrollment: n 1 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at Mad Batter Food & Film, 617 West Main St., Sylva n 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Marianna Black Library, 33 Fryemont St., Bryson City.

Help serve at Christmas

Webster Baptist Church in Sylva will once more hold its annual Christmas Day meal delivery service, and volunteers are needed to make sure that people who are unable to get out and celebrate with their families don’t spend Christmas alone.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters celebrate holidays

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County recently held its annual Christmas party at Waynesville First United Methodist Church youth room.

This year was the most attended yet, with 50 people including staff, advisory board members, Bigs, Littles and some family members. Beth Craft of “Crafted in Carolina” facilitated a special craft project and all the Littles were able to make a bracelet. Some opted to create these for family members’ Christmas presents. There was also a special visitor from the North Pole.

Big Brothers is a mentoring program involving a one-on-one relationship between an approved adult mentor and a child in a single parent home. 828.273.3601 or haywood@bbbswnc.org.

Volunteer opportunities include food prep, stuffing stockings, hanging flyers and prayer. Caitlin DeRico, 828.506.2297, or Webster Baptist, 828.586.4459.

Adopt a family

REACH of Macon County is looking for individuals or groups to adopt a family for Christmas. Once you’ve decided to adopt, you’ll be assigned a family and given the necessary information about them such as ages, sizes and wish lists. Call 828.369.5544 or 828.586.8969 for more information.

All unwrapped items can be delivered to REACH’s office at 1895 Old Murphy Rd., Franklin.

Nonprofits receive $1.45 million

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina recently approved grants totaling $1,446,162 to nonprofits across the region. The awards were made in CFWNC’s focus areas with $1.15 million in People in Need grants going to nonprofits serving economically disadvantaged populations across the Foundation’s 18-county service area.

Sixty-seven People in Need grants of up to $20,000 totaling $1,151,162 were awarded throughout the region. Affiliate funds that partner with CFWNC to raise local resources contributed $140,000 to the cycle.

Early Childhood Development grants totaled $200,000 and included $150,000 to the Southwestern Child Development Commission over three years to fund the Nurse Family Partnership program serving low-income first-time mothers in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

Natural and Cultural Resources grants totaled $60,000 and included $30,000 to the Nikwasi Initiative over two years to further develop a Cultural Corridor, a co-developed and managed heritage-related community economic development project involving Macon County, the Town of Franklin and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit serving 18 counties in Western North Carolina. More information can be found at www.cfwnc.org.

SCC offering variety of real estate courses

Whether you’re a seasoned real-estate broker or just looking to get started in the field, Southwestern Community College offers the classes you need to be successful.

“The economy is improving, and anytime is a good time to learn more about the real estate process,” said Renee Cooney, who owns and operates Legacy Properties by Renee, LLC and named the 2016 Realtor of the Year by Carolina Smokies Association of Realtors.

Over the next few months, SCC will offer prelicensing and post-licensing classes as well as the mandatory continuing education credits that realtors need to keep their licenses current. The prelicensing class starts Jan. 2 in Founders Hall, Room 112, on SCC’s Jackson Campus. It meets from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 15 and costs $180.

Classes on post-licensing, general update, broker in charge update and elective ethics all start in April.

For more information or to enroll, visit https://tinyurl.com/ybuk32ra or contact Sutton at 828.339.4296 or scotts@southwesterncc.edu.

Swain students earn scholarships to GA

Abbegail King, a Swain County home school student, and Alexandra Zimmerman, a student at Smoky Mountain High School, are winners of the $250 scholarship to attend the 2018 Youth Legislative Assembly. The scholarship pays for lodging, meals, and the general session.

“Youth Legislative Assembly is a program patterned after the Model U.S. Senate, which is an educational program for high school students,” said Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City. “YLA gives high school students a real sense of the legislative process, from filing a bill, running it through the

committee, to debating the bill on a legislative floor.”

King and Zimmerman were required to submit an essay on what kind of legislation they would introduce while attending YLA. King’s essay advocated for legalizing the distribution, sale, and consumption of raw milk. Zimmerman’s essay advocated for the expungement of records of those who engaged in criminal activity under duress, more specifically victims of human trafficking.

Library bookmobile receives grant funding

Fontana Regional Library’s Reading Rover Bookmobile recently received grants of $2,500 from the Macon County Community Foundation and $1,370 from the Jackson County Community Foundation. Last summer, the Swain County Community Foundation also awarded $1,000 to support Rover services to area children.

The grants will help sustain the Rover’s storytime visits to preschools and daycare centers in Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties. The money will be used to purchase books and materials for the Rover, as well as help with vehicle maintenance and fuel costs.

www.fontanalib.org or 828.488.2382.

Haywood Pathways granted $10,000

Haywood Pathways Center recently received a $10,000 donation from the Episcopal Church Women of Grace Church in the Mountains. The ECW has earmarked its donation to naming the traumainformed playroom in the soon to be constructed Moms & Kids dorm on the Pathways campus. Pathways is moving forward with plans to construct a two-story dormitory on its campus that will aid up to 10 families for up to six months respectively. The modular structure is expected to be completed in 6 to 8 months and will cost approximately $625,000.

Anyone wishing to support the Pathways expansion, call 828.550.5183 or email deb@haywoodpathways.org.

Haywood Community Foundation awards

The Haywood County Community Foundation has awarded $3,590 in local grant from its community grant-making fund, according to Clay Dangerfield, board president.

This year’s nonprofit recipients include:

n $1,000 to Blue Ridge Health for pediatric services for Haywood County

n $1,000 to Fines Creek Community Association for utilities

n $590 to KARE, Inc., for a drain for water management

n $1,000 to the Community Kitchen for feeding the needy in Haywood County

$3,590

“This grant is important to our community and our quality of life,” Dangerfield said. “Critical programs would not be possible without the generosity of many individuals and organizations that have supported the Haywood County’s community fund.”

If you’re reading this, then we thank you

In this holiday season, I have much to be thankful for. At least that’s the way I see it, though others may call me crazy for what I consider my blessings.

Skip past this column right now unless you’re OK with a little self-indulgence while I talk about what we do here at The Smoky Mountain News. I mean, it’s an odd business: we gather information from throughout the region — news from various sources and paid advertisements from businesses — package it in print and online, and give it away each week in hopes you’ll read and find what we do relevant, useful and interesting so we can do it again next week.

So, what am I thankful for? To have found a career that has proven as meaningful as I’d hoped. I mean, when I talk to young people these days who are trying to choose career paths or fields of study, I feel a little guilty. I got into journalism in middle school, had a fantastic high school newspaper and journalism teacher, worked at the local daily before graduating, and even though I ventured into other majors while in college — engineering and economics, among them — and worked in different fields afterward, I kind of always knew I would get back into journalism and writing.

Today, some would question the mental capacity of someone choosing this field. There’s this thing called the internet that’s changing everything about the way information is delivered and consumed. And then there’s the continued potshots raining down on the industry from those who prefer echo chambers to informed journalism.

And all of that is relevant, but it doesn’t change the fact that news matters. I look at stories like the one last week by Smoky Mountain News Staff Writer Cory Vaillancourt and it reaffirms my belief in the relevance of local journalism. Cory, after much planning, went homeless for three nights in

We must stop the coup

To the Editor:

An American coup d’etat is in progress. There are no guns being fired, no booting out of the president. This coup is being orchestrated in daylight right before our eyes and there seems to be no way of stopping this juggernaut.

Someone who studied authoritarian regimes said, the trouble is, once the public wakes up to realize their country has become a dictatorship, it is too late,

This is happening here and nodw. We have a president who loves powerful authoritarian leaders, calls journalists the enemy, and pretty much does whatever he so desires from day to day with zero understanding of the or the gravity of the office he holds. He admits he doesn’t read, and forms his opinions from the last person he talks to. And people blindly worship him!

Are you scared yet?

This week there was an uptick in the chaos and distractions, which conveniently takes our attention away from a budget that contains every right wing wish dreamt up in the last 40 years. It gives a massive holiday gift to the ultra rich and major corporations that our children and grandchildren will have to pay for. Why do they need this give-away? It makes no sense. The stock market is booming, these criminals hide money overseas to

Haywood County, sleeping outside, eating in soup kitchens, and doing a lot of walking.

Editor Scott McLeod

What did he find? Nothing earth-shattering, no expose-like material. What he discovered was people at various locations who treated him with respect and dignity despite his homelessness, one of those times when what we reported was “good news.”Many news organizations shy away from investing their resources in what may turn out to be a good news story, but Cory reported truthfully about what he encountered.

From a business perspective, many in our industry are hurting. It pains me when I read about layoffs and struggles. Newspapers and the information they provide are vital to the informed society envisioned by our founders.

Staying alive as a small business is tough. We’ve had to constantly adapt in the 18-plus years we’ve been in business. Just prior to the recession in 2007, we acquired Smoky Mountain Living magazine. It’s nationally distributed, covers the culture, history, and arts of the region from North Georgia to southwest Virginia and is produced six times a year from our offices in Waynesville and Sylva. That portion of our media business is growing, gaining subscribers and advertising revenue. If you haven’t read SML, check it out here at www.smliv.com, or better yet get someone a gift subscriptions for Christmas by calling 866.452.2251 (shameless self-promotion accusations can be hurled at this spot in the column).

When that recession pushed us and many other small businesses into survival mode, we scrambled to find solid ground,

avoid taxes and we reward them. Everyone should be outraged!

This inhumane budget is being rammed through Congress at record speed, with zero input from the Democrats and from over half of our country’s people.

When Trump was asked about the hollowing out of State Department, here is what he said: “But we have some people that I’m not happy with there. Lemme tell you, the one that matters is me. I’m the only one that matters, because when it comes to it, that’s what the policy is going to be.”

We need action. Please call your represen-

LETTERS

much like a polar bear swimming around in the melting sea ice. We started producing niche magazines about subjects that interested us. Most of those are travel and tourism related — i.e., they are filled with stories about hiking, biking, camping, the arts, restaurants and breweries.

We’ve gotten pretty darn good at producing those publications, and that side of our business is also growing. Among the new ventures in the works for 2018 is a partnership with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Association to produce a magazine about the Blue Ridge Music Trails. In addition to the print version, all the stories will also be used across the BRNHA’s website and social media platforms. Look for the “Down the Road”magazine sometime in Spring 2018.

Another new venture we launched in 2017 is Mountain South Media (check it out at www.mtnsouthmedia.com), a digital marketing company that we hope will help many businesses in the region take advantage of all the online marketing opportunities that are out there. Entrepreneurs have been telling us for years that they were not getting the results they needed from digital marketing firms, so we’ve stepped in to fill that void. We’ve got a great team that is off and running.

All of this diversification helps us invest in our core mission, which is to provide quality local journalism for the residents of this region. That’s the bottom line. Our kick-ass team of designers, sales professionals, writers, editors and managers works hard to help small businesses get their message out and to help readers stay informed. And most of the time we’re having fun doing it.

So yes, I’m thankful that this exciting journey is ongoing, thankful for those I work with each day and for each of you reading this. Happy Holidays.

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

tatives in Congress and tell them what you think about their budget.

• Rep. Mark Meadows, District 11, meadows.house.gov/contact, 202.225.6401.

• Rep. Patrick McHenry, District 10, mchenry.house.gov/contact, 202.225.2576.

• Sen. Thom Tillis, www.tillis.senate.gov/contact, 202.224.6342.

• Senator Richard Burr, www.burr.senate.gov/contact, 202.224.3154. Caryl Brt Waynesville

Is health care a right or commodity?

To the Editor:

No one wants to talk about this question, least of all the folks who make our laws. But isn’t this the question that underlines the ongoing “debate” about “repeal and replace” — or just “repeal” — the Affordable Care Act? Is health care just another product that has to be purchased — if you can afford it — or is it a duty that arises from the nature of this country and its people?

We are not people who let poor people die for want of food, hence the food stamps program; or for a place to live, hence the public housing and other subsidies in the housing market. These are not perfect solutions, but their very existence shows that we are not heartless people.

Perhaps people are afraid to tackle this question because of the furor that would likely arise from those who call themselves conservatives. They wail about government taking on these problems. They believe that everything should result from the activities of a private market.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was not afraid of “big government” solutions to social

GOP’s tribal loyalty will be its downfall

Many years from now, Americans are going to look back on the election of the 45th President Donald J. Trump with a mixture of fascination and horror. I think 2016 will be remembered as the year that the Democrats found a way to lose an election that nobody thought they could lose, and the Republicans nominated a man that nobody thought could win, a man who had only one point of intersection with the party — the celebration of centralized wealth.

Since the early 1980s, the GOP has branded itself as the party of “family values,” the party of patriotism, and the party of conservative government and low taxes. The rise of Trump has resulted not in a “broadening” of the definition of these basic Republican planks, but a systematic dismantling of them. While it is true that some notable Republicans have walked away from Trump, including conservative media stalwarts such as George Will, Charles Krauthammer, Andrew Sullivan, and David Brooks, the polls continue to show that most of his core has remained steady in its support. But at what price to the integrity of the party?

How, for example, can the party of family values possibly justify supporting Roy Moore in his bid for a senate seat in Alabama? Perhaps because the party chose to look the other way when Trump himself was accused by multiple women of sexual assault during his campaign, and look the other way again when he admitted grabbing women “by the pussy” on videotape. First he dismissed his words as “locker room,” talk, and recently he suggested the tape was a fake, perhaps his favorite word, one he uses frequently as an all-purpose adjective for anything he finds disagreeable.

Sen. Al Franken and U.S. Rep. John Conyers, both Democrats, have recently announced their resignations after being accused of sexual misconduct, but so far the GOP has given Trump and Moore a pass, even though both have been accused by multiple women of far worse behavior, especially in Moore’s case. Moore is alleged to have had a series of sexual relationships with teenage girls when he was in his 30s.

The same party that obsessed for years over the sex lives of John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton just can’t seem to work up any interest at all in the sex lives of Donald Trump, Roy Moore, New Gingrich, or anyone else that bears the Republican brand. Apparently, even a candidate accused of having sex with underage school girls is tolerable if he will vote for those tax cuts.

Now, about those tax cuts. During President Obama’s administration,

Republicans were utterly obsessed with the national deficit. They insisted that the deficit was the single biggest problem facing America today, and that serious spending cuts and sacrifices were absolutely necessary in order to cut the deficit. This was one of the major talking points in any Republican campaign from coast to coast during the Obama administration. The scourge of an out of control deficit must be stopped!

Now, of course, Trump is on the verge of his first major legislative victory during his first year in office, the narrow passage of his tax plan which would tack on anywhere from $500 billion to $1.5 trillion to the deficit, according to a number of nonpartisan estimates. Think about it: since the election of Trump, when have you heard a Republican talking about the deficit? Their obsession seems to be under control now, even though the actual deficit is going to get much, much worse. And who are the primary beneficiaries of the tax plan? The wealthiest Americans and the wealthiest corporations, and by a long shot. Since the Reagan administration, Republicans have used the mythology of trickle down economics to redistribute the wealth in America. The biggest farce you will ever hear is when right-wingers claim that Barack Obama divided this country. The real division in this country is not racial, but economic, as the gap between the rich and the poor grows wider and wider every time a Republican is in the White House and has an enabling House and Senate. Huge tax cuts go to the wealthy, a few crumbs to the middle class, and nothing at all for the poor. The divide widens, and then Republicans use social issues to make us think that the divide is about something other than economics. It is true that we are divided in other ways, but by far the biggest and most meaningful divide is the gap between the rich and the poor, with the middle class ever shrinking, thanks in no small part to the fake news of trickledown economics.

Then there is the investigation of Robert Mueller into Trump-Russia collusion, and the growing pressure from many in the party to end the investigation. Even though several key members of Trump’s campaign or administration, including Trump’s former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, have been charged, once again we see this willingness on the part of many Republicans to look the other way as the investigation intensifies.

Is this what passes for patriotism now, this party-above-country tribal loyalty? Regardless of what he says or does, Trump will be defended by millions of Americans who are so deeply invested now that looking the other way has become a way of life. (Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. jchriscox@live.com.)

problems, nor was President Lyndon Johnson. Their courage, and their ability to appeal to “the angels of our better nature” in addressing the problems gave us Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and a host of other programs. How many of you would want these programs repealed? The screams would be deafening.

Legislators are not answering these “why” questions by laying out the principles that would undergird whatever program is finally adopted. Instead, what we hear is point-scoring: how much or how little public health can we get away with paying for. The Affordable Care Act is viewed by many legislators as just another “big government” program that has to be reduced — with the apparent consequence that many millions of Americans who now have health insurance will lose it.

Let’s have public debate about the principles that should lead us to some form of universal health insurance for all Americans, a condition that exists in all other industrialized countries from Japan to Canada to most of Europe. Let’s figure out a way to prevent people from dying or going bankrupt because they could not pay for treatment they need. We can do this, but only if the Congress reverts to the normal process of governing — hearings where different ideas are explored and solid legislation is developed.

John Vanderstar Waynesville

Tax cut is ill-conceived

To the Editor:

I’m confused! The stock market is at alltime high and unemployment is lower than we have seen in decades. More wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals than any time since the years leading up to the Great Depression. Major corporations have excellent profits with large amounts available for investment. he effective corporate tax rate (what they actually pay) averages below 25 percent and many pay no federal taxes at all.

The source of my confusion is why Republicans are ramming through a major revision of the tax code that primarily benefits those who already have most of the money. Normally, a country will implement tax cuts in response to economic distress. Such was the intent of the Reagan and the Obama tax cuts.

The initial Reagan tax cut was based on “Trickle Down” theory, was targeted to the same wealthy population that the proposed cuts benefit, didn’t work very well and was followed by multiple tax increases as record deficits occurred. In contrast, the Obama tax cuts were modest, targeted to those who pay the payroll tax (i.e. Social Security tax) and was coupled with a spending package that kept millions of middle class citizens out of unemployment.

So here we are. The economy is growing. Unemployment is low. Corporate prof-

its are strong and wealth continues to accumulate at the top at the highest rate in almost 100 years. What has not happened is the increase in wages to match the increases in the stock market and the overall economy. Nor have the strong corporate profits resulted in significant investment in high-wage jobs.

Think about it. If I have a business and my customers’ wage increases have not kept pace with their increases in rent, utilities, food and a host of other costs, they don’t have the extra cash to spend on my product. I’m certainly not going to spend large amounts of money for a factory to make more of that product. Corporate executives recently told the White House just that. They would use their tax cut to buy back stock and increase dividends to their investors.

This tax bill is not about creating jobs. This effort should be retitled the “Our Big Donors Appreciation Bill of 2017” and then killed before it creates a trillion-dollar hole in the economy.

John Gladden Franklin

A stealth attack on the working class

To the Editor:

Unless Congress comes to its senses and rejects the misguided tax legislation currently being considered, working people — the solid middle class — of Western North Carolina and throughout the United States will be hard hit during the next 10 years. On the other hand, the wealthy — those with incomes of more than $1 million a year and the super wealthy, those with incomes of more than $10 million a year — will reap enormous benefits from having bought and paid for so many members of Congress.

Will some working people see a modest reduction in income taxes from this bill? Yes. But many won’t see any, and nearly everyone except the top 10 percent will lose those gains because individual tax reduction provisions are temporary while corporate tax reductions are permanent.

But it gets worse. In order to pay for those “temporary” reductions, the country will add more than $1 trillion to its debt. And, as Speaker of the House Paul Ryan noted recently, there will be severe reductions to Medicare, Medicaid and scores of other programs that serve deserving working people, their parents, their grandparents and their dependents.

We must stand up against this stealth attack on working people. Voters who have never contacted a senator or congressman are now demanding they vote against the tax bill. Everyone should make that call.

Phillip Price, a working man who stands up for working people, is running to “repeal and replace” Congressman Mark Meadows. Price is right on “real” tax breaks for the middle class. He’s right on healthcare reform. He’s right on the environment. He’s right on equality and equal treatment for all. Price offers a pivot in the right direction. Dennis Frobish Maggie Valley

tasteTHE mountains

Taste the Mountains is an

seared salmon, oven-roasted chicken and cast-iron skillet pork chops, complemented by locally-sourced vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer fine wines and local craft beer. Please call for reservations and join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view.

CHEF’S TABLE

BLOSSOM ON MAIN

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

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997

Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

BOGART’S

303 S. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.1313. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic oldtime setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH

119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch menu from 12 to 2 p.m. with fresh salads, homemade soups and sandwiches. In the evening, social hour begins at 6 p.m.; dinner is served at 7 p.m., with entrees such as

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 WiFi, 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.

EVERETT HOTEL & BISTRO

16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934

Open daily for dinner at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials. Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and

other local bakers. Enjoy craft beers on tap, as well as our full bar and eclectic wine list.

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.

FILLING STATION DELI

145 Everett St., Bryson City, 828.488.1919 Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays (in October) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locals always know best, and this is one place they know well. From the highquality hot pressed sandwiches and the huge portions of hand-cut fries to the specialty frozen sandwiches and homemade Southern desserts, you will not leave this top-rated deli hungry.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA

1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley. 828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE

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

GUADALUPE CAFÉ

606 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.9877

Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m. Located in the historic Hooper’s Drugstore, Guadalupe Café is a chef-owned and operated restaurant serving Caribbean inspired fare complimented by a quirky selection of wines and microbrews. Supporting local farmers of organic produce, livestock, hand-crafted cheese, and using sustainably harvested seafood.

tasteTHE mountains

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY

U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817

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

JUKEBOX JUNCTION

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

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM

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

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB

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

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ

9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

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 BRUNCH

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.

SPEEDY’S PIZZA

285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800

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

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.

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY

18 N Main Street, Waynesville. 828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails!

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.

Latest GSMA musical release earns Grammy nod

The Great Smoky Mountains Association’s newest musical release, “Big Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad Tradition,” earned a Grammy nomination recently for “Best Album Notes” as written by Ted Olson, professor of Appalachian Studies and Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.

“Big Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad Tradition” is Great Smoky Mountains Association’s fourth album of traditional American music, this time featuring artists of today singing ballads from long ago and far away. The album celebrates Appalachia’s rich legacy of songs that tell stories, a tradition traceable to the British Isles.

The album features 32 new recordings of traditional ballads by leading UK- and American-roots music luminaries, including Rosanne Cash, Doyle Lawson, Archie Fisher, Alice Gerrard, Sheila Kay Adams, Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting, Nancy Kerr, Jody Stecher, Kate Brislin, David Holt, Bobby McMillon, John Lilly, Carol Elizabeth Jones, Dale Jett and Hello Stranger, Elizabeth LaPrelle, Amythyst Kiah, Bruce Greene, Loy McWhirter, Corbin Hayslett, Kristi, Hedtke, Donna Ray Norton, Hasee Ciaccio, Kalia Yeagle, Bill and the Belles, Roy Andrade, Trevor McKenzie, and Laura Boosinger with the Kruger Brothers.

“This album offers 32 remarkable ballad performances, 31 of which have never been released,” said Olson, who also served as the album’s producer. “Our goal with this album is to encourage people — young and old — to recognize the enduring beauty of these often overlooked narrative songs, and our hope is that more people will sing these and other ballads so that the tradition won’t fade away.”

Rosanne Cash, Grammy winner and daughter of legendry singer/songwriter Johnny Cash, is among the featured artists on this two-disc set. Cash contributed a pair of centuries-old folk ballads, including the previously released “Barbara Allen” and a new recording of “The Parting Glass.”

“Celtic and Appalachian ballads are so close to my heart and history that each one feels like a family member,” said Cash. “This

album is an essential compilation and will benefit one of the most beautiful spots in America. I’m proud to be a contributor.”

Adriana Trigiani, who wrote and directed the popular movie “Big Stone Gap,” has praised “Big Bend Killing”: “This lush collection of traditional Appalachian ballads performed by an array of spectacular musicians is a keeper. Layered, rich, and filled with emotion, the music will take you back in time, to the foothills of the Great Smokies, high on the trails of the Blue Ridge, and into the heart of the Shenandoah Valley where life, love and work was chronicled in story and song by the people who lived it. This is where American music began, and thrives evermore. These ballads celebrate our origins with mysticism, humor, and grit; they remain a treasure trove of historical importance for generations to come.”

Martin Simpson, one of England’s most acclaimed musicians, is among the many recording artists who contributed vibrant performances to “Big Bend Killing.” Simpson recognized the significance of including British ballads in an album exploring Appalachian balladry.

“It is impossible to underestimate the influence of the British ballad tradition on American folk music, and particularly on the Appalachian traditions,” Simpson said. “‘Big Bend Killing’ is a wonderful and wide-ranging collection which beautifully reflects the reality and importance of that influence. I am proud to be a part of it.”

“Whether established or emerging artists, the musicians on this album respect older performing styles and older repertoire and are culture-bearers,” Olson added.

“Big Bend Killing,” which features an essay, track-by-track notes, lyrics, and photographs, is the fourth in a series of acclaimed albums from Great Smoky Mountains Association.

The preceding three albums are “Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music,” a Grammy nominee for “Best Historical Album”; “Carroll Best and the White Oak String Band,” an International Bluegrass Music Association award nominee for “Best Liner Notes” and an Independent Music award nominee for “Best Bluegrass Album”; and “On Top of Old Smoky: New Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music,” an Independent Music award winner for “Best Tribute Album,” a Public Lands Alliance award winner for “Most Innovative Product,” an International Bluegrass Music Association award nominee for “Best Liner Notes” and for “Best Design”; and the recipient of an official Resolution from the Tennessee State Senate.

Another participant on this album, Archie Fisher, echoed Simpson. Arguably Scotland’s leading singer of traditional ballads and songs, Fisher said, “Taking part in the album reminded me very strongly of why I became involved in the Scottish folk song revival. Partly because of the instrumentation, our shift from skiffle into Americana was seamless, and this eventually led to an awareness of our own rich ballad and song tradition. The circle for me is now eternally closed between the roots and the branch.”

All proceeds from the sale of “Big Bend Killing,” as with the previous three albums, supports Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The album can be ordered at www.smokiesinformation.org and as a digital download at www.cdbaby.com

Since its inception in 1953, Great Smoky Mountains Association has supported the preservation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by promoting greater public understanding and appreciation through education, interpretation and research. A nonprofit organization, GSMA has provided more than $36 million to the park during its 60-year history.

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

‘I have been all over but I can’t help feeling stuck…’

The crunching kept catching my attention.

After finding a scare parking space, it was a short, careful stroll from the Montford neighborhood of downtown Asheville to the U.S. Cellular Center for the 29th annual Christmas Jam last Saturday evening.

The heavy snowfall from the previous night crunched underneath my old boots. The mesmerizing sound of crushed ice and snowpack reminded me of home, while the Southern accents waiting in line outside the center reminded me just how far away that place is, physically and emotionally.

I remember a similar stroll almost exactly a year prior, to the same venue for the same reason, which was (and is) to be part of the most anticipated event all year for music freaks in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia. I also remember this time last year, when we were in the midst of an administrative transition in the White House, and the country was starting to lose its footing in exactly what it is we as a society see in the mirror, and how we approach the world outside our front door.

HOT PICKS

1

Americana/mountain music act The Pressley Girls will perform as part of the “Lounge Series” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at Andrews Brewing Company.

2

A celebration of the publication of Lift Every Voice! African American History in Haywood County: Volume 1 will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

3

For folks around these parts, or maybe just for me at least, the Christmas Jam truly is the culmination of another year. Sure, it’s an enormous fundraiser for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, one hosted by rock icon Warren Haynes. And sure, it can be viewed as an escape from the cold world — literally and figuratively — outside. But, allin-all, and year-after-year, I view it as a litmus test of where I stand, and where those around me stand, a “where to from here?” kind of moment when it finally hits you that this latest 365-day calendar is coming to an end, only to begin anew on Jan. 1, 2018. Music has always been a vehicle for social unrest and upheaval. And that senti-

Blues-rocker John The Revelator will perform at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grill in Waynesville.

4

A stage production of “A Christmas Story” will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 18, and 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

5

The Haywood County Arts Council show, “It’s a Small, Small Work,” will be held through Dec. 23 in HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville.

aware of on a subconscious level.

Plucking through “All American Made,” the final track of her recent album of same name, Price evoked a sense of sadness, lost pride, and perhaps a call to arms — not guns, but the ones used to raise a fist in solidarity or to hold/shake hands in times of peace and compassion.

The acoustic melody pushed through the thick layers of my flannel shirt, through my skin cells and into that beating muscle in my chest, where that age-old notion of “nothing’s the same, everything’s the same” seems to reappear each generation, “1987 and I didn’t know it then/Reagan was selling weapons to the leaders of Iran/And it won’t be the first time and, baby, it won’t be the end/They were all American made/But I was just a child unaware of the effects/Raised on sports and Jesus and all the usual suspects/So tell me, Mr. Petty, what do you think will happen next/That’s all American made/I wonder if the president gets much sleep at night/And if the folks on welfare are making it alright/I’m dreaming of that highway that stretches out of sight/That’s all American made…”

But, beyond the political heaviness of this year — heck, all the years before, too, eh? — what also stuck out was the “changing of the guard.”

On the verge of entering its fourth decade of existence, the Christmas Jam this year was filled with a “round robin” of young, melodically talented faces — Price, The Avett Brothers, Holly Bowling, Marcus King, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Jake Shimabukuro.

And there’s something to be said for that, especially with the “Master of Ceremonies” himself, Haynes, adorned with his trademark Cheshire cat grin under ever-apparent white whiskers and well-earned wrinkles, who lost two of his longtime bandmates and soul brothers just this year — Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks.

They say there’s “no country for old men” when times get tough, or strange, or simply hard to comprehend. Maybe that’s true. Maybe it’s more about trying to find familiarity in a world changing faster than you can keep up. Whatever the case, music, especially when performed live and in the moment, remains the most potent of tools for conjuring memories, and for making sincere and real connections with folks— known or unknown.

ment was loud and clear when singer-songwriter Margo Price took the stage to light the fuse of the Christmas Jam. The Midwestern small town girl has always been outspoken about her personal experience, and how it not only shows commonality to a majority of Americans, but also exposes truths we either ignore consciously or aren’t

Heck, I’m 32 years old, a millennial by definition, and yet, I’m already feeling that whole “no country for old men” vibe. It’s real and tangible, especially in an era when a week feels like a year, and a year feels like a decade, in terms of the cause-andeffect/truth-and-consequence of the actions of those above us, around us, and within us.

I hold out hope. And that hope comes from real life interactions with others with similar concerns, who also haven’t given up on the mere fact that the power for change — for honest, positive change — does exist. We’ve seen it before, and we’ll see it again.

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

WAYNESVILLEGETSTHEBLUES

South Carolina blues-rocker John The Revelator will perform at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grill in Waynesville. Admission is $5. www.facebook.com/bookofthesevenseals.

Bryson City holiday jam

A community holiday jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 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 Grampa’s Music in Bryson City.

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 — yearround. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts. 828.488.3030.

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” with Andrew Chastain (singer-songwriter) Dec. 16, Pressley Girls (Americana/bluegrass) Dec. 23 and Alma Russ (Americana/bluegrass) Dec. 30. All shows are free and begin at 5 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14 and 28. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Bob Zullo (guitar/vocals) Dec. 15, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Dec. 16, Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (piano/guitar) Dec. 22 and Cynthia McDermott Dec. 23. All shows are free (unless otherwise noted) and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) Dec. 16 and Mick Boyd (singer-songwriter) Dec. 23. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.curraheebrew.com.

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

Appalachian duo in Andrews

Americana/mountain music act The Pressley Girls will perform as part of the “Lounge Series” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at Andrews Brewing Company.

The siblings were born and raised in Brasstown. They are an authentic Appalachian duet that focuses on tight harmony and lyrical meaning. They perform a wide range of music including folk, bluegrass, gospel, and country. Admiring The Louvin Brothers, classic

country singers, and traditional folk musicians, they hope to bring transcendent genuine music back to the world.

Corie Pressley plays the guitar and mandolin while singing harmony with her sister, Katie, who plays the fiddle and piano while singing lead. Their album, “When It Ends In A Walk,” is currently available for purchase. The show is free and open to the public. www.andrewsbrewing.com or www.thepressleygirls.com.

• Franklin Underground will host a “Songwriter’s Open Mic” from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Free to attend and perform. Food and craft beer available for purchase. 828.342.1930.

ALSO:

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Sarah Tucker Dec. 15, Marc Keller (singersongwriter) 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and Bohemian Jean (pop/rock) Dec. 22. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. There will also be a Community Rhythm Circle every Tuesday at 7 p.m. with free drum circle lessons at 6:30 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Dec. 13 and 20, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Dec. 14 and 21. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Isis Music Hall (Asheville) will host Aoife Clancy & Bill Elliott 7 p.m. Dec. 13, Sally & George 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Orange Krush 9 p.m. Dec. 15, Adam Masters & Drew Matulich 7 p.m. Dec. 16, The Everly Brothers Experience w/The Zmed Brothers 9 p.m. Dec. 16, 5J Barrow 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Russ Wilson Christmas Special 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17,

Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Joe Newberry’s Holiday Show 7 p.m. Dec. 20, Kat Williams & The Richard Shulman Trio “Winter Wonderland” 8:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Amanda Horton & Daniel Keller 7 p.m. Dec. 21, “Italian Night” w/Mike Guggino & Barrett Smith 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Queen Bee & The Honeylovers 7 p.m. Dec. 22 and “A Holiday Evening” w/The Midnight Plowboys 8:30 p.m. Dec. 23. For more information about the performances and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.isisasheville.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) Dec. 15, The Ram Cats (blues) Dec. 16, Liz Nance & Friends (Americana) Dec. 22 and ST JR w/The Basement Planes Dec. 23. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Liz Nance & Friends (Americana/folk) Dec. 16. All shows are free and are from 6 to 9 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

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

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

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

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

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host line dancing every Friday at 7 p.m. and contra dancing every other Friday at 8 p.m. 828.586.6440.

• 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 Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will John The Revelator (blues/rock) Dec. 15 and Chicken Coop Willaye Dec. 16. All shows begin at 10 p.m.

On the street

Debut novel from SMN writer

Smoky Mountain News writer Holly Kays will be signing copies of her new novel, Shadows of Flowers, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

Set amid the windswept prairies of Wyoming and the rounded mountains of Southwest Virginia, Shadows follows the story of Dana Stullman, whose world turns upside down when her boyfriend dies in a car accident.

At 22, she finds herself moving across the country to escape reminders of the tragedy and the life that preceded it. Becoming lonelier than she could have imagined, Stullman finds solace in an unexpected friendship, but her life remains paralyzed until a crisis in the wind-swept Wyoming wilderness forces her to confront the past and choose her path into the future.

The book retails for $12 and is available at Blue Ridge Books and The Smoky Mountain News, both located in Waynesville, and directly through the

Gift-wrapping for a good cause

Those looking for a good place to do holiday shopping — plus have the gifts wrapped — will be happy that Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation is doing its annual gift-wrapping project for shoppers at Mast General Store on Main Street in Waynesville.

Sarge’s will be wrapping holiday gifts during regular store hours through Dec. 24. Organizers are in need of donated wrapping materials and volunteers to work three-hour shifts at Mast.

“Help save an innocent pet’s life,” said

• The “Feast of the Seven Fishes” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, in Harmon’s Den Bistro at the Haywood Art Regional Theatre in Waynesville. The event is part of the Italian-American Christmas celebration, which is traditionally on Christmas Eve. Seven courses with wine pairings and intermezzo. Cost is $100 per person, allinclusive. To reserve your table, call the HART Box Office at 828.456.6322or email harttheater@gmail.com.

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

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host the Jackson County Corn Hole Association on

Holly Kays.

author. Online orders can be made at www.paypal.me/hollykays, with $16 covering shipping. Blue Ridge Books is now in its new location at 428 Hazelwood Avenue.

Tish O’Connor, co-coordinator of the giftwrapping project. “One hundred percent of the donations go towards taking care of the homeless dogs and cats in Sarge’s care.”

Mast General Store shoppers can bring their purchases to the gift-wrapping table in the store lobby and volunteers will box and wrap the holiday gifts for a donation to Sarge’s.

To sign up, visit: www.signupgenius.com/go/508094DA8A 72BA7FB6-gift.

Sarge’s mission is to save healthy homeless dogs and cats in Haywood County. Since Sarge’s beginning in 2006, the group has saved more than 8,000 animals. Visit www.sargeanimals.org.

Monday evenings ($5 buy in, 100 percent payout), Karaoke with Captain Moose from 7 to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Trivia at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and a Guitar Hero Tournament at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. 828.586.6440.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23 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.

On the wall

New photo exhibit at SCC

Teri Leigh Teed has been selected as a featured artist for the Burrell Center Gallery at Southwest Community College in Sylva. Teed’s exhibit, “Season of Light,” will run through Dec. 31.

“Season of Light” is Teed’s newest series of fine art photographs taken in the Nantahala Forest from the morning of the Autumn Equinox and leading up to Thanksgiving. Her photographs are accompanied by stories and poetry written by Teed that reflect on the physical and spiritual light of the season.

Walnut St., Suite 6 Waynesville, NC 28786

Office: (828) 456-7407

larry.east@wellsfargoadvisors.com

https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/larry.east

52 Walnut Street, Suite 6

Waynesville, NC 28786

Office: (828) 456-7407

granville.younce@wfadvisors.com

www.home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/granville.younce

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Teed is a multi-dimensional, award-winning artist based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina near Sylva. Along with her visual artwork, Teed is also a songwriter of folk music and the author of “Seasons of the South, the Original Homegrown and Musical Storytelling Show”, which raises awareness for regenerative agriculture.

“Healing Spirit Art” has been the name of Teed’s artwork since 2005. She blends fine art nature and landscape photography, sto-

• The new folk art exhibit, “Cornbread,” is now showing at Urban Orchard Cider Company in West Asheville.

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

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

ries, poetry, and songs with positive, inspirational and healing thoughts and energies. Her logo features a mountain laurel branch, which represents her love for the western North Carolina mountains she calls home. To join the community of Love, Peace and Goodwill and share #HealingSpiritArt with the world, visit www.terileighteed.com.

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (Dec. 21) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

ALSO:

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

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

On the wall

‘It’s a Small, Small Work’ exhibit

The Haywood County Arts Council annual show, “It’s a Small, Small Work,” will be held through Dec. 23 in HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville.

The show provides a unique opportunity for budding artists to exhibit their work, as well as the opportunity for more seasoned artists to test their boundaries.

All pieces submitted are exactly 12” or smaller in every dimension, including base, matting, and frame. All art work is for sale, priced at $300 or less, and must have been created in the last two years. Commission will be the gallery’s usual 60 percent (artist) to 40 percent (HCAC) split.

The Haywood County Arts Council’s small work show was launched in 2008 to demonstrate that original artwork is affordable and fun. Most businesses, homes and apartments can accommodate smaller works of art — and the show promotes buying local and regional work to help support artists in Western North Carolina. For more information, www.haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.

Fine Art Museum new acquisitions

The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the exhibition “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26 in Cullowhee.

This WCU Collects exhibition showcases a selection of artworks recently given to the museum and includes a number of artists not previously represented in the collection. The WCU Fine Art Museum stewards a collection of more than 1,500 art objects in all media — from painting and printmaking to book arts, sculpture, ceramics, and contemporary craft. As the museum continues to research and interpret the collection, purchases and gifts expand and strengthen its holdings. New acquisitions find their way into the collection through a variety of routes and particularly through the generosity of donors.

All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions are free and open to the public. For further information, visit go.wcu.edu/wcucollects or call 828.227.3591.

The museum boasts four art galleries with exhibitions year-round. The Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.wcu.edu.

On the stage

HPAC ‘Live via Satellite’

The Highlands Performing Arts Center will present the National Theatre of London’s production of “Young Marx” Live via Satellite at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.

Rory Kinnear is Marx and Oliver Chris is Engels, in this new comedy written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman. The production is directed by Nicholas Hytner and reunites the creative team behind Broadway and West End hit comedy “One Man, Two Guvnors.”

Set in 1850, and Europe’s most feared terrorist is hiding in Dean Street, Soho. Broke, the 32-year-old revolutionary is a frothing combination of intellectual brilliance, invective, satiric wit, and child-like emotional illiteracy.

Creditors, spies, rival revolutionary factions and prospective seducers of his beautiful wife all circle like vultures. His writing blocked, his marriage dying, his friend Engels in despair at his wasted genius, his only hope is a job on the railway. But, there’s still no one in the capital who can show you a better night than Karl Heinrich Marx.

Tickets are available at www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

ALSO:

• Auditions for “Sense and Sensibility” will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART in Waynesville. The production will run April 27-May 13. Anyone unable to attend should contact HART at 828.456.6322 to arrange a special audition time. Roles are available for five men and five women of various ages. All actors in this adaptation play multiple roles. The production opens HART’s 2018 Main Stage season in April. Audition for all of HART’s remaining 2018 productions will be held in February.

HART presents ‘The Lion, the Witch and the

Just in time for the holidays, the classic tale of “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” will hit the stage at 2 p.m. Dec. 16-17 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

With a cast of over 40, featuring elaborate costumes and sets, this production is sure to delight young and old.

Dramatized for the stage by Joseph Robinette, this play closely follows the classic tale by C.S. Lewis, and faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great

Wardrobe’

lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of the four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage and giving is a true celebration of life.

HART’s production is being directed by Shelia Sumpter with a cast that includes Sarah Elizabeth Super, Andrew Delbene, Collins Wyatt, Josie Ostendorff, Ella Ledford, Hannah Crawford, Ella Laursen, Sydney Lyles, Ava Meeker, Madison Sugg,

Open auditions for

‘Madagascar Jr.’

Kids at HART is holding open auditions of its upcoming production of “Madagascar Jr” on Dec. 19 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Auditions for grades 3-12 will be held beginning at 4 p.m. with show dates March 3-4. You will be able to sign up for an audition time.

To audition, actors should prepare to sing 16 bars (around 45 seconds) of any song. You may bring a music only cd or sheet music. Select a dynamic song that really shows off your personality and pipes. Be sure to decide on a song before the audition. Bring a photo with you. A snap shot or print-out of a photo will help us remember you when it comes to casting.

Killillay, Calvin Allsbrook, Ian Landivar, Mira Phillips, Jordan White, Brooklyn Bragg, Julia Skeen, Holly Cope, Cami Wright, Hannah Crawford, Clover McKenzie, Haiden Woods, Riley Beaulieu, Talbryn Porter, Ava Meeker, Elisebeth Erickson, Georgia Crowder, Melodie Erickson, Ava Stevenson, Georgia Crowder, Jackson Woody, David Crawford, Henry Blackburn, Aiyla Altman, Virgina Fry, Mackenzie Bowles, Hannah Wilcox, Riley Beaulieu and Lilly Brown.

Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for students. Reservations can be made by visiting www.harttheatre.org or calling 828.456.6322.

This is a large cast show which requires singing, dancing, acting, and commitment. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, “Madagascar — A Musical Adventure JR.” follows all of your favorite crack-alackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

If you would like more information about this topic, contact Shelia Sumpter at 828.456.6322 or email at srsumpter@charter.net. Visit www.harttheatre.org for more information about this and other opportunities at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre.

On the season Christmas in Appalachia

As the temperatures drop in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike.

Families can partake in wagon rides, iceless skating, craft sales and art demonstrations, all the while enjoying authentic mountain music, clogging and parades through several downtowns. These are just some of the innumerable activities to be had. Within every date, time and place found amid this section, the communities around the region once again opens their arms to share in the winter festivities.

It’s a winter wonderland out there. It’s yours for the taking, so reach out and enjoy all Southern Appalachia has to offer.

BRASSTOWN

• The John C. Campbell Folk School Craft Shop showcases finely made gifts from over 300 talented craftspeople. The Craft Shop offers 15 percent off all items through Dec. 23.

The Folk School’s Holiday Kids’ Party always attracts a spirited group of young revelers. Planned for Dec. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m., this popular event includes holiday music and dancing, children’s activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus. At 8 p.m. that evening, local residents are invited to gather for the Holiday Contra & Square Dance Party. Singles and couples are welcome, including beginners. This free event features talented local musicians and callers, and dancers are invited to bring holiday desserts to share.

Free admission. 800.FOLK.SCH.

BRYSON CITY

• A stage production of “A Christmas Story” will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 18, and 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. For ticket information, call 828.488.8227 or visit www.smctheatre.com.

• The “Polar Express” will depart on select dates throughout December from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. For more information on departures or to purchase tickets, visit www.gsmr.com.

• “Letters to Santa” will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 23 at the Swain County Heritage Museum. Drop a line for Santa. Materials provided. Call the museum for Santa appearances: 800.867.9246.

CASHIERS

• The annual “Christmas On the Green” celebration will run through New Year’s Day at The Village Green. The 13acre park in the heart of Cashiers will feature thousands of twinkling lights. For more information, visit www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

CHEROKEE

• The Cherokee Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 16, in downtown. 828.359.6490.

• Cherokee Lights & Legends will be held Dec. 15-17 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. The celebration hosts a widearray of holiday and family activities. For more information, call the Cherokee Welcome Center at 828.359.6490.

FRANKLIN

• Holiday gift making time for kids from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 22-23 at The Art Room. $15 per child, which includes materials. Ages 8 and up. Preregister at 828.349.3777 or www.artroomsupplies.com.

• The sounds and stylings of “A Merry Motown Christmas” by the cast of “Motown and More” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

“Motown and More” takes showgoers on a musical journey through time as they recreate the characters, style, music, and energy of Motown, and the grooves of the 1970s and 1980s soul classics. The show

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On the season

Celebrate Christmas with the Annie Moses Band

The Annie Moses Band will perform a Christmas show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

The group blends fiddle, jazz, and classical music with folk-inspired vocals to create a refreshing and familiar sound that’s sure to delight in their magical show, Christmas with the Annie Moses Band. They will celebrate the season with such holiday favorites as, “O Holy Night” and “Carol of the Bells,” as well as original group songs such as, “When the Christmas Baby Cries.”

This five-member, string-playing group dates back three generations. Their tour takes the message of Christ and the legacy He’s given them beyond the walls of the Church. They travel nationwide sharing their talents, and have appeared on programs such as “Focus on the Family” and “The 700 Club.” They’ve also earned more than 700 hours of broadcast time on PBS stations throughout America.

Tickets are $25 each. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

CHRISTMASON MAIN STREET

“A Night Before Christmas” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16 in downtown Waynesville. Main Street welcomes luminaries, holiday carolers, live music, artisan demonstrations, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and more.

S EASON, CONTINUEDFROM 36

features a cast of singers and dancers in glittering costumes and dazzling choreography, all backed by the superb musicianship of a live band.

This high-energy show celebrates the music, magic, and memories from a time when soul music was at its greatest.

Tickets are $15, with $30 VIP tickets available. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

HIGHLANDS

• The Highlands Cashiers Players will present their annual free holiday program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

For this year’s 22rd program, the theme is “It’s A Holly, Jolly Christmas” as the evening will include a funny holiday quiz for the audience and several amusing holiday stories, read by HCP actors. Holiday songs interspersed with the readings will be performed by a special 12-voice ensemble from the 50-voice Mountain Voices regional chorus, directed by Beverly Barnett of Franklin.

And to top off the evening’s entertainment, hot cider along with cookies and other refreshments will be served after the performance for the audience and performers in the PAC reception room. And all of it is free of charge — it’s the Players Christmas gift to

the community, co-sponsored by HPAC. www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

SYLVA

• The chancel choir at First United Methodist Church Sylva will present its annual Christmas Cantata at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, in the church sanctuary.

The cantata titled “Emmanuel” is comprised of a variety of musical selections that express the meaning of the season. Guest flutist Bruce Buchanan will accompany the choir in some of the selections. Tommy Ginn is director of the chancel choir.

Actors from the church will portray the nativity scene as the Christmas story is read from the Bible. Lynda Sossamon and Jessica Green will direct the production.

Following the cantata, heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Christian Life Center as the Sylva Bells, a community hand bell group, and the First Methodist Brass Group play Christmas music selections. Lorie Meservey is director of the hand bell choir.

The public is invited to attend this program, First United Methodist Church’s gift to the community. For more information, call the church office at 828.586.2358.

WAYNESVILLE

• “Twelve Days of Christmas” will be Dec. 13-24 in downtown. Merchants offer specials throughout the holiday celebration.

Meet Charlotte Figi.

At just 3 months old, she experienced her first seizure, an experience that would send her family on a path that would change the world. Charlotte was suffering from 300 grand mal seizures per week when they met the Stanley Brothers, who had been developing proprietary hemp genetics. Together they created a hemp oil extract that was introduced into Charlotte’s diet in hopes of providing her relief.

Charlotte didn’t have a single seizure during the first seven days of treatment, which was a clear sign that the Figis had stumbled onto something extraordinary.

Today she is a nine year old who is thriving and enjoying life. The Stanley brothers assure consumers that the oil maintains a 30:1 ratio of CBD to THC. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” effect in marijuana. Thanks to Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte can now live life like a normal child. She is able to feed herself and sleep through the night. Her autistic symptoms have virtually disappeared. As such, her mind is clear, and her attention is focused. Her brain is recovering, and she is happy.

Visit cwhemp.com for more info.

Our Smart Start programs (baseball, basketball & sports development) offered through the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) are the most enjoyable programs we offer here at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Smart Start gives parents the special opportunity to work one-on-one with their child to develop sports skills and build their confidence. The program focuses on teaching children and their parent’s the basic sports skills without the threat of competition of fear of getting hurt. Children also enjoy working oneon-one with their parents and spending quality time together.

SMART START PROGRAMS

The Smart Start programs are administered by the Youth Development branch of the nonprofit National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) and the Waynesville Parks & Recreation Department. Donald Hummel is a proud member of NAYS and strives to be a good steward for child advocacy in his role as a Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA).

WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION 828.456.2030

Forget the frenzy, settle in with a book

For many of us, Christmas preparations require the endurance of a marathoner and the speed of a lab rat on amphetamines. We hoist a tree in the den, decorate our homes, dash off greeting cards to people we last saw two years ago, race through the mall buying presents and stocking stuffers, plan and prepare a Christmas dinner that would buckle a lesser table, and get sloshed at parties while wearing the hat of an elf. The culture pumps holiday Red Bull into our veins: some radio stations are belting out Bing Crosby before Thanksgiving, by the second week of December films like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” jam the television, and every church in town offers a concert.

tained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry

Stella and Jim as they try their best to please each other with gifts and learn from this young couple “that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the wisest. Everywhere they are the wisest. They are the

American South.

With children’s books, this stream of holiday literature roars into a flood. Here, in no particular order, are a few favorites.

By the time The Big Day arrives, which incidentally is in many cultures the beginning, not the end, of Christmas, we are ready to pitch the dead pine to the curb, take a swig of something stronger than Russian Tea, and weep over our wounded credit cards.

If “holiday season” has become for you a euphemism for bughouse nuts and deadbeat tired, let me suggest a breather. Shove aside the ornaments and cards, beg off the evening’s festivities, mix some hot chocolate for the kids and a favorite beverage for yourself, pick up a book, and hit the sofa.

Below are some suggestions to brighten your season with literature. As you can see, I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy who gravitates toward the holiday classics.

Let’s begin with Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol. Yes, yes, you already know that story, as do I. After all, Scrooge and Tiny Tim are cultural icons, like Sherlock Holmes and Watson or for the less literary, Barbie and Ken.

But have you actually read A Christmas Carol?

Read aloud from the first chapter this description of Ebenezer Scrooge:

Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-con-

chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days; and didn’t thaw it one degree at Christmas.

“From which no steel ever struck out generous fire,” “solitary as an oyster,” “he iced his office in the dog-days:” all are marks of great writing, and such marks occur on every page of the book.

Need something shorter? Try O’Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi”, another story so many people “know” but have never read. Follow

Clement Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas” is an American classic and a great read-aloud for the little ones, particularly if you inject some drama into your voice.

Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas is always a treat, with the Grinch as recognizable in our museum of icons as Scrooge. Taking the little ones on a visit to Whoville can be a delight for young and old.

Even adults will get a kick out of Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the rollicking tale of the delinquent Herdman children who find themselves transformed by the Christmas story

E.T.A. Hoffman’s The Nutcracker gave us Tchaikovsky’s ballet. At my elbow, awaiting transmission to my grandchildren, is the 2016 edition wonderfully illustrated by Christian Hess.

Susan Wojciechowski’s The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, illustrated by P.J. Lynch, tells of Jonathan Toomey, who has lost all he ever loved, and how his woodcarving and the charity of a widow and her son bring him back to life.

magi.”

Other classic holiday material for the grown-up crew include Saint Luke’s account of the birth in the stable; Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a fine depiction of a medieval English Christmas; Henry Van Dyke’s The Story Of The Other Wise Man, a tale of sacrifice and charity; Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas In Wales,” (I recommend listening to on a recording by Thomas while following the poem in print); and Truman Capote’s A Christmas Morning, which whisks us to the

Want a story closer to home? Gloria Houston’s Littlejim’s Gift: An Appalachian Christmas Story portrays a boy living during the Depression who wants to bring Christmas to his family. Thomas Allen’s gentle illustrations by Thomas Allen perfectly compliment this story of sharing. Another of Houston’s stories, this time illustrated by Barbara Cooney, is The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, which has become an annual read for many who love these mountains and a good story.

Take an evening off. Light up the fireplace if you have one, pop some corn, and snuggle down on the sofa with a loved one, kids, or grandkids.

And a book.

New book features African-American elders

A celebration of the publication of Lift Every Voice! African American History in Haywood County: Volume 1 will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

The public is invited to join people whose interviews appear in the book to hear first-hand recollections of lives spent in this area.

A project of the Pigeon Center Multicultural Development Center, Lift Every Voice! is part of an effort to collect the history of the black community in this county. This work began in 2012 with panel discussions on education, civic life, and on the two historic Pigeon Street churches, Mt. Olive Baptist and Jones Temple AME Zion. The discussions featured members of the community from both Waynesville and Canton and were videotaped by the Historical Society.

Lift Every Voice! began in 2014 with interviewing the oldest members of local black families. In the book, the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in our county are vividly portrayed in eighteen interviews. Along with personal reminiscences of how things were the book contains a wealth of old photographs.

Partnering with the Pigeon Center in preserving these materials are the History Collection of the county library as well as the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

This event is the first in a series of sharing the stories from the book at the new location of Blue Ridge Books on 428 Hazelwood Avenue.

City Lights open mic

The NetWest program of the North Carolina Writers Network will host an open mic night at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Folks are encouraged to bring their poetry or short pieces to share. Sign-ups begin at 6:45 p.m. for 10-minute reading session. The North Carolina Writers’ Network connects, promotes, and serves the writers of this state. They provide education in the craft and business of writing, opportunities for recognition and critique of literary work, resources for writers at all stages of development, support for and advocacy of the literary heritage of North Carolina, and a community for those who write.

828.586.9499 or www.ncwriters.org.

Storytime with Deanna Klingel

Author Deanna Klingel will host a special children’s storytime at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

She will read from her new book, Spirit The Tiny White Reindeer. In the book, readers will discover that friendship can be found in the most unlikely of places, especially when Christmas spirit is guiding you. Personifying true Christmas spirit, the tiny reindeer will warm your heart and become a wonderful addition to each family’s holiday traditions.

Suitable for children of all ages, this book will help to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year round. To reserve copies of the book, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

A fire-forged laboratory Scientists look to learn from 2016 wildfires

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

When rain finally quelled the wildfires running rampant through the Southeastern U.S. last year, the public was breathing a collective sigh of relief while the scientific community spotted an opportunity. Fall 2016 was a wildfire event unlike anything seen in recent history — in the eastern part of the country, at least — and the blazes left behind a natural laboratory to study what

the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mississippi State University and the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory.

“We want to see not only how aboveground things respond to fire, but some of the other processes, some of the driving factors that are below ground,” Workman said.

To that end, she and Beverly Collins, associate director of WCU’s biology department, have been working on a project investigating how carbon dioxide emissions from soil in

“What we don’t want are forests giving off a lot more CO2 than they take up, because that could contribute to CO2 in the atmosphere,” Collins said.

After being burned, a forest might have less capacity to photosynthesize than it did before burning, as wildfire often clears out understory plants and could kill trees as well. But what happens to the soil’s rate of carbon dioxide release, which is the other end of the forest system’s CO2 cycle?

preliminary data show that the unburned sites are emitting slightly more carbon dioxide than the burned sites.

“They’re responding in part to the amount of organic matter or litter, and so the fire removed the litter from the sites,” Collins said. “We think that decrease in the litter may have decreased the organic matter that’s available for the microbes to decompose.”

So far the difference between the emissions level at the two sites seems to be small, however, Collins said she wouldn’t categorize this initial analysis as either good news or bad news. There are too many variables, and too much that remains to be evaluated. The difference could disappear quickly as time goes on and more leaf litter falls to replace the burned-up duff, and the trends from this data set wouldn’t necessarily hold at other burned sites. For example, the picture could shift considerably if the data were taken from sites that burned more severely than Cliffside and Wine Spring.

Peter Bates, an associate professor in WCU’s Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources, hopes that his research will provide a bigger-picture, more broadly applicable view that researchers like Collins and Workman can use to better understand their data.

“There really aren’t any good indices (of fire severity) that we’ve found in the east,” Bates said. “A lot of this work has been done out west, so in a western system that is different from ours. Since our forests are so diverse and so different than what they have out west, those indices don’t really work very well in the east.”

Bates and Diane Styers, also an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources, are working to build just such an index tailored to the forests of the Southeastern U.S.

happens on a burned landscape once the flames fade.

“It’s a unique opportunity, because the forested areas — especially the high northern hardwoods areas — burn very infrequently,” said Sarah Workman, associate director of the Highlands Biological Station.

Workman has been involved with studies investigating various facets of the wildfires’ aftermath, but the effort to understand the issue is much larger than the biological station or even than Western Carolina University, which operates the biological station.

Various scientists are investigating the fires’ effect on the timing of flower blooms, tree growth, carbon dioxide cycling and more, with organizations represented including but not limited to WCU, the U.S. Forest Service,

“It’s a unique opportunity, because the forested areas — especially the high northern hardwoods areas — burn very infrequently.”

— Sarah Workman, associate director of the Highlands Biological Station

burned areas of forest differ from emissions from soil in unburned areas.

In a forest system, carbon dioxide is taken out of the atmosphere during photosynthesis, when plants use it to create energy for themselves and release oxygen as a byproduct. But as leaf litter falls to the ground, organisms in the soil break it down to release a variety of nutrients and gasses — including CO2.

To start answering that question, Workman and Collins set up plots on the sites of the Wine Spring and Cliffside fires, both in Macon County, taking data on what’s coming out of the soil from burned and unburned plots in those areas from May through October. The study will likely continue through several more seasons.

It’s still early to identify clear trends, but

“In terms of fire severity, we’re really looking at the fires’ effect on vegetation to see how much vegetation was consumed, how much the forest floor and the leaf litter were consumed, things along those lines,” Bates said. “We know that fire severity will have an influence on what the long-term ecological response will be.”

Funding from the U.S. Forest Service and WCU allowed Bates and Styers to get out in the woods and measure fire severity at various points along field transects they set up. Now they’re working to correlate that data — observed with boots planted firmly on the ground — with satellite imagery taken from tens of thousands of feet above it.

“What we want to do is try to find satellites that flew on the same day of the year before the fires and on the same day of the year after the fires and see how those indices changed, and see if we can correlate that change with fire severity,” Bates explained. Preliminary results on that project are still several weeks away, and the project itself will likely continue for several more years.

Fire is a natural feature on any landscape, but many scientists are

Cross-country skiers scale the slope curving south along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Soco Gap.

At home in the snow

Muted under a blanket of fresh snow, the forests surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Western North Carolina stretch were quiet, white and cold Saturday morning, the sweeping path of the roadcut soft and unblemished as it wound thousands of feet above nearby Maggie Valley.

There’s a reason that 15 million people visit the Blue Ridge Parkway each year — but on this day, a snow day, none of them were there. In the snow, the views belong only to those willing to ski, snowshoe or hike their way up.

As it happens, cross-country skiing is one of the warmest exercises it’s possible to do. The temperature may have been south of 30 degrees, but my head and hands were bare and my coat open — as well as my eyes.

The warmth of my apartment had been a siren call as I left that morning, imploring me to stay where it was cozy and comfortable. But as I looked around to the snow-laden trees, the laces of shadow on the white ground and the glimpses of blue suddenly spreading across the sky, I knew I’d made the right choice.

— Holly Kays, outdoors editor

Parkway maintenance causes closures

Boom axe operations along the Blue Ridge Parkway will result in closures at various locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the coming weeks.

The section between mile markers 455 and 469 — from just north of the Soco Gap parking lot through the Parkway’s southern terminus — will be closed during weekdays through Dec. 15.

Closures in affected sections will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and will affect all users — hikers, bikers and motorists. The road will be open on the weekend.

Further north, the sections between mile markers 317 and 324, and between 355 and 367.6, will be closed from Jan. 226.

Timber project proposed in Clay County

A project seeking to harvest timber on 1,277 acres within a 34,508-acre project area in southeastern Clay County is open for public comment through Jan. 8.

The Buck Project, located in the Tusquitee Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, would aim to improve the health of the forest ecosystem using timber harvest. The project would include commercial timber sale, site preparation for forest regeneration, road construction and improvements to fisheries habitat, wildlife habitat and natural vegetation communities.

A complete list of proposed actions and a map are available using the “Land and Resources Management” and “Projects” links at www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc. Hard copies are available from Steverson Moffat, 828.237.5152, ext. 108, or at the Tuisquitee District Ranger District Office in Murphy.

After the close of the current comment period, a 30-day notice and comment period will be provided at a future date. Those who have submitted timely, specific written comments will have the opportunity to file an objection. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project.

Submit comments to tusquitee@fs.fed.us with “Buck Project” in the subject line; mail comments to District Ranger, Tusquittee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, 123 Woodland Drive, Murphy, N.C. 28906; fax to 828.837.8510.

A cover of white covers every surface on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north from Soco Gap on Saturday morning, Dec. 8.

saying that its frequency will increase over the coming years.

“With climate change occurring and more variable weather and extremes in temperatures and rainfall, if we get hotter temperatures or drier weather, we anticipate that with warmer and drier conditions we will have increased fire incidents,” Workman said.

Hot and dry conditions make fuels more flammable, increasing the danger that a stray spark could set a whole forest ablaze. But heat and drought are also stressful to

trees and other plants, making them more susceptible to death, dieback and infestation by pests. That, then, increases the amount of fuel scattered on the forest floor, which then increases fire danger — a cycle that can keep going in ever-escalating spirals.

That makes understanding how fire works on Southern Appalachian landscapes — what factors contribute to it and how it impacts soil, water, wildlife and vegetation in the years following a blaze — a task of vital importance.

Rim Trail reopened following purchase

A portion of the Rim Trail near Hayesville that’s been closed since 2010 has now reopened to the public.

Fires Creek viewshed. Donated photo

The trail’s closure, between Big Stamp and Will King Gap in the Valley River Mountains, was the result of a 50-acre private inholding within the Nantahala National Forest. The trail crossed private property at the headwaters of Laurel Creek and was closed. However, on Nov. 20 Mainspring Conservation Trust acquired the inholding from the Laurel Creek Property Owners Association with plans to eventually convey it to the U.S. Forest Service. The public is now allowed to resume use of the trail segment that crosses the property. The 25-mile foot and horse path traverses the rim of the Tusquitee Mountains and the Valley River Mountains, which forms the Fires Creek watershed. The route was used for hundreds of years to travel between Cherokee towns in the area. The Forest Service acquired the land in 1937.

Hike a waterfall

A moderate 6-mile hike will explore Bee Cove Falls in South Carolina on Saturday, Dec. 16.

The trail starts off of S.C. 107 near Fish Hatchery Road and drops to a lovely multi-tiered 80foot waterfall, near the edge of the drop-off of the mountains going to the foothills.

Organized by the Nantahala Hiking Club, with visitors welcome. The group will meet in Cashiers to carpool for a 20-mile roundtrip drive. RSVP to hike leaders Mike and Sue Kettles, 828.743.1079. No dogs.

Endangered fish found in new territory

A routine day of fish population monitoring turned exciting when Mainspring Conservation Trust biologists found a federally threatened fish in a tributary of the Little Tennessee River, the first time that species had been found in that particular stream.

the Endangered Species Act. Today, it’s found in only four river systems within the Tennessee Valley, including the Little Tennessee.

The spotfin chub was once assumed to be a species confined to larger rivers, but in 1999 Mainspring scientist Bill McLarney, Ph.D., discovered that spotfin chub, along with other minnows, make a fall migration into smaller waterways. All to often, these migrations are blocked by man-made barriers such as culverts.

The spotfin chub was found swimming in Licklog Creek in Swain County. The 4inch-long fish was once widespread throughout the Tennessee River Basin, but dam construction, water pollution and sedimentation levied severe impacts, and in 1977 the fish was listed as threatened under

New species found in Tennessee

A new fish species has been discovered in the South, with Tennessee Valley Authority biologists identifying the logperch, or Percina apina, in Duck River tributary streams in middle Tennessee.

“This fish is a significant find because it

In fall 2017, Mainspring led a stream restoration project funded by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to modify a culvert at the mouth of Licklog Creek to include a fish ladder. It didn’t take long for this project to see results — on Nov. 21, the first spotfin chub was found in Licklog.

clear water where it lives — “apina” is a Greek word that means “clean” or “without dirt,” just like the silt-free substrates that the fish requires to live, hunting aquatic insect larvae like blackfly, caddisfly, mayfly and stonefly. The small fish, which reaches 4 to 6 inches, plays a significant role in the surrounding environment.

“Though you might not see it right away, there is a web of other species that are interconnected to it,” Simmons explained.

The logperch, Percina apina, is a newly discovered species in Tennessee. TVA photo

tells us that our work to preserve and protect the Tennessee River Watershed is paying off,” said Jeff Simmons, a TVA aquatic biologist who helped make the discovery. “Percina apina can only live in the cleanest of streams.” Simmons named the fish after the clean,

“Keeping our water clean, keeping this fish alive — this is our natural heritage. This is what we have to pass down to the next generation.”

The TVA assesses more than 700 water quality sites throughout the Tennessee Valley, creating scorecards for each one. The Tennessee River is one of the most biodiverse river systems in North America, home to about 230 species of fish and 100 species of mussels. The clean water that makes this diversity possible is also an important economic driver to the region, with a 2017 University of Tennessee study finding that recreation on TVA reservoirs contributes about $12 billion per year to the regional economy.

Bumcombe makes clean energy pledge

Buncombe County Commissioners voted to commit to complete transition to clean and renewable energy during a meeting Tuesday, Dec. 5.

“Runaway climate change is the greatest threat we face but we have many viable tools to respond to this challenge,” said Chairman Brownie Newman. “I look forward to working with many community partners to achieve this ambitious goal.”

The commitment pledges for all municipal operations to use clean and renewable energy by 2030 and countywide operations to follow by 2042. Buncombe County is the first county in Western North Carolina and the second in the state to make such a commitment. In September, the Orange County Commissioners unanimously approved a goal to move toward 100 percent clean energy by 2050, with the town of Hillsborough establishing a similar goal shortly thereafter. Communities from across the state, including Sylva and Asheville, have also called for a larger-scale transition to 100 percent clean energy.

Waynesville Rec is looking for opinions

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department is looking for feedback through an online survey, which will be open through Dec. 31.

The short survey is online at www.waynesvillenc.gov/online-survey. 828.456.2030.

Master Gardener Trainees sought

The 2018 Haywood County Master Gardener class is now taking applications, with training sessions to be held Tuesday mornings from Jan. 9 through April 24, 2018. The training will cover a variety of gardening-related topics, with participants agreeing to volunteer at least 40 hours in the following year in exchange for the training.

Topics will include lawns; ornamental trees and shrubs; insect, disease, and weed management; soils and fertilizers; vegetable gardening; plant propagation; home fruit production; flowering plants; composting; and landscape design principles.

Candidates must be residents of Haywood County.

Free. Sarah Scott, 828.456.3575 or sarah_scott@ncsu.edu.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, INC.

Celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way

The Holiday Homecoming event, featuring traditional crafts, music and activities, will return Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., with the visitor center all decorated for Christmas, including an exhibit on Christmas in the

mountains and hot apple cider and cookies served on the porch with a fire in the fireplace. Hands-on crafts and activities through noon will give children and adults alike the opportunity to experience the Appalachian traditions associated with this time of year.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the park’s monthly acoustic old time jam session will showcase traditional holiday tunes, with musicians invited to come play and visitors invited to sing along with traditional Christmas carols and holiday songs.

The Oconaluftee visitor center is located on U.S. 441, about 2 miles north of Cherokee. Free, with support from the Great Smoky Mountains Association. 828.497.1904.

Catch a winter time meteor shower

The annual Geminid Meteor Shower will put on a show in the night sky this week, reaching a peak of 120 meteors per hours around 1 a.m. Dec. 14. The Geminids will also be visible for a night or two on either side of the peak.

This year a waning crescent moon in the predawn skies will present minimal interference with observations of fainter meteors during prime observing hours, according to astronomers from the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Successful observations can start as early as 10 p.m. and continue until dawn as the constellation of Gemini the twins rises higher in the sky.

New

district ranger hired for Appalachian District

The Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest has a new district ranger following the hire of Richard Thornburgh, who will begin his new position Jan. 7.

Coordinator, and Chief Financial Officer on the San Bernadino National Forest, and Budget Analyst in the Pacific Southwest Regional Office.

A native of eastern Tennessee, Thornburgh’s pre-Forest Service career

a website to take you to places where there are no websites. Log on. Plan a getaway. Let yourself unplug.

“I’m excited to build on my experience with collaboration and partnerships to address the many challenges facing the Appalachian Ranger District,” Thornburgh said. “I find those are generally the keys to success, whether it’s trying to provide quality recreation experiences in the midst of increasing use, or working with local communities to improve the fire resilience of the forest around them so that we can try to avoid the next catastrophic wildfire.”

Thornburgh has worked for the U.S. Forest Service for the last 17 years beginning in the Washington, D.C., office. He was most recently the Pacific and Placerville District Ranger on the Eldorado National Forest near Sacramento, California. His background includes roles such as Forest Planner, NEPA

included work as a mediator of environmental and public policy disputes in Pennsylvania. Thornburgh, a bluegrass musician, will move to the area with his wife Katherine and their two children, ages 9 and 7.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The Town of Sylva and the Sylva Public Art Committee invite artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for an artist to develop a mural concept and for installation of mural by artist(s) on the wall of Ward Plumbing & Heating on Mill Street in downtown Sylva. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Applications and materials must be received by this date and time to be considered. 586.2719 or townmanager@townofsylva.org.

• A retirement reception honoring Jack Ewing, Lake Junaluska’s Executive Director, is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, in the Harrell Center Auditorium at 710 N. Lakeshore Drive in Lake Junaluska. Light refreshments. Ewing served as executive director for seven years and officially retires on Dec. 31. www.lakejunaluska.com.

B USINESS & E DUCATION

• Registration is underway for the spring semester at Haywood Community College. Classes start Monday, Jan. 8. 627.4500 or haywood.edu.

• A Hunter Safety Course will be offered from 6-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 18-19 on the Haywood Community College Campus, Building 3300, Room 3322, in Clyde. Participants must attend both nights to receive certification from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• A social media marketing summit for small business owners will be offered from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Haywood Community College campus in Clyde. Seminars include “Instagram Made Easy,” “Facebook Made Easy” and “Tools for Social Media.” For info or to register: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• A two-hour pesticide recertification class will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Macon County Cooperative Extension Center in Franklin. Twohours of recertification credit for subcategory safety training for classes A, B, D, G, H, K, L, N, O and X. 349.2046.

• Southwestern Community College’s fall commencement ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, in Myers Auditorium in the Balsam Building on SCC’s Jackson Campus. Featured speaker is Matt Cass, SCC’s physics and math instructor and the college’s 2017 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching award.

• Western Carolina University will hold two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Ramsey Regional Activity Center in Cullowhee. The 10 a.m. ceremony is for the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Allied Professions. Fine and Performing Arts will have its ceremony at 2 p.m. Livestream at www.wcu.edu/commencement-stream.aspx. Info: 227.7216 or registraroffice@wcu.edu.

• Concealed Carry Handgun Classes will be offered from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Jan. 20 and Feb. 17 at Bethel Grocery Hunting & Fishing at 5692 Pigeon Road in Waynesville. 648.5797 or bethelgrocery@gmail.com.

• Small business owners can find materials and services to support business growth at Fontana Regional Library’s locations in Macon, Jackson and Swain Counties. Computer classes and one-on-one assistance also available. 586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• A meeting of current and former employees of the Waynesville plant of Champion/Blue Ridge/Evergreen is held at 8 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at BoJangles near Lake Junaluska’s entrance.

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

FUNDRAISERSAND B ENEFITS

• City Lights Bookstore (Sylva) 19th annual “Giving Tree” program is now underway. The program collects books and gives them to the agencies in time for the children to receive books for Christmas. All “Giving Tree” purchases will receive a 20 percent discount. 586.9499.

H EALTH MATTERS

• HIV and syphilis testing will be offered during normal business hours at Jackson County Department of Public Health in Sylva. 586.8994.

• A support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), family, friends and caregivers will meet at 5:45 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Jackson County Public Library conference room in Sylva. 293.2503.

• A support group for anyone with MS, family & friends meets monthly at 6:45 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the conference room of Jackson Co. Library in Sylva. No Fee, sponsored by National MS Society. Local contact: Gordon Gaebel 828-293-2503.

• “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admission. 335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

• A “Walk With A Doc” program is scheduled for 10 a.m. each Saturday at the Lake Junaluska Kern Center or Canton Rec Park. MyHaywoodRegional.com/WalkwithaDoc.

• Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) meets at noon on Saturdays at the First United Methodist Church Outreach Center at 171 Main St. in Franklin. 407.758.6433 or adultchildren.org.

• Western Carolina University’s student-run, Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. 227.3527.

• The Haywood County Health & Human Services Public Health Services Division is offering a Night Clinic from 4-6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in Waynesville. Services include family planning, immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment. Appointments: 452.6675.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health will offer a general clinic from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 587.8225.

• A Food Addicts Anonymous Twelve-Step fellowship group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville. www.foodaddictsanonymous.org.

• Big Brother/Big Sister, a one-evening preparation class for children who are about to greet a new baby into their family, is offered for children ages 3-10 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses.

• Mothers Connection, an ongoing social gathering for mothers and their babies, meets from 11:30 a.m.-1:30

p.m. on Thursdays excluding holidays at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses.

• A support group meeting for those with Parkinsons Disease and their caregivers will be held at 2 p.m. on the last day Wednesday of the month at the Waynesville Senior Resource Center.

• Dogwood Insight Center presents health talks at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

• Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes are available at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Classes are offered bimonthly on an ongoing basis. Register or get more info: 586.7907.

• Angel Medical Center’s diabetes support group meets at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the AMC dining room. 369.4166.

• A free weekly grief support group is open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at SECU Hospice House in Franklin. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life Bereavement Team. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• A monthly grief processing support group will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care in Clyde. 452.5039.

• A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day. 586.4009.

• A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

R ECREATIONAND FITNESS

• Pickleball, a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong, will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Old Hazelwood Gym in Waynesville. $3 per visit, or $20 for a 10-visit card. 452.6789 or iansmith@haywoodcountync.gov.

• ZUMBA! Classes, are offered from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at the Canton Armory. $5 per class. 648.2363 or parks@cantonnc.com.

• Tai chi is offered from 10:45-11:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. It’s also offered from 1-2 p.m. on Thursdays. Taught by Bill Muerdter. For info about the classes or HRHFC memberships and offerings, call 452.8080 or visit MyHaywoodRegional.com/Fitness.

• Ultimate Frisbee games are held from 5:30-8 p.m. on Mondays at the Cullowhee Recreation Park. Organized by Jackson County Parks & Recreation. Pick-up style. 293.2053 or www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• The Wednesday Croquet Group meets from 10 a.m.noon at the Vance Street Park across from the shelter. For senior players ages 55 or older. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Pickleball is from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday nights at First Methodist Church in Sylva. $1 each time you play; equipment provided. 293.3053.

• Cardio Lunch class will meet from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

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

• The Canton Armory is open to the public for walking from 7:45-9 a.m. on Monday through Friday unless the facility is booked till spring. 648.2363. parks@cantonnc.com.

• Pickle ball is offered from 8 a.m.-noon on Mondays through Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. 456.2030 or www.waynesvillnc.gov.

S PIRITUAL

• The Haywood Ramblers will perform a mix of Baptist spirituals, traditional ballads, Carter family songs and regional compositions in a concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, at Western Carolina University’s H.F. Robinson Administration Building in Cullowhee. Jam session will follow. 227.7129.

• Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreat with Jeremy Steele (speaker) and Jeremy Atkins (worship band), which starts Dec. 29. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

• Registration is underway for the Interfaith Peace Conference, which is Thursday through Sunday, March 1-4, in Lake Junaluska. Topic centers around communicating with civility and respect while upholding core values and religious traditions. Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders will offer lectures, worship, music, prayer and meditation. $150 per person. $60 for students. $10 for CEU credits. www.lakejunaluska.com/peace or 800.222.4930.

P OLITICAL

• Tickets are on sale for the 25th annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner, which is Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Crown Plaza Resort in Asheville. Taylor is the longest-serving Republican U.S. Representative in WNC history (19912007). Tickets: $60. Checks can be mailed to Charles Taylor, P.O. Box 7587, Asheville, NC 28802. Info: 243.2187 or tasmothers@yahoo.com.

• The Jackson NAACP meets at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Jackson Street in Sylva. A celebration of “What our branch has accomplished in 2017” will follow at 11 a.m.

• The Haywood County Libertarian Party is now meeting at Blue Ridge Books on Main Street from 4:30-6 p.m. every second Monday of the month. These meetings will be for discussion on current events, and are open to the public.

AUTHORSAND B OOKS

• Blue Ridge Books will celebrate publication of “Lift Every Voice! African-American History in Haywood County: Volume 1” at 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 in Waynesville. First-hand recollections of lives spent in the area.

• The NetWest program of the North Carolina Writers Network will host an open mic night at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499 or www.ncwriters.org.

• Author Deanna Klingel will host a special children’s storytime at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. She will read from her new book, Spirit The Tiny White Reindeer. To reserve copies of the book, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• The “Coffee with the Poet” series gathers at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva the third Thursday of each month and is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Writers Network. 586.9499.

• Canton Book Club meets at 3:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• Cookin’ the Books will be held at noon on the last Wednesday of the month at the Waynesville Public Library. A book club focused on cookbooks. All members choose a recipe from the book and bring it to share. The group will discuss the good and bad aspects of the chosen cookbook. 356.2507.

• Banned Book Club meets from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. For those who enjoy literature and intellectual conversation. 456.6000, blueridgebooks@ymail.com or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

• Waynesville Book Club at 5:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Waynesville Library Meet to discuss books, which are chosen by each member (taking turns) and provided by the library. New members are welcome. For more information, 356.2507.

S ENIORACTIVITIES

• The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 926.6567.

• Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina – an effort to help area residents commit to a healthier lifestyle, will meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 1011 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800

• Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center. Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons

60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases. Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Pinochle game is played at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Hearts is played at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

K IDS & FAMILIES

• Holiday gift-making time for kids is scheduled for 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and Dec. 22-23 at Art Room Main Street in Franklin. $15 per child. Make a hairclip, polymer clay pen and cards and ribbon pins. For ages 8-up. Register: 349.3777 or www.artroomsupplies.com.

• A Holiday Kids Party is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. http://folkschool.org or 837.2775.

• Kids at HART will hold open auditions for “Madagascar Jr.” at 4 p.m. on Dec. 19. Open to grades 3-12. 456.6322 or srsumpter@charter.net. www.harttheatre.org.

• A kids’ nature discovery program will be offered to ages 3-5 and kindergarten through third grade through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. Younger ages will meet at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 20) at Cullowhee Recreation Center. The older ages meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 20). $10 per child. Pre-register: www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

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

• Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreats, which start Dec. 29. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

ONGOINGKIDSACTIVITIES ANDCLUBS

• The Canton Library offers a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) program each month. At 4 p.m. on third Tuesday. Children ages 6-12 are welcome to attend. Please call 648-2924 for more information.

• A Tuesday Library Club for ages 5-12 meets at 4 p.m. each Tuesday (except for the fifth Tuesday on months that occurs) at the Canton Library. Hands-on activities like exercise, cooking, LEGOs, science experiments and crafts. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• “Art Beats for Kids” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City.

A new project every week. $20 per child, with includes lesson, materials and snack. To register, call 828.538.2054.

• Stories, songs and a craft are offered for ages zerosix (and caregivers) at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• A program called “Imagine,” an art program for children 8-12 meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library. Program contains art, writing, and drama. 586.2016.

• Rompin’ Stompin’, an hour-long storytime with music, movement and books, is held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Canton Library and at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. For ages zero to six. 648.2924.

• Rompin’ Stompin’, an hourlong storytime with music, movement and books, is held at 11 a.m. on Fridays at the Canton Library. For ages zero to six. 648.2924.

• Library Olympics will be held at 2 p.m. on Fridays at Jackson County Public Library. Children age 5 and up get active through relay races, bingo, mini golf. 586.2016.

• Full STEAM Ahead, a program for children ages 5-12 to allow them to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through fun hands-on activities. Program open to the first 15 participants, at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at Canton Public Library. 648.2924.

• Family Story Time is held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 0-6. Stories, songs, dance and crafting. 648.2924.

• Storytimes are held at 10 and 10:40 a.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Wednesdays in the Stacks, “WITS”, a new program for children in grades 3-6, on the third Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Macon County Library. WITS will include lots of fun games, prizes, and hands-on activities. This club replaces book club previous held on the third Thursdays of the month. 526.3600.

• Fun Friday, everything science, is held at 4 p.m. on Fridays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Teen Coffeehouse is at 4:30 p.m. on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday at Jackson County Public Library. Spend time with other teens talking and sharing. 12 and up. 586.2016.

• Rock and Read is at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• WNC Martial Arts will hold karate classes from 67:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Old Armory in Waynesville. For more info, contact Margaret Williams at 301.0649 or mvwilliams39@gmail.com.

• Story time and kids can make their own piece of art

from 10 a.m.-noon every Saturday during the Family Art event sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council at the Jackson County Farmers Market located at the Community Table, downtown Sylva. On the first Saturday of each month, there is a scavenger hunt with prizes. 399.0290 or www.jacksoncountyfarmermarket.org.

• Michael’s Kids Club will be held for ages 3-and-up from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Michael’s in Waynesville. $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative crafts. 452.7680.

• A Lowe’s Build and Grow session for ages 3-and-up is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays at the Sylva (586.1170) and Waynesville (456.9999) Lowe’s stores. Free.

• Art classes are available for kids 10 and older from 4:15-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Bascom in Highlands. $15 per class. 787.2865 or www.thebascom.org.

• Art Adventure classes are taught for ages 5-10 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Bascom in Highlands. Theme: metal. Instructor: Bonnie Abbott. $20 per month. 787.2865.

• Free, weekly, after-school enrichment classes are offered by the Bascom and MCAA from 3-5 p.m. on Thursdays at Macon Middle School through a grant from the Jim McRae Endowment for the Visual Arts. To register, contact Bonnie Abbott at 743.0200.

•A Lego club will meet at 4 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Library provides Legos and Duplos for ages 3 and up. Free. 488.3030.

• Science Club is held at 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month for grades K-6 at the Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• A Franklin Kids’ Creation Station is held from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at uptown Gallery in Franklin. Snacks provided. $20 tuition. 743.0200.

• A Lego Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 3:30-5 p.m. at Waynesville Library. 452.5169.

• A Lego Club meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. 526.3600.

• A Lego Club meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Jackson County Public Library. 5862016.

• A Lego Club meets at 4 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Legos and Duplos provided for ages three and up. 488.3030.

• Teen time 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursdays at Waynesville Library. A program for teens and tweens held each week. Each week is different, snacks provided. 356.2511.

• The American Girls Club meets at City Lights

Bookstore in Sylva. The club meets one Saturday a month, call for details. Club is based on a book series about historical women. Club members read and do activities. Free. 586.9499.

• Crazy 8 Math Adventure Club on Tuesdays 3:30 p.m.

- 4:15 p.m. for grades K-2 at the Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• Children’s craft time, fourth Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215

K IDSFILMS

• “Coco” is showing for the last time at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. See website 38main.com for tickets.

• “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” will be playing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14, 7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. on Dec. 15, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:55 p.m., on Dec. 16, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., on Dec. 17, 7 p.m. on Dec. 18-21, 7 p.m. & 9:55 p.m. on Dec. 22, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., & 9:55 p.m. on Dec. 23, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. on Dec. 24-25, 7 p.m. Dec. 26-29, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., & 7 p.m., Dec. 30Jan. 1, and 7 p.m. on Jan. 2-4 at the Strand on Main in Waynesville. See website for tickets and pricing. www.38main.com.

• “Despicable Me 3” will be playing at 6:30 on Dec. 15 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Dr. Seuss: How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with Jim Carey will be playing at 6:30 on Dec. 22 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “The Lego Ninjago Movie” will be playing at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

ages at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Put on by EPIC, the library’s performing arts group. A comedic show putting a spin on the Lawrence Welk Show that was popular from 1955-71.

• The chancel choir at First United Methodist Church of Sylva will present its annual Christmas Cantata at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, in the church sanctuary. Cantata is titled “Emmanuel.” Sylva Bells, a community hand bell group, will perform following the cantata while heavy hors d’oeuvres are served. 586.2358.

• The Brasstown Ringers will present their “Bells of Christmas Past” Christmas Concert at 5 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the First Baptist Church in Robbinsville.

• The Pottery on Highway 28 South will host a Holiday Sale December 19 from 4-7 p.m. Sawmill Creek Pottery and Pincu Pottery will be 20% OFF from 4-7 PM Only.

Hot Cider, Cookies will be offered. www.pincupottery.com.

• A community holiday jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 488.3030.

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks will be launched on Dec. 31 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 359.6492.

F OOD & D RINK

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host the Jackson County Corn Hole Association on Monday evenings ($5 buy in, 100-percent payout), Karaoke with Captain Moose from 7 to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Trivia at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and a Guitar Hero Tournament at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. 586.6440.

• “Brown Bag at the Depot” – an opportunity to gather with neighbors – is at noon every Friday at Sylva’s newest park at the corner of Spring and Mill Street along Railroad Ave. For info, contact Paige Dowling at townmanager@townofsylva.org.

A&E

H OLIDAY

• “A Night Before Christmas” has been rescheduled from this Saturday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Waynesville. Main Street welcomes luminaries, holiday carolers, live music, artisan demonstrations, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and more.

• “Letters to Santa” will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 23 at the Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City. Drop a line for Santa. Materials provided. Call the museum for Santa appearances: 800.867.9246.

• Tickets are on sale for the N.C. Arboretum’s Winter Lights event, which runs through Dec. 31. Tickets: $18 for adults; $12 for children and $15 per person in groups of 20 or more. Members get a $2 discount per ticket. www.ncwinterlights.com.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation will have its annual gift-wrapping project for shoppers during regular stores through Dec. 24 at Mast General Store on Main Street in Waynesville. Organizers need wrapping materials and volunteers to work three-hour shifts. Sign up: http://tinyurl.com/yco6ssdo. www.sargeanimals.org.

• Cherokee Lights & Legends through Dec. 17 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 359.6492.

• The Highlands Cashiers Players present their 22nd annual holiday program at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Featuring Mountain Voices, a regional chorus. Hot cider, cookies and refreshments will follow.

• A Christmas Spectacular Show will be offered for all

• Graceann’s Amazing Breakfast is 8-10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Sapphire Room at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. $8.50 for adults; $5 for children. Includes coffee and orange juice. 743.7663.

• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5-7 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.

• A game day will occur from 2-9 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop & Bar in Sylva. Bring dice, cards or board games. 586.6300.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 452.6000.

ON STAGE & I N CONCERT

• “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” will be on stage at 2 p.m. on and Dec. 16-17 at HART Theater in Waynesville. Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for students. www.harttheatre.org or 456.6322.

• The Highlands Cashiers Players will present their annual Holiday Program at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in Highlands. Theme is “Have A vae aHHolly, Jolly Christmas” with a holiday quiz and stories ready by HCP actors.

• Auditions for “Sense and Sensibility: will be held from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, and from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, in Fangmeyer Theater at

HART in Waynesville. Production will run April 27-May 13. Five roles each for men and women.

• The sounds and stylings of “A Merry Motown Christmas” by the cast of “Motown and More” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $15, with $30 VIP tickets available. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

• The Highlands Performing Arts Center will present the National Theatre of London’s production of “Young Marx” Live via Satellite at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Tickets are available online: www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 526.9047.

• The Annie Moses Band will perform a Christmas show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $25 each. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

• The Kittle/Collings Duo (jazz) performs from 6-9 p.m. every Friday at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com.

• Guadalupe Café (Sylva) will host Folks’ Songs (world/fusion) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays.

• Open Mic Night is from 7-9 p.m. on Saturdays at The Strand on 38 Main in Waynesville. 283.0079 or www.38main.com.

CLASSESAND PROGRAMS

• The Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center in Clyde. All skill levels welcome. Waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net.

• Appalachian Art Farm will host a free art session from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Community Table in Sylva. 273.9682 or MyriahStrivelli@gmail.com.

• The High Country Quilt Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. www.highcountryquilters.wordpress.com.

• The Bryson City Lion meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Iron Skillet in Bryson City.

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. every other Thursday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page (www.facebook.com/paintwaynesville) or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• There will be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required. 349.4607.

• Beginners Chess Club is held on Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 8-108 invited to participate. 648.2924.

• Cribbage is at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Maggie Valley Inn. 410.440.7652 or 926.3978.

• An Antique, Vintage & Handcrafted Flea Market starts at 8 a.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3029 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Bring your own table/tent. Spaces rent for $10 a day or $25 for all three days.

• Haywood County Arts Council is inviting artist members to participate in its annual Artist Member Show. Download a show contract/inventory sheet from www.haywoodarts.org. Send completed forms to gallery@haywoodarts.org or P.O. Box 306; Waynesville, N.C. 28786.

• The Jackson Rangers Camp 1917 will hold monthly

meetings at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Barkers Creek Community Center. Members are being sought to participate in honor guard graveside events and honor Confederate soldiers. The Confederate Rose, a ladies auxiliary group that supports active members, meets at the same time and location. 736.6222 or jrcamp1917@hotmail.com.

• A community art group meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at the Hudson Library in Highlands. 828.526.3031.

• A writer’s group meets at 1 p.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• Free one-on-one technology help is offered every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Hudson Library in Highlands. Call 526.3031 to make an appointment.

ARTSHOWINGSAND GALLERIES

• “Season of Light,” an exhibition of photographs by Teri Leigh Teed, is on display through Dec. 31 in the Burrell Building lobby on Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. www.terileighteed.com.

• Linda Dickinson’s display of black-and-white photography is being displayed at the Canton Public Library Meeting Room in Canton. Show is entitled “Waynesville and Environs, a Black & White Perspective.” 648.2924.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center will host the exhibit “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26. 227.3591.

• The Haywood County Arts Council annual show, “It’s a Small, Small Work,” will be held through Dec. 23 in HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville.www.haywoodarts.org or 452.0593.

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the exhibition “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26 in Cullowhee. go.wcu.edu/wcucollects or call 828.227.3591.

FILM & S CREEN

• “Farmers for America: A Documentary to Celebrate, Inspire and Support Young Farmers” will be presented at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Waynesville Library. Film is 75 minutes.

• “American Assasin” is playing at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Slyva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” will be playing at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Detroit” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Die Hard” with Bruce Willis will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Stronger” with Jack Gyllenhaal will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Victoria & Abdul” will be showing at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

M USICJAMSANDGROUPS

• Golden Aires singing group practices at 9:15 a.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month at Jackson County Department on Aging/Senior Center in Sylva. Secular and religious music. Performances given at area nursing homes. Musical instruments also welcome. 586.5494.

• Old-time music jam from 1-3 p.m. the first and third

Saturday of the month at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on U.S. 441 outside Cherokee. November through April is just the third Saturday. 497.1904.

• A community music jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Marianna Black Library in Downtown Bryson City. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer – anything unplugged – is invited to join. Singers and listeners are also welcome.

• Cruso Circle Play & Jam, 7 p.m. every Tuesday, Cruso Community Center and Friendship Club in Cruso. www.facebook.com/crusocircleplayjam.

• Listen and sing along with singers/songwriters playing guitar/mandolin from 7-9 p.m. each Thursday at Heinzelmannchen Brewery in Sylva. All skill levels and instruments welcome. 631.4466 or www.yourgnometownbrewery.com

• Karaoke is held at 7 p.m. every other Friday at the American Legion Post 47 in Waynesville. Open to all members and their guests. 456.8691.

• Men Macon Music, canella singing, meets at 5:30 p.m. every Monday in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church St., Franklin. Visitors welcome. 524.9692.

• Mountain Dulcimer Players Club meets from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month at the Bryson City United Methodist Church. Knowledge of music not required, tablature method used. 488.6697.

• Pick and Play Dulcimer Group of Sylva meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Saturday of every month in the fellowship hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church. 293.0074.

• The Franklin Early Music Group meets every Monday at 9 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. 369.5192.

ARTS G ROUP M EETINGS

• Blue Ridge Mountain Quilt Guild, 6 to 9 p.m. fourth Thursday, January through October, and third Thursday, November and December in Canton. 316.1517 or on Facebook at Blue Ridge Mtn. Quilt Guild.

• Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild meets every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. Blue Ridge Books, Waynesville. 246.0789.

• Nifty Needles group, which meets at First United Methodist Church in Sylva, is seeking new members to help knit and crochet warm, useful items for those in need. Supplies (yarn and needles) and lessons provided.

• The Tuesday Quilters meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on N.C. 107. Bring your machine and whatever quilt you are working on.

• The WNC Fiber Folk Group meets weekly from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in the Star Atrium of the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu.

• Thursday Painters meet at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your project and a bag lunch and join us for a day of creativity and fun. All artists are welcome. 349.4607.

• Rug Hooking Group, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jackson County Public Library. Beginners welcome. 631.2561.

paperwork must be completed and ID and proof of income must be provided to determine the fee. 452.1329 or www.haywoodspayneuter.org.

• Highlands Biological Station will hold the closing ceremony of its 2017 Institute for the Environment program where students will present their research from 2-5 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Nature Center in Highlands. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.

• Highlands Plateau Audubon Society will have its annual Christmas Bird Count at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 15 at Founders Park in Highlands. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a Holiday Homecoming on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. Hands-on traditional crafts and activities from 10 a.m.-noon; hot apple cider and cookies, monthly acoustic old-time jam from 1-3 p.m. 497.1904.

• A Spay/Neuter Clinic is offered from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays at 182 Richland Street in Waynesville. As low as $10. 452.1329.

• A weekly nighttime mountain bike ride is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Mondays from the Ledford Branch Trailhead at Bent Creek in Asheville. Organized by Motion Makers Bicycles. 633.2227.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club holds a Saturday Work Hike on the fourth Saturday of each month. 369.1983.

• A cycling ride leaves at 8 a.m. on Saturdays from South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary with distances typically 15-25 miles. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to assist the Trails Forever trail crew for a rehabilitation project on the Rainbow Falls Trail from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Sign up or get more info: 497.1949, Adam_Monroe@nps.gov or https://friendsofthesmokies.org/trailsforever/volunteer.

FARMAND GARDEN

• “Farmers for America: A Documentary to Celebrate, Inspire and Support Young Farmers” will be presented at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Waynesville Library.

• Haywood County Extension is accepting applications for the 2018 Master Gardener class, which will be held Tuesday mornings from Jan. 9-April 24. 456.3575 or sarah_scott@ncsu.edu.

• 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.

H IKING CLUBS

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate sixmile hike with an elevation change of 300 feet on Saturday, Dec. 16, to Bee Cove Falls in South Carolina. Reservations and info: 743.1079.

Outdoors

• The Asheville Winter Bike League offers structured group rides at 10 a.m. every Saturday through Jan. 28. https://tinyurl.com/ycgp8a4s.

• The last Haywood Spay/Neuter transport is Dec. 13. Pets must be registered by the day before the event,

• 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.

• Friends of the Smokies hikes are offered on the second Tuesday of each month. www.friendsofthesmokies.org/hikes.html.

MarketPlace information:

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads,

■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising:

Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

AUCTION

ABSOLUTE AUCTION

Saturday, December 16th @ 10am 7136 Weddington Rd. NW, Concord, NC. Liquidation of Evolution Fitness. Like New Flexmat Padded Flooring, Rouge Equipment, Weight Systems, more. 704.791.8825 ncaf5479 www.ClassicAuctions.com

ABSOLUTE AUCTION

Saturday, December 16th @ 10am

201 S. Central Ave., Locust, NC. Large Amount of Industrial Products. All New, from Gloves to Overhead Hoists, Power Tools & Machine Tools. 704.791.8825 ncaf5479 ClassicAuctions.com

LAND FOR SALE?

Reach buyers across the state in over 100 newspapersfor only $375. Call this newspaper or Wendi Ray at NC Press Services, 919.516.8009.

INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY AUCTION

Saturday, December 16th @ 10am

FINANCIAL

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD.

Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

OVER $10K IN DEBT?

Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe.

A+ BBB rated.Call National Debt Relief Now 844.235.9343. SAPA

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE

With Bad Credit and High Interest Rates!Get a FREE Consultation Today, and Start Improving your Credit Now. Call 855.705.7246 Today! SAPA

BUILDING MATERIALS

HAYWOOD BUILDERS

Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051

ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc.Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control Free Estimates!Call

NEED A WALK IN TUB?

Getting in and out of the tub can be easier than ever before. Walk in Tubs are designed to prevent slipping with textured mats and hand rails. They also have and textured pads to keep

300 Rampart St., Charlotte, NC. Inventory Reduction of Nationwide Wholesaler. From Gloves to Machine Tools. 704.791.8825 ncaf5479 ClassicAuctions.com

100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

CALL EMPIRE TODAY

SOLD!ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION

In over 100 newspapers across the state for only $375. Call Wendi Ray at NC Press Services, 919.516.8009

To schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1.855.929.7756 SAPA

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions. Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson. Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316

PAINTING

-

Starting at $49/ Month! Call for your fee rate comparison to see how much you can save! Call:

855.970.1224

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

Top Dollar Offer! Free Towing From Home, Office or Body Shop. All Makes/Models 2000-2016. Same Day Pick-Up Available! Call Now: 1.800.761.9396

GOT AN OLDER

Car, Van or SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1.855.617.2024 SAPA

DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY.

Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855.972.0354

BUSINESSFOR SALE

RETAIL/RESTARAUNT BUSINESS

For Sale, located in Maggie Valley, NC. Call 828.734.1665 for info.

EMPLOYMENT

FRONT DESK/OFFICE MANAGER

Full Time or Part Time: Maggie Valley Cabin Resort Seeks a Versatile, Energetic & Experienced Front Desk Employee. Customer Service & Computer Exp. Req. Weekends, Nights & Holidays a Must! Call 828.926.1388

BROWN TRUCKING -

Is looking for COMPANY DRIVERS and OWNER OPERATORS. Brown requires: CDL-A, 2 years of tractor trailer experience OTR or Regional (Multiple states) in the last 3 years, good MVR and PSP. Apply: www.driveforbrown.com. Contact Brandon Collins. 919.291.7416.

HOME CARE PARTNERS

Is now accepting applications for CNA’s and In-Home Aides in Macon, Jackson and Swain areas. We have competitive wages, paid time off, Holiday Pay, dental, vision and life insurance. For more information call 828.586.1570 or apply in person at 525 Mineral Springs Drive, Sylva, NC 28779.

EMPLOYMENT

FTCC

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Practical Nursing Instructor, PC Support & Services/Database Management Instructor & Part-time Construction Observer. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer

SEEKING AN INDIVIDUAL

To Provide Direct Client Services for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, to Create and Support a Fundraising Plan for Jackson County Victim Services, and to Develop and Implement Education, Marketing, and Outreach Materials. If Interested, Please Submit a Resume to REACH of Macon County, PO Box 228 Franklin, NC 28744 or Send to: reach@reachofmaconcounty.org

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Respiratory Therapy Clinical Instructor (Part-time Raleigh Area). For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.comHuman Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu

MOON PIE - A GORGEOUS BLUETICK COONHOUND FEMALE. SHE HAS A LOVELY "VOICE" TYPICAL OF HER BREED, BUT SHE USES IT ONLY WHEN NECESSARY TO GET YOUR ATTENTION. SHE IS A LOVING, AFFECTIONATE GOOFBALL AND SHE'LL BE A TON OF FUN FOR HER NEW FAMILY.

BLAZE - A YOUNG ORANGE TABBY MALE. HE IS A SWEET, CONFIDENT LITTLE GUY WHO ADORES RECEIVING HUMAN ATTENTION, ESPECIALLY NECK SCRATCHES. HE'LL BE A TERRIFIC FELINE BUDDY TO HIS LUCKY ADOPTER.

EMPLOYMENT

CENTER SUPERVISOR KNEEDLER

CHILD DEVELOPMENT - WCUMust have BS Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and Administrative Level III Credentials, basic computer knowledge, 2-3 years’ experience in NC Day Care regulations, 2-3 years supervisory experience and good judgment skills. Full-time with benefits. Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd, 25 Schulman St or you may go to our website: www.mountainprojects.org and fill out an application on line. Pre-Employment Drug Testing is Required. EOE/AA.

AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAININGGet FAA certification to fix planes. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.441.6890

An Equal Opportunity Employer FTCC

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Instructor & Mathematics Instructor. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu

An Equal Opportunity Employer

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

CIRCLES OF HOPE COORDINATOR

JACKSON COUNTY- FULL-TIME

Bachelor in Social work preferred. Experience in management, problem solving, ability to work with diverse populations. Valid NC Driver’s License required. Applications will be taken at: www.mountainprojects.org

Mountain Projects, 25 Schulman St., Sylva, NC 28779 or 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786. EOE/AA

LAWNAND GARDEN

SAWMILLS

From only $4397.00 - Make & Save Money with your own bandmillCut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: NorwoodSawmills.com 1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

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

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

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! Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE?Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threateningforeclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help844.359.4330 SAPA

LAND FOR SALE?

Reach buyers across the state in over 100 newspapersfor only $375. Call this newspaper or Wendi Ray at NC Press Services, 919.516.8009.

HUNT YOUR OWN LAND Or Build Dream Cabin 68 acres on Hwy. 21 Alleghany & Wilkes Co., NC

Selling: Sat, Oct. 14 @ 11am NCAL#685 336.789.2926 RogersAuctionGroup.com

HOMES FOR SALE

- FOR SALE BY OWNER3/BR 1/BA with detached studio.

Charming older home in residential area, walking distance to Downtown Waynesville. 1500+ sq. ft. includes updated kitchen with appliances; fireplace, carport, basement and open air front porch. Excellent school districts. Move-in ready! Detached Studio w/ Screened-in Porch. Potential for rental income (short or long-term), or a place for family and guests to enjoy. Asking $195,000. Call 828.246.0107 or 340.473.8617 for appointment.

BRUCE MCGOVERN

A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

SOUTHPORT, N.C. FOR SALE, Waterfront resort hotel condominiums. Pre construction prices. Amazing views. Private fishing pier. Full kitchens. Waterfront swimming pool. Cooke Realty 910.616.1795 contactcooke@gmail.com

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 info.

WELLNESS ADVOCATE mydoterra.com/blueridge wellness

A PLACE FOR MOM.

The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1.800.717.0139

necessary. Call 855.292.6607 SAPA MEDICARE DOESN’T COVER All of your medical expenses.A Medicare Supplemental Plan can help cover costs that Medicare does not.Get a free quote today by calling now. 1.877.212.8839 SAPA

OXYGEN -

Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 866.732.9512 SAPA

LUNGCANCER?

And Age 60+?You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award.Call866.590.3140 for Information.No Risk.No Money Out Of Pocket.

ITEMS FOR SALE

BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment. Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each. 828.593.8321

COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT EQPT. For Sale: Imperial Electric Convection Oven, Globe 20 Qt. Mixer, Bavier 72” Sandwich Unit, 74” Tor Rey Refrigerated Display Case, Glass Front Dry 48” Display Case, Globe Deli Meat Slicer, Plus Lots of Smalls (Scales, Choppers, Etc.), 8- 2Top Tables & 2- 6Ft. Tables. Call 828.646.0303 For More Information & Prices. Serious Buyers Only Please.

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Berkshire Hathaway berkshirehathawayhs.com

• Ira Atkins

• Margie MacDonald

• Kaye Matthews

• Donna Miano

• Robert Sales

• Jay Spiro

• Bill Thagard

Beverly Hanks & Associates beverly-hanks.com

• Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com

• George Escaravage - gescar@beverly-hanks.com

• Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com

• Michelle McElroy - michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com

• Marilynn Obrig - mobrig@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

ERA Sunburst Realty sunburstrealty.com

• Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com

• Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com

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SuperCROSSWORD

15 Don Marquis’ “— and Mehitabel”

Poet Tate

“It really seems to me ...”

Moral failure

Pithy remark

Math subj.

Cave beings 29 With 56-Across, compete to obtain

Suffix with czar

LAX info 32 Madras “Mr.”

Female sib

Turner of an insurrection

“Tall” story

Mil. officers

of an issue 126 Treats with malice 127 Gas brand DOWN

1 Spill-catching wear 2 Poem of laud 3 “Amazing!” 4 Ramp for accessing a ship 5 Gem sides 6 Ghostly pale 7 Jay-ell linkup 8 Psychic “gift” 9 Stimpy’s bud

Small porch

Small bird that builds edible nests

Visible air

Chevy’s Sonic, before 2011

Many adults

Strikes (out)

Actor Driver

“No” from a higherup

Italian wine area

Luge surface

Arial, e.g.

Large elliptical fish

Not volatile

Flying British mil.

Stir

Curly’s bud

Ferrari who founded Ferrari

Riverbed deposit

“Keep it in” 72 Secluded valley

Arm of Israel

“Don’t

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Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. Answers on Page 48

A German idealist sought refuge among the Cherokee

Note: This is the first of a two-part series about Christian Priber, a utopian socialist whose beliefs — including free love — caused him in the 1730s to “flee” from Germany to England to South Carolina and eventually into the Southern Appalachians, where he intended with the aid of the Cherokees to establish a Kingdom of Paradise in which those beliefs could be implemented. The second part of the series will relate his adventures while living among the Cherokees and during his incarceration at Fort Fredrica on the Georgia coast, where after interviewing him, Gov. James Oglethorpe found him to be very “odd” but exceptionally intelligent. He was reputed to have written the first English-Cherokee dictionary, now lost, before his mysterious death in the early 1740s.

Christianus Gottlieb Priber was born in Zittau, Germany, where he was the son of a beerhouse owner. In October 1722, Priber’s Doctor of Jurisprudence thesis (written in Latin) was published at Erfurt University in Erfurt, Germany, after which he returned home to practice law. In time, he became the German equivalent of a district attorney (Oberamts-ReigierungsAdvokat) for the government in the superior bailiwick that included Zittau. And in 1722 he married Christiane Dorothea Hoffman, with whom he had five children.

BACK THEN

In February 1742, at Great Tellico in the Cherokee country, Priber (using the alias “Pierre Albert”) briefly outlined his personal background and utopian ventures for Antoine Bonnefoy, a French voyageur who had been recently captured by the Cherokees:

“He told me that being of good family, he had been instructed in all that a man ought to know; that after having completed his studies, he had learned English and French; that he spoke these two languages with a little difficulty so far as the pronunciation was concerned, but that he wrote German, Latin, English and French with equal correctness; that for twenty years he had been working to put into execution the plan about which he had talked to us; that seven or eight years before he had been obliged to flee his country, where they wished to arrest him for having desired to put his project into execution; that he had gone over to England, and from there to Carolina, and had also been obliged to depart thence for the

same reason, 18 months after having arrived there; that having found among the Cherakis a sure refuge he had been working there for four years upon the establishment which he had been planning for twenty ....”

Many of his contemporaries and present day historians have suspected that Priber was a Jesuit spy of some sort, but it’s 99.9 percent certain he was an 18th century German idealist on the run rather haphazardly seeking any sort of “sure refuge” where his notions would be provided a congenial audience. It is not unlikely that Priber came “over to England” with the intention of securing passage to the English colonies in North America. As his quest evolved, his eventual

efforts to establish a Kingdom of Paradise on the Southeastern frontier in the first half of the 18th century clearly foreshadows the fervid activities which marked the subsequent century, when utopian settlements arose in such prodigal numbers.

What did the Cherokees hope to gain out of all this maneuvering? Well, for one thing, Priber taught them weights and measures, which infuriated the British who had been short-changing the Indians in every trade for decades.

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)