Smoky Mountain News

On the Cover

Haywood Community College opened the doors of its new, eco-friendly creative arts building to students this semester.

(Page 20)

News

Home construction up in Jackson, down elsewhere..........................................4

HCC raises funds for new timber sports practice space..................................5

New park could be key to Old Cullowhee revitalization....................................7

Cullowhee groups seeks support for land-use regulations................................7

WCU hopes to save time by leasing property to private developers..............8

Waynesville brewery may craft beer with national brewer..............................10

Tribe, park service incentivize early completion of U.S. 441 road repairs....11

Swain could get $2 million in Golden LEAF grant funding............................12

Haywood TDA takes first steps toward upping its lodging tax......................14

Sweepstakes not gone or forgotten....................................................................15

Opinion

Outdoors

Park may curtail trail maintenance backlog by eliminating unused paths....26

Back Then

Poems from Near Horizons ..................................................................................39

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A mixed bag of home building signals hope for 2013

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFFWRITER

It may still be too soon to declare an economic rebound, but recent construction data may point toward a housing sector comeback led by high-end, new home building in Jackson County.

Last year, 126 residential building permits were issued in Jackson County — up 20 percent from 2011. It still falls far short when compared to the pre-recession building boom, however. In 2007, 446 building permits were issued.

“It’s definitely still down from 2006 and 2007,” said Tony Elders, Jackson County land development administrator. “But I do believe that we have bottomed out, so to speak, and now we’re starting back up.”

Even the first month of 2013, typically a slow time of year for building projects, started out strong.

Jackson County was one of the few western counties, along with Buncombe and Henderson, to see an increase in residential building permits and also one of the few counties to see such a large uptick. Building permits were down compared to the previous year in both Haywood and Macon counties.

What may be even more telling is the type of homes getting building permits in Jackson County last year. According to the data, more than a quarter of those receiving permits were high-end homes. Moreover, the average permit fee collected per home was higher in 2012, an indicator that the homes being approved are larger and more expensive.

Several houses, valued at more than $1 million, were permitted in the Cashiers area last fall. Elders added that there are several subdivision-scale projects in the making as well.

In 2007, about 230 subdivision projects were underway in the county — ranging in size between 10 and 10,000 lots. About 150 of those projects were foreclosed upon, put on hold or abandon when the bubble burst, but now, about half are seeing activity, either with lots being sold or homes being building.

Elders said that may be a good sign. Entering the recession high-end homes were the first to trail off, and now could be an

Residential building permits in 2012vs 2011

Buncombe: 613, up 19.5 percent

Haywood: 92, down 3.4 percent

early harbinger of a turnaround.

“To me, it’s a telling factor that people who have money seem to be comfortable turning it loose,” Elders said. “They seem to have a keener eye on the economy.”

In addition to residential construction, the county also issued four more commercial permits than it did the prior year, an increase of 22 percent. Permits for renovations or remodeling were also up. Elders said it has made for a busier time at the permitting office.

aren’t building new homes. The large inventory of existing homes on the market being sold at bargain prices is putting new home construction at a disadvantage.

Furthermore, because of the still-dropping home values, it is possible to build a new home and by the time it’s finished, have its appraised value be less than the raw cost of construction. That makes finding financing for a new home difficult, Holland said.

However, as the inventory of existing homes is sold off and prices go up, Holland

positive sign, but not enough to declare an economic rebound.

Up until 2010, Haywood County was neck and neck with Jackson County for the number of residential building permits. But in 2012, Haywood County had about 70 percent of the home construction Jackson had. Haywood County doesn’t have the same concentration of high-end second homes as Jackson. Haywood saw a paltry five building permits for luxury homes compared to 34 in Jackson County.

“It’s definitely still down from 2006 and 2007. But I do believe that we have bottomed out, so to speak, and now we’re starting back up.”

—

Elders,

Polk: 46, up 15 percent

Rutherford: 102, up 25.9 percent

Transylvania: 73, up 17.7 percent

SOURCE: THE MARKET EDGE

“Our phones are ringing constantly,” Elders said. “And 18 months ago that wasn’t the case.”

But the story in Jackson County isn’t the same story unfolding for its neighbors. In Macon County, building permits were down by 10 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. The dollar value of the homes being permitted were also lower.

Reggie Holland, owner of Holland Construction in Franklin and the president of the Macon County Homebuilders Association, said commercial building and home renovations are keeping him afloat now.

“In 2010, the wheels came off the wagon,” Holland said. “And, right now, it appears we’re bouncing around the bottom.”

Last year, in Macon County, the total dollar value of all new homes seeking permits was $22 million — compared to $140 million in 2006. That’s an 84 percent decline in the new residential construction market. Holland said he had to cutback on hired help, and work is harder to come by.

Although the situation may seem dismal, Holland said it is logical that most people

expects the residential construction market to return.

“Once inventory gets down to where it’s picked over and used up, it’s going to make prices go up, which will make it easier to build a new home,” Holland said.

A 10 percent nationwide increase in housing prices last year was a positive sign, Holland said.

Like Macon, Haywood County saw building permits stagnate last year, but by a slighter 3 percent.

“Everyone is still kind of scraping by,” said Mark Bondurant, president of the Haywood County Homebuilders Association and president of Rare Earth Builders. “I’ll hear about a house here and there, but most guys are still waiting for things to cut lose, and they haven’t yet.”

Bondurant already has one job for a new home lined up in the spring — which is one more than he’s had for that time of year in a while.

Prior to 2009, Bondurant ran two crews and jumped from one project to the next, building several new homes a year. The one new home he has lined up this spring is a

Instead, mid-sized houses between 1,200 square feet and 2,800 square feet, built for local residents rather then seasonal visitors, have dominated the market in Haywood, according to Bruce Crawford, director of inspections for Haywood County.

“Jackson County has always tended to have higher-end homes,” Crawford said. “I have heard that particular type of high-end construction is coming back quicker.”

Haywood County saw more permits for remodeling and renovations compared to Jackson County.

While Bondurant specialized in energy efficient homes that sell from between $250,000 and $500,000, most of his work has been remodeling jobs recently, especially in Buncombe County. But he hopes when the market does come back, prospective homeowners will have a greater interest in his niche of the environmentally friendly houses, which Bondurant said will resale better than the competition.

“My sense is that the green homes are going to hold their value a lot better,” Bondurant said. “And the trend is that every home will be greener.”

Stellar lumberjack team carves out a niche at HCC

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFFWRITER

Haywood Community College leaders are collecting donations to give its lumberjack club a facility worthy of its prestige.

“They are very successful. We just feel like they need a space that warrants that success,” said Bill Dechant, director of campus development. “They are amazing. They go out there and beat some of the four-year schools, beat the pants off them.”

The prize-winning Haywood Timber Sports Team has carved out a name for itself after producing two national champion woodcutters and winning many competitions at the club level. The HCC club started about 16 years ago and averages 15 members who participate in various woodcutting tournaments throughout the year.

Events test lumberjacks’ speed and accuracy in chainsaw sports, cross-cut saw, axe chopping, axe throw and pole climb.

“It’s unique. There is not another team like this in North Carolina west of Charlotte,” said Kesi Stoneking, the club’s advisor. “It’s amazing what they do.”

Want to help?

Anyone wishing to contribute to Haywood Community College to help pay for the new timber sport practice facility can mail a check to the HCC Foundation, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721. Checks should note that the money is for the timber sports project.

to help fund this but have not been successful,” said Sherri Myers, head of the HCC Foundation.

The new building will be a wood, openair structure with wind blocks to prevent a wind tunnel effect through the practice area. It will also have storage for the team’s

tools and seating for onlookers.

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The team currently practices in the old skidder shed, one of HCC’s first buildings, making it about 50 years old. The shed is little more than a roof with an open air space underneath — and age has taken its toll.

“It’s just in total disrepair right now,” Dechant said. “It’s just not an adequate facility.”

College officials have started collecting donations to build a completely new practice facility for the timber sports group. HCC had received between $15,000 and $20,000 as of last week, but it needs $80,000 to cover the construction. Monetary gifts will likely be the main source of funding for the project.

“We have looked for grants in the past

It is not yet decided where HCC will build the facility. The skidder shed could be demolished, and the new building resurrected in its place. Or, there is the site of the old sawmill, which burned down in November.

HCC will host the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Woodmen’s Meet for national timber sports championship this spring.

“That would be the ultimate goal to get it built by the time the STIHL competition comes through in April,” Dechant said.

The event will shed a national spotlight on the small community college, with the sports network ESPN expected to attend.

“We are aware of how much of an impact this group has on our community,” Myers said. “It does bring national recognition.”

Waynesville resident celebrates life after transplant

Life Share of the Carolina’s and a local organ donation recipient are hosting a Transplant Party to celebrate the lives saved through organ donation from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 16, at Main Street Perks in downtown Waynesville.

Waynesville resident Rachel Tucker received her heart transplant 11 years ago on Feb. 13 after being diagnosed with a condition known as viral cardiomyopathy. The event aims to raise awareness for the need of organ donation and encourage people to become donors as well as raise funds for Life Shares through a silent are auction. Battle Victorious, Michael Pilgrim, Kryss Dulla, Cyndy Tippett, and JANSML will provide live music. It is free and open to the public.

River park could catapult Old Cullowhee revitalization

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFFWRITER

Champions of Cullowhee revitalization are chipping away at a lofty plan to create a vibrant college downtown centered on the banks of the Tuckasegee River in Old Cullowhee.

Invigorating Old Cullowhee and creating the college town that Western Carolina University now lacks depends on developers and entrepreneurs taking a leap of faith and building a commercial district, essentially from scratch.

But first, the stage must be set.

“What Old Cullowhee needs is an attraction,” said Maurice Phipps, a WCU professor of parks and recreation management and a leader of the Cullowhee revitalization group called Curve.

Phipps and his colleagues want to create a meandering riverside park at the heart of Old Cullowhee, where students could sip lattes on benches, lounge on large boulders or study on grassy banks while watching paddlers play in the waves.

“If you had a river park connected to a greenway, it would be an incredibly good attraction,” Phipps said. “It would bring people there and then you might get cafés and shops. There would be some reason for people to go to Old Cullowhee, and that would help with revitalization and economic development.”

The master park plan created by Curve calls for a river walk, enhanced rapids for paddling, boat put-ins, a community garden, a children’s playground — all tied together by a long-distance greenway on the banks of the Tuck through Cullowhee.

There is already momentum. The county will start construction a 1.25-mile greenway segment in Cullowhee soon. A large community garden is underway by volunteers. Duke Energy is building a new paddlers put-in and park-like river launch. And the state highway department is replacing a bridge over the river in Old Cullowhee, hopefully choosing a design that could accommodate a river walk.

But those are only bits and pieces of the big picture. The greenway segment being built doesn’t run all the way into the core of Old Cullowhee. And parts of Old Cullowhee don’t even have sidewalks.

But the biggest and most important feature — the river walk itself — exists only in conceptual form.

Curve has applied for a grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area to do a feasibility study for the river walk. With that in hand, the group would then try to leverage grants and funding to

Growth prompts call for Cullowhee land-use plan

A group called Curve, standing for Cullowhee Revitalization Effort, has redoubled its call for land-use planning in Cullowhee with a petition being ciruclated. Maurice Phipps, a WCU professor and leader with Curve, talks about visions for the community at a recent meeting.

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFFWRITER

Cullowhee community members have been making their case for nearly a year now that this pseudo-college town needs land-use planning to guide the growth that’s come knocking.

This month, supporters are circulating a petition as evidence that there is a critical mass in Cullowhee clamoring for planning. They fear development catering to the students and faculty of Western Carolina University could leave Cullowhee vulnerable to unseemly or slapdash building.

“Cullowhee is gorgeous, but the university area is growing. In the process of growth, we don’t want to see what makes this place so special lost,” said WCU Chancellor David Belcher.

An orchestrated push for planning in Cullowhee is not coming from the university, however. At the helm is a community group called Curve, which stands for Cullowhee Revitalization Effort.

They have brought the issue to the forefront of public discourse, but haven’t managed to push the idea over the finish line.

“We have been talking about it a long time,” said Mary Jean Herzog, a WCU professor of education. “We need to go ahead and establish a Cullowhee community planning council and get started and stop talking about it.”

The goal for now is not enacting land-use regulations, but merely getting county commissioners to appoint a task force to start the ball rolling.

The majority of county commissioners have said they are amenable to the idea, with a couple of caveats: it must be community driven, and there must be support among property owners, not just among those who live or work in Cullowhee.

Since last spring, Curve has held community discussions and meetings on the subject, which some county commissioners attended.

“We keep hearing things like we have to

port from at least one-third of the property owners to be enacted.

County commissioners would ultimately have the final say on whether to enact any specific guidelines the task force developed. Jackson County currently has two community planning districts: one in Cashiers and one along the U.S. 441 corridor leading to Cherokee.

WHAT’SIN, WHAT’SOUT

Another outstanding issue is what area would be included in a Cullowhee planning district. State laws governing community planning districts require them to be at least 640 acres and include at least 10 tracts of land.

Green has been toying with what the planning district boundaries might look like, but that would ultimately be a question the planning council — if and when it is appointed — would have to answer.

“I feel like we should go ahead and appoint an official planning council and let them grapple with the boundary,” Herzog said.

see if there is community support. We have showed them community support from those meetings,” Herzog said.

But the group has yet to make a formal proposal to the commissioners.

“Either through a petition or emails or a presentation, they should let commissioners know there is support for this effort, and the property owners in the Cullowhee community want community-based planning,” said Jackson County Planning Director Gerald Green.

The petition being amassed by Curve members seems aimed at just that.

“We, the undersigned, petition the Jackson County Commissioners, to establish a Cullowhee Community Planning Council, immediately,” the petition states.

A primary litmus test to win the support of county commissioners could be tough to meet, however. The majority of commissioners have expressly said they would endorse a planning process if property owners are on board.

The problem, of course, is that it’s hard to measure support among property owners for something so amorphous, something floating in the stratosphere of ideas.

So it presents a Catch 22 for planning advocates. Until the planning process actually gets underway, and until there’s some idea of what land-use regulations in Cullowhee would look like, it could be difficult to get the support of said property owners.

Herzog questioned whether property owners should be the linchpin, however. Community planning has more stakeholders than just property owners, and should take the desires and visions of those who live and work in Cullowhee into equal account, she said.

“We are not confining it strictly to business owners and property owners. Most of the people who have come out for these meetings are residents of Cullowhee or Jackson County,” Herzog said.

Under state laws governing community planning districts, regulations must have sup-

The university is obviously the largest landowner in Cullowhee. WCU’s inclusion in a planning district could quickly and easily help it meet the 640-acre threshold.

But whether WCU would want to be included in a formal planning district remains to be seen.

Belcher said WCU is interested in playing a role in the process of “shepherding growth” in a positive way. But he is sensitive to past criticism that the university was heavy-handed in imposing its will on the area, even if the accusation wasn’t exactly accurate.

“The university has a delicate balance in being part of the conversation but neither in reality or perception to be dominating,” Belcher said. “I don’t ever want the university to be perceived as being the 800-pound gorilla.”

In other words, WCU might not want to be included in the actual planning boundary.

There’s another reason for hesitation: the university doesn’t want regulations dictating what it can build on its campus.

“One of my responsibilities in leading a university is to have the university chart its course. I don’t want anything to get in the way of that responsibility we have been given,” Belcher said. “I am committed to WCU being part of a growing, thriving community, but there are some nitty gritty details about the university being part of a planning council.”

Herzog agrees the university would be a valuable partner in the process, regardless of whether it is officially included in a planning district.

“We can still work together because we have the same interests,” Herzog said.

In the meantime, Cullowhee planning proponents have gotten a tacit endorsement by the Jackson County planning board. The Jackson County Planning Board, which is appointed by county commissioners, unanimously supported the concept of land-use planning in Cullowhee in December — with a couple of “if’s.”

“That it needed to be community driven. It had to be led by the community and have the support of the community,” said Green, county planning director.

WCU hastens Millennial build-out

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFFWRITER

In an effort to speed development of its Millennial Campus, Western Carolina University plans to lease the 344-acre tract to a nonprofit endowment — streamlining regulations and eliminating some of red tape the institution must otherwise cut through as a state entity.

WCU leaders want the Millennial Campus to become a hub where private and public endeavors mix for the betterment of all — a place where academics, research, private industry and college life intersect. Purchased eight years ago, the tract is home to the newlyopened Health and Human Sciences building, which the university envisions as the epicenter of a health care consortium where students and professors study and teach alongside private health care providers, medical device companies and specialized clinics.

But to get there, the university fears it would be hampered by cumbersome state rules and regulations. Multiple levels of approval needed to green-light projects could

delay growth. A public university will talk with a private developer about a possible partnership, and while the developer may be ready to start building right away, the college must get permission from various state organizations before moving forward.

“Once you have an agreement with (developers), they are ready to go,” said WCU Chancellor David Belcher. “Our great fear is they won’t wait around for us.”

In general, state agencies must oversee construction on state-owned land, from reviewing site plans to performing building inspections. Sometimes, private companies can’t or won’t wait around.

“Private business moves extraordinarily fast,” said Mary Ann Lochner, WCU’s general counsel. “We are not in the best position to respond.”

WCU Board of Trustees recently approved the idea of leasing the Millennial Campus to its endowment for 99 years for $1. The Endowment Fund would then oversee the development of the tract, including negotiating leases with private companies wanting to locate there.

A chain of state agencies and boards must sign off on the arrangement, which could take about a year. The WCU Board of Trustees rubberstamped the proposal in December, but the Board of Governors, the policy-making body for state higher education institutions, will not vote on it until its April meeting.

Then, the proposal still has two more steps to go. In all, before the lease is finalized, WCU must get approval from the Board of Governors, the Council of State and Gov. Pat McCrory.

In essence, transfering the land to the Endowment means WCU only has to go through that process once, rather than asking the state to OK each project as it comes up — going through all the same approval hoops for each component of a Millennial Campus build out. While the initial approval process will take months, it will save time in the future.

“Without leasing it to the endowment, the processes that are in place are just extremely complicated,” Belcher said. “One of the advantages to leasing the property to the endowment is that the process by which we

get approval for various kinds of things are streamlined.”

For example, county building inspectors, rather than the state construction officer, would handle building inspections. Also, developers would not be subject to “lowestbidder” requirements as publicly built projects are.

WHATWILLITLOOKLIKE?

Letting the Millennial Campus to the Endowment Fund is just the beginning. The endowment will turn around and sublease chunks of the land to private developers, who will construct office buildings, research labs or medical practices. WCU will not pay for construction costs.

“Any private developer who we partner with will be the one building and spending money,” Lochner said.

So far, the vision for public-private partnerships on the Millennial Campus has revolved around the Health and Human Sciences building. WCU leaders are hoping a mixture of private ventures and academic

S EE M ILLENNIAL, PAGE 8

PARK, CONTINUEDFROM 6

actually build the river walk.

Without that kind of public investment coming first, it’s hard to see how Old Cullowhee can dig out of its “has-been” reputation and reclaim its role as hub of college life.

“I think we need to go ahead and start building the infrastructure, and if you build it, they will come,” said Mary Jean Herzog, a WCU education professor and leader in Curve. “It’s the university’s backyard.”

The university stands to benefit if the vision comes to fruition, both in attracting students and keeping them at WCU for a full four years.

“We think that a really vibrant downtown Cullowhee would appeal to college students as well as residents, and we think that would help improve WCU’s retention rate,” said Herzog.

WCU Chancellor David Belcher said he supports the revitalization of Old Cullowhee. He agreed it would enhance college life — but not just as a commercial district.

The plan for greenways, public parks, a community garden, bike paths and river boating would make Old Cullowhee a recreation hub. That would be a huge asset to the university.

“I think what we are seeing more and more is Western Carolina University is becoming a destination campus. Part of it is where we are located. We are in this gorgeous place with all these outdoor opportunities, and students love it,” Belcher said.

‘OLD’ VERSUS ‘NEW’ CULLOWHEE

Cruising Old Cullowhee’s business stretch, you find a few stalwarts: the Cullowhee Café, a Chinese restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a laundry mat and

A river park along the Tucaksegee River could provide a backdrop for revitalization of Old Cullowhee, the potential captured in this artist rendering.

mechanic shop.

But it’s a shadow of its former self. Old Cullowhee’s decline is often traced to the construction of the four-lane highway N.C. 107. A new main entrance to campus was built off the highway, steering traffic and commerce away from Old Cullowhee. It became the backside of campus and was labeled with the tagline it’s now stuck with: “Old” Cullowhee.

“The theory is when the four-lane highway got built, it decimated Old Cullowhee,” Herzog said.

While Curve has championed a comeback of Old Cullowhee, it could face competition from the university’s own Millennial Campus. The 340-acre Millennial Campus is clear on the other side of campus — on the opposite side of the four-lane highway no less. It has been targeted by the university as

a priority for development.

“It is possible the Millennial Campus could become the uptown of Cullowhee and further contribute to the decline of the Old Cullowhee area,” Herzog said.

When a new coffee house opened in Cullowhee last fall, it set up shop on the doorstep of Millennial Campus — not in Old Cullowhee. The Point coffee shop has done a brisk business and gained a strong following, no doubt benefiting from the 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in the newly opened $46 million Health and Human Sciences building.

But Herzog is optimistic the Millennial Campus could actually help Old Cullowhee.

“We really think there can be a tipping point. Let’s say nice things happen across the highway. Hopefully that would influence good things on our side of the highway,” Herzog said.

Despite the university’s obvious focus on building out the Millennial Campus, Belcher doesn’t think it would detract from efforts to revitalize Old Cullowhee.

“As Cullowhee is developing and more and more people are moving in, people are living on both sides of the campus. As the area grows, there will be room for both,” Belcher said.

For more on Curve’s vision, go to Gocullowhee.org.

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Tour WCU’s new Health and Human Sciences Building

A dedication ceremony for Western Carolina University’s new $46 million, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building will be held Thursday, Feb. 28.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by tours and demonstrations in simulation and research laboratories as well as in clinical spaces.

The four-story, 160,000-square-foot building opened this fall, the first building to grace WCU’s Millennial Campus, a 340-acre tract across the highway from the main college campus. Customized classrooms, seminar rooms and 21 specialized labs serve more than 1,200 undergraduate students and 300 graduate students in diverse high-demand, health-related programs.

The building brings under one roof students and faculty from disciplines including nursing, physical therapy, communication sciences and disorders, social work, athletic training, emergency medical care, environmental health, nutrition and dietetics, and recreational therapy.

Those who plan to attend the dedication ceremony are asked to RSVP by Monday, Feb. 18, by sending an email to healthandhumansciences@wcu.edu. 828.227.7271.

M ILLENNIAL, CONTINUEDFROM 7

pursuits will attract health care professionals or researchers who might not otherwise settle in Western North Carolina. In turn, community members could benefit from their expertise.

“We are basically clustering a group of professionals who can in fact help the people around us,” Belcher said. “We think in the long run it is going to pay huge dividends for Western North Carolina.”

At some point, a build-out of Millennial Campus will go beyond the Health and Human Sciences mission, however. What exactly that may be isn’t known yet, Belcher said.

Belcher’s predecessor, Chancellor John Bardo, wanted to create a mixeduse complex of restaurants, cafes, retail shops and apartments on university property — a purpose-built, mixed-use, college town complex. But Belcher said that concept is not a priority for the university right now.

“There has been a lot of talk, primarily before I arrived, about mixeduse facilities here. Our immediate focus is not on developing those kinds of operations on the Millennial Campus,” Belcher said. “That’s not to say it wouldn’t in time.”

ers visited both institutions to ask questions and learn from the two universities’ experience. Where did they succeed? What snags did they hit along the way?

Belcher said a clearer vision for Millenial Campus will no doubt be addressed in a longrange campus master plan being created this year — with lots of opportunity for public input.

Developers have already approached WCU about possible projects; however, it’s unclear when serious negotiations about contracts and terms will take place.

“Whatever they build has to fit into our system,” Belcher said. “We are not just going out to get any old business to come on campus.”

After the 99-year lease with the Endowment Fund expires, ownership of the 344-acre millennial campus will revert back to the state.

“I really don’t see any downside,” Lochner said.

“Me either,” Belcher chimed in.

N.C. State University and the University of North Carolina in Charlotte have both gone similar routes to what WCU hopes to do to develop its Millennial Campus. WCU lead-

The most valuable takeaway was to hire someone who would focus all of his or her time on the Millennial Campus project. Make it someone’s only priority, not one of many priorities.

“You cannot develop a Millennial Campus and all of the partnership relationships you need unless somebody is a designated champion for that campus,” Belcher said.

With that advice in mind, WCU plans to create an entirely new job — director of Millennial Initiatives, Regional Networks and Economic Development. The title is subject to change, as WCU is still tinkering with the job description.

“This person will really, as I have said, be the nexus between the campus and the community,” said Provost Angela Brenton at the December Board of Trustees meeting. “It would be optimum if they understand North Carolina and particularly Western North Carolina.”

Brenton invited about a dozen people to serve on a steering committee charged with finding an individual to fill the position. The salary is unknown, but Brenton said the university hopes to hire someone by July 1.

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles announced that the Franklin driver license office, located at 185 Industrial Park Road, will close at the end of the business day on Thursday, Feb. 7, in preparation for its move downtown to 16 West Patton Street. It will reopen in its new location at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11.

The new location is a Macon County-donated space, which has been modified for DMV driver license operations. The office phone number will remain the same and service hours will remain 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. 828.524.3592.

•••

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Appalachian South is offering a 12-week Familyto-Family course in Franklin starting Feb. 12.

The class covers the major mental illnesses and encompasses topics such as basics about how the brain and medications work, early signs of relapse, communications and self-care. The course has a dual focus of education, and understanding the experience of living with mental illness. Free. Registration is required. 828.369.7385 or 828.524.1355.

•••

The nonpartisan political organization League of Women Voters of Macon County will sponsor a program with County Commission Chair Kevin Corbin at noon Feb. 14, at Tartan Hall in Franklin.

Corbin will provide an update on important issues and plans for the coming year. Topics will include the budget, pool project, Parker Meadows Recreation Park, tax revaluation, Macon County Schools’ projects (technology and the Highlands renovations) and others. Participants will have a chance to ask questions. The event is free and open to the public.

•••

The Waynesville library offers free homework help from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in its children’s department. No appointment is necessary. One-on-one sessions are not guaranteed, but assistance is offered to elementary-aged students who need help with reading, spelling, math or other subjects. Interested volunteers: cdennis@haywoodnc.net or 828.356.2511.

•••

MedWest-Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care is offering free opportunities for bereavement education and support for any adult who is experiencing life after the death of a loved one.

• The hospital is hosting a series of three 8week support groups. The first group will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursdays from Feb. 14 through April 4. The second group will meet from 10:30 to noon on Thursdays from May 2 through June 20. Both groups will meet at Lake Junaluska First Baptist Church in Clyde. The third group will meet on from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays beginning Aug. 29 through Oct. 17 at The Homestead. 828.452.5039.

•The men’s only frief support group meets from 9 to 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month, at First Presbyterian Church in Waynesville. 828.551.2095 or jhwoods55@yahoo.com.

•The Harris monthly grief support group meets from 3 to 4 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month in the Chaplain’s Conference Room at MedWest-Harris in Sylva. 828.586.7979.

Cherokee ups the ante for early landslide repairs to Smokies road

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the National Park Service are offering up to a $500,000 incentive for early completion of landslide repairs to U.S. 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — indicating both entities’ concerns about the road closure’s effects on Cherokee’s economy.

A 200-foot section of U.S. 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park collapsed in a landslide during a week of heavy rainfall last month, forcing the park service to close the road, which serves as the main artery for motorists traveling from Tennessee to Cherokee.

The park estimated the $3 million to $7 million repair job would likely take until mid- to late May.

To give the contractor a kick in the rear, the Eastern Band and National Park Service have announced that they will pay $18,000 for every day repairs are completed before May 15. Together, they will dole out up to $500,000.

However, if the company does not finish the project on time, it will cost. The contract with the park service will charge the contractor $18,000 for every day repairs go past May 15.

Business leaders in Cherokee were glad that both entities are taking a proactive approach to ensure that U.S. 441 reopens in time for the main tourist season.

“That pleases me. It certainly benefits our merchants to have the road open as early as possible,” said Amy Watkins Parker, executive director of Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.

February is typically a slow tourism month for Western

Sharpe, owner of Medicine Man Crafts. “That is not some Podunk road through the park.”

Business has declined during the last four years, Sharpe said, so every penny counts. Since the road has closed, Medicine Man Crafts has only seen a few customers a week.

“I’ve had weeks go by and maybe take in $20,” she said.

The fact that the tribe and the park service has offered up to $500,000 as motivation for workers to finish the road repairs earlier shows just how important the route is to Cherokee’s economy, Sharpe said.

Despite the tribe sweetening the pot for contractors to fix U.S. 441 ahead of schedule, they clearly have their work cut out for them. Donated photo

North Carolina, but the closure of U.S. 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has brought business in Cherokee to a slow drip.

Kay Sharpe has owned a business in Cherokee since 1966 and has dealt with road closures during heavy snow in the past. But it doesn’t compare to the effects the recent landslide has had thus far, she said.

“I have never seen anything like this in my life,” said

“It affects the whole reservation,” she said.

Other Cherokee business owners and employees were less sure of the impact that the U.S. 441 closures had on their establishments so far since winter is never booming.

“This time of year it’s really hard to measure because it’s so affected by the weather,” said George Ware, owner of the Chalet Suites. But business is “not as good as it’s been the previous two years,” he added.

March and April, when the spring tourism season starts, will be the real test to see how Chalet Suites fares, Ware said. So, in the hopes of enticing customers, they are offering specials.

“We are doing as much as we can,” Ware said. “Hopefully, we will all get through it.”

Since U.S. 441 is no longer an option for travelers coming from Tennessee to Cherokee, tourists who still want to make a trip to Cherokee must drive an additional 45 to 60 minutes.

And some are, said Vicki Cruz, manager of Qualla Arts and Crafts. Every time a customer enters the store, employees ask where they’ve traveled from, and Cruz has spoken to a few people who have taken the extra time.

“If they are wanting to come to Cherokee, they are going to go the alternative route,” Cruz said.

CHOICE OF APPETIZER TO SHARE: Crab Cakes “Shore is Good” Seafood Dip Fried Green Tomatoes

CHOICE OF TWO ENTREES: Pan Roasted Sea Bass with Key Lime Butter

Shrimp

Grilled Pork Porterhouse with Maple Glaze

CHOICE OF DESSERT TO SHARE: Peach Cobbler

Chocolate Confusion

CHOICE OF COCKTAIL:

Swain County hits the jackpot with Golden LEAF grants

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFFWRITER

Swain County could receive as much as $2 million in , one-time grant funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation for community betterment projects.

The Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit that gives grants to economically distressed or rural communities, created a new program in 2007 that focuses on helping the poorest counties in North Carolina by giving each the chance to single out two or three problems that pester the community. The foundation then awards up to $2 million toward projects that will remedy, or at least curb, the problems — without having to go through the normal competitive grant application process.

“We wanted to go out and directly engage in those communities, put our boots on the ground in these communities,” said Patricia Cabe, vice president of programs, community assistance and outreach with Golden LEAF.

Because Swain County is ranked among the bottom 40 counties in the state in terms of economic vitality, Golden LEAF employees are working with county

Want to weigh in?

Golden LEAF Foundation representatives will meet with Swain County leaders, business owners and residents at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center on Buckner Branch Road. The meeting is open to the public.

officials and residents to narrow down its list of needs and develop two or three promising projects that the nonprofit could help fund.

“They want everyone to say, ‘We have a need for this,’” said Ken Mills, the economic development director in Swain County. “The caveat is that it still has to fit Golden LEAF categories.”

The nonprofit’s main funding priorities fall under agriculture, job creation and retention, and workforce preparedness. The money could pay for viable plans to decrease high school dropout rates or increase tourism (thereby adding wealth and jobs to the county). And each plan must produce results.

The Golden LEAF Foundation does not

want to give money only to see a one-time return on its investment. The foundation wants to point to a project it funded and show how its money has affected change three, five, even 10 years down the road. During the process, counties are asked to create benchmarks to gauge a project’s progress.

“Try to set some goals that are realistic but also aspirational,” Cabe said.

Golden LEAF employees have held a couple meetings in Swain County to talk to residents, business owners and government officials to see what they are most concerned about and talk about how to fix the problem.

“If education is an issue, what are those things that you really want to move the needle on?” Cabe said.

The nonprofit’s main funding priorities fall under agriculture, job creation and retention, and workforce preparedness. The money could pay for viable plans to decrease high school dropout rates or increase tourism. And each plan must produce results.

process. It does not simply award money. Foundation representatives guide the county from beginning to end, from the first talks about the county’s struggles to check-ups to see results of its investment. In a typical grant process, the applicant works diligently to craft a proposal, outlining its plans and the expected benefits of the project. It can be difficult to gauge whether a project fits into the review committee’s set of guidelines or expectations. The grant writers simply do their best and cross their fingers, hoping the project fits them and stands out from the crowd of other applications.

“You go, ‘OK, I think we fit what they said on their (request for proposals),” Mills said.

Attendees have also looked at the county’s assets and successes that the Golden LEAF funding could amplify.

“What’s going on right now that we can build from?” Cabe said.

The program is unique because the foundation is present for every step of the

Swain County has not narrowed down what topics it hopes to tackle yet. But, within the next three months, Cabe said, the county will finish evaluating potential funding priorities and begin writing draft proposals, which Golden LEAF officials can critique. By summer or early fall, Swain County will begin implementing its plans.

Brewery

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFFWRITER

Two breweries that nearly found themselves pitted against each other in a trademark lawsuit may soon make amends in the spirit of brotherly beermaker love, but also out of mutual gain.

Victory Brewing Company, based out of Pennsylvania, suffered a bit of public relations damage when its lawyers gave the local Waynesville brewery, formerly known as Headwaters Brewing, two choices: change its name or operate under a legal agreement that would restrict its expansion.

Kevin Sandefur, a co-owner of the Waynesville brewery, chose undergo a name change to Bearwaters Brewing to avoid a conflict with Victory, which had trademarked the name Headwaters for one of its most popular beers, a pale ale.

Victory president and founder, Bill Covaleski, thought the two companies had settled the matter and filed it away as a hard lesson for Sandefur in trademark law and diligence due to the Headwaters Pale Ale trademark by Victory. But after the name change went public, Covaleski noticed the tide of public opinion turning against him, at least the public opinion that posts on Twitter and Facebook.

“In terms of smearing, it kind of began there,” Covaleski said. “Social media is very knee-jerk.”

There were numerous postings online from people swearing off Victory’s beer and accusing the larger Pennsylvania brewery of bullying the smaller Bearwaters into a name change. In a previous article in The Smoky Mountain News, Sandefur was quoted as saying that Victory didn’t come out with the Headwaters name until January 2012.

In all, Covaleski felt slighted. Especially since he has documentation showing he came up with the name for his pale ale as far back as 2010. Although Sandefur claims to have come up with it even sooner — in 2009 — Covaleski felt like his company was being accused of stealing the name Headwaters.

“That’s one thing that made people sharpen the pitch forks and light the torches,” Covaleski. “It was not true — in fact came up with the name around the same time.”

Furthermore, both companies have a connection to the Headwaters name — Victory Brewing is located just down stream from the headwaters of Brandywine Creek while Sandefur’s brewery is located in Haywood County, out of which all water flows.

But now Covaleski is extending his hand to Sandefur in to have the breweries cooperate in some type of beer-related project. Covaleski wants to show the area that his brewery – which brewed 93,000 barrels last year compared with Sandefur’s 120 — that he is not the big bad wolf. He has had several ideas, such as a collaborative beer project.

Meanwhile, Sandefur said he is open to suggestions and could especially use some help paying for the cost of changing over all his pint glasses, coasters and t-shirts to the new name. He added that, as a gesture of friendliness, he put one of Victory’s beers on tap in his tasting room in Waynesville — although it was not the Headwaters Pale Ale.

“Some of my patrons were coming in fired up and saying, ‘Screw them,’” Sandefur said. “But that’s not the culture we want to have here.”

uscellular.com

Haywood wants to hike tourist tax to fund ballparks

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER

Haywood County tourism leaders want to increase the tax on overnight lodging to fund special tourism-related capital projects, including a Jonathan Creek sports complex — a proposal that seems to have traction with county commissioners as well.

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Board unanimously agreed Monday that upping its lodging tax from 4 percent to the maximum 6 percent allowed by the state would raise money for projects the county otherwise couldn’t afford.

“We see this as an opportunity. This could be the funding source we are looking for,” said Mike Sorrells, both a county commissioner and member of the TDA board.

The tax is paid by overnight guests at hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rental homes. The 4 percent tax brings in about $900,000 annually, which is pumped back into tourism promotions and initiatives.

An extra 2 percent would translate to $450,000 more a year. The agency would earmark the extra 2 percent solely for capital projects.

One project already at the top of the list is a sports complex in Jonathan Creek. The county bought 22 acres for $1 million in 2007 with an eye toward building league-caliber ball fields in the future. The county even paid a consultant to design a master plan for the site — including several baseball fields, tennis courts, batting cages, a walking track, playground and more — but has not had the money to invest in its construction. The cost was pegged at $6 million.

Another possibility is adding two more fields to a baseball complex in Canton.

The sports complexes could host tournaments, attracting hundreds of parents, children and spectators to the county — and thus qualifying as a tourism initiative. Buncombe County in the past dedicated some of its tourism tax to building a tournament-scale soccer complex.

Canton Town Manager Al Matthews, who drafted a state bill asking the legislature to approve an increase in the lodging tax, emphasized that the money would not only pay for sports-related infrastructure.

By building a sports complex and more Canton baseball fields with the additional lodging tax revenue, Haywood County and tourism leaders hope to attract weekend-long tournaments that will bolster visitor numbers to the county. File photo

Those are just ideas, however, and how to actually spend the money would have to be vetted and voted on by the TDA board in the future.

“It doesn’t just have to be a sports complex,” said Al Matthews, Canton Town Manager and tourism board member.

But those two projects have been on the county’s to-do list for a while, and have emerged as a priority, based on the tourism board’s discussion this week.

“The main focus right now is sports,” said Sue Knapko, a TDA board member. “(The sports complex) is not just for our visitors. It will benefit the kids of Haywood County.”

Tourism and county leaders envision the sports complex as a place where they could host baseball tournaments from April to October, attracting thousands of visitors to the county for days at a time. The investment in the complex would equal more heads on beds in Haywood County, according to tourism leaders, and therefore generate more revenue for the tourism authority to spend on advertising or reinvest in tourism-related infrastructure projects.

bill to had already been drafted to introduce in the General Assembly.

While it was the first direct discussion of a room tax increase, tourism leaders have discussed the subject in the past using noncommittal terms such as “if,” “maybe” and “in the future.”

But, the subject recently resurfaced in meetings for Move Maggie Forward, a movement to promote economic growth in the valley, said TDA Executive Director Lynn Collins. Upon further investigation, tourism leaders realized that it was “do or die” time, Collins said.

If the bill is not submitted to the General Assembly by March, the county would have to wait two more years before the legislature would consider its proposal — to many board members, that is two years of wasted time, time when the county could be collecting the additional tax revenue. Within the last week, tourism leaders drafted a bill and started serious talks about an increase.

THEONLYWAY

“We would like to have everybody on board; we would like to have everybody educated. Time is of the essence.”

— Mike Sorrells,

Haywood

County commissioner

“I think this is an opportunity that we cannot let slip through our fingers,” said Ben Glover, owner of Maggie Mountain Vacations. “I don’t think we have an alternative. I don’t think we have a choice.”

The idea to increase the lodging taxes seems to have come out of left field. It was broached publicly for the first time at a special meeting of the tourism board called on Monday, but no details were listed on the advance agenda of what would be discussed at that meeting. It not only was unanimously endorsed by the board, but a sample legislative

Tourism leaders see the increase as the only way to find revenue in a still recovering economy.

“If we want to expand, I don’t think there is another choice,” said Lyndon Lowe, a member of the board. “Otherwise, we are just stagnant. We only have the infrastructure we have.”

And no one wants to raise property tax, which would affect county residents.

“As long as people are out of work and struggle with keeping taxes paid on their property, you just aren’t going to find money,” Sorrells said.

Lodging owners on the tourism board said that many tourists don’t realize or care how much the taxes are for a room.

“I find that it doesn’t really matter what the tax is,” said Lowe, owner of Cabins and RV’s at Twinbrook Resort in Maggie Valley. “They don’t even look at it.”

Vacation cabin renter Knapko agreed.

“Most of them are like, ‘Just give me the bottom line,’” she said.

The TDA board briefly considered only raising the lodging tax by 1 percent, but why leave money on the table?

Two Waynesville sweepstake

parlors charged as industry guns for a court fight

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFFWRITER

AWaynesville sweepstakes operator was charged with a criminal misdemeanor last weekend when she refused to shut down her machines, considered a form of illegal gambling under state law.

Waynesville police officers entered her establishment Saturday night and demanded she turn off her “open” sign.

To that Tami Nicholson, operator of Winner’s Circle, replied “Why? I’m open.”

That confrontation ended in a citation for Nicholson but may signal that the bigger battle is anything but over.

A N.C. Supreme Court ruling in late December deemed sweepstakes operations a form of illegal video gambling, despite the insistence of the sweepstakes industry to the contrary.

Sweepstakes operations were shut down statewide in early January. But now, several are reopening, some armed with new software. They claim the N.C. Supreme Court ruling doesn’t apply to the new style of games because they’re based on skill instead of chance.

Nicholson was open for three days after installing the new software before police caught up with her. They also charged a second sweepstakes operator over the weekend, 777.

For now, sweepstakes operators who have reopened appear to be flaunting the law in the absence of a court ruling in their corner — one that would back the claim new software successfully skirts the state’s video gambling ban. “That’s what the individuals said they were waiting for when they were charged. They were waiting to get these cases into court,” said Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed.

But Hollingsed said his job is to enforce the law as written or ruled by the courts — not to make legal interpretations on the latest reincarnation of sweepstakes software.

“We need stuff to start happening,” Knapko said. “If we just go up to 5 percent, we are kind of dinking along. It will take us twice as long.”

To increase the room tax, county commissioners would have to ask state legislators to introduce and pass a special bill in the General Assembly giving the county permission to hike the room tax.

County Manager Marty Stamey spoke with Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, before the tourism meeting Monday to “test the water.” Although Davis told Stamey that he did not support tax increases, he would back a local bill to raise the lodging tax if that is what county leaders want.

Nicholson she has been contacted by numerous lawyers wanting her to be that person. She claims it could be the next big showdown in the sweepstakes saga.

“This is the moment that the sweepstakes industry has waited for,” Nicholson said. “And now we’re going to prove that we’re legal under the law.”

Although Nicholson may have been one of the few parlor owners to receive a citation for operating sweepstakes, she is far from the only video gaming owner who has reopened. Maggie Valley and Sylva reportedly have machines back up and running; however, local police there claim they are unaware of any.

One sweepstakes operator who ran establishments in Haywood and Jackson counties, Leonard Watson said enforcement is sporadic across the regions and characterized police officers’ approach to the law in a few simple words.

“They’re only enforcing it if they want to,” he said.

District Attorney Michael Bonfoey said that law enforcement of the sweepstakes ban should not change — despite industry proclamations that their software is legal. He said it was made pretty clear in the N.C. Supreme Court’s ruling that sweepstakes and video games combined were prohibited under the law.

However, regardless of the ruling, he said the future of the legal debate is pretty clear as well.

“I’m sure there’s going to be more lawsuits,” he said.

In a letter written to law enforcement following the state Supreme Court ruling, Bonfoey warned back in early January that the definitive end to the issue had not passed and that there would be more appeals, injunctions and lawsuits to come.

Just last week, a Davidson County judge threw out a lawsuit by sweepstakes parlor owners and a video software company that

sought to restrain law enforcement from enforcing the gaming ban.

MACON’SGRACEPERIOD

Some sweepstakes in the region had barely shut down before they began opening back up.

A handful of Macon County sweepstakes operators stayed open with impunity for more than a month after the Jan. 3 enforcement deadline.

The Macon County Sheriff’s Department did not begin actively shutting down sweepstakes parlors until last week, hand-delivering letters to parlor owners. Sheriff Robbie Holland said the handful that had opened in January closed down their sweepstakes operations after receiving the letters, which threatened criminal law enforcement action.

“I did a courtesy letter to give everyone one last chance,” Holland said. “It said ‘you better stop or you’re going to force my hand.’”

Holland said his department was aware of sweepstakes operating in the county after the state Supreme Court ruling. But Holland said his office was hesitant to press charges while the Davidson County lawsuit was unsettled.

Holland said his deputies will not conduct surveillance on local sweepstakes parlors but will respond to complaints from citizens. Those who don’t comply risk fines and having their machines confiscated. Holland said he was glad that thus far his deputies had not encountered a defiant sweepstakes operator, such as Nicholson in Waynesville.

“I figured somebody would test the waters,” Holland said. “And the last thing I wanted to do was put our county into a lawsuit.”

The legal counsel for the Macon Sheriff’s office, Brian Welch, said most parlors shut down at the first deadline, then many reopened in mid-January, some with different gaming software.

Then, the office began receiving hundreds of phone calls. Some callers were phoning to notify law enforcement that parlors were still open and operating, while others were sweepstakes parlor owners and employees calling and asking for legal advice or if they could stay open.

However the common theme was confusion.

“And we’re kind of stuck in the middle,” Welch said.

Now that the TDA has placed its seal of approval on the increase, the county commissioner must vote to support the measure as well. The commissioners’ rubberstamp seems inevitable. Sorrells, Commissioner Kevin Ensley and Chairman Mark Swanger are already backing it.

Ensley knows first-hand from attending his own son’s out-of-town ball tournaments how much parents spend on sports trips. But he wants to make sure the increase is dedicated to capital projects and not generic marketing.

Since time is of essence — the bill would need to be introduced by mid-March.

“If that is something at the local level that you want to do, we will push that,” Stamey said, relaying Davis’ response.

The county commissioners would need to decide at their meeting on March 4 whether to formally ask legislators to introduce the bill. If approved by the General Assembly, Haywood County could implement the 6 percent lodging tax by July 1 this year.

The legislation will also create a special subcommittee to assess tourism-related capital projects and recommend how to spend the special pot of tourism dollars.

During the next couple weeks, TDA board members will work to educate lodging owners about the possible increase and why they think it’s needed.

“We would like to have everybody on board; we would like to have everybody educated,” Sorrells said. “Time is of the essence.”

This diplomacy stuff just isn’t that hard

Well, it seems that John Kerry is our new secretary of state, ready to take on all the problems of the world. Up until recently, I would have been fine with that, but I have now realized that a better choice for chief diplomat could have been made. That better choice? Me. OK, so perhaps I wasn’t an obvious choice; in fact, I myself wasn’t really cognizant of my skills as a diplomat and negotiator until recently — this morning actually, 7:58 a.m. to be exact.

The confrontation began at 7:23 when my son Adam strolled out to the car to discover that his brother, Andrew, was in the front seat.  I’m not exactly sure what ensued following that discovery, but I know that 10 minutes later when I went out, there was an argument ongoing, with Adam in the backseat.

They typically take turns in the front — one day one kid, the next day the next kid, and so on, with a break on weekends. Everyone should be even, right? Except for the fact that the uneven number of weekdays means that one child — the child who is clearly more important than his brother, the child who should never to have to clean his own room or put up his own clothes, the child who clearly deserves at least four times as much allowance as he currently receives — gets the front on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (that’s three times in one week) while the other child — the unloved, forsaken orphan who is forced to cook the meals, scrub the floors, and sweep the chimneys — gets the front only twice, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

But the next week, the roles are reversed and the orphan becomes the king, and so on. You get the picture.

The problem arose last week in the form of a snow day. That means that on Friday, Andrew’s turn to be in front, no one went to school, so he didn’t get his turn. Which led us to Monday,

Gov. McCrory needs to put up or shut up

To the Editor:

Thanks for standing up to the governor in your column about our state universities (“Majoring in philosophy? More power to you,” SMN, Feb. 6). Even those of us who earned technical degrees appreciate our universities as more than just factories to produce employees. In the U.S., we cherish diversity. One point overlooked in your editorial was that no school — university or trade — can fill jobs that don’t exist. In the robust 1950s and 1960s, manufacturing represented 28 percent of our gross domestic income; today, it is under 12 percent. What is left for U.S. workers is mostly financial and service jobs. So, governor, it wasn’t the universities that failed us, it was the leadership of American manufacturing that sold out for a boost in stock value.

I propose that we turn the tables on the governor and judge his performance by the same yardstick. He talked a lot about jobs in his campaign. If he can bring the textile industry back to North Carolina as it was years ago, he will be a hero. We might even make him governor-in-perpetuity. But if he can’t, he’s just another talking head.

So what will it be, governor? Are you up to leading us back to full employment?

Frederick (Rick) Bryson Bryson City

both claiming the front.

A disaster of course, a complete catastrophe, both children with questionable rights to the front seat. And what happened? The Chief Diplomat of the family — me — swooped in and saved the day.

I’ll spare you most of the details, but we worked it out with Andrew in the front two days this week, Adam in front two days, and Steve (aka Dad) and I each taking a child on the leftover day so that technically, both children will get the front three times this week. It was a masterpiece of diplomacy, and it smoothed everything over completely until Andrew pointed out that he was nearing 12 years old and would soon have undisputed legal rights to the front seat (you know — the airbag warning — no one under 12, etc). At that point, I threatened to throw them both out of the front seat forever because I would be perfectly happy having the front seat all to myself.

When I was telling the story to Steve, he complimented me on my diplomatic skills, and it suddenly occurred to me that after mornings like this, even world peace would be easy:

“YOU! Israel! Back on your side of the line! No — you can’t bring settlers over and you can’t throw bombs on Palestine. Put your bombs up. No. Not in your pocket.  I said up. In your closet where they belong and shut the door. No. No! I said to put them up! And come out of your room. You can’t stand in there by your closet all day.”

Lake J property owners need more information

To the Editor:

The article about the upcoming decision regarding possible annexation of Lake Junaluska by Waynesville in the Feb. 6 issue of The Smoky Mountain News included a statement that “... Lake Junaluska property owners have had ample opportunity to voice their opinion at public meetings ....”

While there have been public meetings at the lake, it would not be accurate to conclude that many property owners have had a chance to voice opinions. Most, if not all, of the meetings have been after Labor Day when many property owners are no longer at the lake. My guess would be that no meeting had even 100 of the almost 800 property owners in attendance.

When the property owner survey comes out, we will be voting “no” on annexation for the following reasons:

Ï• Lack of complete information as to why this is a good move for Junaluska. The minutes of meetings do not provide enough information. In addition, I sent four questions to the executive director last November. One question called for numbers/dollars. To this date, my question has not been properly answered. The information sought is information that a property owner should be provided upon request.

• If we go with annexation now and it turns out to be a mistake, then we are more or less stuck

“And you! Palestine. Quit complaining.  I know it’s not fair. But whoever said life was fair? You think I want to be arguing with you guys about a strip of bombed-out desert? You think I really care who gets it? No, all I want is some peace and quiet and maybe some chocolate.”

“All right. That’s it. I’ve had enough. Neither of you gets the Gaza strip! It will just stay empty. Anybody who gets even close is going to have to his nternet taken away. That’s right — no Facebook for a year. And then what will you do with yourselves all day?”

“And Iran and North Korea — I see what both of you are doing. No, don’t look at me with those silly grins. I know exactly what you’ve been doing, trying to play with Mom and Dad’s toys. That is not OK. They are not appropriate for little guys. They are on the top shelf for a reason, and I expect you to leave them alone. Do you want Santa to come this year or not?”

But of course, all this leaves everyone in a bad mood, which, as Chief Diplomat, I realize is just creating future problems — anger and resentment swirling under the surface, threatening to erupt at the most inopportune moment — so the best strategy at this point is diversion.

“I’ll tell you what. If you can all be good and quit arguing, we’ll have a sleepover. We’ll get out the blankets and put in a movie and pop popcorn, and I’ll make oatmeal cookies! It will be great! You know you love my oatmeal cookies!”

See, after parenthood, everything is easy. International boundaries and nuclear weapons? Piece of cake. … or at least an oatmeal cookie.

(StephanieWamplerlivesinWaynesvilleandcanbereached atstephaniewampler@aol.com.)

with that choice. There is little if any chance of undoing annexation once it occurs.

• If we retain the status quo and it turns out to be a mistake, then we still have all of the options before us that exist now.

• The important thing is to make a good decision, not a fast decision. If the decision will truly affect the lake for the next 100 years, then waiting another two years should not be a problem.

• Finally, the overriding question remains: why? We have never heard a good reason for annexation. Just because a committee comes to that conclusion does not make it so.

Thanks for your coverage of the annexation question. We have heard very little information from the city side. It will be interesting to see the commissioned report once it becomes available. It may convince property owners that annexation is in the best interest of the lake if indeed that question is addressed. If the study is only on feasibility and not best interest, then the study might not be of much use to us property owners.

Walt Logan St. Petersburg, Fla.

All Cherokee bear zoos should be shut down

To the Editor:

It’s about time that the USDA finally suspended operations at Chief Saunooke’s antiquated concrete pit in Cherokee. Now is the time for Chief Michell Hicks and tribal council

LOOKINGFOROPINIONS

The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints are welcome. Send to info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

members to make this permanent. Anyone who continues to cage wild animals in cheap sideshows for profit should be shut down. It is simply cruel, inhumane and totally disrespectful to the animals. Black bears in the wild require up to 50 square miles of territory, not 50 feet of concrete!  Cherokee has changed so much from when I was a kid, and I am so proud of all the progress that has taken place. But how can a such a disgraceful practice be allowed to continue? My blood is not full Cherokee, but I was taught to respect all of God’s creatures, and the bear spirit is among the most sacred. It is to be revered, not caged up for tourists to snap pictures of while it paces back and forth in misery.

Please do the right thing and shut down all of these horrible zoos. We should not need PETA to point this out.

Mylan Sessions

Clyde

Special Large Heart Shaped Pizza with Salad Bar and Dessert $18.95 We now have brick oven pizzas all the time

STARTERS: SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP SERVED WITH HOUSE MADE TORTILLA CHIPS HANDBREADED FRIED MUSHROOMS GARLIC KNOTS

SALAD BAR

ENTREE: 6 OZ SIRLOIN SERVED WITH BAKED POTATO AND VEGETABLE

CHICKEN PARMESAN SERVED WITH PASTA AND VEGETABLE BAKED PARMESAN BASA SERVED WITH BAKED POTATO AND VEGETABLE

tasteTHE mountains

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

AMMONS DRIVE-IN

extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

HERREN HOUSE

94 East St., Waynesville

828.452.7837

DESSERT: STRAWBERRY PARFAIT WITH CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

at Maggie Valley Inn

Soco Road • Maggie Valley Reservations: 828.926.0201

RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville. 828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years. Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

ANTHONY WAYNE’S

37 Church St, Waynesville. 828.456.6789

Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; open for dinner Thursday-Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exceptional, new-American cuisine, offering several gluten free items.

BLUE RIDGE BBQ COMPANY

Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy fresh local products, created daily. Join us in our beautiful patio garden. We are your local neighborhood host for special events: business party’s, luncheons, weddings, showers and more. Private parties & catering are available 7 days a week by reservation only.

BRYSON CITY BAKERY AND PASTRY SHOPPE

191 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.5390 Offering a full line of fresh baked goods like Grandma used to make. Large variety to choose from including cakes, pies, donuts, breads, cinn-buns and much more. Also serving Hershey Ice Cream. Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH

1ST COURSE:

North Carolina Oysters on the half shell served with Tabasco Sorbet

2ND COURSE:

Sweet Crab Bisque or Corn Succotash and Sherry Gastric

3RD COURSE:

Arugula and Pear Salad and Truffle Vinaigrette

4TH COURSE: ENTRÉE

Grilled Ribeye of Beef: Caramelized Onion and Sauce Bordelaise Lobster Risotto: Succulent Main Lobster sautéed, and paired with Saffron rice, garnished with Parmesan and Arugula Chicken prepared two ways: Pan seared Breast and Confit Leg with natural pan jus

5TH COURSE: DESSERT

Warm Chocolate Fondant with Coffee Crème Anglaise, Meringue and Red Berry Napoleon or Vanilla Pastry Cream and Raspberry Coulis

$80* Per Couple

5PM – 9PM, 2/14/13

Live music by pianist Karen Pegge

180 N. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.7524. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. FridaySaturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Blue Ridge BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant. The BBQ is slow hardwood smoked, marinated in its own juices, and seasoned with mountain recipes. All menu items made from scratch daily. Featuring homemade cornbread salad, fresh collard greens, or cornbread and milk at your request. Old-fashioned homemade banana pudding and fruit cobbler of the season. Catering, take-out, eat-in. blueridgebbq@gmail.com.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL

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

Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

BOGART’S

35 East Main St., Sylva. 828.586.6532

Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Serving classic American food and drink in a casual environment. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Children’s menu available. Call for catering quotes. Private room available for large parties. Accepts MC/Visa, Discover and American Express.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE

454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an

119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1401. Mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Join us for cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting) and family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Our bountiful family-style meals include prime rib, baked ham, and herb-baked chicken; cookouts feature steaks, ribs, chicken and pork chops, to name a few. Every dinner is complemented with an assortment of seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts, and we offer a fine selection of wine and beer. Breakfast is also served daily from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. Please call for reservations.

CITY BAKERY

18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881. Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials. Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked salmon bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panni sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

CITY LIGHTS CAFE

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

CORK AND BEAN

16 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.1934

Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy

tasteTHE mountains

organic, fair-trade, gourmet espresso and coffees, a select, eclectic list of wines, and locally prepared treats to go with every thing. Come by early and enjoy a breakfast crepe with a latte, grab a grilled chicken pesto crepe for lunch, or wind down with a nice glass of red wine. Visit us on Facebook!

CORK & CLEAVER

open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION

MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ

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

LOS AMIGOS

Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee. 828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices. Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet. Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB

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

176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 828.456.7179. Reservations recommended. 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

GUADALUPE CAFÉ

606 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.9877

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

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY

U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and

366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza. 828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 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.

LUCIO'S RESTAURANT

313 Highlands Road, Franklin. 828.369.6670. Serving Macon County since 1984. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. until.Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5 p.m. until. Owned and operated by Tanya and Dorothy Gamboni. Serving authentic Italian and continental cuisine including appetizers, pastas, poultry, veal, seafood, steaks and homemade deserts. Selection of wine and beer. Lunch and Dinner menus. Wednesday and Thursday nights only. 1 appetizer and 2 selected entrées with unlimited salad and Lucio’s famous garlic rolls for $24.95. Winter Special: half-off house wines, Friday and Saturday only. luciosnc.com

OLD STONE INN

109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane. 828.456.3333. Classic fireside dining in an historic mountain lodge with cozy, intimate bar. Dinner served nightly except Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Signature dinner choices include our 8oz. filet of beef in a brandied peppercorn sauce and a garlic and herb crusted lamb rack. Carefully selected fine wines and beers plus full bar available. Open year round. Call for reservations.

PASQUALE’S

1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Opend for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed

tasteTHE mountains

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

Wide selection of wine and beer. Outdoor and indoor dining.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center

828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO

628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS). 828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until. Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal. Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine. Home-Grown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready.

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 SPORTS BAR & GRILL

176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville

828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads and hearty appetizers along with a full bar menu in our casual, smoke-free neighborhood grill.

THE WINE BAR

20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day. Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

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.

Mad Batter

$45/couple

$25/individuals

HCC unveils new Professional Arts and Crafts center

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

With her hands fluttering like a hummingbird, Dana Claire loops skeins of colored yarn around a large pegboard.

Claire has been interested in fiber crafts her entire life and now, in her retirement years, has she decided to pursue her true passion of working with her hands by going back to school. Offering a nationally recognized professional crafts program, she found herself at Haywood Community College in Clyde. This semester, she’s learning and engaging in the new Creative Arts facility constructed on campus.

“What I’m interested in is creating new textiles that tell a story, that fascinate people and are one-of-a-kind pieces,” she said.

Though she was originally attracted to HCC for its storied reputation, she was somewhat turned off when she saw the old arts and crafts building. It was small, cramped and rundown — a place she couldn’t imagine spending two years full-time studying in.

She wrote off coming to the campus, but that

Gess said. “It has been a long-held dream to have a creative arts center at HCC. There were a lot of capable individuals behind this that made it happen.”

BREAKINGGROUND

For more than 30 years, the professional crafts program at HCC has been a mainstay in the creative and business climate of crafts in Western North Carolina. A key component in the survival and perpetual interest in clay, fiber, jewelry and wood arts, the school and its instructors attracted talented and determined students from around the country.

“The program here teaches you to learn how to be an artist, and also learn how to be able to make a living at it,” said Kari Rinn, continuing education creative arts coordinator at HCC.

Rinn points to the different aspects the school has to offer. Besides the hands-on programs, students also learn key marketing and design tools to better themselves at survival in a sometimes harsh business world for artists. Alongside the art majors, there are dozens of continuing education students, with enrollment aimed to increase on both sides of the equation as a bigger space means the possibility of more classes and amenities offered.

soon changed when she found out the new arts and crafts facility was slated to open. She immediately enrolled and began taking classes last fall.

“If you’re drawn to textiles, or any of these mediums here, this the most fabulous experience in learning and using those things to be creative and productive,” she said.

An enormous 38,000 square foot structure, the new building has been years in the making. It opened last month, welcoming more than 60 full-time arts and crafts students into the ecofriendly, state-of-the-art facility where creativity can properly flourish in a purpose-built space — specifically designed with the professional crafter in mind.

“I’ve been looking at the plans for this place so much, for so long, that finally seeing it in three-dimensional form is quite stunning,” said Terry Gess, chair of professional crafts at HCC.

To Gess, it’s important the HCC crafts program now has a modern facility to match the already stellar reputation of the program.

“I’ve worked here five years and the whole time we’ve been planning and designing this,”

years ago with the express purpose of college improvement projects.

The school and the Haywood County Board of Commissioners soon found themselves in a constant tug-of-war with each other, however. Commissioners saw the price tag as too high, the building too fancy and disagreed with some of the “green” design features.

But administrators pushed back with their reasoning over the basic cost of the project, and why the college would be smart to invest in a state-of-the-art facility to house its storied arts and crafts program.

Observing the students busy at work, Gess still can’t believe all of the hard work to get to this point has finally paid off. The building is now a reality, with a promising future already unfolding into the next phase for the institution. Now, it’s a matter of getting the word out that

“I’m excited about the potential this building holds,” Rinn said. “It will build these programs and bring a lot of attention to them. We’re going to do all we can to grow and offer as much as we can to the community and beyond.”

Clay instructor Steven Lloyd notes how HCC was one of the first craft programs nationally to offer marketing and business into its curriculum. For him, it’s about providing students with the proper skills to stand on their own after graduation.

“With this program, we take students from the very beginning, often with no experience, and teach them how to fire, glaze, make pots, and also how to go out there and market their work,” he said.

And as the program’s notoriety skyrocketed, the physical stability of the old building itself plummeted. A mindset of “if you build it, they will come” started seeping into the minds of the administration. They had the pupils to inspire, and the right people to nurture those eager students, but at some point the comfort of one’s surroundings start to become a large factor in deciding where to learn and grow.

It was time for change.

With a $10.2 million dollar price tag, the project was controversial in the beginning stages. Money for the new building would come from a dedicated pot set aside for the HCC campus —namely from a quarter-cent sales tax that was approved by voters several

Haywood Community College has a facility that can backup its renowned history.

“This is an exciting time in Haywood County,” he said. “We’re looking forward to taking craft to another level.”

WELCOMEHOME

The architectural design is built in harmony with the natural contour of a hillside on campus, flowing down the slope like a waterfall. As you enter on the top floor, a large staircase cascades three levels, with an array of hallways, classrooms, workshops and keenly placed nooks branching off.

Designed for comfort as much as creativity, the space is made for the individual, where every little detail is aimed at provoking curiosity within each student’s respective major.

“It’s a dream come true,” said jewelry instructor Robert Blanton. “This is going to open the way for us. There’s a lot more possibilities for the students here. The environment, natural light and space are much better than the old building.”

Though it may have become obsolete, the original building had gained character and history from all of those talented crafters who

Events bring awareness to global violence against women

A documentary about gendercide in India and China will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, in the theater of A.K. Hinds University Center at Western Carolina University.

“It’s A Girl” sheds light on reports of girls killed, aborted or abandoned because of their gender through the stories of victims, their families, global experts and grassroots experts. The event is sponsored by WCU’s Department of Intercultural Affairs.

The screening is part of the global V-Day 2013 movement to stop violence against women and girls and the movement’s One Billion Rising campaign. WCU will host VDay activities including:

• Guided discussion titled “V-Men: Standing Up and Speaking Out” at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the U.C. Multipurpose room.

• Performances of “The Vagina Monologues” at 7 p.m. March 1 and 2 in the U.C. Grandroom.

• Women’s History Monday Day of Service on Saturday, March 16. Admission is free to all events except “The Vagina Monolgues,” which is $5 in advance and $7 at the door. sacarter@wcu.edu or 828.227.2617.

Writer revels in translating Spanish poems

The Coffee with the Poet Series continues with Caleb Beissert at 10:30 a.m. Thursday,

The Broadway Musical “I Do, I Do” is coming to the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 16, and 3 p.m. Feb. 17. The story follows a couple through the ups and downs of 50 years of marriage, beginning in 1895 and running through 1945. The set consists solely of their bedroom, dominated by the large four-poster bed in the center of the room. The production is being directed by Kristen Pollata. $15 for adults and $8 for students. 828.456.6322 or www.harttheatre.com.

Feb. 21, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Beissert is a musician (percussion and drum set), freelance writer, translator and poet originally from Washington, D.C., now based out of Asheville. He attended Western Carolina University, majoring in English/professional writing and cultural studies. He has spent several years translating the work of Spanish-writing poets. His first book, Beautiful, a selection of poems translated from the Spanish poets Federico García Lorca and Pablo Neruda, is forthcoming from New Native Press.

Tapping into the tree of his literary ancestry, of which the writers of the Beat generation are the keystone, Beissert connected and collaborated with American Baby Beat poet Thomas Rain Crowe of Sylva. 828.586.9499.

Comedy promises lots of laughs on stage in Highlands

“Social Security,” a laugh-out-loud comedy, will be presented Feb. 21-24 and March 1-3, at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center in Highlands.

The story, which opened on Broadway in 1986, unfolds when sophisticated art dealers Barbara and her husband David find their domestic tranquility shattered when Barbara’s sister deposits their eccentric archetypal Jewish mother on their doorstep. The comic sparks really begin to fly when the mother, old enough for Social Security but never too old for romance, hits it off with an elderly artist who is the art dealers’ best client. www.highlandspac.org or 828.526.9047.

‘Rashomon’ brings Japanese tale and sword fighting to stage

Stage and screen students from Western Carolina University will perform the classic drama “Rashomon” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, through Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Hoey Auditorium.

“Rashomon,” a Japanese story and film from the 1950s, is set in feudal Japan and offers four differing accounts of the same event — a rape and murder — as seen through the eyes of four characters. A stylized version coming to WCU is set in the aftermath of a major nuclear event in the future and will pay homage to traditional elements of the Noh Theater of Japan.

The story contains timeless life lessons about human nature, even in the new postapocalyptic setting, according to D.V. Caitlyn, the play’s director and a stage and screen faculty member.

“The themes of the play remain strongly supported — human nature is what it is, both the admirable and the questionable,” Caitlyn said.

The show features action including swordfights and aerial work by the actors.

“The cast itself has been in physical training for several months at least, some since the beginning of last summer in anticipation of this production,” Caitlyn said.

$15 for adults; $10 for seniors, WCU faculty, and students (the day of); or $7 for students in advance.

828.227.7491 or 828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

“Going back to the old building, the life is gone out of it, it’s oddly quiet, and that’s because we brought the life with us over here,” Blanton said. “We haven’t started making this space ours yet, but it will find its identity.”

BRIDGINGTHEFUTURE

Each of the four craft concentrations — the mediums of wood, fiber, clay and jewelry — have their own elaborate workshops, and each student in the program has their own dedicated workstation.

Blanton said all the newfound room is a little overwhelming, with a lot of unpacking left to do, but it’s all part of the process of transitioning that accompanied the opening of the new building.

“The history of this program proves people came here not because of the facilities, but for the instructors, atmosphere and environment,” he said. “Now we can equal that history with this new building. It definitely sets us on a different level.”

An educator at the school for the last 11 years, Blanton has seen his share of changes in the program. It’s been a long road, but a bountiful one that is coming into its next stage.

Ribbon cutting

A grand opening for the new Professional Arts & Crafts Facility at Haywood Community College will take place through the day on Friday, March 1.

The dedication ceremony begins at 11 a.m., with a ribbon cutting at 12:15 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be self-guided tours of the facility, which also includes an alumni craft exhibit and HCC craft history video. Former HCC fiber instructor Catherine Ellis will give a lecture at 2 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. 828.627.4522 or www.haywood.edu.

promise and efficiency of each pupil.

“It’s marvelous here,” said wood instructor Brian Wurst. “This offers a chance for new equipment, increased enrollment, better guests for demonstrations and adequate space for bigger, more complicated projects.”

At a nearby table, second-year wood stu-

through the windows and trickles down onto a handful of students at their wheels, each intensely focused on the project at hand.

Walking out onto the back patio, Lloyd points to the handful of kilns that are currently being constructed by the students.

In HCC’s professional crafts program, stu-

A second-year wood craft student at Haywood Community College, Brandon Skupski (left) is excited to inhabit and work within the new crafts/instructional facility on campus. Clay craft student Leann Flowers (right) works on her latest project in the pottery studio. Garret K. Woodward photos

Now, students sit at their own workstation, with the ideal amount of space and tools allotted to work efficiently. Being able to offer students a top-of-the-line program will ultimately influence the quality and productivity of their work.

“Their ability to work in here will be much more conducive to wanting to work and wanting to be in the studio,” he said.

Downstairs in the domain of woodworking, the constant sounds of buzzsaws, hammers, drills and other intricate machines echo throughout the bottom floor. Several students mill about, moving around in what could only be described as organized chaos. It’s an impressive sight, one that accurately shows the

dent Brandon Skupski is excited about the new facility. He likes the fact he was able to spend his first year in the old building and this year in the new center. Skupski is proud to be a part of the professional craft program. It’s a lot of hard work, but something he knows will be worth it in the long run.

“This is a workshop most woodworkers would dream of, and we’re taking full advantage of what we have here,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and hopefully lots of people in the future.”

Back upstairs, Lloyd is hard at work setting up his clay studio and readying the final touches of the classroom. Natural light filters

dents not only learn to create and market artwork, but also to properly build and fire their own kiln.

“The old place had a lot of character that it built up for years,” he said. “And this place will take some time to get settled in and comfortable, but the students already love the space.”

Walking around her classroom on the third floor, fiber instructor Amy Putansu sees productivity and organization as she watches her students create. She doesn’t miss the old building and is amazed at how much they actually were able to get done in such a tiny abode.

“I think we may be spoiled already,” she chuckled. “But, this much space is really what

we needed. There are a lot of different techniques and practices done here, and it’s hard to describe the difference coming from the old space to here.”

Besides sinply having enough room for the numerous space-consuming looms, the fiber floor houses all of the textile techniques and practices, which include sewing, dying, weaving and hand stitching. Every practice required and received a different type of space, and Putansu sees it as beneficial for the students.

“Contemporary fiber arts are multi-process textiles,” she said. “Being able to offer all of these things to the students makes them that much more prepared when they graduate to put it all together.”

SUSTAININGCREATIVITY

Besides the picturesque art that will soon adorn building, there is just as much creativity and beauty behind the walls, underneath the floor and on top of the roof. A long list of green and sustainable technologies have been installed to provide the structure with renewable energy. A focus on sustainability in recent years has put HCC in the upper echelon of academic institutions promoting and incorporating these practices into their philosophy.

“This kind of technology is really in its infancy, and we’re breaking a lot of ground with this building,” said Bill Dechant, director of campus development.

The building incorporates three renewable technologies, which includes solar thermal for hot water and heat, solar thermal for air conditioning, and solar panels for electricity. The sun warms water flowing through coils on the roof, which in turn provides hot water and heats the building as it runs through pipes below the floor. The heat is also used to run an absorption chiller that powers cool air to flow through ceiling vents.

The roof houses a rainwater collection system that goes into a 35,000-gallon tank, which is utilized to flush all of the toilets in the building and provide water for the cooling towers on the outside. The building also uses natural gas for certain aspects of the facility (like the clay kiln), as well as a backup system for the solar panels on cloudy days.

“For the college, this is a great marketing tool, especially for the students we teach green technology to here,” Dechant said. “What we’re going to find is that this building is going to bring us a lot of attention.”

“Avian Configuration II (Winter is Coming)” is an oil pastel by Eve Wood.

Exhibit focusing on artists as critics, curators and writers

The Fine Art Museum will host a “Third Thursday” reception for a new exhibit, “Critology,” at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Western Carolina University.

“Critology: Considering the Art of the Critic/Curator” will run through May 10 and features the work of nine artists who also work as art writers, critics and curators. By analyzing their own creative fields, the artists featured in “Critology” elevate their personal vision and the creative potential within their own work. Artists Max Presneill and Mary Anna Pomonis will deliver an artist talk at the reception, which is free and open to the public.

Fine Art Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 7 p.m. Thursdays. Museum admission and parking are free. www.fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or 828.227.3591.

Variety of mediums stages at Gallery 86

Haywood County Arts Council new exhibition, “Fluid Expressions”, featuring work by Dominick DePaolo, went up this week and will run through March 9 at Gallery 86 in Waynesville. An artist reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22.

DePaolo, who spent his childhood in Waynesville, has been a freelance artist for more than 40 years. He has also been an illustrator for the U.S. Navy and an art teacher at Prairie State College for almost 15 years. After 12 years of operating and teaching at the

Long Grove Art School in Northwest Chicago, DePaolo now runs the school in Waynesville. As an award-winning artist, his creations range from the nostalgic drawings of his classic cowboy heroes and B-Western sidekicks to fine art paintings in oils and acrylics to colored pencil portraits of people, pets and homes from photos.

The exhibit and reception is free and open to the public. Gallery 86 is opened from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org.

Friday music at the Wineseller continues

The Classic Wineseller’s popular Friday Night Live music series in downtown Waynesville showcases local, regional and, on occasion, national talent. Next up in the series will be blues vocalist Sugar Barnes and guitarist Dave Magill who will perform at 7 p.m. Feb. 15. There is no cover charge, but there is a $10 minimum purchase in food and drinks.

A jazz trio will perform a special Valentine’s concert with jazz and dining at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

www.classicwineseller.com or www.facebook.com/theclassicwineseller or 828.452.6000.

Singer-songwriter Marshall Ballew.

Marshall Ballew to play Sylva library

A free concert featuring Marshall Ballew will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Ballew is a singer/songwriter/multiinstrumentalist whose repertoire spans more than a century of traditional music in an array of styles, from blues and ragtime to folk, old-time and bluegrass. He performs on a variety of stringed instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, dobro, Hawaiian guitar and tiple. Ballew has performed with such folks as David Lindley, Jorma Kaukonen, Doc Watson, Dave Alvin, amongst others. 828.586.2016.

Mardis Gras king and queen contest raises funds for Haywood School Foundation

The fundraising race is on among several business and civic leaders in Haywood County who are competing for the title of Mardis Gras King and Queen in the annual Haywood County Schools Foundation benefit.

The king and queen hopefuls are raising money throughout the month of February, with the royalty being crowned at the Mardis Gras Ball put on by the Haywood Schools Foundation on Saturday, March 2, at Laurel Ridge Country Club. The king and queen candidates who raise the most money get the title.

“It’s been fun to get out in the community and raise money for such an important cause — supporting public education and the great teachers of Haywood County — with a little friendly competition along the way,” said Greg Boothroyd, who is running for the title of king and has two children of his own in Haywood County schools.

include: Scotty Setser with the MedWest Fitness Center and Michael Sorrells, a county commissioner and convenience store owner in Jonathan Creek. Queen candidates include Ellene Francis and Beth Brown, owner of Beth Brown Photography.

Boothroyd has scheduled special fundraising events as part of his bid for Mardi Gras King:

• Wine tasting and food pairings at the Classic Wineseller at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21. Taste five wines with food pairings and get special discounts on wine purchases. $50/person. Reservations 828.452.6000.

• Buy a slice or whole “King Cake” from City Bakery through March 2.

Boothroyd and Queen candidate Beth Brown are partnering on two events:

• Music and beer at BearWaters Brewery (formally Headwaters Brewery) from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. Live music by Hermit Kings of Asheville.

• Cash mob from 4 p.m. until early evening on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Drop money in their “hat” at the corner of Walnut and Main streets and get some Mardis Gras Beads.

The money raised through the Maris Gras ball and King and Queen competition goes toward mini grants for teachers to buy supplies, attend training and workshops, teacher recruitment and retention, and scholarships. The Mardis Gras Ball will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Laurel Ridge Country Club and is sponsored by Old Town Bank. Black tie event with gourmet dinner and entertainment. Cost is $100 per person. jwood@haywood.k12.nc.us or 828.456.2400, etc. 2175.

Acting classes offered at HART

An eight-week acting “Scene Study” class at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting March 2.

Taught by Martin Rader, the class is open to all levels. Scenes will be selected to fit the students’ needs and experience. Rader taught acting at the UNC School of the Arts for 28 years. Many of his students continue to act and direct on and off Broadway, in regional theatres and in film and TV. They have won TONY, Obie and Emmy awards. Rader and his wife now live in Haywood County.

Cost is $185. Enrollment is limited. 828.622.3344 or mrader@earthlink.net.

Learn to cut and solder stained glass in Tiffany style

Western Carolina University will host acourse in “Creating Stained Glass” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays Feb. 21 through March 28.

Participants will learn about the Tiffany method of stained glass, which involves each piece of glass being wrapped in copper foil and soldered. The course also will cover safety, proper cutting techniques, foiling and soldering techniques, and simple metal framing, as well as types of glass, solders and copper foils. Students will be expected to purchase their solder, foil and glass. All other tools will be provided, and some items will be available for purchase in class.

Instructor will be Moya O’Neal, who has been working in stained glass more than 20 years. $85. 828.227.7397 or 800.928.4968 or www.learn.wcu.edu.

To be (born) or not to be

Since reading Ben Wattenberg’s The Birth Dearth 25 years ago, the subject of demography has fascinated me. This past week I finished Jonathan Last’s What To Expect When No One’s Expecting: America’s Coming Demographic Disaster (ISBN 978-159403-641-5, $23.99), a look at declining fertility rates in the United States and around the world. As libertarian humorist P.J. O’Rourke quipped, Jonathan Last’s book is “a powerful argument that the only thing worse than having children is not having them.”

In 1968 Paul Erlich wrote The Population Bomb, in which he claimed that “in the 1970s the world will undergo famines — hundreds of millions of people are going to starve to death … nothing can prevent a substantial increase in the world death rate.” Erlich’s book became an enormous bestseller. Erlich appeared on several talk shows, and governments around the world embarked on various campaigns, using persuasion and, in the case of China, force, to reduce the number of children being born.

Contrary to the doomsday predications of Paul Erlich and others like him, however, there was no worldwide famine. There were famines and hunger, but these conditions were nearly all caused by corrupt political regimes, and not by overpopulation.

Erlich was also wrong about population growth. While the population of the world has expanded at a startling clip, this growth, as Last points out, is not due to the number of births of the last two decades but to the bulge created in the population for 30 years after WWII. Increased life expectancy brought about this large population, but in fact fertility rates worldwide have plummeted in the last 50 years. The number of human beings on planet Earth will begin to diminish in the next century. Some countries are even now feeling the results of this decline. In Europe, for

example, where fertility rates have long ago fallen below the 2.1 figure needed to replace a population, this baby-bust has become so precipitous that governments desperately promote tax breaks to families, free daycare, and long paid maternity leaves, all to little avail. The birthrates in countries like Spain, Italy, and Germany have all dipped well below replacement rates for years and remain so today.

Among 97% of nonEuropean countries around the world, similar trends are in effect.

Modernization, wealth, contraception, later marriages, abortion, the quest for individual satisfaction and pleasure: all have brought steep declines in the birth rates.

As a result, a few countries have already entered into active population decline. In Russia deaths have outnumbered births for decades. The past 15 years have seen the population there diminished by about 10 million, and the government now officially regards the absence of babies as a threat to national security. Japan, which has only just kicked off on its own downhill race, has lost a million people in the last decade. In the next quarter

Appalachian author Ron Rash to present new collection

Renowned Appalachian fiction Author Ron Rash will discuss his latest work at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

Acclaimed equally for his penetrating novels and his haunting and lyrical short stories, Rash is recognized as one of the most distinctive and significant American writers at work today. The 14 stories in his new collection, Nothing Gold Can Stay , further solidify that literary reputation.

century, China faces the problem of a massive population of the elderly supported by a reduced population of the young.

Many people cheer this decline in fertility,

claiming, rightly or wrongly, that the Earth is too crowded anyway. I have no intention of arguing that idea one way or the other. But

Rooted in the rugged Appalachian landscape that Rash has claimed as his singular literary terrain, the stories span its history from the Civil War to the present. Lending his accustomed insight into the inner lives of those who inhabit this pocket of America, this “writer of quiet and stunning beauty” (Huffington Post) explores the yearnings, failures, foibles and violent actions of an array of meticulously wrought, indelibly real characters.

Seating is limited. Reserve a spot by pre-ordering a copy of the book, to be released Feb. 19.

He will give a reading in Sylva at 6:30 p.m. on March 15 at the Jackson County library, co-sponsored by City Lights Bookstore. 828.456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

what does seem to me inarguable — and this is the point of What To Expect When No One’s Expecting — is that we are facing a long period, perhaps a century or more, of social upheaval as a consequence of this downward demographic shift. Retirement ages will be extended. The tax base will be diminished. Entitlement programs will necessarily be reduced. There is, for instance, simply no way at the present that a platoon of younger people can support the services sought by a battalion of the elderly. In wealthier countries the situation will lead to reduced entitlements, at best; in poorer countries, where this same birth dearth is also occurring, and in many places at a faster rate, the lack of children to care for the old and the infirm will result in increased poverty.

Though a conservative, Jonathan Last is no ideologue. In What To Expect When No One’s Expecting, he writes extensively of the expense and the stress of raising children. He is also careful when discussing causes of this fertility decline, pointing out that in the case of America the “decline was not caused by a grand conspiracy to eviscerate the family. Rather, it’s been the result of a thousand evolutions in modern life.”

Near the end of the book, Last offers some solutions to increase American fertility and to try to bring it again to the 2.1 mark of replacement. These suggestions seem wise, but it is unlikely that any of them — these range from reducing the costs of college to tax benefits for parents — will succeed. These same ideas have been tried and found wanting in cultures as different as Germany, Japan, Russia, Italy and Singapore.

Read the book. Argue with it. Whatever you decide, I would suggest that the next time you’re in a supermarket and see a young mother — you know, those women whom airheads refer to as “breeders” — with three, four, or five children, you might offer to help her with her groceries rather than grousing: “Are those all yours?”

You see, those aren’t just children. They’re the budding taxpayers who will be busting their backs paying for our Social Security and medical care.

Local author to present Haywood memories series

Haywood County Historical Writer Louise Nelson will speak at 2 p.m. on Fridays for four weeks from February 15 through March 8 at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

A local author of country folklore and many books about Haywood County, Nelson will tell about growing up in one room school houses, country doctors and more. Attendees are invited to listen and add their own fond memories. Free. 828.452.2370.

TRAIL TRIAGE?

Tough choices ahead as forest service weighs 1,600 miles in trail plan

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFFWRITER

For the past year, the National Forest Service has been taking inventory, collecting public input and meeting with outdoor interest groups to wrangle its expansive web of nearly 1,600 miles of trail in the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests into a better, more

sustainable network.

This month, the forest service will share its preliminary assessment from the “Trail Strategy Initiative” with mountain residents.

Erik Crews, dispersed recreation program manager for national forests in North Carolina, said the forest service has received hundreds of suggestions, from signage to trail conditions to new trails.

“The more trails we can get that are properly located, designed, built and maintained will increase the quality of experience.”

— Erik Crews, National Forest Service

More trail talk…

A regional trails map showing hiking trails, greenways, public lands, rivers and other outdoor recreation landmarks in the seven western counties has recently been completed by the Southwestern Commission — marking one of the first such publications for Western North Carolina.

While there’s a slew of trail maps for every occasion — national forests, national parks, wildlife game lands, privately conserved tracts, county greenways — there was no single source that amassed all the paths in one place.

The trail mapping project also had a secondary goal in mind:

Some will be handled in the near future by forest service rangers, such as minor maintenance work. But others — such as major trail repairs or the re-routing of a trail — would have to go through a more extensive planning and approval process.

But all feedback will be used in outlining a plan for the future of hiking, biking and equestrian trails in the regions’ forests.

Crews said the ultimate goal of the trails project is to leave the forest service with a system of trails that is well-designed, regularly maintained and provides a broad range of recreational opportunities in key locations.

That may mean closing certain trails in the Pisgah and Nantahala forests. The 1,600 miles of trail on the ground may simply be too many for the forest service and its army of trail volunteers in the region to maintain, especially considering chronic maintenance issues that plague some trails.

Crews said keeping those trails may actually be counterproductive to the goal of providing a good trail experience to visitors.

“From the very beginning, one of the themes in this process was that we wanted to emphasize a quality trail experience over the quantity of trail miles,” Crews said. “If you have bunch of trail miles out there without the budget or volunteer trail groups to maintain them, it’s not sustainable and not a good experience for the user.”

Crews said the Trails Strategy Initiative was not undertaken with the specific goal of reducing the mileage of trails in the forests, but suggestions of trails to be decommissioned were taken from the project’s collaborators.

During the years, the forest service budget for trail maintenance has declined, while visitors have increased. The Pisgah and Nantahala get approximately 4.6 million visitors each year.

The divergent figures — budgets down, while use is up — have created a growing trail management problem for an agency already largely dependant on volunteers for its trail work.

Furthermore, a large number of trails were poorly designed or located in the first place, making the maintenance problem twofold. Many trails in the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests were not initially conceived as sustainable trails designed for long-term use but were inherited by the forest service. A poorly designed trail can easily become

identifying where new trails or connections may be needed.

“There are so many opportunities to build new trails and greenways throughout the mountains,” said Don Kostelec, project manager for the plan. “Balancing the needs and interests of hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and other users —along with finding money to implement the plan — will always be a challenge but I think we have represented those interests well.”

Ideas from the public included everything from new paddle trails, long-distance trail connections and intown greenway expansions.

The maps can help tourism entities market recreational opportunities in their area more easily and promote the outdoors as an economic development tool.

Join the conversation

The forest service will present finding of its yearlong Trail Strategy Initiative at two public meetings:

■ Nantahala National Forest presentation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Feb. 19, at the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.

■ Pisgah National Forest presentation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 14, at UNCAsheville’s Sherrill Center.

rutted and eroded, washing sediment into streams and making hiking unpleasant.

“The more trails we can get that are properly located, designed, built and maintained will increase the quality of experience,” Crews said. “Even if we did decrease the overall mileage.”

Since early 2012, the forest service has collected hundreds of comments and worked with dozens of representatives from outdoor groups — including hiking, biking and equestrian clubs — who have an interest in the forests’ trails. But, in regards to what trails the forest service should close, Crews said staff received very few comments from the run-of-the-mill general public during the course of the year.

However, he surmised that trails suitable for decommissioning probably aren’t on anyone’s radar.

“People aren’t using them anyway,” Crews said. “And so they may not have thought to suggest them for decommissioning.”

Forest service spokesman Stevin Westcott said the feedback from the trail strategy process will also fit nicely into a larger, multiyear forest management planning process that will guide priorities and decision making in the Pisgah and Nantahala for years to come. He said a major shift is taking place in terms of forest use.

Westcott said logging has declined 65 percent compared to 20 years ago. Meanwhile, recreation in the national forests, including trails, has been gaining popularity. However, that doesn’t mean recreation budgets have necessarily been keeping pace, he said.

“Recreation has become one of the biggest issues we’ve been working on” Westcott said. “As federal budgets decline and we get increased visitation, we have to balance what we can afford and what people want.”

“Say the chamber of commerce wanted to create a hiking map,” said Kostelec. “We now have compiled all the files to make that done more easily.”

The project was funded through a grant from the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

To gather public input on that front, the Southwestern Commission is hosting an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Jackson County Public Library in downtown Sylva for people to review and comment on the maps or point out any features omitted.

The maps can be viewed at: www.regiona.org. Comments can also be submitted online through Friday, March 1.

The Naturalist’s Corner

BY D ON H ENDERSHOT

Great count in your backyard

Of course, you’re no longer confined to your backyard like you were back in 1997 when the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) launched. Sixteen years later and the GBBC is going global. Anyone around the world with Internet access can participate. The basic count format is the same. One watches at any location for at least 15 minutes – and yes your backyard feeders are still relevant – record the species seen and the number of individuals of each species. In concert with the new global initiative there will be some changes regarding how you submit your data.

This year, for the first time, you will have to register to enter your count data. Registering will automatically integrate your GBBC data with eBird. Created in 2002, eBird is a joint venture between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Originally covering the Western Hemisphere, eBird went global in 2010 paving the way for a global GBBC. For you birders who already have an eBird account, you can enter your data there and it will be automatically included in the GBBC database.

There are four days to count, Feb. 15-18. And since you’re only required to spend 15 minutes at any one location you can hit as many or as few of your favorite bird haunts as you have time for. And it’s useful data. It’s not hard to imagine the myriad logistical conundrums presented by trying to understand the biology of these amazing winged marvels, many of which will traverse thousands of miles in any given year. No single ornithologist, nor single university nor single organization could ever hope to single-handedly keep track of all the variables. But data from citizen-science projects such as the GBBC, the Christmas Bird Count, International Migratory Bird Day along with databases like eBird provide scientists with much needed, valuable data regarding population and/or range/distribution fluctuations.

There were more than 104,000 checklists submitted from last year’s GBBC. Those checklists documented 623 species and more than 17 million birds. Think about that extrapolated around the world.

Hummingbird

It will surely take some years to get a true global picture, but imagine the benefits if it gets to that point. There are more than 10,000 species of birds worldwide. Just think what it could mean to avian conservation to have an annual snapshot of where the majority of those species were and what their population status was.

There is an irruption of pine siskins this winter. Expect to see high counts across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

New Jersey Audubon photo

To learn the ins and outs of the GBBC, including directions on how to register go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ and follow the menu on the left hand side of the page. Once the count starts on Feb. 15 you can go to that website, follow the prompts and discover who is seeing what around the world.

I will be heading to Louisiana again this year to visit family and friends and count at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. There is an added impetus to the Louisiana tour this year. Izzy (my fifth-grader) has chosen Louisiana as the focus of her PowerPoint presentation for her media class so we’ve added days for her to see and learn about my home state. Besides Black Bayou, we will also be doing a swamp tour in the Atchafalaya Basin, and then on to the Big Easy; expect reports from the road. (Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

Map reading will be one of the many hiking skills covered at a Hiking 101 talk with Friends of the Smokies.

Get tips from the pros on hiking the Smokies

The Friends of the Smokies will offer a “Hiking in the Smokies 101” workshop and talk at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

The program will kick off Friends of the Smokies “Classic Hikes” series, preparing people for the monthly hiking series and for enjoying the Smokies trails in general.

Danny Bernstein, outdoors author and hiking guide who has hiked all of the trails in the Smokies, will share her knowledge of how to prepare for hiking in the park and teach map reading. Gracia Slater, who has also hiked all 900 miles of trails in the park will

give a day-hike equipment demonstration. Friends of the Smokies staff will share highlights from the dramatic accomplishments and upcoming challenges of the Smokies Trails Forever program. The sessions emphasize the importance of volunteerism and giving back to the Smokies as both Bernstein and Slater are volunteers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their personal map of the Smokies trails. www.friendsofthesmokies.org.

Guided hike at Cataloochee Ranch

A guided hike at Cataloochee Ranch in Haywood County will he held on Sunday, Feb. 24, by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Hikers will enjoy fine vistas of the Plott Balsam Range, Hemphill Bald and Soco Gap. The hike will also pass through the Devil’s Britches area, which wanders through hemlock, rhododendron, cove hardwood and l patches of Galax, wintergreen and Christmas ferns. The easy-tomoderate hike covers about four miles of up and down trail. Learn winter tree identification along the way from Chris Coxen, field ecologist with the Southern Appalachian Conservancy. Free, but registration is required.

828.253.0095 ext 205 or rich@appalachian.org.

Saturday, February 23, 11:30 am Lake Junaluska Assembly Beach (next to swimming pool)

talk all the buzz in to Franklin

A program called “Hummingbirds – Delicate Gems or Sky Kings?” will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Macon County Public Library.

The Franklin Bird Club will host the talk by Romney Bathurst, who has been birding internationally since 2000 and is a regular field trip leader with the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. She will talk about the special ruby-throated hummingbirds, and hummingbird’s aerial maneuvers, their habitat and different species, aided by photos and video. Free and open to the public. 828.524.5234.

Bonfire and hot chili lunch ($5) to follow Suggested donation: $20, $5 students, or raise sponsors for your own plunge

Prizes awarded to top fundraisers and best costumes! 100% of proceeds benefit Kids in the Creek Education Program

Vandals hit park with paint and profanity

Vandals hit an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park known as “the Sinks” — a popular roadside waterfall located on Little River Road on the Tennessee side of the park. They spray painted pictures and profanity along the walkways, stone walls and natural rock throughout the area.

The park is now offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for this vandalism. Rangers report that the graffiti includes references to “Wolfgang” and “Lumberjack.”

“This was not a minor act of tagging by someone with a can of spray paint,” said Chief Ranger Clay Jordan. “The amount of damage maliciously caused to this beautiful setting is disheartening.”

Park employees spent several hours removing the offensive language and images using a variety of techniques to remove the paint. Only two years ago the park had renovated the Sinks parking area including the construction of new retaining walls, stone walkways, and an overlook area.

865.436.1580.

Parkway chief to retire

Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis has announced that he will retire on April 1 after 41 years in the National Park Service. During his eight years at the Parkway, he faced continuous budget cuts, which reduced the number of full-time employees at the Parkway from more than 240 to 160.

The Parkway, which receives more visitors than Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon combined, currently runs on a budget of approximately $1 per visitor per year.

Francis was credited with keeping the parkway functioning during those times and working with local communities and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to do more with less.

Francis came to the Parkway from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where he was the long-time assistant superintendent.

Cataloochee road closed due to wash out

The gravel road leading into Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was washed out by recent heavy rains and has been closed just past Palmer Chapel.

The park received over four inches of rain on Jan. 30, resulting in rising streams. Average rainfall during January across the park is between five and seven inches on average, but the park received between 14 and 17 inches of rain this January.

The gravel roads was washed out, exposing underlying rock and culverts. Park crews are assessing the damage and estimate that repairs will be completed by the end of March. In addition to replacing culverts, the road will need to be graveled and re-graded.

High waters also damaged gravel roads in the Greenbrier and Parson’s Creek area on the Tennessee side of the park, and destroyed the pedestrian bridge across Walker Camp Prong along the popular

Chimney Tops Trail. The 70-foot long pedestrian bridge, originally built in the late 1950s, will have to be entirely replaced to allow trail access.

www.nps.gov/grsm or 865.436.1200.

Wild game on the grill at wildlife club dinner

The Wildlife Club at Haywood Community College is hosting a wild game dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. There will also be a wild animal calling competition for both game and non-game species.

There will be live music, door prize drawings, a silent auction and a live auction. The grand prize drawing will be a lifetime hunting and fishing license. The dinner is a to provide the financial assistance for students to attend a southeastern wildlife conference, scholarship funds, and other opportunities. Bring a wild game dish, vegetables, or dessert. Bread and drinks will be provided. Admission is $10, or $5 with a dish, and children under 12 years old eat free. 828.627.4560.

Haywood Waterways commends volunteers

A group of stream monitoring volunteers were recognized as Haywood Waterways Association Volunteers of the Year for 2012. Since 1996, a network of more than 50 volunteers have helped collect regular water quality samples, which are then analyzed to monitor watershed health.

Today there are 22 active volunteers — the youngest at 30 years old and the oldest almost 99 — who collect samples monthly. Haywood Waterways uses the water quality information to help identify streams with water quality problems and then launch projects to correct the problem. To join the volunteer network contact www.haywoodwaterways.org or 828.476.4667.

Conference for growers delves into business

end of farming

The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project will host its 10th annual Business of Farming Conference from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23, at Warren Wilson College.

The conference helps farmers navigate the business and marketing skills needed to run a successful agricultural enterprise, and gives farmers the opportunity to connect with buyers.

Workshops include agritourism, selling at farmers markets, selling to wholesalers, using QuickBooks, building websites and direct marketing. The cost of registration is $35 with a discount for multiple farm registrants. www.asapconnections.org/conference.ht ml

Learn how to grow brambles

An everything-you-need-to-know-aboutbrambles workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 20 at the Jackson County Extension Center in Sylva. Speaker Gina Fernandez, a small fruits specialist with the extension office, will touch on blackberries and raspberries in the context of growing them on a small farm. Participants will gain a general overview of site selection, soil-fertility, planting, pest control and pruning, among many more topics related to brambles. 828.586.4009.

Discussion on forest service management plan in Franklin

Green Drinks, an informal gathering of conservationists and environmentalists, will take on the topic of the upcoming national forest management plan during their next chat at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub in downtown Franklin.

The master plan that guides national forest management — from logging to habitat restoration to outdoor recreation — is revised every 20 years. It dictates the management and protection for special recreational, biological, scenic, and historic areas of the forests.

Management plan revision is getting underway for the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.

There will be a brief presentation by Bob Gale, staff ecologist with Western North Carolina Alliance, in advance of public comment meetings on the process coming up in March. Public comment is a critical component for assessing the current state of these national forests. There will be five public meetings in WNC, including one in Franklin at on March 19 at Tartan Hall.

Green Drinks meets on a monthly basis, and the gatherings are open to the public. wgcrawford@hotmail.com or 828.524.2280.

GREEN LIVING

Put it under wraps

Water heater wraps are probably the most cost effective measure out of all the energy conservation measures. It’s an inexpensive item, almost anyone can do it, and it could save you from $30 - $50 a year. Come see us at Haywood Builders Supply and start saving money today.

This GREEN LIVING TIP brought to you by Haywood Builders Supply WE BUILD GREEN!!

100 Charles St. • Waynesville • 828-456-6051

Employee Owned

Where are the so-called ‘safe havens’ now?

Has market volatility left you feeling as though there’s nowhere to hide from a shaky economic outlook? The simple truth is apparent: There’s no investment that’s really safe under all conditions. However, some asset classes and investments are less likely to decline significantly in value than others, and these can provide a portfolio with a degree of safety.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Gateway Club 37 Church Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Thursday, February 28, 2013 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Boiler Room Steakhouse 1024 Georgia Rd. Franklin, NC 28734

Complimentary food will be

R.S.V.P. by Friday, February 22, 2013 to Shannon Carlock 828-456-7407 • 866-930-7407

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B USINESS & E DUCATION

• Free computer class: Basic PowerPoint, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Lowe’s One-Stop Jobs Day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Burrell Building Lobby and Conference Room A, Southwestern Community College, Sylva. Open to students, alumni and community.

• Open House, Saturday, Feb. 16, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Registration, more information at openhouse.wcu.edu, 227.7317 or toll-free 877.928.4968.

• 4-H School Enrichment Embryology curriculum/teacher training for Haywood County teachers, 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, and Monday, April 15, Haywood County Cooperative Extension Center, Waynesville. 456.3575.

• National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 16-23, Haywood Community College, Clyde. Schedule of events, www.haywood.edu. Dr. Michelle Choate, HCC department chair of business & entrepreneurship, 565.4219.

• Computer Class: Facebook Settings, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, Jackson County Public Library. Space limited. Call to register. 586.2016.

• Smoky Mountain Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association meeting noon Saturday, Feb. 23, Terrace Hotel, Lake Junaluska. Program presented by Paige Jones, KARE (Kids Advocacy Resource Effort). Ed Fox, 456.5251, Haywood County; Betty Brintnall, 586.9292, Jackson County; and Luci Swanson, 369.8922 Macon County.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Relay for Life of Franklin’s Team Captain’s meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, The Factory, 441 South, Franklin. Luminary service. Light refreshments served.

• Public comment period regarding potential merger of Waynesville and Lake Junaluska, 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, Town Board Room, top floor of Waynesville Town Hall/Police Department building, 9 S. Main St., Waynesville.

• Western North Carolina Carvers (WNCC) 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville. Bruce Dalzell, 665.8273.

B LOOD D RIVES

Jackson

• Western Carolina University Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13-14, Hinds Student Center Grand Room, highway 107, Cullowhee. Signup online at http://redcrossblood.org enter Keyword: CATS to schedule your appointment.

• East Elementary School Blood Drive, (in honor of Laurel Cooper), 1 to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, 4747 Ela Road, Whittier. Anne Marr, 488.0939.

• Cashiers Community Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, Cashiers Fire Department, 341 US Highway 64W, Cashiers. Eric Kehres, 989.3126.

Swain

• Cherokee Indian Hospital Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, 268 Hospital Road, Cherokee. Doris Bonilla, 497.9163 ext. 6498.

H EALTH MATTERS

• Lunch and Learn, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15, Canton Rehabilitation office, 2nd floor of MedWest

Urgent Care, 55 Buckeye Cove Rd., Canton. Total joint replacement program. Reservations, 631.8889 or email andrea.robbins@haymed.org. Free, includes lunch.

• Hospice philosophy volunteer training, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Waynesville First Presbyterian Church and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Lake Junaluska First Baptist Church. Attend one. Sponsored by MedWest-Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care. Craig Summers, volunteer specialist, 452.5039 ext.4013 or craig.summers@haymed.org. Pre-registration required.

• Valentines Transplant party to celebrate lives of organ donors and receivers, 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Main Street Perks, downtown Waynesville. Silent auction. Hosted by Life Share of the Carolina’s and Rachel Tucker, local organ donation recipient.

• Barium Springs Lunch & Learn: Giving Them Hope Tour, noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 19 and March 19, Sylva Office, 151 Desoto Trail, Sylva. Lunch provided. RSVP to Autumn Weil, 231.5413.

R ECREATION & FITNESS

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification course Feb. 21-24, MedWest Health and Fitness Center, Clyde. $235 for MedWest Health and Fitness Center members, $255 for non-members, and includes all materials and instruction for both lifeguard training and CPR training. 452.8056.

THE S PIRITUAL S IDE

• Ash Wednesday celebration service, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Sylva First United Methodist Church. All are welcome. 586.1640.

S ENIOR ACTIVITIES

• Practice opportunity for Senior Games football throw and spincasting, 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, Old Hazelwood Gym, Waynesville. Haywood County Recreations and Parks, 452.6789.

K IDS & FAMILIES

• Mountaineer Little League Baseball sign-ups, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 23, Waynesville Recreation Center.

• Mountaineer Little League Softball sign-ups, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Waynesville Recreation Center and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, Dutch Fisher Park, Waynesville.

• On-field tryouts for Mountaineer Little League Baseball, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2 and March 9, Waynesville Elks Field.

• On-field tryouts for Mountaineer Little League Softball, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, Dutch Fisher Park, Waynesville.

• Free homework help 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, children’s area, Waynesville library. Tutors available. No appointment necessary. Volunteer homework tutors, contact Carole Dennis 356.2511 or cdennis@haywoodnc.net.

March 8, glazing, Pincu Pottery, Bryson City. Minimum four students, maximum six. $90. Register at 488.0480 or pincupottery@gmail.com.

Literary (children)

• Children’s Story time- Be Mine, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Family Night- Valentine Day Party, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time- Pinkalicious, 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story-time with Miss Sally- National Gumdrop Day, 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016

• American Girls Club, noon Saturday, Feb. 16, City Lights. Co-Sponsored by City Lights and Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time- Tracks in the Snow, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Jackson County Public Library, JCPL, 586.2016.

• Teen Advisory Group, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Ages 12 and up. 586.2016.

• Concert with Marshall Ballew, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time- Tacky the Penguin, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

A&E

FESTIVALS, S PECIAL & S EASONAL EVENTS

• Valentine’s Dance, 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Old Fines Creek School. $10, free food, king and queen, cake walks, 50/50, dance contest and door prizes. 736.8925.

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

ON STAGE & I N CONCERT

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. All participants who finish in 101 minutes or less will receive this belt buckle

Arts

• Throwing Kids Pottery Wheel Class, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 17 and 22, and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday,

• Live music, Thursday, Feb. 14, Eric Hendrix & Friends; Friday, Feb. 15, Sylva’s Jazz Duo; Friday, Feb. 16, Gabrielle Tee & Company; Friday, Feb. 22, Liz & AJ Nance, City Lights Café, Sylva, 587.2233.

• Voices in the Laurel My Jazzy Valentine Dinner Concert, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, First Baptist Church, Waynesville. Dinner and concert. Tickets $45 per couple, $25 per single or by table. Tickets available online at www.voicesinthelaurel.org/ Support Us or call 734.9163 or at door.

• Songwriters in the Round, 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Balsam Mountain Inn, featuring Ellen Britton, W.T. Davidson and Henry Hipkens. $45, includes buffet dinner.www.balsammountaininn.net.

• Live Jazz and Dinner, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Classic Wineseller, 20 Church St., Waynesville. $34.99 per person. Reservations required, 452.6000 or email info@classicwineseller.com.

• Marshall Ballew concert, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Rashomon, performed by stage and screen students from Western Carolina University, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 through Saturday, Feb. 23, Hoey Auditorium, WCU, Cullowhee. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and WCU faculty and staff; and $7 (in advance) and $10 (day of show) for students. 227.7491. To order individual tickets, call the Bardo Arts Center box office, 227.2479 or go online to bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

A fundraiser for the Haywood County Schools Foundation

In the spirit of Mardi Gras and the HCSF Ball on March 2, stop by City Bakery on Main St. Waynesville and buy a mini King Cake, available daily, or special order a full-sized cake. Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King.

Febuary 21, 6:30 p.m.: Wine tasting and sale at the Classic Wineseller. Taste five wines with food pairings and take advantage of special savings not available to the public! $50/person. Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King. Reservations: 452-6000.

Febuary 23, 5-8:30: Music and beer at BearWaters. Join the Hermit Kings out of Asheville for rock n’ roll with country and soul. $20/person. Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King/Beth Brown for Queen.

February 27, 4 p.m. until ... CASH MOB!!! Visit the corner of Walnut and Main in downtown Waynesville, drop some money in our “hat” and get Mardi Gras beads! Proceeds benefit HCSF/Greg for King/Beth Brown for Queen.

• The Highlands Cashiers Players (HCP) present, Social Security, Feb. 21-24, and March 1-3, Performing Arts Center in Highlands. http://highlandspac.org/events/social/event_social.html

• 3-in-1 Tour featuring Dove Award winner and Grammy-nominated artist, Brandon Heath, Mandisa, and Dove and Grammy award winner, Laura Story, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. Tickets start at $22 each.GreatMountainMusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

• Auditions for the opening production of its 2013 season “Welcome to Mitford,” 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 and Tuesday, Feb. 25, main stage, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART), 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Play is based on the novels by North Carolina writer Jan Karon; nearly 20 major roles. Directed by Wanda Taylor and will run weekends April 19 – May 5.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS

• Fluid Expressions, featuring work by Dominick DePaolo, through March 9, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Artist reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, Gallery 86. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Jackson County Arts Council Day, Wednesday Feb. 13, Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro, Sylva. Sales to benefit Jackson County Arts Council. 507.9820, www.jacksoncountyarts.org or www.facebook.com/JacksonCountyArtsCouncil.

• Wine & Dine, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro. $20 per person. Complimentary wine, dessert. Reservation only. 631.3133. www.claymatespottery.com/

• Third Thursday reception for a new exhibit, Critology, 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University. Artists Max Presneill and Mary Anna Pomonis will speak. www.fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or 227.3591.

OUTINGS, H IKES & FIELDTRIPS

• Nature Nut: Wolves, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Pisgah National Forest. Are there wolves in N.C.? How big do they grow to be? Do they howl? Story time, crafts, and other hands-on activities. Ages 4-7. 877.4423, www.ncwildlife.org/Enews/index.htm.

• Eco Explorers: Fly Tying, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 and Tuesday, Feb. 19, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Pisgah National Forest. Fundamentals and art of fly-tying. Equipment and materials provided. Limited to 8 participants. Ages 8-13. 877.4423, www.ncwildlife.org/Enews/index.htm.

• Bike Maintenance: Derailleur and Shifting System, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, REI Asheville. $20 members, $40 non-members, register at http://www.rei.com/event/48373/session/65451.

• Non-motorized Trail Strategy initiative meeting for the Pisgah National Forest, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, UNCA Sherrill Center, Mountain View Conference Room, Asheville. Meeting for Nantahala National Forest, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, First Presbyterian Church, Tartan Hall, 26 Church Street, Franklin. www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nctrailstrategy.

• Thru-Hiking the AT: Full Day Comprehensive Class, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, REI Asheville, $25 REI members, $40 non-members. Register at http://www.rei.com/event/48047/session/64975.

• Map and Compass Navigation Basics, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, REI Asheville, $30 REI members, $50 non-members. Register at http://www.rei.com/event/43656/session/65139.

• Franklin Bird Club meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, Macon County Public Library. Speaker is Romney Bathurst: Hummingbirds - Delicate gems or Sky Kings? 524.5234.

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CLASSES, PROGRAMS & D EMONSTRATIONS

• Woodturning demonstration by Jim Barbour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville. Sponsored by the Carolina Mountain Woodturners and the Southern Highlands Craft Guild. John Hill, 645.6633 or visit www.carolinamountainwoodturners.org.

• Creating Stained Glass, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through March 14, south lobby of the Cordelia Camp Building, Western Carolina University. $85, Office of Continuing Education, 227.7397 or 800.928.4968, or go online to learn.wcu.edu and click on Conferences and Community Classes.

FILM & S CREEN

• It’s A Girl, a documentary about gendercide in India and China, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, theater of A.K. Hinds University Center, Western Carolina University. Sponsored by WCU’s Department of Intercultural Affairs. sacarter@wcu.edu or 227.2617.

• Free animated family movie featuring Winnie the Pooh and friends, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. 488.3030.

Outdoors

• Seventh annual Wild Game Dinner, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, Haywood County Fairgrounds. Fundraiser for Wildlife Club at Haywood Community College. Door prize drawings, silent auction, live auction, live entertainent. $10 ($5 if you bring a dish) and children under 12 years old eat free. 627.4560.

• WMI - Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Feb.16-24 in Asheville, March 2-10 in Cullowhee. Nine- day comprehensive wilderness medical course is the national standard for outdoor trip leaders. Landmark Learning, 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org.

• Fly Tying for the Beginner, 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, Feb. 18, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Pisgah National Forest. Learn the fundamentals of fly-tying from experienced fly-tiers. Equipment and materials provided. Ages 12 and up. 877.4423, www.ncwildlife.org/Enews/index.htm.

• Regional Trails Plan public open houses, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Community Facilities Building, Andrews, and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Sponsored by the Southwestern Commission. www.regiona.org.

• Green Drinks, an informal gathering of conservationists, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, Franklin.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

• Hike, 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, Devil’s Britches, Cataloochee Ranch. Sponsored by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), Highland Brewing Company, and US Fish and Wildlife. Bring water, camera, warm clothing, good hiking shoes, and lunch. Friendly dogs allowed. Guided hike. Registration is required. Rich Preyer, 253.0095 ext 205 or rich@appalachian.org.

FARM & GARDEN

• Macon County Poultry Club poultry class 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Macon County center. Instructors are Randy Collins, Graham County Cooperative Extension and Keith Wood, Cherokee County Extension Agency, 332.1466.

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 — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — 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.

■ $35 — 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

ARTSAND CRAFTS

ALLISON CREEK

Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

AUCTION

FROG LEVEL AUCTIONS

Every Friday & Saturday. Friday night starting at 6pm with preview at 5pm. Saturday Auction starts at 3pm - Spaces available for selling, call David at 828.775.9317 for selling info. Antiques, Collectables, Tools, Furniture, House Wares, New & Old, This & That, Something for Everyone! See our Full Schedule with Photos, Info & Directions at: www.froglevelauctions.net For more information or To Book A Spot Call 828.775.9317 or email: david@froglevelauctions.net Terms: Cash or Credit/Debit Card Only, 13% Buyers Fee3% Discount For Cash Auction Firm NCAFL 9537, David Roland NCAL 9133 & Kai Calabro NCAL 9127 255 Depot St., Waynvesville, NC 28786

AUCTION

HUGE AUCTION!!!

Friday February 15th at 4:30 PM. At Boatwright Auction in Franklin NC. Selling over 800 lots. Partial

Listing includes: quality furniture, glassware, primitives, antiques, used furniture, Longaberger Baskets, unique items, household, box lots & MORE!!

Lots of Great Items to be Sold!!

DON’T MISS IT!

View Pictures and more details: www.boatwrightauction.com

Boatwright Auction, 34 Tarheel Trail, Franklin, NC. 828.524.2499

Boatwright Auction, NCAL 9231

2 TOOL AUCTIONS: 1. 02/08-02/18, Online at www.theligoncompany.com. 2. 03/02 at 10am, On-Site. Downtown Lancaster, SC. The Ligon Co. SCAL#1716. Randy Ligon, 803.366.3535.

ABSOLUTE AUCTION: Dewees Island (Charleston SC) view lot WILL SELL regardless of price! On-Line only 2/27 - 3/5/13. Mike Harper 843.729.4996 (SCAL3728). www.HarperAuctionAndRealty.com for details.

RESTAURANT & BAR EQUIPMENT

Auction - Tuesday, February 19 at 10 a.m. 1345 Western Blvd. Jacksonville, NC. Quality Equipment, Gas Equipment, 20 & 60 Qt. Hobarts, Steamers, Walkins, Pizza, Bar Cooler, more. www.ClassicAuctions.com. 704.791.8825 ncaf5479.

Saturday, February 16, 2013, 7:00 PM - Preview 6:00 PM

At Dodie’s Auction

Located at 482 W. Main St. Downtown Sylva (828) 226-3921, (828) 735-4790

Living Estate of Jack & Tammy Kimmel

Furniture, Artwork, Home Decor, Glassware, Yard Tools and Much More! Auctioneer: Dodie Allen Blaschik NCAL 3410

Real Estate Broker / Consultant / Associate of Apple Realty The Sale with the Woman’s Touch! www.dodiesales.com

BUILDING MATERIALS

HAYWOOD BUILDERS

Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051

100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS

Needing siding, windows, roofs. 10 homes will be selected in your county this month for our showcase before/after remodeling program. Save hundreds. All credit accepted. $89/month 1.866.668.8681.

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions. Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson. Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316

SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

ELECTRICAL

BOOTH ELECTRIC Residential & Commercial service. Up-front pricing, emergency service. 828.734.1179. NC License #24685-U.

CARS - DOMESTIC

2000 FORD MUSTANG GT Convertible. New custom paint, style bar, Mach I rims and lots of upgrades completed. Serious inquiries only. $10,000. Please call 828.226.7461.

DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 877.752.0496.

I BUY ANY JUNK CAR. $300 Flat Rate. Must Have Title! FREE Pick Up. 800.576.2499. SAVE $$$ ON AUTO INSURANCE. No forms. No hassle. No stress. No obligation. Call READY FOR MY QUOTE now! CALL 1.877.835.8343. SAPA

CARS - DOMESTIC

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

AUTO PARTS

DDI BUMPERS ETC.

Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

AMAZING 6-FIGURE

Income Possible Make Money Online. Stop Struggling. Make a REAL change. 1.334.402.0961 Watch FREE Video here: http://tinyurl.com/agtbpsk SAPA

SEARCHING FOR AN

Environmentally friendly franchise with strong recurring revenues? NaturaLawn of America is a nationwide system with over 25 years experience. Average location revenues in excess of $500k. www.naturalawn.com. SAPA

EMPLOYMENT

AIRLINES ARE HIRINGTrain for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494. APPLY NOW,

12 Drivers Needed. Top 5% Pay & Late Model Equip Plus Benefits, New Equip & 401k. Need CDL Class A Driving Exp. 877.258.8782 www.ad-drivers.com

AVIATION CAREERSTrain in advance structures and become certified to work on aircraft. Financial aid for those who qualify. Call aviation institute of maintenance 1.877.205.1779. SAPA

REGIONAL DIRECTOR NEEDED

For Greenville regional counseling center. Hiring through CareNet of North Carolina, Inc., a subsidiary of Wake Forest Baptist Health, in consultation w/FFLC Board of Directors. Apply online at www.wakehealth.edu, job #ID30219. Email Jennifer Bandy with questions: jbandy@wakehealth.edu. AA/EOE.

EMPLOYMENT

CAFFE-REL

This employment advertisement will find the right person. This person is looking for a career in food & beverage, specifically in the back of the house. He/She wants stability, year-round employment, and a solid future in the industry. At the caffe, food knowledge is important, this person will be making salads & sandwiches. Correct preparations & consistency is a must. Punctuality & cleanliness are expected. Apply in person between 10:30am - 11:00am or 23pm Tues. - Sat. at 459 E. Main Street, Franklin, NC. Or email resume to: cafferel@gmail.com References will be checked.

MEDICAL CAREERS BEGIN HERE -

Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call us Now at 1.877.206.7665 or visit us online at: www.CenturaOnline.com SAPA

EMPLOYMENT

AVERITT

Offers CDL-A Drivers a Strong, Stable, Profitable Career. Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads. Excellent Benefits, Weekly Hometime. Paid Training. 888.362.8608. AverittCareers.com. Equal Opportunity Employer.

CAN

YOU DIG IT?

Heavy Equipment Operator Training! 3 Wk. Hands On Program. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement Asst. w/National Certs. VA Benefits Eligible. 1.866.362.6497

COMPANY DRIVER:

Solo & Team OTR Lanes. Competitive Pay. Great hometime. CDL-A with 1 year OTR and hazmat endorsement. Willingness to attain tanker endorsement within 30 days. 888.705.3217 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com

DRIVER -

$0.01 increase per mile after 6 months and 12 months. $0.03/mile quarterly bonus. Daily or weekly pay. CDL-A, 3 months current exp. 800.414.9569. www.driveknight.com

EMPLOYMENT

HELP AVAILABLE FOR ELDERLY

Or those who need assistance running errands, house cleaning. Availability: Haywood County, Monday - Wednesday. References Available. Call 828.734.6871.

DRIVERSCDL-A $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS For exp'd solo OTR drivers & O/O's. Tuition reimbursement also available! New Student Pay & Lease Program. USA TRUCK. 877.521.5775. www.USATruck.jobs

DRIVERSJob Stability. Ashley Distribution Services seeks Regional/LTL Drivers. CDL A, min. 1yr OTR. Above avg home time. Paid Safety Bonus, vacation, great benefits.

1.800.837.2241. jobs@ashleydistributionservices.com

DRIVERSRegional Flatbed. Home Every Weekend. 40-45 CPM. Full Benefits. Must Have Class A CDL. Flatbed Training Available. 800.992.7863. www.mcelroytrucklines.com

FLATBED$1500 Sign-On! Up to .40cpm start. Home Weekly. BCBS $47/wk Family-$19/wk Indiv. Tarp/Re-tarp, Stop, Securement pay all loads. CDL-A w/4 mo. T/T exp. 888.WORK-4US. AverittCareers.com

FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED

The Bair Foundation, a Christian Foster Care Ministry, is looking for committed families willing to open their homes to local foster children & teens. Training, certification, reimbursement & support provided. Call Now 828.350.5197

GO SHOPPING. GET PAID! Join Today, Become a Secret Shopper In Your Area. Earn Extra Income while working a flexible schedule. Learn more at: www.second-to-none.com/join

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTEDBest Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies! One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com. SAPA

Puzzles can be found on page 37.

These are only the answers.

EMPLOYMENT

SONOCO

Production Associates Needed

Sonoco Products, a Fortune 500 Company, has openings for sixteen (16) production associates. Qualifications required for these openings include a high school education, good work history, ability to work in a team environment, excellent safety awareness and strong mechanical aptitude.

Scheduled working hours will be based on a 12-hour rotating shift consisting of 4 crews of 4 people each. (4 on, 7 off, 4 on, 3 off, 7 on, 3 off.) Applications will be received at our plant located at 6175 Pigeon Road, Canton, NC on February 21, 2013 between the hours of 8 AM and 3 PM. Interested candidates should apply in person during this appointed time.

The starting pay rates for these openings range from $11.00 to $14.50 per hour for production associates and $16.45 to $18.15 per hour for lead positions based on qualifications and skill sets.

In addition Sonoco offers the following benefits to our employees: Medical plan, dental plan, retirement savings plan, 401k savings plan, life insurance, accident & sickness benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, and a vacation plan.

Successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check. Any additional questions may be directed to Sonoco Products Company at 423.613.1210. Sonoco is an Equal Opportunity Employer

TOP PAY FOR Limited Experience! 34 cpm for 1 Mos OTR Exp. Plus Benefits, New Equip & 401k. 877.258.8782. www.ad-drivers.com

EMPLOYMENT

NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Become a

Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.512.7122

OWNER OPERATORS:

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus. Excellent Rates. Paid FSC, loaded & empty. 75% Drop & Hook. Great Fuel & Tire Discounts. L/P available. CDL-

A with 1 year tractor-trailer experience required. 888.703.3889 or apply online at www.comtrak.com

TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY.

Drivers/Independent Contractors! Immediate Placement Available. Best opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today. 800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com

FINANCIAL

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates. Apply Now By Phone! 1.800.568.8321. wwwlawcapital.com Not Valid in CO or NC. SAPA

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

BUY GOLD & SILVER COINS1 percent over dealer cost. For a limited time, Park Avenue Numismatics is selling Silver and Gold American Eagle Coins at 1 percent over dealer cost. 1.888.470.6389

GOLD AND SILVER

Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888.478.6991

LUMBER FURNITURE

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE

Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

REMAINING FURNITURE LUMBER

Sale! Walnut, Butternut, Cherry, Ash & Curly Maple Slabs $4,000 Call for more information 828.627.2342

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC.

The best bedding at the best price! 533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

PETS

HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Prevent Unwanted Litters And Improve The Health Of Your Pet Low-Cost spay and neuter services Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 145 Wall Street

CHESTNUT LUMBER

Some 6 feet sections, Some 17 ft. boards $800. Call for more information 828.627.2342

LAWNAND GARDEN

HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC.

Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

SAWMILLS

From only $3997.00 - Make & Save Money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 1.800.578.1363, Ext. 300N.

STEEL BUILDINGS

STEEL BUILDINGS

End Of Year Blow-Out! Lowest Prices Around! LOW Monthly payments. 5 left, Make Offer. 16x20, 20x26, 25x32, 30x40, 40x60. Call Now! 757.301.8885

tabby about 3 years

Sophie - A playful, young boxer mix. She is housebroken, walks well on the leash, is crate trained and loves to ride in the car. Sophie has been excellent with the young children in her foster home, and despite being about 45 pounds, Sophie believes she is a lap dog!

BRUCE MCGOVERN

A Full Service Realtor

shamrock13@charter.net

McGovern Property Management

828.283.2112.

20 ACRES FREE!

Own 60 acres for 40 acre price/ payment. $0 Down, $198/month. Money Back Guarantee, NO CREDIT CHECKS. Beautiful Views, West Texas. 1.800.343.9444. SAPA

EVER CONSIDER A Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888.418.0117. SAPA

GREAT COASTAL INVESTMENT!

Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation, Shallotte, NC. www.riversedge-nc.com pics & info. Golf Course/Cul de Sac lots.

$22,000/lot. Broker/owner, 910.287.5700.

HOMES FOR RENT UNFURNISHED

LOTS FOR SALE

2.819 ACRE TRACT -

Building Lot in great location. Build your second home log cabin here. Large 2-story building. Was a Hobby Shop. $81,000. Call 828.627.2342

Lease plus deposit, $750/mo. For more information call 828.246.0918 or 828.734.9409

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160. Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828, 828.506.4112 for more information.

VACATION RNTLS.

CAVENDER CREEK CABINS

Dahlonega, North Georgia Mountains. *WINTER SPECIAL:BUY 2 NIGHTS, 3RD FREE!* 1,2,&3 Bedroom Cabins with HOT TUBS! Virtual Tour: www.CavenderCreek.com Call NOW Toll Free 1.866.373.6307

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS:

Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm

168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone # 1-828-586-3346

TDD # 1-800-725-2962

RIVER PARK APARTMENTS

93 Wind Crest Ridge in Dillsboro. Social community designed for seniors, the disabled and handicapped, has regularly scheduled, varied activities. Energy efficient, affordable 1 BR apts. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! Rental assistance available. Disability accessible units subject to availability and need. $25 application fee; credit/ criminal required. Call site for information 828.631.0124, Office hours are M-Th 1-3 pm. Equal Housing Opportunity. Professionally managed by Partnership Property Management, an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

LAND WANTED TO BUY

SEEKING FORECLOSED PROPERTY (or cheap land)

In Sylva, Waynesville, Jackson County or Haywood County. $10,000 or less. Have cash. Any size. Will consider a subdivided property. I am a good neighbor and rarely home. I would like to build a very small cabin on the property. Call Eric Sarratt at 828.333.4586

MEDICAL

HELP AVAILABLE FOR ELDERLY

Or those who need assistance running errands, house cleaning. Availability: Haywood County, Monday - Wednesday. References Available. Call 828.734.6871.

ATTENTION DIABETICS

With Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 877.517.4633. SAPA

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA

Sufferers with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888.470.8261. SAPA

BEST PRICES,

Huge discounts, Viagra™ 40 pills

$99.00. Get Viagra™ for less than $3 per pill. Call NOW 1.888.721.2553. SAPA

CANADA DRUG CENTER

IF YOU USED THE MIRENA IUD Between 2001-present and suffered perforation or embedment in the uterus requiring surgical removal, or had a child with birth defects, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Johnson Law and speak with female staff members. 1.800.535.5727

ATTENTION DIABETICS

With Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888.284.9573.

FEELING OLDER?

Men lose the abilityto produce testosterone as they age. Call 888.414.0692 for a FREE trial of Progene- All Natural Testosterone Supplement. SAPA

VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG! 40 pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1.800.491.8751 SAPA WANTED TO BUY

CASH FOR Unexpired Diabetic Test Strips! Free Shipping, Friendly Service, BEST prices and 24 hour payment! Call Mandy at 1.855.578.7477, Espanol 1.888.440.4001, or visit www.TestStripSearch.com SAPA CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Check us out online! All Major Brands Bought. Dtsbuyers.com 1.888.978.6906 SAPA PERSONAL

Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 877.644.3199 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. SAPA

MEDICAL ALERT FOR SENIORS24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment. FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 866.413.0771

ARE YOU PREGNANT?

A childless married couple (in our 30’s) seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Nicole & Frank. 1.888.969.6134

A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, Let Us Help! Personalized adoption plans. Financial assistance, housing, relocation and more. Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us first! 888.637.8200. 24 hour HOTLINE. SAPA

MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW!

No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1.888.909.9978. SAPA

PREGNANT?

Considering Adoption? Call Us First! Living Expenses, Housing, Medical and continued support afterwards. Choose Adoptive Family of Your Choice. Call 24/7. ADOPT CONNECT 1.866.743.9212. SAPA

WHITE MALE, NON-DRINKER,

Looking for a live-in girlfriend for companionship & light housework. Any age, kids okay. 2/BR in a nice neighborhood. For more info call Donnie at 706.335.6496 or write to PO Box 411, ILA, GA 30647.

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION

AIRLINES ARE HIRING -

Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial Aid if QualifiedHousing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 1.866.724.5403. SAPA

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE

From home. Medical, Business, Criminal Justice, Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888.899.6918. Or go to: www.CenturaOnline.com

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION SERVICES

EARN YOUR H.S. DIPLOMA

At home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nationally accredited. Call for free brochure. 1.800.658.1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA

SERVICES

* REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! *

Get a 4-Room All Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW.

1.800.935.9195. SAPA

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connectionsFIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1.888.431.2934.

DISH NETWORK.

Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now!

1.888.709.1546. SAPA

MY COMPUTER WORKS:

Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW!

Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1.888.582.8147 SAPA

WEEKLY SUDOKU

HIGHSPEED INTERNET Everywhere By Satellite! Speeds up to 12mbps! (200x faster than dialup.) Starting at $49.95/mo. CALL NOW & GO FAST! 1.888.714.6155

PROMOTIONAL PRICES

Start at $19.99 a month for DISH for 12 months. Call Today 1.800.239.9655 and ask about Next Day Installation. SAPA

SAVE ON

Cable TV-Internet-Digital PhoneSatellite. You’ve Got A Choice! Options (ALL major service providers.) Call us to learn more! 1.877.516.0044. SAPA

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM

86 East Main St., Franklin, 828.584.7472. www.scottishtartans.org. Matthew A.C. Newsome, GTS, FSA, SCOT., Curator & General Manager, Ronan B. MacGregor, Business Assistant.

SUPER CROSSWORD X-CHANGING

ACROSS

1 Original texts: Abbr.

4 Navy VIP

11 Soda giant

20 Kwik-E-Mart clerk

21 In a very angry way

22 “East of Eden” director

23 Jagger and Fleetwood out in a blizzard?

25 Stencil work

26 Inflated self

27 Pay to play

28 Bags used by some opera stars?

29 Faunae counterparts

32 Top draft status

34 Santa - wind

35 Kit - bar

36 King of Thebes gets into a crash?

40 Job detail, briefly

43 Triage areas, briefly

44 Perform the duties of

45 2.0 grades

47 Tibetan city

51 Shia’s god

52 Golf course on another planet?

55 Concerning 58 Massey of film

60 Knight’s mount

61 “Take - from me ...”

62 Fumigated hair?

65 Pageant adornment

67 Palindromic “before”

68 Silk alternative

69 Opposite of east, in Spanish

72 Of a forearm bone

74 Suffix with 26-Across

75 Actress Teri

79 Dixie rodeo horses? 83 Former New York stadium

Is lionlike 88 Nosy one 89 Impostor 90 Hits from a loggerhead? 93 Inserted bud 95 - Gyra 96 Delhi dress 97 Came about 98 Suffix with sheep or owl 101 Just barely 104 Nails for company use?

107 Solicit

110 Rocker Ocasek of the Cars

112 Cellar, in real-estate ads

113 Ump’s shout 114 Spanish boy grades test papers?

118 Hurts

121 Little hotel

122 Obsessive zeal for a single thing

123 Big trucks for company use?

127 Have supper

128 Like a hand with fingers spread

129 180 hung by a motorist

130 Most hazardously icy

131 Rebuffed

132 Tpks., e.g.

DOWN

1 Animal throat 2 Sales pitch deliverer 3 Sol and Helios

4 With 5-Down, hang on a clothesline

5 See 4-Down

6 Papa’s other half

7 “To put - a nutshell ...”

8 Pastors

9 Ethylene or propylene

10 Fleur-de- -

Soccer icon 12 Kagan of the Supreme Court 13 Rock climbers’ spikes

Petty tyrant

Prez Eisenhower and

Irene of “Fame” fame

Novelist Cynthia

Sri -

Teen turmoil 24 TV actress Spelling

Givers’ opposites

Rival 30 “Be - and help me out!” 31 Big name in ancient geometry

Nero’s “Lo!”

Shower area

Split-off group

Pipe shape

Potted “pet”

Drags to court 48 Rabbit ears

49 Downhiller’s accessory

50 Attack with evil reports

51 Golfer Isao52 Create 53 Irish actor Stephen 54 QB’s pickups

55 Aids

56 Bad traffic accident

57 Walking shakily

59 S.Sgt., e.g.

63 He was attached to Chang

64 Leaky

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 34

Join us on a scenic journey through the Cullowhee Valley and along the Tuckaseigee River before winding back onto Western Carolina University campus for the finish.

Training Program, Technical Running Shirt and “Goody Bag” included with race fee. Training Program includes: running group, 11-week progressive programs for beginners and advanced runners, professional guidance for nutrition, shoe fittings, and other tips to help prepare runners for the race.

In celebration of spring, dead leaves, and an ornery epitaph

About once a year or less, I work up the nerve to publish poems in this space. Head for cover. It’s that time of the year again.

I have been working on a new collection titled Near Horizons: Poems & Narratives from the Southern Appalachians. Several of the longer pieces were published recently, along with artwork by Elizabeth Ellison, in Flycatcher Journal (www.flycatcherjournal.org), a splendid new online journal you should visit if you’re at all interested in contemporary poetry, essays, narrative verse, etc.

Kathryn Stripling

Byer has work in this issue. OK … here we go with some shorter pieces from Near Horizons, including an epitaph. Hopefully you’ll find something to like.

Ribbons of Bark

On the eighth of April the air was radiant as we ascended alongside the creek into a basin carpeted with fringed phacelia and spring beauty. But winter lingered along the high divide so that twigs and buds overarching the trail cast blue-gray shadows on tan ribbons of bark unraveling from birch trees.

Dead Leaves

Under leaden skies dead leaves in an eddy this side of the creek whorl counterclockwise above water-rounded stones that stare upward with blind expectation awaiting a bright-slanted ray of light that never arrives.

BACK THEN

Table Mountain Pine a bare granite ledge timber rattler in the sun intransigent pine

Springhead freestone always wet sphagnum mat emerald green sundew ruby red

from Near Horizons

When the moment becomes apparent we will pass through the trellised gate & descend through fields of sleep into the realm of dark angels in burning trees who cry back & forth throughout the endless night their raucous calls of constant mirth & endless sorrow.

EVELYN Z. SMYTH

(MAY 1, 1815 - DECEMBER 3, 1909) EVERY THING THAT COULD GO WRONG DID AND PURSUED ME OVER THE WATER AND INTO A FAR LAND WHERE I NOW RESIDE IN DARK DISCONTENT UNDER THIS COLD SLAB OF NANTAHALA BLUE MARBLE

George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.