On the heels of a new album release and more nominations from the International Bluegrass Music Association, Haywood County’s Balsam Range still finds time to give back to the community with a free flood relief concert Oct. 2 in Canton. (Page 26)
News
Common themes emerge in redistricting hearing
NC-11 candidate forced to withdraw from race
Tribal Council balks at golf hotel funding request
Harriet Tubman statue arrives in downtown Sylva
Safety a pillar of Bo Hess’ campaign for NC-11
Dogwood Health Trust reflects on 2021 progress
Homeless task force to make final report ..................................................................15 COVID cases start to fall, hospitals still busy
Mandy Allen named Haywood Teacher of the Year
Opinion
Books
Outdoors
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C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing) Boyd Allsbrook (writing)
Although a majority of speakers at a Sept. 21 public hearing designed to gather input on the constitutionallymandated redistricting process put forth generic opinions about how gerrymandering is harmful to representative democracies, drilling down into specific complaints from the five-dozen speakers reveals some very real concerns about House, Senate and congressional districts in Western North Carolina.
“Well, folks often use the words, ‘fair’ and ‘transparent.’ Those are the most common words that we hear,” said Henderson Republican Sen. Chuck Edwards, who chaired the meeting. “Sometimes they get into a bit more detail on what they’re looking for.”
More than 120 people packed a room at Western Carolina University’s Health and Human Sciences building, with almost half taking advantage of the two-minute public comment opportunities available to them. Online enrollment for the public comment session began a week before the event and ended four hours before the meeting, although those who decided during the meeting that they wanted to speak were also allowed to do so.
Edwards was joined on the panel by Sen. Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe, Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, Rep. Karl Gillespie, R-Franklin, and Rep. Mark Pless, RHaywood, as well as 10-term reps Becky Carney, D-Mecklenburg, and Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe — the only elected officials present who’d been through the redistricting process before.
Throughout the two-hour hearing, speakers overwhelmingly asserted that gerrymandering was wrong whether it’s done by Democrats or by Republicans.
Graeme McGufficke, former campaign manager for NC11 Democrat Moe Davis
Be heard
who now serves as a senior advisor to the FireMadison.com PAC, said that gerrymandering leads to more extreme candidates on both sides of the aisle.
But by far the most frequent comments heard during the meeting were about the meeting itself.
Kathleen Barnes, secretary of the Transylvania NAACP, lamented the disre-
said she’d driven more than 90 minutes to attend. Indeed, the majority of speakers who identified their county of residency came from Jackson County, which is home to WCU.
Perhaps the second-most frequent request of the panel was to allow for public comment after the draft maps are finally released. Otto resident Jennifer Knoepp said such a move would increase faith in the process.
Redistricting hearing, by the numbers
More than 50 people spoke at a public hearing on redistricting on Sept. 21 at Western Carolina University. Who were they, where did they come from, and what were their biggest complaints?
Gender
gard for public health. Despite the (continuing) ability for people to comment on the process through the North Carolina General Assembly’s website, there was no livestream option, meaning the meeting wasn’t televised and those wishing to speak directly to legislators had to show up in person during an ongoing pandemic.
Barnes also called attention to the fact the meeting — the only one scheduled in NC11 — had been called for 5 p.m. on a Tuesday in a distant location far from the district’s largest population centers of Buncombe and Henderson counties.
“This is an unpromising start from a committee that promises to draw fair maps,” she said, before calling the meeting a “sham” and the process “flawed beyond redemption.”
There is some legitimacy to Barnes’ complaints; previous and subsequent public hearings on redistricting held across the state were all scheduled to start between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., all on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.
One attendee from Transylvania County
Submit your comments about redistricting to the N.C. House Redistricting Committee and Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee by visiting www.ncleg.gov/requestforcomments38.
“We’re all making comments about maps we haven’t seen,” she said.
Other concerns centered around the controversial practice of splitting counties in congressional and state legislative districts. Right now, half of Rutherford County lies in NC11, and Haywood County’s General Assembly representation in the House is split between Pless and Clampitt.
Specific requests were made to keep Jackson County from being split, and to put all of Haywood into District 118. Another request, to place Watauga County into NC11, was justified by pointing out that UNC-Asheville and Western Carolina University are already in NC11, so Appalachian State should be as well.
Many who spoke weren’t simply private citizens, but rather WNC candidates, politicians or political operatives.
In addition to McGufficke, the list of players included NC11 Democratic Party Chair Matt Balance, NC11 Dem Vice Chair Karen Smith, NC11 GOP Chair Michelle Woodhouse, Jackson County Dem Chair Cody Lewis, Jackson NAACP PAC Chair Avram Friedman, Haywood GOP Precinct Chair Ted Carr, Jackson County Commissioner Gayle Woody, NC11 Dem candidates Bo Hess (see HESS, p. 10) and Katie Dean and Amanda Huber, campaign manager for fellow NC11 Dem candidate Eric Gash.
“I turned 18 in 2006 and have never voted in an election where the outcome wasn’t predetermined,” Huber said.
Several speakers also decried the cost to taxpayers of defending lawsuits that could
Men: 28
Women: 24
Residence
be filed if maps aren’t drawn within the strict confines of the law.
Sen. Edwards told The Smoky Mountain News that he didn’t have a timeframe for when the new maps would be presented, but that he was more concerned with getting the new maps right rather than getting them right now.
“We want to do it in a way that will be totally transparent and will withstand inevitable court scrutiny,” Edwards said.
Sen. Chuck Edwards (left) and Rep. Mark Pless entertain public comment at a Sept. 21 redistricting hearing. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Registration snafu leads to NC11 candidate withdrawal
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Just five days after announcing her candidacy in the 11th Congressional District Democratic Primary, Chelsea White made another announcement.
“It’s with a very heavy heart that we are just forced to make the decision to suspend this campaign,” White said in a release on her Facebook page.
White’s withdrawal comes after learning that the timing of her party registration change, from unaffiliated to Democrat, came too late in the year to allow her to compete on the Democratic ballot.
Per North Carolina General Statute 163106.1, a candidate to be affiliated with a party “for at least 90 days as of the date of that person filing such notice of candidacy.”
Last Sunday, White told The Smoky Mountain News that she was aware of the statute and that she felt she’d have no problems gaining access to the Democratic ballot.
White’s party change appears to have been made a day or two past the deadline. Although White could theoretically still run as an unaffiliated candidate, the barrier to entry is substantial – roughly 8,000 signatures.
Not to be discouraged, White said her advocacy in Western North Carolina would continue.
“In just a few days since the campaign has
Municipal election voting underway
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Municipal elections in Western North Carolina will be held in some jurisdictions on Tuesday, November 2, but in-person early voting will take place beginning Thursday, Oct. 14.
Through Saturday, Oct. 30, sites across Western North Carolina will be open to those who want to cast their ballots in advance of Election Day. No reason is needed for those who wish to use what is called “In-Person Absentee Voting” or “One-Stop Absentee Voting,” and voters can alternatively make their selections by mail as well.
To vote early, voters must appear at the designated early voting site in their home county between those dates. Most voters don’t need to show identification, but those who are voting for the first time or the first time in a new residence might, so it’s probably best just to bring it along just in case.
Vote-by-mail ballots are currently available. Request yours by calling your county board of elections office, or by visiting ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-mail.
The last day to register to vote is Friday, Oct. 8. To check your registration, to find your polling place — some have changed, especially in flood-ravaged Haywood County
been official, I have seen an energy and excitement from our community like I have dreamed about for years,” said White. “It’s been inspiring to see and feel the power of working people come together across Western North Carolina through our shared message of resilience, deep relationship and grit. We know that the work will continue, and the organizing is not done — it is just beginning.”
Filing for the 2022 elections begins Dec. 6.
There are now 13 Primary Election candidates in NC11, including incumbent Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-Hendersonville.
White’s departure leaves Jasmine BeachFerrara, Jay Carey, Katie Dean, Eric Gash, Bo Hess, Josh Remillard and Brooker Smith on the Dem side. Republicans Eric Batchelor, Rod Honeycutt, Wendy Nevarez and Bruce O’Connell have likewise entered the Republican Primary Election. A Libertarian, David Coatney, has also announced his candidacy.
– or to view all the races you’re eligible to vote in, visit vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup.
Haywood County
Haywood County Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. To request an absentee ballot, call the Haywood County Board of Elections at 828.452.6633.
Jackson County
Jackson County Board of Elections, 876 Skyland Dr. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. To request an absentee ballot, call the Jackson County Board of Elections at 828.586.7538.
Macon County
Macon County Community Building, 1288 Georgia Road. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. To request an absentee ballot, call the Macon County Board of Elections at 828.349.2034.
Swain County
Swain County Board of Elections, 1422 Hwy. 19 South. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. To request an absentee ballot, call the Swain County Board of Elections at 828.488.6463.
Dietitian Leah McGrath
Q: What are some snack ideas for things I could eat that are low in carbohydrates and lower in sodium?
A: I tend to suggest snacks that have some protein for satiety so here are a few ideas:
• Greek yogurt - there are lower sugar/carbohydrate versions - these often have a good amount of protein
• nut butters (no added sugar) with celery or a whole wheat/whole grain cracker
• unsalted nuts (small serving) with raisins or some low sugar cereal
• Fairlife milk, it's lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein that unfiltered milk.
• frozen mixed vegetables, microwave and top with grated cheese
• berries (one of the lower carb fruits) with plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (it's a little higher in sodium but has a good amount of protein)
• Edamame (soy beans) - fiber and protein
• Roasted chickpeas - use canned chick peas(garbanzo beans) and roast w/ olive oil and spices in a hot oven until crispy. Chickpeas have fiber and protein, some carbohydrates but no sugar
• Raw vegetables like celery, cucumber, mini peppers, pepper slices, jicama, cherry tomatoes with hummus or a dip made from Greek yogurt
Chelsea White
Tribal Council balks at golf hotel funding request
BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER
The future of a three-star hotel project at the Sequoyah National Golf Club in Whittier is uncertain after Tribal Council voted unanimously Sept. 20 to withdraw a resolution requesting $3.5 million to pay Tribal Construction for site work on the property.
Tribal Council first approved the project in 2018, and the Sequoyah National Golf Club Board selected DreamCatcher Hotels as the developer, giving the company a $25.3 million budget to complete 125-room facility.
Three years later, no ground has broken, and the hotel that is now expected to have 103 rooms, not 125. When DreamCatcher asked for an additional $3.5 million to complete the project, Tribal Council members balked. While largely supportive of the hotel concept, Tribal Council was skeptical of the funding request and the lagging timeline.
“The contract on the floor still states 125 rooms, and it’s a binding contract for the $25.3 million with site work included,” said Wolfetown Representative Bo Crowe. “So if they’re not going to be able to hold up to what the binding contract is, then the contract gets to be null and void at this time, and then go out and look for a new company?”
“Unless they can say they can perform that contract,” said golf board member Sharon Bradley.
But Cooper said that his company is a developer, not a builder, and as such did not have a binding contract to deliver the project for a particular dollar amount. Rather, the contract was to develop a 120-125-key hotel with related site work — though not utilities such as electric, gas, fiber, water and sewer — within the budget provided.
“We’re not a builder,” said Cooper. “We don’t come in here and build this hotel for you. We get bids. That is well outlined within our contracts. We do have a fiduciary duty for that budget that you’re speaking of immediately when we know we have a budget problem to alert the owner and let them know what the budget problem is. We did that in this case.”
When the contractor bids came in, they were all higher than the amount expected, Cooper said. Dreamcatcher alerted the golf board immediately and ran over their options. He told the board it could ask Tribal Council for $2.5 million to get up to 120 rooms or work within the existing budget — excluding site work — to build 103 rooms. The board elected to reduce the number of rooms, and now it’s asking for money to complete site work.
The site work also ended up being more expensive than expected, for multiple reasons. Dreamcatcher is also the developer on the new hotel tower at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and Cooper had planned to save money by coordinating those processes. However, the golf course hotel got delayed, and now the hotel tower is set to open before the golf course project even breaks ground.
rather than tribal land, the project had to go through a quasi-judicial hearing process before the U.S. 441 Gateway District Planning Council. It was ultimately approved, but with requirements to install more parking and fire lanes than originally planned — that also impacted the cost of site work.
There’s also the omnipresent reality of the pandemic and its unforeseen impact on construction costs.
“This is just what the market is three years from now, and we’re seeing this across the board on all kinds of projects,” said Cooper.
Cooper and tribal attorney Jay Gallagher told Tribal Council that the EBCI would lose millions of dollars if the body decided to kill the project. The tribe would have to start all over with county variance approvals and would lose more than $1.5 million in funds
already committed for plans, designs and other preliminary work.
Under the existing plan, it would take 10 to 12 years to pay back the cost of construction, after which the tribe could expect to “easily” pull in $2 to $3 million each year, Cooper said — not to mention additional profits at the golf course.
“Even if it just breaks even after paying everything, the hotel will support the golf course,” said Gallagher.
But Tribal Council was leery of moving forward that day, and comments from private hotel owner Cyndi Lambert made an additional argument for waiting to act. The new 725-room hotel tower at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino opens this week, and Lambert said she’s nervous about the impact those additional rooms might have on her business.
“I’m asking you to just hold off on this because we haven’t even opened that hotel tower yet,” she said. “At least until we see the
“We have our $25 million still to build this hotel, and we intend to build it.”
— Sharon Bradley
impact it’s going to have on other hotel owners.”
Because the current term is coming to an end, Tribal Council didn’t have the option to table the resolution. Any ordinances or resolutions not acted upon by the time the new Council is sworn in Oct. 4 die by default — to continue the discussion, the golf board will have to resubmit its ordinance before the new Council.
Last week’s vote is inevitably a setback for the hotel project, but it’s unlikely to stop it completely. Multiple Tribal Council members acknowledged that the hotel is necessary, and golf board members in attendance said it would almost certainly be a moneymaker.
“It’s almost unless you do something terribly stupid, a hotel should be a complete success over there,” said Golf Board Member Curtis Wildcatt.
Besides, the $25.3 million is already appropriated — the golf board intends to go ahead and build what it can with that money, regardless of whether Tribal Council approves additional funds.
“We have our $25 million still to build this hotel, and we intend to build it,” said Bradley.
Owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Sequoyah National Golf Club offers an 18-hole course in Whittier, just outside the Qualla Boundary. File photo
Statue shuffle in Sylva
Tubman statue arrives as Confederate soldier
gets new plaques
BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER
Chiseled by an Emmy- and Academy Award-winning artist, a 2,400-pound bronze piece depicting Harriet Tubman leading a young girl out of slavery is now installed at Bridge Park in Sylva.
“It’s pretty awesome, pretty symbolic, historical and beautiful,” said Marsha Lee Baker, chair of the Jackson County NAACP’s Community Coordination Committee. “It’s just such a powerful sculpture for so many of us, to stand in front of it.”
The statue arrived in the rain on Sunday, Sept. 19, with branch members, a public works crew from the Town of Sylva, and the sculptor himself, Wesley Wofford, together with his wife Odyssey, helping to unload and install it. Originally from Georgia, Wofford now resides in Cashiers, having moved to Western North Carolina in 2002 following a career at the forefront of the makeup effects industry in Hollywood, California.
sunny skies Sunday, Sept. 26, drew more than 350 people to Bridge Park, with the NAACP quickly running through the 200 programs it had ordered for the event. The Liberty Baptist Church provided music, ministry and fellowship for the event.
The NAACP hopes to use Tubman’s story as a launching pad to spotlight local African American history and heroes. Through a partnership with Western Carolina University, a self-guided African American Historical Tour of five key sites in Western North Carolina will soon be available, extending through December 2023.
WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center completed extensive research for the tour in consultation with the WCU Department of Intercultural Affairs and branch elders at the Jackson NAACP. The Bardo Arts Center developed QR technology for the tour and will collaborate with the Jackson NAACP on learning activities for students in the threecounty area of Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. In addition to aiding with research efforts, Intercultural Affairs has engaged college students and student organizations in related service learning.
The tour is available through the app STQRY. Information about how to access it will be available at the statue’s installation at Bridge Park.
The arrival of Wofford’s Harriet Tubman statue coincided with another significant change in downtown Sylva — the new plaques Jackson County commissioners approved for the Confederate soldier statue on the courthouse steps were installed two
days after Wofford’s sculpture.
The Confederate statue, which has stood there since its initial dedication in 1915, became a local flashpoint in the midst of the nationwide racial reckoning that unfolded following the May 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Debate about what to do with the statue spurred a pair of competing demonstrations in July 2020, with a march downtown demanding that the county to remove it as a symbol of racism while a rally in the library parking lot urged respect for the statue as a memorial to the fallen.
In a 3-2 vote last summer, the Sylva Board of Commissioners asked the county to relocate the statue, but commissioners decided 41 to keep it in place — but with changes to the explicitly pro-Confederate messaging on the pedestal. In May, commissioners approved $14,000 to enact those changes, spurring another 3-2 vote from the town opposing that decision.
Previously, the pedestal referred to “our heroes of the Confederacy” and displayed a Confederate flag.
The new plaque covers up those engravings and reads, “Jackson County N.C. Civil War Memorial. This monument was erected by citizens of Jackson County in memory of those who died during the American Civil War. Originally dedicated on September 18, 1915. Rededicated on May 11, 1996, to honor Jackson County veterans of all wars.”
The nation’s unofficial motto, “E Pluribus Unum” covers up the words, “Our heroes of the Confederacy.”
“It’s in my backyard. I love that,” Wofford told The Smoky Mountain News in October 2020, when the statue’s arrival was first scheduled. “And for Sylva to be a part of that national dialogue is important.”
Titled “Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom,” the piece was originally commissioned for a private building in Dallas, Texas, with Franklin native Jada Bryson modeling Tubman as Wofford worked. When photos of the sculpture went viral, Wofford made a copy so that more people could experience the piece. It’s spent the last year touring the country, and its stop in Sylva will extend through Dec. 20 thanks to fundraising and organizational efforts from the NAACP.
Funding for the statue’s stay in Sylva came from the Dogwood Health Trust, with the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center acting as the 501(c)3 agency to handle the money — the Jackson NAACP is a 501(c)4, so not directly eligible under the grant terms. The town provided the sculpture’s location, installation and security, with marketing and publicity support from the town, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority.
A dedication for the statue held under
Who was Harriet Tubman?
Born into slavery in March 1822 under the name Araminta Ross, Harriet Tubman married a free man named John Tubman and made the journey north in 1849, settling in Philadelphia and changing her name to Harriett.
Shortly thereafter, she returned to Maryland to rescue her family and subsequently made at least 13 missions south to liberate about 70 enslaved people, using the network of people and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad to aid her efforts. Her work earned her the code name “Moses” in reference to the Biblical figure who led the Israelites to the Promised Land.
“I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say — I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger,” Tubman said at an 1896 women’s suffrage convention.
Tubman worked for the Union Army during the Civil War, first as a nurse and then as a scout and spy, liberating more than 700 slaves when she guided the Combahee River Raid. That mission made her the first woman in the Civil War to lead an armed expedition. After the war she became an advocate for women’s voting rights and for impoverished former slaves and elderly people in her community of Auburn, New York.
A bronze piece depicting antislavery hero Harriet Tubman will be on display at Bridge Park in Sylva through Dec. 20. Holly Kays photo
New plaques have been installed on the controversial Confederate solider statue in Sylva. Holly Kays photo
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Born at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, Democrat Bo Hess is both a product of his upbringing and of the influence of his parents.
“I’m a licensed clinical social worker, addiction specialist and law enforcement trainer. I run a small private practice as well. I grew up in military schools. My dad was in the Air Force, my mom was also a social worker and so service has been a huge piece of my life,” said Hess. “For the 21 years that I’ve made Western North Carolina home, I have been showing up in a lot of ways, whether that’s working with the local sexual assault agency or being on the board of the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, or delivering food to elders or showing up like in Cruso.”
Hess, 37, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Western Carolina University, and styles himself a systems thinker, concerned with the effects of decisions down the road.
“If we have hungry people in WNC or if we have an addicted population WNC, that directly affects our national security,” he said. “If we have corporate bailouts so that we can get them to our area, then that has a ripple effect 10 years down the line on the types of people who move here, the congestion, the crime, and all sorts of things that we need to really be thinking about.”
But the biggest concern for Hess is, in a broad sense, public safety. Although most people would associate that term with law enforcement, as a social worker Hess thinks of it as more revolving around healthcare, addiction and mental illness.
“Mental illness is going to be the number one cause of mortality in the next 20 years and we must have a leader who understands systems, understands what the threats are and then knows the solutions and provides the solutions,” he said. “We have a full and robust platform on my website where we have concrete solutions that we are really
Pillar of NC-11 Democrat Bo Hess’ campaign is safety
standing on. We’re not just rehashing or telling the voters what is wrong. We already know what is wrong. We need somebody who is a problem solver and that is what this campaign is about.”
The Smoky Mountain News: I’ve asked all the candidates some pretty similar questions because these sorts of issues have been haunting this district for more than a decade. The first one — is Medicaid expansion the answer for North Carolina, or do you have a different idea of how to address the healthcare gap?
I’m not running on being a black pastor. I’m not running on being a lesbian mom. I am running on the issues that are important to the people of WNC.
— Bo Hess
Bo Hess: Medicaid expansion is kind of the next step that we can do. However, we also need to be making sure that we’re building up the infrastructure for health care. The issue is that if we pass Medicaid for all, or even really expanded Medicaid to any certain degree, we would have trouble actually delivering quality care to individuals. We have actually trouble delivering care to people who have insurance right now. And so a big piece of my platform is making sure that we are educating our high schoolers, making sure that our community colleges are on board, making sure that we have nurses, physical therapists, making sure that we have counselors, social workers, doctors in the pipeline, ready to go so that we have an infrastructure in five to 10 years, because that is where we’re headed, especially as we move to elect younger, more forward-thinking candidates.
SMN: Similar question, another of these issues that’s haunted us for far more than a decade is gun violence. What does common sense gun reform mean to you?
BH: It means legislation that doesn’t trample on any rights of any law-abiding citizen to their Second Amendment. That is front and center for me. We must be able to keep and bear arms. We must be able to defend our person, our home, our car, so common sense is not legislating something
that is going to be immediately struck down by the Supreme Court. I definitely am not going to be the legislator that gets there and starts writing laws that become struck down and ineffective.
SMN: Other components that people usually mention when they’re talking about common sense gun reform is banning the sale of high-capacity magazines and strengthening red flag laws. Let’s take these one-on-one — magazines first.
BH: I think that the federal courts have pretty much said that we have a right to those.
SMN: The second component is red flag laws.
BH: That must be a time-limited thing, and then there must be consequences for people who cry “wolf” on those. I am one of those people, I’m a mental health clinician who actually does perform IVCs [involuntary commitments]. That is a level that I work with. I work with people who are homicidal, suicidal, who have already tried to commit suicide, or are just severely psychotic and maybe dangerous and in other ways, so absolutely this is an issue, but it must be time limited and there must be consequences for people who cry “wolf.” Again, because that is taking away somebody’s rights, and our rights are guaranteed in the Constitution.
SMN: Your campaign is about safety. You come from a public health background, and you deal with some of the most difficult problems in our society on a daily basis. What can be done in Congress to further address the opioid epidemic?
BH: There are a couple of tiers here. Number one, increasing access. So right here in Western North Carolina, if somebody needed access to a bed for addiction, they would not have that access. If they needed a bed for depression, they would not have that access.
Number two is increasing evidence-based care at these facilities. We have many staterun facilities that are actually wasting taxpayer dollars because they are not actually providing evidence-based care.
Number three, making sure that there’s good retention and follow up for these individuals, making sure there’s good primary care. And we’re looking at all the social determinants of health, which means things like healthy food, sleep schedule, the crime rate, all of these other kinds of peripheral things that the campaign, from a systems perspective, will affect.
In the long-term is building up that infrastructure. I want to F
Bo Hess is one of seven Democrats vying for the chance to face incumbent Rep. Madison Cawthorn. Donated photo
Jackson schools offers onsite COVID testing
Students and staff in Jackson County Public Schools will soon have a convenient option for free COVID-19 testing right in their own school. The minimally invasive tests from Concentric by Ginkgo will be conducted weekly for individuals who choose to participate in the program.
To save time, the district will use a system known as “pool testing.” It’s a strategy approved by the state that is gaining popularity across the country because of the low cost and relatively quick results.
“This is an opportunity for us to keep our students in school and also test them while they’re at school,” Superintendent Dr. Dana Ayers said. “An entire class can be screened within 10 to 15 minutes.”
Each pool will include up to 25 individ-
reiterate again, mental illness will be the number one cause of mortality in the next 20 years, so we absolutely must get ahead of this curve. We must have leaders that understand this who are willing to step up and give a voice for the voiceless.
SMN: As someone who is largely concerned with public safety, you know that police reform is a local and state issue, but are there avenues in Congress to make some headway on this?
BH: I think there is room for that. I think we need to be building bridges and tearing down fences. We need to be drawing in the independents, the Republicans and fellow Democrats. We need to be bringing everyone to the table and making sure again that number one we’re keeping safety in our community, in our streets, but making sure that our laws in our community are equitable at the same time.
SMN: Rural broadband is another huge quality of life issue that underlies a lot of our other problems, as we learned during the pandemic, and as we saw at the redistricting meeting (see REDISTRICTING, p. 6) even. Where does the federal government come into the picture of, of expanding access to broadband for rural America?
BH: I think one of the issues here in North Carolina is that we have kind of made a deal with the devils as far as broadband in not letting counties provide that as public infrastructure. So really, looking at ways that we can incentivize states and localities to maybe rescind those laws and making a federal law of making it public utility, much like telephones. We’re in the 21st century, we’re in the greatest country in the world. We’re in the wealthiest country in the world and there is no reason why we cannot all live in a connected world.
SMN: Up until about half an hour ago, there were eight Democrats in this race (see SNAFU, p. 7). Now there’s seven, but it’ll probably head back up to eight, nine, 10 Democrats, who knows … what makes you
uals in a class, pod or cohort who will swab their own nose and place the swabs into a single tube. The samples in the tube will then be tested as a single sample using one test.
If a pool returns a positive result for COVID-19, the school can begin immediate contact tracing and test individual students and staff members rather than quarantining large groups or closing entire school buildings.
Participants in the program will be happy to know that the test only requires a swab of the lower nose rather than the deep nasal swab that is common with other tests.
“It’s not invasive at all,” Ayers said. “In fact, students will do their own test.”
Consent forms will be available in early October. Families can learn more about the testing process at www.concentricbyginkgo.com/families.
different than everyone else in this Democratic primary?
BH: I’m a problem solver. I’m a trained problem solver. I’ve been showing up for my community from day one. I haven’t posted everything on social media because quite frankly I do what’s right when no one’s looking, so I don’t really need a pat on the back.
I’m not running on being a black pastor. I’m not running on being a lesbian mom. I am running on the issues that are important to the people of WNC, which are a safety, environment, the dignity of work and a living wage, access to healthcare and mental health care. I am not afraid to take questions without a handler. I don’t need to just tell you that I can only speak on education or healthcare. I am not going to ignore your calls for an interview.
We have to have someone with a little bit of an edge to them who will not let Madison Cawthorn off the hook, who will get out there and speak to the rural voters who have already been showing up for this district in so many ways.
SMN: Madison Cawthorn is going to raise a ton of money. He has unlimited access to national media. He’s been dragged around the country as a speaker. His profile is growing bigger and bigger. He is the literal elephant in the room. If you make it through this Democratic Primary Election, how do you beat Madison Cawthorn with all of those tools that he has at his disposal?
BH: It’s interesting because actually I ran into Madison Cawthorn in person. He wasn’t the elephant in the room. He actually cleared out the room. His face got completely red and he looked like he saw a ghost. I didn’t actually realize he had known who we were, but it was amazing. I actually was acting like the sitting congressman, he kind of scurried off and met the two people that he was meeting and then cleared the room. It was like when you overcook eggs or something, so less the elephant and more like just kind of an overdone omelet.
Dogwood Health Trust reflects on 2021 progress
Mission Health in Asheville sold to for-profit HCA Healthcare, forming the Dogwood Health Trust tasked with using the sale proceeds for health initiatives.
BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR
Dogwood Health Trust had lofty goals when it was formed in 2019 with the mission to dramatically improve the health and wellbeing of people throughout Western North Carolina.
With those big goals for the 18 most western counties came big resources — the foundation was established as part of the negotiation when nonprofit health system Mission Health was in the process of being sold to forprofit HCA Healthcare.
Proceeds from the sale — $1.5 billion — were placed into the care of the new foundation to meet its mission. Dogwood had to ramp up quickly, setting up a board of directors, establishing goals, hiring a CEO and additional staff, creating a grant application
process and finding an equitable way to distribute funds in the region.
If that wasn’t enough to take on, Dogwood had to quickly shift priorities when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit the region in 2020.
“Since we were first funded two years ago, a lot has changed,” DHT Chairwoman Janice Brumit said during a recent virtual community meeting. “We’re in an ongoing pandemic and social justice issues have risen up and given us more opportunities to achieve positive change.”
Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, Brumit said Dogwood had invested over $48 million throughout the region during 2020, which includes $29.9 million in community grants, $15.9 million in impact investments, $600,000 invested into a leverage fund to match state and federal grants and $1.5 million toward program-related expenses.
Larry E. Bryson, former Chief Deputy Haywood County Sheriff's Office, announces that
I INTEND TO BE A DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE
FOR THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF IN HAYWOOD COUNTY IN THE UPCOMING 2022 ELECTION.
My career began in 1976 and I have worked for Sheriffs Jack Arrington, Tom Alexander and Bob Suttles.
During my 35 years of law enforcement experience in Haywood County, I have held the following positions: • Detention Officer
I look forward to serving the people of Haywood County again.
Larry E. Bryson
“As of last Friday, we’ve approved more than $65 million in grants so far,” she added.
The round of virtual meetings gave Dogwood’s growing staff of 40 a chance to go over the foundation’s four main focus areas — education, housing, health and wellness and economic opportunity — and their successes over the last year.
DHT Board member Sam Lupas, a real estate developer and broker in Cashiers, said he’s proud of the foundation’s work toward funding affordable housing initiatives through Mountain Projects and Habitat for Humanity, expanding primary health care services in Jackson and Macon counties and being chosen to participate in the Healthy Opportunities pilot program through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Dogwood’s interim CEO Susan Mims came on board in October 2020 after the foundation’s first CEO, Antony Chiang, stepped down after only holding the position for a year. She has more than 20 years of clinical and healthcare leadership experience in North Carolina and served as the chief executive for Mission Children’s Hospital for over a decade. Before her time at Mission, she was the medical director at the Buncombe County Health Department.
“Approaching our second full year of operations gives us chance to reflect on the work we’ve done and dig in with a vision for our path forward,” she said. “We shifted our focus to the regional response of urgent COVID-19 needs and continue to address pandemic needs in 2021 while building our team and our structure.”
In April, Mims said Dogwood launched its online portal for local organizations to apply for grants and receive guidance from staff members during the process. DHT approved grants to 148 organizations.
Several nonprofit leaders gave testimonials regarding the grant application process with DHT while explaining the programs being expanded thanks to DHT funding.
Molly Hemstreet, co-executive director of The Industrial Commons, said Dogwood awarded them a general operating grant to support their mission of scaling up employeeowned social enterprises and industrial cooperatives in Morganton. This kind of business model fits well with Dogwood’s mission of building a local workforce and overcoming the inequalities of generational poverty.
Landon Ward, an environmental studies
lecturer at UNC-Asheville, said Dogwood has provided grant funding toward a literacy program that aims to “bridge the opportunity gap for students of color” and dismantling racial injustice in WNC.
Heather Boyd, executive director of Smoky Mountain Housing Partners, an affordable housing initiative of Mountain Projects, said Dogwood provided a grant for a homeownership program.
Jackie Kiger, COO of Pisgah Legal Services, said Dogwood has supported the nonprofit in two ways — a grant to help residents sign up for the Affordable Care Act health coverage and helping them apply for a multi-year WNC Economic Recovery program grant with the goals of reducing child poverty and increasing the rate of insured residents.
Sara Thompson, former director of the Southwestern Commission based in Sylva, was recently hired by Dogwood after serving on the DHT board for a year. Thompson now serves as the Vice President of Impact and will use her expertise in helping with the Economic Opportunity piece of the puzzle. She said one of her main goals will be to “build a more diverse economy with increased job opportunity” with work readiness programs, retaining and growing existing business and fostering entrepreneurship.
Ereka R. Williams will soon join DHT as Vice President of Impact-Education. Williams, current associate provost for Academic Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness at Winston-Salem State University, will be responsible for the visioning, development and implementation of ambitious impact strategies to help improve early care and education and K-12 school systems and will work closely with Thompson to expand post-secondary opportunities.
Moving forward into the next year, Mims said Dogwood’s staff would continue to work on establishing relationships and building partnerships in the communities of WNC as they work with more stakeholders to meet the needs in education, housing, economic opportunities and health and wellness.
They encourage nonprofit leaders to reach out regarding possible grant funding opportunities and welcome feedback from communities across the region. For more information about how grant funding has been distributed, visit dogwoodhealthtrust.org.
A forum with the candidates for Maggie Valley Town Board of Aldermen will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, at the Maggie Valley Town Hall. There are four candidates competing four two available seats, Alderwoman Twinkle Patel, John Hinton, Jeff Lee and Jim Owens. Candidates will be asked a series of questions and each equal time to respond. Early voting begins Oct. 14, Election Day is Nov. 2.
Macon participates in rabies vaccination program
Macon County is part of the United States Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services’ and North Carolina Department of Health’s oral rabies vaccine bait program for raccoons, foxes and coyotes.
This bait-drop vaccine program has been shown effective in reducing the number of rabid raccoons and other animals. In the past 10 months, Macon County has had 14 confirmed cases of animals with rabies, which is a large increase from previous years.
The Wildlife Services’ bait drop will occur in Macon County between Oct. 4-20 and will be delivered by airplane and ground vehicles across the county. The baits are plastic packets of oral vaccine coated with an oily, fish-scented substance to attract raccoons. Once the packet is bitten, the raccoon ingests the vaccine and will develop antibodies against rabies.
The vaccine has been shown to be safe in over 60 different species of animals, including domestic dogs and cats. If your dog or cat eats a large quantity of these baits, it could cause a temporary upset stomach but does not pose any long-term health risk. The vaccine does not contain the live rabies virus.
It is recommended that anyone who finds a bait leave it alone to allow wildlife to find it. If the bait is on your lawn, driveway, or other area unlikely to attract raccoons, you can wear a glove and move the bait to an area of thicker cover where raccoons are more likely to find it. If you come in contact with the liquid vaccine, wash the affected area with soap and water and call the USDA Wildlife Services Rabies Information Line at 866.487.3297.
Tax appraisers visiting storm damage
Appraisers from the Haywood County Tax Assessor’s office will soon begin visiting the properties that were affected by Tropical Storm Fred flooding.
They will be re-assessing the damaged properties for the 2022 tax year. Appraisers can be identified by their county ID, and all vehicles will be marked with the county seal.
These new assessments will not affect the 2021 tax bills that have already gone out but will reflect on your 2022 tax bill.
For more information, call 828.356.2754.
Two resign from Transylvania hospital board
Members say ‘We Fear for Future’ under HCA
BY P ETER H. LEWIS ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG
Two long-time members of the Transylvania Regional Hospital board of directors resigned Monday, saying they were “embarrassed” to have supported the sale of the Mission Health System to giant HCA Healthcare and that they now fear for the future of the Brevard-based community hospital under HCA’s profit-driven management.
In an open letter to The Transylvania Times, the board members, Parker Platt and Mark Weinstein, said they had been sidelined and rendered “powerless” and “voiceless” by the HCA-dominated board. “It is our hope that our resignations might have a more positive influence on the hospital’s future direction than if we remained on the board,” they wrote.
Asked by The Watchdog to comment on Platt’s and Weinstein’s resignations, a hospital spokeswoman said, “We thank them for their service.”
The resignations highlight growing community dissatisfaction with HCA’s operation
of the 92-bed, 600-employee community hospital, which joined the Mission Health System in 2011 and which HCA acquired as part of the surprise $1.5 billion sale of Mission Health in 2019. HCA also acquired Mission Hospital in Asheville plus four other hospitals and numerous clinics in western North Carolina.
Earlier this year at least 15 doctors and other healthcare providers — “the majority of the county’s doctors,” according to The Transylvania Times — abruptly left the Mission Health System in Transylvania County, either because they refused to sign new pay-cutting contracts offered by HCA or because they were terminated.
In February, the Brevard City Council took the unusual step of appealing to North Carolina’s Attorney General, Josh Stein, to investigate the “exodus” of veteran doctors from the HCA Mission system in Transylvania County. Stein approved the sale of the nonprofit Mission Health System to for-profit HCA, despite uncovering “issues and concerns” involving Mission principals leading up to the sale.
Platt is an architect and president of Platt, an architecture, construction and interior design firm in Brevard; Weinstein is president and chief executive of the Brevard
Music Center. They gave permission to Asheville Watchdog to republish their letter, below:
“Both of us have decided to resign from the Transylvania Regional Hospital (TRH) Board.
“Together, we have taken some time to reflect on our time on the board (combined total of 10 years) and our reasons for serving. Those reasons have centered around care for our community, the essential role of the hospital in the community and a deep respect for the tireless work and accomplishments of those who served before us and those who are still giving it their all after many years.
“We were both enthusiastic about the sale to Mission Hospital and the subsequent sale to HCA given the broader connections and capacity and the promise of the longterm positive impact of the resulting health trust. To say the reality of the current situation is a disappointment to us is an understatement.
“It is clear now (and maybe should have been from the beginning) that the TRH board has no real ability to play any kind of impactful role. In almost all instances, from the essentials of staff and community relations to marketing, to the mass exodus of our physi-
cians, our inability to provide direction or influence decisions have been apparent.
“It appears to us that the board is simply around because it is ‘required to be’ and it serves as a rubber stamp for Quality and Credentials reports prepared by others. It is ideally seen but not heard. That’s a real shame because there are smart, connected and insightful folks giving important time to this board who have in the past and could continue to make a big difference for the hospital.
“Ultimately, both of us feel generally out of the loop, powerless, voiceless and definitely unessential. At this point we are embarrassed to have been vocally supportive of the sale, to be affiliated in such a meaningless way, and to be providing whatever credibility we might have by simply being around.
“Indeed, in our judgment, and not based on any confidential information we have received as board members, the very nature of a “for profit” based hospital in Transylvania County is in serious question.
“We continue to support our local hospital as an important and vital part of our community. But we fear for its future. It is our hope that our resignations might have a more positive influence on the hospital’s future direction than if we remained on the board.”
— Parker Platt and Mark Weinstein.
A Bear Hug
“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” -Erma Bombeck
12 Bones Smokehouse
Alicia Reitz
Alison L Hill
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Amanda Ford
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Amy Jo Streuter
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Peoples
Andy and Lynn Moceri “Jersey”
Angela Byrne
Angela Wright
Angela with 12 Bones
Angie Hawkins
Ann Fowler
Anonymous Hot Dog & Sandwich delivery
Aramark
Asheville Garage Doors
Asheville Strong
Asheville Untapped
Asheville/Biltmore Village
Atena de Jong
AV Live
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Ben Hooper
Bens Backdraft Barbecue
Betsy G. Caudill
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County
Bob Jennings
Brad Groom
Brandi Hillman
Brandon Cox
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Brian Manning
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Bryan with 12 Bones
It’s hard to come up with adequate words to describe how much the support we received means. You all brought such enthusiasm, generosity, positive energy and a beautiful intensity that carried us through something we didn’t know we would survive. Countless goals were achieved. Thanks to your selflessness an impossible task became accomplishable. It showcased the incredible teamwork that helped bring us closer together as a company and community. You made an
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Canton Central United Methodist Youth Group
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Frankie’s Italian Trattoria
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Distributing of North Carolina
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JRO
unforgettable difference and we are so profoundly grateful. We want to give an enormous thanks to all the Breweries, Businesses and People for the amazing support, equipment, time, food and monetary donations. For all the wonderful things you came together to do. We love you all from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, we again have a chance to reopen our doors and offer a place for the community to gather. We really can't thank you enough! Without further Adieu
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Waynesville Task Force on Homelessness issues final recommendations
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Riddled with dissention, defections and a lack of clear direction, Waynesville’s Task Force on Homelessness finally limped across the finish line last week, issuing final recommendations that will soon be considered by the Waynesville Board of Aldermen.
“At this point it has been a long year for many reasons. I’m encouraged by the work that the task force engaged in over this year and I think what we have now is the most comprehensive understanding of homelessness in our community,” said Dr. Amy MurphyNugen, chair of the task force. “Through the community feedback, through surveys with people who are homeless, listening sessions and business surveys, I think we have captured how our community wants to move forward.”
At the previous meeting on Sept. 2, members failed to agree on a set of final recommendations, despite more than 18 months of preparation, research, meetings and a 200person community survey.
It did, however, make one thing clear by motion: a low-barrier shelter would not be recommended, despite just 12.5% of survey respondents saying services to the unsheltered should be limited or end altogether.
A series of high-profile resignations followed that meeting, including Mountain Projects Executive Director Patsy Davis, who said she felt the meetings weren’t productive. Davis has more than 30 years working in the social services arena in Haywood County.
Task force member Dale Burris supposedly resigned at that same time, saying in an email that the group had “gone south” and that he would “now go back to work and help people here in Haywood County,” but Burris had apparently been coaxed back by the time the task force met again on Sept. 23.
That meeting barely met quorum requirements, but task force members under the guidance of Murphy-Nugen spent almost two hours debating the remaining items in the task force’s 147-page draft report, which was issued back in July.
The first two items addressed a series of draft recommendations for the Town of Waynesville to hire additional staff specifically assigned to address homelessness — one CARES coordinator and two neighborhood outreach workers.
Burris made a motion to remove all three positions from the list of final recommendations, but task force members seemed to be confused over what, exactly, a “yea” or a “nay” vote would accomplish.
“I think they were, because it was worded negatively,” Murphy-Nugen said.
All nine members present including Burris subsequently voted “no,” which would indicate that the draft recommendation for three positions remain in the final recom-
mendations. However, a subsequent, contradictory, superseding motion will apparently render Burris’ motion moot.
That second motion was to issue a final recommendation to aldermen to hire the coordinator, but not the two outreach workers.
Burris again voted no, but every other remaining task force member voted yes, including Waynesville Police Department Chief David Adams, WPD Lt. Tyler Trantham, Haywood County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ensley, Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher, Pathways Executive Director Mandi Haithcox, Pathways Case Manager Keri Guidry, Grace Church Rev. Joslyn Schaefer, St. Sophia Deacon Bob Cummings and Hazelwood property owner Wanda Brooks.
“What I heard from the task force is they did not want to move forward with the two outreach workers, but they want to retain those activities so those activities, as they’re recommending it now would be overseen by the CARES director,” Murphy-Nugen said.
The third motion, offered by Ensley and approved unanimously, was to strengthen and expand shelter capacity in the county as well as to pursue other affordable housing options — a difficult task in a red-hot housing market where 42% of unsheltered individuals receive some level of financial support from employment, government assistance or acquaintances but 75% say they can only afford to pay $500 a month or less.
The last recommendation was something that saw strong support from Sheriff Christopher, who remarked that he runs what is de facto the largest mental health facility in the county.
“We have an action item that says the CARES director will assist in building network capacity among other providers, including mental health. The task force wanted us to pull that out and give more specific and concrete action steps around mental health,” MurphyNugen said. “So what they considered was a series of action steps that we drafted in response to that request. They range from doing a mental health/first aid training for the entire community, to doing a mental health providers panel so people are aware of what services are available, to exploring the possibility of creating a public-facing free clinic that would be staffed by pro bono providers, all the way to supporting Medicaid expansion.”
Murphy-Nugen said she’d present the final report to aldermen on or before Oct. 5, at which time it would also be posted on the town’s website. That puts the matter on track to be considered by aldermen on Oct. 12, but the agenda for that meeting has not yet been released.
“I think it’s a good compromise,” said Waynesville Alderman Anthony Sutton, who sits on the task force F
Zonta to host trafficking awareness event
Women and children are more likely to be victims; unfortunately trafficking often goes unrecognized and is far more prevalent here than most people realize.
Zonta Club of Franklin will hold a Red Sand Project event to highlight how it affects the community and country and introduce some of the organizations here that combat it. Participants will be given red sand that they will use to fill the cracks in the sidewalk, to draw attention to those who cannot advocate for themselves.
The Red Sand Project will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, in front of the Macon County Courthouse in downtown Franklin. Social distancing will be practiced, and masks are advised.
Seasonal flu clinics open
With flu season approaching, Macon County Public Health Center is announcing the upcoming drive-thru seasonal influenza clinics. Protect yourself and those around you during flu season by getting your flu vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 6 months of age receive the yearly flu vaccine. The influenza vaccine is reviewed annually and is designed to protect against the four strains that research indicates will be the most common this year.
These flu vaccine clinics will be first come, first serve and an appointment will not be necessary. Individuals 65 years and older are eligible to receive high-dose influenza vaccine. High-dose vaccine will be available as long as supplies last. The cost for the regular dose is $36 and the high dose (recommended for those 65+) cost is $73. Insurances will be filed, so we ask that you bring your insurance card with you to the flu clinics.
The flu vaccine clinics started Monday, Sept. 27. Drive-thru flu clinics will be held 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at 1830 Lakeside Drive, Franklin. For more information, call 828.349.2437 or email mcphpublicinformation@maconnc.org.
but has abstained from voting, since he’ll be one of five aldermen to consider the final recommendations. “I think we had lots of community input, I think over 300 surveys came in and the clear majority, 70%, indicated that we needed to move forward and do something to assist the homeless. I feel very confident that everyone’s voice was heard and that it was a compromise. It’s not exactly what I would have wanted to be recommended to the board, but again, I get to discuss that one with the board.”
Upon consideration, aldermen could approve the recommendations wholesale, modify them or dismiss them completely after one or more public comment sessions on the report itself.
“From the beginning, we were concerned about strengthening services, addressing existing gaps and responding to the concerns of neighbors and residents impacted by homelessness,” Murphy-Nugen said. “I think we have developed a response in the CARES framework to do that.”
When Sat · Oct. 2 · 6-9 pm
Where
Sorrells Street Park, Canton Cost
Free, with suggested donation of $20
Food & Beer trucks onsite
Honeycutters
Virus cases have started to fall, but hospitals are still busy
BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER
The number of new daily COVID-19 cases in North Carolina fell below 3,000 last week for the first time since Aug. 10 as the summer surge due to the Delta variant appears to be receding.
As of Sept. 28, the seven-day rolling average was right at 5,000 cases, down from a peak of 6,500 on Sept. 14. While that’s a move in the right direction, it’s a long way from the rolling averages of 200-some cases seen in mid-June.
Cases appear to be declining in the western counties too, with case counts in Macon, Swain, Jackson and Haywood for the last week all slightly lower than they were the previous week.
Many of those who test positive will recover with no complications, but for others the virus proves deadly. In the last two weeks, Haywood County has reported 18 deaths due to COVID-19, including one person between the ages of 25 and 30 and two between the ages of 45 and 50. The others were between the ages of 60 to 90. All of the deaths listed COVID-19 as the immediate or underlying cause of death on the death certificate. Three died at home, one died at autumn Care and the others died at either Haywood Regional Medical Center or Mission Hospital.
“We at Haywood County Health and Human Services extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones during this time of loss,” said Health Director Sarah Henderson. “COVID-19 is a serious and sometimes deadly illness. We ask everyone to consider the pain and loss this virus can bring with it and do everything you can to help prevent its spread.”
On Monday, Macon County Public Health received notification that two more Macon County residents diagnosed with COVID-19 — one between the ages of 65-74 years old and one over 75 years old — died, bringing the county’s death toll to 58.
Overwhelmingly, people whose illness
results in hospitalization or death are unvaccinated. On Sept. 22, Harris Regional Hospital reported that 91% of its current patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were unvaccinated, including 99% of its ICU patients. In Haywood County, 83.3% of new cases over the past week occurred in unvaccinated people, as well as “nearly all” of those requiring hospitalization, according to a Sept. 28 press release from the health department.
The good news is that, along with a downward trend in case counts, hospitalizations are also declining statewide as well as regionally. On Sept. 25, 3,045 people in North Carolina were hospitalized with COVID-19, the lowest number since the 2,932 hospitalizations reported Aug. 17 and well down from the highest reported number in the latest surge, 3,815, reported on Sept. 2 and Sept. 8.
In the 27-county area known as the Mountain Area Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, 220 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Sept. 27, down from a peak of 303 on Sept. 8. However, staffing still appears to be an issue for many hospitals — on Sept. 27, only 42 staffed ICU beds were empty in the region, with 134 in use and another 71 either unreported or unstaffed. Likewise, 583 inpatient hospital beds were unstaffed or unreported, with 964 in use and 432 staffed but empty.
Vaccinations continue to inch upward in Western North Carolina. Between Aug. 17 and Sept. 28, an additional 15,962 people had received at least one dose of vaccine. Currently, Jackson County has the highest partial vaccination rate of The Smoky Mountain News’ four-county coverage area, with 61% of residents receiving at least one dose. It’s tied with Macon County for the highest full vaccination rate, with 54%. In Haywood County, 50% of residents are fully vaccinated and in Swain County 36% of residents are fully vaccinated. Statewide, 53% of North Carolinians are fully vaccinated.
Mandy Allen named Haywood Teacher of the Year
Bethel Elementary School fifth grade teacher Mandy Allen was named Haywood County Schools’ 2022 Teacher of the Year at a banquet earlier this month.
Every year, each of the district’s 15 schools selects a Teacher of the Year. A selection committee is then tasked with choosing the district-wide Teacher of the Year after reviewing applications and visiting each teacher’s classroom.
Allen, who has worked in education for 13 years, was selected as the district-wide winner, and runner ups were Norma Warren from Canton Middle School and Heidi Morgan of Pisgah High School.
“Mrs. Allen’s teaching philosophy and skills are evident and have a positive impact on her students, school, and the community,” Dr. Bill Nolte, Haywood County Schools superintendent, said. “She is a great representation of the high caliber of teachers in Haywood County Schools and would represent the state very well as the Regional and State Teacher of the Year.”
Allen’s initial desire to work in education came from her own teachers when she was a student at Hazelwood Elementary School. She said teachers like Lee Messer, Sherri Arrington, and Retha Cabe influenced her early on in her education.
“They always encouraged me to give my best at school, but I also saw the best in them,” Allen said with a smile. “I wanted to be like them.”
Allen laughed as she talked about playing school with her toys and her younger sister in the afternoons as a child. She even asked for an overhead projector for Christmas when she was in 2nd grade and was devastated when Santa did not leave one under the tree.
During her final year of college at Western Carolina University, she completed her student internship with Alma Wells at Bethel Elementary, just two doors down from her current classroom.
Her first job after college graduation was at Bethel Elementary teaching fourth grade. During that time, she met her husband, Brandon. Allen joined her husband in Morganton, N.C. and commuted to Haywood County three days a week while working as a curriculum coach. The commute became too much, and Allen accepted a teaching position in Burke County.
Opportunities arose for Allen’s family, and they moved back to Haywood County in 2017. By that time, Allen and her husband had two young children. She began working part time with the school system as an instructional coach, where she helped teachers apply theory and pedagogy in the classroom.
“After a while, I really began to miss the kids and wanted to be back in the classroom,” Allen said. “I missed creating relationships with students and being a more interactive part of their education.”
In 2019, Allen returned to Bethel Elementary as a fifth-grade teacher.
At Bethel Elementary, Allen is surrounded by supportive co-workers, who Allen credits with pushing her professionally. Allen and her fellow fifth-grade teachers work together during planning periods and after school to create lesson plans, pinpoint common goals, and share the days’ successes and shortcomings.
Sharing ideas and working cooperatively is a necessity among teachers, since fifth grade curriculum covers everything from ecosystems to North American colonization to geometry.
“Mandy was born to be a teacher, and I cannot imagine her being anything else,” Bethel Elementary Principal Heather Hollingsworth said. “The love for her students and the passion she puts forth in making sure they grow as learners and as human beings is unrivaled.”
For nine months, Allen gets to know her students. She finds out their strengths, weaknesses, hobbies and interests while building relationships that last for years to come.
“I think Mrs. Allen is a good teacher because she’s really nice,” fifth-grader Riley Holland said. “She makes everything fair, and we all get a chance to talk.” Allen takes an interest in her students out of the classroom as well. She can often be found on the weekends watching soccer games, attending dance recitals or going to the rodeo to show her support for her students. She believes these small gestures of showing care and interest in her students’ lives result in better rela-
Mandy Allen talks with her fifth graders, Charlie Rogers (left) and Riley Holland (right), about using order of operations during a math word problem involving a student making pecan and peanut butter pies. Allen has worked in education since 2008.
2022 Teachers of the Year from each Haywood school
• Daniel Trivette, Bethel Middle
Mandy Allen, Bethel Elementary
• Norma Warren, Canton Middle
• Christy Lawrence, Central Haywood High
• Angela Ledford, Clyde Elementary
• Ryan Brumfield, Haywood Early College
• Lorri Reece, Hazelwood Elementary
• Laura Abbe, Jonathan Valley Elementary
• Michelle Ford, Junaluska Elementary
• Emily Worley, Meadowbrook Elementary
• Samantha Burleson, North Canton
• Elementary
Heidi Morgan, Pisgah High
• Ashley Clifton, Riverbend Elementary
• Bill Covin, Tuscola High
•
• Rachel Yates, Waynesville Middle
tionships and success in the classroom.
“Living in the community where I teach and seeing students and their families in the store, at restaurants and at weekly ballgames is more powerful than I would have ever imagined,” Allen said. “Bethel is a family, and I am so thankful to be part of their lives in all these little moments.”
The effects of Allen’s caring smile, positive attitude, and creative lessons are still felt by former students.
Allen said a pivotal moment in her career came after a mother of a former student reached out to her and thanked her for making a difference in her child. Allen explained that the mother told her about the many hardships her son had faced when he was Allen’s student. She said that through love and support he found at school, he blossomed into the child she thought she had lost forever.
“Up until that moment, I had no idea what this precious child had dealt with when he was my student,” Allen explained. “Teachers change lives, and every word spoken has the power to build up or tear down children.”
Allen admits that teaching has its difficult moments, but that she is committed to continually bettering herself by attending professional development training, creating engaging lesson plans and looking for innovative resources for her classroom.
“Although I am only a very small piece of their lives, I will love, encourage and build them up while being so thankful to be called their teacher,” Allen said. “Loving them first for who they are is the most important thing. Then I can teach them.”
As Teacher of the Year, Allen received a monetary award from Haywood County Schools and will be recognized again in the spring with a Pactiv Evergreen award from the Haywood County Schools Foundation. She will also now be considered for the WNC Regional Teacher of the Year award.
Over the next year, Allen will act as an ambassador for teachers throughout the county and will serve on several districtwide committees.
Community Almanac
Quilters group gifts pillowcases to Broyhill
On Sept. 11, residents of The Broyhill Children’s Home in Clyde received 128 handmade pillowcases from the Martha Curtis Quilters group. The Martha Curtis Quilters are a group of ladies who come from all over the country — from Florida to Connecticut — to get together and sew. For the past 30 years, they’ve held their retreat at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. The only time it was cancelled was in 2020 due to the pandemic.
This year, the group of 40 quilters chose the Broyhill Children’s Home as their charity organization and pillowcases as their project. President Rita Fowler said they chose this organization because “this is such a wonderful place for children and we plan to do some sort of charity project every year from now on!”
Each pillowcase was carefully crafted from fabric with a youthful theme such as teddy bears, elephants, monkeys and more. Linda White, Cottage Parent of the Broyhill Children’s Home said, “the children are always delighted to receive thoughtful gifts from donors, and the pillowcases will be a pleasant reminder of the Martha Curtis Quilters when they go to bed at night.”
Grants totaling $247,500 for flood relief
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina recently approved two additional grants totaling $105,000 from its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to nonprofits in counties significantly affected by the recent floods. With these awards, $247,500 has been awarded from the Fund to address response and relief efforts.
The most recent grants include $95,000 to Haywood County’s Mountain Projects that will support the rehabilitation of approximately five homes to livable standards and provide funds for increased staff costs related to flood response work.
A $10,000 grant to Pisgah High School in Haywood County will purchase technology, equipment and other teacher support supplies that would have been paid for through activities made impossible by the flood. The school campus experienced significant damage, and it will not be able to conduct fundraising for necessary items not covered by local, state and federal funding.
In addition to CFWNC and a lead gift from Dogwood Health Trust, funders include WNC Bridge Foundation, Mission Health, Wicked Weed Brewing and donations from CFWNC fundholders and the community.
To donate, visit www.cfwnc.org. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar will go directly to assistance.
Foundations team up for housing
Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, Nantahala Health Foundation and Dogwood Health
Trust announced a new collaborative initiative to address the need for home repairs in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary.
The initiative is targeted to owner-occupied homes of individuals at 60% of the area median income (AMI). Many of these homeowners are unable to afford the repairs needed to maintain the safety and health of their home’s occupants. Others require home modifications to ensure they can safely age in their homes or to address physical challenges or disabilities. Affordability of repairs and home modifications have been further compromised by supply chain and labor challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. Dogwood Health Trust is supporting the Healthy Homes Initiative and the work of HCHF and NHF with a $400,000 grant.
A new grant cycle specifically requesting proposals from nonprofit, governmental and faithbased organizations that have demonstrated success in the past identifying and implementing critical home repairs and rehabilitation projects is now open.
Grant applications will be accepted until the closing date of Oct. 15, 2021. Information regarding the grant application process can be found at highlandscashiershealthfoundation.org.
Pregnancy Care Center celebrates 20 years
Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Center will hold its 20-year Celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
The Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center has professionally staffed clinics in Franklin and Cullowhee, and now has a mobile medical unit to
Green include the annual Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting that started in 2012; initiating the annual community Independence Day celebration, Fireworks Extravaganza On the Green; four new gardens being installed in the park, a StoryWalk and more. Self has also been instrumental in the park venue expansion with the opening of The Village Green Commons Hall, the 5,400 square foot cultural events and community activities building.
The Village Green Board has identified and hired Self’s successor who will begin later this fall. An announcement concerning this will be made at that time.
To learn more about The Village Green, the 13acre privately conserved park for the people of Cashiers, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com.
McNeil honored with annual award
Long-time Lake Junaluska supporters Frank Stith III and Kathy Geyer McNeil are the 2021 recipients of the Chief Junaluska Award, an honor bestowed annually during Associates Weekend at Lake Junaluska.
take their services to more people in Western North Carolina. It provides pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, Earn While You Learn classes, and more. All services are free to clients.
Guest speaker Melissa Ohden, a saline abortion survivor, will tell her remarkable, inspirational story. There is no cost to attend, but guests are asked to preregister at smokypartners.com or by calling 828.349.3200.
Join Alzheimer’s Walk
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Haywood and surrounding area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Pack Square Park in Asheville.
Check-in opens at 9 a.m. with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., but the walk route will open at check-in time to allow teams to start walking when they are ready.
The Asheville walk will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Masks are welcome and will be available on-site.
To sign up as a walker or team captain or to learn more about becoming a sponsor of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Asheville, visit act.alz.org/asheville or call 800.272.3900.
Village Green director retires
The Village Green Board of Directors announced the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Ann Self effective in December. Self is the founding executive and has led the organization since 2012.
Self’s achievements while leading The Village
The 2021 honorees, Stith and McNeil, are Lake Junaluska residents and charitable supporters who have “worked tirelessly to make Lake Junaluska a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body,” said Bob Bowling in co-presenting the award with his wife, Robin.
A retired Elder of The United Methodist Church, Stith first came to Lake Junaluska 75 years ago when he was 6 years old.
McNeil’s father was a Methodist minister, and her family used to vacation at Lake Junaluska. As early as the 1960s, they enjoyed the annual Independence Day Celebrations at the lake and she even performed music at the lake as a youth.
HCC Foundation hires new director
Haywood Community College recently hired Hylah Birenbaum as the new executive director of the HCC Foundation.
Birenbaum has called Waynesville home for more than 25 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from American University in Washington, D.C. She comes to HCC from The Smoky Mountain News where she served as editorin-chief for Smoky Mountain Living magazine and Blue Ridge Motorcycling magazine. She also worked for USA Today and owned and operated a bed-and-breakfast in Waynesville for 10 years.
“The Foundation Board is excited to welcome Hylah to the position of executive director,” says Jon Overbay, HCC Foundation board chair. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her work with numerous other charitable foundations. She approaches the position with an unbridled enthusiasm that is contagious. Hylah’s leadership enables the Board to strengthen and expand its financial support of the students, faculty and staff of Haywood Community College.”
Sewer flies, mice and mold; schools need help
BY JOHN DEVILLE & K ENYA D ONALDSON G UEST COLUMNISTS
Complaints ranged from undrinkable water, termites and even sewer flies. There was extreme overcrowding near a world-class golf resort. Old air conditioners trigger water leaks, mold and breathing concerns but not enough cold air.
No, these were not conditions inside tenement apartments. They are reports from around North Carolina inside our children’s public schools.
As classroom teachers with almost 60 combined years of experience, we know we’ve never faced headwinds like now. A pandemic still burns through our communities. A statewide shortage of teachers and school bus drivers is real. And just when we need them most, our schools have too few nurses and social workers who are vital to making sure all students get what they need.
Then there’s the deplorable condition of too many of our school buildings. Earlier this month, the state’s Department of Public Instruction released an alarming report that got little attention. It said the price to renovate and rebuild North Carolina’s public schools jumped 58% over the last five years to $12.8 billion. The report was overshadowed by a statewide school bus driver shortage and news of five schools in Guilford County temporarily closing because of failing air conditioners. Guilford is the state’s third largest school district where schools average 55 years old. One thousand A/C work orders from 40 schools flooded an understaffed maintenance crew as classes started in the late August heat.
Unfortunately, Guilford County is not an outlier. After the first month of classes, the NC Association of Educators sur-
Enough with the divisiveness
To the Editor:
Before I ramble on with my allotted 400 words, entertain these two ideas that I believe we can all agree to:
• The public health emergency, AKA COVID-19, whether by design or by chance has been very divisive.
• Regardless of where your intentions lie or your belief system is, you can, and most likely will, find someone who supports your beliefs on the internet. That doesn’t make them, or you, inherently right or wrong, expert or novice.
With that preface behind me, I’d like to acknowledge that the past year and a half has been trying for nearly everyone. Our sense of community has been attacked, lives have been lost, families and businesses have struggled with an ever-changing landscape that leads to truly difficult decisions. We know not what anyone else is going through until we stop and listen!
I don’t read the newspaper consistently and I don’t watch the news, so some may say I’m out of touch. To some degree, that may be true. I do, on the other hand, engage with real people all around me and do what I can to be present, engaging and empathetic. Times are hard, folks, let’s lean into each other and find
veyed educators on school building conditions. The responses were startling. The list reads like a slumlord’s rap sheet.
• Near the University of North Carolina, a Chapel Hill educator said an elementary school’s water is undrinkable and loaded with heavy metals.
• Down east in Wayne County, an educator said termite and bee infestations drove teachers from their high school classrooms.
• In Alleghany County, an educator says water from her elementary school’s flat roof leaks after a heavy rain. Ceiling tiles need constant replacement.
• Near the famous and spacious Pinehurst golf resort, a Moore County teacher said her local high school was deteriorating and extremely overcrowded. It was built for 1,800 students but currently holds 2,300.
• Closer to home, the cafeteria ceiling leaks in a Macon County high school where some buildings are 70 years old.
• A Brunswick County teacher near Wilmington said their school was over 80 years old with rodents, sewer flies and even mouse traps in the library.
Meanwhile in Raleigh, state lawmakers are almost three months late with a state budget in a General Assembly building where thermostats hover comfortably between 70 and 72 degrees. Lawmakers sit on a $6.5 billion surplus. The recurring sticking point is the size of corporate tax cuts, not public school construction. That speaks volumes about priorities.
The governor’s budget proposal would ask voters to approve a construction bond that would include $2.5 billion for public schools. North Carolina has not had a statewide school bond in 25 years, during a period when both
LETTERS
new ways to be supportive!
All that to say, as a species we are not infallible. We live, learn, make mistakes, try again, fail, succeed, hope, improve and continue. In our current discourse with regards to COVID (and beyond), what happened to common courtesy? What happened to being an active listener and generally just a good human? Passion should not be confused with malice. So, I’d like to challenge anyone that happens upon this blurb. Can we return to a place where we engage with one another? A place where, regardless of your vaccination status, your race, religion or creed we can accept one another? At the end of proverbial day, I can’t imagine anyone wants to get sick nor get anyone else sick. Enough is enough, it is time for us all to come together, to listen and be heard. Enough with the division!
Richie Griffin Co-founder 828 Market Waynesville
Blaming unvaccinated is somewhat misplaced
To the Editor: In the Sept. 1 opinion piece titled, “Maskless,
Republicans and Democrats had controlled the legislature. Leaders of the General Assembly don’t want a bond now. Instead, they want to invest only a third of what the governor proposes for school construction and renovation.
But wasn’t the “Education Lottery” supposed to help build schools? It’s a nagging question the public often raises, and some politicians are now asking, too. The lottery broke sales records during the pandemic, and more lottery revenue is going to schools. But state lawmakers have steadily slashed the percentage of lottery revenue dedicated to schools, and they cut the percentage earmarked for school construction. Meantime, lawmakers are using lottery revenue to pay for school expenses that the normal state budget used to cover. A small bi-partisan group of lawmakers filed a bill six months ago titled “Restore Lottery Funding for Schools.” So far, the bill has not gotten a vote.
School modernization money could come to North Carolina if Congress can pass the Build Back Better infrastructure program, but our state has the funding to renovate and rebuild our public schools right now. One educator suggested lawmakers move some budget talks into a public school with mold and old air conditioners that can’t keep classrooms as cool as the legislative building. One educator in Cabarrus County answered her survey with a humble request: “Please help NC schools that need to be either replaced or renovated to make a place for our students to feel safe.” John deVille has spent 25 years as a high school history teacher in Macon County deVille is President of the Macon County Association of Educators. Kenya Donaldson is an educator of 23 years in Guilford County Schools. Donaldson is president of the Guilford County Association of Educators.
ty,” Norman Hoffman states that the unvaccinated “... are accountable for the continuation of the pandemic and its restrictions ... they are the reason I now still need to protect myself from them by wearing a mask.” I agree that the maskless and unvaccinated bear a responsibility for the continuation of the pan-
is right, and then allow blame, resentment and disgust to build against the other side, than to look at all of the nuances of the situation, of which there are many — too many to expound upon in one letter to the editor.
As an as-yet-unvaccinated person who respected the original mask mandate, who has taken up the mask once again, and who has done my part to socially distance throughout the pandemic, I am dismayed by being lumped in with all of the other unvaccinated individuals, as many of the people on “Team Vaccinated” are now doing.
demic, but I must disagree that they are “the reason” that Norman (and others who care) must continue to wear masks.
To me, one of the saddest things to emerge from this pandemic is the divisions that have formed: first the masked vs. the unmasked, and now the vaccinated vs. the unvaccinated. It is simpler to claim a side, believe your side
More importantly, I am deeply disappointed in the CDC for lifting the mask mandate for the vaccinated in mid-May, foolishly gambling that this would encourage the as-yet-unvaccinated to get vaccinated, and instead inspiring almost everyone to take off their masks and party like the pandemic was over, even while the Delta variant was raging in India, soon to arrive here (if it hadn’t already).
In late July, the CDC changed its guidelines to recommending that vaccinated people also wear masks inside again. A study showed that the vaccinated and unvaccinated were
Access to public Records within reach
BY SANDY H URLEY AND B ILL MOSS G UEST C OLUMNISTS
When the 2021 session of the General Assembly began, passage of legislation to advance public access to records of disciplinary actions taken by those employed by taxpayers in state and local government seemed like a longshot. Long a priority of North Carolina newspapers on behalf of the state’s citizens, improved access to public employee personnel records had been more aspirational than reality-based.
Fast-forward through nine months of public hearings at the state Capitol, careful tweaks that preserved the legislation’s purpose and procedural moves by Senate Republicans to nudge passage of the bill and the General Assembly stands on the verge of making the most important advance in the public’s right to know in recent history: the Government Transparency Act of 2021.
It’s historic because North Carolina state law has kept the public in the dark about state and local government personnel employee misconduct like almost no other state. Currently North Carolina is in the bottom five states in the country when it comes to the taxpayers’ right to see basic records of disciplinary actions taken against state and local government employees — everyone from public school teachers and administrators to law enforcement officers. Opening these records would hold state and local government more accountable by giving the taxpaying public a general description of the reasons for suspensions (with or without pay), transfers, demotions and terminations of public employees whose misconduct — from sexual molesting or assault of students by teachers to misuse of force by police officers — triggered the disciplinary action.
Legislative efforts have been under way for 25 years to make these records available, if for no other reason than to ensure confi-
carrying the same amount of Delta in their noses, meaning that the unmasked, undistanced and vaccinated were spreading the Delta variant as much as the unmasked, undistanced and unvaccinated. But hardly anyone started wearing masks again, and the focus of the CDC and the vaccinated was instead on getting more people vaccinated, rather than on everyone masking up and distancing again. If the mask mandate had not been prematurely lifted, we might not be in the surge that we are in now.
But even if everyone in the U.S. had continued wearing masks and distancing as much as possible, and even if everyone in the U.S. who is eligible for the vaccine had gone through with it by now, there is still the issue that the world is a majority of poorer countries who have had little to no access to the vaccine, and seemingly will remain without enough access for far too long. This global
dence in government. And sure enough, the same groups that opposed this legislation from the outset — the state employees and public school teachers, and now the Teamsters union — have blocked passage.
It’s unknowable how many public employees and schoolteachers actually endorse their lobbyists’ effort to keep personnel files secret. Our guess is that the vast majority of them — hard-working employees dedicated to their jobs and their communities — do not oppose unlocking the work records of those who give their profession a black eye through criminal activity, reckless action or indolence.
Now at long last, with the North Carolina Senate’s passage of the latest effort to advance this vital part of the public’s right to know — in the form of House Bill 64 — the North Carolina House of Representatives has a chance to make history. It can finish the job on this legislation by adopting the bill as drafted. And with HB 64 scheduled to be heard in the House this week — for what could be final passage — we urge North Carolinians to contact their House member and ask them to support the legislation. The bill would finally give taxpayers access to the disciplinary records they deserve to see, a right of access that has inspired confidence in government and been enjoyed by citizens in 40 other states for decades.
North Carolina’s taxpayers, after all, are the ultimate hirers and funders of rank and file local and state employees, their supervisors and the supervisors’ supervisors. Those taxpayers have a right to know what went wrong when one of their employees is shown the door.
(Sandy Hurley, president of the N.C. Press Association, is the Group Regional Publisher of Mount Airy Media APG East TN/NC. Bill Moss, chair of the NCPA’s Legislative Committee, is editor and publisher of the Hendersonville Lightning.}
pandemic points to much greater social issues than the carelessness of the unvaccinated who refuse to wear a mask, and the narrow-mindedness of the unmasked vaccinated who think they are not also spreading the virus. We as one of the wealthy nations of the world, who are able to secure enough vaccine doses for all of our people, and even booster shots coming soon, bear a responsibility for the spread of the virus among those who have little to no access due to the inappropriate distribution of wealth among nations — a result of hundreds of years of exploitation by the now monetarily rich nations of the world over the resource-rich but monetarily poor nations. To reduce the cause of the continuation of the pandemic to the behaviors of the unmasked and unvaccinated is short-sighted indeed.
Rachel Unger Bryson City
Moxie and Mettle
Balsam Range on new album, flood relief show
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR
Situated on Pisgah Drive/N.C. 110 in the outskirts of downtown Canton is the WPTL studio, a Haywood County community radio station (101.7 FM/920 AM) featuring Appalachian music, high school sports and local news.
It’s Wednesday evening and, like clockwork, Tim Surrett and his nephew, Carter Ball, jump behind the microphone to launch
another episode of “Papertown Roots Radio.” Broadcasting from 7 to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, the popular program hovers around 19,000 digital listeners during each installment.
Though the “Papertown Roots Radio” live stream is usually jovial back and forth banter between the duo and whoever is commenting from Facebook, tonight’s conversation focuses on the journalist from The Smoky Mountain News who entered the studio to interview Surrett — about the love of his native Papertown, the recent flood devastation hitting Haywood County, and his band’s new album, Balsam Range’s “Moxie and Mettle.”
Balsam Range flood relief benefit concert
Presented by Balsam Range, United Way of Haywood County, Town of Canton, Clyde Lions Club, Canton Lions Club and The Smoky Mountain News, “Grit & Grace: A Flood Relief Benefit for Haywood County” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton.
Hitting the stage will be acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, with Americana sensation Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters opening the show.
The show is free and open to the public, with a $20 suggested donation at the entrance. All proceeds from the evening will go to the United Way of Haywood County, which will provide disaster relief for flood victims.
Food trucks and craft beer will also be sold onsite. Bring your lawn chairs and your good attitudes for an unforgettable night of Appalachian music under the stars.
Monetary donations from local businesses, organizations and private citizens are currently being accepted. For more information, contact Garret K. Woodward, arts/music editor for The Smoky Mountain News at garret@smokymountainnews.com.
“You know, there’s a song on the new record called ‘Grit and Grace.’ The lyric in it is, ‘I supplied the grit, God supplied the grace,’” said Surrett, the standup bassist for Balsam Range. “And, well, it’s sort of become the unofficial fight song for the Town of Canton — through the flood, through the pandemic, and everything else.”
Aside from the poignant nature of the melody when applied the current state of Haywood County and the world beyond our backyard, “Grit and Grace” was also another No. 1 bluegrass hit for Balsam Range, which has acquired more chart-topping songs than they can even keep track of.
“Grit and Grace” is also up for “Gospel Recording of the Year” at this week’s International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award show, taking place Sept. 30 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing
Arts in Raleigh.
As well, Balsam Range is once again up for IBMA “Entertainer of the Year” (an award the quintet has won twice before) alongside the likes of marquee acts Billy Strings, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Del McCoury Band and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
“We’ve all had our own bands and careers and done things, but the strength of the five of us [together over the last 15 years] is pretty amazing,” Surrett said. “We as a band have burned it so hard all these years — touring, recording and being away from home. But, then with the pandemic, we were able to spend time with our families. Now that we’re back playing? We’re in a real comfortable place because we know what to do — the fire has been kind of rekindled.”
A few days after WPTL broadcast, Balsam Range is backstage at MerleFest, the nation’s premier bluegrass and roots music festival some two hours north of Canton in Wilkesboro.
With around 80,000 attendees and dozens of acts over four days on the campus of Wilkes Community College, this year’s lineup included headliners Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, Mavis Staples, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sam Bush Band, Melissa Etheridge, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell and Balsam Range.
Leaning back into the couch on the band’s luxury tour bus, Balsam Range mandolinist Darren Nicholson hasn’t taken a single day of this 15-year musical journey with his bandmates for granted.
“[Balsam Range banjoist] Marc [Pruett] told me years ago, ‘the key to being successful in the music world is don’t quit.’ And I know that may seem simple and cliché, but it’s the truth,” Nicholson said. “When you really care about something you’re passionate about — like a marriage or family relationship — you work through it, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s that perseverance of setting a goal, sticking with it, working through stuff. For the last 15 years, Balsam Range has not always been easy — but, this is a family and we’ve worked hard to make this last.”
Later that evening, Balsam Range took to
S EE MOXIE, PAGE 28
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters.
Darren Nicholson (left) and Buddy Melton. Jeff Smith photo
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
Ode to ‘Grit & Grace,’ ode to coming together
Putting the truck into park, I hopped out of the Tacoma in front of the legendary WNCW studios on the campus of Isothermal Community College in Spindale. Last Wednesday. Late morning. The long haul down there from Waynesville.
Finishing up the remaining drops of my second cup of coffee, I knocked on the front door and wandered into the depths of WNCW. Hallways lined with thousands of CDs from seemingly every artist who has traversed this earth. Soundproof rooms for instudio live shows and broadcasts.
Shaking hands with WNCW senior producer Paul Foster, I sat down for another episode of the “Friday Feature of the Week.” Normally, Foster would have me to chat about the regional music scene or a recap of festival season, and so on.
But, last week, I found myself speaking at-length about the upcoming Balsam Range and Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters gig, “Grit & Grace: A Flood Relief Benefit for Haywood County,” taking place Saturday, Oct. 2, at Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton.
By the time The Honeycutters take the stage that night, it will have been just about a month and a half since the devastating flood waters from Tropical Storm Fred overtook several of our mountain communities on Aug. 17 — a wall of water forever scarring the physical and emotional landscape of Haywood County.
Taking to the microphone at WNCW, I spoke to Paul about what it was like to be on the ground in Cruso and Bethel in those first few days following the flood. The rivers and creeks had receded, but there was horrific
going away for years to come, perhaps decades. U.S. 276 is up and running again. But, the cars are still in the trees, mobile homes on the side of the road, boulders in front yards, all as a thick layer of displaced mud is now caked and hardened across the once pristine farmland.
If anything, we’re only at the “end of the beginning,” in terms of “what now?” and “where to from here?” as questions many of us don’t have answers to at this juncture. Many families aren’t getting the help they need. Disaster relief, whether in manpower or in monetary aid, seems to only to be trickling in, with the unknown horizon still ahead of us moving forward.
And the first-hand stories. Endless personal accounts of what happened. I found myself constantly interviewing solemn faces and hopeful faces trying to make sense of “why bad things happen to good people,” each one thankful to have survived the night when the falling rain simply wouldn’t stop.
Thus, here I sit at my desk in the back of The Smoky Mountain News office. It’s Tuesday morning and we’re putting out this week’s paper. The benefit show is just four days away. And we’re nailing down the final details in ensuring a successful and safe event for our community — taking a moment to reflect on the past month and a half, and about our place in the grand scheme of things, come hell or high water.
HOT PICKS
1 Featuring Balsam Range and Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, “Grit & Grace: A Flood Relief Benefit for Haywood County” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton.
2
A production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, 7-9 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 3 and 10 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
3
The annual ColorFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, in downtown Dillsboro.
4
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Crowder (Christian/indie) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30.
5
There will be a flood benefit for Haywood County residents from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Valley Tavern in Maggie Valley.
damage in every direction. Vehicles tossed around like Matchbox cars, now stuck in trees. Mobile homes pushed into the middle of U.S. 276. Massive boulders shifted down river or displaced into front yards and roads. Six perished in the floodwaters. Hundreds of families displaced. Countless lives destroyed. And though it’s been several weeks with the flood in the rearview mirror of our thoughts, this story — the damage, the recovery effort, the people affected — isn’t
I’m not going to lie, putting on this event has been quite the rabbit hole of who, what, where, when, why, and how. What started as a collaboration and pooling of resources between Balsam Range and this publication has spiraled into dozens of moving parts and numerous people involved in getting this Saturday’s festivities off the ground smoothly.
As of now, the bands are booked. The proper permits were filed weeks ago. Production stage is good to go. Food trucks and craft beer vendors have committed. First aid personnel secured. Dumpster and porto-potties donated. What’s left? Volunteers needed for trash pickup, but we should be just fine come Oct. 2.
It’s been a whirlwind experience figuring out the pieces of the puzzle for “Grit & Grace,” as it has been for a journalist covering the flood, not to mention just being a Haywood County resident as we all continue to help our neighbors in need (as they would surely do that same for us if the tables were turned).
So, what’s the hope for Saturday? Well, to not only raise funds for those in need, but to also celebrate why it is we call Haywood County home. Yes, we have an abundance of clean air, fresh water and lush vegetation. But, to me, our greatest resource is our people, who time and time again come together — as a guiding light and voice of reason in our darkest of hours.
I hope to see you (and you, too) out there at Sorrells Street Park this weekend. It’ll be one heck of a barnburner performance by some of the finest musicians in Southern Appalachia. It’s been a long month and a half, an even longer year and a half, truth be told. Let’s uplift one another in the presence of live music for a good cause.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
the massive Doc Watson Stage at MerleFest. In front of a raucous crowd of thousands, the ensemble rolled through its slew of number one hits from several beloved albums since its inception. The group also presented a handful of cuts for its recent, criticallyacclaimed release, “Moxie and Mettle.”
“To me, the words ‘moxie’ and ‘mettle’ means strength, perseverance and hope — that attitude of not giving up. It’s that fighting spirit of just keeping it going,” Nicholson said. “And it’s that tough mountain spirit, too, the kind of way I was raised. My parents were hardworking mountain people and they persevered through hard times — life keeps coming at you, you take the good with the bad. And, when things get tough, you lean into it.”
“When I think of ‘moxie,’ I think of experience, strength, resilience and common sense,” Surrett added. “It’s about getting the job done, with ‘mettle’ the strength and stability to bend to whatever — you bend, but you don’t break.”
Tucked behind a shopping plaza in Canton, and just a few blocks from the Evergreen Packaging paper mill, Balsam Range formed around Christmas 2006 in the Nicholson’s kitchen. Though it’s hard to imagine nowadays, some of the members of what became the band either didn’t know each or merely had crossed paths through other projects, shows and recording sessions.
Aside from Surrett, Nicholson and Pruett, also present was guitarist Caleb Smith and fiddler Buddy Melton. Some of them were born and bred in Haywood County. Some hailed from right over the Balsam Gap in Jackson County. All five musicians were longtime professionals in other groups (with Pruett even winning a Grammy in 1998 for his work with Ricky Skaggs), each with countless shows and innumerable miles under their belts.
“Marc and I had played on some records. Buddy and Caleb had played on some records, and they knew Darren,” Surrett reflected. “So, we meet up in Darren’s kitchen. We were just [playing through] the bluegrass songbook, but it was pretty powerful.”
The first jam session had proved bountiful. It also sparked a bright, vibrant flame of camaraderie and musicianship that still burns red hot some 15 years later. Following the holidays, plans were made to circle back in January 2007 and play together again — to see if the magic they serendipitously felt in that kitchen was legitimate and actually worth pursuing.
“Marc was offered this corporate gig in late January 2007 to play bluegrass at the Grove Park Inn (Asheville),” Surrett said. “So, we said we’d play it, not thinking it would be a big thing or whatever. But, it turned out to be the ‘John Boy and Billy Comedy Weekend.’ There were 2,500 people there — we got up [onstage] and just blew their heads off.”
From there, it was off to the races for Balsam Range. What started with weekend performance runs to community centers, regional festivals, town gatherings, neighborhood barbecues and charity events around Western North Carolina has morphed into extended tours up and down the Eastern Seaboard, with trips out to the Rocky Mountains and West Coast now occurring with increasing regularity.
And yet, the story of the growth of Balsam Range isn’t that simple or cut and dry. The road was long and arduous, and remains so in many aspects. Though the band can pretty much pick and choose its show commitments these days, four of the five members still have day jobs.
Besides his weekly WPTL duties, Surrett works long hours in a local government position and for Crossroads Recording Studios in Arden (also home to Balsam Range’s label, Mountain Home Records). Nicholson punches the clock during the holidays at the Boyd Christmas Tree Farm in Jonathan Creek and plays seemingly every “night off” in his solo project, the Darren Nicholson Band.
Melton runs a large farm in Crabtree and also works as an engineer for the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Public Water Supply Section. Smith is a renowned guitar luthier, one with a waiting list stretching way into the 2020s. Pruett recently retired from a decades-long career as the erosion control officer for Haywood County.
But, through it all, the band remains. Balsam Range is now a household name in the bluegrass and roots music scenes. There are too many hits and accolades to even list, with endless big names Balsam Range has collaborated and shared the stage with. In terms of the IBMAs, the group has taken home “Entertainer of the Year” (2014, 2018), “Album of the Year” (2013, 2017), “Song of the Year” (2011, 2015) and “Vocal Group of the Year” (2014, 2015), aside from several individual honors with Melton named “Male Vocalist of the Year” (2014, 2018) and Surrett “Bass Player of the Year” (2018).
Balsam Range on the Doc Watson Stage at MerleFest.
Caleb Smith and Tim Surrett. Jeff Smith photos
And with “Moxie and Mettle” currently ruling the airwaves, Balsam Range has now turned its focus to its upcoming fundraiser.
Dubbed “Grit & Grace: A Flood Relief Benefit for Haywood County,” the concert will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Sorrells Street Park in Canton. Rapidly rising Americana act Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters will kick off the show.
A free event (with a $20 suggested donation) to bring together the community for an evening of uplifting live music, all proceeds from the gig will go to the United Way of Haywood County. The funds will assist in disaster relief from last month’s devastating flood waters from Tropical Storm Fred that deeply affected and displaced hundreds of families in Canton, Cruso, Bethel and Clyde.
“Immediately after the flood happened, people just started showing up and coming together to help each other out,” Surrett said. “When something like this happens, you don’t ask questions. You just grab a shovel, you know? And I love that about this community.”
A native of Canton, Surrett is no stranger to the power of Mother Nature and floodwaters overtaking his hometown throughout the decades. With this last disaster, Surrett’s nephew and “Papertown Roots Radio” cohost, 19-year-old Carter Ball, lost his family’s home to the floodwaters that raged across Old Asheville Highway just east of downtown Canton.
Though the WPTL studio was untouched by the recent flood, the building is within vicinity of complete destruction. Less than a mile west of where Surrett and Ball broadcast each week is downtown Canton, less than five miles south is Jukebox Junction where Bethel transitions into Cruso (the epicenter of the devastation) — all of which was under a wall of water (some 20 feet high in some locations) just a month and a half ago.
“Balsam Range has always been about giving back to the community,” Surrett said. “And this ‘Grit & Grace’ flood benefit show may be the most important one we’ve ever done.”
Exiting the tour bus at MerleFest, Nicholson heads for the Doc Watson Stage and readies himself for sound check in the hours leading up the band’s appearance. He grabs his trusty mandolin, checks his in-ear monitors and takes his position onstage, but not before being posed one more question.
When asked about what he and the rest of Balsam Range still love about bluegrass, that “high, lonesome” sound and what it represents to not only the band, but also to the folks full of “moxie” and “mettle” in Haywood County and greater Western North Carolina, a slight grin emerges across Nicholson’s face.
“Everything we’re doing is roots music. When you think about The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, people like that — it all goes back to early blues and gospel, which became bluegrass,” Nicholson said. “And even though you can make a new version of it and slick it up, it still has this thread of authenticity that you can’t get away from. This music is so deeply rooted in the ancient tones — it’s in your soul, man.”
On the beat
Victoria to play Innovation
Singer-songwriter Anna Victoria will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Innovation Station in Dillsboro.
The performance is free and open to the public. To learn more about Anna Victoria, go to www.facebook.com/annavictoriamusic.
For more information and a complete schedule of events at the brewery, click on www.innovation-brewing.com.
Want to learn the dulcimer?
The Pic’ & Play Mountain Dulcimer Players will be resuming in-person jam sessions at the St. John’s Episcopal Church basement fellowship hall in Sylva.
The group welcomes all beginners and experienced dulcimer players, including mountain (lap) dulcimer and hammered dulcimer players. Songs played include traditional mountain tunes, hymns, and more modern music. The group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month in the basement of St. John’s.
Pic’ & Play has been playing together since 1995. The more experienced members welcome new players, help them navigate their instruments, and guide them through some of the basics of tuning, strumming, and playing.
The mountain dulcimer, also known as a fretted dulcimer or a lap dulcimer, is a uniquely American instrument. It evolved from the German scheitholz sometime in the early 1800s in Appalachia and was largely known only in this region until popularized more broadly in the 1950s.
For more information, call Kathy Jaqua at 828.349.3930 or Don Selzer at 828.293.0074.
Reggae, rock at Lazy Hiker
Jackson County rock/reggae act Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva.
“Our music is full of inspiration from these mountains. Water, mountain landscapes, nature, trails. They all take part in the inspiration process for us. We are proud to call Sylva home and our sound could not be what it is without this town,” said guitarist Miller Watson. “It’s also really cool to see the similarities in bluegrass music and reggae and how they took shape from the development of African banjo. It’s also nice to bring a touch of reggae to these mountains.”
Free and open to the public. www.boojumbrewing.com or www.facebook.com/pmamusic.
‘A Musical Journey of Water and Light’
The Bardo Arts Center (BAC) Performance Hall will open the fall 2021 season with a brand-new production, “Seeing Sound: A Musical Journey of Water and Light,” which will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
Screen, artists from the WCU School of Art and Design, and musicians/composers from the WCU School of Music.
Synesthesia is a condition in which individuals often experience stimulation in multiple senses when an experience is meant to only stimulate one. For example, often individuals say they can “see music as colors” when they hear it.
This unique immersive experience offers an answer to the question: if we could see sound, what would we see? “Seeing Sound” is an original BAC production that synthesizes live music across genres into light. Each note creates its own color that will be registered by an LED that first shines its light into water, allowing the rippling reflections of color to project into the space.
Bryson City community jam
A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.
Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the
Sawmill Creek Porch Band.
The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — year-round. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts. 828.488.3030.
“Seeing Sound” is a collaboration across the different departments in Belcher College, along with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who are coming together to celebrate the miracle of water as interpreted through music and light. The production is also pulling technical resources from the WCU School of Stage and
Valley Tavern flood benefit
This idea sparked an incredible process that led to “Seeing Sound: A Musical Journey of Water and Light,” where all audiences will have the opportunity to truly see music transformed into color before their eyes. The production will feature a wide variety of musicians across a spectrum of genres, offering something for almost anyone to enjoy.
Find tickets and further information at arts.wcu.edu/seeingsound. The BAC Box Office can be reached at 828.227.2479 and will reopen with ticket sales at 10 a.m. Oct. 1. Masks are mandatory at all Western Carolina University in-person events, which include Bardo Arts Center.
There will be a flood benefit for Haywood County residents from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Valley Tavern in Maggie Valley.
Sponsored by WPTL 101.7 and the Valley Tavern, there will be live music from Keil Nathan Smith, Neighbors Band, Wayne Buckner & Shooting Creek, Olde Tyme Pickers, Scoundrel’s Lounge, American Maid, and Outlaw Whiskey. A silent auction will also take place.
All proceeds will go to local pastors to provide direct aid to those impacted by Tropical Storm Fred in Cruso, Canton, Bethel and Clyde.
Positive Mental Attitude.
Anna Victoria.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 or www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Life Like Water Oct. 1. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or www.boojumbrewing.com.
• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jay Brown (guitar/vocals) Oct. 2 and Sheila Gordon (piano/vocals) Oct. 9. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.369.4080 or www.coweeschool.org.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.634.0078 or www.curraheebrew.com.
ALSO:
• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host an Open Mic Night 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or www.elevatedmountain.com.
• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will be held at the Town Square from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with Curtis Blackwell Oct. 1 and Frank & Allie (Americana/folk) Oct. 8. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Krave Amiko Oct. 1, The Knotty G’s Oct. 2, Jacob’s Wall 2 p.m. Oct. 2, Nick Colavito Oct. 8, Woolybooger Oct. 9 and Syrrup 2 p.m. Oct. 10. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host Anna Victoria (singer-songwriter) Oct. 10. All events are free and begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.innovationbrewing.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. www.innovation-brewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an Oktoberfest celebration 8 p.m. Oct. 2 and Yard Karaoke 7 p.m. Oct. 8. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host PMA (reggae/soul) Oct. 1. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Jacob’s Well Oct. 2. All shows begin
at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or www.mtnlayersbeer.com.
• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host Heart of Pine (Americana) 7 p.m. Oct. 2. 828.641.9797 or www.nantahalabrewing.com.
• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host Corey Kilganon & Lazuli Vane (Americana/indie) 8 p.m. Sept. 29 ($15 at the door). Advance tickets are available at the shop. 828.246.9264 or www.orchardcoffeeroasters.com.
• “Pickin’ on the Square” (Franklin) will host live music Oct. 2 and 8. All shows start at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Located on Main Street. www.franklin-chamber.com.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.
• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com
• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will be held at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with The Bill Mattocks Blues Quartet Oct. 2 and Nitrograss (bluegrass/Americana) Oct. 9. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Crowder (Christian/indie) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Tickets start at $25, with priority seating available. For more information and to purchase tickets, click on www.smokymountainarts.com.
• Southern Porch (Canton) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.492.8009 or www.southern-porch.com.
• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 or www.theuglydogpub.com.
• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.926.7440 or www.valley-tavern.com.
• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host karaoke on Thursday nights and an Oktoberfest celebration 8 p.m. Oct. 9. 828.456.4750 or www.facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.6000 or www.whitesidebrewing.com.
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On the wall
‘Artist Support Grants’ available
The Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin is currently seeking applications for “Artist Support Grants” for 2021–2022. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30.
These grants support artists in all disciplines with funding for projects that will have a significant impact on the advancement of their professional artistic careers.
The “Artist Support Grant” program is managed through a partnership with local arts councils to serve artists in Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. Funding is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council.
Artists at any stage of their careers, emerging or established, are eligible to apply
for grants in all disciplines, such as visual art and craft, traditional art forms, music composition, film/video, literature and playwriting, and choreography and dance.
Types of fundable projects include the creation of new work, purchase of equipment and materials, and professional development workshops.
Complete funding guidelines and applications are available online at www.coweeschool.org. Grant awards generally range from $500-$1,000. Applications must be received by Sept. 30. This year, they will also offer an online application.
Informational workshops for interested artists will be offered online and in person. Visit www.coweeschool.org for updated workshop dates and times. For more information, contact Laura Brooks at maconheritagecenter@gmail.com or 828.369.4080.
Want to paint, sip craft beer?
The “WNC Paint Night” will return to local breweries in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties.
With step-by-step instructions, you will paint yourself a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This is pure fun to do while you sip on something tasty at the brewery.
Events will be held at the following locations: Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9; and Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 17 and Dec. 22; BearWaters Brewing (Canton) from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 30, Nov. 12 and Dec. 23.
Space is limited. Reserve your seat by texting Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. To learn more, visit the Facebook page @paintwnc or Instagram @wnc_paint_events.
Macon photography display
Artist Kelly Lay is currently displaying her “Macro Photography Message in Prisms” at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free and open to the public.
Open call for artist grants
2020 and awarded over $30,000 in grant funds to 32 individuals.
HCAC wildlife art showcase
Presented by the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC), the exhibit “Bear, Elk, Trout — Oh My!” will run Oct. 1-30 at the HCAC in downtown Waynesville.
HCAC artist members were tasked with exploring the diversity and abundance of Western North Carolina’s unique ecosystem through the wildlife that calls it home.
The variability in elevation, climate, soils and geology in the Southern Appalachian region accounts for at least 80 species of amphibians and reptiles, 175 species of terrestrial birds, 65 species of mammals and at least 25,000 species of invertebrates.
The exhibit will include local animals of all kinds, in a variety of mediums from photography to sculpture. Each piece will include a brief paragraph which discusses the animal’s special habitat, elevation where it can be found, food sources, or why it is unique to the WNC area.
Gallery goers who would like to support the wild ones are challenged to bring an easy to pick up item to donate that will help care for the wildlife in need. A complete wish list can be found on the refuge’s website: www.appalachianwild.org/wishlist.
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) and regional partners, including the Asheville Area Arts Council, Transylvania Community Arts Council, the Tryon Fine Arts Center, the Arts Council of Henderson County, and the Rutherford County Arts Council, call upon artists served by their organizations to apply to the Artist Support Grant, which closes on Sept. 30.
Counties served by this regional consortium are Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania, also called Region 17.
The Artist Support Grant was created in 2020 to support individual artists during the pandemic and is quickly becoming a staple for local artists.
Region 17 took in 126 applications in
“Artist mediums spanned the gamut including painters, potters, jewelers, musicians, and authors,” noted Morgan Beryl, HCAC executive director.
This year, the grant process and funding range is updated. Instead of creating a separate application, Region 17 opted into North Carolina Arts Council’s GoSmart! system which is an online application portal. Additionally, Region 17 decided to increase the funding amount available to $2,000 rather than the 2020 cap of $1,000. There is no artist match required per this year’s grant guidelines, so Region 17 partners hope that with this increased range they can really help artists bring a project to fruition without burdening them with needing to match a higher amount.
For more information on the grant and how to apply, click on www.haywoodarts.org.
“This exhibit really meets all three prongs of HCAC’s mission, which is to promote artists, art education, and innovation in art,” said Morgan Beryl, HCAC’s executive director.
Appropriately, the exhibit is sponsored by Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a local nonprofit saving orphaned and injured wildlife.
HCAC and Appalachian Wildlife Refuge are partnering to put on an interactive opening reception on Friday, Oct. 1. Starting at 5 p.m. the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge will have box turtle ambassadors on display for gallery goers to get a close-up look.
‘A Living Language’ Cherokee exhibit
Featuring over 50 works of art in a variety of media by over 30 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and Cherokee Nation artists, “A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art” is an exhibit currently being showcased at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee.
The exhibition highlights the use of the written Cherokee language, a syllabary developed by Cherokee innovator Sequoyah (circa 1776–1843). Cherokee syllabary is frequently found in the work of Cherokee artists as a compositional element or the subject matter of the work itself.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians artists include Joshua Adams, Jody Lipscomb Bradley, Nathan Bush, Kane Crowe, John Henry Gloyne,
To enhance the experience and stay within the animal theme, old-time mountain music act Possum on a Whale will perform from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Finally, HCAC will be raffling off two general admission tickets to the upcoming Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival, which is planned for Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. For a $5 donation, you get the chance to win two tickets to the festival (a $70 value).
A demonstration for the exhibit is also planned with Wendy Cordwell from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the HCAC. Cordwell, a participating HCAC artist member, will demonstrate a torn paper painting technique.
For more information, go to www.haywoodarts.org.
Shan Goshorn, Luzene Hill, Christy Long, Louise Bigmeat Maney, Christopher McCoy, Tara McCoy, Joel Queen, Sean Ross, Jakeli Swimmer, Rhiannon Skye Tafoya, Mary Thompson, Stan Tooni Jr., Alica Wildcatt, and Fred Wilnoty.
Cherokee Nation artists include Roy Boney Jr., Jeff Edwards, Joseph Erb, Raychel Foster, Kenny Glass, Camilla McGinty, Jessica Mehta, America Meredith, Jane Osti, Lisa Rutherford, Janet L. Smith, Jennifer Thiessen, and Jennie Wilson.
Established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian is one of the longest operating tribal museums. Recognized for its innovative storytelling, the Museum features exhibits, artwork, and hands-on technology that brings over 15,000 years of Cherokee history to life.
The exhibition will be on view at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee through Oct. 31. Learn more by visiting www.mci.org.
A work by Wendy Cordwell.
ALSO:
• To elevate the Dillsboro experience for the month of October, local businesses will be celebrating with “Dillsboro’s Downhome Harvest.” The community is inviting artisans to set up a booth in front of businesses from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Great Smoky Railroad will be arriving daily at 1:15 p.m. There will be “walking scarecrows,” face painting, trick-or-treating, and more. If interested, contact Connie Hogan at chogan4196@gmail.com.
• The “Jefferson Pinder: Selections from the Inertia Cycle” exhibit is currently on display at the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. Pinder focuses on themes of labor and endurance in his video art practice with metaphoric references to African American identity, history, and experience. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 7 p.m. Thursday. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit arts.wcu.edu/jeffersonpinder.
• An art contest (ages five years and up) will be held through Oct. 14 at the Marianna Black library in Bryson City. A fun night complete with face painting for children and other activities will also take place during the “Gallery Night” event
Bardo Arts Center exhibit
The Western Carolina University (WCU) Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee is currently presenting the “Contemporary Clay 2021” exhibit, which will be on view through Dec. 10.
Back for its next iteration, “Contemporary Clay 2021” gathers artists from a variety of backgrounds who push boundaries on topics including race, culture, sexuality, gender, and class.
Guest-curated by Heather Mae Erickson, associate professor of ceramics at WCU, “Contemporary Clay 2021” surveys the everexpanding field of American-made ceramics. The exhibition encourages viewers to consider the concepts, processes, and context of clay in contemporary art.
The special event series, “Conversations in Contemporary Clay,” features various presenters that are leaders in the ceramics field.
Launching the series at noon Thursday, Sept. 30, is the zoom talk, “Clay is Hot,” with Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy, essayist for the “Contemporary Clay 2021” exhibition catalogue.
Vizcarrondo-Laboy is a New York and Los Angeles-based curator, writer, and arts administrator of contemporary art and craft, focusing on ceramics.
Her current research investigates the “aesthetic of optimism” and the subversive power of humor, cuteness, and leisure as tools of protest. Amplifying the voices of BIPOC artists is central to her practice. She serves as Assistant Curator at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), New York.
Next up for “Conversations in Contemporary Clay” are two zoom panel discussions from exhibiting artists and industry trailblazers occurring from noon to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, followed by an inperson reception and gallery talk on from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Bardo Arts Center.
More information about the series, exhibiting artists, and the exhibition can be found at arts.wcu.edu/contemporaryclay. A full schedule of events and related zoom links will soon be available at the website above.
The exhibition and series of special events are free and open to the public.
Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 7 p.m. Thursday. For information, call 828.227.ARTS. Masks are required inside all WCU buildings, including Bardo Arts Center.
from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. The theme of the contest is “It’s a Beautiful World.” To register for the contest, pick up an application on Monday, Sept. 13, at the library.
• The “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a bag lunch. For more information, call The Uptown Gallery at 828.349.4607 or contact Pat Mennenger at pm14034@yahoo.com. See more about Macon County Art Association at www.franklinuptowngallery.com and like, follow and share the Uptown Gallery on Facebook.
• The Haywood County Arts Council’s “Art Works @ The Library,” a collaborative program between the Haywood County Public Library system and the HCAC, is currently showcasing works by artist Cayce Moyer at the Canton Library. Working in traditional and mixed media, Moyer blends the worlds of high-brow and low-brow work. Classically trained at Savannah College of Art and Design, her portfolio includes drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, murals, and set prop painting for theatre and TV.
Smoky Mountain Arts Festival
The third annual Smoky Mountain Arts Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 10 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 under the big tent behind Gallery Zella in Bryson City. There will also be a free reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10. This art expo and art competition will feature paintings, photography, jewelry and pottery by the best local artistic talent in the Great Smoky Mountains alongside internationally renowned artists. In addition, a dozen emerging community artists will showcase their artwork from the Swain Arts Center. Visitors are encouraged to browse and vote for the “People’s Choice” award in four categories. Live music will also be provided by Frank & Allie and Joseph Camuglia.
The event is rain or shine. Free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.greatsmokies.com and click on the “Events” tab.
On the table
• The “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train’’ will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Craft beer pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.
• “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for dinner and take advantage of late-hour shopping. www.mountainlovers.com.
• There will be a free wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.
• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 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. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.
‘Flood’ by Beth Lo.
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’
Bringing her immortal words to the big stage, a production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, 7-9 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 3 and 10 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
“In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” These simple words written by a 13-year-old girl in the height of World War II have become an essential part of how we remember one of the darkest times in human history. “The Diary of Anne Frank” illuminates the coming-of-age of a passionate, funny, and complex girl in the face of religious persecution.
“Anne’s story leaves the audience with a lot of hope in a time when people are maybe feeling very hopeless,” said director Julie Kinter. “Anne is unbeaten by what’s going on in the world outside of the annex. She has nightmares, she knows her friends have been taken and died, but she finds in herself a resilience
On the street
and a purpose in spite of it all.”
Frank’s true personality is fleshed out in this adaptation written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, which took unedited diary entries to show the true hope and spirit of Anne Frank. “The Diary of Anne Frank” has a little bit of everything with really funny moments, beautiful and sweet moments, and some dark times as well.
“If I could have the audience take away one thing from this play, it would be that finding that empathy and compassion for another person, despite our differences, is the key to mankind surviving,” Kinter said.
HART requires all patrons to wear a mask while at the theatre. Tickets are available by visiting www.harttheatre.org or by calling the HART box office at 828.456.6322 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. This show is suitable for all ages.
ColorFest returns to Dillsboro
Dracula hits the big stage
The Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee will host the world premiere of “Dracula: The Failings of Men,” written by debut playwright Benedetto Robinson. The production is an original work by Havoc Movement Company, which will be joining the Cherokee Historical Association for the fall season. The show features a cast packed with live-stunt powerhouses as well as aerial effects that have been designed to bring the vampires to (supernatural) life. The story begins as a ghost ship washes ashore near London in 1897 and an ancient evil goes searching for blood. “Dracula” is an action-horror reimagining of the classic Bram Stoker novel as an immersive show.
The audience will literally walk alongside Ada Van Helsing as she battles against the darkness in this high-action adaptation. Masks will be required for all attendees.
Performances will run from Oct 1-31. Tickets are $30 or $20 for enrolled members. VIP Experiences are available for an extra $20. A special performance for the press will occur on Sept. 30.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to www.cherokeehistorical.org/dracula.
Want to learn theatre?
This fall, there will be a slew of theatre classes offered by the HART Arts Academy through Nov. 3 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Adult classes include directing, beginner tap, and musical theatre vocals. Kids classes include a widerange of dancing, acting, singing, directing, and improvisational courses.
Learn more about these opportunities and sign up for classes by visiting www.harttheatre.org, clicking on the “Kids at Hart” tab and scrolling to “Classes & Camps” page. Masks and social distancing will be required for all courses.
The annual ColorFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, in downtown Dillsboro.
Come spend the day in a walk-about mountain town filled with color and history. Enjoy a day of fun, food, live music, artisan demonstrations, entertainment and shopping.
Over 40 artisans will be displaying authentic Cherokee art, pottery, jewelry, photography, loom beading, handmade soaps, many kinds of needle work, Christmas ornaments, pinecone wreaths, candles, rustic furniture, chair caning, baskets and much more. For more information, click on www.dillsboronc.info.
ALSO:
• The “Haunted School” will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 2931 at the Fines Creek Community Center. Admission is $10 per person. Must be age 13 and up to enter without an adult. The Haywood County government has issued a required mask mandate while inside all county buildings as of Aug. 2, so all visitors must wear a mask. If you don’t have one, one will be provided for you. There will also be temperature checks on both you and our monsters to ensure your safety. Social distancing may add time to your wait, so please be prepared and patient. All proceeds support local scholarship funding and community needs. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/nchauntedschool.
• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. www.mountainmakersmarket.com.
• Farmer’s Market (with artisans) will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October at 117 Island Street in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn by the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies and preserves, authentic crafts, and more. Food truck, picnic tables and a strolling musician. Leashed pets are welcome. Outdoor event. Current Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed and enforced. 828.488.7857.
Artisan crafter David Ammons.
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Exploring past murders in the mountains
“The lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine.”
That line comes from a temperance song written in the 1870s by Sam Booth. Given the horrific effects of liquor at that time on American society — violence, drunken husbands unable to keep their jobs or support their families, and early deaths through accident or disease — the temperance movement swelled in numbers.
And Murder In the Mountains: Historic True Crime in Western North Carolina (Valley River Press, 2021, 231 pages) reveals the enormous impact alcohol played in murder and mayhem all across these hills.
Author Nadia Dean mentions other factors as well as contributing to the brutal crimes that occurred in the mountains from 1850 into the twentieth century. The Civil War not only devastated the region, as it did most of the South, but it also brought its own civil war as many inhabitants remained strong supporters of the Union, thus turning neighbor against neighbor and brother against brother. In addition, mountaineers were less tame than their flatland counterparts, were more likely to resort to guns and knives in a quarrel, and practiced a code of honor based on “Noli me tangere,” or “Touch me not.” They wouldn’t have known the Latin, but it was definitely a time when a man’s bruised pride demanded a response, often a bloody one.
“Moonshine, guns, and hot tempers stole the lives of many young men,” Dean writes in her “Author’s Note,” and we see two of these ingredients in the first story of her book, “Emotional Insanity.” After feeling that he was insulted in a court of law by William Avery, a fellow attorney and member of the North Carolina House of Commons, Thomas Fleming purchased a cowhide whip, waited for Avery to emerge from the courthouse, and then beat him with both with the whip and a rock he was carrying.
Feeling his honor impugned, Avery waited his chance, and then shot Fleming to death in the Morganton courthouse. His trial became a statewide sensation, and though he was eventually acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity, a newspaper of the time perhaps came closer to the truth of Avery’s motives: “As a man of the world, situated though he was, outraged and insulted as he had been, and with precisely such a state of public opinion upon such subjects as exist in the community in which he lives, no other course was open or possible for him ….”
Avery himself died violently almost 13 years later, killed in a skirmish with Colonel Kirk’s raiders during the War.
This is one of 10 such incidents Dean offers to her readers.
In addition, she shares a great deal of other history and customs as well. She explores, for example, the terrorism wrought by the Ku Klux Klan, describing
months on illegal liquor charges, and later married at age 35 and lived a quiet life until her death.
Of Oma, Dean writes, “By this time, the Roaring Twenties had seen women evolve. Perhaps enjoying this new freedom for women, Oma had bobbed her hair. Men found her desirable, and her husband, Scott, was probably painfully aware of this.”
how their beatings and threats of violence against both blacks and whites undermined law and order.
And in describing the hanging of Jack Lambert for murder in Swain County, we see how our not-so-distant ancestors handled executions. Dean writes that Lambert gave this advice from the scaffold to the young men in the crowd, “Refrain from drinking whiskey and keeping bad company. I give you this warning from a dying man.” After he died — it took a while, as the hanging was botched — we learn that “Sheriff Welch cut the noose into pieces and tossed them as souvenirs to the crowd. Local superstition held that they could ward off evil and cure sickness, and people scrambled to catch them.”
Particularly fascinating to me was the story of Oma Hicks (1896-1974) of the Big Bend community in Haywood County. Her family thrived on moonshine, she was possibly involved in her first husband’s disappearance and the murder of a second husband and a friend, took at least one lover, escaped charges of murder but was imprisoned in the Haywood County jail for 12
While it’s debatable whether the evolution of women should countenance adultery, Oma had apparently taken on at least one lover. Once again Dean provides some bizarre reports. In 1930, Scott Brown, Oma’s husband, and his friend Mims White, disappeared and were believed to be the victims of a foul play. When they were recovered from the grave that had hidden them for several months, their bodies, in an advanced state of decomposition, were taken to Waynesville, where “hundreds of townspeople came to the undertaker’s parlor to view the remains.”
Yikes!
Dean’s “Appendices” and “Footnotes” attached at the end of Murder In The Mountains were helpful in explaining further the events and people involved in these crimes.
If we return to Dean’s “Author’s Note,” we find a valid justification for studying the stories of these men and women: “The North Carolina mountain region was every bit as fraught with danger as any town in the American Wild West, and in some cases, perhaps more so.
“If there is one lesson to be learned from these stories, it is this: resentments allowed to grow out of control, in the end, control everything.”
Agreed.
(Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, Amanda Bell and Dust On Their Wings, and two works of nonfiction, Learning As I Go and Movies Make the Man. minick0301@gmail.com.)
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NICHOLAS SPARKS THE WISH - 9/28
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LINCOLN HIGHWAY - 10/5
JOHN GRISHAM
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LEE CHILD
BETTER OFF DEAD - 10/26
DIANA GABALDON
GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE - 11/23
Writer Jeff Minick
Transformation on trail
Volunteers converge to secure Max Patch’s future
BY HOLLY KAYS OUTDOORS EDITOR
On a sunny Saturday in September, tall grasses wave a fringe atop Max Patch, framing mountain layers fading from ripened green to hazy blue. Blooming heads of goldenrod and aster dot the slope, a brisk wind whisking autumn chill into the sunwarmed air. Slope and shrubbery combine to create pockets of privacy on the open bald, fostering an illusion of wilderness that’s broken only when the white-blazed trail brings two travelers together.
It’s a wholly different scene than the one that sprawled across the mountaintop just one year ago, when Asheville artist Mike Wurman flew his drone over the bald to capture what became a viral image of 130 tents blanketing a trampled-down Max Patch.
“It just feels different,” says Wurman, who on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 25, is digging a trench along the trail to install a locust log water bar. He’s one of 50 people who came out for a National Public Lands Day event to rehab the trail and reinforce it against misuse.
“I actually saw birds fly,” he says of today’s experience on the bald. “I’ve never seen birds
Patch, but Wurman’s image ramped up the project’s urgency.
“Without that this might have happened, but it would have taken longer,” said Curtin.
GROUNDSWELL OF SUPPORT
“This” could refer to the July 1 Forest Service order that laid out a new set of rules for Max Patch, including a ban on camping, off-leash dogs and groups of more than 10 people.
But it could just as easily refer to the swell of enthusiasm for keeping Max Patch beautiful that arose following media coverage of the situation. In the year since, volunteers have held countless litter cleanups on the bald to remove trash and raise awareness of the importance of packing it out. A roster of volunteer trail ambassadors mans the trailhead on busy days like weekends, educating visitors on how to use the place responsibly. The neighborhood just below Max Patch has rallied, doing whatever it can to support management efforts — including raising $1,200 to purchase supplies for the Sept. 25 Public Lands Day projects. One of the neighbors even brought his tractor to help distribute the gravel.
Of the 50 people who showed up on Saturday, about half were completely new to trail maintenance work. They came because they’d heard about the issues facing Max Patch, and they wanted to help.
destination. The day before the Max Patch workday, she was in Alexandria, Virginia — but she traveled all the way out to the Haywood-Madison County line to wander the trails with a three-person crew, installing signposts to display the newly established rules at the boundaries of the regulated area.
“Working in a building, I would probably be complaining a little and having a little regret, but out here I feel so alive, and you probably can’t even really tell that I didn’t have sleep,” she said. True to her word, she spoke in a bright tone that belied any sleep shortage she may have had.
That high-energy feeling seemed to extend all around the bald that day, with three hours of labor yielding a long list of accomplishments. The 51 volunteers who pitched in for National Public Lands Day improved 200 feet of trail tread on the northbound approach to Max Patch, rebuilt 30 steps on the northbound staircase and added 11 to the southbound descent, built 105 feet of fencing near the parking area to aid habitat recovery on former hiker shortcuts, installed various drainage features, eliminated seven fire rings, installed 19 posts for signage and wayfinding and spread 16 tons of gravel to improve trail hardening and hiker footing.
up here, because there’s always too many people.”
Anyone who hikes or lives near Max Patch can readily attest that abuse and overuse were problems at Max Patch well before Sept. 19, 2020, when Wurman took his drone shot. But as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the image of Max Patch covered with tents demanded action.
“It definitely kickstarted things,” said Paul Curtin, Appalachian Trail manager for the Carolina Mountain Club.
Since 2017, a coalition that includes CMC, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service had been working on a long-term plan to manage surging use at Max
Pitch in on trail
The Carolina Mountain Club has a variety of trail maintenance crews and always welcomes new volunteers.
For more information, contact Todd Eveland at trailsmtc@carolinamountainclub.org or check out work schedules at www.carolinamountainclub.org. When outdoors, always practice Leave No Trace principles. Learn more at www.lnt.org.
“My husband and my two sons are Scouts, and they’re out doing this stuff all the time,” said Fairview resident Sam Varn, 55. “I thought, well, I have an opportunity to do something too, so I wanted to come out and participate.”
Public lands are a priority for the Varn family — Sam and her husband Scott, 54, run the nonprofit Preserving a Picturesque America, which works with artists to recreate the vistas documented by early photographers. The resulting pieces are then sold, with profits benefiting public lands in need. Wurman is one of the artists they work with, and in the coming year Max Patch will be one of the locations benefiting from the program.
It’s important and blood-pumping work, but Curtin said that the commitment it spurs in volunteers is every bit as important as the tangible results of their labor.
“For us this is a big outreach thing, to try to introduce what we do to the community,” he said.
SPREADING THE MESSAGE
Meanwhile, blogger Charlene Bell said she saw the workday as an opportunity to give back to the outdoor spaces that have given her so much.
“When REI sent the email and showed that we can actually come out and take care of trails and do some work with this organizations, it was like, ‘Sign me up,’” said Bell, 45, of Charlotte. “Even though I was fatigued and tired, I really was excited to just come out here and be part of this, because I love nature.”
Bell is a Realtor and also runs the blog Lazy in Nature, which promotes spending time outside just for the sake of being outside, rather than rushing through a trail to reach a
Seemingly simple changes like building fences and posting rules clearly can go a long way toward influencing visitor behavior, but a permanent change at Max Patch will require more than infrastructure. Visitor education and community buy-in are every bit as critical as tread work and water bars.
That’s where the trail ambassadors come in.
“What I usually do is I bring my own little chair and my lunch, and I jump up and talk to people,” said Asheville resident Marjorie Vestal, the ambassador on duty Sept. 25. “And it is so satisfying, because everybody says, ‘Thank you. Thank you for being here.’”
Mike Wurman and Scott Varn (above) work to install a locust log water bar on the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch during a Sept. 25 volunteer work day. Grass is growing tall on Max Patch (right) after new rules went into effect cracking down on overuse of the area. Holly Kays photos
A pair of Carolina Mountain Club volunteers install new steps on the southbound descent from Max Patch.
CMC launched the trail ambassador program in 2019, but due to pandemic impacts on training and recruitment, there weren’t any ambassadors on duty last year, when Max Patch transformed into party central.
“We would actually interview people last year, just casually, and say, ‘How did you hear about Max Patch?’” said Alice McVey, who lives just off Max Patch Road, within easy walking distance of the trailhead. “And it was, ‘Oh, it’s the party place on social media, a place to go to have a great time,’ and we understood that a lot of those people were college students, and they couldn’t do that on campus because of COVID — so Max Patch was a good getaway.”
That crowd didn’t treat Max Patch like the iconic mountain gem that it is. Instead, they left behind their trash, their campfire rings and even their feces when they departed in the morning. They cut down signposts and used them for firewood. They let their fires smolder, keeping residents on edge when the weather turned dry.
Vestal’s job is to confront those behaviors — and, hopefully, prevent them from even popping up. While on duty, Vestal spends her days answering questions, briefing visitors on Leave No Trace principles and reminding people of the new rules. After spending an hour or two at the trailhead, Vestal will take a loop of the trail, looking out for tents, campfires or other violations.
“I have no authority, but I can say to them, ‘Are you aware of the ordinance?” she said. If a ranger sees what they’re doing, she’ll tell them, they could end up with a fine.
Three months into the new regulations, camping violations are rare. The biggest issue Vestal deals with is illegal weddings. Too often, people see Max Patch as a free and beautiful place to tie the knot, not realizing that the 10-person gathering limit also applies to nuptials. Rangers aren’t ticketing weddings yet — nobody wants to write a citation for someone in a wedding dress — but Vestal has been busy contacting area wedding officiants to let them know that tickets are coming soon.
“The problem with weddings is they get all caught up with what they’re doing and forget to pack it out,” Vestal said.
FRAGILE VICTORY
That observation points to the fragility of the victory at Max Patch. In the years to come, an ever-changing group of hikers and campers and sightseers will find themselves at the Max Patch Trailhead, and many of them won’t be familiar with the principles for responsible use that are intuitive for people who regularly spend time outdoors.
“Everybody’s got to be Leave No Trace trained,” said Scott Varn. “As a Scout master, it’s very common for us. But we would not have thought 100 people or more would descend and then just leave their crap and ruin it for everybody.”
That training will have to come from somewhere. Right now, it’s coming from trail ambassadors like Vestal, who donate their time and enthusiasm to bestow it. Keeping it up will require a continued refreshing of the ranks — or else Max Patch could someday return to the sorry state of 2020.
While 2020 brought the hordes, the crowds had been there well before that. McVey, who has lived in the neighborhood fulltime since 2005, said the situation had been bad since 2017 or so. Despite her proximity to Max Patch, neither she nor her neighbors would ever go there. It became “an embarrassment,” she said.
Now, she said, it’s different.
“People (from the neighborhood) will email me or call me and say, ‘Do you really think we can go on a Saturday? We’ve got company coming into town,’” said McVey.
These days, she readily answers yes.
“It’s totally turned the corner, and it looks like it’s supposed to look now,” said Curtin. “When you go up there, you see blackberries growing up and flowers and milkweed, and there’s birds flying around, and butterflies and bees.”
It seems to be a new day for Max Patch. McVey hopes the transformation sticks.
“When people are hiking the (Appalachian) Trail, a lot of it is tree canopy and not a lot of long-distance vistas, so when you pop out onto Max Patch, there you are, and it’s such a shocking and beautiful place, and it’s free to enjoy,” said McVey. “We love the fact that people come. We just want to make sure respect is given to that beautiful spot.”
Jackson Chamber tees off annual golf tourney
The 30th annual Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament drew 92 golfers to participate in 23 four-person teams on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Held for the fourth year in the row at Sequoyah National Golf Club in Cherokee, the tournament is tentatively scheduled to take place at the same facility in mid-September next year.
The Yonah First Flight required a threeway tie playoff to determine the top teams. Ultimately, the first place team was Steve Heatherly, Noah Heatherly, Jerry McKinney and John Ellis; the second place team was Wayne Edwards, Andy Edwards, Jon Henson and Jason Hodgin; and the third place team was
Kevin Wells, Jay Eagleman, Michael Stamper and Birdie Saunooke.
In the Selu Second Flight, the first place team was Scott Manshack, Jeff Goss, Tim Jones and Josh Estes. After a two-way tie playoff, second place was Andrew Sherling, Bryan Cagle, Michael Hopkins and Eric Farmer; and third place was Joel Sowers, Shane Bounds, Bernie Gilchrist and Mark Rogers.
Closest to the pin winners were Marianne Smith for Hole 2, Andy Edwards for Hole 13, Will Peoples for Hole 17, Jay Eagleman for Hole 6 and Kevin Holland for Hole 8. Noah Heatherly won for longest drive at Hole 11, the Super Raffle dine-around winner was Chase Kress and Super Raffle Wells Fargo Championship 2022 tickets went to Noah Heatherly.
The Chamber Challenge raises money for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, supporting chamber operations, scholarships at Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University and events like Concerts on the Creek, July 4 Fireworks and the Hook, Line and Drinker Festival.
Spur closures planned this week
Single-lane closures on the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be in effect through Thursday, Sept. 30, for routine maintenance operations.
The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day to allow crews to do work such as litter patrol, tree removal, string trimming mowing, shoulder reconditioning and culvert cleaning.
For updates on road conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter or visit www.nps.gov/grsm.
289 Access Road, Waynesville 452 4343
Asheville Hwy, Sylva 586 8950
Georgia Road, Franklin 349 4534
McDowell Street, Asheville 254 7716
NC Hwy 141, Murphy 835 8389
Holly Kays photo
Highlands educator given statewide honor
Patrick Brannon, outreach specialist at the Highlands Biological Station, has received the 2021 award for exceptional environmental education programs from the Environmental Educators of North Carolina.
conference held Sept. 10-11 in Arden.
Highlands Biological Station offers more than 50 programs, ranging from “show and tell” sessions for youngsters to immersive field labs for high school students. Classes are designed to meet curriculum requirements of state science essential standards.
Tour the changing leaves
Every Thursday at 1 p.m. this October, staff at the Highlands Nature Center will offer “Autumn Amble” tours around the botanical garden.
Discover what leaves are already chang-
ing, and the science behind it. Tours are free, but space is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 828.526.2623. Masks are required, and tours will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
Brannon received the award for his STEM outreach programs for regional schools. He gives the programs almost daily in schools and other community groups across Western North Carolina, with locations ranging from classrooms to remote field locations along the Appalachian Trail.
The EENC award recognizes excellence in environmental education and was given during the organization’s 30th annual
Highlands Biological Station was also successful in adapting nearly all of its programs to a virtual format during the pandemic, including field courses. In 2020, the station served more than 10,000 students through 250-plus STEM outreach programs, with 70% held virtually, for 48 different schools across 13 regional counties. The addition of virtual programming also has allowed expansion to include schools as far away as Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville. www.highlandsbiological.org.
Outdoor Economy Conference postponed
Due to the Delta variant’s continued impact on public health, the Outdoor Economy Conference originally scheduled for Oct. 12-15 has been postponed until April 2-7, 2022 — but other opportunities to connect with the outdoor community will be scheduled in the meantime.
The first of these opportunities is a digital Building Outdoor Communities workshop set for the afternoons of the original core conference dates, Oct. 13-14. The workshop will help outdoor communities across Western North Carolina and throughout the nation meet this shared moment, with a focus on economic recovery, resilience, inclusive access and place-based culture creation.
Registration for the Oct. 13-14 workshop is $50. Registered conference attendees will get a free pass to this and other content over the next six months. Sign up at www.outdooreconomy.org/boc21.
Meet the neighbors
Join a Blue Ridge Parkway ranger for an evening of getting reacquainted with your natural neighbors on the Parkway during this week’s Fridays at the Folk Art Center session, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at the Folk Art Center in Asheville.
This interactive and inspirational evening will take a look at the amazing resources found right in Asheville’s backyard and help participants get reacquainted with their love of the outdoors.
The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Parkway. No restrooms will be available during this outdoor program. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
Grant award to spur WNC’s outdoor economy
Nearly $3 million in newly announced funding will support further development of the outdoor-driven community and economy in Western North Carolina. The project aims to generate 325 jobs and generate $18.1 million of new investment in the region’s outdoor economy.
The three-year project, managed by Mountain BizWorks and the Growing Outdoors Partnership, will rely on three core pillars to accomplish its goals.
The first pillar, “Building Outdoor Communities,” will systematically assess, analyze and design an outdoor economic development and investment approach for every county in WNC, as well as the Qualla Boundary. The second pillar, “Outdoor Industry Expansion,” will help companies capitalize on historic levels of demand for outdoor recreation through increased access to capital, peer mentorship, training, workforce development services and other support to help them grow their businesses here in WNC. The third and final pillar, “Increasing Market Access,” will elevate WNC’s profile as the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East in order to help drive market access for our region’s outdoor companies and rural communities.
“Over the past eight years, the members of the regional Growing Outdoors Partnership initiative have helped empower critical economic progress for rural WNC communities,” said Sophia Paulos, board chair of Mountain BizWorks and Graham County economic development director. “This project represents a regional approach to outdoor-driven community and economic development that is uniquely tailored to our region, and unmatched anywhere in the world.”
The funds include a $1.35 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, given to Mountain BizWorks and the Growing Outdoors Partnership, and $1.64 million in additional support by regional partners such as Mountain BizWorks, Dogwood Health Trust, Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University. The ARC grant is part of a nearly $46.4 million package supporting 57 projects across 184 coalimpacted counties served through ARC’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative, or POWER. It will serve 25 WNC counties and the Qualla Boundary.
Patrick Brannon. Donated photo
Autumn colors reflect on the pond at the Highlands Botanical Garden. Mike Hunter photo
Winner announced for Kids in the Creek shirt design
Waynesville Middle School student Kate Clark is the winner of this year’s Haywood Waterways Association Kids in the Creek Tshirt design contest, meeting success at her first try entering an art contest.
“I’m not much of an artist,” she said. “After giving it some thought, the design just came to me.”
Clark’s artwork will be printed on 700 shirts for this spring’s Kids in the Creek participants. She also received a Visa gift card from HomeTrust Bank and a private tour of Rikki Tikki Tees Screen Printing and Design Shop for a hands-on demonstration of the printing process.
First and second runners up Migali Michua and Gracie Rinker, also from Waynesville Middle School, received gift certificates to Jack the Dipper Ice Cream.
This spring will mark the 24th year of Kids in the Creek, Haywood Waterways’ premier water quality education event for all Haywood County eighth-grade students. The program gives students a hands-on outdoor experience that coincides with the science curriculum, with local experts teaching them about watershed ecology, water chemistry and aquatic wildlife. The program shows how waterways become polluted and what students can do to help protect them.
“We really want the students to see what lives in the water,” said Christine O’Brien,
Kids in the Creek coordinator. “We find many students haven’t had that experience. It’s also nice to have a program that enhances in class learning.”
Kids in the Creek is cosponsored by Haywood County Schools with funding from the Pigeon River Fund of the
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Tennessee Valley Authority, and proceeds from Haywood Waterways’ annual Plunge fundraiser. For more information, to become a volunteer, or to donate, contact Eric Romaniszyn at info@haywoodwaterways.org or 828.476.4667.
‘Black Folks Camp Too’ wins national award
The Brevard-based business Black Folks Camp Too was recently given The President’s Award from America’s State Parks during the organization’s annual awards.
Black Folks Camp Too received the award — which recognizes extraordinary contributions to America’s State Parks at the local, state or national level — for initiatives in both North and South Carolina, as well as nationally, to encourage more diversity in camping. The business has worked to remove fear and provide resources for all campers to encourage inclusivity and unity in outdoor spaces.
America’s State Parks works through the National Association of State Park Directors to promote and advance state parks in America.
Venture abroad with NOC
In celebration of its 50th anniversary year in 2022, the Nantahala Outdoor Center has announced a schedule of international travel tours beginning in the spring.
The 12 planned trips will offer varying itineraries suited for ages 6 and up, with activities ranging in skill level from beginner to expert. The all-inclusive excursions will be fully planned and led by experienced guides to include everything from adventure and gear to lodging and meals, with the exception of flights. Trips will feature multi-sport itineraries and a range of specific adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, paragliding, horseback riding and more, with non-adventure activities such as unique cultural experiences safaris
and wine tastings.
NOC has a long legacy of providing domestic and international trip experiences. Prior to the new international adventures program, trips abroad were limited to kayaking adventures in Chile. Now, NOC is offering rafting in Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser, British Columbia; bear viewing and multisport activities at Bear Camp, British Columbia; multi-sport activities at Lake District, Chile; multi-sport activities in Argentina; multi-sport and trek activities in Peru; surf and multi-sport activities in Costa Rica; mountain climbing and safari at Mt. Kilimanjaro; rafting and safari on the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe; multi-sport activities in Southern Iceland; source-to-sea multi-sport activities in Norway; and kayaking, rafting and cultural experiences in Bhutan.
To book a trip, visit www.noc.com/international.
Kate Clark’s colorful design won her the top spot in this year’s contest.
Judaculla property protected
Mainspring Conservation Trust recently closed on an in-holding of the Nantahala National Forest Service in the Caney Fork Valley of Jackson County.
The property is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land and sits on Judaculla Ridge in a highly visible place within the Blue Ridge Parkway viewshed, just a couple miles from the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Trade up for coon hunting
Mainspring expects a public entity to eventually own Judaculla Ridge, making it part of the publicly accessible lands forever protected through conservation. The purchase also has meaningful cultural values and ensures protection of important headwater streams and natural resources, including high-elevation golden-winged warbler and native brook trout habitat.
The Jackson County Coon Hunters Association is planning a day full of activity on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 44 Oak Hill Drive in Sylva.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Hunters Trade Day will offer the opportunity to trade or sell hunting and camping supplies such as dog boxes, tracking systems, collars and apparel. There will be a place for dogs to hang out, and good stories are always welcome.
A rabies and micro-chipping clinic will run from 10 a.m. to noon, and field events will take place after the trading concludes.
Matthew Bryson, 828.508.6465.
Hike Haywood
Haywood County Recreation and Parks will continue its hiking program through October, offering a diversity of guided hiking opportunities throughout the month.
n Wednesday, Oct. 6. Hike a moderate 7.5 miles from Polls Gap to Sheepback, led by Jamie and Ruffin Shackleford.
n Sunday, Oct. 10. Hike a moderate 4 miles on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to Woodfin Cascade, led by Vickey Watson and Steve Szczepanski.
n Wednesday, Oct. 20. Hike a moderate
7.7 miles in the Rough Creek Watershed, led by Kathy Odvody and Phyllis Woolen.
n Wednesday, Oct. 27. Hike a moderate 3 miles on the MST to Skinny Dip Falls, led by Phyllis Woollen and Vickey Watson. The group will hike only as far as it’s safe to navigate given recent impacts to the area from Tropical Storm Fred.
n Saturday, Oct. 30. Hike a difficult 4.6 miles to Black Rock and Yellow Face Mountain, led by Lisa Cook and Phyllis Woollen.
Hikes cost $10 to join, paid at registration. Sign up by calling 828.452.6789.
Tobacco referendum coming in November
On Thursday, Nov. 18, North Carolina tobacco growers will get to choose whether to continue paying 10 cents per 100 pounds of flue-cured and burley tobacco sold in order to support tobacco research and education.
Since 1991, the Tobacco Research Check-off has allocated annual funds tobacco-related projects at N.C. State University, currently about $250,000 per year. Farmers have benefited from the check-off in many ways, including annual training sessions, support for Good Agricultural Practices certification and development of new tobacco varieties.
The most recent referendum in 2015 passed with 94.5 percent support. A two-thirds vote is needed to continue collecting the money.
Contact the county Cooperative Extension office for more information.
Bee balm blooms on Judaculla Ridge. Mainspring Conservation Trust photo
WNC Calendar
H EALTH AND WELLNESS
• The Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center (SMPCC) will hold its 20-year Celebration at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. There is no cost to attend, but guests are asked to preregister at smokypartners.com or by calling 828.349.3200.
• Franny’s Farm will host Goat Yoga from 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 and 24, at Franny’s Farm, 22 Franny’s Farm Road, Leicester. It is a beginner level class with breathing, stretching, petting goats and being present to receive the present of goats nibbling you clothes, jumping on your back or maybe even napping on your mat.
CLUBS
• Zonta Club of the Franklin Area Red Sand Project will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, in front of the Macon County Courthouse in downtown Franklin. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are advised.
G ROUPS AND M EETINGS
• The Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting for October is canceled. The group will re-evaluate the situation later in October and make a decision about the November meeting.
THE S PIRITUAL S IDE
• A “Celebration of Life” will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, beside the Lake Junaluska Chapel. The celebration, which will be held outside the chapel under the white tent, honors loved ones who passed away this year. “A Celebration of life” is free to the public and will include special music and readings. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP or for more information, call 828.452.5039.
P OLITICAL CORNER
• A candidate forum for the Maggie Valley Town Board will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, in the Maggie Valley Town Hall.
S UPPORT G ROUPS
• Al-Anon, for families and friends of alcoholics, meets every Monday night from 7-8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 77 Jackson St., Sylva. Enter at front of church through the door to the left of the sanctuary; meeting is first door on the right. The Church requests that you wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.
• Narcotics Anonymous meetings are back "live" in-person after a year of being on Zoom only. Local meetings are 12 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at Sylva First United Methodist Church in downtown Sylva. Entrance at back of building.
n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.
n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com
artists — whose works include ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, textiles, paper art + photography. https://beaverdamstudiotour.com/
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Life Like Water Oct. 1. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or www.boojumbrewing.com.
• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jay Brown (guitar/vocals) Oct. 2 and Sheila Gordon (piano/vocals) Oct. 9. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.
• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will be held at the Town Square from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with Curtis Blackwell Oct. 1 and Frank & Allie (Americana/folk) Oct. 8. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Krave Amiko Oct. 1, The Knotty G’s Oct. 2, Jacob’s Wall 2 p.m. Oct. 2, Nick Colavito Oct. 8, Woolybooger Oct. 9 and Syrrup 2 p.m. Oct. 10. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host Anna Victoria (singer-songwriter) Oct. 10. All events are free and begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.innovation-brewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an Oktoberfest celebration 8 p.m. Oct. 2 and Yard Karaoke 7 p.m. Oct. 8. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host PMA (reggae/soul) Oct. 1. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Jacob’s Well Oct. 2. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or www.mtnlayersbeer.com.
• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host Heart of Pine (Americana) 7 p.m. Oct. 2. 828.641.9797 or www.nantahalabrewing.com.
• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host Corey Kilganon & Lazuli Vane (Americana/indie) 8 p.m. Sept. 29 ($15 at the door). Advance tickets are available at the shop. 828.246.9264 or www.orchardcoffeeroasters.com.
• “Pickin’ on the Square” (Franklin) will host live music Oct. 2 and 8. All shows start at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Located on Main Street. www.franklin-chamber.com.
• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will be held at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with The Bill Mattocks Blues Quartet Oct. 2 and Nitrograss (bluegrass/Americana) Oct. 9. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org.
F OOD AND D RINK
• The “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train'' will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Craft beer pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.
• “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for dinner and take advantage of late-hour shopping. www.mountainlovers.com.
• There will be a free wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.
• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 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. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.
CLASSES AND PROGRAMS
• Waynesville Art School offers “Make Art & Play” for 45 year olds from 3:45 to 4:45 on Tuesdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
• Waynesville Art School offers “Kinder Artists” for 6-7 year olds from 3:45 to 4:45 on Mondays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
• Waynesville Art School offers “Shining Minds” for 1012 year olds from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes .
• Waynesville Art School offers “Art Sparklers” for 8-9 year olds from 3:34 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
• Waynesville Art School offers “Art Shuffle” for children 12 and older from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
• Waynesville Art School offers “The Hatter’s Tea Party” for 8-`16 year olds from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
• Waynesville Art School offers “Puppet Theater” for 816 year olds from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
• Waynesville Art School offers drawing for adults class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, and 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Painting class for adults from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for:
n Complete listings of local music scene
n Regional festivals
n Art gallery events and openings
n Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers
n Civic and social club gatherings
through Oct. 14 at the Marianna Black library in Bryson City. A fun night complete with face painting for children and other activities will also take place during the “Gallery Night” event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. The theme of the contest is “It’s a Beautiful World.” To register for the contest, pick up an application on Monday, Sept. 13, at the library.
Outdoors
• Every Thursday at 1 p.m. this October, staff at the Highlands Nature Center will offer “Autumn Amble” tours around the botanical garden. Discover what leaves are already changing, and the science behind it. Tours are free, but space is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 828.526.2623. Masks are required, and tours will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
• Join the second season of the Highlands Biological Foundation’s virtual book club delving into All We Can Save, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson, with meetings 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, through Nov. 18. Sign up by contacting paige@highlandsbiological.org or 828.526.2623. www.highlandsbiological.org.
• Haunted School will be open from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Oct. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-31, at the Fines Creek Community Center. Admission is $10 per person. Must be 13 and up to enter without an adult. All visitors must wear a mask. If you don’t have one, one will be provided for you.
• The N.C. Forestry Association will hold an annual meeting Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Grandover Resort & Conference Center in Greensboro. With an overall conference theme of “Economy and Transportation,” the general session will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. Learn more at www.ncforestry.org.
• Join a Blue Ridge Parkway ranger for an evening of getting reacquainted with your natural neighbors on the Parkway during this week’s Fridays at the Folk Art Center session, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at the Folk Art Center in Asheville. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Parkway. No restrooms will be available during this outdoor program. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. www.mountainmakersmarket.com.
• The 4th annual Beaverdam Studio Tour will take place Oct. 30-31. The self-directed, two-day event features 25 artists working in Beaverdam Valley — plus five guest
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Crowder (Christian/indie) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Tickets start at $25, with priority seating available. For more information and to purchase tickets, click on www.smokymountainarts.com.
• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host karaoke on Thursday nights and an Oktoberfest celebration 8 p.m. Oct. 9. 828.456.4750 or www.facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES
•Artists are invited to participate in Dillsboro’s Downhome Harvest. Artisans are invited to set up a booth in front of businesses 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Great Smoky Railroad will be arriving daily at 1:15 p.m. There will be 'walking scarecrows', face painting, trick-or-treating and more. Contact Connie Hogan at chogan4196@gmail.com.
• An art contest (ages 5 years and up) will be held
• The Haywood Waterways Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters Trout Race at BearWaters Brewing in Canton, due to flood impacts, is postponed from its original Sept. 11 date to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. The Trout Race will be held in conjunction with the grand reopening and Oktoberfest at BearWaters Brewing. Tshirts will be sold to support the business flood relief fund. Purchase trout at www.haywoodwaterways.org.
• The Sylva Garden Club is hosting its regular monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5. The meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Sylva Presbyterian Church. Please wear a mask. This meeting is available via Zoom. Please email sylvagardenclub@gmail.com if you wish to attend in person or via Zoom.
Market PLACE WNC
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!
Rates:
• $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.
• Free — Lost or found pet ads.
• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*
• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE
• Legal Notices — 25¢ per word
• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4
• Boost in Print
• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
• Border $4
Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
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MANUFACTURING
DAY October 1st is Manufacturing Day. Stop by the NCWorks Career Center in Waynesville between 2:00pm - 4:00pm on Friday, October 1st to learn more about our local manufacturers, what they do, their company, and their recruiting process. Participating employers include: ConMet, Giles Chemical, Haywood Vocational Opportunities, Aramark, Evergreen Packaging and Sonoco. Note: this event will be held outside and socially distanced. Will be held indoors with masks in case of rain.
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ATTENTION SENIORS
AGES 40-85 Great Deal! to help pay for funeral cost and more! Everyone 407-960-4782
Pets
B&W CAT, VICKY Shy, sweet girl; ~1 year old. Spunky but will need gentle owner to help her gain trust. Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 publicrelations@ ashevillehumane.org
USE HAPPY JACK Skin
Balm on Cats & Dogs to promote healing & hair growth due to Hot Spots & Allergies, without ste-
Real Estate Announcements
WHITE-GLOVE SERVICE From America’s and bonded. Let us take the stress out of your out of state move. FREE
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination’. Familial status includes children under 18 living with parents or legal guardians and pregnant women. knowingly accept any advertising for real estate in violation of this law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.
Rentals
TIMESHARE CANCELLATION EXPERTS.
Wesley Financial Group, in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare!
450 positive reviews. Call 844-213-6711
A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR,-
duction. Support United Breast Cancer Fdn programs. Your car donation could save a life. 888641-9690
Entertainment
CABLE PRICE INCREASE AGAIN? Switch
$100 visa gift card! Get More Channels For Less Money. Restrictions apply, call now! 1-888-5202338
Home Improvement
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES
prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional
installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 833-987-0207
UPDATE YOUR HOME
With Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home.
USA. Call for free consultation: 844-250-7899. Ask about our specials!
ENERGY SAVING NEW WINDOWS! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with NEW -
model! Up to 18 months no interest. Restrictions apply. Call Now 1-877287-8229
Yard Sales
YARD SALE - JONES
TEMPLE Yard sale located across street from Church. Everything including household items, clothing and furniture.
