SMN 12 20 17

$100K

Page 4

Public not invited to Franklin hospital hearing Page 16

On the Cover:

Maggie Valley businesses work together to boost tourism during the off-season months with winter holiday lighting, decorations and a special ‘Explore Maggie Valley’ open house event at several businesses around town. (Page 10)

News

Jackson delays pool referendum decision ..................................................................3 Fired tribal employees each receive $100K settlement ..........................................4

Methadone stigma still hampering opioid treatment ................................................6

Overlooked options for opioid addiction ......................................................................8

Sylva board butts heads over TWSA appointment

Swain Resource Center in need of donations ........................................................12

Waynesville reservoir study could result in capacity increase ............................14 Public not invited to Franklin hospital

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S UBSCRIPTIONS

Jackson delays pool referendum decision

Commissioners disagree on location, timeline

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

An already-tight timeline to get a referendum question about funding an indoor pool on Jackson County’s November 2018 ballot just got tighter when county commissioners opted during a Monday, Dec. 18, meeting to table a vote on the next step in the process.

Building a pool would require taking out a bond, which would require approval from voters. And asking voters to decide whether such a bond is a good idea would require having a solid estimate of how much the pool would cost to build and maintain — which would require a firm decision on where the pool would be built. Monday’s vote would have approved a contract for Asheville-based Clark Nexsen to complete the pre-design work necessary to estimate how much it would cost to build a pool adjacent to the existing Cullowhee Recreation Center, and to produce renderings showing the public what such a pool might look like.

“The dates can change by a few days, but literally if we start on the first of January, it will be just enough to get it completed by the end of March. We need this information by April,” County Manager Don Adams told commissioners during a Dec. 12 work session.

DIRECTIONSIN OCTOBER

During an October work session, commissioners had directed Adams to begin looking for an architectural and engineering firm to complete programming and pre-design work for the pool, a task that Adams told them would mean deciding on Cullowhee as the location of the proposed pool.

“Unless I have the property in hand, I’m less likely to give the public accurate information,” Adams told commissioners Oct. 10.

The Cullowhee location made sense, Parks and Recreation Director Rusty Ellis told commissioners on that occasion, because it’s at the geographic center of the county and would save money by tying into infrastructure already in place at the existing recreation center.

Seeing the logic in that argument and the short timeline to achieve a November 2018 referendum vote — a recently passed county resolution states that such a referendum question could be placed on an even-year fall election ballot only — commissioners then gave Adams the go-ahead to begin vetting companies. However, even then some members of the board had reservations.

“We’ve really put ourselves in a position that we don’t have another choice but to choose Cullowhee,” Chairman Brian McMahan said in October, also commenting that he’d like to see more county recreation facilities in the northern end of the county.

SECONDTHOUGHTS

ONLOCATION

By the Dec. 12 meeting, Adams and a review committee including Ellis, County Attorney Heather Baker and Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hopkins had finished the selection process. The process included two committee meetings, interviews with two firms, independent research into the firms’ qualifications and a final decision to recommend Clark Nexsen, which would be working with pool consultant Counsilman-Hunsaker.

to the location but felt that northern Jackson County should at least be considered, while Deitz and McMahan both said they’ve talked to plenty of people who are in favor of a pool but don’t see why it has to be in Cullowhee, which already has plenty of recreation facilities.

Commissioners Mickey Luker and Ron Mau — Cullowhee is in Mau’s district — expressed support for the Cullowhee location.

“It’s not my district, Cullowhee’s not, but I will say that based on the recreation management plan, central location and operational costs I would have to lean on our staff’s recommendation,” Luker said.

the possibility of entering into a partnership with Harris Regional Hospital as an example. The current timeline would not allow for such a discussion to happen.

Mau, who had voted to keep the pool issue on the agenda, said the county’s ability to pay for a pool isn’t the issue being decided. During the referendum vote, should there be one, voters will decide if they want a pool badly enough to agree to pay the higher tax rate needed to build and maintain it, he said.

The main issue, therefore, is location, and for Mau, who holds a Ph.D. in finance, the choice is simple. County staff estimate that it

The firm would charge $37,900 as its base architectural cost, with additional costs such as surveys, legal costs and marketing add-ons likely putting the county’s total cost for this pre-referendum stage somewhere around $58,000.

That’s when the topic of location came up again.

“It’s cut and dry this is going to be in Cullowhee, right? Isn’t it?” asked Commissioner Boyce Deitz.

“That’s what is proposed,” Ellis replied.

“Have you considered any other locations?” asked Elders.

“I thought we talked at the last work session that it just made sense to have it at Cullowhee, because the infrastructure’s there, the support staff is already there,” Ellis replied.

That prompted McMahan to ask whether any plan produced could just as easily be applied to a different location. The answer, Adams said, is no.

“I think it would be a waste of money under this contract to go through this process with the idea that we’re going to move the facility,” Adams said.

Commissioners had diverging opinions about location. Elders said he didn’t object

The discussion went round and round with no firm consensus forming, but McMahan directed Adams to put the vote to approve Clark Nexsen’s contract on the agenda for the Dec. 18 meeting.

DECISIONTODELAY

However, the vote was never taken. As the Dec. 18 meeting opened, Elders moved to table the vote so the board could have “a little more time and discussion” on the issue. He, Deitz and McMahan voted in favor of tabling, with Mau and Luker opposed.

In a press conference at the end of the meeting, Elders said that cost and location were both issues for him.

“I’m not sure that we can afford this, but I want some more figures on it, and I think that we need to have another place on another work session and gather some more information on this,” he said.

McMahan was also concerned about cost and location, with Deitz pointing out the limitations of the short timeline.

“The route we were taking, we had to have this done at this date, at this date, at this date, so we were on a tight schedule and it just cut out any options that we have,” he said, citing

would cost another $115,000 annually to maintain the pool at a standalone location, and by factoring in that perpetual cost with interest and inflation rates, Mau estimates the Cullowhee location as having a $9.5 million cost advantage over any other site.

“What I’m for is putting it on the ballot and letting people decide whether they’re going to pay for it,” Mau said.

When asked, McMahan said that the decision to table the Dec. 18 vote was not a decision to forego pursuit of a November 2018 referendum.

However, delaying the vote until the commissioners’ next meeting — Jan. 8 — would put the screws to an already-tight timeline. During the Dec. 12 work session, Adams had told commissioners that beginning the pre-design work Jan. 1 would just barely allow it to finish in time to start the referendum process.

“This whole process was predicated upon understanding the location, and if we don’t know where the location is, quite honestly I think there really has to be a process to go through to determine the location,” Adams told commissioners Dec. 12. “I can’t say that can be done in time for a referendum discussion.”

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3/15/18

Fired tribal employees receive $100K settlement

Some dispute settlement as illegal

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Seven tribal employees who were fired or demoted when former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert took office in 2015 have received a combined $698,000 in settlement payouts following a November agreement that Lambert made public this week.

and that the people who were transferred to other positions were well aware of what they’d done to deserve demotion.

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The news has caused a stir on the Qualla Boundary, with many questioning the legality of payouts that were not approved by Tribal Council — as expressly required in the initial version of the agreement — and that outstrip the amount covered by the tribe’s liability insurance.

Lambert said that the agreement is “clearly in violation of Tribal Law and in violation of all the normal procedures and safeguards known,” and that it was a case of Principal Chief Richard Sneed wanting “his friends to get a settlement and have their legal expenses paid.”

Sneed, meanwhile, released a statement saying that the settlement was completely legal and aimed at promoting healing within the tribe after a politically divisive year.

“I determined that in view of the recent upheaval in tribal government, the best approach was to promote unity and healing within the Tribe and to settle the lawsuit,” he said. “The settlement complies with the Tribe’s fiscal management policies and does not require the appropriation of any additional funding from Tribal Council. Nothing in the settlement constitutes an admission of wrongdoing and this settlement resolves all of these claims forever.”

THELEGALBACKSTORY

The case in question was filed on Dec. 2, 2015, nearly two months after Brandi Cooper, Mollie Grant, Mark Kephart, Jason Lambert, Donna Owl, Kimberly Peone and Cory Blankenship were let go from their high-level positions with the tribe. All seven received a letter stating that their jobs were no longer necessary due to a reorganization of tribal departments, with Peone, Kephart, Jason Lambert and Blankenship being terminated from their jobs and Cooper, Grant and Owl transferred to much lower-paying positions.

During an Oct. 8, 2015, meeting at the Cherokee Councilhouse three days after the letters were delivered, the fired employees made their case — sometimes tearfully — to Tribal Council and to the public, saying that they’d been let go as a form of political payback and that the firings and demotions were illegal.

Lambert, meanwhile, said that the people who had been terminated served in politically appointed positions that would typically end with the election of a new administration

The lawsuit charges Lambert both individually and in his official capacity as principal chief, claiming the firings and demotions violated the Indian Civil Rights Act, the Cherokee Code and the tribe’s Charter and Governing Document. It charges Lambert with slander and defamation for making “false and defamatory statements” about the plaintiffs in public and states that he intentionally inflicted emotional distress on the plaintiffs.

“I determined that in view of the recent upheaval in tribal government, the best approach was to promote unity and healing within the Tribe and to settle the lawsuit.”

—

Principal Chief Richard Sneed

Lambert filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that he was protected from suit in his official capacity by sovereign immunity and that there is no basis for a claim against him in his individual capacity.

An April 2016 ruling in the Cherokee Tribal Court granted some of Lambert’s motions to dismiss and denied others. Both Lambert and the plaintiffs appealed portions of the ruling to the Cherokee Supreme Court, with Blankenship dismissing his claims in the month before the April ruling and refiling them in March 2017.

In the midst of these legal wranglings, Cherokee was undergoing a historic political upheaval that ended with the controversial removal of Lambert from office by impeachment on May 25. Vice Chief Richard Sneed was then sworn in to take Lambert’s place as principal chief — meaning that Sneed’s office was now the one being sued in the case.

The Cherokee Supreme Court heard what a Nov. 6 settlement agreement refers to as “lengthy oral arguments,” but did not ultimately rule on the case. Instead, the parties met to work out a mediated settlement.

An agreement signed Oct. 9 laid out terms by which the seven plaintiffs would receive a total of $525,000 between them — $75,000 apiece. The agreement states that each party will pay his or her own attorney fees and costs and that the terms will not become effective until the Cherokee Tribal Council approves them. However, the agreement states, the defendant — the tribe — will pay the $3,500 mediator’s fee.

“The Executive Branch will present this matter to Tribal Council during the month of October 2017,” the agreement states. “This agreement shall be of

no force or effect unless and until so approved by the Tribal Council by the conclusion of the first Tribal Council meeting in November 2017.”

The agreement is signed by each of the seven plaintiffs — or their representatives — as well as by Attorney General Mike McConnell, Chief of Staff Paxton Myers on behalf of Principal Chief Richard Sneed and the attorneys for each side.

The November Tribal Council meeting came and went without the body approving the settlement.

The week after the meeting, however, a new settlement agreement with terms even more favorable to the plaintiffs was signed. The Nov. 6 agreement states that the plaintiffs should receive a total $698,000 — just under $100,000 apiece, about 33 percent more than the original agreement — and does not require approval by Tribal Council. However, it still requires the parties to pay their own legal fees and states that the tribe will pay the mediator.

ACCUSATIONSOFDISHONESTY

Councilmember Lisa Taylor, of Painttown, asked Sneed to address the issue during a Dec. 7 Tribal Council meeting.

“I’d like you to address something that I’ve been hearing in the community. I hope it is a rumor, and I’d just like you to squelch it publicly,” she said. “I’ve been getting phone calls that six or seven employees from the last administration paid out $75,000 for a settlement, and I think the people need to know.”

In response, Sneed acknowledged that a settlement had been made in the lawsuit and said that it was paid from a line item that the tribe has budgeted for lawsuits. The tribe has liability insurance, he said, and the company had agreed to pay a portion of the settlement with the tribe footing the rest of the bill. However, he told Taylor, he couldn’t say anything more specific than that.

“There’s a nondisclosure agreement, so I’m not supposed to talk about the details of it,” he said.

“I thought they lost in the lower court,” Taylor said later in the discussion.

“No ma’am,” Sneed said.

Lambert was in attendance at that meeting, and before the meeting ended that day he

made his way to the podium to express his opinion of Sneed’s comments.

“What was stated here at the podium is a direct lie,” Lambert said. “Those people did lose their case. Because of the tribe not having waived sovereign immunity, they lost their case. They appealed that to the Supreme Court.”

At the point the case was settled, Lambert said, the tribe was winning its appeal. Also a lie, Lambert said in comments posted on Facebook Sunday, Dec. 17, was Sneed’s reference to the existence of a nondisclosure agreement.

“It’s simply a ploy and straight-out lie for Richie (Sneed) or anyone else to say this agreement is confidential and it can’t be discussed,” Lambert wrote.

In fact, the Nov. 6 agreement, which Lambert also posted, expressly states that the agreement is not confidential and is subject to public records laws.

“There is no confidentiality agreement with respect to the terms of this Agreement and Plaintiffs acknowledge that this Agreement may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Chapter 132 (Public Records) of the Cherokee Code. However, the negotiations that occurred during the mediated settlement conference shall remain confidential,” section five of the document reads.

“It’s simply a ploy and straight-out lie for Richie (Sneed) or anyone else to say this agreement is confidential and it can’t be discussed.”

— Former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert

Lambert also alleged that the payout itself was unnecessary and negotiating a settlement above what is covered by insurance is illegal.

“Richie (Sneed) decided instead of allowing the court case to proceed forward through the Supreme Court, where it is certain they would have upheld the decision of dismissal of several claims and would have ruled on behalf of the Tribe in the other claims and the Tribe would have won again, Richie said NO we (we meaning the Tribe) should pay them — essentially give his friends a pocketful of money even though they were losing their case,” Lambert wrote.

The insurance company limited its payments for settlement at $180,000, Lambert

wrote, far short of the total $698,000 settlement. Section 1-2(g)(3) of the Cherokee Code states that recovery for tort claims against the tribe is “not to exceed the amount of liability coverage maintained by the tribe.”

“The law was violated by paying any of this settlement out of tribal funds,” he wrote.

The morning after Lambert’s post, which included the settlement documents and his commentary on them, Sneed posted a link to his response, displayed on The Cherokee One Feather site under the heading “Principal Chief’s Report for December 2017.”

The first portion of the article dealt with the settlement issue, including a brief recap of the case and mediation followed by two paragraphs expressing Sneed’s desire to promote healing within the tribe after the impeachment turmoil and the high priority he places on treating tribal employees with respect.

“I think those who use their talents, experience and education to benefit the Tribe are one of our most valuable resources,” Sneed wrote. “Our Tribe must work to have unity and to resist the continuing allegations of wrongdoing by those who themselves have jeopardized our Tribe through misconduct. During this season of hope and joy, we should all join together to work for the betterment of our Tribe through good work, not discontent.”

However, Sneed’s statement did not directly address all of the issues Lambert brought up, such as the lack of a confidentiality agreement, the legality of using tribal money for settlement payments or revision of the original $525,000 agreement to a much higher $698,000.

The Smoky Mountain News reached out to Sneed for an interview and was referred to the posted statement. Sneed did not respond to a reply stating that the paper had further questions after reading the statement.

The paper sent a follow-up email listing questions such as the reason for increasing the settlement payout between October and November, explanation of Sneed’s statement that a nondisclosure agreement prevented him from discussing the settlement, the amount of the $698,000 to be paid by the insurance company and the reason the agreement was not presented to Tribal Council in October. As of press time, no response had been received.

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Mental health resources in WNC

Services are available for those suffering from substance abuse through the following providers in Western North Carolina:

MERIDIAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

LOCATIONS:

• 131 Walnut Street, Waynesville 828.456.8604.

• 154 Medical Park Loop, Sylva 828.631.3973.

• 102 Thomas Heights, Franklin 828.524.6342.

• Meridian’s suboxone clinic offers medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence in combination with education, counseling and other support services that focus on the behavioral aspects of opioid addiction.

• Meridian’s Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program provides comprehensive support to people in early recovery for approximately 12 to 16 weeks. Clients receive nine hours of group treatment a week, plus individual counseling, case management and couples/family counseling as needed. Following this first intensive phase, clients continue to receive up to a further eight months’ support, usually consisting of one social support group per week, plus other community and personal supports to help continue recovery efforts.

APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY SERVICES

LOCATIONS:

• 1482 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.1395.

• The Balsam Center, 91 Timberlane Road, Waynesville, 828.454.1098.

• 100 Thomas Heights, Suite 206, Franklin 828.524.9385.

• 100 Teptal Terrace, Bryson City 828.488.3294.

• Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program (SAIOP) is a structured service that is provided at an outpatient center designed to help adults begin their recovery and learn skills for recovery maintenance. Group counseling is provided each day SAIOP services are offered.

• The Balsam Center is a 24-hour residential treatment facility located in Waynesville to provide an alternative to hospitalization for adults in crisis, age 18-64, who have mental health and/or substance use challenges or an intellectual/developmental disability.

• ACS also offers a suboxone clinic, group therapy sessions and individual counseling sessions for those battling addiction.

Seeking substance abuse services

Dr. Matt Holmes, associate medical director for Meridian Behavioral Health Services, oversees the suboxone clinic in Waynesville. Jessi Stone photo

Editor’s note: This is part six in an ongoing series about mental health and substance abuse. Read more at www.smokymountainnews.com.

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

The opioid problem has been bubbling underneath the surface for over a decade, but the issue has now reached a roaring boil as the medical community, law enforcement, families who have lost loved ones and politicians are taking action to address the problem.

The North Carolina STOP Act, passed this summer to put more control measures in place for prescribing opioids and U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, recently introduced legislation as well to curb the amount of opioids being prescribed for non-chronic pain.

North Carolina also recently received a $31 million federal grant through the 21st Century Cures Act to go toward opioid addiction. The grant will be used to increase access to prevention, treatment and recovery supports, reducing unmet treatment need and reducing opioid-related overdoses and deaths.

With all the attention being given to the problem and efforts to address it, local providers are hopeful more financial resources will be available to help them expand services for people who need it most.

Providers like Meridian Behavioral Health

Western North Carolina is still lacking when it comes to residential services for adolescents with mental health and substance abuse problems.

“Substance abuse treatment for adolescents is non-existent in this area,” said Steve McRae, director of Jackson County Child and Family Services.

The region will get some relief soon with the completion of the Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center in Asheville. The new youth crisis center will be a 16-bed facility for ages 6 through 17 who need crisis stabilization services and 24-hour supervision due to a mental health crisis, substance use or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. The center was made possible by a $1 million grant awarded to Vaya Health by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

McRae said it’s hard to tell whether more children are experiencing mental health and substance abuse problems or if the providers are simply more aware of the issues since they work so closely with the school systems.

“But we are performing more and more substance abuse assessments,” he said. Either way, more attention to the problem is a good thing, he added.

“It’s an epidemic so it’s making headlines — legislators are having to respond. We’re hearing the experiences of family members and seeing what it really looks like,” McRae said.

Services and Appalachian Community Services receive funding to serve the uninsured and people who qualify for Medicaid, but there is still a large group of people who need mental health or substance abuse services but can’t afford it.

Thanks to a funding partnership between Vaya Health, ACS’s parent company ncgCARE and the Evergreen Foundation, ACS was able to complete a $542,000 renovation and expansion project at the Balsam Center. The expansion from 12 to 16 beds will allow the center to serve more adults and to keep people from turning to the emergency room when experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis.

The center is ready to expand to 24 beds as soon as the state approves a new certificate of occupancy and will also soon serve as a 24/7 urgent care for mental health and substance abuse patients.

However, the Balsam Center’s inpatient program is still only available to adults.

However, he would still like to see more early intervention services available for children and families experiencing trauma. That early intervention can address the traumatic experience a child is going through so that down the road they won’t have mental health issues or turn to drugs as a way to cope.

“More work is starting with teenagers but more needs to be done sooner — the earlier you intervene with a child and family, the trajectory change can be so significant,” he said. “There’s a lot of generational patterns and we’re trying to break those cycles.”

Tabatha Brafford, director of consumer services with ACS, said in addition to starting suboxone clinics at its locations in Haywood, Macon and Cherokee counties, the organization was also working with law enforcement to start more programs to divert people suffering from addiction and mental health problems from jail to treatment.

“We’re working with Vaya Health, Meridian, police departments and sheriff’s departments in Haywood County to roll out the LEAD program early next year,” she said. “This would allow

North Carolina also recently received a $31 million federal grant through the 21st Century Cures Act to go toward opioid addiction. The grant will be used to increase access to prevention, treatment and recovery supports, reducing unmet treatment need and reducing opioid-related overdoses and deaths.

Methadone stigma still hampering opioid treatment

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Even though the research shows that medication-assisted management for opioid addiction is the most successful treatment method, the prevailing stigma associated with methadone and other opioid medications is still preventing people from seeking the help they need.

When people think about a methadone clinic, many of them probably picture a long line of impoverished people waiting outside of a doctor’s office for their next fix.

There’s also an assumption that methadone and other medications are still allowing addicts to get high and that the treatment for opioid addiction isn’t the true definition of getting clean.

Dr. Matt Holmes, associate medical director for Meridian Behavioral Health, said it’s that kind of stigma mixed with state funding cuts making it difficult to make significant progress in fighting the opioid epidemic.

“The biggest thing is the stigma around the medicine, especially around methadone,” he said. “But those drugs facilitate healing of some of the dysfunction that happens with active addiction in your brain.”

Walking into Meridian’s office in Waynesville, which is where many patients go daily to receive methadone or suboxone treatments, it doesn’t feel like a doctor’s office and the people receiving services don’t fit that stereotypical drug addict mold.

The opioid epidemic touches every demographic regardless of age, race, education and socioeconomic status, which is why its so important to break through the stigma associated with seeking professional help for addiction.

SAFEWAYTOQUIT

By attaching to receptors in the brain, opioids block pain signals, slow breathing and can give people a calming feeling. Opioids target the brain’s reward system by

individuals arrested — if appropriate — to be diverted for behavioral help.”

Haywood Sheriff Greg Christopher said he was on board with participating in that type of a program since the detention center is overcrowded and many of the inmates are in desperate need of behavioral health services. There is already a similar program set up through Meridian in conjunction with the Transylvania County Detention Center.

No matter what stage of recovery someone is in, Katie Goetz, director of adult services at Meridian, said one of their Recovery Education Centers in the region should be able to provide help.

“We have support for folks ready to make changes — ready to stop — and we also offer support and care for people not quite ready or

flooding it with dopamine, a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, cognition, motivation and feelings of pleasure. The overstimulation of this system produces the euphoric effects sought by people who misuse drugs and teaches them to repeat the behavior.

Medications like methadone and suboxone work to lessen the painful symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal while blocking the euphoric effects of opiate drugs.

Holmes said methadone and suboxone are both proven safe and effective in helping addicts reduce physical withdrawal symptoms while quickly enabling them to return to a normal way of life. Treatment through Meridian and other providers like Appalachian Community Services is more that just going in once a day to take the medicine — it’s also accompanied by counseling, regular drug testing and group therapy sessions.

Holmes said those who go through a medication-assisted treatment plan are also more likely to stay off drugs than those who attempt to quit cold turkey. While going through 12-step programs and having support are great tools to overcome addiction, he said it takes more than will power to safely quit opioids.

“These treatments are stigmatized but it decreases people’s risk of dying,” he said. “People go to detox and try to do meetings, but many of those people — up to 90 percent — will relapse because of the physical changes and the significant withdrawal symptoms.”

Relapsing after a detox can be even more dangerous than the continual use of opioids. As addicts build up a tolerance to opioids, they have to take higher doses to reach the same euphoric feeling. Once someone detoxes for a week or so, their body returns to that baseline level of tolerance, making them more likely to die from an overdose if they relapse and try to take the same amount of drugs they were taking before detox.

“After a detox you lose your tolerance, so if you go back to taking the same amount of painkillers or heroin you can easily overdose,” Holmes said.

Like opioids, Holmes admits that methadone can also be addicting and put people in a sedated state if abused, which is why it’s critical that patients prescribed methadone take it under close supervision every day at a clinic like Meridian.

HOWDOESITWORK?

If administered correctly, family members and co-workers shouldn’t even be able to tell if someone is currently undergoing methadone or suboxone treatment. However, treatment for opioids is not something you can put a specific timeline on, Holmes said.

“After a detox you lose your tolerance, so if you go back to taking the same amount of painkillers or heroin you can easily overdose.”

— Dr. Matt Holmes, Meridian Behavorial Health

There’s no short-term fix for opioid addiction, just like there’s no short-term fix for alcoholism. People who attend Alcoholics Anonymous never say ‘I used to be an alcoholic’ — they say ‘I am a recovering alcoholic.’ Recovering from opioid addiction should also be treated like a chronic disease with a more long-term approach to managing the problem.

“Some data shows it could be two years before you start to see healing in the brain,” Holmes said. “The hardest thing is people get to feeling so well they think they’re good and go off the treatment too soon.”

People react differently to different drugs — some people may respond better to methadone while suboxone may be a better option for others. Holmes said there have been plenty of studies where physicians attempted to take people off the treatment after two months, three months, etc., but the

result was still the same and the chance of relapse was still high. But the bottom line is that the treatment helps people return to their normal life much sooner.

“We see people get back to their families and working and they have less involvement with the legal system and less instances of spreading HIV, hepatitis and other disease associated with addiction,” he said.

Holmes said he has seen some of the stigma surrounding methadone subside in recent years, but it’s still a major issue plaguing the system.

“I’ve started to feel it change some, but it’s still a major barrier for us turning the corner on the problem,” he said.

COSTOFTREATMENT

The cost of medication-assisted treatment is also a hurdle for people suffering from addiction.

Meridian and Appalachian Community Services receive state funding through Vaya Health to provide mental health and substance abuse services for the uninsured or people covered through Medicaid, but many people still fall through the cracks. Many private insurance companies still don’t cover the cost of substance abuse treatments or require pre-authorization and cover only a portion of the expense.

“At Meridian we have a sliding scale fee and the service includes everything — counseling, medicine, nursing — but at a private office it could be $300 a month for just the medicine — sometimes counseling can be included,” Holmes said.

That’s a hefty cost for a treatment that someone may have to undergo for several years.

If someone undergoes a suboxone treatment and is doing well — clean drug tests and responding to counseling — their physician can give them the medicine to take at home, but a methadone treatment program always has to be closely monitored in North Carolina.

“In North Carolina, our lack of Medicaid expansion money combined with the money the state has taken out of the mental health system and the stigma of people with addiction and treatment has led to less people being able to access treatment,” Holmes said.

who don’t have the resources to stop,” she said.

Financial resources are still being stretched, but Meridian is hoping to start suboxone clinics in Sylva and Franklin in addition to the clinics currently offered in Waynesville and Brevard. Despite the stigma still attached to taking methadone or suboxone to stop taking opioids, Goetz said the medication has proven to help people overcome addiction and needs to be more readily available.

“There are so many people who need access to that medication that don’t have access still even though it’s shown to improve lives in our community,” she said.

As Meridian works to expand access to medications like methadone and suboxone, Dr. Matt Holmes, associate medical director

“It’s an epidemic so it’s making headlines — legislators are having to respond. We’re hearing the experiences of family members and seeing what it really looks like.”

— Steve McRae, director of Jackson County Child and Family Services

for Meridian, agrees with state and federal legislation that is trying to limit access to prescription opioids.

“I think we should really scale way back as far as using them for pain, especially following surgeries or treating back pain,” he said.

“It’s critically important that we avoid them at all costs with kids and teenagers because of the risk of addiction.”

Holmes said there are plenty of effective alternatives for addressing pain but even if opioids are needed, he said the amount prescribed should be limited to only a few days’ supply instead of a month’s supply.

“The STOP Act is trying to address that to some degree,” he said. “But the decision to go on long-term opioid treatment has significant risk of someone developing an addiction.”

Forsaking pharmaceuticals

Overlooked options offer optimism

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Brendan Bishop is more than just the manager of Haywood Vapor, located at the corner of Dellwood City Road and Russ Avenue in Waynesville.

He’s also a satisfied customer who can testify to the advantages of ditching prescription pharmaceuticals in favor of lesserknown treatments for common ailments and addictions.

“The main reason people vape is to quit smoking cigarettes,” Bishop said. “It has been, in my personal experience.”

Fresh out of the military, Bishop said he didn’t want to quit smoking but did it anyway.

“I tried all the different pharmaceuticals available, from Chantix to Zyban, the patches, the gum, the lozenges, hypnosis — everything. No luck,” he said, until his doctor encouraged him to look into vaping back in 2012.

“That pretty much saved my life. The doctor said that if I didn’t quit smoking at 22 years old, I would have died,” he said. “Five years later I’m doing great, my lungs are clear, and a lot of our customers share that same experience.”

Prescription medications can sometimes

end up being worse than the conditions they’re intended to treat; the mind-bending side effects of Chantix are well known, as are the dangers of tranquilizers and sedatives.

“Me personally, and a lot of my veteran friends have anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder problems,” Bishop said. “Typically we were all prescribed benzodiazepines when we got out of the military, and I was on Klonopin for about a year and a half when I got to the point where I didn’t like the way it made me feel when I stopped taking it.”

Bishop said he’d experienced withdrawal symptoms, which in some cases can include everything from nausea to tremors to hallucinations to seizures and thoughts of suicide.

“The doctors told me you can die from stopping taking Klonopin, which I did not know. So I was searching for alternatives and found CBD and it worked great.”

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound derived from hemp, but don’t confuse it with its more psychoactive hippie cousin, marijuana.

“It’s derived from hemp, so it’s all natural, but there’s no THC in it or if there is, it’s less than .3 percent by volume, which is the legal limit,” Bishop said. “You experience zero high whatsoever off of the CBD oil. All it’s going to do for you is, it’s good for relaxing, but you might not experience any effects at all if you don’t have any problems. So it’s definitely a medicine, and that’s all it is.”

It’s also good for seizures, joint pain,

same family. But the difference here is that kratom isn’t caffeine-based, it’s alkaloid based,” said Bishop.

Haywood Vapor sells several varieties, all of which have different effects: Red Maeng Da is for relaxation, pain relief and insomnia, whereas the White Bali is an energy booster and “a good Red Bull alternative” according to Bishop.

Bishop also said that although kratom can be used recreationally — with benefits and addictive risks similar to that of coffee — most people who come in looking for it aren’t interested in recreation.

“It is excellent for helping to ease [opiate] withdrawal symptoms,” Bishop said. “It doesn’t make the symptoms go away completely, because it’s not an opioid, but it does act on the opioid receptors in your brain. It does fill up those opioid receptors, but it fills up the delta and the mu receptors. Take Suboxone, for example — that affects more of the delta opioid receptors, so even though those ones are full, you still have other receptors there, but it’s not going to create another dependency, and that’s the goal.”

Dr. Matt Holmes, associate medical director for Meridian Behavioral Health Services concurs with Bishop, saying that kratom hits the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, and that while it can be used as a safer alternative to heroin or painkillers, even natural substances can have risks, just as naturally occurring cannabis can have certain benefits and risks.

arthritis, swelling or chronic nerve pain, Bishop said, adding that CBD has no use recreationally.

But that doesn’t stop some misinformed customers from stopping into Bishop’s shop hoping to cop a quick, cheap high.

“They come in wondering what CBD is. ‘Will it get me high?’” Bishop laughed. “It has the stigma because it’s related to the

“The doctors told me you can die from stopping taking Klonopin, which I did not know. So I was searching for alternatives and found CBD and it worked great.”

— Brendan Bishop, Haywood Vapor

cannabis plant, and some people think it’s going to get them high. It will not. Whatsoever.”

Local police, on the other hand, all seem to be very well informed, according to Bishop — both on the CBD and on something called kratom, also sold at Bishop’s shop.

“It’s a plant that grows in Southeast Asia. It is akin to the coffee tree, very similar,

“People can use plenty of it and have a similar effect as opioids do, and they also experience withdrawal from it,” Holmes said. There have been a few overdose deaths associated with kratom across the country, but data are still inconclusive on its true dangers because those deaths have always occurred in conjunction with other drugs.

Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed said he’d received no complaints about the sale or use of either CBD or kratom that he could recall.

A 2016 effort in the North Carolina General Assembly could have banned kratom in the state — as have Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee and Wisconsin — but instead restricted its sale to those over the age of 18, partly in response to the pleas of recovering addicts who seek solace in the substance.

“We have lots of success stories of people coming in every day, people who are functional and living their lives again and being contributing members of society again, just because of kratom,” Bishop said. “Unfortunately it’s often their last resort because very few people know about it.”

Dr. Holmes, however, cautions addicts who rely on it.

“I wouldn’t recommend using it on their own to get off opioids — the best thing to do is get professional medical treatment,” he said. Meridian’s opioid medical treatment includes Suboxone or Methadone along with professional counseling and monitoring.

“There are tons and tons of people who use kratom daily,” Bishop said, “and you would never know, you would never guess. More people die from sex, that’s how we like to put it.”

Sylva commissioners butt heads over TWSA appointment

Anti-impact fee board member reappointed

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

Aroutine board appointment turned contentious last week when Sylva Commissioner Harold Hensley announced that he’d like to see someone else appointed to Commissioner David Nestler’s expiring term on the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Association Board.

Sylva commissioners this spring included a 54-bedroom residential development that would incur $38,400 in water and sewer impact fees, and a 120-seat restaurant with retail space that would incur $44,900 in impact fees. However, users now have an option to rent allocation with a monthly payment rather than writing an upfront check, a 2015 policy that Nestler helped draft.

nation he would make would be good for the town of Sylva and its residents.”

Sylva resident Roy Davis, who is also Nestler’s father-in-law, spoke in favor of his nomination as well.

“When I hear some board members say anybody can afford it (impact fees), I want to see board members that have a different opinion and a different view and can present some different thoughts and ideas as to how best to benefit all the residents of this area, not just those with businesses and those who can afford to pay it up front,” Davis said.

When it was time for board members to discuss the appointment, Hensley was quick to say that Davis’ and Sauciers’ comments had included “a lot of mischaracter statements” and explained that impact fees are the reason that rates are able to stay as low as they are. He also took issue with criticism of TWSA’s surplus last year, saying by way of analogy that “it would tickle me to death” if Sylva’s town manager were able to tell the board that the town had ended up with an extra $500,000 at the end of the year.

“I think that deserves applause instead of a knock,” he said.

Hensley acknowledged that he and Nestler often disagree, but said that’s not why he was entering a different nomination.

income people, saying that he’s worked as hard as he can while on the board to benefit Sylva’s residents, sometimes losing sleep over decisions he feels were bad for the community. He admitted that he often disagrees with other board members but said he sees that as a healthy thing.

“I care a lot about this board and I fight really hard for it, and I disagree with Harold (Hensley) on that board, and I think it’s really petty you don’t want to reappoint me because of that,” he said.

In the end, Harold cast the only vote in favor of appointing Shaeffer to the board instead of Nestler. Mayor Lynda Sossamon then called for another nomination.

“I nominated David the last time. I think he’s really trying hard to do the right thing,” said Commissioner Barbara Hamilton. “We need more young people involved.”

“Yeah, get rid of us old folks,” Hensley interjected.

“I didn’t say a word about that, Harold,” Hamilton said. “I’m old too, but I’m a little more broad-minded. I think he’s doing a good job, and I nominate David.”

During the Dec. 14 town meeting, Hensley nominated Dan Shaeffer — the town’s director of public works — to serve the next three-year term, saying that with multiple infrastructure projects on TWSA’s horizon he’d “like to see somebody down there who knows this infrastructure in the town of Sylva, and Dan knows the town of Sylva well.”

However, some saw the nomination as an effort to get Nestler, who serves on the TWSA board alongside Hensley, off the board. The two often disagree on issues facing TWSA, the most notable of which is impact fees.

An impact fee is a charge that TWSA levies on new users wishing to tie onto the system. The fees aim to offset the cost of any additional infrastructure needed to handle new allocations, but they can be quite high depending on the individual situation.

Nestler has criticized the fees as impeding economic development by creating a barrier for entrepreneurs interested in opening a water-intensive business, like a restaurant, and he also believes that the fee structure unfairly penalizes certain types of residences. Examples of impact fee charges presented to

Hensley, meanwhile, believes eliminating impact fees would be unfair to users who have already paid them, as a substantial rate hike would be necessary to offset the revenue that impact fees currently bring in.

“If it weren’t for impact fees, if you’re on sewer and water — I don’t care if you don’t make $80 a month in Social Security, you will see an increase in your water bill. No ifs, ands or buts about it,” Hensley said during the meeting.

“Yes, I advocate for impact fee removal and Harold (Hensley) is right — impact fees generate a lot of revenue,” Nestler responded.

“I think there are a lot of alternative solutions to making up that revenue, and I think that revenue could come down some. We did make a surplus of over $600,000 last year, and I do think that’s excessive. This is a lowincome county. It’s a government entity. It’s a break-even entity.”

The issue of the TWSA appointment came up in town hall that night long before the board even got to that item on the agenda, with two members of the public coming to speak in favor of Nestler’s continued service on the board.

“David (Nestler) won’t tell you this, but people come up to him on a regular basis and tell him how much they believe in what he is doing to try to change the system of fees,” said Sylva resident Suzanne Saucier, who is also Nestler’s wife.

She continued to explain the various points of TWSA policy in which she believes Nestler to be on the right side and Hensley on the wrong side.

“Any nomination he (Hensley) might make, I can only assume this nominee would feel the same way that Mr. Hensley does,” Saucier said. “I do not believe that any nomi-

Nestler, meanwhile, pointed out various areas of policy that he sees as hampering economic development and harming lower-

That motion passed unanimously, with Hensley casting a yes vote alongside his four fellow commissioners. Nestler will now begin a new three-year term on the board. TWSA’s next meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the TWSA building on 1246 West Main Street in Sylva.

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“The Piano Man”

Tourists taste Maggie Valley as season grows ever longer

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

For all of its bluster and bikers and bling in the summertime, Maggie Valley can be one sleepy little town in the winter.

Traditionally, many businesses in the tiny settlement close during the off-season, a habit no doubt acquired during the heyday of Ghost Town in the Sky, the mountaintop amusement park that since 1965 closed every winter as well, until it closed for good a few years ago.

Since then, locals and town officials have had to transition away from a Ghost Townbased economy in order to avoid becoming an actual ghost town; the property sits vacant and remains listed for nearly $6 million today.

But the intensely seasonal nature of Maggie Valley’s economy — still almost exclusively tourism-based — may be changing, as more and more local businesses are finding it profitable to remain open yearround and also finding that the business they generate for themselves echoes throughout other establishments in the wintry valley as well.

DRINKITALLIN

“I think it’s been a really good year,” said Christine Chamberlain, owner of Organic Beans Coffee Co. at 3680 Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

After opening on May 10, 2016, Organic Beans remained open throughout that winter, serving up only organic, fair trade, shade-grown coffee from the likes of Guatemala, Indonesia, Nicaragua and Peru.

“Locals like it when we stay open,” Chamberlain said. Although she’s closed this winter on Tuesdays and has some tweaked holiday hours, it’s not for lack of caffeinecraving customers.

This year, Chamberlain says, she has seen more out-of-towners stopping in for warm coffee before heading up the mountain to the Cataloochee Ski Area, partially as the result of an early, unexpected dumping of more than a foot of snow Dec. 8.

That snowstorm painted the valley in shades of white and grey, and also forced the postponement of a “progressive open house” called Explore Maggie Valley featuring 27 local businesses opening their doors for some Saturday afternoon Christmas shoppers.

All but one of those businesses participated during the rescheduled event the next week, a strong sign that Maggie’s business community thinks it worthwhile to remain in operation during what was once the worst time of the year.

Figures from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority’s room occupancy tax collections in Maggie Valley are murky on the actual impact, but suggest a reasonable stability in tourism spending.

For January, February and March, 2016, collections were up 7.2 percent over the same months in 2015, but those months at the beginning of 2017 saw a decline of 8.4 percent from 2016.

However, wage data reported by the N.C. Department of Commerce for the county as a whole shows 7.3 percent growth in first quarter payrolls in each of the years from 2015 through 2017.

“It’s up and down in spurts, but we’ve been busy all week,” said Christine Choinski, who with her husband Bob owns B&C Winery at 2499 Soco Road.

B&C takes imported grapes and turns them into a wide variety of wines — everything from a nuanced-yet-potent Chilean Malbec that doesn’t need to sit on a shelf for five years to a green apple Riesling one can almost taste before it even escapes the bottle.

Bob, a pharmacist who conjures up images of a mad scientist as he labors in a small back room separate from B&C’s retail space, often handles the first stage of winemaking.

Chris, a pharmacy tech, usually takes the production from there, including naming and bottling the wines and designing the labels; her most expensive bottle is just $28, and she, too, remains open year-round.

People, she said, stop to get wine on their way to Cherokee, where off-premise alcohol is largely unavailable.

And as Maggie Valley continues to consider a Brunch Bill ordinance that would allow the sales of alcohol on Sundays at 10 a.m. instead of noon, the Chris Choinski says she’s for it, and that they’d love to open a restaurant one day, as well.

“I’m not usually open on Sundays, but yes I would [open] at 10 a.m.,” she said.

Given that many hotel checkout times are usually around 11 a.m., passage of the ordinance — which survived a 3-2 vote Dec. 11 but has to pass again Jan. 9 to be implemented — would allow tourists instead of being turned away before noon and then stopping in Canton, Sylva or Waynesville to take home a taste of Maggie Valley on their way out of town.

Dave Angel’s Elevated Mountain Distilling Company has only been open since Memorial Day weekend, but he’s already given more than 8,000 people from 41 countries and 49 states — come on, Wyoming! — tours of his impressive facility at 3732 Soco Road.

Haywood School Board fills vacancy

After receiving applications from three people, the Haywood County School Board has selected Bethel’s David Burnette to fill the seat of a board member who resigned in October.

Beaverdam school board member Scott Smith gave up his position on the board, saying he’d moved out of the district he’d been elected to represent. Board Chairman Chuck Francis said that Smith did a good job while he was there, and did the honorable thing by resigning.

Smith had finished a close second in the November 2016 municipal election to Ronnie Clark; Smith and Clark claimed the two open seats in that election, with Richard Lance coming in a distant third.

Lance, like Burnette, was one of three candidates to apply for the position; the third, Larry Harbin, had previously served on the school board and was vice-chairman.

But Harbin withdrew himself from consideration just prior to the candidates being interviewed by the board Dec. 14, saying he was pleased that there were other qualified candidates who could also assume the position.

Burnette, a 1978 Pisgah High School grad, went into retail management shortly after graduation, first at Mack’s department stores and then with regional grocer Bi-Lo. He has

Thousands more have taken home a taste of Maggie Valley in the form of one of his four artisanal spirits made using local ingredients.

“I’d love to think that everyone wants to come to Elevated Mountain, but I think it’s just more a reflection of who comes to Maggie Valley,” Angel said.

Like Organic Beans as well as B&C, Angel was part of Explore Maggie Valley Dec. 16 and will, for his first ever winter in operation, remain open.

“I think it’s been a really good year. Locals like it when we stay open.”

— Christine Chamberlain, Organic Beans Coffee Co.

“So far the holiday season’s been good,” he said. “The weekends have been just as busy as they were in the summer.”

With winter going this well, Angel may want summer to never come; he like Chamberlain noted increasing amounts of skiers stopping in to his establishment after a long cold day on the slopes.

Newlyweds Derek and Sunni Craig of Carbondale, Illinois, hadn’t been skiing that day, but had been sightseeing in the area; it was their first time in Maggie Valley, and they were among a group of people from Florida, Georgia and elsewhere in North Carolina who were adding

to Angel’s tour tally.

Had Angel’s distillery not been open — or any of the 25 other businesses participating in Explore Maggie Valley — the Craigs may have had little reason to leave the Haywood Smokehouse in Waynesville to come to this corner of the county at all.

With the state of Illinois in terrible

since 2010 been in management at the Telco Community Credit Union in Asheville, starting as a branch manager but rising to become CEO in 2016.

Town of Clyde appoints new mayor, alderman

The recent passing of longtime Clyde Mayor Jerry Walker left a hole not only in the hearts of residents, but also on the board of aldermen.

On Dec. 14, town officials took steps to fill those holes, appointing Clyde Alderman James Trantham to fill the rest of Walker’s unexpired term; Walker passed away nearly in the middle of his term, which was to end in 2019.

Trantham was already serving as Mayor Pro Tem, and had been leading board meetings since Walker’s death; his elevation to mayor left a vacancy on the board of aldermen, which was also filled that night.

Diane Fore, who’s been on the town’s planning board for almost 15 years, was appointed to Trantham’s old seat. Fore retired from the Haywood County Schools system in 2012 after 22 years.

Fore joins fellow aldermen Dann Jesse, Frank Lay and James Mashburn on the Clyde Board of Aldermen, which meets the second Thursday of each month.

— By Cory Vaillancourt, Staff Writer

financial shape, the Craigs are looking to relocate to the Asheville area; Derek’s got an MBA, and Sunni’s pursuing her Ph.D. Both seemed to enjoy their explorations in that wintry valley.

“I like it,” she said. “Just the feel of it. There’s lots of mom and pop shops, and lots of cool things to do.”

Swain Family Resource Center

Cynthia Lewis organizes a toy collection at Grace Christian Academy for the Family Resource Center’s Christmas Cheer Program. Donated photo

BY J ESSI STONE N EWSEDITOR

There are still plenty of children in need this Christmas in Swain County and your donation to the Swain County Family Resource Center could help.

Director Melissa Barker said the community nonprofit is trying to provide Christmas for 244 children in Swain County but still have 50 children who don’t have a sponsor.

“Right now we need volunteers and we need people to sponsor families. We still have several children that haven’t been sponsored,” she said. “You can sponsor a child and go shopping for them or make a monetary donation so we can shop for them.”

While Christmas is a busy time for the Family Resource Center, Barker and her small staff work to help Swain County families all year. In 2016, the nonprofit served 462 families with food, clothing, and other assistance programs.

Through grants and private donations, the resource center can help people with basic needs like food, clothes and shelter. The center also offers parenting and prenatal classes for expectant mothers. Barker

said the organization works closely with the Swain County Department of Health and Human services, the school system and local churches to get and make referrals to other agencies.

The Family Resource Center is a one-stopshop for families to receive services or to find out the right place to go for help. Barker said

Christmas Day Buffet Christmas Day Buffet

the organization strives to fill the gap in services when those in need don’t meet the requirement to receive state funding assistance through the Department of Social Services.

“We try not to duplicate services in the county,” Barker said. “DSS receives state funding to help people but some fall through

the cracks. If they’re not eligible for that, they have another resource available.”

Families that may not meet the poverty level requirements to receive assistance through DSS still struggle to make ends meet. Barker said heating assistance is a big need, along with affordable housing. The only requirement at the Family Resource Center is that you aren’t receiving the same service through another entity. Once an application is received, the resource center’s advisory board meets to approve funds.

Barker said the resource center is more than a place to come for a handout — the goal is to offer a hand up for families so they don’t find themselves in the same position down the road.

“We try to help people once a year unless it’s a rare situation,” she said. “Our goal is to help families out of poverty by becoming selfsustaining and self-sufficient. We want to help them come up with a plan.”

Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City is recognizing the resource center’s work in the community and is pitching in to help this month with fundraising efforts. The brewery held an ugly Christmas sweater party last weekend and encouraged patrons to bring a new unwrapped toy, which were then delivered to the Family Resource Center. Proceeds from the winter lager sales in December are also being donated to the resource center.

Barker said the Family Resource Center also has been selling hot cocoa in reusable mugs as a fundraiser in downtown Bryson City during the Great

Smoky Mountains Railroad’s

Even if you aren’t able to give a monetary donation, Barker said volunteers are needed to help with fundraising efforts. With only two full-time employees and three part-time employees, Barker said there isn’t much time for her staff to do much long-term fundraising planning.

The Family Resource Center doesn’t even have a website presence — only a Facebook page to help spread the word.

“Right now we could definitely use more volunteers,” Barker said. “We hope to create a fundraising committee the first of the year to get a couple of fundraisers started for our office. We have such a small staff that doesn’t have time for that so we’d love to have volun-

Volunteers sell hot chocolate to Polar Express patrons as a fundraiser for the

teers to serve on that committee.”

The resource center may also embark on a capital fundraising campaign next year to build on more space at its Hughes Branch Road office. The building, which is owned by the county, is getting too cramped for services and people being assisted at that office, but there is room to expand.

Barker is one of the founding members of the Family Resource Center, which started 20 years ago when a group of people came together to coordinate resources for families. Even with all their efforts throughout the years, Barker said the need in Swain County continues to grow. Out of 100 counties, Swain County is ranked No. 2 when it comes to child abuse and neglect and it falls in the top 10 for the number of families living in poverty.

“We feel like we’re helping but the need is still growing,” she said. “We can’t do it without the community’s support.”

As for her long-term goals, Barker said she would love to see the Family Resource Center become self-sustaining through more fundraising efforts. Though the organization does receive grants, she said grant funding is more competitive and harder to come by in today’s world.

If you would like to volunteer, donate items or make a monetary gift to the Swain Family Resource Center, call 828.488.7505 or visit the office at 300 Hughes Branch Road in Bryon City. Visit www.facebook.com/swainfrc/ to follow the center on Facebook.

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Waynesville reservoir study could result in capacity increase

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Pristine and nearly untouched by the hands of humans, the Town of Waynesville’s watershed has been hailed as a visionary acquisition by the town since its establishment around 1913.

Classified by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources as WS-I, meaning “essentially natural and undeveloped watersheds with no permitted point source (wastewater) discharges” — the watershed has for decades provided drinking water of exceptional quality to residents and businesses in the area.

It’s doubtful, however, that town leaders of the day could fathom how important it would be in an age where climate change and water scarcity conspire to make such a ubiquitous commodity that much more precious, and indeed a key to economic development and therefore the vitality of the region itself.

“It’s not as important as it used to be, because most water-intensive businesses have moved overseas, namely textiles,” said Rob Hites, Waynesville’s town manager. “But it is still important for certain types of businesses the county may be interested in attracting — namely, computer server banks

and water bottling.”

The historic drought of 2016 resulted in water restrictions across the county and across the region; during that time, Waynesville’s massive Allens Creek Reservoir was looked to as a possible source of emergency water distribution for Haywood County’s other municipalities.

“Going back to the drought, as the drought deepened last year we got informal requests from Canton and the Maggie Valley Sanitary District for over 2.5 million gallons of water a day,” said Hites.

But according to Town Engineer Preston Gregg, that didn’t add up — the amount of water needed to serve Canton, Clyde and Maggie Valley wasn’t going to be available.

“We don’t have the reservoir capacity to sell that much water continually during a protracted drought,” Hites said.

So back in May, Waynesville officials commissioned a $25,000 study by McGill and Associates to determine exactly how much water the reservoir could provide.

Taking into account the total drainage area of the 13 square-mile watershed and the capacity of the reservoir, McGill and HydroLogics Inc. utilized data from United States Geological Survey to create a computer model of what’s known as the “safe yield” of

watershed, beginning in 1932. Over those 91 years, almost half of the drought events have occurred in the last 18 years.

Built in 1954, the Town of Waynesville’s water treatment plant — adjacent to the reservoir — can take up to 7 million gallons of water each day, treat it, and deliver it to its 6,400 commercial and residential customers as well as to the Junaluska Sanitary District and Lake Junaluska Assembly.

On average, though, the plant treats about 3.4 million gallons of water per day, and maxed out at 4.5 million gallons one day back in 2016.

McGill used the original 1975 reservoir plans to calculate the volume of the reservoir, including the long-hidden topography submerged below the waterline.

Those plans say that the minimum pool elevation is 3,140 feet above sea level, a full pool is present at an elevation of 3,172 feet, and that the reservoir is full 32 feet above that. The maximum water level is an additional 15 feet above that.

McGill’s projected safe yield at full pool is about 6.3 million gallons per day, and rises by about a million gallons for every additional 10 feet of water added to the pool.

“We need to know if the dam can handle another few feet of water,” Hites said. “I would assume it can, and we know that if we could raise the water just another 10 feet, the region’s ability to use our water for long-term drought would be greater.”

According to the report, presented to Waynesville Aldermen Dec. 12, there are indeed options the town could consider.

If the town wants to increase the safe yield of the Allens Creek Reservoir in order to be ready in times of drought, the most obvious option is to increase the height of the water pool, which would probably require the completion of a dam stability study, as well as its submission to the North Carolina Division of Dam Safety.

“Going

back to the drought, as the drought deepened last year we got informal requests from Canton and the Maggie Valley Sanitary District for over 2.5 million gallons of water a day.”

— Rob Hites, Waynesville town manager

the reservoir.

That figure will come into play as local water systems look to regionalize their operations in the event that such conditions strike again.

Drought events in Western North Carolina are probably more common than most people realize; disruptions in service — even under restrictions — are rare and not usually noticeable.

Historic data dating back to 1927 show 13 years during which droughts affected the

McGill also notes in the study that it does not take into account any future population growth in Waynesville; although the town has seen nearly flat population growth in recent years, should population unexpectedly boom, the study wouldn’t reflect the town’s water needs at that point.

Additionally, downstream repercussions can’t be ignored; a cadre of organizations like Haywood County Emergency Management, North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA would likely become involved to ensure that flooding wouldn’t occur if the pool level was raised.

The report, Hites said, is just the first step in exploring all options to ensure continuous service even in the driest of years.

“The county and local municipalities created a loose working group, and the county has applied for a grant from DNR to fund a regional water study,” Hites said.

If successful they’ll likely engage McGill to recommend changes to the reservoir or treatment plant, and also explore the possibility of interconnections between Waynesville and other users in the county.

“This forms the basis for the study,” Hites said. “It shows the capacity for the only reservoir that provides drinking water in the county.”

Haywood County woman wins $200,000 lottery

The search for a ceramic Christmas tree led Sharon Frizzell of Canton to a $200,000 lottery win.

“I’ve wanted one of these trees for years,” Frizzell said. “I finally found one, so I sent my husband to the consignment store to pick it up.”

On the way, he stopped by the Time Out Market on Sulphur Springs Road in Waynesville and bought a $5 Mega Bucks scratch-off ticket.

“He said he needed to tell me something when he got home,” Frizzell said. “All I could think was, ‘You better not have broken my Christmas tree.’”

The tree was in one piece. Instead, he told her he had an early Christmas gift in the form of a winning lottery ticket.

“I was so excited,” Frizzell said. “I got goose bumps and started sweating when I looked at the ticket.”

After required state and federal tax withholdings, she took home $139,003. While she and her husband plan to invest most of the money, there will be something extra under the tree this year.

“My husband doesn’t know it yet,” Frizzell said. “But he’s going to get me a pair of diamond earrings for Christmas.”

Sheriff investigates Fines Creek deaths

Haywood County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to investigate two deaths that occurred in the Fines Creek area last week.

At 6:53 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, deputies responded to a residence after receiving a call that an individual had been shot. Upon arrival, deputies found two deceased individuals.

The deceased have been identified as Nina Christina Martin, 36, and James Mark Ferguson Junior, 56. Detectives say Martin and Ferguson knew each other and both sustained gunshot wounds.

Detectives later confirmed that the incident was believed to be a murder-suicide, stating that it appeared Ferguson shot Martin before shooting himself.

“We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and those in the community as they go through this very difficult time,” said Sheriff Greg Christopher.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing.

Protect your mail

Over the past two weeks, the Waynesville Police Department has been involved in the investigation and recovery of numerous stolen items from rural mailboxes.

All of the stolen items that have been recovered up to this point have been returned to their rightful owner.

The Police Department would like to remind people to be extra vigilant this holiday season in protecting themselves from becoming victims of package and mail theft.

Public not invited to Franklin hospital hearing

BY J ESSI STONE

N EWS E DITOR

Angel Medical Center held a public hearing Tuesday morning regarding a new potential location for the hospital on U.S. 441, but not a single person from the public signed up to speak.

More people probably would have been in attendance had they known the meeting was taking place. The Smoky Mountain News and other news outlets in Macon County weren’t aware the meeting was taking place until an hour before the meeting started at 10 a.m. at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building.

Angel Medical Center, a Mission Health affiliated hospital, has filed a certificate of need application with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services seeking approval to develop a replacement hospital in Macon County. Part of that process requires a public hearing to get feedback from the community. DHHS uses the feedback and submitted comments to make its decision on the certificate, but that will be hard to do since no one from the public had the chance to be there.

When asked why none of the newspapers received proper notice of the hearing, which is required under the North Carolina Public Meetings Act, Mission Health spokesperson Cara Truitt said the

The Haywood shuffle: top county posts remain unfilled

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER

Employee turnover in local governments is nothing new, but Haywood County’s recent rash of retirements and resignations has resulted in a lingering lack of leadership that hasn’t yet disrupted county operations, but could affect long-term planning if it persists.

“We probably won’t start that process until after the first of the year,” said Interim Haywood County Manager Joel Mashburn of the effort to replace the man he himself replaced, former Haywood County Manager Ira Dove.

Dove resigned by letter the morning of Oct. 4, announcing his last day had been Oct. 3. Mashburn was appointed interim manager shortly thereafter, and brings more than 40 years of experience to the county, including stints as Macon County manager from 1974 to 1979, Henderson County administrator from 1979 through 1984, Greenville (S.C.) County administrator from 1984 to 1988, and then as Iredell County manager for 23 years until his 2011 retirement.

Mashburn thinks the county will begin looking for a new county manager at either the first or second meeting in January, possibly utilizing in-house county resources to conduct a search, but also possibly seeking outside assistance in the form of a recruiter or headhunter.

Hopefully, Mashburn said, a new county manager will be in place within the next four to six months.

Dove’s resignation wasn’t the first, but was an important one in a long line of recent resignations in county government. Effectively serving as the head of a $100 million corporation, Dove relied heavily on the county’s department heads, several of whom are also no longer with the county. Haywood County Facilities and Maintenance Director

Dale Burris — who’d been with the county for nine years — resigned Sept. 8 without giving a reason, according to Haywood County Human Resources Director Kathi McClure.

Also on Sept. 8, Haywood County Administrator Dona J. Stewart resigned; Stewart played an important role April 2016 as cochair of the county’s Affordable Housing Task Force, among other things.

a similar role in Buncombe County.

Blevins had also recently assumed the role of assistant county manager under Dove, meaning his departure leaves the county’s top two administrative positions without permanent employees for the moment.

“We will leave the assistant county manager post vacant for the time being,” Mashburn said.

The county is doubtless in capable hands with Mashburn for now, but must also fill Blevins’ role as HHS director.

Patrick Johnson, an RN and Air Force veteran, has served as the HHS Public Health Director for two years now and

“In the long term, if anything suffers, it will be in planning for the future.”

— Joel Mashburn, Interim Haywood County Manager

Later that month, Haywood County Library Director Sharon Woodrow resigned.

Then on Dec. 13, Talmadge “Stoney” Blevins tendered his resignation.

The Statesville native came to Haywood County in December, 2014 to head up Haywood’s Health and Human Services Agency after five years as director of the Transylvania County Department of Social Services. He departs to assume

was recently appointed by Mashburn to serve as interim HHS director.

“I think in the meantime Patrick will do a very adequate job,” said Mashburn.

Haywood’s HHS handles matters pertaining to public health, mental health and social assistance. The county’s FY 2017-18 budget shows it as the largest county department accounting for a full 23 percent of yearly expenditures, to the tune of $18.2 million; education and public safety both come in behind the HHS at 21 percent of the budget.

Mashburn said that Johnson told him he wasn’t interested in becoming the new HHS director,

notice was sent out to media from the N.C. Department of Health Services Regulation.

“The notice of the Certificate of Need Public Hearing was issued and sent to media by the N.C. Department of Health Services Regulation on November 8th. They also posted a Public Notice release on their website,” Truitt said in an email. “We sent out a release regarding the proposed site in early November, and you should have received that from us.”

2021.

Public notice laws also require agencies to run an advertisement in the newspaper of record in the community, which would be The Franklin Press. The public notice was published in the Nov. 8 issue of The Franklin Press in the very back of the classifieds advertising section. The notice was dated Nov. 1 and states that written comments regarding AMC’s certificate application are due by Dec. 1 to the agency.

However, the notice failed to include the name of the agency accepting comments and didn’t include a phone number, physical address, website or email address where people could submit comments.

The Smoky Mountain News reached out to DHHS to see which media outlets are on the list to receive public notices and was instructed to send an email to the Public Affairs office. At press time, no one from Public Affairs had responded to the inquiry.

Mission did email out a press release to all local media outlets on Nov. 1, stating that Angel Medical Center was exploring a possible new hospital location site at 1 Center Court, Franklin, at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Hunnicut Lane. The press release made no mention of a public hearing for the certificate of need, which is needed before AMC can proceed with purchasing the property and constructing a new hospital.

DHHS also booked the room at the community building on Nov. 1, which would imply Mission Health knew about the hearing details when they sent out the press release late that afternoon.

The public notice published on the state website states that AMC proposes to construct a two-story, 82,600-square-foot hospital with 30 acute care beds and three operating rooms. The project is expected to cost $45 million and be completed in

so again, as with Dove, the county plans to begin the search for a permanent HHS director shortly into the new year, a process that will likely take months.

That leaves the county currently looking for a manager, an assistant manager and a head for its largest department.

“I’m really not that concerned,” Mashburn said. “The people we have put in those positions temporarily, I feel very confident they are able to operate in an efficient manner.”

But for how long? While the departure of any one of those administrators wouldn’t necessarily bring county operations screeching to a halt, losing several in such short succession can’t be good for business.

However, the notice failed to include the name of the agency accepting comments and didn’t include a phone number, physical address, website or email address where people could submit comments. The notice did state the hearing would be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 19, 10 days after the comment deadline, at the Macon County Parks and Rec multi-purpose room, which also doesn’t specifically direct people to the Community Building.

Macon Media made it to the public hearing and recorded the meeting, which only lasted about 20 minutes. It appeared only hospital employees were in attendance along with AMC President Karen Gorby and Mike McKillip, project analyst for Healthcare Planning and Certificate of Need Section of DHHS.

The only two people signed up to offer public comment was Warren Cabe, Macon County’s EMS director and Todd Doster, EMS Coordinator for Macon County EMS. The two county employees spoke in favor of the new hospital location.

The complete video of the meeting is available at www.maconmedia.com.

“I don’t see any short-term reductions in the delivery of services,” Mashburn said, noting nothing out of the ordinary since he arrived.

However, even on the county’s current 6month timeframe, important decisions could be left unmade.

On the practical side of the issue, the county will begin crafting its FY 2018-19 budget shortly into the new year.

Department heads customarily make requests of commissioners, which are then whittled down to what the county needs and wants most.

Without permanent department heads — or a permanent manager to lead them — it may become more difficult for commissioners to craft a budget that’s anything more than status quo.

“In the long term, if anything suffers, it will be in planning for the future,” said Mashburn. “When you’re interim, you don’ t plan like that as much.”

New bakery opens in Waynesville

After five years of creating over 750 spectacular creative cake creations in her private kitchen for weddings and other special occasions, Debi Hall has opened her bakery on Branner Avenue in Waynesville.

Just Simply Delicious Bakery offers cakes, pies and pastries in the tradition of fine European patisseries. Hall is a graduate of AB Tech’s Culinary Program with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and she employs two other bakers, one is also a graduate of AB Tech’s program, and the other was educated at New York’s CIA, the Culinary Institute of America. For menus and pricing, visit www.justsimplydelicious.com, email cakes@justsimplydelicious.com or call 828.476.9311.

Owner Debi Hall (far right), Melinda Jacobs (center) and Alexandra Streck recently opened Just Simply Delicious Bakery in Waynesville.

These awards will be presented at The Annual Awards Banquet and Chamber Annual Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Dinner will be prepared by Motor Company Grill. Tickets are available at the Franklin Chamber for $25 per person.

For additional information, contact the chamber at 828.524.3161.

Asheville Airport sees record numbers

October 2017 was the busiest month on record at Asheville Regional Airport, topping the previous record set in July 2017.

Specifically, 102,095 passengers used the airport in October, topping the previous record of 100,998 monthly passengers, and exhibiting an increase of 17.3 percent over the same period last year. Year-to-date, passenger numbers are up 14 percent compared to 2016 — setting the pace for a fourth consecutive record year.

ALSO:

• Bryson Senior Living will hold a Hot Chocolate Bar from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, in front of the Bryson City Police Department. Learn about the new assisted living center on Hughes Branch Road, sign up for a gift basket raffle and enjoy some hot chocolate. 828.488.4780 or bryc.adm@affinitylivinggroup.com.

• Region A Southwestern Commission is conducting a broadband/internet assessment and planning project to increase the quantity and quality of internet service in the seven far western counties. So far Swain County participation is low. Complete the survey at www.mountainwest.baatcampaign.com/#Main.

The public is invited to an official bakery opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9.

Retirement reception planned for Ewing

A retirement reception honoring Lake Junaluska Executive Director Jack Ewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, in the Harrell Center Auditorium, located at 710 N Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, and is hosted by the Lake Junaluska Board of Trustees in partnership with the Junaluskans and the Lake Junaluska Associates.

All are welcome at the reception. Light refreshments will be provided and there will be a few brief remarks at 3:15 p.m.

Ewing has served as the executive director of Lake Junaluska for the past seven years. After turning 65 in March, Ewing announced in October that he will retire on Dec. 31.

HCC to offer nail tech course

Haywood Community College’s Workforce

Continuing Education department will offer a nail technician course beginning Jan. 8 on Mondays through Wednesdays from 4 until 9 p.m. through June 6. The course will be held at the College’s Regional High Technology Center.

This comprehensive course provides instruction and clinical practice in manicuring, nail building (application and maintenance of artificial nails) and pedicuring. The course content includes nail anatomy, disorders of nails, irregularities of nails, theory and salesmanship as it relates to manicuring, and arm, hand and foot massage.

This is a course to provide training for those

interested in becoming registered manicurists only and not for those desiring to become licensed cosmetologists.

Cost of this course is $207 plus supplies. For more information or to register, call 828.564.5128 or email HCC-industrytraining@haywood.edu.

Franklin Tartan Museum expands

The Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin recently celebrated its expansion and renovation with a Grand Opening event.

In 2015, the decision was made to expand the museum an additional 750 square feet by utilizing an area of the main floor gift shop space. This allows the museum to show the best chronological order of the early history of Scotland. The early history would be divided into three sections.

The museum is located at 86 East Main Street in Downtown Franklin.

Visit www.scottishtartans.org or 828.524.7472.

Nominations open for Franklin awards

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for four prestigious annual awards — The Duke Power Citizenship and Service Award, Youth Citizenship Award, Citizen of the Year and Club/Organization of the Year.

Nomination letters can be delivered to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce at 98 Hyatt Road or emailed to LindaH@Franklin-Chamber.com. Nomination must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9.

October’s large increase in passengers was driven by a significant increase in seats offered in the Asheville market by Allegiant, American and United Airlines, and by travelers’ willingness to purchase those seats and fly to and from Asheville.

Pepsi-Cola gives $1,000 to SCC

Ronnie Bowers and Travis Ashe from PepsiCola of Whittier recently donated $1,000 to Southwestern Community College Foundation’s Student Emergency Fund. The funds came directly from Pepsi employees, who choose annually to forego a holiday party in order to support local charities.

Established in 2014, the Student Emergency Fund helps deserving students who encounter unexpected financial emergencies so that they can remain at SCC and continue working toward their degrees, diplomas and/or certificates. In 2017, the fund provided more than $4,000 of financial assistance to 18 students.

For more information about the Student Emergency Fund and the SCC Foundation, contact Brett Woods at 828.339.4241 or b_woods@southwesterncc.edu.

Clothes for Kids clothing drive opens

The Waynesville Art Gallery Association has partnered with Clothes to Kids in Haywood County with a mission of clothing local children during this time of year. The clothing drive will receive donations through Jan. 13.

“We have really thought about how we would like to impact our community as small business owners and what that would look like by means of monthly themed efforts,” said Colleen Davis, owner of The Jewelers Workbench.

People can drop off donated items at several storefronts in downtown Waynesville, including The

Jewelers Workbench, Twigs and Leaves Gallery, Affairs of the Heart, Burlwood Gallery, Cedar Hill Art Studio and the Haywood County Arts Council. Clothes to Kids Haywood is an organization that donates to families with school-age children and teenagers, a wardrobe of school appropriate clothes.

For additional information, call Colleen Davis at 828.456.2260 or Carrie Keith at 828.456.1940.

Memory Tree hosted at the Homestead

Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care is hosting a Memory Tree for the holiday season. Coworkers, family members, and friends who have lost a loved one are welcome to bring a special ornament to add to the tree in memory of or in honor of someone special. They may also come in and write a special message or sign an ornament on the tree. The Memory Tree is on display in the lobby of the Homestead at 127 Sunset Ridge Road in Clyde (off Hospital Drive) and staff are present at all times to receive contributions to the Memory Tree. For more information, call 828.452.5039.

Futures of WCU and WNC are inextricably linked

Ihad the privilege of presiding over Western Carolina University’s Dec. 16 commencement ceremonies and witnessing the great emotion and sense of accomplishment among the graduates. A point of pride at this December’s commencement was that nearly half of the fall graduating class hails from the 18 westernmost counties of our state, a reflection of WCU’s impact on Western North Carolina.

There is no bigger highlight in the university calendar than commencement day. Commencement signifies WCU’s ultimate purpose and the fulfillment of our fundamental responsibility: the education of our citizens across a broad spectrum of disciplines for thoughtful, productive leadership in our society.

December’s ceremonies mark a bittersweet milestone, personally and professionally, as these events represent the last time I will preside over the presentation of degrees. I will be going on medical leave Dec. 31, and I do not plan to return to the chancellorship.

I have been honored beyond words to lead Western Carolina University for the past six-plus years. It is an incredible institution located in what I call “a little slice of heaven.” The time has come, however, for me to pass responsibility for WCU on to others.

I have tasked campus leadership with advancing a number of important initiatives necessary for continuing the significant progress WCU has made in recent years. These initiatives include, but are not limited to, enrollment growth, infrastructure improvements, academic excellence, student success and regional economic development.

I have charged the Board of Trustees to carry out its important work as the institution’s policy and oversight board by focusing on its fiduciary role; enabling campus leadership to inspire the university with excellence, integrity and passion; and maintaining the policy environment that will sustain

An open letter to N.C. Senator Jim Davis

District 50: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties

December 14, 2017

Dear Senator Davis:

Perhaps relations between the two political parties would improve if their leaders were to apply the Golden Rule: Do unto others what you would have others do unto you.

Please ask your Republican colleagues on the judiciary committees how they would respond if they were the minority party: if Democrats barred them from meetings to change the law for selecting state judges, what would they be telling the press?

We are indignant that a North Carolina General Assembly group is meeting in secret, excluding all Democrats and reporters as well, in violation of our individual rights as citizens to know what our elected officials are doing.

WCU’s ambitious, focused trajectory.

I now turn to you, the people of Western North Carolina, the people WCU was founded to serve. I ask you to continue to support your regional university and help us sustain our forward momentum — not merely for the sake of the university, but for the greater good of WNC.

WCU’s mission consists not only of transforming the lives of our students, but also of improving the region and state as students become graduates who return to their communities as leaders and productive members of society. The link between Western Carolina University and the WNC region is real and it is strong. It is no overstatement to say that the economic development of this region flows through WCU and its many educational partners.

Yes, there is much that we, together, have accomplished. Community college presidents, school superintendents and other leaders have partnered with us in an effort to develop a seamless system of education and to improve basic mathematics, reading and writing skills. You have welcomed our campus leaders — faculty, staff and students — into your communities during our annual leadership tour to help ensure that WCU stays grounded in the region. You’ve been active participants in a series of LEAD: WNC conferences to work collaboratively on regional issues such as education, the economy, travel and tourism, the arts, and innovation and entrepreneurship. And you have helped us build stronger connections with our closest neighbors in Sylva, Cashiers and Dillsboro, enhance our partnerships and academic offerings in Asheville and Hendersonville, and reinvigorate our historic commitment to

LETTERS

We are even more indignant that the Republican supermajority has been holding those meetings to change the process for selecting state judges to appointment by the NCGA. It is an insult to all the people of North Carolina that NCGA Republicans are stealing individual voters’ power to weigh the merits of candidates for judgeships.

We expect you to do your duty to protect North Carolinians from this flagrant, unAmerican power-grab, which takes away every voter’s rights and freedoms as individual citizens to elect the most qualified people for judgeships.

We would appreciate a reply telling us what you are doing to keep this despicable action. Please do not write to rationalize taking voting power from citizens because we have done research enough to know that it is an untenable position.

Stephen B. and Mary Jane Curry

Waynesville

the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

This is all great stuff, but there is still much to do. The university will continue working with regional leaders to enhance the flow of students through the P-16 pipeline so that our region’s young people successfully progress from pre-kindergarten through elementary and high school and on to higher education, whether through a university education or vocational training.

The university also will remain true to its commitment to advance the region by helping identify and eliminate obstacles that hold us back from full participation in the global economy. However, we cannot do this alone. I challenge regional business, community, governmental and educational leaders to join us in this worthy work. We must advocate for the expansion of broadband service to reach underserved areas of our region, because access to the high-speed information superhighway is as critical today as the railroad and highway systems of the 20th century. And we must continue to collaborate on visionary economic development strategies to ensure that the people of our region do not merely survive, but thrive.

Susan and I express our sincere gratitude to friends and neighbors across the mountains for embracing us and for helping elevate WCU, which in turn helps elevate the region. I am truly sad that I can no longer partner with you to address the big issues our region confronts, but I am confident that the university remains in the good hands of campus leadership. I am proud of the many wonderful things we have accomplished together, and I am comforted by the thoughts of the brighter future to come for WCU and for WNC. With our shared passion, support and commitment to this region and its people, there is no limit to what we — what you — can accomplish. Go Cats! And go WNC!

David O. Belcher is chancellor of Western Carolina University.

Kudos for “Homeless for

the Holidays”

To the Editor:

Kudos to Smoky Mountain News Staff Writer Cory Vaillancourt on his story, “Homeless in Haywood for the Holidays.” Cory came out of his comfort zone to see what it was like to live on the “fringe.”

As the wife of a pastor and member of one of Haywood’s many churches, it warms my heart to hear that Cory had meals to eat and a bed to sleep in. I especially appreciated Cory’s observation, “Aside from some very small grants given to some of these organizations by some municipalities, the entire time I was out there the vast majority of the assistance that kept me alive came directly from the hearts and homes of Haywood County churchgoers.”

I have lived in Haywood County for the past 10 years, having lived in many other places prior to that. I became involved in and volunteered for several projects for the needy and homeless, mainly through churches I

have been a member of. I honestly don’t know how our community organizations would survive if not for the generous donations of time, food and money from so many of our local churches. Haywood County residents and church members are a special kind of people — warm, caring, generous. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

It is very hard to put yourself in the shoes of a person who has no permanent home, or is living on public assistance and just can’t seem to break the cycle. The majority of people in these situations have the biggest hearts and would give you the shirt off their back. If we — just for a day or two, as Cory experienced — would walk in their shoes, we would learn a whole lot and maybe change our attitude and way of thinking when it comes to those who find themselves in a tough situation. I hope Mr. Vaillancourt’s story has opened the eyes of those who look through the homeless and disadvantaged as if they didn’t exist.

Caught you being good

My dad called the other day and said he had a fun Christmas surprise for my boys. Knowing my dad this “surprise” could have been anything. This is the man who gave my older son a fake zippo lighter when he was 2 years old. When you popped open the top, it said, “Get ‘er done.”

One time when my sister and I were kids, he brought home a fondue maker from a thrift store. We melted chocolate and cheese for hours. I sat on the kitchen counter while we all enjoyed marshmallows, fruit and bread dripping with gooey flavors.

Last Monday, I was my dad’s date for his work Christmas party. When we got back to our cars after the event, I jumped in mine and cranked the heat. I thought he was going to pass a few small surprises through my window, but instead he opened his trunk, pulled out a huge plastic bin and transferred it to my car.

I cocked my head to the side with curiosity and smiled at him. What in the world did he have up his sleeve?

He told me to tell the boys if they were “caught being good” each day, they could pull a bag out of the bin.

I drove back to Maggie Valley curious about the contents of the bin. The boys were staying with their dad that night, so when I got home I lugged the big bin inside and opened it up.

My dad had created 26 treat bags, one for each boy for every day leading up to Christmas. They were stapled shut so the receiver couldn’t see the contents. If the boys were “caught being good,” they could get a treat bag.

As I stood there and looked down in the bin, I got a little nostalgic. When my sister and I were girls, we hung Advent calendars on our bedroom doorknobs. We moved a tiny stuffed mouse each day of December from pocket-to-pocket. In each pocket, we would find a little folded note. On these notes would be scavenger hunts written by my dad.

Every morning of the month, we went on an adventure around our house. The scripted directions always led to a small gift such as Christmas socks or flavored lip balm. This was one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. As I reminisce, those small daily hunts and treasures were as meaningful, if not more so, than waking up to Santa Claus.

With these thoughts in my mind, it was no shock my dad spent hours making 26 treat bags for my boys. I called him to thank him. He said it was a joy to make them and the experience reminded him of when his girls were little.

I couldn’t wait for the boys to be home, so they could dig into the bags. I called the next morning on their way to school and

told them what Papa Bill had been up to and for them to keep the treat bags in mind as they went through their days. If school went well and they got along with one another that afternoon, they would get their first surprise.

My older child prides himself on not getting in trouble at school. He’s just one of those students, but he can sometimes be unintentionally condescending to his little brother. In contrast, my younger son can be too chatty at school, but he loves playing with his big brother. As you see, they both have areas for improvement.

So far, the boys have gotten a treat bag every day. And I would not let them get one if they didn’t deserve it. As all parents know, if you begin rewarding children regardless of their behavior, any type of reward quickly stops working.

All types of things have been in these bags. Money, golden coins, flashlights, arrowheads, carabiners, a used Hello Kitty figurine, a plastic lemon, Matchbox cars, gum, candy, toy army men, stickers, etc. Most days, the boys have made a trade of some sort. Other days, one may get an awesome bag full of money and Matchbox cars while the other one gets a plastic lemon and a piece of gum.

I’m not sure if it was my dad’s intention or not, but I’m watching the boys learn a lot of lessons. These bags have offered more than just daily rewards. My boys are learning negotiating skills, patience, cause and effect and self-control, especially when the other one gets the “good stuff” and refuses to trade.

It seems every year the holidays hold small surprises and moments that tenderly catch my heart off guard. The happy, comforting feeling of the season really is much more than Christmas lights, parties and presents.

I don’t know if my dad plans on doing this every year. I certainly hope so. Like me with my Advent calendar, I would love for the boys to have a daily tradition during the month of December.

And in fact, maybe I need to create a daily tradition for myself because when you think about it, shouldn’t we all be caught being good?

(Susanna Barbee is the digital media specialist for Mountain South Media, a contributing writer for The Smoky Mountain News, and a contributing editor for Smoky Mountain Living. susanna@mtnsouthmedia.com)

tasteTHE mountains

the Mountains is

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

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; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bag-

ging 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 old-time 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-youcan-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 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

30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210

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

CHURCH STREET DEPOT

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE

Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis,

fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER

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

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

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.

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.

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. Take-out 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.

LOS AMIGOS

366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza.

828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30

tasteTHE mountains

p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio.

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.

PATIO BISTRO

30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center

70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201

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

salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95. Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

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!

VITO’S PIZZA

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

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.

‘Songwriters in the Round’ rings in the New Year

The popular “Songwriters in the Round” series will host a special New Year’s Eve celebration with musicians Casey Kelly, Leslie Ellis and Thom Bresh starting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Balsam Mountain Inn.

Kelly and Ellis are the singers in the duet of Kelly & Ellis. You may not recognize their names at first, but mention some of the most celebrated country songs in American musical history and you’re likely to find they either wrote or sang on many popular standards you know and have even won a Grammy.

For Ellis, Broadway was always the goal and after several memorable performances in major productions like “La Cage Aux Folles” and “City of Angels,” she landed the lead role in “CATS” singing “Memory.” She eventually became a session vocalist for Sony Music singing background for the likes of Barbra Streisand, Faith Hill, Toni Braxton, and Celine Dion. A well-timed call in the late 1990s led to her singing “My Heart Will Go On” with Celine Dion for the soundtrack of “Titanic.” They went on to win a Grammy for “Record of the Year.”

Kelly is a true career musician. His body of work is wide-reaching and well-respected in and out of the Nashville music scene. From writing signature hits for George Strait, like “The Cowboy Rides Away” and “Soon” for Tanya Tucker, to touring with Loggins & Messina, BB King, The Beach Boys and more,

his songwriting and vocal skills are heralded. He almost missed a jam session at the famed Bluebird Café in Nashville where Ellis was already on stage. He chose the seat next to her, the only one remaining and began warming up with some of his old songs. She knew the words to all of them. The rest is history.

Bresh was born in Hollywood, California, and raised in the middle of guitar royalty. His father, Merle Travis, was the most influential American guitarist of the 20th century. With this sort of heritage and upbringing, what do you have? As Chet Atkins put it, “Thom Bresh is a world class guitarist that deserves to be heard.”

The Balsam Mountain Inn began its “Songwriters in the Round” series over 20 years ago, and modeled it after similar performances at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Balsam’s performers are most often the Nashville-area songwriters who pen lyrics performed by country and western stars. Many performances feature Grammy and CMA award winners, and all include writers of many top-ranked songs.

A buffet dinner is included in the $85 price. Seating in the dining room begins at 6 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. The New Year’s countdown will begin at 10 p.m. in the lobby. To purchase tickets, call 828.456.9498 or www.balsammountaininn.net.

Thom Bresh. Below: Kelly & Ellis.

Raleigh hotelier purchases Balsam Mountain Inn

A Jackson County landmark has changed hands.

The Balsam Mountain Inn, a 1908 railroad hotel located at Balsam Gap and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was purchased Dec. 1 by Marzena B. Wyszynska, an international hotelier and entrepreneur most recently from the Raleigh area.

Wyszynska will continue to operate the business as an inn, arts space and events center.

Wyszynska purchased the inn from Merrily Teasley, whose 1990 restoration rescued one of the few remaining structures of its type in the region. Balsam, at 3,500 feet in elevation, was once home to the highest passenger rail station in the east, and in the early 20th century Southern Railway brought guests in droves from the deep south to escape summertime heat.

Thee 43,000-square-foot frame structure is situated on 23 acres and features 50 guest rooms and dining facilities for 150. It employees between 20 and 30 full-time and part-time staff members year-round, and hosts a popular “Songwriters in the Round” music series with monthly performances.

Wyszynska, most recently vice president of sales and marketing for Twin Tier Hospitality and chief executive officer of the CORE Hospitality Group, has served in various capacities with Hilton, Marriott, Carlson Rezidor, Forte Hotels, Starwood/Luxury Collection, and independent luxury boutique hotels, including over a decade as a general manager.

For further information, call 828.456.9498.

Editor’s Note: There will be a feature article looking at the purchase and ownership transition of the Balsam Mountain Inn that will appear in a future issue of The Smoky Mountain News.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

‘Life being what it is…’

Ten years ago this week I left my native Upstate New York for my first journalism gig out of college in the tiny mountain town of Driggs, Idaho.

December 2007 was a far different place, at least in some respects, as to where we currently stand as a country. This was a year or so before the collapse of our economy, a devastating ripple effect we can still witness and point to in the waters of the present. Barak Obama was still an Illinois senator, his eyes on the White House within the impending presidential race, a “long shot” by most estimates at that time. Donald Trump was in the midst of launching “The Celebrity Apprentice” (January 2008) after six seasons of success with “The Apprentice.”

HOT PICKS

1

There will be a New Year’s Eve performance with Porch 40 (funk/rock) and Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin.

2

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.

3

The New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration will be held on Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.

4

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.

5

There will be a performance by 100 South Main during “The Arrival,” a concert of contemporary Christmas music, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at First Baptist Church Waynesville.

And there I was, 22 years old and eager to go west, seeking whatever it was I felt my destiny could manifest itself into beyond the horizon of my North Country upbringing. So, I packed my old pickup truck with a couple boxes of books, a couple boxes of vinyl records, a couple boxes of clothes, and hit the road the day after Christmas.

My first stop was an hour south of my parent’s house to pick up my friend, Rob. He was also eager for a fresh start, especially after I offered him the passenger’s seat in my truck merely a week earlier, standing in front of a dive bar in my hometown, drinking cheap beer and smoking even cheaper cigarettes.

Excerpt from my road journal:

Jan. 2, 2008

2:31 p.m. – Togwotee Pass, Wyoming

It was a steady run through Lander and the Arapahoe & Shoshone Tribe reservation. Native children played in quiet front yards, holding their ragged jackets against the crisp winds rolling along the valley floor. Deep canyons and steep buttes exposed the natural history of the land. The ancient rock, colored in bright red, pink, and brown, resembled juicy steaks piled high and far into the distance.

The truck huffed and puffed through the mountains. Ascending the Togwotee Pass and sliding towards Moran, the immense peaks of the Teton Range came into view.

Rays of sunshine seemed to collide with the range, sprinkling down upon the ruffled blanket of dirt that surrounded Jackson Hole like a welcoming doormat to the gates of heaven. They were as breathtaking as I remembered.

Rob was speechless. I pulled over.

“Man, would you look at that,” he said. “You were right, you were right. It is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what to say.”

“Say ‘cheers,’” I replied, handing him the bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon.

We sat on the tailgate and saluted to the Tetons, the unknown strangers in the valley below who will soon make our acquaintance, someday become friends, perhaps even soulmates.

Rob would leave the valley a month later, already in search of the next adventure, a journey he remains on to this day, somewhere in northern California last I heard. I myself packed up and left in September 2008.

That entire solo cross-country trek back to Upstate New York was filled with mixed emotions, of leaving the West, of what lay ahead, and of what I saw in that time out there and in that wild place. It was also the same exact week the economy tanked, where each night I stopped at some roach motel and turned on the TV, another financial institution had collapsed.

Sept. 15, 2008

East Dubuque, Illinois

He threw his guitar case and bag of clothing into the back of the truck. I started up the engine. We waved goodbye to his mother, the same look of concern and whimsical sadness adorning her face like my mother’s earlier that morning.

It was about 2,600 miles to go from Plattsburgh to Driggs. And in that time, we crossed America, my first of many times doing so. Like something out of a dream, I was actually living and breathing within the spaces and places I’d always hoped to visit someday, to see just where that road on that map goes, and who lives there, and what it’s like to walk and wander these unknown towns and cities across this great big piece of intricate landscape we call the United States.

Headache. Sunshine pierces through the morning haze. Glowing box in corner blaring breaking news. Bear Sterns goes bankrupt. Who’s next to collapse in the financial world? Panic in the air. Paranoid views of the near future and beyond. Another Great Depression? What a time to quit my job. What a time to be unemployed. No health benefits. No job. Fingers crossed. Must buckle down and write novel.

Blew through Chicago in the noonday sun. Skyscrapers and tight knit streams of automobiles. Fierce, impatient faces, eager to get to the afternoon meeting. Must climb the corporate ladder, which eventually rots and fades away. Unbeknownst to those who seek fortune.

I’ll be revisiting some of those western adventures in the coming year of this column. With the 10-year mark of that era approaching, I’ve been flipping through my stacks of old journals. Hundreds of pages of endless words, thoughts, fears, hopes, and ultimately a voice I couldn’t get back today if I tried to write it all down in hindsight.

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

‘The Arrival’ of Christmas

There will be a performance by 100 South Main during “The Arrival,” a concert of contemporary Christmas music, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at First Baptist Church Waynesville.

One of the most talented worship bands in our area, 100 South Main pulls inspiration for song arrangements from folk, rock, electronica, classical and more. They use a wide range of instrumentation that includes acoustic and electric guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, violin, keyboards, synthesizers, drums, and percussion.

Contemporary Christmas music will include songs by Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns, Down Here, Mercy Me, Matt Maher, Meredith Andrews, Sidewalk Profits, and Third Day.

The band cordially invites everyone to attend this free concert. A love offering will be collected to help Sarah Smart and family during her cancer treatment.

For more information, please contact First Baptist Church Waynesville at 828.456.9465.

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.

PORCH 40, COLBY DEITZGET

‘LAZY’

There will be a New Year’s Eve performance with Porch 40 (funk/rock) and Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin. 828.349.BEER or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

New Appalachian album, film

Bethel Rural Community Organization (BRCO) has partnered with youth-oriented musical group Possum on a Whale to produce a music album.

Possum on a Whale is an old-time band from Western North Carolina that features Appalachian music played in the traditional style that has characterized the region for generations. They consist of middle school, high school, and college students. The band has frequented festivals since 2013.

“Sunburst Sessions” is the debut album from the group and was produced by Douglas Chambers Productions under the direction of BRCO’s Historic Preservation Committee.

BRCO’s website www.bethelrural.org provides access to the album trailer. The album is also available at Blue Ridge Books or from members of Possum on a Whale.

Possum on a Whale has also been selected by BRCO to provide background music for its upcoming film “Sunburst and Other Logging Villages in Bethel” that will be completed by May 2018. A four-year production project, the film will consist of more than a dozen interviews about a diverse array of topics concerning historic logging communities that played a role in the development of paper production, hardwood timbering, and forestry management in Western North Carolina.

The North Carolina Society of Historians has awarded BRCO’s Historic Preservation Committee and individual members with state history awards for the films “Legends, Tales & History of Cold Mountain, Books 16,” “Walking in the Footsteps of Those Who Came Before Us” and “From New College to Springdale” — all collections about Bethel and Haywood County history. Douglas Chambers Production has also received state history awards for his videography.

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

Mean Mary.

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” with 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. 28. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

ALSO:

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Mick Boyd (singer-songwriter) Dec. 23 and Andrew Chastain (singer-songwriter) Dec. 30. 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.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Bohemian Jean (pop/rock) Dec. 22, Kevin Fuller (singer/songwriter) Dec. 23, and So What Band 9 p.m. Dec. 31. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Dec. 20 and 27, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Dec. 21 and 28. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Isis Music Hall (Asheville) will host 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. www.isisasheville.com.

MUSICAT THE WINESELLER

The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (piano/guitar) Dec. 22 and Cynthia McDermott Dec. 23. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. There will also be a special New Year’s Eve “Eve” bash with Mean Mary & The Contrarys (Americana) on at 7 p.m. Dec. 30, with a fourcourse dinner at $75 per person. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Liz Nance & Friends (Americana) Dec. 22 and 29, ST JR w/The Basement Planes Dec. 23, Tea 4 Three (Americana) Dec. 30 and Porch 40 (funk/rock) w/Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) Dec. 31. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Twelfth Fret (Americana/folk) Dec. 30. All shows are free and are from 6 to 9 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• 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 host Ginny McAfee (singer-songwriter) Dec. 29, Alma Russ (Americana/folk) Dec. 30 and Post Hole Diggers (Americana/punk) Dec. 31. All shows begin at 10 p.m.

On the street

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 Tish O’Connor, co-coordinator of the gift-wrapping 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/508094DA8A72BA7FB6-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.

• The New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration will be held on Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. For more information, call 828.359.6490.

• A New Year’s Eve celebration will be held

on Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Fontana Village Resort. Dinner buffet, live music and midnight champagne toast. For more information or to make a reservation, call 828.498.2115.

• “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.

ALSO:

• 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. 828.586.6440.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 23 and 30 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. 23 and 30 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.

SCHEDULE

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. www.haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.

THURSDAYS 6-7 AM Sunrise Yoga with Michael

MONDAY

9-10 AM: Slow Flow Yoga w/ Sara • 10:30-11:30: Gentle Yin Yoga w/ Sara • 4:30-5:30: Barre + Flow w/ Jay • 5:45-6:45: Mixed Level Flow Yoga w/ Candra 6-7: Yoga Basics w/ Shelby 7-8: Buti Yoga* w/ Judy

TUESDAY

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

THURSDAY

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

SUNDAY 11:30-12:30: Mixed Level Flow Yoga w/ Kendall • 4-5: Beginner Flow w/ Maura Are you an early morning riser? Like to get your workout in before jumping into the daily grind? We now have a sunrise yoga class every Thursday from 6-7am!

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: Beginner Flow Yoga w/ Maura

On the wall

Art showcase in Franklin

Painter Janell Garner will be on display throughout the month of December at the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. The works will also be available for purchase.

“My love for art and nature started when I was just a little girl. When I wasn’t drawing, coloring or painting, I was exploring in the woods by the creek,” Garner said. “As a retired massage therapist, I decided to get myself back to what my passion is. Living in the beautiful North Carolina mountains inspires me every day. It could be a view, animals, still life, or one of my favorites — people’s pets. I love to capture and express the beauty of God’s creations with paints, pastels, and even in collage.”

The showcase can be viewed during normal library visiting hours.

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.

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.

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 WCU Fine Art 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.

• 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.

ALSO:

• 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.

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (Dec. 21, Jan. 4) 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.

• 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.

“Healing Spirit Art” has been the name of Teed’s artwork since 2005. She blends fine art

nature and landscape photography, stories, 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. www.terileighteed.com.

Colby Deitz Band and PORCH 40 8pm to 2am

Tea 4 Three

On the season

Christmas in Appalachia

“Twelve Days of Christmas” in downtown Waynesville.

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.

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.

BRYSON CITY

• 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 13-acre park in the heart of Cashiers will feature thousands of twinkling lights. For more information, visit www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

FRANKLIN

• 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.”

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

• Holiday gift making time for kids from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 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.

WAYNESVILLE

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

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Catherine Proben

Novel whisks one back to the prairie Students get access to Fontana books,

Sometimes joy and beauty strike like thunderbolts. One minute we are going about our daily routine, minding our own business, and then bam! Tongues of flame leap into our hearts. The eyes of a barista behind the counter of our favorite coffee shop fork a bolt of lightning in our brain. We round an unfamiliar bend in the road, and some incredible vista of a mountain peak blows us away. We visit a gallery, enter a darkened room, and find ourselves so dazzled by a painting that our feet remained glued to the floor for an hour.

Some try to explain this phenomenon by writing books, some by composing songs, some with a canvas and paint, but all such explanations are in the end dross. We are gobsmacked, and that’s the end of it. As the song from the musical “South Pacific” put it, “Who can explain it, who can tell you why? Fools can’t explain it, wise men never try.”

Fools can’t explain it, and wise men never try. Agreed, but alas, I am a reviewer of books, which means that every week I try to explain one thing or another. Judging myself more foolish than wise, I will now embark on a doubtless vain explanation as to how and why such a thunderbolt recently knocked me on my heels, stole my breath and heart, and left me happy just to be alive on planet earth.

That thunderbolt is Sarah Miller’s Caroline: Little House, Revisited (William Morrow, 2017, 367 pages), a novel that whisks us back to the Little House on the Prairie days by dropping us into the body and soul of Caroline Ingalls, mother, wife, and redoubtable pioneer woman.

First, however, a confession: I bumped into Miller’s novel on the shelves of my public library and selected it for review solely from a sense of nostalgia. My wife adored the Little House series, reading them to our children, and though I never explored these stories as a child, I too shared them with our children and enjoyed the pleasure they derived from the adventures of the Ingalls family. The Long Winter, which I read to them when my wife and I were experiencing our own long winter of financial hardship, was especially memorable.

Some of the writing also attracted me. Listen, for example, to the famous opening lines of The Little House on the Prairie:

“A long time ago, when all the grandfathers and grandmothers of today were little boys and girls or very small babies, or perhaps not even born, Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Baby Carrie left their little house in the Big

Woods of Wisconsin. They drove away and left it lonely and empty in the clearing among the big trees, and they never saw that little house again.

“They were going to the Indian country.”

That is beautiful prose, brilliant in its simplicity, structure, and rhythm, and in the tension created by the last two sentences.

Enough about the original stories. Let’s turn to Sarah Miller’s Caroline

Miller begins her story with the Ingalls family leaving that little house in the Big Woods, but immediately she thrusts us into the mind and heart of Caroline. During the rest of the novel, we see with Caroline’s eyes and feel with her flesh all the challenges exacted by a wagon ride to Kansas and the establishment of a homestead: muddy trails, days of rain, injuries, swollen streams and frozen rivers, building a house, planting a garden, challenges galore for a pregnant woman with two small girls.

Besides her knowledge of the catastrophes that might plague these settlers, Miller is intimately familiar with the daily tasks they faced. Details of homesteading are woven seamlessly into the fabric of this

story: making fresh oilcloth from cut squares of linen and boiled linseed oil; building a cabin of notched logs, narrow slabs of wood wedged for shelves between the logs; the cooking of various meats and breads; and a hundred other descriptions of chores and duties necessary to sustain life.

By recounting the struggles of Caroline Ingalls, Miller constantly reminds us of the hard lives of all these “sodbusters.”

They work dawn to dusk; they struggle against the elements; they face near disasters on a regular basis. Fortifying them against defeat and pessimism are their religious faith and the neighbors who come to their aid, supplying them with game, bringing the children Christmas gifts, helping with the delivery of Caroline’s baby. Here, Miller reminds us, was born that spirit of America so remarked on by foreigners over the years, this bounty of neighborliness and volunteerism, the same altruism exhibited most recently during the hurricanes in Texas and Louisiana.

A final joy of this novel is the quality of the prose. The writing is clean, descriptive, and lovely in its rhythms. When Miller describes Caroline helping Charles get the wagon across a turbulent creek, we are holding the reins with her. When she is pulling a dying man from the bottom of a well, we work the winch alongside her, feeling the wood and rope tear into our hands, but determined to save lives.

With this blend of deep research and fine writing, Sarah Miller does what so many novelists dream of: she brings Caroline Ingalls alive on the page. When readers leave this story, many will feel, as I did, as if they have gained a friend as well as coming to know a woman worthy of admiration.

If you know a Little House fan, and if you’re looking for a great holiday gift, look no farther. Just purchase and wrap a copy of Caroline: Little House, Revisited, and you’re all set.

resources

In a new program called “StudentAccess,” all students in the county school systems (Jackson, Macon, and Swain) now have access to Fontana Regional Library materials through their student ID numbers, even without a library card.

“StudentAccess” accounts allow students to borrow e-resources and access online library databases. Students can also borrow up to 10 print or audio books from their local public library collection. The student account is free. There are no overdue fines for student accounts, but students are responsible for any fees on lost or damaged books.

“StudentAccess” is a joint project with the school systems that provides library access via student ID numbers, which students already memorize for the lunchroom and other school-based online activities. There is no card with these accounts — students just provide their name and number when checking out books.

As of last month, all Swain/Jackson/Macon students have “StudentAccess” accounts at Fontana Regional Library, unless parents opted out of the program when they received information from their child’s school.

With their “StudentAccess” accounts, students can access eBooks and eAudiobooks, including resources from the e-iNC digital library (which features kids and teen collections) and NCKids Digital, which is a special eBook collection designed specifically for school students in grades K-4. Many of these eBooks are always available because they have no limits on the number of users at one time. That means an entire class of students could be reading the same eBook (or listening to the eAudiobook) at once. Students use their school ID or lunch number to borrow online resources.

In addition to online resources, students can also borrow up to 10 print books or books on CD (audiobooks) from any Fontana Regional Library location.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the State Library of North Carolina.

For more information about how to use “StudentAccess,” call JCPL at 828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

ALSO:

• City Lights Bookstore (Sylva) 19th annual “Giving Tree” program is now underway. They have partnered with local service agencies who have offered anonymous lists of children in need this holiday season. You can help by providing that child with the gift of a good read. Come by the store and select an ornament from the “Giving Tree” and match-up a book for the age, gender and language listed. They will collect all the books and give them to the agencies in time for the children to receive books for Christmas. All “Giving Tree” purchases will receive a 20 percent discount. For more details, call 828.586.9499.

Christmastime for birders Cold weather can’t cool enthusiasm for Christmas Bird Count

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER

At 8 a.m. on a December morning, the newly risen sun had barely warmed the air over Franklin from the previous night’s low of 18 degrees when knots of bundled-up birders began gathering across the county to partake in a chilly winter tradition — the Christmas Bird Count.

One of those knots formed at the Big Bear entrance to the Little Tennessee River Greenway, a crew of four birders — plus one Smoky Mountain News reporter — waiting in frosty low-30s weather to receive their marching orders.

Those orders are simple, as it turned out — walk slowly forward, and keep all senses on high alert for evidence of birds. Thirty sec-

onds in, zone leader Tim Carstens has spotted the first bird of the morning, a Carolina wren. Binoculars raised, the birders swiveled to add to that list in what to me seemed rapid-fire mode, sighting and naming each bird before I, a birding novice, had even registered that there was a bird to see.

That was my impression, but it wasn’t Carstens’.

“It’s not really ‘birdy’ right now,” he said, the made-up adjective seeming the only one appropriate to the occasion. “As the sun comes up we’ll start to see more.”

It was still cold enough that the pen I’d brought to scribble notes with froze if I went too long without using it, my warm breath condensing into fog as the sun rose blindingly bright behind our backs.

“Have you seen the hawk over there?” asked a person walking a dog the opposite way down the trail. “Anywhere along this river you’ll see them, because they hunt all along here. Good luck — happy hunting!”

Minutes later, we stumbled upon what would become a standout find of the day — a sharp-shinned hawk, perched in a tree uphill from the path.

“You’re going to want to see this,” said Chris Bogardus, one of the birders, motioning to me to borrow his binoculars. “Sharpshinned hawks are beautiful.”

I reached for the binoculars, and the bird flew away.

ORIGINSOFTHECOUNT

locations across years or decades, depending how long the count in that particular locale has been going on.

A STORYTOLDTHROUGHDATA

This bird count circle — organized by the Franklin Bird Club — is one of the newer arrivals on the Christmas Bird Count scene, with the first count held on Jan. 4, 2014. Just up the mountain in Highlands, however, the count is a much more ingrained tradition, with the first one held in 1997.

Join the count

This cluster of birders was but a tiny subset of the thousands of people who will participate in the Christmas Bird Count by the time this season’s event is over. The tradition began in 1900 with 27 birders tallying birds in 25 locations and has since spread to cover the entire Western Hemisphere, with counts stretching from the Arctic Bay south to the Drake Passage off the southern tip of Argentina.

The greenway crew, one of four subgroups working the Franklin Bird Club’s circle, certainly took seriously its part in this year’s data-gathering endeavor. Locations, walking distances and sightings were recorded studiously in eBird, a science app ornithologists use to get a bead on what the worldwide community of birdwatchers is seeing in the wild. Small talk kept to a minimum, as at any moment the thread of conversation could be lost when a flash of movement, fragment of birdsong or understory rustling caused participants to drop the topic at hand and shift into birdwatching mode.

The count started when ornithologist and Audubon Society officer Frank M. Chapman proposed an annual bird count as a replacement for a holiday tradition then in existence called the “Christmas Side Hunt.” Participants would choose sides and go out with their guns — whoever brought back the biggest pile of quarry would be declared the winner.

“People got disgusted with seeing dead birds, so they started going out and counting them instead,” Bogardus said. “Wasn’t that nice? And it caught on.”

This year is the Audubon Society’s 118th Christmas Bird Count, making the volunteer census one of the longest-running citizen science projects in existence, and it’s resulted in an extensive collection of data allowing anyone interested to compare results in specific

“We’re the only ones that can do this,” Bogardus said. “We know our birds, and we’re willing to drag ourselves out in the morning and walk around so somebody 50 years from now can look at what we did and say, ‘We’re up on this one, we’re down on this one, DDT’s affecting this one.”

There’s a sense of duty that comes with the Christmas Bird Count, he said.

“But don’t tell me this isn’t fun,” added Carstens. “This is fun. Don’t let him tell you this isn’t fun.”

It may have been cold, but the day was clear and sunny, the chilly air lending a welcome freshness to the adventure. And always, there were the birds — perching in trees, pecking about for seeds and insects, gliding through clear skies. Every sighting spurred excitement, whether the

Information wanted on Elkmont fire

Tips are needed related to a humancaused fire that resulted in damage to cabins in the Elkmont Historic District of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park rangers responded to an initial report of a fire at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, to find multiple cabins damaged in the area known as Daisy Town. These cabins are closed to the public but are slated for rehabilitation. Rangers were able to keep

Chris Bogardus stands with field guide and binoculars at the ready.

damage to the structures at a minimum. The National Park Service Investigative Branch is investigating the incident. Anybody who may have observed activity leading to the fire should contact investigators. Email nps_isb@nps.gov, submit a tip at www.nps.gov/isb, call or text 888.653.0009 or message on Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS or on Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS.

bird in question turned out to be something notable like a sharp-shinned hawk or something you can count on seeing 10 of before the day is out, like a dove or a crow.

It takes a lot of know-how to identify a bird based off a momentary sighting tens or hundreds of yards away, but the folks with binoculars knew their stuff. Each bird has its tells — a song pattern unique to only that species, a splash of color on the breast or back that distinguishes it from a similar bird, a particular way of flying. Learning those, Carstens said, is the work of a lifetime.

And seeing them, as far as the Christmas Bird Count goes, is the work of a very long and very organized day. While perhaps not as gung-ho as some — the really motivated birders, Carstens said, will start before dawn so as to have a chance at seeing owls — the Franklin Bird Club folks put in a solid eight hours of driving and walking

Morning light illuminates a cardinal.

and binocular lifting throughout the 15mile-diameter circle centered on Franklin before calling it a day and gathering to tally their results.

By the end of the day, the zone 2 team Carstens led would spot a total of 730 birds representing 44 species, with the 23 participants in the entire count seeing a total of 64 species and 3,571 birds — down from last year, when 34 people logged 71 species and 5,594 birds. In 2013 and 2014, the species count had been in the 6,000 range, though 2015 was also a more sparse year, with 65 species and 3,420 birds spotted.

Years from now, those individual data points will fade to become part of a larger picture drawn over years of groups just like this one walking frosty trails, binoculars in hand, to meet the birds that make their home in the mountains. And through that picture, the birds will tell their story.

Prescribed burning projects proposed in the Nantahala

A proposal to reauthorize prescribed burning on 19,038 acres in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties is open for public comment through Jan. 19, 2018. All of the areas, located in 33 burning compartments within the Nantahala

Firefighters conduct a controlled burn in the Nantahala National Forest.

to ten years. The treatments would be subject to a new environmental review in 2024.

In most cases, U.S. Forest Service roads, water bodies and topographic features would be used to contain the fire. In the absence of these features, fire lines would be established using hand tools or heavy equipment such as bulldozers. Following the burns, the lines would be treated to prevent erosion.

Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, have been burned before. Future treatments would be conducted during the dormant season, generally between Oct. 15 and April 15, with the reauthorization in effect for two burning cycles or up

Due to aggressive wildfire suppression over the past 50 to 100 years, these fire-adapted ecosystems have not burned as frequently as they naturally would and are departing from their natural species composition and condition. The project aims to support the fire-adapted ecosystems in terms of species, condition and function.

Send comments by Jan. 19, 2018, to comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-nantahala@fs.fed.us; fax to 828.369.6592 or mail to USDA Forest Service, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, N.C. 28734.

Scale Looking Glass

with long-distance views from the mountaintop.

The Old Armory and the Waynesville Recreation Center will be closed on December 24 and 25 for the holidays.

The Waynesville Recreation Center will reopen on December 26 at 5 a.m. and the Old Armory on December 26 at 7 a.m.

Contact the Waynesville Recreation Center at 456-2030 or the Old Armory Recreation Center at 456-9207. H

INFORMATION:

A moderately difficult hike to the top of Looking Glass Rock in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31.

The 5.8-mile hike includes 1,800 feet of ascent on a well-graded trail that pays off

Run into 2018

Organized by the Carolina Mountain Club, with visitors welcome but RSVPs necessary. Contact hike leader Dennis Bass, 828.367.7792 or dbass3607@gmail.com.

The Run in 2018 5K will jumpstart the New Year 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, at the Jackson County Recreation Park in Cullowhee.

The event will include a fun run and welcomes walkers and runners alike. The first 100 people to register will receive a long-sleeved wicking shirt. $20 per participant, with pre-registration available through Dec. 28 at www.runsignup.com.

Nominations sought for conservation award

Leaders in the conservation of wildlife diversity in North Carolina are sought for nominations for the annual Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award, presented by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Nominations, due by Jan. 31, 2018, should include a detailed essay describing the nominee’s contributions to nongame

wildlife conservation in the state. Nominations received for the 2016 and 2017 awards will be considered alongside new nominations.

The award is named for N.C. State professor of zoology and self-described “fulltime volunteer and unpaid environmental activist,” the late Thomas Quay. This will be the 13th time it has been presented.

Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.ncwildlife.org by clicking on the scrolling “Thomas L. Quay Award” icon at the bottom of the page.

Pigeon River Fund awards support water quality

Environmental groups across Western North Carolina got a boost from this fall’s Pigeon River Fund Awards through the Community Foundation for Western North Carolina, with grants totaling $347,000 in funding toward water quality projects in Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties.

Recipients include:

n Maggie Valley Sanitary District — The organization received $60,000 to help conserve 159 acres in the Campbell Creek watershed. Known as the Carver and Worrell tracts, these properties are key to protecting Maggie’s drinking water. Each $30,000 award is contingent on funding from other sources.

n Haywood Waterways Association — The organization landed two grants totaling more than $100,000. A $60,000 grant will fund continued community efforts to address water quality issues, implement the Haywood Watershed Action Plan and increase public appreciation of water sources through educational programs and publications. A $41,600 grant will go toward the cost of repairing failing septic systems for low-income homeowners.

n The Conservation Fund — A $30,000 grant will help conserve a corridor of land between Sheepback Mountain and Indian Creek in Haywood County. The purchase is contingent upon securing other funds.

n The Southwestern N.C. Resource Conservation and Development Council — A $27,655 grant will support the 2018 Envirothon and Youth Environmental Stewardship Camp, which engages middle and high school youth in Haywood, Madison and Buncombe counties in handson learning about water quality issues.

n The Environmental Quality Institute — An $18,000 grant will support the Volunteer Water Information Network and Stream Monitoring Information Exchange, which engages volunteers to monitor water quality and provide data that assists partner organizations working on water quality in Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties.

Additional grant recipients were Asheville GreenWorks, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District, Mountain Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Richard L. Hoffman Foundation.

Since its creation in 1996, the Pigeon River Fund has awarded millions of dollars for water conservation and education in Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties. The money comes from Duke Energy in exchange for the company’s damming the Pigeon River for hydropower. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The next application deadline is March 15, 2018.

www.cfwnc.org.

• Loss of Libido (Sex Drive)

We Can Help!

Bill Morris will be talking about bioidentical hormone replacement for men and women Oct. 15, 7 p.m. at Kim’s Pharmacy.

Call to reserve a spot — 452.2313.

{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

Elk arrive at Grandfather

Three new elk have arrived at Grandfather Mountain State Park’s environmental wildlife habitats.

The three male elk are officially named Doc, Merle and Watson, monikers that recognize world-famous bluegrass icons and High Country natives Doc and Merle Watson. Now about 4 months old, each elk is nearly twice the size of an adult whitetailed deer.

The elk came from a private elk farm in central North Carolina and seem to be

adjusting well to their new environment. The plan had been to transition the elk from a small shifting paddock to the main habitat, but when the elk arrived they were so calm and relaxed that staff quickly put them into the main habitat.

Visitors can see the elk for free with park admission. Grandfather Mountain is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day during the winter except for Christmas, with weatherrelated delays and closures also a possibility. 828.733.4337.

Former CMC president honored

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

Subscribe or learn more at smliv.com

Former Carolina Mountain Club president George Oldham received the organization’s highest award last month when he was presented with the Honorary Lifetime Membership recognition.

Oldham, 95, is a World War II veteran who discovered his love of hiking upon moving to Hendersonville following his retirement as a school superintendent in New Jersey in 1975. He was elected president of CMC in 1982 and served through 1983. During this time, the Appalachian Trail was rereouted over Max Patch and the Shut-In Trail officially became part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

New Needmore Game Lands plan released

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has released the final versions of five game land management plans, including the plan for the 5,000-acre Needmore Game Lands straddling Swain and Macon counties.

The 163-page document aims to provide a management framework balancing science-based conservation practices with public access and usage. It includes general information on the game land, including physical attributes, infrastructure, poten-

tial improvements and other features that can be found on the game land. The plan was made using a wide-ranging array of input, ideas and needs expressed by land managers and public users of the game lands.

New management plans for Pond Mountain Game Lands in Ashe County, J. Morgan Futch Game Lands in Tyrell County, Stones Creek Game Lands in Onslow County and Upper Tar Game Lands in Franklin, Halifax and Warren counties have also been released.

The Needmore plan is online at www.ncwildlife.org/portals/0/hunting/ga meland-plans/needmore%20glmp.pdf.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• 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.

• Cruise in Maggie Valley event is held from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday at 2771 Soco Road. Vendors: $10 per space. Cruising@MaggieValleyAntiques.com.

• Qualla Boundary Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

B USINESS & E DUCATION

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

• Haywood Community College will offer a hunter safety course from 6-9:30 p.m. on Jan. 8-9 on the HCC campus, building 3300, room 3322, in Clyde. Participants must attend both evenings to receive certification. Preregistration is required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• 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.

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

FUNDRAISERSAND B ENEFITS

• 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.

• The Waynesville Art Gallery Association has partnered with Clothes to Kids in Haywood County with a mission of clothing local children during this time of year. The clothing drive will receive donations between December 13th and January 13th, 2018. Drop off their donated items at several storefronts in downtown Waynesville. They will collect items until January 13th, at which time, all donations will be delivered to Clothes for Kids in Lake Junaluska. Drop off locations on Main Street are: The Jewelers Workbench, Twigs and Leaves Gallery, Affairs of the Heart, Burlwood Gallery, Cedar Hill Art Studio and the Haywood County Arts Council. 456.2260 or Carrie Keith at 456.1940.

H EALTH MATTERS

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

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• “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 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.

• A support group for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis, family and friends meets twice each month: at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Heritage Room at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva and at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Info: 293.2503.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• Flexible Fitness class will meet from 4:30-5:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays 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.

• Pump It Up class will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays 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.

• 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

• First United Methodist Church of Franklin will host three services on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: worship service at 10:55 a.m.; candlelight communion service at 5 p.m. and Moravian Lovefeast candlelight service at 7 p.m. 524.3010 or www.firstumcfranklin.org.

• First United Methodist Church of Sylva will hold three services on Sunday, Dec. 24: Candlelight praise service at 9 a.m.; candlelight traditional service at 11 a.m. and Christmas communion service at 5 p.m. 586.2358.

• 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 Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreat with Celia Whitler (speaker and worship band), which will be held Jan. 12-15. Featuring comedian John Felts. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for:

■ Complete listings of local music scene

■ Regional festivals

■ Art gallery events and openings

■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers

■ Civic and social club gatherings

• Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreat featuring Cecilia Tucker (speaker) and The Advice (worship band). Retreat is from Jan. 26-28. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

• Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreat featuring Chris Sasser (speaker) and The Advice (worship band) Retreat is from Feb. 2-4. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

• Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreat featuring Eddie Willis (speaker), Abbye West Pates (worship band) and Joshua Lozoff (illusionist). Retreat is from Feb. 16-19. 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 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 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

• 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.

• Crafternoons are at 2:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• 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.

• Get Moving, a program for children ages 5-12 to encourage children to live a healthy life through exercise and healthy eating, will be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at the 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.

• After-School Art Adventure will be on from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays at The Bascom in Highlands. For ages 5 to 10, Art Adventure is a class that explores the creative process of drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, sculpture, fiber art, and crafts by utilizing a variety of media. The students will investigate some of the most popular techniques and theories in art history and will be exposed to contemporary as well as folk art traditions. Tuition is $40 for a four-class package. www.thebascom.org.

• 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.

• A Teen Advisory Group meets at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss YA books and teen program events at Canton Library. http://haywoodlibrary.libguides.com/teen or 648.2924.

• 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.

•A community breastfeeding information and support group meets from 10:30 am.-noon on the first Saturday of each month in the main lobby of the Smoky Mountain OB/GYN Office in Sylva. Free; refreshments provided. Brandi Nations (770.519.2903), Stephanie Faulkner (506.1185 or www.birthnaturalwnc), or Teresa Bryant (587-8223).

• 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.

• Macon County 4-H Needlers club, a group of youth learning the art and expression of knitting and crochet crafts, meets on the second Tuesday of each month. For information, call 349.2046.

• 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.

• SafeKids USA Blue Dragon Tae Kwon Do School offers defense training with after-school classes Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings. 627.3949 or www.bluedragontkd.net.

• 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 meet the second Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215.

• 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.

•Teen Advisory Group, first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. For ages 13-18. Teens can enjoy snacks while discussing popular young adult books, help plan events and displays for children and teens at the library, and participate in community service projects. Canton Library, 648.2924.

• 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.

• Culture Club on the second Wednesday of the month, 1 to 2 p.m. for K-6 graders. Guest speakers, books, photos, crafts and food from different countries and cultures. Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• Children’s craft time, fourth Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215

K IDSFILMS

• “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” will be playing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20-21, 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. 30-Jan. 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.

• “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.

A&E

H OLIDAY

• “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.

• The “Polar Express” will depart on select dates throughout December from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. www.gsmr.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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• A New Year’s Eve celebration will be held on Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Fontana Village Resort. Dinner buffet, live music and midnight champagne toast. For more information or to make a reservation, call 828.498.2115.

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.

• 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 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 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

• Waynesville Fiber Friends welcomes fiber artists of every kind: crochet, knitting, cross-stitching and more, from 10 a.m.-noon on the second Saturday of each month at Panacea Coffee House in Waynesville. 276.6226.

• 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 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. For information, call 828.349.4607.

• Coloring Club will be hosted on the second Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Canton Library. Color pencils and color pages supplied. For ages 8 to 108. 648.2924.

• 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.

• The Adult Coloring Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Fridays in the Living Room of the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. An afternoon of creativity and camaraderie. Supplies are provided, or bring your own. Beginners are welcome as well as those who already enjoy this new trend. kmoe@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

• 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.

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

• The Sew Easy Girls meet from noon-3 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office’s conference room. Learn how to sew. 586.4009.

• 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

• “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.

• Free movies are shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

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.

• The Nikwasi Dulcimer Players meet every Thursday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Franklin. All are welcome. 524.1040 or 524.2294.

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.

• Jackson County Arts Council meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Jackson County Library Complex conference room. 293.3407.

Outdoors

• The Asheville Winter Bike League offers structured group rides at 10 a.m. every Saturday through Jan. 28. https://tinyurl.com/ycgp8a4s.

• 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.

COMPETITIVE E DGE

• The Run in 2018 5K is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, at the Jackson County Recreation Park in Cullowhee. $20 per participant. Preregister through Dec. 28 at www.runsignup.com.

FARMAND GARDEN

• 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

• A moderately difficult hike to the top of Looking Glass Rock in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. Organized by Carolina Mountain Club. RSVP necessary: 367.7792 or dbass3607@gmail.com.

• Nantahala Hiking Club holds monthly trail maintenance days from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on every fourth Saturday at 173 Carl Slagle Road in Franklin. Info and to register: 369.1983.

• Hike of the Week is at 10 a.m. every Friday at varying locations along the parkway. Led by National Park Service rangers. www.nps.gov/blri or 298.5330, ext. 304.

• Friends of the Smokies hikes are offered on the second Tuesday of each month. www.friendsofthesmokies.org/hikes.html.

• Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org

• High Country Hikers, based out of Hendersonville but hiking throughout Western North Carolina, plans hikes every Monday and Thursday. Schedules, meeting places and more information are available on their website, www.highcountryhikers.org.

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

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BUILDING MATERIALS

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CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

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CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

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CARS

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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

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

GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1.855.617.2024 SOLD!ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION

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

FTCC

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following position: Accounting Technician. 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

EXPERIENCED ACCOUNT

EMPLOYMENT

Executive/Manager: Needed for the Lincoln Times-News. A strong work ethic, ability to lead staff, and increase sales are required. Send resumes to: resumes@lincolntimesnews.com FTCC

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 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

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY SPECIALIST

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.

Position requires three years construction experience along with three years management, including Supervision and Budget Management. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in Government Grants. Strong knowledge of Building Codes, knowledge of Housing Renovation Guidelines. Must be flexible and willing to work on Construction Site in Non-Traditional Hours as well as in Office Management. Business Degree preferred along with Construction Credentials. Applications will be taken at: www.mountainprojects.org or 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, or 25 Schulman St., Sylva. EOE/AA

Call 1.888.713.6020

FTCC

Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor, Computer Support Technician II & Senior Network Communication Technician. 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

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MOLLEY - A MIXED BREED LITTLE GIRL ABOUT FOUR MONTHS OLD. WE REALLY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT BREEDS ARE IN HER MIX, BUT WE DO KNOW SHE IS CUTE AS A BUTTON. SHE WEIGHS IN AT A 9 LBS. SHE HAS BEEN ENJOYING LIFE IN A FOSTER HOME, WHERE SHE HAS LEARNED MANNERS AND IS CRATE

FURNITURE

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LAWN & GARDEN

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

PETS

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Prevent Unwanted Litters! The Heat Is On!

Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

HOMES FOR SALE

BRUCE MCGOVERN

A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

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Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE?Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bankthreatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now! FREE CONSULTATION 844.359.4330

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FINANCIAL

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

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Or Alcohol? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 800.511.6075

YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC!

Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at: ncpress.com

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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 Border - sunburstrealty.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com

• The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

Lakeshore Realty

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com

• Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com

• Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com

• The Real Team - the-real-team.com

• Ron Breese - ronbreese.com

• Landen Stevenson - Landen@landenstevenson.com

• Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

Rob Roland Realty

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

SuperCROSSWORD

85 Wimbledon unit

86 Swimming (in)

1 Santa — (desert winds)

5 Heroic tales 10 “iZombie” network 15 Marathoner’s statistic

Promote

Horror, e.g.

Prefix with gram or liter 22 Strong — ox 23 Start of a riddle

25 “That is to say ...”

Piper’s garb

AWOL part 28 Pat lightly

Short literary sketch 32 Riddle, part 2

Jailbird 39 Poet’s “always” 40 German’s “one” 41 Suffix with sucr- or lact-

42 Riddle, part 3 51 Starting point

52 Ike’s inits.

53 Cell stuff

54 Government loan agcy.

55 Runway user

56 Clumsy sort

58 Dollar pts.

60 He beat Romney

64 Riddle, part 4

70 “Look, I did it!”

74 Ostrich kin

75 Bohea, e.g.

76 That, in Chile

77 Oil gp.

78 Riddle, part 5

83 ‘90s-’00s boy band

84 Thrice-spun-off TV show

91 Sue Grafton’s “— for Evidence”

93 Mind-reading ability

95 Lilted syllable

97 “Haegar the Horrible” creator Dik

98 Riddle, part 6

104 Pitching whiz

105 Ballpark fig.

106 Prefix meaning “equal”

107 Syllable after “Mao”

108 End of the riddle

118 Merit the best score, maybe

119 Half of hexa-

120 See 45-Down

121 Lacking width and depth, for short

122 Els of golf

125 Riddle’s answer

129 Baseball team count

130 Actress Tierney

131 Plants used in first aid

132 Borscht vegetable

133 Anti-DUI org.

134 More sneaky

135 Flirty laugh

136 Probability DOWN

1 Slanting

2 Like free banking

3 Acoustic

4 Rock’s Perry

5 “I” problem

6 Chapel seat

7 Hotel’s kin

8 Set of beliefs

9 Roomy car

10 “No need to share all

that,” in texts

11 That bloke

12 School pupil, in France

13 Actresses Bloom and Danes

14 Fancy shoes

15 George of “Star Trek”

16 “... true statement, correct?”

17 Dog or cat breed

18 Went inside

24 Ida. borderer

29 British TV network, with “the”

31 Tiny self-propelled machine

33 Clicked-on graphic

34 Bart Simpson, to Marge

35 With a sharp image, briefly

36 — -do-well

37 Long ditch

42 Marge Simpson, to Bart

43 — -Magnon

44 Prefix with day or week

45 With 120-Across, 65 and older, e.g.

46 Sledding site

47 Work like —

48 Cherished by

49 Ramble on

50 Verboten act

57 Feudal lands

59 Cubs hero Sammy

61 Galaxy buy 62 Pal of Larry and Curly 63 Jets’ gp. 65 Conifer with toxic seeds

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Sex cell

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Earthy color 71 Muscles below pecs

Handyman’s initialism 73 Nixon’s veep 79 Actress Annabella

80 Not make the event in time, say

81 Other, in Chile

82 Delhi wear

Apple choice 67 Sipped on

87 Concave pan 88 Stupefy

89 NBC skit show since ‘75

90 Kin of “Psst!”

92 Secondary details 94 Elegant

96 Voting 69-Down

97 Cordon — (chicken dish) 98 Particles composed of quarks

South Pacific region

Soho locale

Surrendered

Yummy morsel

Edge shyly

Abbr. at LAX

1990s fitness fad

“— a drink!”

Looked at provocatively

Acoustic organ

“So fancy!”

Nationality suffix

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The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Bamboo by any other name

Editor’s note: This Naturalist Corner column first appeared in The Smoky Mountain News in December 2005.

Bamboo is the common name applied to a wide and varied group of woody grasses from all around the world. There are more than 1,000 species of bamboo. Bamboo grows in temperate and tropical climates in the Americas and throughout Asia with the greatest diversity occurring in tropical areas.

There is one native bamboo in North America, rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea).

Rivercane was once abundant from southern Ohio to the Gulf states. A smaller subspecies, switchcane (A. gigantea tecta), is restricted to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal regions primarily from Maryland southward.

Rivercane is a “running” bamboo and used to form extensive colonies or canebrakes. At the time of European settlement of North America, canebrakes occupied millions of acres of floodplains, coastal prairies

and savannahs across the Southeast. Due to clearing for agricultural purposes and urbanization canebrakes are virtually nonexistent today and are regarded as critically endangered ecosystems. Rivercane is now generally found in riparian corridors and/or as edges between wetlands and forests.

Rivercane was and is an important natural resource for the Cherokee.

Today, its primary importance is for crafts such as traditional baskets and flutes. But before the settlers displaced the Cherokee and destroyed most of the rivercane habitat, the plant played a much more utilitarian role. The native bamboo was used for shelter building, sleeping mats, tools as well as weapons like spears, blowguns and arrows and for ceremonial pipes.

Today organizations like The Revitalization of Traditional Cherokee Artisan Resources (RTCAR), Western Carolina University, the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee (LTLT) and others with assistance from the Cherokee Preservation foundation are working with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to preserve, enhance and restore rivercane across the Qualla Boundary and adjacent areas.

The LTLT has been working with the

tribe to learn more about the propagation and management of rivercane. Cane is important to the Cherokee from an environmental perspective as well as cultural.

Rivercane is a great soil stabilizer and can help curb erosion and mitigate flood damage.

Some ornithologists believe that the demise of canebrakes across the Southeast is a primary factor in the loss of the Bachman’s

on — are hard to come by. Many species of bamboo, including rivercane are semelparous, meaning they generally flower and fruit only once then die. It can take 30 to 60 years for a plant to flower. While this is a bane to a taxonomist, it has little effect on the propagation of bamboo because it spreads by underground rhizomes.

As mentioned before, rivercane is quite rare across its former range. In natural settings it should be preserved. However, many invasive bamboos are cultivated and often escape.

warbler, believed by many to be extinct. Canebrakes are also thought to provide critical habitat for Swainson’s warbler as well as a half dozen species of butterflies and numerous rare plants.

One of the reasons that bamboo creates such a taxonomic nightmare is the fact that flowers — which taxonomists rely so heavily

Since there are so many different species of bamboo, the easiest thing is to learn to recognize native rivercane. Rivercane may grow to 20 feet tall. It is usually an inch or smaller in diameter. The leaves often lack stalks and are up to 15 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. The stalks are greenish in color. Switchcane is just a smaller version.

Almost any stand of bamboo found in natural sites — along river or stream banks or at the edge of wetlands — that fit the description above are likely rivercane.

(Don Hendershot is a naturalist and a writer who lives in Haywood County. He can be reached at ddihen1@bellsouth.net)