Smoky Mountain News | June 17, 2026

On the Cover:

With Jackson County set to leave the Fontana Regional Library System July of this year, Macon County commissioners voted to provide the library system with its notice of withdrawal, which would be effective July 1 of next year. In accordance with FRL’s bylaws, this means the system, originally made up of libraries in three counties, will dissolve, marking the end of the nearly centuryold institution. (Page 10)

News

Joey’s Pancake House keeps on cookin’......................................................................4 FRL board moves to make big changes ahead of Jackson withdrawal..............6 Potential Macon FRL exit puts Swain in bind..............................................................8 Governor, WNC senator ask feds for more Helene relief....................................12 Community briefs..............................................................................................................13

Opinion

Lori’s grandfather and the Stanley Cup......................................................................14 Many still hungry in the mountains................................................................................15

A&E

The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train departs..................................................16 Haywood hosts art fundraiser for local schools......................................................18

Outdoors

Word from the Smokies: The quest for Masa Rock ..............................................24 4,400 acres in WNC saved due to conservation effort........................................27

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Joey’s keeps on cookin’

BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR

After 60 years and just one ownership change eight years ago, Joey’s Pancake House is still thriving, with a healthy reputation that extends far beyond the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Next week, the restaurant will celebrate its diamond anniversary with a special day of live music, food and events, including a pancake-eating contest. It will even stay open until 6 p.m., serving up its pancakes and fan-favorite hashbrown casserole four hours later than usual.

As the Maggie Valley breakfast institution approaches its anniversary, managers Brittany and Aaron Milling are reflecting on the restaurant’s legacy and how they want to protect that legacy while also building something of their own. The restaurant was founded in 1966 by Joey O’Keefe and his wife, Brenda, who moved up to the area after meeting in Miami, Florida. Back in those days, Joey’s Pancake House inhabited a smaller building just up the valley near a chairlift going up to the wildly popular Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park that served up plenty of hungry customers. In the early days, it was open late enough to serve dinner..

Since 2018, when the Millings bought the business, it hascontinued to thrive. Even amid a sea of breakfast joints dotting the landscape, Joey’s stands out. In 2023, it was named the No. 6 restaurant in the Carolinas by Yelp. At the beginning of this year, it was the subject of a feature in Southern Living Magazine highlighting the “most legendary pancake houses in the south.” Perhaps most notably, it was featured in a November 2024 Fox & Friends segment.

When the Millings took over operations, they knew they wanted to stay true to the reputation the O’Keefe’s had cultivated over five decades. While they originally planned to rename the restaurant to Sandra’s Pancake House, after they worked out an arrangement with Brenda O’Keefe, they kept the original name. Since then, they’ve kept most things the same, happy to maintain the reputation they’d inherited. While there have been some small menu changes, one thing, of course, remained the same.

In 2001, Joey O’Keefe, a native Philadelphian, died, and Brenda continued to run the restaurant for 16 more years before selling it to Roy and Sandra Milling, Aaron’s parents.

“There's something special about our pancake mix that Joey created that nobody else does,” Brittany Milling said. “I mean, even the manufacturers that we've used before will tell you, Yyour pancake mix is so hard to make because it requires certain ingredients that give it that special taste that makes it hard to clean our equipment.’ Everybody knows the taste of Joey's, no matter what. So we try to keep that in mind in everything that we make and everything that we do.”

Like for any restaurant worth frequenting, consistency is key.

“That’s not just the way things taste, but the way things look, down to how we lay our bacon on the plate. If we get a weird-looking piece of bacon, we'll use it for crumbles instead of a nice beautiful piece,” Brittany said.

Largely responsible for maintaining that consistency is Aaron. Aaron can often be found manning the griddle amid the constant hum of a commercial kitchen tasked with serving one of the largest dining rooms in the area. It’s a tall task, but restaurants are in Aaron’s blood. His father has owned restaurants his whole life, and Aaron is no stranger to the griddle.

“I would not say there was a huge learning curve there,” he said. “I have cooked a lot of breakfast food.”

Nonetheless, moving into an operation run as well as Joey’s did take work. Aaron admitted that as tight of ships as he and his family had run in the past, they weren’t anything like the standards set by Brenda O’Keefe.

“What Brenda did … the guidelines she gave us were so extensive,” he recalled. “But I mixed that with what I know and it was successful.”

Perhaps the most important thing to Brenda O’Keefe has been maintaining the cleanliness of the operation, which the former owner still speaks of with pride. The restaurant now boasts a perfect score from F

the health department, a rare feat among restaurants. O’Keefe has mixed feelings about seeing the restaurant under the new owners, not because she doesn’t have faith in them, but because for so long the restaurant was a part of her life and a main link to the community she holds so dear.

It was also a connection to so many hundreds of customers who would return from all over the country to get some of Joey’s pancakes, as O’Keefe so fondly recalled.

where my keys or glasses are, but I remember them.”

The legacy and reputation are indeed tough to match, but the Millings feel like they’re keeping pace — or at least the customers who come through their doors day in and day out tend to think so.

Joey’s pancake house serves up 60th anniversary celebration

Celebrate Joey’s Pancake House’s 60th anniversary. On Wednesday, June 24, the restaurant will extend its hours, serving breakfast from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be live music much of the day from the Rich Manz trio. In addition, there will be a raffle held every hour, as well as a pancake eating contest at 2 p.m. To enter the contest, send an email to joeysmaggievalley@gmail.com.

“The most important part of the business was our guests,” she said. “Right when [the Millings] first opened, so many customers and people from all over the country who had come for 50 or 60 years now came in.”

Of course, those who’ve donned the apron in Joey’s also hold a special place in O’Keefe’s heart.

“It’s a gift to know everyone who ever worked in here,” she said, “I can’t remember

“Our servers hear it, our cashier hears it, Miss Lanell out front hears about how proud Joey would have been. So that's always something amazing to hear,” Brittany said. “It always makes my heart smile, because that's the one thing that we want.”

either McGaha, Finance Officer Lisa Kim Fisher or an independent auditor. Trustee Lori Richards, who initially brought the surplus fund reimbursement before the board in May, had reached out to FRL’s auditing firm, Carter, to see if it could review those figures, but Carter responded that it would be a conflict of interest since the firm was contracted to complete the fiscal year 2025-26 audit and declined. McGaha said he’d originally made an appointment with Fisher to receive the information regarding surplus fund distribution on June 5, but that didn’t happen until June 12, which gave him only two weekend days to answer Von Henner’s questions and bring the item before the board for a vote. That simply wasn’t possible.

“Two weekend days is not quite enough to fully analyze the information we received,” McGaha said. The public portion of that meeting concluded with a 20-minute conversation about certain expenditures on FRL credit cards. The discussion, brought up by Jennings, quickly turned into something more akin to a congressional hearing, with a few trustees grilling Fisher about specific transactions for several items from food and drink to internet and telephone, ranging from under $100 to thousands of dollars. Some things Kim could answer relatively quickly — items that were used for programming, one improper charge for a personal item accidentally placed on an FRL credit card that was quickly made right. Some she wasn’t able to answer but said she could with a little bit of investigation.

During the line of questioning, Trustee Cynthia Womble, of Swain County, who joined the meeting from out of town via Zoom, questioned whether that was the time to ask such questions instead of during a finance committee meeting and said she wouldn’t expect the finance officer to have answers to all those questions on the spot. Jennings mentioned that she wants to see the board commission a forensic audit of the system’s finances going back three years.

Then Richards jumped in, further questioning some of the charges at local restaurants. At this point, Trustee Tony Monnat, of Swain County, echoed Womble, saying that these items should be addressed through the finance committee.“There’s no need to keep going,” he said. The board agreed to discuss the item further during a closed session, which was already planned for other items anyway.

That closed session lasted over two hours, and when trustees returned, they voted on just one item they’d apparently discussed, opting to restrict use of the terminal through which they communicate with King Law to the board chair, vice chair and director or interim director. That measure passed 6-1, with Monnat providing the lone dissension. Womble didn’t vote since she had already logged out of the meeting at that point.

A NEW COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

The June 22 meeting, initially called for the primary purpose of voting on the system’s budget before July and the beginning of the new fiscal year, will also address the draft collection development policy. That

policy, if approved, will bring about a large shift in the way the library allows for access to and procurement of certain materials. Through a public records request, SMN was provided not only the draft CDP that will be presented June 22 but also previous drafts of the document, as well as a list of research materials used in its crafting. One item referenced is a “Mature Content Collection Policy” passed by the Idaho state legislature that led to an “adults only” area in the state’s libraries. This policy has been challenged in court and was most recently determined to be “constitutionally deficient,” with judges opining that it is “overbroad on its face” and “threatens to regulate a substantial amount of expressive activity” in violation of the First Amendment.

In an interview with SMN following the June 15 meeting, Collection Development Committee Chair Kathy Smith, of Macon County, said that the committee didn’t keep minutes but that the drafts are a reflection of the work put in during those two-hour meetings. Smith noted that due to scheduling conflicts, Fitzmaurice, an ex-officio member of the committee until her departure, was unable to attend any meetings.

“Going back to October, we were trying to set times up where we could get her in,” Smith said.Both Smith and McGaha told SMN that Von Henner had changes he recommended to the document, but neither would specify as to the nature of those changes.

When asked how Smith responds to the criticism leveled by many in the community about filtering certain content based on ideology, Smith largely restated what’s in the introduction of the CDP.

“The library should be available to all to represent all of our citizens and provide a reasonable balance to the best ability for different ideological viewpoints, and at the same time, while remaining neutral, we cannot appear to promote or advocate a political ideological position,” she said. The policy lays out a number of definitions near the beginning. Some of these definitions, such as “obscene,” rely on state law. The definition of “banned book” is provided without citation.

“‘Banned Book’ means a book that is currently illegal to buy, sell, own or distribute by current law in any county served by the FRL or in any other location in this country,” the policy reads. Under the new policy, if adopted, the traditionally popular “banned book” displays must state the year a book was banned (under the definition provided in the policy), and the country where it was banned.

Sarah Lamdan, Executive Director for the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, said that the definition used in FRL’s draft CDP is “completely fabricated.” However, there is no legal definition for the term as established by a court. The common definition of a book ban, according to Lamdan, is the removal of materials from a library because someone considers it harmful or dangerous.

The draft CDP calls for materials to be judged by the three-pronged Miller Test, which asks if a work meets all three of the

following criteria:

Does the work, as judged by “the average person, applying contemporary community standards,” taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient (inappropriately sexual) interest? Does the work depict or describe, in an explicit, “patently offensive way,” sexual conduct or excretory functions as defined by state laws? Does the work, taken as a whole, lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value?According to the draft CDP, when purchasing new materials for the library, there will be three age groups considered: Juveniles up to age 11, teens ages 12-17 and adults.

“Librarians are encouraged to consult RatedBooks.org as a resource to determine which age group is best suited for specific books or materials,” the draft CDP reads. “Librarians are not required to follow any publisher’s recommended age for shelving.”

“To serve a diverse community, the library may include books for individuals aged 0-17 that some consider harmful to minors or otherwise inappropriate,” it notes. “If such materials are found to contain content that is ‘harmful for minors, obscene, or unlawful,’ or if directed by the Board, within the limits of NC statute, librarians shall move such materials from the Juvenile and Teen collections to the Adult section. Adults may check out such materials for their minor dependents.”A footnote in the draft CDP discusses “viewpoint bias” by talking specifically about the subject of “underage gender transition.”

“On the polarizing subject of underage gender transition, our trusted review sources and publishers have failed to provide neutrality and a reasonable balance of information, to provide one example,” that footnote reads. “They have overwhelmingly recommended materials with uncritical support for underage gender transition with no mention of transition regret or medical damage, when data was collected from the NC Cardinal Library (library.nc.gov) card catalog on February 20, 2026. This has resulted in a grave imbalance of viewpoints on our library on the shelves for ages 0-17 in the FRL.”

A report sent to Swain County Head Librarian Jeff Delfield and Macon County Head Librarian Abby Hardison outlined this claim in more detail, noting there were 112 books in FRL libraries for ages 0-17 when the phrase “gender identity” was entered into the bar for the NC Cardinal Library Card catalog search, while there were zero each for “gender transition regret,” “gender detransition,” “puberty blocker damage” and “gender transition damage.”

“They’re cherry-picking activities that they don’t like or don’t want to see in the world,” Lamdan said, adding that at some point they verge into dangerous territory tantamount to “content and viewpoint discrimination.”

“If you’re not building a library collection in a way that’s ‘content-neutral’ that doesn’t discriminate based on viewpoints, ideology, that is unconstitutional,” she said.Von Henner did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding potential First Amendment issues on the draft CDP.

Potential Macon FRL exit puts Swain in bind

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

Swain Librarian Jeff Delfield learned through a text that Macon commissioners had voted to begin the process of leaving the Fontana Regional Library system in 2027.

continue to meet all state funding requirements, meaning the former partnership between Jackson, Macon and Swain counties will dissolve entirely if Macon’s board stays true to its decision. As a result, Swain County will be subject to the same year-long demonstration as Macon during a major

“Macon County, at least one or two of their commissioners, had been on the record saying that they were not interested in leaving Fontana Regional Library all through the last year,” she added.

Swain Commission Vice Chair Tanner Lawson echoed that sentiment, recalling

Delfield worry it might face the largest challenges of any FRL partner.

The far-west county already has a much smaller budget than its neighbors, projecting about $26 million in revenues compared to Jackson’s nearly $109 million and Macon’s $68 million in 2026-2027.

The June 9 decision follows in the footsteps of Jackson County. Though Jackson commissioners cited concerns about LGBTQ+ material as justification, Macon County framed the vote as a financially prudent move.

Jackson will officially exit FRL July 1, following a fiscal year 2025-2026 demonstration period during which the county would

renovation to its only library.

Delfield was far from the only impacted person learning indirectly about — and shocked by — the measure.

“I think everyone was caught off guard, except for potentially one or two people in Swain County,” said Cynthia Womble, who is a member of the FRL and Marianna Black Library boards.

that Macon had planned to remain part of FRL, at least according to the county manager.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

While Swain County didn’t ask to be involved in this situation, Womble and

Plus, said Womble, Swain County is mainly tourism-dependent, whereas Macon and Jackson are home to other industries such as tech, which provide tax revenue and resources.

Delfield said while Macon’s decision to withdraw might equally impact both counties, “[Swain’s] small tax base makes it a more difficult F

Macon votes to provide notice of withdrawal to Fontana Regional Library System

Move may hamper FRL’s director search

BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR

Macon commissioners voted to notify the Fontana Regional Library system of the county’s withdrawal.

While the item wasn’t included in the agenda for the June 9 meeting that went out to the public, it was added near the beginning of the meeting on a motion by Commissioner Barry Breeden, who spearheaded the withdrawal discussion.

with Jackson County leaving. Jackson County commissioners voted last year to give notice of their pending withdrawal, which will be effective come July 1.

Commissioner John Shearl, known for pushing the county to minimize its tax burden on property owners in almost every debate, echoed Breeden’s question and pondered whether the county could do the same job as FRL cheaper — and with entirely local control.

“Are we capable of operating the library and offering the same services as FRL?” he asked. “What’s so special about FRL other than it’s a three-county [system]?

wanting to change one thing — the carpet, in Trick’s analogy — and revealed other things that needed addressing, which she likened to floor joists under the carpet.

DeVille said what he’s seen doesn’t feel like a “renovation.” For the last four years, it has felt more like a demolition, he said. Heather Johnson asked the board to consider what happens when the library is entirely under their “umbrella.”

“It makes it to where the library doesn’t have an independent governing body,” Johnson told commissioners. “It makes it to where it has politicians governing what is made policy in that library.” When the

Elyza specializes in deep tissue work with intention. Her style is an infusion of modalities from all over including Thai, Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian), and energy based work. She listens to the body and allows movement where energy flows. Elyza also offers other services such as Swedish, Trigger Point, Lymphatic massage, Aroma therapy, Hot Stones, and Cupping.

FRL was first discussed during the conversation ahead of the vote for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. County Manager Warren Cabe mentioned that while FRL had requested about $1.62 million, he included about $1.25 million in the budget. The gap, Cabe said, essentially represents the funding requested to cover the financial hole left by Jackson County’s withdrawal from the system, which left just Macon and Swain remaining. Because the FRL trustees will soon vote on a reimbursement of “surplus funds” to the member counties, that gap could be made up from the over $500,000 Macon is slated to receive.

The board approved the budget as proposed, but not before Breeden broached the topic of withdrawal. He began with reticence, asking if it’s worth staying in FRL

“We have some very intelligent people in Macon County that can certainly run this library system,” he added.

As the conversation spun up into a full exploration of the issue, commission Chair Josh Young steered the board back on track and called for the budget vote. Following passage of the budget, commissioners heard public comment. Most had to do with county libraries, but not the potential withdrawal. Also on the agenda was the appointment of three county library board members, and that is what most people were prepared to discuss.

John deVille touched briefly on the potential withdrawal. A prior comment from Macon GOP Chair Patti Trick likened the sweeping library system changes to remodeling a living room. It started with

board resumed its discussion, Breeden spoke with greater focus.

“It does not make sense to stay in the FRL and pay hundreds of thousands more dollars. I don’t see a benefit in what that would be,” he said. In order to withdraw from the library system at the start of the next fiscal year in July 2027, the board would have to vote to provide its notice of withdrawal to FRL by the end of this month, which gave the discussion a sense of urgency.

“It would behoove us to at least start the process of pulling out of the FRL,” Breeden said. Commissioners seemed to agree that there was ample financial concern for the county due to the increased costs anticipated ahead of Jackson’s withdrawal. They approved a motion F

Man sentenced to 20 years for Blue Ridge Parkway shooting

James Tyler Lynch, 23, of Asheville, was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release last Thursday for assault with intent to commit murder and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

According to court documents and court proceedings, on May 29, 2024, Lynch met the victim at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Asheville. Lynch brought with him a loaded Kahr Arms, Model P380, .380 caliber pistol which he had concealed from the victim. After a brief conversation, Lynch told the victim he and a driver would give the victim a ride. Lynch instructed the driver of the vehicle to drive to Blue Ridge Parkway, while Lynch and the victim rode as passengers. Near milepost 399 along the Parkway, Lynch told the driver to pull off the roadway onto a dirt pullout, where Lynch told the victim to get out of the car. As the victim was walking away, Lynch fired at least six shots, seriously injuring the victim. After shooting the victim, Lynch and the driver fled the scene.

Court documents show that rangers responded to reports of a gunshot victim lying in the roadway. When they arrived, rangers found that the victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, hand and pelvis. The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for permanent and lifethreatening bodily injuries he sustained as a result of the shooting. Special agents with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch investigated the case that ultimately led to Lynch’s arrest.

Breeden proposed to provide FRL with its notice of withdrawal, 4-1, with Commissioner Gary Shields dissenting on the grounds that he would like to see more information on the matter.With the uncertainty around the future of the three libraries in the county, the board also decided to postpone the vote to appoint new Macon County Public Library Board members. With six members left, that board can still achieve a quorum for its next meeting in August.

During the meeting, multiple commissioners discussed receiving hundreds of emails from concerned citizen voicing not only their opinions on potential MCPL board members but also an upcoming FRL collection development policy vote scheduled for next week’s trustees meeting. While Macon commissioners have no say in that matter, their constituents made their feelings clear. Toward the end of the discussion, Breeden, with FRL Board Chair and Interim Director Bill McGaha in attendance, asked that the library system refrain from making policy changes as the county navigates the ramifications of and steps required following the withdrawal from FRL.

decisions on the matter, meaning there’s a year for further discussion. Cabe said commissioners and county staff can begin exploring the process and ramifications of withdrawing. While Jackson County paid consultants to inform its withdrawal process, Cabe said he’d prefer to save that money by relying on current library staff to provide expert opinions and guidance.

“I’m not a big fan of using a contractor, because a lot of times they give you the information you give them in a different format to make them feel better about that information,” Cabe said. “I think you’ve got some qualified people. I don’t know that anybody out here, no matter which side of the aisle you’re on, would disagree that there’s some qualified people on all sides of the issue that can help you get to that point.”

Should Macon County withdraw from FRL, it would lead to the dissolution of the almost century-old institution. With the system in hospice for the next year, it raises questions about the process to hire a new director for the FRL system.

“It does not make sense to stay in the FRL and pay hundreds of thousands more dollars. I don’t see a benefit in what that would be.”

Heather Johnson

Other commissioners agreed with the sentiment.

“The world changed last Tuesday when MC voted to withdraw,” McGaha told The Smoky Mountain News.

McGaha said that as a trustee from Macon County, he wants to honor the commission’s request and “let things sit where they are until things settle down a bit.” However, any other trustee can bring any motion they want during a meeting, and he typically doesn’t even cast a vote as board chair.

The vote to provide a notice of withdrawal doesn’t lock the county into any

In January, former Director Tracy Fitzmaurice tendered her resignation and left the position in late February. McGaha said that Macon’s withdrawal is likely to throw a wrench into the hiring process, since he’ll have to let candidates know that with Jackson almost out the door and Macon signaling its intent to withdraw, it may be tough — or impossible — to find someone who will take the job for just one year before there’s no more FRL left to lead.

For now, McGaha will remain as the interim FRL director, a job for which he isn’t paid, has no formal training and didn’t have to be long-term.

“If that’s not the way the board wants to go or they don’t want to hire a director then I’ll stay on,” he said.

Governor, WNC senator ask feds for more Helene relief

BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR

Gov. Josh Stein has changed the amount of aid he’s requesting from Congress for ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Stein traveled to Washington, D.C., along with state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) to speak with North Carolina’s congressional delegation to offer details on his ask. The previously requested amount was $13.48 billion, a number that Stein lowered to $10.17 billion in a letter he sent to the delegation the day of their meeting.

In the letter, Stein expresses his gratitude for what he describes as FEMA’s accelerated approvals of public assistance applications.

“Through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, FEMA has approved at least 372 voluntary acquisitions,” Stein wrote. “I thank you for that positive development.”

Just a couple of days before Stein’s June 10 meeting in the nation’s capital, FEMA released $172 million for ongoing disaster recovery. In a post on X published June 10, Stein said he was grateful for the money, much of which went to county emergency services around the region and buyouts for homeowners, but he also noted that he is still focused on getting Western North Carolina the resources it needs to build back.

“North Carolina is grateful for the continued partnership of the federal government,” he wrote. “I will not stop working to make sure Western NC gets the resources it needs to recover for the long haul.”

This most recent trip to Washington, D.C., to plead for more aid wasn’t Stein’s first. He met in January with acting FEMA Administrator Karen Evans, and in February, he went to the White House to ask President Donald Trump for additional federal support.

more funding.

Stein provided a chart with updated numbers.

“Among other things, it accounts for federal and state funds that have since been awarded and to right size against revised damage estimates,” he wrote. “At the same time, we raised the state’s housing and water infrastructure request because the data show continued, real and immediate unmet needs, and the state has a proven ability to get these funds invested in communities quickly and effectively where they can make a difference.”

ing and building necessary new infrastructure,” he wrote in the letter.

One of the notable requests from Stein is that Congress provide money for private road and bridge repair, something prohibited by FEMA through the Stafford Act. However, Sen. Corbin told The Smoky Mountain News that because of the prevalence of private roads and bridges in the rural areas hit hard by Helene, and the ongoing impact of impassible roads, that should be a consideration at the federal level.

"The difference with this storm is it hap-

gress to provide Helene recovery dollars after no movement in a year and a half.

“He and I disagree on some ways to approach state government and different policy, but we still agree on a lot,” Corbin said. “I think things we can agree on, we ought to work together, and something we agree on is maximizing federal dollars using matching state dollars.”

In a press release, Stein said he thought that the meetings went well since everyone understands the kind of recovery Helene necessitates, but that more action is needed.

According to Stein’s office, the state has allocated about $2.4 billion in direct appropriations, including $395 million to match federal dollars, more than for any past disaster. State agencies have put $2 billion from their own budgets toward Helene recovery. Private insurance has paid out about $5 billion, and philanthropic organizations have contributed at least $1.4 billion.

“With this significant progress, we now know with more precision where gaps remain. And there is no doubt significant gaps remain,” Stein wrote.

The governor’s office attributes the $3 billion reduction in the request to that more precise accounting of dollars spent and dollars available, as well as a better understanding of conditions on the ground. The breakdown of the new request sees some areas, such as county and municipal governments, requesting less money, while others, like housing and water infrastructure, receiving

Stein speaks frequently of the need for more recovery dollars, something he mentioned during a visit to Canton last month where he talked about sewer and water infrastructure projects, including the town’s planned wastewater treatment plant. He did so again in the June 10 letter, stating that as of March 31, federal funding only covered about 14% of estimated damages. In addition, Stein claimed that at current funding, about 2,100 applicants will remain unserved in the state’s current single-family housing program and “every dollar” of the EPA revolving funds is now committed while at least $655 million in eligible water and sewer investments remain unfunded.

“Many local facilities, from dams and streambanks to municipal roads, fall outside FEMA’s PA eligibility and have no other path to repair without alternative federal assistance programs. Local governments are still absorbing revenue losses that strain their abilities to deliver basic services, let alone cover the costs of repair-

pened in very rugged mountain terrain. Water runs down to lowest elevation area and that’s where the private roads and bridges are,” Corbin said.

The biggest request, at $3.07 billion, is related to repairing damaged homes and recovering housing stock. Corbin said that right now, about 2,000 homes are in “the pipeline,” whether people are receiving money for repairs, replacement or a buyout of their homes. The senator wants to see that number grow to 4,000 in short order.

“Our message is we need to make sure we get that money in the pipeline because it takes a year to flow through,” he said.

Corbin, who chairs Stein’s advisory committee on WNC recovery, said he thinks the bipartisan nature of his and Stein’s trip is worth mentioning. In a world where government is polarized at every level, a Democratic governor and a Republican senator, amid ongoing state budget drama no less, presented a unified voice when arguing on behalf of their constituents to get con-

“I am encouraged by today’s meetings with North Carolina’s congressional delegation, and I look forward to working with them to deliver more federal resources to Western North Carolina,” he said in the release. “The people of Western North Carolina are working hard on their recovery. Their state and federal government need to do their parts.”

Corbin hopes to see the federal government reimburse at least half of the state’s total losses from Helene, meaning about $30 billion. Stein and Corbin spoke with both Rep. Chuck Edwards (RHenderson) and Republican Sen. Ted Budd in separate meetings. The meeting with Edwards was perhaps most important of the trip, not only because the congressman represents most of the areas most affected by Helene, but also because he sits on the House Appropriations Committee.

“We’re asking him to lead the way, and he’s volunteered to lead the way on requesting more funding, and that’s done through the appropriations bill as a contingent resolution as money moves through Congress,” Corbin said.

Edwards told SMN that he was happy to see Stein adjust the amount he was requesting from the federal government, since some of those requests were already “baked into the equation.” He said he isn’t hoping Congress aims for a “specific percentage” when it comes to doling out dollars for hurricane relief, but rather that issues should be addressed as needed.

“It isn’t just going and writing a check for $10 billion,” he said. “So much of that is already worked into the equation. As an example, the governor’s request was just lowered by $3.5 billion because of recovery efforts.”

Time will tell if Congress will grant all or some of Stein’s request, but Corbin remains optimistic.

“I fully understand that we may not get the full amount for each one of those depending on how they hash that out, but I do think we’re going to get part of it, and the state will continue to fund it,” he said. “A dollar we get is a dollar we didn’t have.”

Community Almanac

Jackson County to hold “America 250” July 4th parade

A July 4th parade will be held on the nation’s Semiquincentennial to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, in Dillsboro.

One of the highlights of the parade is the recognition of military veterans in Jackson County, signified by the parade’s agenda, “250th Salute to our Veterans.”

The Grand Marshal for the parade will be members of the VFW Mike Martin Post 9493 in Tuckasegee. Other veterans and veterans’ groups – American Legion Post 104 in Sylva, Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143, American Legion Riders, Jackson County Veterans Organization and others — will also march in the parade.

Jackson County’s America 250 July Fourth parade will be held on Independence Day in Dillsboro. Nick Breedlove photo

Brenda Anders of Dogwood Crafters will be recognized as “Ms. Dillsboro” and be honored during the parade.

Franklin welcomes BCS Business Solutions

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce welcomed BCS Business Solutions to the Franklin business community with a ribbon-cutting celebration.

BCS is proud to announce its return to the Franklin area with an expanded suite of small business services designed to maximize profits and efficiency for growing companies.

BCS is located at 1783 Georgia Road in Franklin. To make an appointment, call 828.820.7158. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Virtual appointment options are available.

‘Celebrating Cosby’ programs return to Cosby Campground “Celebrating Cosby: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” community programs will be offered at the Cosby Campground Amphitheater this summer. These programs honor the rich cultural and natural history of the Cosby area through storytelling, dance, music and history talks.

Each program features musicians, dancers, storytellers, moonshiners or former residents who once lived in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors are invited to step back in time during these summer programs to experience the stories, music and mountain ways of people living in the Cosby area from the past to the present. Here are some of the programs:

•7-8 p.m. June 19, Mountain Edge Band — Enjoy traditional bluegrass music and the stories of Cosby families during this musical night! Featuring musicians: Judge Carter Moore (banjo), Andy Williams (mandolin), Kurry Cody (guitar), Bo Cutshaw (guitar) and Carty McSween (bass).

• 7-8 p.m. June 26 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — Learn about Cherokee culture and stories through dance, music and storytelling featuring members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

• 7-8 p.m. July 10, Moonshiners — Distill myth from fact as you learn details of making moonshine in the mountains from Moonshine Legends Mark Ramsey, Sally Clark, Digger Manes and Kelly Williamson.

All programs will be held at the Cosby Campground Amphitheater. In the event of rain, programs will move to the covered picnic pavilion. Visitors are welcome to find seating in the amphitheater or bring their own chairs or blankets. For more information, please email gsmnp_news_release@nps.gov.

Register for 2027 Lake Junaluska ENCOUNTER Winter Youth Retreats

Registration is open for Lake Junaluska’s 2027 ENCOUNTER Winter Youth Retreats, where youth groups grow closer to God and each other in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

The two ENCOUNTER weekends will be Jan. 1518 and Feb. 12-15 and offer youth group programming, dynamic speakers, live music, powerful worship, real talk sessions, games and more, plus opportunities to ski and snowboard.

The theme for 2027 is #NoFilter, based on Psalm 139. Participants will consider three questions: “What images are we paying attention to?”, “In whose image were we created?” and “How are we called to live that image in the world?”

The guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck, currently a pastor, professor, author and thought leader in the movement. Beck, a popular youth speaker, recently spoke at IGNITE 2025: A Celebration of Creativity & Connection, the youth conference for New Jersey and New York United Methodist Church in Wildwood, New Jersey.

Both ENCOUNTER retreats offer two- and threenight options with a Sunday ski or snowboard addon at an additional cost. The two-night option is

they march along Front Street. Andy Shaw Ford is providing vehicles for the parade, and a local color guard will take lead. Other parade participants include leaders from various local municipalities and participants from the Jackson County Department on Aging.

Parking will be in typical locations in Dillsboro, and overflow parking will be at Monteith Park. Safety and security will be provided by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and various Jackson County Fire Departments.

The Jackson County Chamber and Visitor Center will continue the festivities on Saturday afternoon and evening from 3-9:30 p.m. in downtown Sylva, which include kids’ activities, food trucks, music, a 1776 reenactment and a salute to our veterans. A spectacular fireworks show will then take place that night right after the concert at Bridge Park and will be visible from downtown Sylva and the surrounding area.

$193 per person and includes lodging, meals and programming. The three-night option is $273 and includes lodging, meals and programming.

Groups that pay their deposit by Saturday, Nov.

1, will receive one free chaperone sleeping room for every 10 youth reservations. For more information or to register online, visit or call 828.454.6650.

Lori’s grandfather and the Stanley Cup

My wife’s grandfather, William F. Sullivan, once told a newspaperman that one of his “fondest memories was ‘polishing the cup.’”

For the record, he’s referring to Lord Stanley’s Cup, the hockey championship trophy that the Carolina Hurricanes now have in Raleigh after vanquishing the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night after a six-game series, and was in the window of a drugstore in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Most sports fans admit it’s the most difficult championship in professional sports to win. The season starts in October and just ended Sunday. You must win four rounds that could potentially go to seven games to be crowned champion. It’s just a tough, bruising, no-nonsense sport with a long, grueling season.

With the Stanley Cup in Raleigh, I wanted to filter through some family lore, and so we talked to Lori’s father last night. Sure as hell, there is a family connection to the Cup that goes back more than 100 years.

First, more recent hockey and family history. The hockey bug came to me later than most. When I started spending all the time I could around Lori, that also led to watching hockey games with Bill, her father. He’s from Detroit and so grew up a Red Wings fan, and he’s one of those men who can recite starting line-ups of his favorite teams from decades ago. Eventually Bill bought multi-game ticket packages and started inviting me to attend. When my son, Liam, was old enough, he would come along. Of note, Bill and his son, Jim, were in the stands when Carolina won its first Stanley Cup in 2006. Now, my son and I are hockey fanatics along with Bill and other family members, more specifically Hurricanes fanatics. This season I probably watched 50 or more games in my living

Ensuring inclusive, evidence- based decision making

To the Editor:

I write as someone with more than 30 years of experience facilitating transparent, evidence-based decision-making across diverse stakeholders, and as a pro-democracy advocate who believes local governance is essential to community health.

Recent Macon County meetings — the county commissioners meeting on June 9 and Planning Board meetings on May 7 and on June 11 — raise serious concerns about whether decisions are being made in ways that are transparent, inclusive and grounded in evidence.

At the June 9 commissioner meeting, within the budget discussions, commissioners signaled their intention to leave the Fontana Regional Library system based on costs. This significant decision — while timebound — was not publicly debated as a standalone issue, was not placed on the agenda for public comment and appeared to have been made without clear data, a transparent assessment of costs and benefits or meaningful public input.

At that same meeting, commissioners considered applications for the Macon County Public Library Board of Trustees without clear

room, and for some reason Lori hasn’t dumped me. I think it has something to do with her father being the one who got me hooked.

Bill’s father was from Nova Scotia in Canada. Eventually he moved to the U.S. and ran a drugstore in Detroit, but according to a 1974 article in the Cape Breton Post, in 1913 he worked at Don Buckley’s drugstore in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Prior to the creation of the NHL, the Cup would go to the winner of a challenge game. The Sydney Millionaires challenged the Quebec Bulldogs, who held the Cup from 19111913.

Which means during that challenge series, the Cup would have traveled to Sydney. William F. Sullivan told the reporter that his claim to have polished the trophy and displayed it in the window of the drugstore “has been questioned several times, especially while attending games around Detroit.” But, the reporter declared, “Mr. Sullivan’s claim is absolutely right…”

In our conversation with Lori’s father this week, he recalled as a young boy being with his dad when Red Wings fans would question the validity of his father’s story. As it turns out, it’s all true.

How cool is that?

It’s a tradition for the winners of the Stanley Cup to take the trophy to different places. When the Hurricanes arrived back in Raleigh on Monday, they took it to a bar on Glenwood Avenue where fans could help them celebrate.

LETTERS

evidence of interviews or transparent selection criteria. While no appointments were ultimately made, the process by which applicants would have been chosen lacked rigor. Similarly, planning board discussions during May 7 and on June 11 regarding redistricting did not reflect a thorough review of avail-

Maybe someone from the Hurricanes will bring it to Waynesville and let Loretta Sullivan McLeod — the granddaughter of Mr. William F. Sullivan — work some of her polishing magic on Lord Stanley’s Cup. A third-generation cleansing might be just what it needs.

•••

Count me among those who can sink into a chair at a dimly lit coffee shop and turn it into a creative refuge. The chairs and tables, to my liking, are usually old and mismatched, the ever-present aroma of the fresh coffee is reassuring to my olfactory senses and the ancient-looking burlap bags of unroasted beans add an unmistakable ambiance.

And in a day when customer service seems to have disappeared, I appreciate baristas who look you in the eye when talking, who don’t act rushed, who seem to care that you get exactly what you want. The line may get long, which to some is annoying, but when I get the sense that the business appreciates my purchase that is often just $1 for a refill, it is much appreciated.

There are many of these shops in Western North Carolina, and right now I’m sitting at a back table at Smoky Mountain Roasters in Hazelwood. It opens at 7 a.m., and I wanted to get some place early to finish off some editing and writing for this week’s edition. These baristas are greeting customers by name, making conversation, and the vibe is good.

And before I knew it, this column was finished. Tomorrow it might be Panacea that inspires me, but for the record, this coffee-loving journalist appreciates all you hard-working baristas.

(Scott McLeod is publisher and editor of SMN.

able data. Multiple well-developed representation options were presented, yet deliberations neglected the evidence and engaged in a disrespectful discussion rather than engaging the full analysis. With this issue returning on July 2, public awareness and participation are critical.

Decisions affecting library access and electoral representation carry long-term conse-

quences, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for those decision makers who step up and commit to this community. It is not always an easy job, and that service matters. These decisions must be made through processes that are open, evidence-based and inclusive of community input — and Macon County residents should expect nothing less.

Constance L Neely Scaly Mountain

We must make systemic changes

To the Editor:

We are fighting the same battles our ancestors fought and that our descendants will fight unless we change how we are governed.

There are a veritable few very wealthy people who influence all people on the planet to do their will. This is not conspiracy theory but recorded history. From Will and Ariel Durant’s “The Lessons of History,” to George Seldes “1000 Americans,” the list goes on and on. This is an overwhelming concept, and very difficult to digest. There are many good people in the world doing good for the betterment of humanity. We must focus that good towards overturning a system designed to keep us all as virtual slaves. George Orwell said in “1984,” “As long as

Many still hungry in the mountains

To the Editor:

Friends and wisitors to Haywood County, we count it as a privilege to volunteer with the anti-hunger program of Haywood Christian Ministry. We sort donated food and produce which is then distributed through the food pantry, food lockers or at feeding sites. We began this work in late 2024, after Hurricane Helene devastated much of our region, leaving many in Haywood County homeless and without access to an adequate source of food. Our volunteer time stems from our believe in the words from Matthew 25, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…”

There are still many people suffering from the effects of Helene and with cutbacks in various federal and state antihunger programs. Add to that the significant increase in the cost of groceries, and many people simply are not able to afford the amount of food they need to feed their families.

Much of the work of Haywood Christian Ministry’s anti-hunger program has

they [the general population] continued to work and breed, their other activities were unimportant. To keep them in control was not difficult.”

Consciousness raising is the first step to

depended upon grants, and these have been reduced in recent months; however, the need to feed the hungry remains.

We have lived in Haywood County for over 30 years and have seen the caring nature of the people here. It does not matter your political party, your religious denomination, if any, your race, sex, creed or any other factor — we believe that we all have a calling to care about others and show concern for those in need.

Whether you are able to donate food or money or items for resale at the Haywood Christian Ministry Thrift Store at 150 Branner Ave., you can help meet the needs of your fellow residents of Haywood County. Monetary donations may be mailed to HCM at P. O. Box 628, Waynesville, N.C., 28786.

Back to Matthew 25, Jesus said, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

behavior change. If enough of us are motivated to truly make it a better world, we can make it happen.

This old engine makes it on time

The

Great Smoky Mountains Music Train departs

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

One of the most beautiful, poignant sounds to echo out into the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina is that of a train whistle in motion. And in downtown Bryson City, that iconic howl is heard almost daily. Most recently, it signaled the inaugural departure of the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train.

“This is a moving, musical experience,” said Courtney McClary, director of operations for SBG Productions, which booked the musical acts. “You can start at one end [of the train] and move to the other. It’s intimate, where you’re part of the experience.”

direction of downtown, all heading for the train station. At 7 p.m. sharp, a loud whistle erupts from the No. 1702 steam locomotive and ricochets throughout the small community. Built in 1942, the train has become not only beloved with its aesthetic, but also the symbol of the GSMR itself.

Soon, the train pulls out of the station, the slow rumble ultimately signaling to the bands that it’s time to play. Before the train can even leave the city limits, the sounds of bluegrass, Americana and rock music spill out of the open-air railcars and open windows. Bystanders on Everett Street and other nearby crossings happily wave goodbye to the riders, the riders, in turn, raising their beverage of choice in an act of solidarity and anticipation for the trip.

“I have never played on a train before, but we play lots of train songs,” Helms chuckled. “And I feel like [the train] is part of the culture of our type of music, for sure. It puts some of our songs into real perspective and kind of keeps the flow of the music going.”

Telluride Blues & Brews and Telluride Jazz festivals. Since AHR was interested in putting music on their GSMR train, SBG was brought on to find local acts to Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia for the test run on June 5-6.

Want to go?

Plans are already in motion for the 2027 Great Smoky Mountains Music Train. For more information and updates, visit greatsmokymountainsmusictrain.com.

To note, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad hosts an array of customized train excursions throughout the year. To learn about the GSMR and its upcoming schedule, visit gsmr.com.

To preface, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City is owned by the Colorado-based American Heritage Railways. The AHR also owns and operates the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the Centennial State. And it’s the D&S that plays host to the highly-popular Durango Blues Train and Durango Bluegrass Train each year. The artists for the Durango music trains are also booked by SBG Productions. Located in Colorado, SBG puts on the longtime

thing, if not more like a series if it fits in with the train schedule.”

For the GSMMT, the lineup includes Americana/bluegrass ensemble Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers, blues-rocker Andrew Scotchie, singer-songwriter Ashley

Throughout the first half of the jaunt, the train snakes through the mountains, its steam stack huffing and puffing up the steady incline toward Fontana Lake, ultimately ending at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Along the way, one observes the fauna and flora right outside the train cars. The smell of the forest and those stunning sunset views seen from train trestle bridges high above the lake. Houseboats floating in the distance, more folks waving hello to us.

After an hour and a half chugging along, the train comes to a halt at the NOC. Everyone onboard hops out for a quick break, the sun now disappearing behind the mountain ridges. Between sets of music, Scotchie exits the train and stands near the edge of the fastpaced Nantahala River.

“Honestly, we looked at other trains across the U.S. and the vibe just wasn’t there,” McClary said. “And we spent less than 24 hours here [in Bryson City] and it was like, ‘This is going to work.’ We’re excited, and it has worked. Hopefully, this will be an annual

Heath, hard rock/jam outfit Dr. Bacon, altcountry/roots act Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band and roots/indiefolk group Collin Pressly & Friends.

With a 6:30 p.m. boarding time, hundreds of excited faces emerge from seemingly every

“It’s not about the destination but the journey, and who you share the journey with,” Scotchie said with an ear-to-ear grin. “This weekend has been all about that — what a unique journey.”

A half-hour later, No. 1702 rings its bell, signaling to passengers that it’s time to head home. Put the train in reverse and cruise through the darkness of old farm fields and backyards filled with fireflies. Slide back into the station at around 10 p.m., but not before Spencer ties a bow on the evening with one final old-time tune, her timeless tone swirling around the train car. The scene conjures the age-old notion of “nothing’s the same, everything’s the same,” especially when it comes to the universal language that is music.

“I grew up in a mountain music family,” Spencer said. “[These songs are] about home, family, love and community. And I think a piece of people lives on through music. It’s deeper than stages, deeper than anything — it’s just heartbeat and generosity.”

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

‘And my imagination will feed my hungry heart’

Hello from Room 2 at the Everett Hotel, overlooking the corner of Everett and Main in downtown Bryson City. Exactly 12 hours ago, I was stepping off the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Music Train (six acts in six cars with six bartenders over the course of three hours), only to be quickly swept into a nearby dive bar, CJ’s Grille, just across the tracks on Depot Street.

With a cold Coors Light in hand, I soon found myself on the front porch of CJ’s singing karaoke. Twice within an hour, actually. First was a raucous rendition of Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades,” my vocal chords pushed to the limit with a guttural howl into the heavens above:

“If you like to gamble, I tell you, I’m your man, you win some, lose some, it’s all the same to me.”

Not long after, I found myself again handed the microphone by the DJ, only to immediately dive into a rowdy ode to Merle Haggard with “Okie from Muskogee”: “We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse, and white lightning’s still the biggest thrill of all.”

I awoke early this morning in Room 2. Like most hotel experiences as a wayward, haphazard journalist, it took me a couple of seconds to realize where I was. No traffic noises waking me up, like at my one-bedroom apartment in downtown Waynesville. No loud noises from lawnmowers, leaf blowers or the occasional jackhammer due to the unrelenting construction a stone’s throw away on Walnut Street and Russ Avenue. Luckily, I didn’t sleep in too much and was able to make the complimentary breakfast in time downstairs at the Everett. An scrumptious meal consisting of a hearty breakfast sandwich along with some yogurt and granola (and fruit). Glass of orange juice. Cup of coffee. Glass of water. Good to go, all things considered. Not a bad way to kick off an unknown Sunday.

HOT PICKS

1

The 27th annual Taste of Scotland Festival will be held June 19-21 at a variety of locations around Franklin.

2

A stage production of “Peter & The Starcatcher” will be held on select dates and times through June 28 at HART Theater.

3

A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

4

The annual QuickDraw art fundraiser will once again be held from 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville.

5

Surrounding me were several familiar faces from Asheville, friends of mine in the music scene, who I didn’t realize would also be onboard the train until I walked into the Fontana rail car. Others were new friends made along the musically-charged, boozefilled journey from Bryson City over Fontana Lake and to the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the Nantahala Gorge. The undulating, soothing sounds of bluegrass, rock and country music echoing out.

Three hours later, upon returning to the station, the rest of the faces at CJ’s were strangers, at least in that moment, either locals or simply visiting from somewhere in North Georgia, Southwestern Virginia or Upstate South Carolina. We were all inebriated with nowhere to be but to partake in the present moment, which, in essence, is the essence of life itself — to be in the “here and now.” Shake hands and exchange hearty laughter. “Next round on me,” you both said. Make sure to swap numbers. Hug goodbye. Until next time.

Beyond my to-do list of this column and finding somewhere pleasant to go for a jog this afternoon, I’m not sure what the rest of the day holds, or wants to hold. Part of me wants to just go back to bed and find something on Netflix. But, that’s not who I am. I aim to seize that carpe diem everyone keeps telling me to get up and get after. I didn’t move here 14 years ago to sit inside my house.

You know, it was weird being back in Bryson City. Like most of us who extensively wander and ponder, one of the odd things about age and experience is being able to see and feel the ghosts of the past, of people and places and time spent together that now only exists in memory.

I have a long, bountiful history with Bryson City, and it had been a little while since I found myself strolling its streets and imbibing its cold domestic beverages. I miss this town. And I miss my friends that used to call this place home, too. They were some of the first friends I made when I arrived in Western North Carolina to work for this newspaper in August 2012. They were small business owners, hus-

The exhibition “Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution” is currently being showcased at the Museum of the Cherokee People (MotCP) in Cherokee.

band and wife with two young kids who operated the former Nantahala Brewing Company on Depot Street. In recent years, they relocated to the coast of South Carolina, now living on Daufuskie Island, walking the white sand beaches daily and fishing the deep waters of the mighty Atlantic Ocean whenever possible. Plans are currently in the works to finally visit them and reunite, trading old tall tales.

Back in the days when they resided in Bryson City, I’d often roll by and stop in, whether for a quick beverage or an hourlong chat, maybe even stay for dinner, maybe even stay the night in the guest room if the generously-poured bourbon from their private stash hit just right in the midnight hour. I was even in their wedding on the front lawn of what’s now Bryson City Brewing (formerly Nantahala’s taproom and restaurant). The sands of time continue to blow.

Leaving CJ’s following the culmination of karaoke, I found myself walking down Everett Street, admiring the vibrancy and evolution of this fine outpost mountain town, thinking about how much the community has changed since I first stepped foot in it those many years ago, when things were still pretty quiet in many aspects. But, we all could feel the tides of changes just over the ridge. Nothing’s the same, everything’s the same. And I think back fondly on those memories of days long gone.

I miss my friends. Hopefully, we’ll cross paths sooner than later. Oh, and if you were wondering, I finally got my rusty, musty truck back from the repair shop. Thousands of dollars later and she’s running like a top, the vehicle as eager as I am to return to the open road, chasing down unknown adventures. Onward.

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

Art fundraiser for local schools

HCAC presents ‘Threads’

QuickDraw is a cherished event each year in WNC.

The annual QuickDraw art fundraiser will once again be held from 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville.

The cocktail social will include an hour-long QuickDraw Challenge, a live/silent auction, refreshments and dinner. Live artists will be working in the public eye, creating timed pieces which will then be auctioned off.

Proceeds go to art classroom supplies in schools and college scholarships for art-related studies. QuickDraw’s signature auction for art education features several unique items to benefit art education in schools.

QuickDraw offers artists a way to show off and to support art teaching’s importance. For attendees, it’s a rare chance to watch art be built from the ground up and to see the end product on the same day. For visitors and potential residents, it’s a way to make friends, discover artists to commission and tap into the philanthropic community.

For art teachers, it’s a lifeline for funding classroom art initiatives in a cash-strapped school system. Since 2001, QuickDraw has funded $255,000 in art supplies and college scholarships in Haywood County Schools.

Tickets are $125 per person (advance only). VIP tables and sponsorships are also available. A portion of the ticket price pays for art teacher dinners.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit quickdrawofwnc.com or call 828.734.5747.

• “Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution” is currently being showcased at the Museum of the Cherokee People (MotCP) in Cherokee. A first-of-itskind exhibition centering Native voices, perspectives and creativity in response to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the showcase features historic objects in conversation with works by Cherokee artists, merging cultural heritage, military history and contemporary art for a nuanced examination of a pivotal moment in Cherokee and American history. It will be on display through Dec. 30. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under. MotCP offers free admission to members of federally recognized tribes and museum members. Student, educator, senior and military rates available. For more information, visit motcp.org.

• “Farmers & Artisans Market” will be held every Friday morning May through October at 117 Island Street in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn along the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies/preserves, authentic crafts and more. Picnic tables onsite. There will also be live music. Leashed pets are welcome. This is

an outdoor event. Free and open to the public. 828.488.7857.

• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied, and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Ages 16 and up. Space limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.

• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Road. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. 828.283.0523 / cre828.com.

• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Celebrating the beauty, creativity and versatility of fiber art, “Threads,” the latest exhibition at the Haywood County Arts Council, will be on display through Aug. 3 at HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery on Main Street in downtown Waynesville.

“Threads” showcases the many ways artists use fiber, thread and fabric to create meaningful works of art. From traditional quilting, weaving and embroidery to contemporary

Mountaintop Art & Craft Show

The 20th annual Mountaintop Art & Craft Show will be held June 27-28 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in downtown Highlands.

pieces inspired by textiles, the exhibition highlights texture, pattern, craftsmanship and innovation. Each work demonstrates how simple materials can be transformed into compelling artistic expressions.

Free and open to the public. For more information, visit haywoodarts.org or call HCAC at 828.452.0593.

The annual event is a twoday, one-weekend gathering that brings over 120 artisans from the region to Highlands for demonstrations, fine art, crafts, live music, kids’ zone and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit highlandsartshow.com.

517.881.0959 / galleryzella.com.

• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. 828.452.0593 / haywoodarts.org.

• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.631.0271 / jcgep.org.

• Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center (Robbinsville) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.

Artisans return to Highlands June 27-28. File photo

• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.339.4000 / southwesterncc.edu/scclocations/swain-center.

• Dogwood Crafters (Dillsboro) will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. 828.586.2248 / dogwoodcrafters.com.

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org.

• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host semi-regular artist gatherings and workshops. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.

On the table

• “Under the Stars, On the Rocks” culinary series is currently underway at the Oak Steakhouse at the Skyline Lodge in Highlands. The events feature renowned chefs from around the Southeast on select dates: July 7, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13. Each four-course meal in the series is unique and personal to the guest chef, offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Dinners are $175 per person (including beverage pairings). Advance reservations required. To make reservations, call 828.526.4008 or visit skylinelodge.com.

• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular culinary events and workshops throughout the week. For a full schedule of upcoming activities, tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.

• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Wind Down Wine Flights” 6 p.m. Thursdays and a special semi-regular wine tastings. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.

• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have the wine bar open from 4-8 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays and a special wine tasting at 5 p.m. on Saturdays ($20 per person). 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a Birdsong Brewing Company tasting 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.

• “Flights & Bites” will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.

• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturday at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.

• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. There will also be a special “Carolina Moonshine” train on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.

On the beat

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host “Music Bingo Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, The Young Ones June 19 and Peter Morris (singersongwriter) June 20. All music starts at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / facebook.com/brbeerhub.

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Karaoke Night” 9 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia” 7 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Jam” 10 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows are located in The Gem

Petty & Friends (Americana/folk) 6 p.m. June 20. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6444 / brysoncityoutdoors.com.

• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Kelly Morris (indie/soul) June 17 and Marc & Anita Pruett (Americana/bluegrass) June 24. All shows begin at 5 p.m. and admission is $25 per person unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.

‘Concerts

kids). 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/concertseries.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo with DJ Mox” Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.

• Dancing On The Square (Robbinsville) will host Darren Nicholson & The ShedHouse Trio (Americana/bluegrass) June 19 (with square dance caller) and Mandy Millsaps & GraceSky Revival June 26. All events begin at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 704.840.8525.

on the Creek’

The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the 16th season of the annual “Concerts on the Creek” music series.

An acclaimed Americana/bluegrass outfit, the Darren Nicholson Band will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.

A native of Western North Carolina, Grammynominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world.

A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry and a

founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Nicholson now spends his time recording, writing new songs and performing as a solo act.

“Concerts on the Creek” are held every Friday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These events are free, with donations encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents are allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. For more information, call the chamber at 828.586.2155, visit mountainlovers.com/concerts-onthe-creek or go to the “Concerts on the Creek” Facebook page.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Rick Yates (singer-songwriter) 5:30 p.m. June 18, Chad & The Junkyard Jive June 19, 81 Drifters June 20 and Skylar Jacobson (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. June 21. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.

• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays with Jim Corbett (singer-songwriter) June 20 and Ben & Marce (Americana/folk) June 27. Free and open to the public. 828.369.8488 / littletennessee.org.

• Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host The Wobblers June 26. Shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.

• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Young Mountain Music June 18, Charles Walker Band June 19, Cory Stevenson Band June 20, David Crisp June 26 and 11 North June 27. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Gladys Knight (R&B/soul) 8 p.m. July 10. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahscherokee.

downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.

• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every other Thursday of the month, “Brunch Show” with Emily Dawn (singer-songwriter) 1 p.m. June 20, Steve & The People Pleasers 10 p.m. June 20 ($5 cover), “Brunch Show” with Fish Out Of Water 1 p.m. June 27 (free) and Sav, Kieran & McKinley 10 p.m. June 27 (free). 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.com.

• Bryson City Brewing (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0085 / brysoncitybrewing.com.

• Bryson City Outdoors (Bryson City) will host Liz

• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Two Armadillos (guitar/vocals) June 19 ($10 cover) and James Hammel (guitar/vocals) June 26 ($10 cover). All shows begin at 6 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The kitchen and wine bar will open at 4 p.m. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.

• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host Summer Brooke Band (bluegrass/pop) June 19 and Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) June 26. All shows are at Bridge Park and begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 / mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek.

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic” at 6 p.m. every second Friday of the month and Paper Wings (Americana) 5 p.m. June 27 ($15 adults, $7.50

• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” with Erick Baker Trio (Americana) July 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $50 per person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.

• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host “World Drum Classes” every Friday at 2:30 p.m. (adults, free) and 4 p.m. (family friendly, all ages, free), “Waynesville Acoustic Guitar Group” 2-4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday of the month (free) and semiregular live music monthly. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.

• Friday Night Live Concert Series (Highlands) will host Shortoff Mountain Boys (Americana/bluegrass) June 19 and Doug Ramsey (singer-songwriter) June 26. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• High Dive (Highlands) will host DJ Real Bill 9 p.m. Saturdays. 828.526.2200 / highlandsdive.com.

• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, the “Salon Series” with Rayland Baxter (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. June 25 (tickets are $41.84 tax included). Reservations encouraged for all performances. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.

• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Three American Troubadours (singer-songwriter) 7:30 p.m. July 17. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) F

Mountain Layers goes Americana

Regional Americana act Somebody’s Child will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.

For more than a decade, Ashley Claxton and Cola Williamson have been filling the venues of Western North Carolina with their intrepid sounds. While minimalistic, these Smoky Mountain troubadours seamlessly blend both acoustic and electric melodies with renowned vocal harmonies. By melding a variety of sounds which are often described as “alternative folk” or “Americana,” the duo offers dynamic, high-energy performances that are calculated, organic and compelling. The show is free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com. Somebody’s Child. File photo

will host “Board Game Night” 5 p.m. Mondays, “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Bryan & Al (rock/pop) June 19 and Tim Akins (Americana) June 20. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Mondays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, “Old Time Jam” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and Tim Akins (Americana) June 19. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Legends Sports Bar & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Karaoke Thursdays (6 p.m.) and Saturdays (7 p.m.), with live music each Friday (8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. 828.944.0403 / facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.

• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (Americana) at 2 p.m. the first and third Monday and a “Song Circle” open jam from 3-6 p.m. the first Tuesday each month. Free and open to the public. 828.524.3600 or fontanalib.org/franklin.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday and Somebody’s Child (Americana) June 20. All shows begin at 6 p.m unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Mountain Vibes Kava Lounge (Waynesville) will host “Trivia Night” 7 p.m. Mondays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.9283.

• Music By The River (Cherokee) on the Kanunohi Park Stage will feature semi-regular live music on the weekends. Music runs 6-9 p.m. Free and open to the public. visitcherokeenc.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host “Music Bingo” 6 p.m. June 18 (Big Wesser), Tuck-aseegee 5 p.m. June 19, Osprey Orchestra (Americana) 1 p.m. June 20, Beer & Loathing (rock) 5 p.m. June 20, Andy Ferrell (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. June 21, “Music Bingo” 5 p.m. June 25, Ryan Barber (singersongwriter) 5 p.m. June 26, Liz Nance (singer-

songwriter) 1 p.m. June 27, Eddie Clayton (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. June 27 and Blue (Americana) 2 p.m. June 28. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.com/events/2026-summer-music-series.

• Old Edwards Inn (Highlands) will host live music in the Hummingbird Lounge at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Free and open to the public. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.

• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 6 p.m. on the first Friday of every month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.9264 / orchardcoffeeroasters.com.

• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson “Music Nights” 4 p.m. first and third Friday of each month. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. go2ottonc.com.

• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host Blair Crimmins & The Hookers (jazz/ragtime) June 27. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.

• Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Brothers Rathboone with Balsam Mountain Cloggers, Southern Appalachian Cloggers and Green Valley Cloggers 6 p.m. July 3. Free and open to the public.

• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Arnold Hill (alternative rock/Americana) June 27. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.

• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host “Karaoke” 8 p.m. Fridays and semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 / facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host “Karaoke” Wednesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. on certain Fridays, Jamie Rasso (singer-songwriter) 6:30 p.m. June 17, Georgie Bette (singer-songwriter) June 19 and R.A. Nightingale (singer-songwriter) June 20. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.

• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Russell” Mondays,

Iggy Ray Duo June 19, Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) June 20, “Music Bingo” June 23, Ginny McAfee (singer-songwriter) June 26 and Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) June 27. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.

• Santé Wine Bar (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on Sundays. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.631.3075 / facebook.com/thewinebarandcellar.

• Saturdays On Pine Concert Series (Highlands) will host Groove Machine June 20 and Southside Station (Americana) July 4. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• Sauced (Waynesville) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. every other Wednesday (June 17 and July 1) and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9585 / saucedwnc.com.

• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” with Bridget Gossett 7 p.m. second Monday each month (6:30 p.m. sign-up), Phil Thomas (rock/indie) June 18, Hello My Dear (rock/soul) June 19, Mooncoin (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. June 21, Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) June 25, Second Chance (rock/country) June 27 and “Celtic Sunday” with Bratfolk (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. June 28. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.

• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host Stevie Vaclavik (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. June 28. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Mark Chestnutt (country) 7:30 p.m. June 19. Tickets now available, with seating upgrades offered. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.

• Smoky Mountain Dog Bar (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0726 / smokymountaindogbakery.com.

• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month (free) and “An Appalachian Evening” summer music series with The Kruger Brothers (Americana/bluegrass) 7:30 p.m. June 27 (admission $10$30). 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• Stubborn Bull (Highlands) will host semi-regular “Live Music Mondays” with Luke Deuce (singer-songwriter) June 22 and Zorki Nastasic (singer-songwriter) June 29. All shows begin at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.200.0813 / the-stubbornbull.com.

On the street

Stecoah ‘Drive-About Tour’

The annual “Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26-27 at featured studios in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville.

With their studios open to the public, the self-guided driving tour highlights artisans who have built a livelihood with their creative talents. Media includes pottery, beeswax lanterns and pillar candles, original paintings/drawings, fiber, quilts, photography, honey, mead and more.

The tour includes Doodad Mosaics & Gift, Wehrloom Honey & Meadery, Marie’s Lavender Farm, Junk N’ Style, Stecoah Artisans Gallery, Local Handmade Pottery, The Village Merchant, Sharla Kauffman Pottery, The Shoppe and Three Rivers Gallery.

For more information, visit stecoahvalleycenter.com/drive-about.

On the stage

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.

• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host a special stage production of “Peter & The Starcatcher” on select dates and times through June 28. Tickets are now available. 828.456.6322 / harttheatre.org.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host comedian Morgan Jay 9 p.m. Friday, June 19. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

Taste of Scotland Festival

The 27th annual Taste of Scotland Festival will be held June 19-21 at a variety of locations around Franklin.

The festival is a celebration of the heritage brought to these mountains, that of the Scots and Scots-Irish, along with celebrating the historic relationships with the Cherokee. Scottish foods, music, clan parade, vendors/crafters, Highland Games competition, herding dog demonstrations and more.

For a full schedule of events, click on tasteofscotland.org.

• “Waynesville First Friday: Shop, Sip, Stroll” will take place from 5-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month in downtown. The Main Street merchant corridor transforms into a lively celebration of local art, music and community. Stroll the streets, explore galleries, meet artists, enjoy live music and discover local shops and delicious restaurants. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit facebook.com/waynesvillefirstfriday.

Peter & The Starcatcher’at HART

ON THE BEAT, CONTINUED FROM 21

• Tattered Tartan Pub (Andrews) will host Sean Harrison (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. June 21. 828.835.2199.

• Valley Cigar & Wine Company (Waynesville) will host Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) 5 p.m. June 19 and Raphael Graves Trio 1 p.m. June 21. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.

• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Trivia With Tom” Wednesdays, “Music Bingo” Saturdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.

• Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 5202 (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.456.9356 /

• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host a special stage production of “Our Adventures of Peter Pan” at 7 p.m. June 20 and 2 p.m. June 21. 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.

ALSO:

• Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.488.7843 / swainartscenter.com.

• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host a special stage production of “Dancin’ in the Street” on select dates and times June 24 through July 12. 828.526.9047 / mountaintheatre.com.

vfw5202.org.

• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Shawn Hart (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. June 19, Rail Town (Americana) 2 p.m. June 21, Tim Austin (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. June 26 and Jordan Denton (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. June 28. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host “Trivia Night” 7 p.m. Mondays, “Karaoke Night” 8 p.m. Thursdays, with semi-regular DJs and live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 9 p.m. 828.456.4750 / facebook.com/waternhole.bar.

• Western Carolina Brew & Wine (Highlands) will host Mick Mayer (singersongwriter) 1 p.m. June 20 and Katie &

A special stage production of “Peter & The Starcatcher” will be held on select dates and times through June 28 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

This wildly inventive production explores the origins of some of literature’s most beloved characters in a fast-paced journey filled with magic, humor and heart.

“Peter & the Starcatcher” reimagines the story before Neverland, before Captain Hook and before the boy who wouldn’t grow up. When a lonely orphan boy crosses paths with the fearless Molly Aster and a mysterious trunk full of magical starstuff, an unforgettable

Ezra (Americana) 1 p.m. June 27. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com.

ALSO:

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Modern Mammals June 19, Hoto Mozambique June 20, Magic Birds June 26 and Hammock Theory June 27. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 / whitesidebrewing.com.

• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host “First Friday Classic Country: Jim Austin & Friends” (Americana/country) 6 p.m. each month (July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2) and the “On the Lawn at Yonder” live music series with Kenny Roby (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. June 21 (admission by donation). Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.

adventure begins. Along the way, audiences will encounter pirates, mermaids, shipwrecks, secret missions and a dozen actors transforming into more than 100 unforgettable characters. This production celebrates the limitless possibilities of live theatre through inventive stagecraft, physical storytelling and boundless creativity. Appropriate for audiences of all ages Admission starts at $19 per person with seating upgrades available. Tickets are now available. For more information, call the box office at 828.456.6322 or visit harttheatre.org.

‘Community Contra Dance’

A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. All are welcome, including beginners. No dance experience or fancy clothing are necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to the music are welcome, too.

Beginners are strongly encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the instruction. The dance itself will run from 7-9 p.m. Experienced dancers are quite willing to help those new to contra dance get started with the movements.

A suggested donation of $10 per person goes to pay the band and caller. Kids age 14 and under are free, as are first-timers. Children over age 8, who are game to participate or sit and watch with an adult, may also attend.

Bring a closed water container and a snack if you wish. Smooth-soled shoes work best for dancing on wood floors. Please do not wear perfume or other scents to the dances.

For more information, visit facebook.com/franklincontra for photos and details about upcoming dances or email contradancefranklinnc@gmail.com.

Buddha becomes an ‘enlightened person’

Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part review of “Buddha.” The first installment can be found at smokymountainnews.com.

In Part I, we followed the young spiritual seeker Siddhatta Gotama, practicing disciplined meditation and extreme selfdenial in order to achieve happiness. Disappointed with the results of his efforts and the message of his teachers, he believed that there had to be a better way, a more healthy and joyful way, to be content.

His next step was simple. He ate a meal of solid food, the first in months. His fellow ascetics were disgusted, thinking he had abandoned the quest for inner peace.

The Buddhist scriptures imply that with one meal, Gotama was set for his final step towards enlightenment, the end of his quest of six years, “the final struggle with himself,” as author Armstrong phrases it in her book “Buddha.” It cannot have happened so quickly, she reasons.

Extreme self-denial had taken an immense toll on Gotama’s body. He was emaciated and needed time to heal. He also needed time to clarify and practice his new ideas, which centered on mindfulness and compassion. Later, he would tell disciples that to find the natural, joyful self was a slow process and could take years. The scriptures have him saying this: “Just as the ocean slopes gradually, falls away gradually, and shelves gradually with no sudden incline, so in this method, training, discipline and practice take effect by slow degrees, with no sudden perception of the ultimate truth.”

Gotama did not reject all he’d been taught. He changed some things and he added some things. Meditation was still important, as was ethical behavior like treating everyone with respect.

Mindfulness, the same practice that is steadily gaining credence in today’s therapeutic world, was a key addition to his new way. He sought to be aware, in every moment, of the nature of his thoughts and feelings. As Armstrong puts it, “He noticed the way ideas coursed through his mind and the constant stream of desires and irritations that could plague him in a brief half-hour.” He did not fight his thoughts or feelings, or try to change them. He just noticed them and observed how transient they were, how one craving would give way to another. Besides noticing the transience of feelings, he also became aware of the pervasiveness of suffering. This suffering was not only the result of the major traumas of sickness and death, but also, as Armstrong says, “in all the little disappointments, rejections, frustrations and failures that befall us in the

course of a single day.”

Alongside his attempts “to see things as they really are,” which is how Gotama described mindfulness, he practiced the same meditation he had been practicing for six years, but now with an infusion of lovingkindness. No longer would the aim be a cold detachment from the world.

In every meditation he would invoke love. He called love “that huge, expansive and immeasurable feeling that knows no hatred,” and, as Armstrong describes, would “direct it to each of the four corners of the

mythological telling of Gotama’s night under the tree, he was visited by his shadow self, Mara, who sat on an enormous elephant in front of a huge army. Mara hurled storms, and the gods, who had gathered to watch, ran away.

Mara insisted that he, himself, deserved the sacred place under the tree.

“‘No,’ answered Gotama. ‘You have never made a spiritual effort. You have given no alms. Who are your witnesses?’”

I am his witness! shouted his army as one.

world. He did not omit a single living thing — plant, animal, demon, friend or foe — from this radius of benevolence.”

He found, and later taught, that mindfulness and compassionate meditation changed him into a less reactive person.

When he was ready, Gotama sat under a bodhi tree, beside “a sparkling river with delightful and smooth banks,” and vowed he would stay seated until he reached “Nibbana.” Armstrong uses the Pali spelling of the word most of us know in the Sanskrit spelling as Nirvana. She defines this as “the extinction of self which brings enlightenment and liberation from pain.”

The Buddhist scriptures tell us that Gotama stayed the night under the tree, letting his mind move into higher states of meditation until he received the final insight that would free him from suffering. In the

Who is your witness? Mara answered back to Gotama.

The gods had fled. Gotama was alone.

He asked for help. With his right hand he touched the earth, “he begged the earth to testify to his past acts of compassion,” as Armstrong relates.

“With a shattering roar, the earth replied: ‘I bear you witness!’”

The elephant fell, the army ran, and Mara was defeated.

In the more literal version, Gotama received the wisdom he sought. He never claimed that this came from his own self. He said that he received an ancient wisdom. This wisdom he later taught as the Four Noble Truths, the centerpiece of Buddhism. Suffering is part of human life. Desire is the cause of suffering. Nibbana is a way out. And, finally, his own “Dhamma,” or teaching, is the path that leads from suffering to release.

Armstrong notes that there is nothing original in these four truths: “Most of the monks and ascetics of North India would have agreed with the first three, and Gotama himself had been convinced of them since the very beginning of his quest.” If there was anything new, it was the proclamation that he had found a way to reach Nibbana. The enlightenment that the scriptures say came to him under the bodhi tree may have come in the form of certainty.

Regardless, he had found the source of inner peace, he believed, and he became that night a Buddha, an enlightened person.

Part lll will look at the years he spent teaching, and his death.

(Anne Bevilacqua is lifelong book lover and a resident of Haywood County.)

Word from the Smokies

BY WILLIAM A. HART JR. FOR SMOKIES LIFE

The quest for Masa Rock

Ihave always been intrigued by mysteries and unique discoveries such as the legends of lost mines and the petroglyphs on Western North Carolina’s Judaculla Rock, but I never expected to acquire a similar mystery of my own. Nevertheless, while conducting research nearly 30 years ago about George Masa, acclaimed Great Smokies photographer, I discovered an archeological mystery in his correspondence.

Three letters mentioned a D-shaped rock, slightly larger than a sheet of notebook paper, found in Porters Gap, a high gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 5.4 miles east of Newfound Gap. I would come to discover that Masa was so fascinated by the graffiti-covered rock that he sketched and photographed it.

The first letter about the find, dated March 2, 1931, was from Masa’s friend C. W. “Charlie” Conner. Conner wrote, “I still hav [sic] the Rock and sure I will put it in the museum in the Park when they start it so I will take good care of it.” These words set my mind awhirl with questions and created a keen desire to discover the rock. I had acquired my mystery.

The second letter I came across, dated March 11, 1930, was from Paul Fink, a friend of Masa’s, who stated he had seen the rock in Porters Gap in 1919. He added, “You are exact-

ly right in keeping it for the National Park Service, for it will be an interesting exhibit for the museum they will undoubtedly establish.”

The third, dated March 21, 1930, was from Arno Cammerer, associate director of the National Park Service. “I see now by your letter (containing a photograph), that it was a rock with some historical significance. I realize how careful you were in attempts to protect it, but I think the best thing we can do after the park is established is to get a horse and have it taken back to about where you found it.”

Although the current whereabouts of the mystery rock eluded me, I researched its

home and discovered that Porters Gap has important historical ties. In “Hiking Trails of the Great Smoky Mountains,” Ken Wise states that Porters Gap was named for James P. H. Porter, who used a trail there when traveling to North Carolina. William Davenport stopped in Porters Gap on July 30, 1821, while surveying the dividing line between North Carolina and Tennessee. And hikers D. R. Beeson and Hodge Mathis noted in 1914 that a trail crossed the gap, marked by an “old broken tombstone” with “initials carved thereon.” Obviously, Porters Gap was a wellrecognized landmark where travelers left signs marking their passage.

In 2005, I shared my research with Eric Kreusch, a park archeologist who contacted the National Archives seeking Masa’s photo of “rock art” in Cammerer’s files. No record was found. I was stymied. Four years later, however, a phenomenal discovery revived my

search. A collection of Masa photographs was discovered in 2009, and I was privileged to see them, thanks to Libby Kephart Hargrave, great-granddaughter of writer Horace Kephart. Two photos of rocks emerged in the set. One of them was my mystery rock.

My final quest was to find the rock itself. In March 2021, I shared my research with Michael Aday, librarian–archivist at the NPS Collections Preservation Center in Townsend, Tennessee, and requested his assistance. He sent good news.

“William, thanks for the letter concerning the mystery rock,” he wrote. “We have in our artifact collection the rock that George Masa photographed that has a hole in it… I’m attaching an image for your perusal. All I can tell you about it is that it was catalogued into the collection by Hiram Wilburn in 1934 and it was identified by Charlie Conner.”

The photo of the archived rock, about 13 inches tall and 10 inches wide, confirmed the find. It matched Masa’s photograph, with two differences: a harness strap had been threaded through the bullet hole for ease in carrying, and a new name had been added — “Wiley.”

This photo of Masa Rock, taken after it was archived, shows a harness strap threaded through an apparent bullet hole and a new name etched on it since Masa’s photograph was taken — “Wiley,” likely meaning the prominent Smokies guide Wiley Oakley. Photo courtesy of

Bill and Alice Hart visit the collection of Smokies-related materials they recently donated to UNC Asheville with their friend author Janet McCue (right), who drew from it while researching the biography “George Masa: A Life Reimagined,” which she co-authored with Paul Bonesteel. UNC Asheville Special Collections photo

In May 2022, my wife Alice and I traveled to the archive and examined “Masa Rock,” as I now called it, awed by its significance and history. Each of its markings represented a human visit and a story unto itself. Its names, dates and unfamiliar shapes were intriguing. Some may have been left by Native Americans. And others, by hunters, surveyors and hikers who passed through Porters Gap. Our time, reverently spent with Masa Rock, marked the momentous end of my quest and the satis-

Collections at Western Carolina University, contributed vital Masa notebook content. These resources enabled me to reconstruct Masa’s trip to Porters Gap and bring the day vividly to life.

The account that follows relies on Masa’s pocket notebook; my research, interpretation and suppositions; and a final word from Hiram Wilburn, who collected Masa Rock from Charlie Conner in 1934.

Legible marks on this stone artifact unofficially known as Masa Rock include several initials, last names, and years stretching as far back as 1821 and 1916. Masa photographed and sketched the rock when it was found while he hiked with friends in Porters Gap in September 1929.

fying solution to my mystery.

Although my quest had ended, unexpected discoveries still awaited.

Janet McCue, coauthor of “George Masa: A Life Reimagined,” shared two pages from Masa’s pocket notebook dated Sept. 3, 1929, with his sketches of rocks in Porters Gap. Angelyn Whitmeyer, creator of the George Masa Photograph Database, provided his September 1929 hiking itinerary, and Jason Brady, a specialist in Special and Digital

On Sept. 2, 1929, Masa, Conner, John Carroll and Frank Whaley camped in North Carolina’s Kephart Prong watershed near Mud Creek (now Hunter Creek). On Sept. 3, the party climbed to a point near the state line, turned right and continued to Dry Sluice Gap. After a diversion to climb “Bare Rock Ridge,” today recognized as Charlies Bunion, they crossed the Sawteeth and reached Porters Gap at 11:30 a.m. Masa sketched and photographed the rocks there, and the group departed at 12:45 p.m., taking Masa Rock with them. Afterwards, they walked east, descended to Bradley Fork and camped at Upper Louie Camp.  Hiram Wilburn’s notation on the archive’s collection record adds the final touch. He said that Conner, who guided the party, found the stone under a beech tree root about 100 feet from the top, on the North Carolina side of Porters Gap. At the end of the day, the party joined Horace Kephart for the evening at Upper Louie Camp. I can easily envision these friends sitting around their campfire as day ended discussing the Porters Gap rock. Perhaps they were as captivated by its mystery as I have been.

Today, Masa Rock serves as a chronicle of human travel on a rugged, remote crest in the Great Smokies. I’m certain Masa and Conner would be gratified to know the rock is preserved in a permanent, secure home in the park archives.

Join the Independence Day water parade at Lake Junaluska

Create great memories for yourself, your family and friends this summer by joining the Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla at Lake Junaluska during its Independence Week Celebration, held June 28 through July 5.

event.

Spectators may view the flotilla from the Kern Center, Rose Walk, the Harrell Center and The Colonnade.

Judges will be positioned at The Colonnade and prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic, Most Creative and Best Costumed Crew & Spirit. Winners will be announced at the cookout picnic, which is set for 12-2 p.m.,

Everyone is invited to participate in the Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla. Donated photo

The decorated boat parade will start at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, at the Lake Junaluska Outfitters boat beach next to the lakeside swimming pool. Participants should arrive no later than 9 a.m. in order to have time to decorate their boats in the spirit of the theme, “Sweet Land of Liberty.”

Participants are urged to decorate their canoe, kayak, raft, paddleboard or other nonmotorized watercraft in red, white and blue and dress in Independence Day costumes to celebrate our nation’s independence and its 250th anniversary. Lake Junaluska encourages all participants to wear a life jacket for this

Saturday, July 4, at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym, following the Independence Day Parade at 11 a.m. on North Lakeshore Drive.

Everyone throughout Haywood County is invited to participate in this long-time familyfun event. To register, visit https://bit.ly/flotilla2026.

NCDEQ urges caution around discolored water

As summer recreation season begins, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources is reminding the public to avoid contact with discolored water that may indicate an algal bloom.

While algae occur naturally in all waterbodies, certain conditions — including warm temperatures, increased sunlight, excess nutrients and low water flow — can trigger rapid growth known as an algal bloom.

Some blooms can produce toxins harmful to people, pets and aquatic life. Because harmful algal blooms cannot be identified by appearance alone, health officials urge caution.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services advises people to avoid contact with large algae accumulations and keep children and pets from swimming in or drinking affected water. Officials also note that other pollutants and microorganisms may be present in recreational waters.

For more information, visit algae.nc.gov.

The best way to remember a discovery is by taking a picture and informing park staff if you believe the find is significant. Removing any natural or manmade objects from a national park is strictly prohibited, as is carving or writing on any object or natural resource.

Nolichucky boat launch reopens

(William A. Hart Jr. is a George Masa scholar, author, and Western North Carolina native. He wrote the introduction to “George Masa: A Life Reimagined” and has written five articles for Smokies Life Journal, including two about George Masa. This story was originally published in the spring 2026 issue of Smokies Life Journal, a twice-yearly magazine that is the primary benefit of joining the 29,000-member Smokies Life, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services such as this column. To read more stories like this while supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit smokieslife.org/membership and become a Park Keeper.)

Rafters and boaters once again have public access to the Nolichucky River as of June 12 when the Forest Service reopened the Poplar Boat Launch in the Pisgah National Forest.

This milestone marks the culmination of several months of construction to rebuild the Helene-damaged site and ensure it is safe, durable and ready to welcome visitors once again.

“The public will see firsthand the exceptional effort that has gone into rebuilding this launch, which is an important part of the local outdoor recreation economy,” said James Melonas, forest supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina. “There is still work ahead, but reaching this milestone was only possible thanks to the tremendous support of our partners, whose commitment has been essential in restoring access to the Poplar.”

The Nolichucky River corridor suffered major damage during Hurricane Helene in 2024, when floodwaters swept through the area and destroyed the previous launch. Once conditions were safe for crews to begin working, the Forest Service undertook an ambitious first phase of reconstruction aimed at getting the site safely reopened as quickly and responsibly as possible.

To restore public access, crews placed nearly 15,000 tons of rock and 20,000 cubic yards of fill material to rebuild the site. A newly constructed stone embankment now reinforces the river’s edge, supporting long-term resilience against future flooding — a critical investment given the increasing frequency and severity of storm events in the region.

Permanent restrooms, a picnic area and other features will be added later in 2026. For the latest information on Helene-related closures and re-openings, visit fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina or follow the National Forests in North Carolina at facebook.com/nfsnc.

LI GRILLI KICK GR K IN ING SEAS SEA OFF YO YOU O ASSOON

The Joyful Botanist

BY ADAM BIGELOW

Stone Breakers

As the summer heat ramps up, my thoughts turn to water and seeing how many times I can jump in the cold mountain water to cool off. Lakes, rivers, creeks, swimming holes and especially waterfalls call out to me through the shared water of the sweat dripping down my skin. It is a call that I often answer.

Around waterfalls and rock seepages you will find an area known as a Southern Appalachian spray-cliff plant community. These are plants that have an affinity for water and living in the constant cool mist

rock led some of the earliest botanical explorers to suggest that it was the plants themselves that were creating the very fissures where they grow. This led to the common name of saxifrage and former genus name Saxifragus, which translates from French into “stone breaker.”

Puzzles can be found on page 30

These are only the answers.

coming off the rock. Spray-cliff communities are made up of many types of plants including multiple species of mosses and liverworts, a.k.a. bryophytes, as well as herbaceous plants like coral bells (Heuchera spp.), bluets (Houstonia serpyllifolia), jewelflower (Impatiens capensis) and many types of grasses and sedges in the mix.

One of my favorite things about myself is that I am a big ol’ giant of a human who loves little, tiny flowers. The smaller, the better. There are many beautiful wildflowers with stunning colors and patterns that many people do not see, for they don’t know to take the time to look close at the small blooms. Along the rocks at a spraycliff or seepage plant community, among my favorite tiny flowers are those of Michaux’s saxifrage (Micranthes petiolaris), also called cliff saxifrage.

This plant loves to grow in the thinnest of soils on bare rock where water is present, either seeping along the rock or in the constant spray that comes off of waterfalls. They will find the slightest opening in a crack or crevasse on an outcrop and thrive in the full sun of exposed rock faces. Their predilection for growing in the cracks of

Of course, we now understand that it is water and the expansive and contractive freeze/thaw cycles it undergoes that lead to cracks and breaks where these saxifrages tend to grow. Michaux’s saxifrage is named in honor of André Michaux, a famous French botanist and explorer who first described this plant long ago in the 1700s.  Michaux’s saxifrage is a beautiful plant to describe. Emerging at the base of the plant, seemingly out of bare rock, are the main leaves of this plant, which grow in a form called a basal rosette, layered groupings of leaves at the ground level. These leaves are widest toward the tip and have saw-tooth serrations along their edges, or margins. The leaves are quite hairy and often have a variety of colors expressed in them, from green to red to a deep maroon. Their fall leaf colors are also red and maroon.

Emerging from this base of leaves comes a long stalk with a cluster of many small flowers that, at first glance, appear to be white. This is where some of the magical beauty of tiny flowers comes in, for what appears to be five small white petals turns out to be two lower petals of solid white and then three upper white petals that have a small splotch of yellow at the base. These petals are surrounding the central pistil that is ringed with 10 stamens on white filaments topped with a lovely red anther where the pollen is produced.

This interplay of colors and patterns is not only appealing to an artistic eye, as they stand out in stark contrast to each other in close up photos, but it also helps bees, flies and other pollinating insects to see the petals from a distance and know where to fly in to get a sweet treat.

(The Joyful Botanist leads weekly wildflower walks most Fridays and offers consultations and private group tours through Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions. bigelownc@gmail.com.)

Arboretum adds Karen Sixkiller sculpture to collection

Spring always brings revitalizing changes to The North Carolina Arboretum, and this season, one of these is the installation of a magnificent addition to the arboretum’s art collection. “Sacred Earth” by Cherokee Nation sculptor Karen Sixkiller features a larger-than-life water beetle perched on a large, faceted form and can now be seen along the walkways of the Stream Garden.

“Sacred Earth” tells one of the oldest Cherokee stories — when a humble water beetle dove to the bottom of the ocean and

HBF presents lecture on unique geology of the Smokies

The Highlands Biological Foundation will welcome back Philip S. Prince, project geologist with Appalachian Landslide Consultants and researcher with Virginia Tech's Department of Geosciences, for a presentation titled “The Blue Wall: What We Know — and Don't Know — About Southern Appalachia's Enigmatic Weather-Making Landform, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 25.” Prince's 2025 Zahner Lecture, “Understanding Helene as a Geologic Event in Southern Appalachia,” sparked tremendous interest and discussion among attendees, and HBF is excited to welcome him back for another fascinating exploration of our region's geology.

4,400 acres saved due to conservation effort

Open Space Institute and Mainspring Conservation Trust have announced the conservation of more than 4,400 acres across the Snowbird, Unicoi and Cheoah mountain ranges. The multi-year project comprises a patchwork of 17 parcels connecting more than 1.65 million acres of ecologically rich public lands in a region of national conservation significance.

The Snowbird properties had been increasingly threatened by encroaching development.

The Snowbird properties feature prominent ridgetops, healthy forests, open meadows and more than 17 miles of headwater streams that provide habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna.

Long regarded by the state of North Carolina and the U.S. Forest Service as a top conservation priority, this assemblage forms crucial connections among protected landscapes that stretch across three states.

Birding in Franklin

brought up mud to create all the solid land we now live on. Sixkiller shares that the sculpture was inspired both by the Cherokee creation story and her own feelings of appreciation and reverence for the land that ultimately feeds, clothes, shelters and makes our lives possible.

The sculpture was dedicated in memory of Joan Sandgren Bridges, whose family chose the arboretum for this unique tribute. The gardens, her family notes, were a special place for her and she visited often during her 30 years in Asheville.

eastern Georgia to Roanoke, Virginia. The Escarpment influences river systems, shapes weather patterns and forms a natural barrier between the mountains and the Piedmont. Yet despite its immense ecological and geographic significance, geologists still do not fully understand how or why it formed. In this lecture, Prince will explore what scientists know about the escarpment's role as a river divide and weathermaker, as well as the enduring mysteries

Highlands owes much of its natural beauty and unique environment to its location atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment, a dramatic 1,500- to 3,000-foot topographic step that stretches from north-

surrounding its origins, history and relationship to the broader Appalachian Mountains. Admission is free.

The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane.

Walks are about two and a half hours. The public is welcome. All walks are weather dependent. Information, including directions and a bird club checklist can be found at littletennessee.org/franklin-bird-club.

OSI and Mainspring completed the $23.3 million acquisition in early 2026 and will transfer the properties to the state of North Carolina and the USFS between 2026 and 2029.

The last birdwalk of the year is scheduled for Oct. 15.

Schedule for upcoming walks:

• June 24, meet at Big Bear parking lot near the dog park area.

• July 1, meet at the Salali Lane parking lot.

• July 8, meet at the Macon County Library parking lot.

A schedule and directions to each location can be found at facebook.com/groups/franklinbirdclub/ or littletennessee.org/franklin-birdclub.

Market PLACE WNC

Douglas Lee

MarketPlace information:

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!

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p: 828.452.4251 · f:828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com www.wncmarketplace.com

Legals

NOTICE

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is seeking bids for upcoming FRRCSI grant projects. Materials to be delivered during August 2026. Materials: 112 - Creo/borate or Creosote treated hard wood bridge timbers 10” X 16” x 13’; 27-Creo/borate or Creosote treated hard wood bridge timbers 10” x 10” x 12’; 36- Creo/ borate or Creosote treated hard wood guard timbers. All materials must include delivery to GSMR Rail Yard at 973 Haywood Road, Dillsboro NC 28725. Partial bids for materials are accepted and may be awarded. This is a formal sealed bidding process. Bids must comply with domestic steel and Buy America

participation is highly encouraged. Projects will be awarded at GSMR’s sole discretion to the supplier or suppliers whose proposal offers the best value. GSMR reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Your proposal is due no later that 2pm deadline on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Formal Public Bid opening date: Thursday, June 25, 2026. Proposals must be submitted to GSMR attn

Street Bryson City, NC 28713. kimalbritton@ gsmr.com 828-488-7008

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000123-490

David Lee Southers, Administrator of the

Southers of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the

to the undersigned on or before Aug 27 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to

immediate payment.

Administrator

Attn: David Southers 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000252-430

Shelly Buher, having -

Gregory Alan Binkley of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having

to present them to the undersigned on or before Aug 27 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to

immediate payment.

Administrator P.O. Box 51596 Durham, NC 27717

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000333-430

Monique Crook, hav-

of Patricia Mraz a/k/a Patricia Coughlin Mraz of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the

to the undersigned on or before Sep 03 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to

immediate payment.

Executor 427 Apple Tree Ct Waynesville, NC 28786

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.25E000641-430

Samantha A. Cahill,

Administrator of the Daniel Adam Cahill of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the

to the undersigned on or before Sep 17 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to immediate payment.

Administrator

1499 Little East Fork Rd Canton, NC 28716

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Owned (up)

70 Actress West 71 Genuine, in Germany

72 Of a similar kind to

Rustling sounds 80 Place to live

Tech. schools

82 Channel for hoops fans 83 Zeus' wife

87 Elongate

88 Hymn with harmonies

89 Poltergeist, e.g. 90 "Evidently ..."

91 Oompah band music

92 Coin-op cafeteria

93 Bus. bigwig

94 Letter after upsilon

96 Reactions to cute babies

98 Maude's partner in a

1971 film

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102 More hideous

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Cleaned a little, with

ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

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Answers on 26

of these Park Model go to www.SundownerRvVillage.net and select the Park Model Sales tab to get an inside peak of this unit. These units offer you a great way to have a cottage in the mountains. If you would like to schedule a time to visit us and tour the available Park Models, please call 828-389-3241. Owners have requested all tours by appointment only. (828) 389-3241 joyce@ sundownerrvvillage.net

Construction/ Remodeling

15+ tandem loads of

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also specialize in new construction driveways, house pads, grading, excavation, and site prep for homes and large

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Home Improvement

CARPENTRY

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Wanted to Buy

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