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YMCA to break ground on Camp Watia in Swain 9

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STAFFEDITOR/PUBLISHER: Scott McLeod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] DIRECTOR: Greg Boothroyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] DIRECTOR: Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] & WEBSITE: Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] & PRODUCTION: Emily Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] SALES: Whitney Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Birenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

CLASSIFIEDS: Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] EDITOR: Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]: Becky Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

ACCOUNTING & OFFICE MANAGER: Amanda Singletary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]: Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]: Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Gary Carden

(writing), Don Hendershot (writing).

CONTACTWAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585

SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789

INFO & BILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786

Copyright 2015 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2015 by The Smoky Mountain News.™All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News isavailable for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person.Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may,without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue.

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CONTENTS

On the Cover: After contracting with the American Red Cross for 30 years, Mission Healthhas signed a three-year agreement with The Blood Connection, a regionalblood bank based in Piedmont, South Carolina, to be the sole provider ofblood for its hospitals. Physicians, employees and blood donors weigh in onhow the decision may affect long-time blood donors. (Page 6-8)

NewsLake Junaluska Terrace Hotel gets upgraded......................................................4Dillsboro allocates $25K for economic incentives ............................................9Canton questions Labor Day changes................................................................10Haywood health service report goes missing ..................................................11YMCA summer camp coming to Swain County ..............................................13Ghost Town cross in holding pattern ..................................................................14Land purchase underway for Cherokee pool ....................................................17

OpinionFor some, facts just don’t matter ..........................................................................22

A&EHaywood artisan receives prestigious recognition ..........................................26

OutdoorsMaggie musher takes up snowless dog sledding............................................34

MountainEats.comAn online dining directory for Western North Carolina presented by Smoky Mountain Living magazine.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 866.452.2251

HUNGRY?Learn more about thesegreat local restaurants

Blue Rooster Southern Grill • Breaking Bread Café • Chef’s TableHerren House B&B • Maggie Valley Club • The RendezvousO’Malley’s • Pasquale’s Pizzeria & Tapas Bar • The Waynesville Inn

In a Feb. 4 story about a charter school that’s planning to open in Haywood County this year, SMN said thatShining Rock Classical Academy will not be offering before- or after-school care. Though Shining Rock doesnot currently have a plan in place for before- or after-school care, the school is looking for community part-ners to help offer those opportunities and says they will become available if the demand is there.

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Waynesville (828) 452-2101 Valle Crucis Boone Hendersonville Asheville, NC Knoxville, TN Greenville Columbia, SC MastStore.com

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Lake Junaluska pinshopes on total Terraceoverhaul to win nextgeneration of visitorsBY BECKY JOHNSONSTAFF WRITER

J ack Ewing stepped over a pail of drywallmud, dodged electrical wires danglingfrom the ceiling and picked his way across

construction debris littering the bare con-crete floor of the gutted Terrace Hotel room.

“Just look at that view,” he said, sidling upto the sixth-floor window overlooking LakeJunaluska.

A driving winter wind whipped up a frothof white caps on the water below. Thepanoramic ring of mountain peaks waslocked in a bitter clash with the grey sky, andalready starting to frost over — like a real-lifeIMAX of the impending storm Monday.

“There is probably not a Hampton Inn orHoliday Inn Express in America with theviews the Terrace has,” said Ewing, the direc-tor of Lake Junaluska Conference and RetreatCenter. “Soon we’ll have the inner spaces thatmatch the views.”

In just two months, the shell of theTerrace Hotel will go from gutted to put-back-together following a $3.2 million totalrenovation.

It’s an aggressive timetable, but a neces-sary one, given the tens of thousands of con-ference center guests who make the pilgrim-age to Lake Junaluska each year to partake inthe robust schedule of retreats, gatheringsand meetings held here.

The Terrace has long been the workhorseof the retreat center’s accommodations. But amajor makeover has been long overdue.

So overdue, in fact, that the conferencecenter was slowly losing business because itsrooms weren’t up to modern expectations.The marketing and booking staff would often

hear, “Well we would come, but your facilitiesare dated, they are tired,” Ewing said.

Getting rid of the old floral bedspreads,replacing the nicked furniture and addingmore electrical charging banks for the arsenalof digital devices travelers have in tow thesedays — a makeover known as a “refresh” inthe hotel world — wouldn’t be enough. TheTerrace rooms were stuck in the past and

needed a renovation that went the distance.“We hope groups who had previously

chosen not to come to Junaluska because ofthe dated facilities will now choose tocome,” Ewing said. “And we hope the groupswho have historically come to the lake willbe pleased.”

The Terrace is the biggest swing yet at acampus master plan aimed at reversing aslow, gradual decline of the buildings andgrounds. Lake Junaluska was founded morethan 100 years ago as a summer retreat forMethodists. Those early roots arestill evident, both in its storied lin-eage as a gathering place and, onthe not-so-positive side, in itsdated infrastructure.

The master plan is so sweepingit will touch nearly all the facilitieson the vast campus over the com-ing decade and a half. Decidingwhat to tackle first and in whatorder can be daunting, however.

“We always begin with our mission. Weare a place of Christian hospitality, wherelives are transformed through renewal ofsoul, mind and body,” Ewing said. “As wemake decisions, it is always based on ‘Isthis going to be helping us to better fulfillour mission?’”

Group conferences and gatherings willalways be Lake Junaluska’s forte. Until recent-ly, the Terrace would simply close if thereweren’t any group bookings on the schedule,sometimes for entire weeks during wintermonths, or mid-week blocks during theshoulder seasons.

While individual business-and-leisuretravel is a very small segment of its markethistorically, it’s a segment the conferencecenter has been actively trying to build as akey to increasing its occupancy rates —which in turn will help Lake Junaluskaremain financially sound, and ultimately,keep fulfilling its mission.

“The big picture for us is always abouthow do we continue to make improvementsthat make Lake Junaluska attractive for peo-ple to come and most importantly, no matterif they come for an event or just come to walkaround the lake, that they experience a senseof renewal,” Ewing said.

With the Terrace renovations making itmore attractive to business and leisure travel-ers, that also positions Lake Junaluska as amore formidable competitor in the overnightaccommodation industry.

Ewing believes everyone will benefit byLake Junaluska becoming a bigger player,however.

“We are a huge economic engine forHaywood County. And we do it in a way thatwe think adds great value to the county and toall the business in the county,” Ewing said. “Ifwe are successful, more people will come toHaywood County and everybody wins.”

There’s another 300 rooms on the confer-ence center campus — 131 at the historicLambuth, and the rest scatted across a collec-tion of more humble motel-style rooms andextended stay apartments.

The Lambuth was initially going to befirst in line for a major renovation, but itwould cost more and take longer, so theTerrace was moved ahead in the plan.

The Terrace is the first major facility reno-vation, but not the first undertaking in thenew campus master plan.

Small pieces chipped away at so far havefocused almost entirely on the public sphereof the lakeshore — a new pier, new boatrental area and boat launch, a new play-ground, walking path improvements and arestoration of the shoreline itself.

In the true spirit of Lake Junaluska, thegrounds projects were funded entirely bycharitable giving and donations from the

large stable of loyal supporters.“People love Lake Junaluska, and they

want to give,” Ewing said.Even the Terrace renovation has benefited

from philanthropy, but a project of that scaleobviously required a loan. Ewing said theAssembly didn’t have any trouble getting aloan for the project.

In fact, “we had lenders coming to us,”Ewing said.

Going forward, money will be put inescrow each year to cover the cost of periodicrenovations at the Terrace so it won’t go solong without being updated.

The Terrace underwent some prelimi-nary remodeling of the main lobby in 2012,and complete mattress replacements overthe past two years. Adding those in, the totalTerrace renovation project clocks in close to$3.5 million.

Still on the wish list is a total renovation ofthe in-house Terrace dining room and anexterior facelift.

The price-point for the Terrace is in the$100-a-night range, with tiered pricing forpremium rooms — those with top-floor viewsof the lake, for example.

A grand opening is planned for April 16,with details to be announced.

Room with a view

A $3.2 million renovation of the Terrace Hotelat Lake Junaluska (top) will reposition theconference and retreat center to meet the

modern expecations of guests. Above: JackEwing, executive director of the Lake

Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center,stands amid construction debris in the

Terrace Hotel. Donated illustration • Becky Johnson photo

“As we make decisions, it isalways based on ‘Is this going tobe helping us to better fulfill ourmission?’”

— Jack Ewing

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QUESTION: I have lactose intolerance. Is it better forme to buy goat's milk and cheeses than cow's milkand cheeses?

ANSWER: Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar found inmilk from mammals whether cow, sheep or goats. Someindividuals have lactose intolerance or acquire this as theygrow older. Their bodies do not produce enough of theenzyme (lactase) to help digest the lactose so they havegastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Sheep and goats milk have different fat molecules thancow's milk and so some find it easier to digest. You can findlactose-free or lactose reduced cow's milk at Ingles. A newbrand of cow's milk called Fairlife, has been specially filteredand has the lactase enzyme added so it is lactose free.

As far as cheeses, if the cheese is aged, the lactose (milksugar) will have been consumed during the aging processand so an aged cheese (example: aged Parmesan) should bemuch better tolerated than a new cheese (example:Mozzarella).

TIP: If you have lactose intolerance eat products with lactosewith other foods to lessen the effect or try taking an over-the-counter Lactaid pills that contain the lactase enzyme.

BY BECKY JOHNSONSTAFF WRITER

M ore kids will get a critical early startin education thanks to an expansionof the pre kindergarten program

offered on-site at public schools inHaywood County.

Until now, the in-house pre kindergartenprogram run by the school system has beenfor low-income children only and fundedentirely by government subsidies. Butdespite the proven importance of kinder-garten readiness, there’s not enough stateand federal funding to serve all the kids whotechnically qualify for subsidized pre kinder-garten, leading to a perpetual shortage ofpre-K slots.

“We always have a waiting list,” saidAssistant Superintendent Bill Nolte.

But even for middle- and upper-incomefamilies paying out-of-pocket, it can betough to find space in a formal, curriculum-driven pre-K program, simply due to highdemand and limited supply.

“There are waiting lists all overthe place for four-year-olds in thecounty,” Nolte said. “Hopefully wecan fill that void and achieve someeducational goals at the same time.”

The expansion is a classic win-win, Nolte said. The pre-K programwill be opened up to those payingtuition out-of-pocket. That move,in turn, makes it possible to alsoadd slots for low-income kids onsubsidies.

There will be 24 slots createdfor private-pay kids and eight newsubsidized slots, moving from atotal of 64 to 72 slots.

The school system has beenlooking for ways to eek out moreslots for low-income kids, given thewaiting list each year. But the school systemreceives limited funding for subsidized pre-K, which in turn limits the number of stu-dents it can serve.

Nolte described the new model as a num-bers game. Each pre-K class has two teachersand 16 kids. The school system had enoughfunding for a few more kids, but not enoughto add a whole additional class.

But by padding the enrollment withkids paying their own way, the school sys-tem could round out the roster to make upa full class. And by spreading the private-pay kids around, the school system willactually end up with two more classes thanit had before.

“I feel like we have really created some-thing with nothing here,” Nolte said.

Under the new model, six elementaryschools will have an in-house pre-K class —compared to four currently — with 12 slotsin each class for low-income children on sub-sidies and four slots for those paying privatetuition.

The program run by the school systemisn’t the only pre-K option in Haywood

County. There are several preschool centersthat offer formal, curriculum-based prekindergarten classes as well.

A few are private preschools that offerpre-K classes on a full-tuition basis only, butthey are in high demand and can be tough toget into.

Others offer a mix of slots — some forkids paying full tuition out-of-pocket andsome for kids who qualify for state and fed-eral subsidies.

Before opening up its pre-K program toprivate tuition-paying students, the schoolsystem questioned whether it would beunduly competing with existing preschoolcenters that have pre-K programs.

“We wanted to make sure this newservice did not compete financially withour community childcare providers,” saidAnne Garrett, Haywood SchoolsSuperintendent.

The school system surveyed pre-K pro-grams in the county to verify that they, too,have waiting lists, even for students paying

tuition out-of-pocket, to make sure it would-n’t be horning in on private facilities by tap-ping the same pool of families.

Also, the school system has intentionallypriced tuition on the higher side.

“We were also very careful not to under-cut private programs in the community,”Nolte said.

Haywood is borrowing the new modelfrom other counties that already pad theirpre-K programs with tuition-paying kids tomaximize the total number of subsidizedslots they can offer. Polk County in partic-ular was cited as an example, and itsrobust pre-K program could be a factorthat makes it a top-performing school sys-tem, Nolte said.

Nolte cautioned that the school-run pre-K may not be ideal for working parents whoneed all-day, year-round childcare.

“This is not childcare, this is school,”Nolte said.

The pre-K program operates on a stan-dard school schedule, with no gap care dur-ing summers and holidays or during fall,winter and spring breaks.

Haywood Schools think outside the box to bring pre-K to more kids

More pre-K on the wayA pre-kindergarten program run by Haywood

County Schools will be expanding next year. There are currently pre-K classes at Hazelwood,

Central, Jonathan Valley and Meadowbrook elemen-taries. Two new Pre-K classes will be added, and inthe name of geographic parity, will be sited inBethel, Clyde or Canton.

The pre-K classes are open to any child in thecounty, regardless of whether they are in thatschool’s district. A random drawing will determinewho gets the limited number of private-pay slots.

Contact the school system for more informationon enrollment.

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Mission Health changes blood supplierBY JESSI STONENEWS EDITOR

L oyal blood donors will no longer see theiconic red cross on the side of the bloodmobile next time they give blood at one

of Mission Health’s 17 facilities in WesternNorth Carolina.

Mission has signed a new contract withThe Blood Connection, a regional blood bankout of Piedmont, South Carolina, to be its soleprovider of blood for the next three years.

“We provided supplemental blood supplyfor Mission for a couple of years, and oncetheir contract (with the Red Cross) was up,they re-evaluated and found that we bettermet their needs,” said Donna Ehrlich, mar-keting and public relations manager forBlood Connection.

Red Cross, the nation’s largest blood col-lection organization, has contracted withMission for 30 years. This new agreementmeans that The Blood Connection will beholding blood drives at Mission’s hospitals.

Blood donations to the Red Cross are sentto partnering hospitals all over the country,but Blood Connection has guaranteedMission that all blood donated through itsorganization will stay local for the benefit ofthe community.

“The decision to change blood supplierswas not based on quality reasons as much asit was about the availability of products,” saidPriscilla Cherry, system executive director oflaboratory services at Mission Health. “Ourpatients can be assured that the blood sup-plied for Mission Health has always been ofthe safest and highest quality. We are excitedto begin this new partnership with The Blood

Connection and anticipate many years of suc-cessful collaboration.”

WHAT IS BLOOD CONNECTION?Founded in 1979, The Blood Connection

is a nonprofit community blood center thatcollects, processes and distributes bloodproducts and services for local and regionalhospitals.

The blood bank is based in Piedmont,South Carolina, and currently serves upstateSouth Carolina, some of Western NorthCarolina and Stephens County, Georgia. Ithas contract agreements with Mission, theVA Hospital in Asheville, Pardee Hospital andPark Ridge Health in Hendersonville and St.Luke’s Hospital in Columbus.

Ehrlich said Blood Connection offers sev-eral advantages over Red Cross, includingbeing regional, doing all biologic processingin-house and having a quick turnaround timeat the lab, which is used to help determinespecifics in blood types.

“We have an extensive blood supply —our goal is to collect 500 units every day,” shesaid. “We have 13 blood mobiles, insidesetups for large blood drives, and we do itseven days a week.”

Blood Connection has a donation centerin Hendersonville and has mobile blooddrives all over the region. Donors can alsogive platelets and plasma at theHendersonville center. A majority of the peo-ple found running a Red Cross blood driveare volunteers, but Blood Connection’s drivesare operated by employees.

“We’re a nonprofit that shares the samelife-saving mission as Red Cross,” Ehrlichsaid. “The big difference is we are regional.They have a national mission — they pro-vide 40 percent of the national blood supply,

and the rest is dependent on individualblood banks like ours.”

All the Blood Connection’s supply is com-mitted to contracting hospitals, but if there isever any left over, Ehrlich said it could be sentout of the region to help other areas in need.For example, Blood Connection could sendextra blood to the coast via the Red Cross if anatural disaster occurred.

And vice versa — if Blood Connection forsome reason couldn’t meet a sudden increasein need at the hospitals it contracts with, itwould turn to Red Cross for more supply.

“Fortunately, we’ve never run out — we’venever had that situation, but we all share thatlifesaving mission, and I imagine we wouldreach out to (Red Cross) because we guaran-tee the hospitals,” Ehrlich said.

But the other big difference has to do withcost. Ehrlich said its board of directors man-dated that its fees be set 15 percent below thenational average. The Blood Connection cen-

tralizes donor recruitment, blood collectionand inventory management to more efficient-ly reduce waste, prevent delayed surgeriesand provide local hospitals with efficiencies.

These initiatives also allow for cost reduc-tions, and closely mirrors Mission Health’smission: “to get each patient to the desiredoutcome, first without harm, also withoutwaste and with an exceptional experience forthe patient and family.”

Like Red Cross, Ehrlich said, BloodConnection has a solid donor base, but sheadmits that Blood Connection doesn’t havethe donor loyalty in Western North Carolinaat this point. As the blood bank begins toschedule more mobile drives in the area, ithopes to educate more people about its localmission.

“We promote blood donation. If you’reloyal with Red Cross, we applaud that,” shesaid. “But we also want to educate peoplebecause we know they do it because they’rehelping fellow community members.”

As an incentive to recruit and retain newdonors, Blood Connection has a DonorRetention Program that encourages first-timedonors to return throughout the year toreceive rewards. The program is gearedtoward attracting younger donors who canreceive music download cards and Starbucksgift cards.

“It is our true honor to be partnering withMission Health,” Delisa English, BloodConnection’s president and CEO, said in apress release. “We are committed to provid-ing excellent blood products and services tothe hospitals and communities we serve.”

For more information about The BloodConnection, visitwww.thebloodconnection.org.

CONTRACT WITH MISSIONBlood Connection is still pretty unknown

in Western North Carolina, but the new con-tract with Mission Health will likely increasethe blood bank’s visibility in the region.

Mission’s hospitals include Angel MedicalCenter in Franklin, Blue Ridge RegionalHospital, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital,McDowell Hospital in Marion andTransylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard.

Cherry said Mission’s decision to switchfrom Red Cross to Blood Connection reallycame down to a supply and demand issue.

“We were having issues with getting sup-ply of certain components,” she said. “Weprovide trauma services for 18 counties, so weneed to have sufficient inventory on hand.”

Blood Connection has been a supplemen-tal supplier for Mission for several years andfinally reached a point where it could managebeing the sole provider. Cherry said after hav-ing supply problems for a while contractingwith Red Cross, Mission put out a request forproposals and found Blood Connection hadthe best bid.

All hospital administrations participatedin reviewing the applications and agreedunanimously that Blood Connection was thebest bet. Cherry said contractual costs ofblood products are confidential; however, shedid confirm that the new agreement with TheBlood Connection provides cost-savings to Mission.

The battle for blood Upcoming Blood Connectionblood drives• 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 19 at Mission

Hospital, 501 Biltmore Ave., Asheville.• 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at McDowell

Hospital, 430 Rankin Drive, Marion.• 7:30 a.m.-noon Feb. 27 at Reuter Family

YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville.

Blood donation appointments can be sched-uled by calling 828.213.2222, option #2.

2013 blood collectionsPlasma ........................................4,361 unitsPlatelets ....................................23,059 unitsRed blood cells ............................1,397 units

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BY JESSI STONENEWS EDITOR

T he new contract Mission Health signedwith The Blood Connection for bloodproducts will affect the American Red

Cross’ collections in Western NorthCarolina, but Red Cross employees and vol-unteers hope donors will remain loyal totheir cause.

Blood Connection, a regional nonprofitblood bank in Piedmont, South Carolina,will now be setting up blood drives atMission hospitals in the region, forcing RedCross to find new sponsors willing to accom-modate its mobile drives.

Angie Williams, who has been a RedCross team supervisor for 12 years, said sheis afraid donors won’t know the difference inorganizations.

“Unfortunately, I think it will hurt us,”she said. “I think donors don’t know exactlywho Blood Connection is — they think we’reall tied in together.”

Her job is to supervise up to 11 mobileblood drives on any given day and to meetdaily blood donation quotas. She makes sureher staff members and volunteers have whatthey need to make the blood drive a smoothprocess for donors.

Williams said donations overall are onthe rise, even though holidays and summermonths are a tough time to get donors tocome out and give because so many peoplego out of town.

She said she was afraid Mission’s switchto Blood Connection might reduce Red Crossdonations. Unlike Blood Connection, shesaid, Red Cross couldn’t offer free gifts asincentive to recruit new and younger donors.

Mission said another plus with contract-ing with The Blood Connection was that allthe blood being supplied would stay local.But long-time blood donors don’t seem tocare whether their donation helps someonein Western North Carolina or someone onthe other side of the country.

Haywood County resident David Willetthas donated about 60 pints of blood in hislifetime. He returns to a Red Cross blooddrive about every 60 days to donate, and hedoes it just for the sake of helping someone

else in need. “My son had to have two units a few

years back and someone donated on hisbehalf, so I’ve just continued to do it forsomeone else,” he said.

He wasn’t aware of Mission’s change insuppliers but said it probably wouldn’t changehis donation habits. He’d like to see his dona-tion help someone locally first, but if his blood

is needed elsewhere, that’s OK by him.“But I will likely stay with Red Cross.

They helped me, not just with blood dona-tion, but when I went through the floods in2004 in this county, they were there to helpme in a number of different ways,” he said.“I lost the house and 90 percent of what Iowned — loyalty means something.”

Williams said she rests easy knowingblood donated to Red Cross helps peoplelocally and sends blood, plasma and plateletsto those in need throughout the country.

“If you have a niece in Kansas City andshe had a baby that needed a certain compo-nent of blood that no one else in Kansas had– we’re going to find that component,” shesaid. “If there is a disaster somewhere androofs are falling in and people are hurt andneed blood, we would send it. That’s whereI’d want my donation to go.”

Williams said she hopes the Red Cross’customer service and volunteer base willspeak for itself during this transition. She’s

“It’s a better cost for the hospital and a bet-ter relationship,” Cherry said. “All the hospi-tals were impressed with what they weredoing and have had a positive experience withthem — and if they’re happy, I’m happy.”

Cherry said the blood inventory onreserve at the hospital depended on theblood type and the standards set by theAmerican Association of Blood Banks. Byusing Blood Connection, she said, the blood

collected here stays here. She added thatblood collected here through the Red Crosshas to be sent to the regional center inCharlotte and then is redistributed any-where needed.

Mission knows it will be a difficult task toconvert Red Cross donors into BloodConnection donors.

“We’re trying to get the word out to letpeople know they are not a new supplier andasking to please support them,” Cherry said.“There’s always going to be competition, butwe need to let donors know this is the centerwe’re using.”

Harris Regional Hospital, Swain CountyHospital and Haywood Regional MedicalCenter currently contract with Red Cross for

blood. In January, Rutherford RegionalHealth System announced it would be con-tracting with American Red Cross again forits blood supplier. Previously, RRHS hadcontracted with The Blood Connection sincethe fall of 2012, but the hospital recentlyentered into a joint venture with DukeLifePoint Healthcare, and all Duke LifePointhospitals have a contractual arrangementwith Red Cross.

“The move in no way reflects a dissatis-faction with The Blood Connection, and wegreatly appreciate the service that organiza-tion provided us over the last two years,”said Matt Webber, administrative directorof marketing and business developmentwith RRHS.

“We’re a nonprofit that shares the same life-savingmission as Red Cross. The big difference is we areregional. They have a national mission — they provide 40percent of the national supply and the rest is dependenton individual blood banks like ours.”

— Donna Ehrlich, marketing and public relations manager for Blood Connection

Blood donors show loyalty to Red Cross

Upcoming Red Crossblood drives• 2:30-7 p.m. Feb. 19 at American Legion,

171 Legion Drive, Waynesville.• 12:30-5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Haywood

Community College, 185 Freelander Dr.,Clyde.

• 1:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at North CantonElementary, 60 Thompson St., Canton.

• 1-5:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at EvergreenPackaging, 34 Park St., Canton.

Donation facts• Donors can give blood every 56 days• Donors can give platelets every 7 days• 1 pint of blood can save 3 lives• Every 2 seconds, someone needs a blood

transfusion • 5 million patients in the U.S. need blood

every year• Less than 38 percent of the population is

eligible to give blood• Platelets, critical for cancer patients,

have a five-day shelf life• Only 7 percent of the U.S. population has

the universal blood type of O negative

Cycle of donated blood1. Registration — Give health history and

get a brief physical2. Donation — Once eligibility is estab-

lished, the blood is drawn, taking about10 minutes

3. Documentation — Each unit of bloodtaken is given a number, which isscanned into a computer and can betracked.

4. Separation — Blood can be processedinto red cells, platelets and plasma.Spinning them through a centrifuge sep-arates the components.

5. Testing — Blood type is determined andthen the blood is tested for severaltransfusion-transmitted infectious dis-eases.

6. Quality assurances — If any blood testspositive for disease, the donor is notifiedand the blood destroyed.

7. Storage — Blood is labeled and sortedby type.

8. Shipping — Blood is shipped to hospi-tals across the country.

2014 statistics• 5.3 million units of blood collected • 3.1 million volunteer blood donors• 8 million transfusable blood products

distributed• 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers

Source: www.redcrossblood.org

Colin Ramsey gives blood at a recent American Red Cross mobile blood drive at HazelwoodElementary School. Becky Johnson photo

SEE RED CROSS, PAGE 8

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had several donors tell her that they havegiven to both organizations and decided tostick with Red Cross.

“One lady said the last couple times atBlood Connection it was a bad experience,”she said. “They get the job done but we havethe customer service and we take care of ourdonors.”

Susan Sikorya, a Red Cross collectionspecialist, was working at a recent blooddrive organized locally at Long’s ChapelUnited Methodist Church in Clyde. As shetold her story, she was collecting blood fromRick Silveira of Waynesville — someone whodonates as often as he can.

Not only has Sikoryaworked for Red Cross for near-ly 10 years, she has been onthe receiving end of Red Cross’mission.

“I’ve needed blood twice inmy life — once for emergencysurgery when I needed plasmaand then eight months later Ihad hernia surgery and neededblood,” she said. “I know myjob has purpose.”

Silveira said he would con-tinue to give blood throughthe Red Cross even thoughMission Hospital is now con-tracting with The BloodConnection.

Carol Honeycutt, blooddrive coordinator for Long’sChapel, said more than 80people had signed up that dayto give blood despite the win-tery mix weather outside.Walk-ins are also welcome.She said she wasn’t worriedabout losing any loyal donors to BloodConnection. Her challenge, and Red Cross’challenge, has always been getting youngerpeople to start donating.

“We have people who have given foryears, but we’re losing some and we need toget some younger people started,” she said.

In her experience, she knows that oncepeople in the 18-to-30 age group donate forthe first time, they will keep coming back.

“Once they donate, they realize it isn’t asbad as they think,” she added.

COST OF BLOODWhile Blood Connection is only a

blood bank, blood collection is only a por-tion of Red Cross’ overall mission, whichincludes disaster relief. A broader missionand a national network result in largeroverhead costs, one reason why Red Crossmay charge higher fees than BloodConnection.

“The Red Cross, like other not-for-profitblood centers, charges a cost-recovery fee tohospitals and transfusion centers for thecosts associated with providing blood topatients,” said Natividad Lewis, externalcommunications manager for Red Cross inCharlotte. “The Red Cross does not chargeblood recipients for the blood itself.However, a hospital or transfusion center

may pass those costs on to the individualpatients who use blood products duringtreatment.”

She said the Red Cross cost recovery feesare determined by both market-level andhospital-level factors. The fees include costsassociated with testing each unit of blood,recruitment and screening of donors, bloodbags and equipment used to collect blood,the actual collection and processing of bloodproducts, storing blood products and dis-tributing blood components to where they’reneeded most.

“Specific cost-recovery fees are confiden-tial per our hospital agreements,” she added.

According to Red Cross’ 2014 annual

report, the demand for blood services hasdecreased because medical treatmentadvancements have minimized the need fortransfusions. Despite that trend, donationsare still critical since only a fraction of thepeople eligible to give blood actually do.

Red Cross must collect about 15,000units every day to meet the needs of accidentvictims, cancer patients, children with blooddisorders and others. Lewis said theCarolinas Blood Services Region, whichincludes North Carolina, Tennessee, SouthCarolina and Georgia, had nearly 203,000donors in fiscal year 2014. She said a strongdonor base allows Red Cross to be able tosupply hospitals with rare blood types, plas-ma and platelets.

Lewis said Mission’s new contract withBlood Connection would not change RedCross’ goal to supply blood to anyone whoneeds it.

“The Red Cross values our relationshipwith Mission Health, and we will continue tobe ready to respond to requests for bloodproducts,” she said. “As a national network,the Red Cross has a unique responsibility tohelp ensure blood is available for patientswhenever and wherever it is needed. Weremain committed to all the communities weserve — whether by providing lifesavingblood products or preventing, preparing andresponding to local emergencies.”

American Red Cross history• Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in

1881 after being inspired by the Red Cross networks inEurope.

• The Red Cross received ratification of the GenevaConvention to protect the war-injured in 1882.

• Red Cross received its first congressional charter in1900. Its most recent version of the charter wasadopted in May 2007.

• At the military’s request during World War II, the RedCross initiated a national blood program that collected13.3 million pints of blood for use by the armed forces.

• The first civilian blood program was introduced afterWWII and now supplies 40 percent of blood and bloodproducts in the U.S.

• The Red Cross engineered a modernization of its bloodservice operations in the 1990s to improve the safetyof blood products through new testing for HIV,Hepatitis B and C and other viruses.

• The Red Cross holds more than 200,000 blood drivesevery year and provides blood for patients in about2,700 hospitals across the U.S.

RED CROSS, CONTINUED FROM 7

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BY HOLLY KAYSSTAFF WRITER

W ebster Enterprises is settling into itsnewly leased building on HaroldStreet in Sylva following the town

board’s unanimous vote to approve a condi-tional-use permit for the nonprofit.

“We were delighted about it,” said GeneRobinson, executive director of WebsterEnterprises.

As part of the permit, the building’sowner will have to put in five-foot sidewalksand plant a 12-foot landscaping buffer alongits border with Harold Street. The owner willalso continue working through some ongoingdrainage issues, said John Jeleniewski, thecounty’s code compliance officer. Overall, herecommended that the town board approvethe permit.

“We don’t feel that anything that WebsterEnterprises is doing there as far as manufac-turing is going to devalue the property or addextra traffic to that road,” he told the board.

Webster Enterprises’ operations will,however, add value to the county’s labormarket.

The organization provides jobs and train-ing for people with disabilities or otheremployment disadvantages. Currentlyemploying about 65 people, WebsterEnterprises has a long history of producingdisposable medical devices but has recentlyexpanded its operations to offer commercialsewing services as well, taking on contracts toproduce items ranging from baby bedding tograss catchers for lawn mowers.

That expansion came with demand formore space. In the short term, Webster

expects to add 30 more jobs with the commer-cial sewing business and to continue growingthat number as the business takes off.

That’s why the nonprofit signed a one-year lease — with option to renew — for theold Ashley Company building in Sylva.Ultimately, they’re planning to expand theirexisting facility on Little Savannah Road, butin the meantime they need a place to work onthe contracts that are already coming in.

“It’s probably going to be a year before weget everything together and then in sixmonths to a year, depending on what time welet the contract, we should have the buildingin operation,” Robinson said of the plans toexpand.

Robinson expects the expansion to costabout $900,000 and said a hefty portion ofthose funds will have to come from grants,

fundraising and low-interest loans. “A lot of our profits from the manufac-

turing goes into providing training opportu-nities, which a normal manufacturing oper-ation would not have,” Robinson explained.So, while business is doing well, WebsterEnterprises isn’t left with as much moneyfor out-of-pocket expansion as a typicalbusiness would.

He expects Webster Enterprises to con-tinue to grow, though, because of thedemand for both the product and theemployment.

“We have almost 10,000 people in our areathat we serve that are working age that have adisability,” he said, adding that Webster tar-gets its service to Jackson, Swain and Maconcounties. “Although the unemployment rate isunder 5 percent in the normal population, forpeople with disabilities it’s somewherebetween 60 and 75 percent, so there’s a lot ofpeople out there that need help.”

Nonprofit manufacturer expanding in Sylva

Town hopes to resurrect pre-recession tourist drawBY HOLLY KAYSSTAFF WRITER

I t’s been a tough few years for the tinytown of Dillsboro. Ever since the GreatSmoky Mountain Railroad moved its

depot in 2008 to Bryson City, the town hasseen rough times, reflected in the vacantstorefronts of the many tourist-oriented busi-ness that have closed their doors since then.

“Around Christmastime when we have theChristmas lights out, it’s kind of dark at someof the stores and eerie to be walking around,”said Mayor Mike Fitzgerald.

But after designating $25,000 in econom-ic incentive money last week, the town boardis hoping to reverse that situation.

“I think we’re going to have to be proac-tive,” said Vice Mayor David Jones.

Being proactive, the town board decided,meant developing a way to dole out incen-tives to businesses looking to make an invest-ment in Dillsboro.

“A lot of times when you talk about incen-tives, people think you’re talking about givingaway the farm,” said Jackson CountyEconomic Development Director Rich Price,who had been invited to the meeting.“There’s multiple things that can be looked atas being incentives.”

In fact, Price has been studying up on theissue for the county, working with CountyManager Chuck Wooten to put together a setof economic incentive policies for countycommissioners to consider later this year.

Incentives can take a number of forms.For example, they can include cash grants orproperty tax rebates based on the number ofjobs a company creates, or they can be infra-

structure subsidies, such as reduced prices onsewer or water fees.

The board can create a stated policy thatoutlines what kinds of business are eligiblefor what kind of incentive, Price said, or itcould go for a discretionary policy, a “menu”of incentives that are available.

“It’s important that everyone doesn’t nec-essarily qualify. It’s your discretion whetheryou want to award grants or not,” Price said.

The Tuckaseigee Water and SewerAuthority, on whose board Fitzgerald serves,is also looking at creating some economicincentive policies. TWASA charges impactfees to new developments to help cover thecost of delivering water and sewer service, but

the authority is looking at developing policiesto keep those fees from deterring new busi-nesses.

“We’ve been working on a formula tolessen the severity of the impact fees whensomeone opens a business. But it’s still in theproduction stage,” Fitzgerald said.

Over the coming months, Dillsboro willcontinue to hammer out exactly what its poli-

cies should look like, Fitzgerald said. They’veagreed on an amount of money to set asidefor economic development, but they’re notyet decided on how to use it.

“We need some advice,” he said. “We’venever done this before.”

But it’s got to happen, he said, telling theboard about his own experience riding thetrain from Bryson City, only to find very fewthings to do in Dillsboro upon arriving.

“When the passengers come to town,our area’s getting a black eye because theyride the train from Bryson City, and withnothing open it’s hard to get a drink orsomething to eat,” he said. “It bothers mewhen we have visitors come to our part ofthe country and we have a less than stellarpresentation.”

It doesn’t have to be that way.“I believe, personally, that there’s a lot of

value in this little town and a lot of things thatpotentially can be done,” Price told theboard.

The town is at the intersection of multipleU.S. highways and not far from WesternCarolina University. Even though the railroadno longer has Dillsboro as its hub, it still runsroutes that bring more than 20,000 people totown each year. There’s plenty of opportunityfor Dillsboro to thrive, Price said.

There’s still a few months to go beforetourist season kicks in, Fitzgerald said. In themeantime, hopefully the board will be able todevelop an incentive policy that will givefuture seasons in Dillsboro a lot more hustleand bustle.

“I go back to the old adage of you have togive people a reason to be somewhere beforethey’ll be somewhere,” Price said. “Thatapplies to any town or any business.”

Dillsboro allocates $25Kfor economic incentives

“A lot of times when youtalk about incentives,people think you’re talk-ing about giving awaythe farm. There’s multiplethings that can be lookedat as being incentives.”

— Rich Price, Jackson County Economic Development Director

Though Dillsboro houses its share of thriving business, there are plenty of empty storefrontsaround town, too. The town board hopes to develop some incentives for new businesses to fill

them. Holly Kays photo

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C anton will continue researching recommendedchanges to the town’s Labor Day celebration despiteseveral aldermen expressing reservations about

changing the venue and recruiting a national headliningband for a Sunday night concert.

After mulling over proposed changes presented at arecent workshop, the aldermen said they heard from sever-al concerned constituents who weren’t in favor of the rec-ommended changes.

Alderman Ralph Hamlett asked if local churches hadbeen asked whether a Sunday night concert at PisgahHigh’s stadium would interfere with Sunday night services.

Alderman Carole Edwards said her church typically did-n’t have Sunday night services on a holiday weekend, butshe would still like to make sure the churches don’t have aproblem with it.

Town Manager Seth Hendler-Voss said the town wouldbe happy to poll local churches.

“We don’t want to disenfranchise anyone,” he said.“That’s why we’re trying to include religious services by start-ing (festivities) later on Sunday and by having gospel music.”

Edwards also said constituents were concerned aboutmoving the music and vendors downtown. They would

rather stay at the rec park where the amenities are alreadyin place — a covered stage and dance area, seating, rest-rooms, electricity and water.

“I know some people want to mirror the success ofMaterfest, but this is a different kind of event,” she said.“I’ve got mixed feelings about it.”

Mayor Mike Ray echoed Edwards’ concerns, adding thatthe rec park also had the swimming pool and playgroundfor children. Moving it downtown would mean the townwould have to spend money to get amenities to SorrellsStreet Park. Instead ofshortening Labor Day fes-tivities to Sunday andMonday, he suggestedhaving Labor Day festivi-ties for three days and theconcert could be movedto Saturday night.

However, Hendler-Voss told the board at theworkshop that the town could get a lower price for aSunday show if a band was already coming through thearea for a Saturday show.

Alderman Zeb Smathers said moving it downtownwould create more traffic and revenue for downtown busi-

nesses just like Materfest did. While he has concerns tooabout the additional costs and eliminating mechanical rides,he said the board needed to be willing to take some chances.

“We will succeed and we will fail, but we shouldn’t beafraid of trying,” he said.

Hamlett was willing to move forward in the exploratoryphase to allow staff to pursue a band and nail down a cost,sponsorships and booking the stadium.

“With any risk there are benefits if done correctly,” hesaid. “I would support authorizing staff to continue andbring recommendations back to us.”

“I’m not afraid of anything,” Edwards said. “… I justdon’t want to be in a position to pay all that money we

don’t have if it doesn’twork out.”

Hendler-Voss said amotion to move forwardwould only mean the staffcontinues working outspecifics, but the final con-tracts and decisions wouldhave to come back to theboard for a final vote.

Hamlett’s motion to proceed passed unanimously.Hamlett also said community members were invited toshare their opinions about the changes at the next boardmeeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26,at town hall.

BY BECKY JOHNSONSTAFF WRITER

T he Haywood County School Board fol-lowed the recommendation of schoolcafeteria workers this month and voted to

continue buying cleaning chemicals exclusive-ly from a national company, despite promisinga local supplier that he would have a chance tobid on the contract for the next school year.

Dish soap, rinse agent, oven cleaner andsundry cleaning chemicals used in Haywood’sschool cafeterias made headlines last yearafter a national company edged out a localone that was historically the go-to supplier.

Alison Francis, who is over Haywoodschool cafeterias, claimed the national com-pany, EcoLab, was cheaper and the quality ofcleaning products was better.

Bruce Johnson, owner of ChampionSupply and an active business and civic leaderin Haywood County, claimed at the time thatthe rushed bidding process was flawed and hewasn’t given an adequate chance to demon-strate that his products were just as good andless expensive than EcoLab’s.

With the start of school just a few weeksaway last August, the school board went withFrancis’ new pick of EcoLab, but promisedJohnson verbally that before renewing thecontract for the following school year hewould have a chance to rebid.

That didn’t happen, however.Last week, about two dozen cafeteria

workers showed up at a school board meetingwhere Francis made a pitch to roll over the

contract with the national company foranother year.

“I think we need to listen to our staff. Ifthat’s what they are telling us, that’s what weneed to do,” School Board Member LynnMilner said.

The cost difference between the two isessentially a wash. Francis claimed the EcoLabcleaning chemicals are slightly cheaper, andmay clock in with several thousand dollars insavings over the course of the year comparedto years when Johnson had the contract.

But an apples-to-apples cost comparisoncan be tricky. There are fewer students overallin the school system now compared to when

the school system bought cleaning chemicalsexclusively from Johnson — about 200 fewerstudents. And that could mean less mealsbeing served, and fewer trays and dishesbeing washed. The occasional use of dispos-able trays and silverware would also have abearing on the volume of cleaning chemicalsbeing used.

But cost aside, cafeteria workers said they

like the EcoLab cleaning chemicals better.They also like the smaller-sized packaging,which is easier to manage.

“Anything we can do to make their job alittle bit easier is appreciated,” Francis toldthe school board.

Johnson was not contacted by anyonewith the school system ahead of the vote.Johnson said he had still been under theimpression he would be allowed to make arenewed case for next year’s contract.

Since the contract didn’t go out to biduntil summer last time, Johnson didn’t knowit was even being talked about yet, let alonethat a decision would be made so soon with-out rebidding it as initially promised.

But Francis said there was another vari-

able at play that made time of the essence thisyear. Haywood school cafeterias pool theirpurchases with Buncombe and Hendersoncounty schools for better buying power oneverything from food to cleaning supplies.

Buncombe’s cafeteria manager told Francisthat Buncombe was going to keep buying fromEcoLab, and if Haywood wanted to rebid ontheir end, they would be on their own.

“If you want me to rebid, I will not havethe purchasing power of Buncombe andHenderson counties,” Francis told the schoolboard last week.

The cafeteria workers who turned out in ashow of solidarity for Francis and EcoLabclapped following the school board’s unani-mous vote.

Canton second guesses proposed Labor Day changes

Haywood Schools stick with national firm over local cleaning company

Cafeteria workers in Haywood County came to last week’s school board meeting in a show ofsolidarity over which cleaning products they want the school system to purchase. Becky Johnson photo

“I know some people want to mirrorthe success of Materfest, but this isa different kind of event. I’ve gotmixed feelings about it.”

— Alderman Carole Edwards

“I think we need to listento our staff. If that’s whatthey are telling us, that’swhat we need to do.”

— Lynn Milner, school board member

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Things we want you to know: Add. fees, taxes and terms apply and vary by svc. and eqmt. Use of svc. constitutes acceptance of agmt. terms. In order to receive plan minutes, the monthly charge must be paid before due date. You may be charged at any time of day on your due date and should refill before that date to avoid svc. interruption. Roaming, directory assistance and international calls require additional account funds to complete calls. Data speeds: Full applicable data speeds apply for the first 1GB of usage. Data speeds shall be slowed to 1x thereafter for the remainder of the billing cycle. $50 U.S. Cellular® Promotional Card: New line activation on Simple Connect Prepaid Plan is required. Issued by MetaBank,® Member FDIC; additional offers are not sponsored or endorsed by MetaBank. Valid only for purchases at U.S. Cellular stores and uscellular.com. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. See store or uscellular.com for details. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. ©2015 U.S. Cellular

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Haywood notifiesclients of missingdata reportBY JESSI STONENEWS EDITOR

H aywood County Health and Human ServicesAgency recently notified clients that anaccounts receivable report went missing from

a billing office several months ago. Stoney Blevins, health and human services

director, said HCHHSA discovered the report wasmissing on Oct. 31, and the administration subse-quently launched an investigation into the incidentthat included the participation of the HaywoodCounty Sheriff ’s Office.

Blevins said a billing worker had printed off asmall subset of information from a larger statereport as a working copy, and that the report wentmissing. The investigation is ongoing and remains atop priority for HCHHSA, but Blevins said he does-n’t know if the report is just missing or was stolen.

“Our office is a double locked office, but I reallydon’t know — someone could have picked it upaccidentally, but we’ve turned the office upsidedown trying to find it,” he said.

Based on the investigation, HCHHSA determinedthat the report included North Carolina HealthInformation System (HIS) patient numbers; patientfull names; a short descriptive caption identifying theHCHHSA clinic visited; and the amount in HCHH-SA’s accounts receivable for each respective patient.

The report did not contain patient addresses,Social Security numbers, medical records, or datesof birth. HCHHSA has received no indication thatthe information has been further used or disclosed.Blevins said it was very unlikely anyone would beable to decipher the report or do anything harmfulwith the information.

“If you didn’t work for the health department,you wouldn’t understand the report,” he said.

A letter was sent to each patient on the reportpursuant to the data event notification requirementsof the U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices. Blevins said HCHHSA takes the privacyand security of patient information seriously.

Following this incident, HCHHSA is furtherenhancing security measures and its policies andprocedures. While HCHHSA is not aware of anyactual or attempted fraud or public disclosure as aresult of this incident, HCHHSA encourages all con-cerned individuals to remain vigilant and to reportany suspicious activity.

“I feel comfortable that our citizens are prettysafe, but we don’t like it when a mistake is made,”Blevins said. “We took the high road and reported itand sent letters to every patient on the list.”

For additional information or if any citizen feelsthey have been adversely affected by this situationin any way, contact HCHHSA by phone at888.452.6620, option 6 or by e-mail at [email protected].

@SmokyMtnNews

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Once the spring 2015 semester wraps up atWestern Carolina University, off-campus stu-dents will no longer have the option of catchingthe bus to classes.

While enrollment at the university — anddevelopment around it — is increasing, rider-ship on the off-campus route has been declin-ing. So, WCU has decided to get rid of the off-campus route and funnel those resourcesinstead to the on-campus routes.

“With the growth in student population andthe development of off-campus apartments, thedecline in ridership doesn’t seem logical, but itis the reality we are facing,” saidCommunications Director Bill Studenc. “We arefinding that some off-campus students arewalking or riding bicycles to campus, but manymore are driving to campus and parking in thecommuter lots.”

The university had originally proposed to axthe route by the end of 2014 but honoredrequests from the Student GovernmentAssociation to keep it intact through the end ofthe Fall 2014 term. Ultimately, WCU decided toextend service through the end of the Spring2015 semester to accommodate students whohad leased off-campus apartments counting onhaving shuttle service.

But most of those students seem to favorhopping in a car over catching the bus.

Though WCU’s resident student enrollment

increased by 521 between 2011 and 2013 —now 7,403 students are taking at least one classon campus — ridership for the off-campusroute has fallen from its peak of 10,000 one-wayrides in the 2008-09 school year to 8,500 for the2014 calendar year. The university estimatesthat it’s costing about $9 per ride to shuttle stu-dents from off-campus stops, far more than the90 cents to $1.90 cost for on-campus routes.

“Rather than waiting for an off-campus shut-tle, students seem to find it more convenient todrive to campus, park in a commuter lot and ridethe on-campus shuttle or walk to their classes,”Studenc said. “Having access to their vehiclesalso allows them to drive to Sylva for lunch inbetween classes or run errands in town.”

The on-campus shuttle, however, is becom-ing increasingly popular. Since WCU’s shuttleservice began in 2004 with two small shuttlebuses, it’s grown to include 10 buses, some ofwhich run until 2 a.m. The off-campus routewas added in 2007. Each year, the on-campusshuttle provides 5 to 7 percent more rides thanthe previous one, with the annual ridership forthe campus of 4,000 residential students fastapproaching 400,000.

By reallocating the off-campus buses toserve on-campus stops, the university will beable to offer more frequent pick-ups at thoseon-campus stops, increasing efficiency by 33percent. That means that a between-bus waitthat’s 15 minutes right now would fall to 10minutes.

Western Carolina University will nowbe subject to Jackson County’s revisedsubdivision ordinance, the planning boarddecided last week.

Technically, the university has beenincluded under the regulations since theplanning board revised them last year, butthat implication of the revisions had flownunder the radar until now. By declining totweak the standards to exempt WCU, theplanning board made a de facto decisionto include them.

“Most universities fall under the plan-ning board of the county that they’re in, sothis isn’t anything unusual,” said boardmember Sarah Graham.

The rules will affect WCU when itcomes to development projects, likedorms, that include more than 60 bed-rooms. The mixed-use development thatthe university is now planning to replace acommercial strip that burned during a2013 fire will also fall under the ordi-nance, as the building will include studenthousing. Even outside of the subdivisionordinance, however, the county has hadsome oversight on the project, as the pri-vate developer working on it is stillrequired to purchase a county buildingpermit.

There’s no worry that WCU would

approve some ill-conceived project thatwould fail to meet county standards, boardmembers emphasized. To the contrary, theysaid, university construction projects typi-cally outshine any parallel county stan-dard.

“I’ve done a preliminary review of theschematic plans of the mixed-use facility,and they exceed our standards,” CountyPlanner Gerald Green told the board.

The benefit of keeping WCU subject tothe ordinance, Green said, would be thebuilt-in tool for communication betweenthe county and university that the permit-ting process would provide.

Not that communication has beenabsent thus far, he stressed.

“From my perspective, the university isdoing a great job,” Green said, pointingout that he and other community membershad been invited to help create the univer-sity’s master plan.

WCU has yet to take an official stanceon the question of the subdivision ordi-nance. University representatives are plan-ning to meet with County Manager ChuckWooten later this week, WCU’s communica-tions director Bill Studenc said, and willhave more to say on the matter after hav-ing that discussion.

— By Holly Kays

WCU falls under county subdivision ordinance, planning board says

WCU to end off-campus busing

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YMCA of Western North Carolina isgetting ready to break ground onCamp Watia, a summer camp in Swain

County to serve children in the region. Ken and Nancy

Glass of BuncombeCounty purchased thepristine 900 acresnear Fontana Lakeabout 10 years agoand donated it to theYMCA of WNC withconservation in mind.

“Nancy served onour board of directorsat the time they hadpurchased this beauti-ful plot of land andthey didn’t want tosee it developed,” saidJes Williams, YMCAvice president of orga-nizational and finan-cial development inAsheville. “Theywanted to make it acamp for kids becausetheir kids grew up inY camps and had(great experiences)there.”

Williams said the YMCA has spent sev-eral years making sure a residential camp inSwain County would be a sustainable, long-term project and that the YMCA would beable to raise the money needed for con-struction. A market study shows that anaffordable youth camp in Swain would fill a

void in the market.“There are many local camps, but many

are out of reach for local families and caterto families outside the county,” Williamssaid. “We knew we would be able to createsomething without duplication and serve

the families of Western North Carolina.”The overnight camp will operate eight

weeks out of the summer and is estimatedto cost about $550 per week.

YMCA’s goal is to raise $6 million forconstruction. Williams said she has quietly

fundraised about $2.5 million so far and ison schedule to break ground in May. Theofficial kickoff public campaign will beginMay 8 and the camp will open in the sum-mer of 2016 if all goes as planned.

Camp Watia will preserve the land’s sen-sitive natural resources, forests, wetlands,

ecosystems and cul-tural history. Thefirst phase of theproject will occupyabout 100 acres ofthe property and willinclude a dining halland kitchen, cabinsthat can house 265campers ages 6-16,an administrativecenter, an adventurecourse, a volleyballcourt, campfire andamphitheater space,and a dock andpavilion on the 3-acre pond for swim-ming.

Williams said thesecond phase of theproject, which wouldbe years down theroad, would include

additional cabins, staff housing, more pavil-ions and a maintenance building.

Williams said the property provides thelandscape for a natural classroom to shapeprogramming in STEM, environmentalstudies, cultural enrichment and conserva-

tion. It also provides a platform for partner-ship with regional universities and busi-nesses, to provide support that will enhanceprogramming.

The camp will likely have an economicimpact on Swain and surrounding counties

by bringing new year-round and seasonalemployment. The camp and shoulder sea-son operations will bring hundreds of“heads in beds” into the region and directlyinto the county, said Williams.

Ken Mills, economic development direc-tor for Swain County, is excited about thedirect and indirect economic developmentpotential the camp could have on the coun-ty. He said the camp would provide newseasonal and year-round jobs and also mayhire local contractors to do some work dur-ing construction.

“When you start looking at the supportservices, there’s an opportunity for land-scaping contractors, HVAC contractors andothers to get more work,” he said.

Then there are parents who will drivetheir children to the camp and spendmoney along the way at gas stations, restau-rants and other retailers. Even though thefamilies may be from WNC, Mills said,there are plenty of families who have nevervisited Swain County before. His hope isthat those families will see what Swain andother WNC counties have to offer and willreturn in the future.

“If they have to pick up their kidSunday, maybe they’ll spend the weekend,”he said. “Anytime we can get that to hap-pen, it’s a good thing for the area — it’s allabout exposure.”

YMCA summer camp coming to Swain

The master plan for YMCACamp Watia in SwainCounty includes campercabins, a large dining hall,an outdoor amphitheater,a swimming pond and anadministrative building.Donated

YMCA Camp Waita is scheduled to open in summer 2016 near theAlmond community in Swain County. This is the view from the edge ofthe pond on the 900 acres Ken and Nancy Glass donated to YMCA of

Western North Carolina. Donated photo

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Debate over mountaintopcross in holding patternpending elusive verdictBY BECKY JOHNSONSTAFF WRITER

M aggie Valley is in limbo over a pro-posed mountaintop cross after learn-ing last week the state won’t help sort

out how high the cross could legally be underthe North Carolina ridge law.

The town initially looked to the state for averdict. There isn’t, however, a state agencyresponsible for the interpretation or enforce-ment of the state ridge law.

“What we have got is a lot of arrows in thequiver so to speak. Exactly how to proceed isunclear,” Maggie Town Manager NathanClark said. “We are trying to make heads ortails of this. We are feverishly trying to workthrough it.”

The state ridge law dating to 1983 limitsthe height of man-made things on protectedmountaintops, but it’s not an absolute num-ber. It’s relative — and varies depending onthe particular ridge and the particular spotwhere someone wants to build.

It would require some mapping and sur-veying expertise to figure out, which the townwas hoping the state would help with. Thetown has now learned that won’t happen.

There are other questions in play as well.The town is trying to figure out if an exemp-tion for religious symbols would apply. Or, ifthe cross doubles as a cell tower, could it beallowed under cell tower exemptions to theridge law?

The town doesn’t have a formal permitapplication for the giant cross at this point,but was informally approached last month byAlaska Presley, the owner of Ghost Town inthe Sky amusement park, where the crosswould be located.

Presley has talked publicly about her ideafor the cross since buying Ghost Town out offoreclosure three years ago. She met withtown officials in January to inquire about var-ious rules that might apply.

That prompted Town Planner AndrewBowen to start looking into the ridge law.

NAVIGATING THE MAZEBowen’s first step, and arguably a logical

one, was the N.C. Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources. He wassoon routed to the N.C. Geological Survey, asub-agency of DENR.

It sounded promising — the mountainridgeline law would surely be right up the alleyof an agency that deals in geology, surveyingand natural resources, but he struck out.

“DENR does not have any enforcementauthority over the ridge law,” according to

Jamie Kritzer, the state spokesperson forDENR.

Kritzer instead pointed down the road tothe N.C. Geodetic Survey — which soundssimilar but is apparently different than theN.C. Geological Survey.

Thanks to a major restructuring of stateagencies a couple of years ago to allegedlymake the bureaucracy less bureaucratic, theGeodetic Survey was moved from DENR’sumbrella to the Department of Public Safety.

Kritzer alluded that the Geodetic Surveymight be just the one to help, however.

“The Geodetic Survey is where local townsand counties go for assistance when there areissues interpreting the location of mountainridges,” said Kritzer.

While the geodetic guys are indeed theofficial guardians of the state’s ridge maps,Bowen’s hopes of finding help there weresoon dashed. They simply gave Bowen a weblink to the ridge maps online, and emailedhim a scanned copy of the maps.

That merely confirmed what Bowenalready knew — that the proposed cross siteis protected under the ridge law.

But it didn’t get Bowen any closer to thereal question of how high the cross could be.

“We are the keeper of the maps. Our role isto provide access to those maps,” explainedGary Thompson, head of the N.C. GeodeticSurvey. “We are not running any calculations.”

However, Thompson understands MaggieValley’s conundrum.

“There are some stipulations in the lawabout what you measure from. In each caseyou have to look at the conditions of theridge to determine what the height is,”Thompson said.

Nonetheless, as far as interpreting theridge law, “we leave that up to the attorneys,”Thompson said.

Thompson said he doesn’t field manyquestions about the state ridge law. He thinksthe last time it came up was five years ago, oreven more.

“We don’t get a lot of questions about it,”Thompson said.

Maggie’s’ own attorney has been away ona two-week Pacific Island vacation, but Clarkemailed him to let him know this issue wouldbe waiting on his desk when he got back.

“Over the past month, the Town PlannerAndrew Bowen has done an exceptional jobof amassing and inventorying a collection oflocal, state and federal regulations as it per-tains to Mrs. Presley’s desire to build a largecross atop Buck Mountain,” Clark said. “Ournext step, while consulting with our townattorney, is to begin to decipher the many dif-ferent layers of regulations of what is legallyallowed to be erected.”

FLYING UNDER THE RADARA defunct amusement park ride currently

sits at the spot where Presley wants to put thecross, at an elevation of about 4,530 feet.

The ride, known as the drop tower, wasput up in 2007, hauled in from a shut-downamusement park in Memphis that was auc-tioning off its used rides.

As it turns out, the 87-foot drop towermight actually violate the state ridge law.

“Quite possibly. But no one thought aboutchecking on it,” Clark said.

But then again, it might not, depending onthe ridge law verdict for that particular spot.

The state ridge law was passed in 1983 inresponse to the massive 10-story Sugar Topcondominium built on a 5,000-foot ridgelinein Avery County.

Few counties or towns had their own ridgelaws at the time, but the condominium wasdeemed so universally atrocious that statelawmakers decided intervention was neededto protect the mountain skyline with a blan-ket law.

Most towns and counties never felt theneed to double up on the state law and pass aridge law of their own.

Jackson County is one of the few thatdecided the state ridge law wasn’t strictenough and passed a ridge law of its own, butthat’s rare.

Maggie’s case is far more common, wherethe town counted on the state ridge law to getthe job done.

“This is something we thought that therewas a lot of protection against,” Clark said.

In the meantime, a community conversa-tion over how tall is too tall for the cross is onpause.

If the ridge law doesn’t adequately limitthe height of the cross in some people’s eyes,a debate is bound to break out over whetherthe town should step in and pass a law of itsown — one that’s stricter than the state’sridge law.

“You have an octagon of general inter-ests,” Clark said. “It is important for us tomake sure there are no assumptions beingmade on whatever side of this octagon youare on.”

State won’t help Maggie Valley ‘decipher’ its own ridge law

What the law saysThe North Carolina ridge law limits theheight that a structure can extend abovethe crest of a ridge. The rub lies with howyou calculate the elevation of the crest.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:• Take the highest point on the ridge.• Take the second highest point on

the ridge.• Draw an imaginary line between them. • No structure can extend 35 feet above

that imaginary line.

Why all the cross talk?

A 220-foot-tall cross is the crown jewelof a grand plan to build a Christian themepark on the same mountaintop as GhostTown in the Sky amusement park inMaggie Valley.

The cross and the theme park are inthe very early conceptual stages. They arethe vision of Alaska Presley, an independ-ently wealthy and elderly businesswomanwho bought Ghost Town out of foreclosurethree years ago. Once a tourism mainstayof Maggie, Ghost Town had fallen into dis-repair and was essentially defunct whenPresley bought it. She has spent consider-able time and money trying to bring itback, and has recently begun talking moreseriously about her ultimate vision for theChristian theme park.

The N.C. Ridge Law could put the kabosh on a giant cross on the mountaintop above MaggieValley, or at least cap the height of it. The proposed site (the general spot indicated here by ared arrow) is around 4,500 feet in elevation, but how tall it could be depends on how the ele-

vation of the ridge’s crest is calculated. Map courtesy of the N.C. Geodetic Survey.

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L ake Sequoyah in Highlands is currentlybeing drained in preparation for com-pleting about $3 million in repairs to

the dam.Town Manager Bob Frye said a valve

would be installed at the bottom of the 80-year-old dam, which will enable the town tolower the water in the future if needed. Theproject also includes installation of a rawwater intake and leak repairs.

“We don’t do a lot of maintenance on thedam, so it’s in better shape than we thoughtit would be, but we have to keep it in goodshape,” Frye said.

He said state loans were paying for about80 percent of the $2.8 million project andthe town would pay for the rest up front.The project won’t be complete untilNovember, but Frye said the water would beback up in May — just in time for summerrecreation on the lake.

Planning for the project began four yearsago, and construction and engineering con-tracts were signed in November 2014. Thetown of Highlands owns the dam and thewater, which supplies most of the town’sdrinking water, but individual property own-ers own access points around the lake.

The dam was constructed in 1916 and ahydropower plant below the dam served asthe town’s first electric system. The towntook the plant out of service in 1968 andsold the power-generating equipment in the70s, according to Frye.

Even though it’s been out of service formore than 40 years, Highlands resident and

Realtor Tucker Chambers has been advocat-ing for the town to get the hydropowerplant back in commission to supply powerfor residents.

Aside from the exorbitant costs associatedwith reinstalling a hydropower plant and thetedious process of getting a permit throughthe federal government, Frye said such a planton Lake Sequoyah wouldn’t come close tomeeting the town’s power needs.

“It wasn’t capable of meeting electricityneeds of the town and it’s not been used for50 years — there’s just a shell of a build-ing,” he said. “In 2013, we looked at revital-izing it, but the project was estimated tocost $5 million and would be a three- tofive-year process.”

He said the former hydropower plantgenerated only about 1 megawatt of power amonth, but the town uses about 10 to 15megawatts per month. Furthermore, he said,the town no longer owns the property wherethe hydropower plant was housed because itreverted back to national forest propertyonce it was taken out of service.

“Mr. Chambers is convinced we’re giv-ing away a valuable resource,” Frye said.“We admire his passion, but he’s sayingopinion as facts.”

Chambers said having a hydropowerplant would allow the town to turn a profitand also be self-sufficient by supplying itsown electricity.

Frye disagreed. “Electrical rates would probably go up if

the town did that,” he said. “Add cost ofmaintenance, and it’s a no-win situation forthe town.”

f

Highlands lowering lake for major repairs

Lake Sequoyah is currently being drained to allow the town of Highlandsto complete repairs to the dam. Courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/bobistraveling

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Cherokee is one step closer to having anOlympic-sized outdoor pool following TribalCouncil’s unanimous vote this month to pur-chase property for the project.

“We have an identified site with contractnegotiations with those landowners,” said JasonLambert, director of planning and developmentfor the tribe. With the site nailed down, he said,“we can get into more specific due diligence andmore specific planning in order to get to thathard construction.”

The 6-acre property is across from the oldCherokee high school in the Yellowhill commu-nity. Council agreed on a purchase price not toexceed $800,540.

Money for the land had been allocated forabout two years, with the pool being a topic ofdiscussion for the past four or five years,Lambert said. However, the tribe hadn’t beenable to get into the nitty gritty of planningbefore, as it didn’t know what constraints thesite would present. With the property selected,they can now move forward.

“There’s a lot of options,” Lambert said. Itcould be just a standard Olympic-sized pool, orthe pool could include any number of play struc-tures and “splash pads,” such as the classicmushroom tree with water flowing over top.

“Splash pads are what you’re seeing pop up

in a lot of communities, which are interactivewater features for, primarily, kids,” Lambertsaid.

The variety of construction possibilities leadsto a variety of cost possibilities. Lambert expectsthe project will cost between $1 and $2 millionto build, though nothing’s pinned down at thispoint.

“That’s contingent on how much of the dol-lars actually go into the pool and the featuresversus the site work and the parking lot, rest-rooms, facilities for changing and pump roomsand all of those components,” he said.

Though the tribe-owned Cherokee LifeFitness Center does house an indoor Olympic-sized pool for fitness center members, theYellowhill pool will be the first public outdoorpool in Cherokee.

“It’s just another extension of us being able toprovide things for our membership that enhancerecreation opportunities, enhance opportunitiesfor our young people,” Lambert said.

Lambert would also like to see it become anadditional draw for tourists.

“Depending on what the scope of it is andwhat we put in the ground, it could definitelyattract tourists,” he said.

Lambert expects to develop a more specificplan for the site within the next two months.

“It’s just a component that the community isinterested in,” he said.

Land purchase under way for outdoor pool in Cherokee

Sign up for civilian police academyThe 2015 class of the Waynesville Civilian Police Academy is set to begin on

March 12, and there is still time to sign up. The Civilian Police Academy gives citizens the opportunity to become more

familiar with a wide range of police department activities. Attendees are alsogiven the option of participating in a field trip to the firing range.

The Academy meets for eight weeks from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursdayevenings at the Waynesville Police Department. The Academy is free and open toall county residents who are at least 21 years of age. Applications are availableduring normal business hours and due March 2.

828.456.5363 or [email protected].

County progress reported at Lake JVicki Hyatt, editor of The Mountaineer, will describe Haywood County's half-

century of progress, present developments and future prospects at 2 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 19, at Lake Junaluska’s Gaines Auditorium in the Visitor Center.

Hyatt will specifically address local progress in the areas of education, health-care, and social services. Beginning with the founding of Haywood CommunityCollege, Pisgah and Tuscola High Schools and Mountain Projects 50 years ago,she will trace in broad strokes how decisions made decades ago have impactedthe county today.

She will also highlight instances of community support and cooperativeproblem-solving in opening the new shelter and kitchen, including the way teammembers have perceived obstacles that had not previously surfaced.

The public is invited to provide input.

@SmokyMtnNews

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for them to reimburse us that cost,” he said. The TCGE will reimburse the DOT a

total of $881,000, with $654,000 of thatpaying for the sewer line and $226,000 forthe water line.

In addition, the DOT is building turnlanes and a roadway from U.S. 19/74 to thetribal boundary and a bridge over the ValleyRiver. The roadwork will cost about $4.4

million and the bridge about $2.5 million.Those projects are about halfway done andexpected to be complete by April, Burchsaid.

“It has been a mild winter, and so it’sallowed contractors — not just on this proj-ect but throughout our division — to con-tinue to work, where in winters past theyhaven’t been able to,” Burch said.


W hen the Tribal Casino GamingEnterprise board opted to get rid ofthe project manager position for its

Murphy casino construction project lastyear, some skepticism ensued as to whetherthe project could still continue on time andwithin budget.

The project manager provided the tribean on-the-ground representative who couldmake sure the work being done was up tosnuff and being charged appropriately. TheTCGE had decided to save money by slash-ing the position.

As the casino gets closer to its projectedopening date, fears that turning the projectmanager’s tasks over to TCGE membersaren’t proving true, said TCGE chairmanRay Rose.

“Our internal team continues to per-form very strongly,” Rose said. “It intro-duces a certain level of efficiency to theprocess, so we’re very happy there.”

The project is expected to finish withinits $110 million budget and meet its dead-line of late summer 2015, Rose said. Doorswill likely open sometime in August orSeptember, and the process of recruitingand hiring the 900 employees needed to runthe place will probably begin in April.

“We know that Cherokee County hasone of the highest unemployment rates inthe state, so we’re hoping we can draw onthat, including some tribal membershipdown there,” Rose said.

As for the building itself, it’s starting tolook like a casino.

“Hotel and casino structures are up,”Rose said. “Framing is done, but now we’reat the point of interior heating, air, sprin-klers, all that stuff. It won’t be long until

everything is in the walls and inspected andwall finishing is going on.”

As challenging as the construction of thebuildings themselves is the coordinationrequired for those projects to jive with theroad and infrastructure development sur-rounding them. The casino and hotel mustbe joined to Murphy’s sewer and water sys-tems, and the N.C. Department ofTransportation is busybuilding a roadway outto the site.

“We’ve had monthlymeetings since theseprojects were startedwhere we meet and dis-cuss the coordinationeffort, whatever’s com-ing on each of the proj-ects, scheduling timesto work, when deliver-ies are going to bemade,” said BrianBurch, DOT divisionconstruction engineer.

As part of the coor-dination, the DOT willbe completing thewater and sewer line tothe casino and hotel,with the TCGE reim-bursing them the cost.The DOT project wasprogressing faster than the building con-struction, Burch said, so it wound up beingmore efficient for the DOT to do the workitself.

“The TCGE would have been coming inbehind us and tearing out some of the infra-structure, so it made more sense for us to goahead and put it in prior to us doing ourwork, so the only way we could do that was

Sylva Garden Club proposes pavilion forBicentennial Park

The Sylva Garden Club is raisingmoney to build a small pavilion inBicentennial Park, a small green spacelocated off Keener Street near the historicJackson County Courthouse and librarycomplex.

The pavilion, club president DianeHerring told Jackson CountyCommissioners, would be a place for fami-lies to congregate, book-lovers to read afterchecking out a book from the library andcouples planning a small wedding to saytheir vows.

“This is just a nice, beautiful place thatyou can go to the library, check out a bookand enjoy sitting in a pretty garden,”Herring said.

The pavilion will be 12 feet square withbenches in each corner, electric outlets and

handicapped accessibility. The club hasspoken to county planning and parks andrecreation staff, as well as to Sylva police,and has already begun fundraising. So far,it has $3,000, about half the total expectedcost, and hopes to have the project done inone to five years.

“We were wanting the county’s permis-sion to put a pavilion and donate it to thecounty,” Herring said.

Commissioners were favorable to theidea but declined to vote right away.

“We generally don’t take action on thefirst night we receive an item unless it’ssomething that’s pressing,” CommissionChairman Brian McMahan explained.

He asked the garden club to come backwith some more detailed drawings after thecommissioners have had time to think aboutthe proposal, emphasizing that this is defi-nitely not the county telling the club “no.”

“I’m getting the feeling that there is aconsensus that is somewhat OK andacceptable,” he said.

— By Holly Kays

Murphy casino project on track for summer

A new hotel and casino nearMurphy are all framed up, withthe site on track for a latesummer finish. TCGE photo

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Community notes

• A Ceremonial U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremonywill be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, atVFW Post 5202 in Waynesville. If anyone has aflag that needs to be disposed of, drop it offat the Post. 828.456.9346.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort employeesvolunteered 21,179 hours in 2014 through road-side clean ups, supply drives, and various othervolunteer events. Harrah’s received the WNCAssociation of Fundraising Professionals’ 2014Outstanding Business in Philanthropy Award.

• Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western NorthCarolina will hold it annual Bowl For Kids’Sake fundraiser for Haywood County from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at Sky Lanes inAsheville, with a host of teams already signedup and more being accepted. Big Brothers,Big Sisters is a nonprofit organization thatpartners children facing adversity with volun-teers in the community who can provide themguidance and help them achieve success.828.356.2148.

• Jackson Neighbors in Need raised $8,700 atthe Charlie’s Challenge fundraiser on Jan. 31to benefit the organization’s heating assis-tance program, weatherization services andemergency shelter. www.jacksonneigborsin-need.org.

• Social entrepreneurship students at WesternCarolina University helped raise more than$1,400 for organizations serving WesternNorth Carolina. 828.227.3295 or www.servicelearning.wcu.edu.

• Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will providefour $500 scholarships for high school seniorspursuing “Appalachian Studies,” with eachscholarship focused on a different aspect ofAppalachian heritage. www.spiritofappalachia.org. 828.631.4587.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation inHaywood County set a new record high fornumber of pets saved in a year. In 2014,

Sarge’s saved 1,231 dogs and cats — a 13percent increase from 2013. www.sargeand-friends.org or 828.246.9050.

• Walmart of Waynesville presented a check for$1,500 to The Arc of Haywood County, a non-profit that serves individuals with developmen-tal disabilities and their families, for Christmaspresents and clothes to the individuals servedin their program. www.arcofhaywood.org.

• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in HaywoodCounty is providing food, toiletries and otheressentials to needy students at Pisgah HighSchool for the second year in a row throughthe Backpacks of Love program, which sendsstudents home with food every Friday to helpthem make it through the weekend. Thechurch also provides food through MANNA

Food Bank to Meadowbrook Elementary stu-dents. Holy Smoke Ministry at St. Andrew’shelps fund the program by selling barbecue atfestivals and events. 828.648.7550.

• The Jackson County Youth Leadership Councilis giving out mini-grants to other youth groupsin the county engaged in community serviceprojects of their own. The teenagers in the clubare learning about philanthropy by serving asa mini-foundation to solicit, review and selectprojects worthy of funding. The Council is ahigh school 4-H club supported in part by agrant from the Cherokee PreservationFoundation. www.jcyouthleadership.weebly.comor 828.586.4009.

• Emma McElroy, a fourth-grader at RiverbendElementary School, asked friends to bringlinens to her 10th birthday party instead ofgifts to be donated to the Haywood PathwaysCenter in Hazelwood. She donated 23 sheetsets, pillows, towels and washcloths andgave the $220 she received in birthday moneyto Pathways.

• The Macon County School Nutrition Relay forLife Team is selling breast cancer awarenessT-shirts as a fundraiser through Feb. 23. Fromnow until relay night, they will be sellinghomemade Oreo balls dipped in chocolate,cakes and pumpkin rolls. 828.524.4692.

SCC fair to connectvolunteers with greater community

Southwestern Community College willhelp volunteers explore options in the com-munity during a Volunteer Fair from 9 a.m.

to noon on Feb. 24 in the Burrell ConferenceCenter on SCC’s Sylva campus.

Organized by the SCC Cares committee,the Volunteer Fair is an opportunity for non-profits to recruit service-minded individualsseeking a way to give back in Jackson, Macon,Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary.

[email protected] or call828.339.4305.

BRUSH CLEARING AT MONTEITH FARMSTEADAppalachian Tree Services of Franklin donated its services to remove several large trees and

brush debris from the Monteith Farmstead in Dillsboro and the site of the Appalachian Women’sMuseum, which is working to create a museum that will chronicle the rich and diverse history of

Southern Appalachian women. www.appwm.org. Donated photo

St. Andrew’s EpiscopalChurch is participatingin the Backpacks ofLove program.

A flag retirement ceremony.

OpinionSmoky Mountain News22

“Dad, do you think we’ll get out of school tomorrow?”My son, Jack, is standing in the doorway of our bed-

room. Sunday night is bearing down again, and the week-end forecasts have been taunting him and his sister withthe promise of a big snowstorm, which is supposed tobegin around 7 a.m. on Mondaymorning, just in time to get themout of school. But he’s not quiteprepared to buy in, not after hav-ing been burned already three orfour times by faulty forecasts.What’s that song by The Who?“Won’t Get Fooled Again?”

Of course, I know just how hefeels. I remember getting my hopesup on many a night just like thisone, storms threatening but nevermaterializing, clouds hovering on the horizon but refusingto move in, like shy boys clinging to the cafeteria walls atan eighth-grade dance. I would watch the 6 o’clock newsand listen to WCOK, the local radio station for confirma-tion of the coming snowstorm. Yes, yes, there would besnow, and lots of it. Now sleep well, young fellow. You’vegot a big day in front of you, a day of sleeping in, sledding,drinking five cups of hot chocolate, and fighting with yoursister.

The next morning, I would wake up and yank back thecurtains in my bedroom in anticipation of seeing nothingbut white everywhere I looked, an ever thickening blanketof snow covering the ground, the roof, the trees and thebushes, the birdbath and the mailbox, the doghouse andthe driveway…and the roads, yes, the roads! Completelyimpassable unless you had a huge truck with chains, atleast until the road graders and salt trucks made their wayto your house, which could take HOURS! Sweet frozen nec-tar of the gods! I would sigh deeply with complete satisfac-tion, pull the curtain closed, and crawl deep down into thewelcoming sanctuary of my bed, where I would sleep adeep, untroubled sleep until 11 a.m., quite possibly. Then Iwould stumble into the kitchen, still groggy but with agrowing awareness of intense hunger, and eat half a box ofCount Chocula out of a mixing bowl while watching “TheFlintstones” or “The Brady Bunch.”

Outside, it would still be pouring the snow, six inchesand counting. We might not have school all week! Betterget my mom to pick up another box or two of CountChocula, as well as some other essentials, such as fishsticks, tater tots, peanut butter, brown sugar and cinna-mon Pop Tarts, two boxes of Neapolitan ice cream, a jar ofdry-roasted peanuts, Doritos, a roll of cookie dough, chick-en noodle soup, and TV dinners. And ice cream sandwich-es. And barbecue Fritos. And Cokes.

But no. No sir. No way.

I would wake up and yank open the curtain, expectingto see nothing but white, nothing but an enormous blanketof snow everywhere, blotting out all of the unpleasant fea-tures of my workaday world, and what do I see instead?The prosaic reality of things just as they always are, austereand exposed, every limb of every tree naked and tremblingin the harsh winds of January, the whole miserable land-scape completely untouched by even a flake of snow.

The only hope I had left then would be to rush to thephone and call the radio station, praying that it might besnowing furiously in some other part of the county, as itsometimes did, and school might still be out. During thewinter, the local radio station would record a messageletting us know whether the county schools were open ornot.

Of course, every other kid in the county was also tryingto call, so it might take 20 or 30 attempts to get through,only to hear the dreaded news: “Good morning, everyone!The schools in Alleghany County WILL be operating on aregular schedule! That gloomy forecast for a foot of snowwas just a false alarm! I hope you kids did your homework!I hope you didn’t get your hopes up for a day off!Remember, kids, don’t let your expectations exceed yourgratitude! Now have a great day at school!”

I hated that guy. My friends did, too. We complainedabout him bitterly when we got to school.

“That guy that makes the radio announcement is entire-ly too cheerful,” said my friend, Barry, as we choked downsoggy chuck wagon sandwiches at lunch. “I think he likesrubbing it in. I bet he hates kids.”

I looked through the cafeteria window and watched rue-fully as one meager ray of sun, skinny as a witch’s finger,poked through the pointless clouds.

“Dad? Dad!”“Oh, sorry, bud,” I said. “I guess I drifted off there for a

minute.”“So, do you think we’ll have school tomorrow or not?”I decide not to use the moment to teach him a lesson

about expectations and gratitude. Lord, don’t let me beTHAT guy. I hated that guy.

“May you drink deeply from the sweet frozen nectar ofthe gods,” I said.

“Huh? OK, I guess. Night, Dad.”I hope they do get that snow. There is never going to be

any sleep quite so sweet or satisfying as going back to bedon a snow day when you’re supposed to be in class workingon fractions or conjugating verbs.

Just in case, I had better go check on our stash of brownsugar and cinnamon Pop Tarts.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in HaywoodCounty. His most recent book, The Way We Say Goodye, is

available in regional bookstores and at [email protected].)

“It is an Internet Age paradox: We have more information thanever before and yet, seem to know less. Indeed, in the Internet Age,it can be fairly said that nothing is ever truly, finally knowable,authoritative testimony always subject to contradiction by someblogger grinding axes, some graduate of Google U, somebody whoheard from somebody who heard from somebody who heard.”

— Leonard Pitts, Miami Herald

L eonard Pitts calls it Secret Knowledge, the information thatonly a few people know, but those people who know it know itto be true. I refer to it as the Internet Plague, a condition

whereby any statement — no matter how outrageous, how cocka-mamie, how simply stupid — will be given credence by some wild-eyed know-it-all with a computer at his fingertips, facts be damned.

The plague made it to my dinner table some nights as we hadour nightly dinnertime discussions. My kids would read somethingfrom one of those who make a claim toknowing it all, or perhaps would haveheard something discussed by theirfriends. Then wthey ould offer it up as factas we passed around the corn:

“Dad, did you know that Obama is aMuslim and that he was born in Kenya.”

“Really, who said that?” Which usually led to: “Someone at

school” or “I saw it on the Internet.”“Not true,” I would say, and go on to

explain about the Internet world of blog-gers and wanna-be reporters, and then let them know that evensome television news shows often give valuable air time to themost outlandish ideas despite knowing that facts showed other-wise.

Today’s measles outbreak — a disease considered eradicated in2000 by the Centers for Disease Control — is being caused in partby some people’s refusal to believe that vaccinations don’t causeautism. My heart goes out to those who have to deal with childrenwho have these problems, but the best science in the world tells usthat autism is not caused by vaccinations.

And no doubt, Internet “research” has led some people intothis camp, research that may have no basis in reality. And thisproblem of discrediting science is apparently growing. A recentPew Research poll found that while 98 percent of scientists believehumans have evolved, only 65 percent of U.S. adults hold the samebelief.

I don’t want to open up the whole climate change or globalwarming debate, or do I? The same poll showed that 87 percent ofscientists think “humans worsen climate change.” Among the gen-eral public, only 50 percent believe it. It’s a bit outrageous to thinkthe ice caps are melting and New York City is soon to be underwater, but to argue that belching huge amounts of greenhousegases into the atmosphere won’t eventually affect temperaturesand climate seems to me to be preposterous.

Whether it’s the anti-science crowd or conspiracy theorists orjust plain wackos, there will always be people who are just going tobelieve whatever they want. Those people have always beenaround, but our wired generation has yet to become adept at sift-ing the digital wheat from the chaff.

The poet Thomas Gray coined the phrase, “ignorance is bliss.”If he was right, then we may be entering one of the happiest eras inhuman history. Sad, but true.

(Scott McLeod can be reached [email protected].)

For some, factsjust don’t matter

ColumnistChris

Cox

The sweet dreams of snow days

EditorScot

t McL

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LOOKING FOR OPINIONS:The Smoky Mountain News encourages readersto express their opinions through letters to theeditor or guest columns. All viewpoints are wel-come. Send to Scott McLeod at [email protected]., fax to 828.452.3585, ormail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

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Does Maggie Valleyneed 200-foot cross?To the Editor:

At first blush the idea of a 200-foot crossseemed kind of cool. It could make MaggieValley famous for having the tallest cross.

But I’ve been mulling it around in myhead because there’s just something notright. First, having the tallest cross is a vanitything. Vanity is a sin. You don’t have to builda bigger cross to be closer to God. Look howthat Babel tower thing worked out.

Secondly, and more important to me, Iabsolutely do not want a 200-foot night lightblocking out the sky! Nearly everyone inMaggie Valley can see the roller coaster fromtheir front porch. It’s practically over ourheads. Now imagine 200 feet up from thereis a well-lit cross.

We moved to the country over 15 yearsago to get away from noise and light pollu-tion. There’s nothing more beautiful than asky full of stars on a clear dark night. But inthe city you’re likely to forget there are stars.

It’s an urban blight. Appreciate what youhave and stop messing it up. Having theworld’s tallest cross is a grand idea. But it’snot a good idea.

Larry WrightMaggie Valley

Let’s re-thinkattitudes toward woodTo the Editor:

Have you ever heard the expression“waiting for the other shoe to drop”? Ithought of it as I was reading all the recentnews and opinions about the U.S. ForestService studies on wood harvesting inWestern North Carolian. I felt there wassomething not being said. Well, the answercame in a Jan. 29 article by Politico reporterMichael Grunwald.

Grunwald writes about a Nov. 19 memofrom the EPA stating the Obama administra-tion is looking to declare forestry products“carbon neutral.” In keeping with Obama’son-again-off-again position on climatechange and his “all-the-above” energy poli-cies, declaring wood products carbon neutralopens the door to massive new exploitationof our forests. Thus the rush to re-evaluateforestry practices across the country.

But burning trees for energy is not car-bon neutral. It is true that a tree soaks upcarbon and seals it in the wood, but burningit in a matter of minutes is a sudden rush ofcarbon. And even if you buy the premise thatthe gain is neutral, we have already goneover 400 parts per million of CO2 in the air,and we surely don’t need to go any higher.

According to Tim Searchinger, aresearcher at Princeton University, burningwood (and other “biomass” sources of ener-gy) is appealing to policy makers but is total-ly unrealistic. The oft-cited goal of 20 per-cent energy from biomass by 2050 wouldrequire burning every tree in our forests andall our food stocks as well. Searchinger alsocalculates that just the current policy propos-al alone would require a 70 percent increase

in American forestry production. And do you get the scent of money in all

that smoke? Politicians on both sides of theaisle are lining up to support the increaseddenuding of our woods, and to take big cam-paign gifts from the people who will profitfrom it. Chipper mill owners are alreadyincreasing production in order to ship ourforests to eager energy consumers in Europe,nations willing to make similar declarationsof carbon neutrality.

Boyd HollidayLake Junaluska

Appreciate communitysupport for 5K runTo the Editor:

On behalf of Dryman’s Chapel UnitedMethodist Church please allow me toexpress thanks and grateful appreciation forthe community and sponsor support wereceived during our Love Is in the Air 5KRun/Walk to raise funds for MS research.We especially thank our Macon CountySheriff Department, Macon County EMS,the Otto Fire Department, Burt and DeanieRaby and the Addington Bridge neighbor-hoods for their help and involvement.

We are deeply grateful to Dave Linn forhis time, energy and expertise which gaveguidance and help to our church members inthis effort. He met with us many times tomake sure we conducted a responsible race.We thank our runners and walkers whocame out to enjoy the beautiful day with usand all those who cheered us on.

Rev. Janet J. GreeneFranklin

Use Lent to trya meat-free dietTo the Editor:

This Wednesday marks the beginning ofLent, the 40-day period before Easter, whenmany Christians abstain from animal foodsin remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fastingin the desert before launching his ministry.

But meat-free Lent is much more than asymbol of religious devotion to Christ. Ithelps reduce the risk of chronic disease, envi-ronmental degradation, and animal abuse.

Our supermarket offers a rich array ofplant-based meat and dairy alternatives, aswell as the more traditional vegetables,fruits, and grains. Entering “vegan recipes”in our favorite Internet search engine offersmore products, recipes, and transition tipsthan we can use.

Weston MadrigalWaynesville

In my world, estimatesare different from factsTo the Editor:

Ed Morris’s recent letter to this newspa-per criticized a letter I had written to TheFranklin Press regarding a front page articlethey published. That article used informa-

tion from a report titled “The Economic andEmployment Costs of Not ExpandingMedicaid in North Carolina: A County-LevelAnalysis” written by a George WashingtonUniversity (GWU) professor.

It forecast an economic boom for N.C. ifN.C. would add an estimated 500,000 N.C.residents to Medicaid under ObamaCare.After reading the report, I felt that article cit-ing the report was opinion, not news, andshould have been on that paper’s opinionpage.

Morris complained I can’t separate factfrom opinion. He apparently believes every-thing in the report is a fact and challengedme to “report to readers of this newspaperthe precise, actual factual information that iswrong in the study…”

That’s a tough challenge since there isvery little factual information in the report!Simple things like how many people will useexpanded Medicaid, or how much N.C. willreceive in federal Medicaid reimbursementsare estimates, projections or forecasts, notfacts.

Nearly every statement, starting on thefirst page of the report, is an estimate. Thewords “estimate,” “estimates,” and “estimat-ed” appear 102 times in the poorly writtenreport, but not everywhere they should haveappeared. The “Executive Summary” didn’teven state that the REMI economic modelgenerated the reported estimates.

It was not until page 29 in the “Appendix:Methods and Data Sources” that the reportstated “The estimates in this report arebased on multiple sources of informationand a widely-used regional economic model[REMI] to estimate the economic andemployment effects of Medicaid expansion.”

Consider the REMI economic model. It isbased on flawed Keynesian economic theorythat every dollar spent by government gener-ates a multi-dollar economic impact. Thesame theory that didn’t work with the nearly$1 trillion Obama “stimulus” program.

This report, and Keynesian theory,ignores that every dollar government spendshas been taken out of a taxpayer’s pocket, oradded to the national debt, and has a nega-tive economic impact when taken. This is“economic redistribution” at work.

Projections from REMI and other eco-nomic models are rarely checked for accura-cy. The Congressional Budget Office’s com-plex economic model projections can bechecked. Their short- and long-term fore-casts show they are rarely accurate. REMI’smuch simpler model should be expected toperform worse.

In January 2013, the N.C. Departmentof Health and Human Services received areport, “A Contrast: Modeling theMacroeconomic Impact of ‘MedicaidExpansion’ in North Carolina,” they hadcontracted for from the REMI corpora-tion. This corporation programs theREMI economic model and is the trueREMI expert.

The economic estimates from the GMUreport are from 80-100 percent higher thanthe HHS report. The estimates from thesame model aren’t reproducible.

Vic DrummondFranklin

Beware the companyyou keepTo the Editor:

Jackson County Commissioners, I wantto congratulate you on the entertainingmeeting on Jan. 29 and your resolution tosupport the “Move to Amend” proposed28th amendment to the U. S. Constitution.Surely you know of at least some of theorganizations that are supporting it andtheir ultra-radical politics? Don’t you?

Here’s some of them in case you’re igno-rant. There’s Code Pink, the radical feministgroup which recently tried to arrest 91-year-old Henry Kissinger for war crimes at aSenate hearing on Thursday, Jan. 29,prompting Sen. John McCain to shout “getout of here you low-life scum” before thecapitol police could remove said radicals.

Then there’s the American HumanistAssociation who is “Good Without A God.” Iwonder how all the good folks in the church-es of Jackson County would feel about youaligning yourselves with an organizationwho is “good without a God?”

Let’s not forget the Young DemocraticSocialists (a division of the DemocraticSocialists of America). A former communistfriend of mine told me once that a socialist issomeone who hasn’t picked up an AK-47assault rifle to kill capitalists … yet.

Oh, I know that you’ve heard ofGreenPeace, whom many would say is aneco-terrorist group that tries mightily tocompete with other nefarious sea dogs in thepiracy-on-the-high-seas department.

Then there’s MoveOn, the organizationwho is spending $1 million to draft theultra-radical Sen. Liz Warren ofMassachusetts to become our first socialistpresident in 2017. Last, but certainly notleast, is the Rainbow Push Coalition run byJesse Jackson, whom many would say is oneof our country’s top two race hustlers who,after receiving contributions from certaincorporations, interestingly enough thosecorporations don’t get harassed anymore byJesse.

I could go on (see www.united4thepeo-ple.org) with the racist, radical, socialist, andcommunist organizations who are support-ing the proposed 28th amendment that youaffiliated yourself with by passing your reso-lution last Thursday, but sadly there’s notenough space to print them all. Ultimately,it’s all about the company you keep in thislife. For those of you seeking re-election any-time in the next decade or so, how will youdefend yourselves to the citizens of JacksonCounty by your becoming willing, usefulidiots to these organizations that want todestroy our republic?

The French have a saying, “bad compan-ions lead to bad ends.” Aligning yourselvespolitically with bad companions who arehaters of freedom and American exceptional-ism is not a ‘return to common sense.’Thanks for the free entertainment. I look for-ward to more of it. By the way, which sideare you on — ours or the enemies of therepublic?

Carl IobstCullowhee

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Taste the Mountains is anever-evolving paid section ofplaces to dine in Western NorthCarolina. If you would like to beincluded in the listing please con-tact our advertising department at828.452.4251AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville.828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m.to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years. Enjoyworld famous hot dogs as well as burgers,seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken.Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler,pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy anysweet tooth.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plazaat the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. OpenMonday through Friday. Friendly and fun fam-ily atmosphere. Local, handmade Southerncuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmeredsoups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, andhomemade signature desserts. Blue-platesand local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bag-ging is permitted. Private parties, catering,and take-out available. Call-ahead seatingavailable.

BOGART’S303 S. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.1313.Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday throughThursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday andSaturday. Carry out available. Located indowntown Waynesville, Bogart’s has beenlong-time noted for great steaks, soups, andsalads. Casual family atmosphere in a rusticold-time setting with a menu noted for itspractical value. Live Bluegrass/String Bandmusic every Thursday. Walking distance ofWaynesville’s unique shops and seasonal fes-tival activities and within one mile ofWaynesville Country Club.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville,828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closedon Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all nat-ural steaks, fresh fish, and other classicAmerican comfort foods that are made usingonly the finest local and sustainable ingredi-ents available. We also feature a great selec-

tion of craft beers from local artisan brewers,and of course an extensive selection of smallbatch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is afriendly and casual neighborhood dining expe-rience where our guests enjoy a great mealwithout breaking the bank.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil GasStation) 828.648.3838 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.to 3 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chefowned and operated. Our salads are made inhouse using local seasonal vegetables. Freshroasted ham, turkey and roast beef used inour hoagies. We hand make our own eggplantand chicken parmesan, pork meatballs andhamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared products to make sure you get thebest food for a reasonable price. We makevegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items.Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread CaféNC) to find out what our specials are.

BRYSON CITY BAKERY AND PASTRY SHOPPE191 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.5390Offering a full line of fresh baked goods likeGrandma used to make. Large variety tochoose from including cakes, pies, donuts,breads, cinn-buns and much more. Also serv-ing Hershey Ice Cream. Open seven days aweek, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

BRYSON CITY CORK & BEANA MOUNTAIN SOCIAL HOUSE16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934.Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.,Saturday and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to3p.m., Full Menu 3 to 9 p.m. Serving freshand delicious weekday morning lite fare,lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly preparedmenu offerings range from house-made soups& salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialtysandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to missthe bold flavors and creative combinationsthat make up the daily Chef Supper Specialsstarting at 5pm every day. Followed by atempting selection of desserts prepared dailyby our chefs and other local bakers. Enjoycraft beers on tap, as well as our full bar andeclectic wine list.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.828.926.1401. It’s winter, but we still servethree meals a day on Friday, Saturday andlong holiday weekends. Join us for Breakfastfrom 8 to 9:30 a.m.; Lunch from 12 to 2p.m.; and Dinner buffet from 6 to 7:30 p.m.,with entrees that include pot roast, Virginiaham and herb-baked chicken, complemented

by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads,jellies and desserts. We also offer a fineselection of wine and beer. And a roaring firein the fireplace. So come enjoy mile-highmountaintop dining with a spectacular view.Reservations are required.

CHEF’S TABLE30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210.From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday throughSaturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of”Award of Excellence from Wine SpectatorMagazine. Set in a distinguished atmospherewith an exceptional menu. Extensive selectionof wine and beer. Reservations honored.

CITY BAKERY18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to3 p.m. Join us in our historic location forscratch made soups and daily specials.Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmetcheddar & scallion biscuits served withbacon, sausage and eggs; smoked trout bagelplate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bakea wide variety of breads daily, specializing intraditional french breads. All of our breadsare hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, paninisandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on thedeck. Private room available for meetings.

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

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000.Underground retail wine and craft beer shop,restaurant, and intimate live music venue.Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturdayserving freshly prepared small plate andtapas-style fare. Enjoy local, regional, ornational talent live each Friday and Saturdaynight at 7 p.m. www.classicwineseller.com.Also on facebook and twitter.

CORK & CLEAVER176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.828.456.7179. Reservations recommended.4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked awayinside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an

approachable menu designed around locallysourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredi-ents. Executive Chef Corey Green preparesinnovative and unique Southern fare fromlocal, organic vegetables grown in WesternNorth Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar.www.waynesvilleinn.com.

COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley.828.926.1820 Open Daily 7 a.m. to 8:30p.m., closed Tuesday. Family Style at CountryVittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresseswill bring your food piping hot from thekitchen right to your table and as many refillsas you want. So if you have a big appetite,but sure to ask your waitress about our familystyle service.

FILLING STATION DELI145 Everett St., Bryson City, 828.488.1919.Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m.to 7 p.m.; Sundays (in October) 11 a.m. to 4p.m. Locals always know best, and this is oneplace they know well. From the high-qualityhot pressed sandwiches and the huge por-tions of hand-cut fries to the specialty frozensandwiches and homemade Southerndesserts, you will not leave this top-rated delihungry.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley.828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frankand Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped inItalian tradition. With recipies passed downfrom generations gone by, the Perrones havebrought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley.frankiestrattoria.com

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundayand Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to tablerestaurant focused on local, sustainable, nat-ural and organic products prepared in modernregional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses onSouthern comfort foods with upscale flavors.www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m.Enjoy fresh local products, created daily. Join

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us in our beautiful patio garden. We areyour local neighborhood host for specialevents: business party’s, luncheons, wed-dings, showers and more. Private parties &catering are available 7 days a week byreservation only.

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEYU.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817.Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinnerThursday - Sunday starting at 4:30 p.m.World-famous prime rib, steaks, freshseafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. AllABC permits and open year-round. Childrenalways welcome. Take-out menu. Excellentservice and hospitality. Reservations appre-ciated.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.828.926.0212. Winter hours; Fridaythrough Sunday and Mondays, 7 a.m. tonoon. Joey’s is a family style restaurant thathas been serving breakfast to the locals andvisitors of Western North Carolina since1966. Featuring a large variety of temptingpancakes, golden waffles, country stylecured ham and seasonal specials spikedwith flavor, Joey's is sure to please allappetites. Joey & Brenda O’Keefe invite youto join what has become a tradition in theseparts, breakfast at Joey’s.

JUKEBOX JUNCTIONU.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection,Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.Monday through Saturday. Serving break-fast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a1950s & 60s theme decorated with memo-rabilia from that era.

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva.828.586.3555. Open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11p.m. Hand-tossed pizza, steak sandwiches,wraps, salads and desserts. All made fromscratch. Beer and wine. Free movies withshowtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with aSaturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatter-foodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley.828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.Open daily for lunch and dinner. Fine andcasual fireside dining in welcoming atmos-phere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.;Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With musicat the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lifeis too short for bad coffee. We feature won-derful breakfast and lunch selections.Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, saladsand quiche with a variety of specialty cof-fees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.828.668.2326. Open 7 days a week 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Happily committed to brewingand serving innovative, uniquely deliciouscoffees — and making the world a betterplace. 100% of our coffee is Fair Trade,Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roastedto bring out every note of indigenous flavor.Bakery offerings include cakes, muffins,cookies and more. Each one is made from

scratch in Asheville using only the freshest,all natural ingredients available. We areproud to offer gluten-free and veganoptions.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Offexit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunchand dinner, closed Wednesdays. ClassicItalian dishes, exceptional steaks andseafood (available in full and lighter sizes),thin crust pizza, homemade soups, saladshand tossed at your table. Fine wine andbeer selection. Casual atmosphere, dineindoors, outside on the patio or at the bar.Reservations appreciated.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondaythrough Saturday. Breakfast bagels andsandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwich-es for lunch with homemade soups, quich-es, and desserts. Wide selection of wineand beer. Outdoor and indoor dining.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BARMaggie Valley Inn and Conference Center828.926.0201 Open Monday-Thursday11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to11 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.mand Sunday 7:30 a.m to 9 p.m. Full servicerestaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafoodand dinner specials.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondaythrough Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. onSunday. A Waynesville tradition, the SmokyMountain Sub Shop has been serving greatfood for over 20 years. Come in and enjoythe relaxed, casual atmosphere. Sub breadsare baked fresh every morning inWaynesville. Using only the freshest ingredi-ents in home-made soups, salads and sand-wiches. Come in and see for yourself whySmoky Mountain Sub Shop was voted # 1in Haywood County. Locally owned andoperated.

SPEEDY’S PIZZA285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800.Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m.,Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza madeto order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, cal-zones and seafood. Also serving excellentprime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take outavailable. Located across from the FireStation.

TAP ROOM SPORTS BAR & GRILL176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. sevendays a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, sal-ads and hearty appetizers along with a fullbar menu in our casual, smoke-free neigh-borhood grill.

VITO’S PIZZA607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.828.369.9890. Established here in in1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laidback place, a place you can sit back, relaxand enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough,sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all madefrom scratch by Vito. The recipes have beenin the family for 50 years (don't ask for therecipes cuz’ you won't get it!) Each Pizza ishand tossed and made with TLC.

tasteTHEmountains

A&ESmoky Mountain News26

Haywood artisan receivesprestigious recognitionBY GARRET K. WOODWARDSTAFF WRITER

J ust mere feet from a bustling South MainStreet in Waynesville resides a cocoon ofcreativity. With a steady stream of vehicles rushing

by, one enters Jenny Bucker’s studio as if tostep into a portal of a calmer ambiance.Vibrant, intricate paintings hang from anyavailable wall space, while the sounds of Simon& Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair” echothroughout the cozy abode. Meanderingaround the rooms, the source of the song is notonly located, but so is the person immersed in

the melody, who faces ablank canvas ready to beadorned with the colorsof the imagination.

“Art is the one thing Iget so excited about that Iforget to eat,” shelaughed. “I’ve neverenjoyed anything thatmuch, and believe me —I love to eat and cook.”

Sitting down with Buckner, one immediatelynotices how shy she comes across. For an artistwho puts her soul onto the canvas for the worldto see, and perhaps critique, she avoids eye con-tact, keeps her bangs held low over her eyes,with conversation darting around until a com-fortable subject of common ground is found.

“I have a very short attention span,” sheconfessed modestly. “I’m all over the place. I’malready thinking something else as I’m talkingto you and looking around the room.”

And yet, the statement itself pinpointsBuckner, in style and in persona. As a painter,she constantly changes up her technique,almost as if to cover up her tracks before otherscan find her and pigeonhole who she “really is”as an artist. It is that unrelenting work ethicand internal drive of “catch me if you can” overa course of years which has resulted in Bucknerbecoming one of the most sought after paintersin the Southeast.

“A painting creates an emotion just like astory does,” the 49-year-old said. “As long asyou’re emotionally involved somehow, you’regoing to keep on reading, you’re going to keeplooking, keep being drawn into the story, intothe painting.”

THE ROAD TO HAYWOODGrowing up in Brevard, Buckner didn’t

have art classes in her high school. She had akeen interest in art, and even thought of herselfas quite creative. But, between the lack ofschool funds for programs and a haphazardmindset when attempting projects, Buckner

simply put any aspirations aside, for now.“I was always interested in learning how to

do all kinds of things,” she said. “And I wassomehow good at a lot of things, but nevergreat at one particular thing.”

Buckner studied horticulture at NorthCarolina State University and had initially

wanted to become a veterinarian. She evenpursued a graduate degree in the major. But,that all changed when she fell in love with afriend from high school (who also went to N.C.

State) who soon becameher husband.

“I love plants andanimals, but I decidedthat it wasn’t a career Iwanted to do,” she said.“My husband went onto medical school atChapel Hill, so I startedworking odd jobs thereto get him through col-lege, then we had twochildren, and I stayedhome, becoming ahousewife.”

And for a while,that life suited Buckner.She had a great familyand a happy existence.But, everythingchanged when her hus-band was diagnosedwith multiple sclerosis.The traumatic revela-tion rocked her family,ultimately placingBuckner at an emotion-al crossroads. It was atthat juncture wheneverything changed.

“I was reallydepressed and I had thisdream one night thatGod wanted me topaint,” she said. “So, thenext day I got somepaints and started paint-ing, and within a monthI had placed third in a

national contest — it really was a miracle.”As if struck by a lightning bolt from above,

the epiphany opened up a whole new world toBuckner. She had discovered an emotional,spiritual and professional outlet connecting tothe world around her — she had found hercalling.

“After the ‘miracle,” I’d cry after finishingmy first few paintings. It was so special to me,”she said. “Even now, I’ll say a prayer before Istart each painting, just so that God will be withme when I’m painting.”

AWAKENING THE CANVASBucker was 33 when she began putting

paint to a blank canvas. She remembers howscared she initially was to approach the Twigs& Leaves Gallery in downtown Waynesville tosee if they’d be interested in selling her work.She’d never tried to put her creations out intothe world, but as they say, “nothing ventured,nothing gained.”

“It’s all about getting in that first gallery,”she said. “And now, I’m in galleries aroundWestern North Carolina, Atlanta and Palm

Beach — I feel very blessedto be able to do so.”

Atop either winning orplacing high at regional andnational competitions,Buckner on a whim recentlyentered a floral paintingcontest put on byInternational ArtistMagazine, a prestigiousworldwide publication. Toher surprise, Buckner’spainting “Timeless Pink III”was chosen as a finalist to befeatured in their Februaryissue.

“There were finalistsfrom Ontario, California,Iceland, France, New Yorkand British Columbia, and

then you turn the page and there’s little JennyBuckner from Waynesville,” she chuckled.

Now headlong into her career, Buckneraims to give back to the youth of her communi-ty. Beyond the encouragement of an alreadyrobust and supportive artisan collective inHaywood County and beyond, she looks for-ward every year to the WNC Quick Draw. Apopular event where folks from all artisticmediums come together to create a work with-in an hour, the evening serves as a fundraiserfor art education in public schools and scholar-ships for graduating students pursuing art-related college majors.

“I would have loved to have had art when Iwas in school,” she said. “And this is a greatcause to get those funds and materials into thehands of the students.”

Even though Buckner never had any formaltraining in terms of learning how to paint, herstory is a testament to the will of those whopush ahead with their dreams, no matter thesituation they’re in, no matter the judgment byothers, no matter if at first you have no ideawhat to do, and how to go about doing it.

“You don’t have to go through the motionsto get to a certain point. It’s a freedom to knowthat everyone has that chance, that you don’thave to go to art school to become an artist,”she said. “With anything in life, the hardestpart is simply getting out the door.”

A brush with fate

Haywood County painter Jenny Buckner works in her Waynesvillestudio. ‘Timeless Pink III,’ which was picked to be featured by

International Artist Magazine in its February issue.Garret K. Woodward photo • Courtesy of Jenny Buckner

Jenny Buckner

“A painting creates anemotion just like a storydoes. As long as you’reemotionally involvedsomehow, you’re goingto keep on reading,you’re going to keeplooking, keep beingdrawn into the story,into the painting.”

— Jenny Buckner

Feb

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Face-to-face communication isa lost art.

Besides the actual act of writ-ing, my favorite part of being ajournalist is conducting the inter-view. Everyday, I meet up withcomplete strangers and immersemyself in their lives. It is a surrealand incredible experience, onethat only gets sweeter every year Idive deeper into this profession.

I specifically became an artsand entertainment writer becauseI’ve had this lifelong fascinationand thirst for exploring the cre-ative process, what it does tohuman beings, and what it meansto hone your “antenna” and con-nect to the energies of the cosmosaround you. For the subject, I canimagine the idea of someone pos-ing you questions about your life,your past and what you do isprobably a little jarring. I mean,how often are you quizzed aboutyour existence?

So, for me, it’s all about mak-ing them feel comfortable, finding a com-mon ground. The more I reveal about myselfin the conversation, the more they’ll revealabout themselves, where their walls comedown once I show vulnerability, where theinterview isn’t one-sided. And over the years,through all the amazing interviews, there areones you really got to push through the sub-ject’s apprehensiveness.

For example, I sat down with acclaimedpainter Jenny Buckner this week. Now, I’venever met Jenny before, and she seemed a lit-tle uneasy about how this interview wouldgo. I could sense it, as I do with a lot of thingsI easily notice in conversation after all theseyears interviewing. So, I started talking aboutwhat I do as a journalist, my writing processand so on, in an effort to break through.

HOT PICKS1Boojum Brewing Company will officially open

their taproom and restaurant at 11 a.m. Feb.21 in downtown Waynesville.

2 “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will hit thestage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19-21 and again at10:30 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Hoey Auditorium at Western Carolina University.

3Dirty Soul Revival (hard rock/blues) willperform at 9 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Water’n HoleBar & Grille in Waynesville.

4 The onstage radio broadcast “Robin Hood –The Legacy” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26in the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

5Writer Thomas Rain Crowe will hold areading at 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at City LightsBookstore in Sylva.

This must be the placeBY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Tools of the journalistic trade.

Garret K. Woodward photo

Soon, her facial expressions, voice andmannerisms all changed. She was gettingcomfortable, ultimately opening up like aflower on a sunny day. It turned out to be afantastic talk about creativity and what itmeans to be an artist in the 21st century.Her work is absolutely beautiful, check it outfor yourself: www.paintingsbyjenny.com. Bythe time I turned off my recorder, we hadbecome friends — strangers no more. Iwalked out of her studio with a smile on myface and kick in my step, as per usual when Ileave a great interview.

And I find that seem feeling washes overme, almost like a baptism of humanity,when I talk to people in every aspect of mylife. With a rich Irish background, I guessyou could say I possess the “gift of gab.” I’llstart a conversation with someone in line atthe bank, down an aisle at the grocerystore, fueling up my truck, at the counter ina diner, during a concert or simply just sit-ting by myself and noticing the person afew seats down is alone, too — I’ve nevermet a stranger.

It never ceases to amaze me how muchsomeone will spill about their life withinjust five minutes of meeting them. It’s notthat I’m trying to pry something out ofthem. It’s the mere fact nobody probablyever asks them how their day is, what theirdreams are, and if they’re happy. Sure, atfirst, they may act a little caught off-guard,seeing as I am a stranger and they don’tknow me, or my intentions. And I thinkit’s pretty sad in our modern world whenpeople think you have some kind of hid-den agenda, whereas in all actuality yousimply feel like making a connection withanother person.

That aside, I’ve found, more often thannot, people are always up for chat when youengage them positively. Though they mayopen up slowly, the floodgates of their soulsoon release. They smile. They laugh. Theyget sad. They might even cry. But, whatremains, when both sides of the conversa-tion depart, is a sense of clarity and cama-raderie with your fellow man, where yourealize deep down we are all a lot similarthan we give each other credit for.

People (you, me, that person sitting nextto you) are starving for conversation. I canpromise you that. When was the last timeyou actually had an honest, hearty talk withsomeone you didn’t know? Strike one up. Doit. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how wild,beautiful and rollicking those surroundingyou are when you discover their essence.Make eye contact. Be pure in your intent.Speak up. Join in. Be a participant in thiswhirlwind universe we’re all part of andutterly curious about.

I really do feel I have the best job in theworld. Find your passion, and pursue it witheverything you’ve got — what do you have tolose? You only live once. This ain’t no dressrehearsal.

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

“I’ll start a conversation with someone in line at the bank, down an aisle at the grocery store, fueling up my truck, at the counter in a diner, during a concert or simply just sitting by myself and noticing the person a few seats down is alone, too.”

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HCC to offer soundrecording, engineering

Haywood Community College’sWorkforce Continuing Education CreativeArts Department will offer an Introductionto Sound Recording/Engineering class onMondays from March 2 through May 18.

Students will learn how to set-up andoperate recording equipment. Instructionwill focus on the components in the audiochain; including microphones, cables,amplifiers, speakers and more. Some ofthe concepts covered are: gaining struc-ture in audio systems, room acoustics, andthe principles of sound. These includeamplitude, frequency, wavelength, veloci-ty and phase.

Throughout the course, students willgain hands-on experience of methods thatcan lead to a career as a music producer oraudio engineer. Instructor for the course isMax Hupertz.

Cost of this course is $70 plus a $10supply/lab fee. Students must cancel par-ticipation at least one week in advance forfull refund.

www.creativearts.haywood.edu or828.565.4240.

Traditional Africanmusic in Franklin

An evening of traditional African musicwill be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at theMacon County Public Library in Franklin.

Performer Sean Gaskell is an Asheville-based musician who plays the West AfricanKORA, a 21-stringed, gourd-bottomedharp, which dates back more than 300 yearsand is native to the Mandinka people of

Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea and GuineaBissau. Gaskell has studied with masterKora players in Gambia during multiple vis-its there, has been featured at music festi-vals in Gambia, Senegal, and throughoutthe United States, and has released analbum, “Kora Music of West Africa.” He willalso perform in the Macon County PublicSchools on Feb. 19-20, through the ArtsCouncil’s Artists-in-the-Schools Program.

The Arts Council and Macon CountyPublic Library are co-sponsors of this event.These programs are funded in part by theNorth Carolina Arts Council, a division ofthe Department of Cultural Resources.

828.524.ARTS or 828.524.3600.

Bryson City community jam

A community music jam will be heldfrom 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at theMarianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin,fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, areinvited to join. Singers are also welcomed tojoin in or you can just stop by andlisten. The jam is facilitated by LarryBarnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City.Normally, Barnett starts by calling out atune and its key signature and the groupplays it together. Then, everyone in the cir-cle gets a chance to choose a song for thegroup to play together.

The community jams offer a chance formusicians of all ages and levels of abilityto share music they have learned over theyears or learn old-time mountain songs.The music jams are offered to the publiceach first and third Thursday of themonth — year round.

828.488.3030.

Willie Nelson to play Harrah’s

Willie Nelson will hit the stage Feb. 28 at Harrah’s in Cherokee. Garret K. Woodward photo

Legendary outlaw country singer Willie Nelson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28,Harrah’s Cherokee. A country-rock megastar, Nelson penned such classics as “Crazy,” “Always OnMy Mind” and “Whiskey River.”

www.harrahscherokee.com.

GYPSY JAZZ HITSHAYWOOD LIBRARYGypsy jazz/swing band One

Leg Up will perform at 3p.m. Feb. 21 at the

Haywood County PublicLibrary in Waynesville. Free.

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On the beat

• Balsam Mountain Inn will have Annie Sellick& The Hot Club of Nashville as part of theirSongwriters in the Round series at 6 p.m.Feb. 28. $47 per person, which includes abuffet dinner. 828.456.9498.

• BearWaters Brewing (Waynesville) will haveSmokerise (southern rock) at 8 p.m. Feb. 21,Dave Desmelick (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m.Feb. 27 and a comedy show 9 p.m. Feb. 28.Both shows begin at 8 p.m. www.bwbrew-ing.com or 828.246.0602.

• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will haveMike Pilgrim & Friends(gypsy jazz) on Feb. 20,Joe Cruz (piano/pop)Feb. 21 and 28, and

Dulci Ellenberger (singer-songwriter) Feb. 27.All shows begin at 7 p.m. $10 minimum pur-chase. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwine-seller.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will haveChris Minick & Sheila Gordon(Americana/folk) Feb. 19, Hunter Grigg 7 p.m.Feb. 20, Through the Hills (Americana/folk)Feb. 21, Craig Summers & Lee Kram Feb. 26and Ben Wilson 7 p.m. Feb. 28. All shows at6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free.828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have anOpen Mic night on Feb. 18 and 25, and ajazz night Feb. 19 and 26. All events beginat 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will have DeadSoldiers Feb. 20 and Porch 40 (funk/rock) Feb.26. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m.828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus and Pub (Franklin)will have Brian Sandeb Feb. 20, Gary CarterFeb. 21 and Pam McCall Feb. 27. All showsare free and begin at 8 p.m.www.rathskellerfranklin.com or828.369.6796.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) willhave an Open Mic Night Feb. 19 andProductive Paranoia (Americana/bluegrass)Feb. 26 (tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at thedoor). All events begin at 7:30 p.m.www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) willhave Through the Hills (Americana/folk) Feb.20 and James Stinnet Feb. 27. Both showsare free and begin at 8 p.m.

• Tuck’s Tap & Grille (Cullowhee) will have aJuicy J After-party featuring Kaze & DJ P-Nominal Feb. 19, Hope Sets Sail local show-case (metal/pop) Feb. 20, Holy Ghost Revival(rock) and The French Broads (funk/rock)Feb. 21, DJ A-Minor Feb. 26, Nomadic(funk/electronic) Feb. 27, and The Burnin’Hermans (blues/funk) Feb. 28. All eventsbegin at 10 p.m.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grille (Waynesville) willhave Dirty Soul Revival (hard rock/blues)Feb. 20, Ashli Rose Feb. 21 and The HootenHallers with Chris Blaylock (blues/hard rock)Feb. 23. Both shows begin at 10 p.m.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee)will present a Faculty Woodwind RecitalFeb. 19 and Travis Bennett (horn studiorecital) Feb. 21 and 24 in the CoulterBuilding. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.www.wcu.edu.

Multi-platinum countrymusic artist Mark Wills willperform at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 28, at theSmoky Mountain Center forthe Performing Arts inFranklin.

Wills is known for his hits“Don’t Laugh at Me,” “WishYou Were Here” and “I Do(Cherish You).” In 1999, hisalbum “Wish You Were Here”was certified platinum. Thatsame year, Wills received anAcademy of Country Musicaward for Top New MaleVocalist. In 2002, he releasedhis biggest chart hit, “19Somethin,” which held theNo. 1 spot for six weeks andwas Billboard’s Top CountryHit of the Year. It was alsonamed the second most-played song of the decade.

Tickets cost $20.www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

ALSO:

Wills to bring Nashville hits to FranklinMark Wills. Donated photo

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Presented as a live radio broadcast onstage, “RobinHood – The Legacy” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb.26, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Centerat Western Carolina University.

The show, the seventh in a series of “academic-basedentertainment” productions at WCU, will be presented inthe style of a 1938 radio production with the cast, soundeffects and orchestra all live on stage.

“Robin Hood” is a collaborative effort between two ofthe university’s colleges and three departments andinvolves students, staff, faculty and regional professionals.In addition, members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestrawill be joining music students for the WCU Artist-In-Residence Orchestra to provide live musical underscore forthe presentation.

Dr. Bruce Frazier, composer and music director whoholds WCU’s Carol Grotnes Belk DistinguishedProfessorship in Commercial and Electronic Music, said theoriginal music draws upon a broad range of themes andinfluences.

Poems from 12th-century ballads about Robin Hoodserved as inspiration for the project. In the radio play, atroubadour relates the tales as they unfold, representing thewandering minstrels of the era who traveled from town totown spreading the news of the day. The original melodiesthat he sings are used elsewhere in the play as underscore tothe dramatic action.

The program’s opening will feature the radio showorchestra performing masterpieces of British orchestralmusic from the early 20th century — music that harkens

back to the glories of the English renaissance and Baroqueeras for inspiration. The production also will include expres-sive, interpretive dance choreographed by Karyn Tomczak,director of the dance program, and Amy Dowling, instruc-tor of dance in the School of Stage and Screen.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online atwww.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or by contacting the BardoArts Center box office at 828.227.2479. All proceeds benefitstudent scholarship funds in the participating depart-ments.

[email protected] or 828.227.3851.

On the stage

Guest travel bloggers needed Haywood Tourism Development Authority is currently

looking for volunteer guest travel bloggers to contribute arti-cles to its Homegrown Blog on www.visitncsmokies.com.

While the TDA staff contributes blogs on a weekly basis,they want to include more local voices and their passion forall there is to do in Haywood County. The posts are requiredto be specifically about a travel or tourism related topic inHaywood County as the overall goal is to encourage travelersto visit Haywood County. Each posting would also need pho-tos submitted with it as well.

If you are interested in submitting a guest blog or havequestions, contact Anna Smathers at [email protected]. Include any sample writings or topics that you areinterested in covering. If picked for a blog, the TDA will cred-it you for your work and include a short bio.

Father/daughter dance to be held in Sylva

The 8th annual Father/Daughter Dance will be heldfrom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the First UnitedMethodist Church in Sylva.

Daughters of all ages are invited to enjoy a wonderfulevening of great music, desserts and punch. Every couplewill receive a complimentary photo to remember the specialevent. Each daughter will receive a corsage and a party favor.

The fee for advanced registration is $30 per couple and$5 for each additional daughter. The price at the door is $35per couple and $5 for each additional daughter. Registration

forms and payments should be received by Feb. 20. Mailthese to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 296, Sylva,N.C. 28779. Registration forms can be picked up at thechurch office at 77 Jackson Street in downtown Sylva orfilled out on the church’s website, www.firstumcsylva.org.

‘Mastering Your Energy’ through movement, sound

Laura Elliot will lead a“Mastering Your Energy”class at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.24, at the Jackson CountyPublic Library in Sylva.

This class encouragesparticipants to become themaster of their energythrough movement andsound, using the body andvoice as powerful instru-ments for healing. Attendeeswill learn movements ofQigong and Tai Chi, plus

methods of vocal toning to relieve stress, strengthen vitalityand restore balance in body, mind and spirit.

Elliot has been practicing energy medicine and the orien-tal exercises of Tai Chi and Qigong for over 15 years and is acertified Healing Touch practitioner.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the JacksonCounty Public Library. Free.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

Kelsie Baker, Keller Fitzpatrick and Ben Bakerof Boojum Brewing Company. Garret K. Woodward photo

Boojum to open Waynesville taproom

Boojum Brewing Company, Waynesville’s newest (andfourth) brewery, will officially open its downtown taproomat 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at 50 North Main Street.

Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m.to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noonto 9 p.m. Sunday. As well, they’re already open for growlerfills and tastings at their headquarters in the Dellwood areaof Waynesville (near the Lake Junaluska intersection) from 2to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

www.boojumbrewing.com.

One-man show coming to WCU The Galaxy of Stars Series will present the one-man show

“Man 1, Bank 0” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in the John W.Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western CarolinaUniversity.

The show is the true story of a man, Patrick Combs, whodeposited a junk-mail check labeled non-negotiable into a bankaccount only to see things erupt into an adventure pitting a“David” regular guy against the “Goliath” of the banking indus-try. The production, which has enjoyed sold-out runs worldwide, is“an extraordinary tale of men in black, tense phone calls and afake check for $95,093.35.”

As one might suspect, complications ensue, including angrybanking officers threatening jail time and death, a leadingauthority on banking coming out of retirement, astonishing legaltwists and worldwide media coverage.

Tickets cost $21 for adults ($15 in groups of 20 or more), $16for WCU faculty and staff members, and $7 for students/childrenof any age. The show is sponsored by the Holiday Inn Express.

828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

On the street

Patrick Comb’sproduction ‘Man1, Bank 0’ will beFeb. 28 at WCU.Jan Stary photo

‘Robin Hood’ radio production

A live onstage radio production of ‘Robin Hood’ will be heldon Feb. 26 at WCU. Donated photo

Feb

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BookstoreSaturday, Feb. 21

3 p.m.

Thomas Rain Crowe

will present BeatitudeMagazine and the 1970s

San Francisco Renaissance

280-101On the wall

Portrait exhibitfeatures Bora

“Portraits & Portraits,” an exhibition of aselected group of portraits from the lateVadim Bora will run through March 6 in theFine Arts Museum at Western CarolinaUniversity. A special reception and discussionof his work will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 19, at the museum.

Bora immigrated from Vladikavkaz,North Ossetia in Russia to Asheville, wherehe kept an active studio and gallery for overten years. Besides being a painter, he was asculptor, philosopher, teacher, and an activecreator of satirical political cartoons.Classically trained, his drawings and paint-ings tend to shift stylistically as he workedmore from the subconscious than from theuse if models or any kinds of technology. Hetrained at the Vladikavkaz College of Art andthe noted St. Petersburg Academy of Art.

www.wcu.edu.

WCU to host Youth Art Month exhibit

Western Carolina University will celebratethe artwork of local students with the 2015Jackson County Youth Art Month exhibitMarch 1-23 at the John W. Bardo Fine andPerforming Arts Center in Cullowhee.

A reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.Sunday, March 22, in the Bardo Arts Center. Thereception will include an announcement of thisyear’s winners, who will be judged by WCU arteducation students. Cash prizes will be awarded.The event is free and the public is invited.

Youth Art Month has been celebrated since1976, and WCU began hosting a local event in1988. This year’s exhibit will include the art-work of more than 300 Jackson County studentsfrom kindergarten through the 12th grade.Youth Art Month strives to emphasize theimportance of art education and to promote

public support for quality school art programs.This year’s participants will come from

Cullowhee Valley School, Blue Ridge School,Fairview Elementary School, Summit CharterSchool, Smoky Mountain High School, ScottsCreek School, Smokey Mountain ElementarySchool, Jackson County School ofAlternatives and Cherokee schools.

Sponsors include WCU’s School of Art andDesign, Art Education Club, College of Fine andPerforming Arts, Bardo Art Center, Fine ArtMuseum, and College of Education and AlliedProfessions and the Jackson County Arts Council.

828.227.3598 or [email protected].

• The drama “The Theory of Everything”(Feb. 20-March 4) will be screened at TheStrand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Forscreening times, click on www.38main.comor call 828.283.0079.

• The “Frozen — Sing It Celebration” will beat 7 p.m. Friday, Feb.20, at the SmokyMountain Center for thePerforming Arts in

Franklin. $8. www.greatmountainmusic.comor 866.273.4615.

• The comedy/drama “Birdman” will bescreened at the Highlands Playhouse.Showtimes are at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Thursdaythrough Saturday, and also 2 and 5 p.m.Sunday. Tickets cost $9. For dates and moreinformation, call 828.526.2695. www.high-landsplayhouse.org.

• A ceramics class will be held 10 a.m. tonoon Tuesday, Feb. 24, at The Bascom inHighlands. The focus will be on makingunique ceramic rattles inspired by modernand ancient ceremonial rattles. Simple handtechniques will also be used in this project.There will also be some carving, coil buildingand basic bead making. To register, go towww.thebascom.org or call 828.526.4949.

Oil painting demo in BrysonOil painter Jeff Marley will give a

demonstration of his alla prima (weton wet) technique for creating quick,fluid paintings at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday,March 3, at the Swain County Centerfor the Arts in Bryson City.

Marley will include the use ofpalette knives, mediums and thickpaint texturing as he demonstratesthe painting of birds and a land-scape. He will also discuss how thistechnique can be used in plein airpainting (painting outdoors) and willprovide a list of all the tools andaccessories he uses.

Sponsored by the NC Arts Council, Swain County Center for the Arts and Swain County Schools.This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the department ofCultural Resources.

Free.

ALSO:

Painter Jeff Marley will hold a demonstrationMarch 3 in Bryson City. Donated photo

BooksSmoky Mountain News32

O ne of my bookshelves is reserved forbooks that I have not read, but that I amsaving for some special event. What I

want is the pleasure of reading without adeadline hanging over my head. I actually buybooks and put them on the shelf, reserved for“when I get the flu.”

Joe has been on that shelf for more than 15years. Each time I take it down and read apage or two, I put it back. “No, that is toogood to waste by “speed reading.” Take yourtime. OK, the timehas come.

Larry Brown is anhonored writer and isusually listed amongSouthern writers ofsignificant merit. Butthe recognition camelate, primarilybecause Larry Brownwas born in Oxford,Mississippi, the birth-place of William Faulkner. This “handicap”only made Larry work with more determina-tion, and there are several documentary filmson YouTube that give details about his persist-ence. Brown kept an assortment of “day jobs”to buy the groceries, but his stubborn persist-ence continued. Indeed, he may have collect-ed the most impressive collection of rejectionletters of any writer.

When success came, it was startling, withalmost a half-dozen novels published in suc-cession: Dirty Work, (1989) Fathers andSons,(1996) Joe (1991) and Fay (2000). Criticsusually compared him to Cormac McCarthyand Harry Crews. Then, Hollywood expressedan interest in his work. Larry was just begin-ning to enjoy his new-found popularity andspeak with confidence about his plans for thefuture when he died suddenly of a heart attackin 2004.

When Joe opens, a desperate family ofsquatters are struggling along a Mississippiroad in the blistering heat. The family consistsof a listless and incoherent woman, her twodaughters and a teenage son. The father,Wade, appears callous and indifferent to hisfamily and is intent on scavenging. Gradually,the reader learns that these five people have

been on the road for years, and they areattempting to return to a derelict house wherethey once lived. It becomes obvious that Wadeis afflicted with a moral degeneracy that is soprofound he has become a social outcast.

Like Jeeter Lester in Erskine Caldwell’sTobacco Road and Lester Ballard in CormacMcCarthy’s Child of God, Wade Jones has

become bestial and unre-deemable. However, there is adifference in Larry Brown’sdepiction of helpless victimsand malignant evil. There is alack of compassion inCaldwell. Indeed, TobaccoRoad often seems to possess acruel humor. In Joe, theteenage son, Gary, struggles topull the family together. As hebuilds a fire and feeds hisderanged mother and feeble-minded sister, it is evident thathe has replaced Wade as the“provider.” In the days follow-ing the return to the decayinghouse, it is Gary who will lookfor work.

The title of the book refersto Joe Ransom, who isn’texactly a representative formoral rectitude, but in thisbitter tale from the hardscrab-ble land of Mississippi, hemanages to acquire a kind ofnobility. Joe is a contractor fora black workforce with thedubious job of “poisoningtrees.” It is brutal work andthe purpose is to remove scrubtimber from a large tract ofland which will be reforested.Despite a violent temper and apropensity for drinking and

womanizing, Joe seems to have a moral com-pass and despite the fact that he has spenttime in prison (and seems fated to return), hehas a reputation for fairness and honesty thatmakes him an ideal “boss.”

In effect, this book focuses on three malecharacters: Wade, whose lack of humanityand concern for others has made him a “wolfamong men;” Gary, Wade’s son, who, despitehis environment, has a stubborn drive to sur-vive and provide for his family; and Joe, whoseems to retain an instinct for decency andbecomes a kind of surrogate father to Garywhen the boy becomes a part of Joe’s work-force. Although initially reluctant, Joe ends uphelping the boy acquire food and helps theboy buy Joe’s old van for a nominal fee. ForGary, the van means independence and a newlife.

Many of the scenes involving Wade have akind of dark, gothic humor. There are refer-ences to his having sold a child in the past andin one surreal episode, he casually murders ahomeless man. A scene in which he managesto attend a drunken party at a university has akind of nightmarish setting in which Wademanages to escape without beingarrested. When Joe discovers that Wade ispimping for his retarded daughter, it promptsJoe to intervene ... an act that will have tragicconsequences.

It is quite possible that Larry Brownintended to write a series of novels that wouldbe interlocking in much in the same mannerthat the Chicago writer James T. Farrell didwith his Studs Lonigan series. Minor charac-ters in early works would become the protago-nists of their own story. For example, early inJoe, Gary’s sister, Fay, decides to abandon thedestitute Jones family and survive on herown. It is noteworthy that one of LarryBrown’s novels written after Joe is Fay. MaybeI need to take that one on next.

Larry Brown earns his spot in Southern pantheon

Cook releases debut novel in Franklin

Tyler Cook will release his debut novel The One at a specialrelease party at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Macon County PublicLibrary in Franklin.

In the book, Eli Cooper never expects love to be this difficult. Whensomeone from his past suddenly reappears, he can’t help but noticethe attraction between the two of them. But sometimes, the peoplethat you love may not love you back. Eli must find his way back fromheartbreak, and discover a life where his love can be returned. But inorder to do that, he must also face his demons, and overcome hisgreatest fear — revealing his deepest secret to the world.

In 2014, Cook released A Guide to Historic Dillsboro, a 125-year commemorative book, which celebrates the historic town ofDillsboro, as well as raising money for the Appalachian Women’sMuseum. He has also written many published articles that havehighlighted the Macon County school system and Western Carolina

University. Books Unlimited in Franklin will sell copies of both books at the

event on Feb. 21. The event is cosponsored by the Macon CountyPublic Library and Books Unlimited.

828.369.7942 or 828.371.8519 [email protected].

Thomas Rain Crowe book signingTuckasegee author and publisher Thomas Rain Crowe will have

a book signing and reading at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at CityLights Bookstore in Sylva.

He will present Beatitude Magazine and the 1970s SanFrancisco Renaissance. Published by New Native Press, the book isa photographic history of the beat-inspired San Francisco literarymovement of the early 1970s through the early 1980s. Artists andwriters came from all over the country and the world to add theirvoices to a growing community where Rain Crowe had a front rowseat. He also served as an editor for Beatitude Press. Rain Crowe is

the author of numerous books, including Zoro’s Field: My Life inthe Appalachian Woods.

828.586.9499.

WCU welcomes DelpitWestern Carolina University Department of Human Services will

present writer Lisa Delpit for a one-on-one interview at 3 p.m.Friday, Feb. 27, at the Killian Building in Cullowhee.

Author of Other People’s Children: Cultural Conflict in theClassroom, Delpit is currently the Felton G. Clark DistinguishedProfessor of Education at Southern University in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. She was formerly executive director of the Center forUrban Education and Innovation at Florida International Universityin Miami, Florida.

The interview will be conducted by John Bryant, senior directorof human resources for Henderson County public schools and aWCU doctoral student.

[email protected] or 828.227.3323.

WriterGary

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Joe by Larry Brown. Algonquin Books, 1991. 345 pages

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Harris to present new novel

South Carolina author Elizabeth Harriswill present her novel, What am I to doNow, Mama? at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, atCity Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Coy Bronson is a talented man who leftthe mountains of North Carolina to followhis dream to California. Despite manyobstacles, Coy leans on his mother’s encour-agement and develops a successful career asan actor, director, producer and writer — acareer that takes him from Hollywood toNew York and Europe during World War II.

Harris began writing at a young age of13. She was influenced and encouraged byher high school classmates to follow herdream of writing, but never became seriousand kept it on the backburner until the lastfew years. She has enjoyed many countlessdays of research collecting all the uncoveredinformation, which goes into her writing.

Runyon to present newpoetry collection

Poet Louise Runyon will read from hernew collection, The Clearing, at 6:30 p.m.Friday, Feb. 27, at City Lights Bookstore inSylva.

The collection explores the concept of“clearing” in the personal, geographical,

spiritual, individual and communal aspectsof our lives. Poet and playwright AliceLovelace said this of the book, “Runyon haswritten poems and stories that resonatewith home, loss, hope, love, and leaving.Her words are the language of geometry,dreams, memory, and the land.”

828.586.9499.

Bookmaking workshopwith Woody

The Creating Community Workshop forbookmaking will be held at 11 a.m.Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Jackson CountyPublic Library in Sylva.

This style of bookmaking is easy to learnbut hard to master. Accordion books areextremely effective for journaling, collageand simple pocket pages.

Gayle Woody will lead the workshop.She has lived in Sylva and Cullowhee forover 50 years. She is currently the artteacher at Smoky Mountain High School.She is a member of the Jackson County ArtsCouncil and has won numerous awards forher art.

All materials will be provided and theprogram is free of charge. The workshop islimited to 10 participants. Call the library toregister. This event is co-sponsored by theFriends of the Jackson County PublicLibrary.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

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OutdoorsSmoky Mountain News34


Stepping into Kirk Wall’s custom-car-pentered, immaculately decoratedmountaintop home, I couldn’t helpbut wonder if I’d knocked on the

wrong door. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceil-ings, breakable horse figurines and pieces ofpottery — not to mention, only traceamounts of dog hair — made it hard tobelieve that this place could be home to sixlarge dogs.

But a sing-song howling had greeted me themoment Wall opened the door, and a glimpseinto his first-floor bedroom revealed a row ofsix large dog crates bordering the wall oppositehis bed. This had to be the right place.

Of course, in Western North Carolina, it’snot hard to find someone who owns six ormore dogs. Wall’s pack is different, though,because they’re not your standard NorthCarolina hound mutt. They’re Siberianhuskies — Natasha, Kiska, Qannik, Cheoah,Frankie and Typhoon.

Wall dubs his dog pack The ThunderingHerd. They’ve got their own website and blog— their human does the updates on it, aspaws aren’t great for typing — and spendtheir days embarking on adven-

tures and misadventures in the WesternNorth Carolina backcountry.

“To me there is absolutely no better day inthe world than to be on a trail in the PisgahNational Forest or the Blue Ridge Parkway,”said Wall, who is recently retired from acareer in the financial industry. “You’re out ona trail with your dogs, yourself, your back-pack. It’s awesome.”

AN UNCOMMON HOBBYHiking is a relatively common hobby in

WNC. But for Wall, it led him to pursue a not-so-common pastime: mushing. Or, for thosenot familiar with the lingo of the far north,running a dog team.

“Everybody asks you, particularly whenyou’re walking six, ‘Where’s the sled?’” Wallsaid. “I was always just curious about it. Howdid you mush?”

He decided to find out. Though his dogs are all rescues, Wall likes

going to dog shows to see the best of thebreed. At one of those shows, he met KarenRamstead, 11-time Iditarod musher and will-ing advisor to a beginner like Wall. He gotsome advice, got some equipment and got to

mushing. The sport looks pretty different in the

North Carolina Smokies than it does inAlaska or Canada.

“Here, you never get the snow-pack you need to run,” he said.

Running a dogsled requiresat least 6 to 8 inches of hard-

packed snow, becausethe only way to

stop thesled is

usinga big,

pronged hook called a snowbreak. The snow-break needs a certain amount of snow on theground to do its job.

Wall has never used the sled he bought forsnow mushing. Instead, he makes his runs ona wheeled contraption that’s part bike, partscooter and part dogsled. He stands on asmall platform between two fat wheels. A gan-gline to which the dogs’ custom-made har-nesses attach hooks into a ring on the front,below the handlebars, which feature hand-brakes like a bicycle’s.

He’s got another scooter, too, that moreresembles an actual dogsled. Instead of han-dlebars that allow him to steer, he directs thesled by the way he leans. And instead of press-ing a handbrake, the sled uses a groundbrakemuch like the ones on snow sleds, but adapt-ed for dirt roads.

Wall hasn’t used either sled this winter,though, because his pack is without a leader.

Any dog team involves four separate roles— lead, swing, team and wheel. The wheeldog is the one responsible for pulling the sledaround obstacles and is usually the burliest ofthe bunch. The swing dog helps the sledswing around those obstacles. The team dogsjust help pull. The lead dogs, however, havethe most important role. It’s their job to routethe sled, listening to the musher’s commandsand combining those wishes with their ownknowledge to skirt obstacles and avoid dan-ger. Huskies are bred to think for themselves,a trait that makes the breed both entertainingand frustrating, depending on the situation.

“It’s all mental work, and it’s exhausting,”Wall said of the lead role. In longer races, thelead dog will typically switch out with theswing to rotate responsibility.

A TONGUE-IN-CHEEK NAMEWall’s lead dog, 12-year-old Natasha,

learned the role almost by accident. When hehikes with the dogs, Wall connects their leash-es to a waist belt he wears — the first rule ofkeeping huskies, he said, is to never let themrun off-leash, because they won’t stop — andNatasha was quick to pick up on the com-mands for left and right.

“When we came to a fork in the trail I’dsay ‘gee’ or ‘haw,’ and she would take the cor-rect fork,” he said.

That made things a lot easier, becauseteaching the first lead dog how to do its job isthe hardest part. After that, another dog canlearn just from being hooked up beside thelead. In The Thundering Herd, Cheoah hadbeen that student.

But then both Natasha and Cheoah gottheir knees hurt within weeks of each other,

both in separate, non-mushing-relatedinstances. While they recover, Wall doesn’thave a lead and The Thundering Herd is outof harness.

They’re still thundering away, however.When I stepped outside to say hi — thedogs love cold weather and often don’t wantto come in at night, even when tempera-tures dip into the teens, Wall said — thehuskies were on their hind legs with excite-ment. Especially Typhoon, a 2-year-old malewith one blue eye and one brown.

“You know it’s trouble when you name adog after a natural disaster,” Wall laughed.

Typhoon is not technically part of the dogsled team yet, since last winter he was tooyoung to mush. But the “thundering” adjec-tive still applies to the team, Wall said, and ismore of a self-deprecating joke than it is anintimidating team name.

In a well-trained dog team, “thedogs get into a rhythm and are as

Mountain thunderMaggie musher takes up snowless dog sledding

Celebrate winterSmoky style

Maggie Valley’s inaugural WinterFestSmoky Style will celebrate the best of the cold-weather season from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Maggie ValleyFestival Grounds.

Amateur sled dog owners will compete in aweight-pulling competition, officially sanc-tioned by the International Weight PullAssociation, and sled dogs, Plott hounds andpolice K9s from around the region will alsoshow their stuff with demonstrations through-out the day. Of course, the weather is always agamble.

“That’s why we are calling the event‘WinterFest Smoky Style,’” said Maggie ValleyMayor Ron DeSimone. “We have no ideawhether it will be sunny and dry, raining or asnowstorm.”

The cast of “Hillbilly Blood,” a DiscoveryChannel reality television show about surviv-ing in the mountains filmed in and aroundHaywood County, will demonstrate survivalskills, and there will be plenty of activitiesgeared toward children.

Friday morning, 9 a.m. to noon, the LensLuggers Photographic Association will addtheir interpretation of celebrating winter witha photography seminar, followed by a guidedphoto shoot in the Great Smoky MountainsNational Park the next morning. The club willsponsor a photo contest for $7 per entry, withprizes for first, second and third places.

In addition to the daytime festivalSaturday, banquet dinners will be held Fridayand Saturday evenings at the Maggie ValleyInn.

Proceeds from banquet and festivaladmissions will benefit Friends of theHaywood County Animal Shelter, a newlyformed nonprofit aiming to raise money tobuild a new county animal shelter.

www.winterfestsmokystyle.com.

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Qannik’s name comesfrom the Inuit for hisshelter name ofSnowflake. Holly Kays photo

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quiet as can be,” he said. “Therefore, callinga team ‘The Thundering Herd’ is a jokebecause they’re not supposed to be thunder-ing. They’re supposed to be quiet.”

LEARNING FROM THE BESTThough I didn’t get to see Wall’s dogs in

harness, I can easily attest to the fact thatout of harness, they’re anything but quiet.No barking, but lots of vocalization.

“What you get from them all the time isthis sing-song talking,” he said. “You cankind of hear them when they’re talking backat you, and they have this lengthy vocabu-lary. I can get into a full-fledged conversa-tion with them.”

Soon, he hopes to be able to tell his dogsall about how to hone their sledding skills.On the planning committee for MaggieValley’s inaugural WinterFest Smoky Stylefestival, Wall is excited to learn from theeight to ten mushers he expects to show upto demonstrate their sport.

“They’re really, really talented athletes.They’re really good,” he said. “I’m the kidplaying flag football in the backyard.”

Still, Wall doesn’t know of anyone elsein WNC who runs a dog team. There’s noreason for that to be true, he said, andthere’s no reason that Maggie Valleycouldn’t host the country’s earliest or lastdog race of the season.

“As you get to the end of that season,

they don’t have snow either unless they’rein Canada or something like that, so theyconvert to dryland rigs,” Wall said of mush-ers further north.

There are icy patches amid the bareground, and dryland rigs just don’t work.Enter WNC, home of amazing scenery,miles of the dirt road needed for racing andclear ground for most of the year.

“We could be that early race. We couldbe that beginning of the season,” he said.“We are really the southernmost point thatcan have legitimate winter events.”

There are plenty of other places in theSouth with snowless dirt roads, but WNCalso boasts chillier temperatures than otherpart of the region. For mushing, that’simportant, regardless of whether the rig isset for snow or dry land.

“You can’t overheat the dogs, so it tendsto be a winter sport,” Wall said.

A LONG-TERM PROJECTWinterFest is designed to be fun, but it’s

also designed to prove a point, Wall said. “We know in the summer all the towns

in this area work really hard to have eventsevery weekend,” he said. “Why can’t wehave them in the winter?”

Sure, North Carolina isn’t exactly knownfor its epic snowfall, but WNC has a skiresort and plenty of hiking trails, bikingroutes, local crafts and other ways to enjoythe region during cold weather.

“I’m approaching this whole thing as along-term event,” Wall said.

For more than just dog mushing, butmushing is, obviously, Wall’s winter sportof choice. He’d love to see the event have itsown officially sanctioned race in WNC,bringing in skilled headliners but alsoincluding smaller races for amateurs.

“It’s really not hard to do it atthe level I do it,” he said.

It’s rewarding, though, andgives an energetic outlet to dogsthat have been bred to run forhours without stopping.

“They are very intelligent andvery mischievous at the same

time,” Wall said. “It creates this dog younever know exactly what it’s going to donext, and it’s very entertaining.”

Wall’s got an escape artist, an incessantpublic speaker, a couch potato and a hyperjock — hilarity ensues every day.

“They are so much fun,” he said. Things are never boring in The

Thundering Herd.

JOB FAIRS Wednesday, February 25th

and Wednesday, March 18th8:00am – 4:00pm

At Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center at 75 Leroy George Dr in Clyde.

Located in 2nd Floor Classroom.

Clinical and Non-clinical positionsEntry level and Leadership candidates.

Leadership staff will be onsite to conduct interviews/networking.Computers will also be available to

submit applications.

For current positions available, please visit our website at www.haymed.org/careers.aspx

Honey up to hivesAn introductory beekeeping class 8:30 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the HaywoodCounty Extension Building in Waynesville willunveil the mysteries of beekeeping for begin-ners. $50 and free for students under 18,including memberships to county and statebeekeeping associations.

RSVP to 828.456.3575.

Database to showcasepurveyors wood andforestry products

A “buy local” directory for wood-related

products from Western North Carolina is look-ing for more businesses, artisans and organi-zations to add to its listings before launching a

searchable database version of the directorylater this year.

Root Cause connects customers andlandowners, supporting sustainable forestryand local woodcrafts. Founder Lang Hornthalhopes to triple the number of listings in theRoot Cause directory by summer, when theonline directory is expected to launch.

Sign up atwww.appalachiandesigns.com/root-cause. It’sfree to join, and the directory will link to mem-ber websites.

Learn how to betterboost garden yields

A free program teaching green — andbrown — thumbs how to get the most out oftheir veggie gardens will be held at 5:30 p.m.Tuesday, March 3, at the Canton BranchLibrary.

Jim Janke, a retired chemical engineer andMaster Gardener Volunteer since 2005, willteach the class. Topics will include how to pre-pare and plant a garden to increase yield.

An information session about the GivingGarden at the Canton Branch Library and Seed-Lending Library at the Waynesville Library willprecede the class, beginning at 5 p.m.

Presented by Haywood County PublicLibrary, Haywood County Cooperative Extension,the Haywood County Master Gardener Program,Friends of the Library and the Master GardenerVolunteer Association. 828.648.2924.

Rough boards await amaster’s touch. Donated photo

Thunder with the herdKirk Wall keeps a daily blog detailing — with photo

documentation — the antics of his husky herd. Take alook at www.thethunderingherd.com.

Kirk Wall enjoys some playtimewith half his dog pack.

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The weather is wintry, but spring is justaround the corner. Mark your calendar forsome of these upcoming springtime events.

■ The Discover Life in AmericaConference will be held March 19-21 inGatlinburg at the Park Vista. The theme“Every Living Thing” will include presenta-tions on snails and sponges, field trips inbotany, birds and geology and educator-ori-ented workshops. ■ The Southeastern Recreation ResearchConference will be held March 22-24 inAsheville, giving parks and recreationresearchers and managers a chance to hearthe latest research in outdoor-based leisure,recreation and tourism. ■ Pisgah Area SORBA will hold its SpringFling April 3-5, celebrating the last daybefore seasonal trails close to mountain bik-ing. The event is family- and dog-friendlywith group rides and camping. ■ The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage willbe held April 21-25 in the Great SmokyMountains National Park and Gatlinburg,Tennessee. The days will be full of guidedhikes, classes and seminars on a wide vari-ety of nature topics, including photography,art and cultural heritage as well.■ The 42nd Annual Spring Wildflowerand Bird Pilgrimage at University of NorthCarolina Asheville will be held May 2-4.The event will feature seminars, garden

tours and a variety of field trips. ■ Wildflower Whimsy, May 8-9, atHighlands Biological Station in Highlands.The weekend, a fundraiser for the

Highlands Biological Station, will include alecture, field trip, native plant auction andreception. ■ Heritage Life Skills IV, a weekend ofclasses in survival skills ranging fromarchery to food preservation to ham radios,will be held May 29-31 at the HaywoodCounty Fair Grounds.

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Trees talk at Smokies program

Trees have plenty of stories to tell,and naturalist Ila Hatter will relate theirtales during a fireside chat 2 to 4:30 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 28, at the OconalufteeVisitor Center in the Great SmokyMountains National Park.

Hatter, has more than 25 years of expe-rience teaching the cultural heritage ofplants. She will regale her listeners whilethey enjoy hot apple cider, sassafras teaand wild spice cookies during this GreatSmoky Mountains Association program.

Located just inside the entrance to thepark on U.S. 441, north of Cherokee.RSVP to [email protected] or865.436.7318, ext. 222 or 254. $15 forGreat Smoky Mountains Associationmembers and $35 for nonmembers, witha complimentary membership included.

Mark your calendarIla Hatter

Spring beauties — and events to celebrate them — are just around

the corner. Holly Kays photo

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Game on (the table) at fundraising dinner

An annual Wild Game Dinner hosted bythe Wildlife Club at Haywood CommunityCollege will serve up a meal of home-cooked wild game dishes while raisingmoney for the student group.

The meal, held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27,at the Haywood County Fairgrounds, will bepotluck, with attendees requested to bringtheir favorite dish of wild game, vegetablesor dessert. Bread and drinks will be provid-ed.

The evening will include live entertain-ment and a game and non-game callingcompetition. Door prize drawings — grandprize is a lifetime hunting/fishing license —a silent auction and a live auction will alsobe part of the festivities.

The evening will raise money to sendstudents to the Annual SoutheasternWildlife Conclave, support a student schol-arship and support additional learningopportunities for students. Admission is $5for those who bring a dish and $10 forthose who do not. Free for children 12 andunder.

828.627.4560.

A 5K to support Mountain CharterDiscovery School is looking for sponsors forits April 11 event.

The inaugural Bubble Bunny 5K FunRun/Walk will be held in the Village ofForest Hills, a community near WesternCarolina University in Jackson County, andwill be complete with bunny ears and bub-ble machines.

The fundraiser will support MountainDiscovery’s cross-country team and athletic,music and theater programs. The school islocated in Bryson City but draws a largenumber of its students from JacksonCounty.

Registration and sponsorship informa-tion is online from the link on the sidemenu at www.villageofforesthills.org.

New 5K looks for sponsors

The Haywood Community College Wildlife Club prepares for last year’s Wild Game Dinner.Donated photo

A.T. registration canprevent a crowded hiking experience

Traffic on the Appalachian Trail is expect-ed to be high this year following the releasesof trail-related movies “Wild” and “A Walk inthe Woods” this winter, so the A.T.Conservancy has launched a new registra-tion system to help hikers avoid the crowds.

“The solution is simple. The hikers needto spread out,” said Morgan Sommerville,the ATC’s regional director.

The southern end of the A.T. can sufferfrom extreme crowding because thru-hikers

— those attempting an end-to-end hike ofthe trail in one season — are all hitting thetrail around the same concentrated window,namely from early March to early April.

When too many people cram together atcampsites, plants get trampled, trash accu-mulates and waste becomes concentrated,degrading the A.T. experience.

The registration system, though totallyvoluntary, can help hikers beat those crowds,even if it means starting out on a Tuesday forexample, instead of a Saturday. It does not,however, provide guaranteed spaces at A.T.shelters or substitute for required permits.Close to 300 people have registered so far.

www.appalachiantrail.org/thruhikeregis-tration.

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Log on. Plan a getaway. Let yourself unplug.

a website to take you to places

where there are no websites.

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State bill seeks to strike down fracking rulesBills to get rid of the oil and gas extraction rules developed by the N.C. Mining and

Energy Commission have been introduced in both the House and Senate of the N.C.General Assembly, with Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, signing on as a co-sponsor ofthe House version.

The rules spell out regulations for drilling and mining of oil and gas, setting the stagefor a new era of energy development in the state following North Carolina’s lifting of theban on hydraulic fracturing, called fracking. Fracking allows companies to cost-effectivelyget fossil fuels out of the ground where they couldn’t before, but many decry the practiceas dangerous and environmentally toxic.

The rules are slated to go into effect 30 to 60 days after the beginning of the 2015 ses-sion — if no alternative bill is passed to disprove all or part of the proposed rules. Ifpassed, the bills now introduced in the House and Senate would keep the rules from beingimplemented.

N.C. Wildlife Federation wins $30K grantA $30,000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation will help the N.C. Wildlife

Federation further its mission of conserving and protecting wildlife and their habitats. The 70-year-old organization runs programs such as Great Outdoors University, which

exposes children and teens to the natural world who might otherwise not have thoseopportunities, and supports 14 Wildlife chapters statewide to mobilize community volun-teers for conservation projects of all sizes.

“The N.C. Wildlife Federation is a great example of an organization that is empower-ing people in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state to promote envi-ronmental education, sustainability and stewardship,” said Leslie Winner, ExecutiveDirector of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

Learn about the Highland PlateauGreenway’s vision to build a public trail tothe top of Satulah Mountain at a publicmeeting held 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday,March 2, at the Highlands Civic Center.

The mountain, whose 4,500-foot sum-mit overlooks the town, was purchased in1909 by the Highlands ImprovementSociety to protect it from commercial devel-opment — the state’s first land trust.

Researchers at the Highlands BiologicalStation climb Satulah’s slopes to studybotany on the evergreen heath bald, bird-watchers track the raptors that use its cliffs,

and horticulturists marvel at the yearly dis-play of wildflowers amid the high-elevationplant community.

Once realized, the Highland PlateauGreenway’s trail will provide a half-mileroute to the summit through two lots theGreenway will purchase on Satulah RidgeRoad. The trail will feature a small parkingarea at the bottom and traverse tunnels ofrhododendron and mountain laurel spotted

with flowering sweet pepper-bush.

The project is expected tocost about $300,000 and taketwo years to complete.Greenway board members JimGreen and Julian Franklin arespearheading fundraisingefforts.

As part of the planningphase, the Greenway sent lettersdescribing the project to allhomeowners in the SatulahRidge subdivision.

“Particular care is beingtaken that the trail become a val-ued asset for the neighborhood,”said Ran Shaffner, Greenwaypresident.

So far, the reception has beenenthusiastic, Shaffner said.

Send donations to Highlands PlateauGreenway, P. O. Box 2608, Highlands, N.C.28741. [email protected].

New Satulah trail in the works

Outdoor youth leadership programdebuts in Waynesville

Waynesville Parks and Recreation islaunching a new youth outdoor leadershipprogram in March, with weekly activitiesplanned to build teamwork, teach outdoorsskills and ethics and give students the confi-dence they need to enjoy the backcountrysafely.

A mandatory meeting for participantsand their parents will kick off the program,6 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at theWaynesville Recreation Center.

The program is for students ages 12-15,with a registration fee of $20. The March 5meeting will detail additional fees associat-ed with the program. Space is limited. TimPetrea, 828.456.2030 or [email protected].

Get growing at Jackson community gardensCommunity gardens in Sylva and Cullowhee are seeking growers and volunteers. The gardens offer individual plots — and the tools necessary to cultivate them — for those who

want a way to grow their own organic veggies and meet people who enjoy doing the same. Plots arefree with the stipulation that half the produce gets donated to people in need.

Volunteers are also invited to weekly workdays to keep the gardens in tip-top shape. Year round,volunteers meet at the Cullowhee Community garden on South Painter Road on Wednesdays from 3p.m. to dusk and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. In Sylva, workdays are held Thursdays from 4p.m. to dusk between March and November at the garden on Storybook Lane.

[email protected] or [email protected].

Satulah Mountain overlooks the town of Highlands.Ran Shaffner photo

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A new program in Waynesville will look totrain youth for outdoor leadership. Holly Kays photo

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The Holly Springs Community Development Club willmeet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, at the communitybuilding located at 2720 Cat Creek Road, Franklin. Foodwill be served. [email protected].

• Haywood County’s half-century of progress, presentdevelopments and future prospects will be discussed byVicki Hyatt, editor of “The Mountaineer,” at 2 p.m. onThursday, Feb. 19 in Gaines Auditorium at the LakeJunaluska Visitor Center.

• A flag retirement is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.21, at VFW Post 5202 in Waynesville. Open to the pub-lic. Anyone with a flag that needs to be disposed of candrop it off at VFW Post 5202. More info: 456.9346.

• Fontana Village Resort will hold a job fair from 10a.m.-6 p.m. on Feb. 26 in Fontana Dam. For info. con-tact Blakely Clark with the Chatterbox Agency,770.596.7080 or [email protected].

BUSINESS & EDUCATION• Free tax preparation by trained volunteers certified bythe IRS will be offered every Tuesday through April 14 atthe Jackson County Public Library (3-6:45 p.m.) and theJackson County Senior Center (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) - both inSylva. For info, contact Donald Selzer (293.0074), seniorcenter (586.4944) or library (586.2016).

• A small business owner’s roundtable will be held from8:30-10 a.m. on Feb. 18 at the Haywood CommunityCollege’s Library Conference Room. sbc.haywood.edu or627.4512

• A resume writing workshop will be offered at 1 p.m.on Feb. 18 at the Macon County Public Library. Free, butreservations strongly recommended. 524.3600.

• A small business seminar entitled “Introduction toFacebook for Business Use” will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 at SCC’s Jackson Campus. Free;registration required: www.ncsbc.net. For more informa-tion contact Tiffany Henry at 828.339.4211 [email protected].

• An Electrical Code Update course for contractors willbe offered from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Feb. 21, atHaywood Community College. $70. Students may regis-ter online by calling 627.4500, by visiting haywood.eduor going to HCC’s Student Services Building. Info:627.4669.

• A small business seminar entitled “eBay forBeginners, No. 1” will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m.on Feb. 23 at Southwestern Community College’sJackson Campus. Free; registration required:www.ncsbc.net. For more information contact TiffanyHenry at 828.339.4211 [email protected].

• The next session in the Haywood Chamber SmallBusiness Development Series entitled “Accounting andTax Considerations for Small Business” will be present-ed by Lindsey Dills of Underwood, Dills and AssociatesCPAs from 8-9 a.m. on Feb. 24 at the Haywood Chamberof Commerce Board Room. Info: 456.3021 or [email protected].

• A small business seminar entitled “Beyond the Basicsof Using eBay to Sell Your Products, No. 2” is scheduledfor 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 at SouthwesternCommunity College’s Jackson Campus. For more infor-mation, contact Tiffany Henry at 828.339.4211 [email protected].

• A small business seminar entitled “Opening an eBayStore: The Next Level, No. 3,” which helps you optimizeyour online marketplace, is set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. onFeb. 25 at the Southwestern Community College

Jackson Campus. For more information, contact TiffanyHenry at 828.339.4211 [email protected].

• A free financial aid workshop is set for 5-6 p.m. onFeb. 25 at the Waynesville Library. Laura Misner of theCollege Foundation of North Carolina will cover how toapply for financial aid and finding available grants andscholarships. Free; registration required. To register orinfo, call 356.2507 or email [email protected].

• A basic introduction to Microsoft Word class will beoffered from 5:45-7:15 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the JacksonCounty Public Library in Sylva. Co-sponsored by theFriends of the Jackson County Public Library. Free.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• A workshop on basic computer operation will beoffered for job seekers at 1 p.m. on Feb. 25 at theMacon County Public Library in Franklin. Free. Space islimited. To reserve a space, call 524.3600.

• “How to Market Your Business on Facebook,” a smallbusiness seminar organized by SouthwesternCommunity College, is set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 26at Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus.For more information contact Tiffany Henry at828.339.4211 or [email protected].

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE• The valor of the “Four Chaplains” will be commemo-

rated at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, at St. FrancisEpiscopal Church in Cherokee. The Four Chaplains –each of different faith traditions - gave the last lifepreservers to young men, some of whom survived, aftertheir warship was torpedoed. For info, contact Roger at488.8418 or [email protected].

• H. Ulbrich will present a seminar on "A Theology ofMoney" at 11 a.m. Feb. 22 at the Unitarian UniversalistFellowship of Franklin.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS• A canned food drive is being held through March 2 atthe Eckerd Living Center at Highlands-CashiersHospital.

• The Bascom winter bash will be held from 6-10 p.m.on Feb. 21 at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta.Tickets cost $200 each for the fundraiser, which bene-fits the Bascom Visual Arts Center.www.thebascom.org/bascombashtickets.

• A Volunteer Fair organized by SouthwesternCommunity College’s SCC Cares committee is scheduledfrom 9 a.m.-noon on Feb. 24 in the Burrell ConferenceCenter on Southwestern’s Jackson Campus in Sylva.Agencies and nonprofits interested in having a pres-ence – as well as individuals interested in volunteering– can contact Amanda Allen for more info [email protected] or 339.4305.

• The Wildlife Club at Haywood Community College ishosting the ninth-annual Wild Game Dinner at 6 p.m.on Feb. 27 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds inWaynesville. Fundraiser for students. Door prizes, silent

auction and live auction. Grand prize is a lifetime hunt-ing/fishing license. Bring your favorite wild game dish,vegetables and/or dessert. Bread and drinks provided.$10 admission ($5 if you bring a dish). Children under12 eat free. For info, call 627.4560.

• The Haywood County Meals on Wheels program hasroute openings for volunteer drivers Info: Jeanne Naber,Meals on Wheels Program Coordinator, 356.2442.

• Friends of the Library Book Sale Committee needsbooks for its annual sale on July 23-25. 627.2370.

HEALTH MATTERS• A pro bono clinic will provide physical therapy servic-es to underserved and underinsured populations ofWestern North Carolina from 6-8:30 p.m. on the firstand third Wednesdays of every month on the first floorof the Health and Human Sciences Building inCullowhee. For information, contact the clinic at227.3527 or [email protected].

• Four short films illustrating public health concerns,policy issues and ways communities are responding willbe shown at 6 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Macon CountyPublic Library in Franklin.

• Diabetes and chronic disease self-management train-ings for ages 14-and-up will be offered by MaconCounty Public Health and Macon County Senior Servicesfrom 1-5 p.m. on Feb. 19. Diabetes training is followedby six weeks of chronic disease education and supportfrom 5-7 p.m. on Thursdays. Light refreshments provid-ed. Information: 349.2086.

• The Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 12:30-5p.m. on Feb. 19 at Haywood Community College inClyde. 800.RED.CROSS.

• The Red Cross is holding a blood drive from 2:30-7p.m. on Feb. 19 at American Legion Post #47 inWaynesville. 800.RED.CROSS.

• The Red Cross will have a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at Lowe’s in Sylva.800.RED.CROSS.

• The Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1:30-5:30p.m. on Feb. 20 at North Canton Elementary School.800.RED.CROSS.

• The Red Cross is holding a blood drive from 1-5:30p.m. on Feb. 24 at East Elementary School in Whittier.

• A 12-session program for families and friends of indi-viduals challenged by mental illness will be offered from6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, starting Feb. 24, in Franklin.Free, but pre-registration is required. Class size limited.Contact: Ann at 369.7385 or Linda at 369.9838

• Laura Elliot will lead a “Mastering Your Energy” classat 6 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Jackson County PublicLibrary in Sylva. Become the master of your energythrough movement and sound. Free. 586.2016 orwww.fontanalib.org.

• The Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1-5:30p.m. on Feb. 27 at Evergreen Packaging in Canton.800.RED.CROSS.

RECREATION AND FITNESS• Yoga for Outdoor Fitness will be taught for free from6-7 p.m. on Feb. 18 at REI Asheville. Registrationrequired: www.rei.com/event/64604/session/108617.687.0918.

• A GoPro basics class entitled “Getting to Know YourGoPro” will be offered for free from 7-8:30 p.m. on Feb.19 at REI Asheville. Fully charged GoPro is strongly rec-ommended. Registration required:http://www.rei.com/event/50858/session/108556.687.0918.

POLITICAL CORNER• The NAACP will hold a membership meeting at 10a.m. on Feb. 21 at Liberty Baptist Church in Sylva.

• North and South Jackson County Republicans willmeet at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 at Ryan’s in Sylva. The agen-da includes final plans for the Jackson County AnnualConvention on March 20. Republicans, voters and oth-ers interested are invited. For info, call Ralph Slaughterat 743.6491, email [email protected] or visitwww.jacksoncountygop.com.

• The annual organizational meetings for all HaywoodCounty Democratic precincts, except Hazelwood andSaunook, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 or Feb. 24at the polling location for each individual precinct. TheHazelwood Precinct will meet at 6:30 pm on Feb. 23 atDemocrat Headquarters in Waynesville. The Saunookmeeting will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the SaunookFire Department in Waynesville. For info about meetingdate and location, contact your precinct chair or call452.9607 between 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday throughThursday.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES• Learn how to play Mexican Train at 10 a.m. on Feb.25-26 at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.Free. 356.2800.

KIDS & FAMILIES• Kid Zumba for ages 4-11 will be held from 3:45-4:45p.m. on Thursdays from Feb. 19-April 9 at theCullowhee Recreation Center. $45 for members; $85 fornonmembers. Register by Feb. 18. For information, con-tact Jennifer Bennett at 293.3053.

• Spring soccer registration will be held from 8 a.m.-6p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, Feb. 9-27 at theRecreation Department in Cullowhee. $40 for new par-ticipants; $35 for returning fall 2014 participants.Games will be on Sunday afternoons starting in lateMarch. For info, contact Jonathan Parsons at 293.3053or [email protected].

• High-performance volleyball clinics for fifth througheighth-grade girls will be held from 6-9 p.m. onThursdays from March 19-May 14 at the CullowheeRecreation Center. Fee: $50. Registration has begun.For information, contact Jennifer Bennett at 293.3053.

• A “SciGirls” program for area girls age 9-14 will befrom 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Transylvania CountyExtension Office in Brevard. This month’s activity is“The Buzz About Bees.” $10 participation fee. More infoat: www.pari.edu. Participants can register atwww.pari.edu/programs/students/scigirls.

• Salamanders of the Gorges will be the topic of a pro-gram at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Gorges State Parkin Sapphire. Meet at the Visitor Center Auditorium.

• A “Neat Newts!” hike will be held at 2:30 p.m. Feb.28 at the Gorges State Park in Sapphire. A half-milemoderate hike. Meet at the Grassy Ridge/Rainbow Fallstrailhead.

• Innovative Basketball Training will be offered for girlsand boys ages 6 and older on Sundays from March 1through then end of May at Waynesville RecreationCenter. Training for ages 6-11 will be from 4-5 p.m.;ages 10 and older is from 5-6 p.m. and ages 12 andolder is from 6-7 p.m. Cost is $80. For information, con-tact Derek Thomas at 246.2129.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for:■ Complete listings of local music scene■ Regional festivals■ Art gallery events and openings■ Complete listings of recreational offerings

at regional health and fitness centers■ Civic and social club gatherings

40 Smoky Mountain News WNC Calendar

• A Spring Break Adventure Camp for fifth-through-eighth graders will be from March 9-13 at theRecreation Center in Cullowhee. $225 fee includestransportation and all activities and equipment. Drop-off at 7:45 a.m.; pick up at 5:15 p.m. Register byMarch 2. For info, contact Jennifer Bennett at293.3053 or [email protected].

• Michael’s Kids Club will be held for ages 3-and-upfrom 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Michael’s inWaynesville. $2 per child for 30 minutes of creativecrafts. 452.7680.

• A Lowe’s Build and Grow session for ages 3-and-upis scheduled from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays at theSylva (586.1170) and Waynesville (456.9999) Lowe’sstores. Free.

Kids movies• A new animated movie will be shown from 2-6 p.m.on Feb. 19 in the meeting room of the Macon CountyPublic Library in Franklin. Rated PG and running 1hour, 37 minutes, the show centers around a pure-hearted fairy living in a peaceable kingdom until aninvading army threatens the land’s harmony. Info:524.3600.

• “The Book of Life” will be screened at noon and 2p.m. every Saturday in February at The Strand at 38Main in Waynesville. Free. Rated PG. 1:35.www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

• The “Frozen — Sing It Celebration” will be at 7 p.m.on Feb. 20 at the Smoky Mountain Center for thePerforming Arts in Franklin. $8. www.greatmountain-music.com or 866.273.4615.

• Oscar-nominated movie “Guardians of the Galaxy”,rated PG-13, will be screened at 2, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.on Feb. 21 at the Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva.586.3555

• Family movie time, 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at Jackson CountyPublic Library. Call for title of movie. 586.2016.

• Family movie time, noon Feb. 28 at Jackson CountyPublic Library. Call for title of movie. 586.2016.

• Oscar nominated movie “Big Hero 6,” rated PG, willbe screened at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 and at 2 p.m.and 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Mad Batter Food andFilm in Sylva. Free. Food and beverage for sale.586.3555.

• Free family movies are shown at 3:30 p.m. eachTuesday at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.Disney, Hallmark and other family-oriented movies.488.3030.

• Family movie time, 4 p.m. Mondays at JacksonCounty Public Library. Call for title of movie. 586.2016.

• Family movie time Thursdays, 3:45 p.m. at AlbertCarlton, Cashiers Community Library. Free with pop-corn. Call for title. 743.0215.

A&EFESTIVALS AND SPECIALEVENTS

• A “Drum Circle and Raw-Mazing potluck dinner”starts at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the UnitarianUniversalist Fellowship of Franklin. Bring a dish toshare and a drum; drums also available at [email protected] or 332.7118.

• The High Mountain Squares will host their “FiftiesDance” from 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Macon CountyCommunity Building in Franklin. Glen Walters fromGreer, S.C. will be the caller. Western-style squaredancing, mainstream and levels. Everyone welcome.For info, call 371.4946, 342.1560, 332.0001 or visitwww.highmountainsquares.com.

• The eighth annual Father-Daughter dance is set for6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at First United MethodistChurch in Sylva. Registration deadline is Feb. 20.www.www.firstumcsylva.org.

• The Classic Wineseller will host a wine tasting fea-turing five Cabernet Sauvignons from five differentCalifornia appellations from 7-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 26,in Waynesville. $15 per person, plus gratuity.Reservations: 452.6000.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT• Imago Theatre’s “FROGZ,” a family-friendly showcombining Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics withmasks, mime and music, will be presented by WesternCarolina University at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the BardoCenter in Cullowhee. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or227.2479.

• Three members of the faculty of Western CarolinaUniversity’s School of Music will present a recital at7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the recital hall of WCU’s CoulterBuilding. The free performance will feature AliciaChapman on oboe, Will Peebles on bassoon andShannon Thompson on clarinet. They will be accompa-nied by pianist Lillian Buss Pearson. For info,227.7242 or Shannon Thompson [email protected].

• Producer, songwriter and rapper Juicy J will performat 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Western Carolina University’sRamsey Regional Activity Center. Tickets: $11 for WCUstudents; $21 for non-students. www.ticketreturn.comor 227.7722.

• As part of the Western Carolina University School ofStage and Screen’s theatrical season, “The RockyHorror Show” will be on stage Thursday throughSaturday, Feb. 19-21, at Hoey Auditorium inCullowhee. Show times are 7:30 p.m. all three nightswith an additional 10:30 p.m. showing on Saturday.Tickets: $21 adults; $16 seniors (age 60 and older),faculty and staff; $7 for students. Audience membersinterested in participating with traditional interactiveprops and talk-back lines need to request specialseating and pay $5 extra at the door. For tickets, call227.2479 or visit www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Ann and NancyWilson will perform with their band Heart on Feb. 21at Harrah’s Cherokee. Ticketmaster.com. Info: [email protected].

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will presentTravis Bennett (horn studio recital) at 7:30 p.m. onFeb. 21 and 24 in the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• HART Theatre will hold auditions at 6:30 p.m. onFeb. 23 for principal roles in its 2015 season inWaynesville. Info at www.harttheatre.org.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will haveProductive Paranoia (Americana/bluegrass) at 7:30p.m. Feb. 26 (tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at thedoor). www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

• “Robin Hood – the Legacy” will be staged at 7:30p.m. on Feb. 26 at Western Carolina University’s JohnW. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center inCullowhee. Presented in the style of a 1938 radio pro-duction, the show is a collaborative effort between twoof the university’s colleges and three departments,and it involves students, staff, faculty and regionalprofessionals. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.2479.

• “Plaza Suite” will be performed from Feb. 27-March1 at Feichter Studio of the HART Theatre inWaynesville. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday andSaturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Harttheatre.com or456.6322.

• Patrick Combs will tell the true story, “Man 1, Bank0” (about a man who deposited a junk-mail checklabeled “non-negotiable” into a bank account) at 7:30p.m. on Feb. 28 at WCU’s Bardo Center in Cullowhee.This show is part of the Galaxy of Stars Series. Seasonsubscriptions are $120/adults; $110/WCU faculty andstaff; $45 students and children. Single-show tickets 41

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are $21/adults; $16/WCU faculty and staff; $15/per-son with groups of 20 or more; $7 students and chil-dren. Tickets and info at: 227.2479 or bardoartscen-ter.wcu.edu.

• Multi-platinum country music artist Mark Wills willperform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Smoky MountainCenter for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Wills’ popu-lar hits include: “Don’t Laugh at Me,” “Wish You WereHere,” and “I Do (Cherish You).” Tickets: $20.www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Balsam Mountain Inn will have Annie Sellick & TheHot Club of Nashville as part of their Songwriters inthe Round series at 6 p.m. on Feb. 28. $47 per person,which includes a buffet dinner. 456.9498

NIGHTLIFE• Innovation Brewing in Sylva will have an Open Micnight at 8 p.m. on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25. www.innova-tion-brewing.com.

• The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville will have anOpen Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19.www.38main.com or call 283.0079.

• Chris Minick & Sheila Gordon (Americana/folk) willplay at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19 at Frog Level Brewing inWaynesville. Free. 454.5664 orwww.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have a jazz nightFeb. 19 and 26 at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Mike Pilgrim (mandolin), Don Mercz (guitar), andDrew Kirkpatrick (guitar) will perform a Gypsy jazztribute at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 and Feb. 28 at the ClassicWineseller in Waynesville. 452.6000 or www.clas-sicwineseller.com.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus and Pub (Franklin) willhave Brian Sandeb Feb. 20. All shows are free andbegin at 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com or828.369.6796.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will haveThrough the Hills (Americana/folk) at 8 p.m. on Feb.20. Free.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grille (Waynesville) will haveDirty Soul Revival (hard rock/blues) on Feb. 20. Showbegins at 10 p.m.

• Hunter Grigg (Folk) will play at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20and Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. at Frog Level Brewing inWaynesville. Free. 454.5664 orwww.froglevelbrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will have Dead SoldiersFeb. 20 at 9 p.m. Free. 828.586.2750 or www.noname-sportspub.com.

• Joe Cruz will play piano and perform the best of theBeatles, James Taylor and Elton John at 7 p.m. on Feb.21 and Feb. 28 at the Classic Wineseller inWaynesville. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grille (Waynesville) will haveAshli Rose Feb. 21 at 10 p.m.

• BearWaters Brewing (Waynesville) will haveSmokerise (southern rock) Feb. 21. Show begins at 8p.m. www.bwbrewing.com or 828.246.0602.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus and Pub (Franklin) willhave Gary Carter Feb. 21. All shows are free and beginat 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com or828.369.6796.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will have Throughthe Hills (Americana/folk) Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. Free.828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grille (Waynesville) will have TheHooten Hallers with Chris Blaylock (blues/hard rock)Feb. 23 at 10 p.m.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will have Porch 40(funk/rock) Feb. 26 at 9 p.m. Free. 828.586.2750 orwww.nonamesportspub.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will have Craig

Summers & Lee Kram Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Free.828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Singer-songwriter Dulci Ellenberger (guitar, vocals,melodica) will perform Americana, oldies, pop, andoriginals at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the ClassicWineseller in Waynesville. $10 minimum purchase.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus and Pub (Franklin) willhave Pam McCall Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. Free.www.rathskellerfranklin.com or 828.369.6796.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will have JamesStinnet Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. Free.

• Dave Desmelick performs at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 atBearwaters Brewing Company in Waynesville.

• Bryan Loy and Paradise 56 will be playing at 9 p.m.on Feb. 27, at the Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva.$2 coverage charge with food and beverage for sale.586.3555.

• BearWaters Brewing (Waynesville) will have a come-dy show at 9 p.m. Feb. 28. Show begins at 8 p.m.www.bwbrewing.com or 246.0602.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will have BenWilson Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Free. 828.454.5664 orwww.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Through the Hills will be playing at the Mad BatterFood and Film in Sylva on Feb. 28 at 8:30 p.m. $2coverage charge with food and beverage for sale.586.3555.

BOOKS & AUTHORS• Author and Southwestern Community College

instructor, Chris Cox, will review and read from hisnew book of essays, “The Way We Say Goodbye,” at 10a.m. on Feb. 18 at the Lake Junaluska February BookReview. Info: 456.6720.

• Haywood County’s half-century of progress, presentdevelopments and future prospects will be discussedby Vicki Hyatt, editor of “The Mountaineer,” at 2 p.m.on Feb. 19 in Gaines Auditorium at the Lake JunaluskaVisitor Center High Tea, February 18, 3:35, Cost $12.

• Franklin native and Western Carolina Universityalumnus Tyler Cook will hold a release party for hisdebut novel “The One” at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at MaconCounty Public Library in Franklin. To reserve a copy,call 369.7942. For info, contact Cook at 371.7942 [email protected].

• Tuckasegee author and publisher Thomas RainCrowe will have a book signing and reading at 3 p.m.on Feb. 21 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. He willpresent “Beatitude Magazine and the 1970s SanFrancisco Renaissance.” To reserve copies, call CityLights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• South Carolina author Elizabeth Harris will presenther novel “What am I to do Now, Mama?” at 3 p.m.Feb. 28 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The novel isabout a talented man who left the mountains of NorthCarolina to follow his dream to California. 586.9499.

• Poet Louise Runyon will read from her new collectionThe Clearing at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 at City LightsBookstore in Sylva. The collection explores the conceptof “clearing” in the personal, geographical, spiritual,individual and communal aspects of our lives.586.9499.

• Western Carolina University’ Department of HumanServices will host Lisa Delpit, author of “OtherPeople’s Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom,”for a one-on-one interview at 3 p.m. on Feb. 27 inRoom 102 of the Killian Building in Cullowhee. Forinformation, contact Kofi Lomotey [email protected] or 227.3323.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS• The Creating Community Workshop for book-makingwill be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 21, at the Jackson CountyPublic Library in Sylva. Led by Smoky Mountain High

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in the meeting room of the Macon County PublicLibrary in Franklin. For movie title call: 524.3600.

Outdoors• A litter reduction meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. onFeb. 19 at Room A227 in the Jackson County Justiceand Administration Building. Visitwww.WATRnc.org/Litter for links to ant-litter programs.For info, call Roger Clapp at 507.9144.

• A Level II fly-tying clinic will be held by the N.C.Wildlife Resources Commission on Feb. 20 from 9a.m.-noon. Free, requires pre-registration. 877.4423.www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah.aspx

• An “Introductory Beekeeping Class” is set for 8:30-4p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Haywood County ExtensionBuilding in Waynesville. Cost is $50, which includes$10 for a 2015 membership with the Haywood CountyBeekeeper’s Association and $15 for NC State mem-bership. Free for students under 18. Call 456.3575 toregister.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials willintroduce Superintendent Cassius Cash to the publicon Feb. 24 from 4-6 p.m. at the Historic CalhounHouse in Bryson City. Light refreshments will beserved.

• “The Wildest Woman in America: A Discussion withWill Harlan” will take place from 7-8 p.m. on Feb. 26at REI Asheville. Free. Harlan will offer a 10-minuteslideshow and a Q&A time about his experience shad-owing Carol Ruckdeschel, who survives off the land inan island wilderness, wrestling alligators, etc.Registration required:http://www.rei.com/event/64839/session/109499.687.0918.

• A program to introduce a high-quality, table-top tel-escope to the public is being held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 26at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Forinfo, call 524.3600.

• Learn basic navigation skills using a map and com-pass in a class from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Feb. 28,at REI Asheville. $30 REI member/$50 non-member.Registration required:http://www.rei.com/event/43656/session/108557.687.0918.

• “Trees Talk” will be the topic of a Great SmokyMountains Association program, featuring naturalistIla Hatter, from 2-4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the oldOconaluftee administration building outside ofCherokee. $15 for members; $35 for nonmembers(complimentary membership included). RSVP to:[email protected] or 865.436.7318, ext.222 or 254.

FARM & GARDEN• The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its month-ly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the JacksonCounty Cooperative Extension Office. The club is foradults and children and includes a monthly meetingwith a program and a support network for those rais-ing birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write [email protected].

•Extension and Community Association group willmeet at 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Conference Room ofthe Community Service Center in Sylva. For info, callN.C. Cooperative Extension Office at 586.4009

• The Master Gardener Association’s plant sale, fea-turing native nectar perennials that help monarchbutterflies and honeybees remain in the area, is ongo-ing through March 13. Get an order form by calling456.3575 or by writing [email protected] [email protected]. Proceeds fund education-related horticulture projects in Haywood County.

• The Sylva Community Garden and The CullowheeCommunity Garden have individual plots available foradoption. All necessary tools and materials for grow-ing an organic garden are provided. Adopting a plotcosts no money but rather one-half of all produce isdonated throughout our community. For more info: [email protected] or [email protected].

HIKING CLUBS• Carolina Mountain Club’s 7.5-mile hike of BrackenMountain – Brushy Creek Trail will be held on Feb. 18.1,400-foot ascent. Contact Stuart English at384.4870.

• A moderate “Winter Day Hike” of 3-6 miles will beheld on Feb. 21. Meet at 9 a.m. at CullowheeRecreation Center. $5 activity fee. Register by Feb. 18.For information, contact Jennifer Bennett at 293.3053.

• The Carolina Mountain Club is holding a nine-milehike with a 1,200-foot ascent on Feb. 22. Carpoolsform at 8:30 a.m. at Westgate and meet leader atPisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 9 a.m. Contact leader StuartEnglish (384.4870 or [email protected]).

• A half-day, five-mile hike of Chambers Mountain,organized by Carolina Mountain Club, is set for Feb.22. 1,500-foot ascent. Meet at Home Depot at Exit 44off I-40. Contact leader Bruce Bente at 692.0116,699.6296 or [email protected].

School art teacher Gayle Woody, the workshop willcover an easy-to-learn, hard-to-master style. Free. Allmaterials provided. Limited to 10 participants, so reg-ister by calling 586.2016.

• A ceramics class will be held 10 a.m. to noon Feb.24 at The Bascom in Highlands. To register, go towww.thebascom.org or call 828.526.4949.

• A Cooking Tips Winter Potluck is set for 1 p.m. onFeb. 24 at the Canton Library. Enjoy homemade food,get cooking tips and receive new recipes. Bring asample of your favorite recipe. Drinks and tablewarewill be provided. Info: 648.2924.

• Make it with Michael’s Workshop: Art Journal will beheld from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Michaels inWaynesville. Class combines art, crafting and journal-ing. $20, including supplies. 452.7680.

• A multimedia seminar on composition and winterphotography, presented by Don McGowan and LensLugger Photographic Association, starts at 8 a.m. onFeb. 27 at the Maggie Valley Inn. $40 fee includesrefreshments, handouts, Think Tank Photo Bag draw-ing. 20 percent discount for early registration. Forinfo, contact Bob Grytten at 627.0245 [email protected].

• The Lens Lugger Photographic Association hasscheduled a guided “Winter Wonderland Photo Tour”field shoot on Feb. 28. The half-day event starts witha meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Maggie Valley Inn. Tourincludes Oconaluftee Visitors Center, Elk andMountain Farm Museum, Mingus Mill, Mingo Falls andOconaluftee River. $85 fee. 20 percent discount forearly registration. For reservations, contact BobGrytten at 627.0245 or [email protected].

• Submissions for the WinterFest Smoky Style photocontest sponsored by the Lens Luggers PhotographicAssociation may be made between 2-3 p.m. on Feb.28. For info, contact Bob Grytten at 627.0245 or [email protected].

ART SHOWINGS ANDGALLERIES

• A discussion focusing on the work of the lateRussian-born artist Vadim Bora and reception is setfor 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 19 at Western CarolinaUniversity’s Fine Art Museum. A selection of portraitscreated by Bora will be on display at through March 6.The FAM is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondaythrough Friday with extended hours to 7 p.m. onThursday. For a full calendar listing or info, visit fin-eartmuseum.wcu.edu or call 227.3591.

• New art by Canton native Clint Hardin will be ondisplay in the Meeting Room of the Macon CountyPublic Library during the month of February. For aguide to the pieces in this display, visithttp://clinthardin.blogspot.com/. 524.3600; fontanal-ib.org.

• The Contemporary Craft Series exhibit featuring the

work of metal artist Mike Sluder will be on displaythrough Feb. 22 at The Bascom in Highlands.www.thebascom.org or 526.4949.

CALL FORVENDORS/SPONSORS

• A WinterFest Smoky Style highlighting sled dogs,Plott hounds, canine demonstrations, local reality TVstars and more will be held from Feb. 27-March 1 atthe Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Includes photog-raphy seminars, guided winter shoot and a photo con-test. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Haywood CountyAnimal Shelter. $2 admission for adults; $1 for chil-dren. $15 per meal. Vendor applications at http://win-terfestsmokystyle.com or search for the eventFacebook page.

• A 5K to support Mountain Charter Discovery Schoolis looking for sponsors for its April 11 event. BubbleBunny 5K Fun Run/Walk that will be held in the Villageof Forest Hills and will be complete with bunny earsand bubble machines. Registration and sponsorshipinformation is online from the link on the side menuat www.villageofforesthills.org.

FILM & SCREEN• “Gone Girl” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18 atThe Strand in Waynesville. Tickets $6www.38main.com or 283.0079

• “The Interview,” rated R, will be screened at 6:30and 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Mad Batter Food andFilm in Sylva for free. Food and beverage for sale.586.3555.

• Oscar-nominated movie “The Theory of Everything,”rated PG-13, will be screened at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.on Feb. 20 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville forfree. Food and beverage for sale. 586.3555

• Oscar nominated movie “The Theory of Everything,”rated PG-13, will be screened at The Strand at 38Main in Waynesville, Feb. 20-March 4. For screeningtimes, click on www.38main.com or call828.283.0079.

• Free Movie, 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 at Jackson CountyPublic Library. Call for title of movie. 586.2016.

• Oscar nominated movie “Birdman,” rated R, will bescreened at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the MadBatter Food and Film in Sylva. Free. Food and bever-age for sale. 586.3555.

• A classic movie will be shown at 2 p.m. every Fridayin the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room.524.3600 or www.fontanalib.org/franklin.

• A movie will be shown at 2 and 6 p.m. on Thursdays

Great Smokies Storage10’x20’

$9220’x20’ $160

ONE MONTH

FREEWITH 12-MONTH

CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

280-88

Puzzles can befound on page 46.These are only the answers.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

MarketPlace information:The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 everyweek to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swaincounties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a linkto our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlacedisplay advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. ■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with

1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 [email protected]

PRIME REALESTATE

Advertise in The

Smoky Mountain News

WAYNESVILLETIRE, INC.

LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS

MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

ServingHaywood,Jackson &

SurroundingCounties

COOPER

DisCOvERER

ATR Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS,LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS,

AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck availablefor on-site repairs

280-98

ANNOUNCEMENTSON-SITE LIVING ESTATE SALEMust Sell Everything in 3 Days!

Whole House - 2 Bedroom & Living Room Full, M&M Collec-tion of NASCAR & Everything

Else, Antiques, Art & Much More!Located at 71 Iris Lane, Canton -

Cruso Area. Feb. 19th - 21st, 9:00 a.m. til 4:00 p.m.

No Early Sales.

ARTS & CRAFTSALLISON CREEKIron Works & Woodworking. Craft-ing custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

AUCTION

DEEP WATER ICW HOME AUCTION:Cape Carteret NC Canal-Dock Bulkhead Pool. WILL SELL > $399K! MAR 14. Mike Harper 843.729.4996 (NCAL8286). www.HarperAuctionAndRealty.com for details.

FIREARMS AUCTION Antique-Vintage Rifles & Hand-guns, OLD AMMO, COLT SAA-1stGEN., WINCHESTER Rifles, Smith&Wesson, M1 Garand, CO-HARIE-ARMS CA89, ONLINE ONLY AUCTION - Bidding ENDS FEBRU-ARY 24th - Bid NOW at www.HouseAuctionCompany.com 252.729.1162, NCAL#7889

HARPER’S AUCTION COMPANY Friday Feb. 20th @ 6:00 p.m.

Lots of Great Deals:Trains, Coins, Dragon Ware,

Glass and Lots More!!!Join Us for a Fun Night Out.

47 Macon Center Dr. Franklin,NC 828.369.6999. Debra Harper,

NCAL #9659, NCFL #9671. harpersauctioncompany.com

BUILDINGMATERIALS

HAYWOOD BUILDERSGarage Doors, New InstallationsService & Repairs, 828.456.6051100 Charles St. WaynesvilleEmployee Owned.

BUILDINGMATERIALS

SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $4397.00- Make & Save Money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSaw-mills.com. 1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING

ACORN STAIRLIFTS.The Affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!**Buy Di-rect & SAVE. Please call 1.800.211.9233 for FREE DVD and brochure.

ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Water-proofing, Finishing, Structural Re-pairs, Humidity and Mold Control. FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217

PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR PAINTING

CALL DENNIS AT:LUCAS PAINTING Co.

828.421.4057Kitchen Cabinet Painting &

Restoration

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon re-quest. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construc-tion, repairs & additions. Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson. Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or828.508.0316

CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING

SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 800.807.7219 for $750 Off.

SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORSInstallation- Finish - Refinish828.399.1847.

PAINTINGJAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING &

PRESSURE WASHINGInterior, exterior, all your pres-sure washing needs and more.

Specialize in Removal ofCarpenter Bees - Cedar or Log Homes or Painted or Siding! Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727

CARS - DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax De-ductible, Free Towing, All Paper-work Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

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

AUTO PARTSBLOWN HEAD GASKET Cracked Heads/Block. State of the art 2-part Carbon Composite Re-pair! All Vehicles Foreign or Do-mestic including Northstars! 100% guaranteed. Call Now: 1.866.780.9038 SAPA

TRUCKS FOR SALE99-2000 GMC SIERRA SLT/Z71For Sale by Owner - 3-Door, Great Work Truck, Runs Strong, Never Wrecked, Toolbox, Bedliner, Rail Guards. Highway Miles, NC-FL 20k/yr. 1-Owner, $3,800. For More Info Call 828.736.7000.

BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIES

GET PAID WEEKLY!FT and PT mail work from home. For full details visit: www.750weekly.com or call 512.827.0060 (24/7) SAPA

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STARTING PAY IS $10.00 PER HOURAlso accepting applications for the positions of: Assembly | Quality Inspectors | Material Handlers

Finishing Press Operators | Molding Press Operators Painting Operators

These are temp to hire positions for the right individuals. If you are hard working, dependable, have a verifiable work history, and are looking for

a good job with a great company, we want to talk to you. Direct Hire positions are also available DOE. Must bring two forms of id & Be able

to pass drug screen & background check

OmniSource Staffing is an EOEFor more information call us at (828) 538-4328

or visit us at www.omnisource.net for more

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FULL TIME ROOM

ATTENDANTS, ALL SHIFTS.1151 Maine St. in Bryson City

T003-1794834

KEN WILSON FORDSALESPEOPLE NEEDEDGREAT Product • GREAT Place to Work!

If you have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE, NEAT APPEARANCE AND DESIREto become the very BEST, we offer you the career of a lifetime!

• COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM • UNLIMITED INCOME OPPORTUNITIES• MEDICAL INSURANCE (INCLUDING DENTAL) • PAID VACATION

• PROFIT SHARING AND 401K PLAN • 5 DAY WORK WEEK

Call Bill Gourley or Riley Vernon at 828-648-2313 for an appointment.

KEN WILSON FORD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

648-2313 1-800-532-4631I-40 AT EXIT 31 CANTON

facebook.com/smnews

BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIES

HUGE TAX DEDUCTIONSAt Your Fingertips! Plus Major Savings, Much More Than the

Cost of $24.95. Top Notch Com-pany with Years of Experience. Ask Me to Gift You In. Website:

www.epx180.com/mtngal828.332.8233

25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED!Become a driver for Stevens Trans-port! No Experience Needed! New drivers earn $800+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1.888.748.4137. drive4stevens.com

EMPLOYMENT

ATTN: DRIVERS - $2K Sign-On Bonus Love Your $55k Job! We put Drivers first! Average $1100 Weekly + newer KW’s CDL-A Required 1.388.592.4752 SAPA

ATTN: DRIVERS -$2K Sign-on Bonus. Love your $55K Job! We put drivers first! Avg $1100 Weekly + newer KW’s. CDL-A Required. 1.888.592.4752. www.ad-drivers.com SAPA

AVIATION GRADS Work w/ JetBlue, Boeing, NASA and others- start here with hands-on training for FAA certification. Fi-nancial aid if qualified. Call Avia-tion Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494.

EMPLOYMENT

EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed; Leads, No Cold Calls; Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health & Dental Insur-ance; Life License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS In High Demand! Get Hands On Training And National Certifica-tions Operating Bulldozers, Back-hoes, Excavators. Average $18-$22 Hourly! Veteran Benefits Eligible! 1.866.288.6896

HIGH-TECH CAREERWith U.S. Navy. Elite tech training w/great pay, benefits, vacation, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Monday - Friday 800.662.7419

HIRING OTR PROFESSIONALS Who want Consistent Miles- average 2,800+; consistent pay- average $51,400 per year; 2012 or newer trucks; call Fischer Trucking today at: 1.800.486.8660.

EMPLOYMENT

IF YOU HAVE A VEHICLE That can tow at least 7,000 pounds, you can make a living de-livering RVs as a contract driver for Foremost Transport! Be your own boss and see the country. ForemostTransport.Blogspot.com or 866.764.1601!

DRIVERS: CDL-A: WOW!Check-out our New Pay Package,

It’s Awesome. More per mile! Monthly Bonuses! Stop-Off, Lay-over, Detention, Short-Haul Pay!

877.704.3773

JOIN OUR TEAM! Guaranteed pay for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers! Regional and OTR. Great pay/benefits/401k match. CALL TODAY 864.649.2063. www.jgr-inc.com Equal Opportunity Employer

EMPLOYMENT

MANAGING EDITORCarolina Public Press, an

Asheville-based non-profit, on-line in-depth and investigative

news organization, seeks a part-time managing editor to join its growing team. Find the full job

description and application instructions at:

http://goo.gl/2UUewvApplications due Feb. 28th.

For more info visit: www.carolinapublicpress.org

NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES! Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experienced Need-ed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Comput-er needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc. 1.888.512.7122

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Reports millions of new jobs in fields that require less than two years of education. Train in just a few months for a rewarding new career in an in-demand field! Visit CareerStep.com/newcareer or call 1.866.553.8735 today.

WELDING CAREERS - Hands on training for career oppor-tunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Finan-cial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 877.205.6458.

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

FINANCIALDELETE BAD CREDIT In Just 30-DAYS ! Stop getting turned down because of bad credit. Free to start! A Rated W/BBB Call Now! 855.831.9712 SAPA

REDUCE YOUR PAST TAX BILL By as much as 75 Percent. Stop Levies, Liens and Wage Garnish-ments. Call The Tax DR Now to see if you Qualify 1.800.396.9719

SELL YOUR STRUCTURED Settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don't have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1.800.316.0271SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.371.1734 to start your application today!

FURNITURECOMPARE QUALITY & PRICEShop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC.The best bedding at the best price!533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

BROWNSTONE - A HAPPY, EASYGOING AND VERY FUN DOG. HE LOOKSLIKE A MEDIUM-SIZED REDBONE MIX WITH A DEEPREDDISH BROWN, SOFT COAT AND SOULFUL, BEAUTIFUL EYES.

NICKY - A 6 MONTH OLD, VERY HANDSOME BOY WITH GOR-GEOUS GREEN EYES! HE ENJOYS BEING HELD - WETHINK HE REALLY ENJOYED HIS PHOTO SESSION ANDIS HOPING TO BECOME FAMOUS.

CLASS A CDL DRIVER WANTED: OTR, Regional & Dedicated. $3,000 sign on Bonus! Weekly average take home is $2,100. Can send proof of actual driver pay. CallTODAY: 1.877.600.5995 (Not valid in South FL) SAPA

FTCC - Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applica-tions for the following position: Grounds Technician. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.comHuman Resources Office. Phone: 910.678.8378. Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu. CRC Preferred Employer. An Equal Op-portunity Employer.

THE NAVY IS HIRING - Top-notch training, medical/den-tal, 30 days vacation/yr, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419

PETSHAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER

828.452.1329

Prevent Unwanted Litters!The Heat Is On!

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

Operation Pit is in Effect!Free Spay/Neuter, Micro-chip & Vaccines For Hay-

wood Pitbull Types & Mixes!Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 11 - 5 pm or by Apt.182 Richland Street, Waynesville

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Feb

ruary 18-24, 2015

find us at: facebook.com/smnewsTO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

828.452.4251 | [email protected]

Beverly Hanks & Associatesbeverly-hanks.com

• Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com

• Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com

• Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com

• Ellen Sither — [email protected]

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com

Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com

• Steve Cox — [email protected]

Keller Williams Realtykellerwilliamswaynesville.com

• Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com

• Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

• Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Emerson Group

• George Escaravage — [email protected]

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com

Realty World Heritage Realtyrealtyworldheritage.com

• Carolyn Lauterrealtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766

• Martha Sawyerrealtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

• Linda Westerrealtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7771

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

• Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com

• Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com

• The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com

• The Real Team — the-real-team.com

• Ron Breese — ronbreese.com

• Dan Womack — [email protected]

• Catherine Proben — [email protected]

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com

• Phil Ferguson — [email protected]

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

280-10

BROOKE PARROTTBROKER ASSOCIATE

[email protected]

Visit beverly-hanks.com/agents/bparrott to see what others are saying!

Committed to Exceeding Expectations

MarilynnObrigResidential Broker Associate

(828) [email protected]

www.Beverly-Hanks.com

REAL ESTATEANNOUNCEMENT

HOMES FOR SALE

BRUCE MCGOVERNA Full Service [email protected] Property Management 828.283.2112.

COMM. PROP. FOR SALE

BEAUTY SHOP IN FRANKLIN, NCTurnkey, 950 sq. ft., 4 Styling Sta-tions, Separate Wax Room, Break Room, Washer/Dryer, Located in Downtown High Traffic Area Near School. Available Now! For more info call 828.421.3792 from 8-5, or 828.639.2671 after 7pm.

VACATIONRENTALS

CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, North Georgia Moun-tains. **WINTER SPECIAL: Buy 2 Nights, 3rd FREE** 1,2,& 3 Bed-room Cabins with HOT TUBS! Virtu-al Tour: www.CavendarCreek.com Call Now Toll Free 1.866.373.6307 SAPA

RENTING YOUR VACATION HOME This year? Reach 1.7 million read-ers with a classified ad in 101 N.C. newspapers! A 25-word ad is only $375. Call this newspaper or 919.516.8009 for details.

STORAGE SPACEFOR RENT

CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more

information call Torry 828.734.6500, 828.734.6700

maggievalleyselfstorage.com

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGEConveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction. Availa-ble for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call

828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTSNOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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

OFFICE HOURS:Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm &

Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm168 E. Nicol Arms Road

Sylva, NC 28779Phone# 1.828.586.3346TDD# 1.800.725.2962

Equal Housing Opportunity

LAWN & GARDENHEMLOCK HEALERS, INC.Dedicated to Saving Our Hem-locks. Owner/Operator Frank Var-voutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’sLicense #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: [email protected]

PUBLISHER’S NOTICEAll real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise

“any preference, limitation ordiscrimination based on race, color, religion, sex,

handicap, familial status or national origin, or an inten-tion, to make any such pref-

erence, limitation ordiscrimination” Familialstatus includes children

under the age of 18 livingwith parents or legal

custodians, pregnant womenand people securing

custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any

advertising for real estatewhich is in violation of the

law. All dwellings advertisedon an equal opportunity basis.

LEASE TO OWN1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes

& Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!Located Next to Cherokee Indian

Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

FOR SALEGEORGIA PECAN 5-DRAWER CHEST40” x 32” x 22”, From the Mary Cornwell Estate. Nice Color a Must See! $3,150 For more info call 828.637.2342.

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SuperCROSSWORD

answers on page 42

SHALL I COMPARE THEE?

ACROSS1 Scared7 Side of a cut gem12 Fighting junk e-mail20 GMC truck21 Sunni’s god22 “Mona Lisa” painter23 Danes wearing more

frills?25 Easily caught base-

ball hits26 TV reception

enhancers27 Tend the soil29 Court mallets30 SSgt., e.g.31 Steel city in the Ruhr33 Feldman acting

more bashfully?36 Time spent in office38 Rubbish41 Angry with42 “Modern Family”

airer45 Certain quadrilateral47 One who’s worshiped51 Griffin suffering

more pain?56 Vacuum tube variety58 Pastoral tract59 Spanish for “hous-

es”60 Prefix with mobile63 Charles of chair

design64 Founding father

Franklin66 Hemingway feeling

more uptight?69 Noblewoman70 Flowers from Mexico72 Med. scans

73 Fisher using moreoff-color language?76 Believing in one God80 “Remember the -!”81 “Splendor in the

Grass” director Kazan82 John of lawn tractors83 I, to Klaus84 Import taxes86 Allen being more

sly?90 Venue91 Big company, invest-

ment-wise94 Swirly letter95 Around, as a year96 Warble99 “I - film today ...”

(Beatles lyric)103 Buck looking more

sickly?108 Nobelist Bohr111 Fleur-de- - (iris)112 Andean pack ani-

mals113 Light collision116 Minnow, e.g.118 Weird things121 Duchamp showing

more serenity?123 Chastised loudly124 Kowtow, say125 Brown slowly126 Grinning villains,

often127 Nobelist Irish poet128 Rococo

DOWN1 Leaning2 Engaged man3 Parish leader4 Singer India.-5 Papas of “Z”

6 Mends, as holey socks7 Less true8 - carte menu9 Film teaser10 British noble11 2003-07 Fox drama

series12 High mount13 Revived: Prefix14 First-rate15 “Actually ...”16 Gunfire burst17 Nosy sort18 “Someone Like You”

singer19 Lichen-filled24 Film’s actors28 Uterus32 Drug busters34 Hoopster Ming35 Newspaper employee37 - tai39 “Button it!”40 - polloi43 Happened to44 “Mad Money” host

Jim46 Bad guy47 Pakistanis’ neigh-

bors48 Not foreign, as poli-

cy49 Lyric works50 “Judge not, - ye be

judged”51 Tirana’s land: Abbr.52 Dee lead-in53 Vendor’s pushable

vehicle54 “Do - say, not ...”55 “Grease” director

Kleiser57 Hunting dogs61 Old Glory’s country

62 One being examined65 “Thor” actress

Alexander66 Old Balkan region67 Lilly of drugs68 Come to light71 Jackie’s #273 “Curses!”74 Jai -75 Basso Siepi77 That girl’s78 Here, to Fifi79 Fidel’s friend82 Immerse85 Opposite87 Pretend88 Long-jawed fish89 Biblical beast92 Philips rival93 Attire95 Lunar feature97 Defames in writing98 - jet100 Keys of R&B101 Least naive102 Singer Simpson103 Ruses104 John on the

Mayflower105 Chili server106 Boxer Griffith107 Fortuitous109 Pole dance?110 “Oh My My” singer

Ringo114 Lion’s locks115 “SOS!,” e.g.117 Drescher or

Tarkenton119 Gift for music120 Many GPS lines:

Abbr.122 Gathered

Place a numberin the emptyboxes in such away that eachrow across, eachcolumn down andeach small 9-boxsquare containsall of the numbers fromone to nine.

Answers on Page 42

WEEKLY SUDOKU

PERSONALHERO MILES - To find out more about how you can help our service members, vet-erans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.orgSAPA

MAKE A CONNECTION. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet sin-gles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call now 1.888.909.9978 18+. SAPA

YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC!Your classified ad could be reach-ing over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Net-work- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to ap-pear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press As-sociation's website at www.ncpress.com

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

COMPUTER CERTIFICATION ONLINE Train at home to become a Help Desk Professional or MCSA certi-fied! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Call CTI for details! 1.888.734.6712. Visit us online at: MyCTI.TV

EARN YOUR High School Diploma at home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nation-ally accredited. Call for free bro-chure. 1.800.658.1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA

ENTERTAINMENTDISH TV RETAILER- SAVE!Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.) FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL,COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1.800.405.5081

GET THE BIG DEAL From DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo Free 3-Months of HBO, Starz, Showtime & Cinemax Free Genie HD/DVR Upgrade! 2014 NFL Sun-day Ticket Included with Select Packages. New Customers Only IV Support Holdings LLC- An author-ized DirecTV Dealer. Some exclu-sions apply - Call for details 1.800.413.9179 SAPA

SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM86 East Main St., Franklin, Open 10am- 5pm, Mon - Sat. Come & let us find your Scottish Connection! 828.584.7472 or visit us at: www.scottishtartans.org.

SERVICES*REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE! Pro-gramming starting at $19.99/MO. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers. CALL NOW 1.800.795.1315 SAPA

DISH TV RETAILER - SAVE! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.) FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL, COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1.800.351.0850. SAPA

YARD SALES

SWITCH & SAVE EVENT From DirecTV! Packages starting at $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. New Cus-tomers Only IV Support Holdings LLC- An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Some exclusions apply - Call for more Info & details1.800.849.3514

ON-SITE LIVING ESTATE SALEMust Sell Everything in 3 Days!

Whole House - 2 Bedroom & Living Room Full, M&M Collec-tion of NASCAR & Everything

Else, Antiques, Art & Much More!Located at 71 Iris Lane, Canton -

Cruso Area. Feb. 19th - 21st, 9:00 a.m. til 4:00 p.m.

No Early Sales.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Countin’ in the cold

I had originally intended to spend today(Monday, Feb. 16) doing a couple ofshort surveys for the annual Great

Backyard Bird Count. But Sunday morningamid more and more (and more and moredire) weather forecasts warning of somepretty heavy winter weather coming our wayI began to contemplate counting Sundayinstead. Around 9 a.m. Sunday I peeked outthe downstairs window. Well, in my yardwere 17 wild turkeys. It looked like a largegroup of jakes and gobblers.

Hard to pass up on 17 turkeys for yourfirst GBBC tick so I restocked the feedersand took a turn around the backyard. It waschilly and blustery, around 24 degrees witha 15 mph north wind, but there was decentactivity, which increased rather quicklywhen the pine siskins discovered their buffetwas ready. I estimated (conservatively) 70siskins. I recorded 16 species for my yard.

Since I was in the counting mode and allthe forecasts were still threatening us withawful Monday weather, I decided to head toLake Junaluska. It had warmed up a coupleof degrees but the wind coming across thelake felt even colder. Some of the waterfowl

that normally hang at the lake during thewinter were there in good numbers.

The large raft of ruddy ducks (I counted75) was present, I also had at least 30 ring-necked ducks, at least 50 American coot, 20pied-billed grebes, 17 ring-billed gulls and 11buffleheads. A small group of female and/orimmature canvasbacks that have been onthe lake since late autumn were still present.I saw two female redheads and two greaterscaup, one male and one female, mixed inwith five lesser scaup. I wound up with 34species between by yard and Lake J, not abad tally for about four hours of birding ona cold mid-February day.

DOCUMENTING THOSE RARITIESAnd, I’m happy to say, it looks like GBBC

officials accepted the “75” pine siskins.Regular readers of this column may remem-ber a few years back when we were inundat-ed with those little brown streaked eatingmachines all winter — I recorded 80 pinesiskins on my GBBC submission, and told,politely that I must have been mistaken.Well this year I had photos, and while thereis no way for me to photograph all thosebirds in one frame I could show huge num-

bers on the ground plus show the deck rail-ings and hanging feeder full too.

No doubt, photos are a great way to sealthe deal when it comes to rarities. But, I’m alittle ambivalent about the weight photos(or not having photos) seem to carry withregional compilers and/or different rarebird committees. It seems that more than afew are all too ready to dismiss rare sight-ings without photographic evidence, even ifthe bird was viewed by two or three knowl-edgeable birders with good looks.

The lesson, here, for birders is twofold;birders should try and get a photo of anyrarity they want to submit for recognitioneven if it’s a fuzzy one from your cell phone.You would be surprised what some peoplecan tease out of a poor photo. But birdersshould also study the kind of characteristics

that distinguish species and be prepared toimmediately (in the field) document withdescriptions and/or field sketches the char-acters they used to identify the bird. Andwe’re not talking about Sibley-like orPeterson-like field sketches — it’s more thedimensions and absence or presence of fea-tures — i.e., if you wanted to differentiatebetween a hairy and downy woodpecker youwould draw a beak that was as long as thehead is wide for a hairy or shorter than thehead is wide for a downy. To differentiatebetween a ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglet you would note the pres-ence or absence of an eye ring.

Was that an ivory-billed?(Don Hendershot is a naturalist and a

writer. He can be reached at [email protected].)

The naturalist’s cornerBY DON HENDERSHOT

Wild turkeys in the yard. Don Hendershot photo

A bi-monthly magazine that covers the southern Appalachian mountains and celebrates the area’s environmental riches, its people, culture, music, art, crafts

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Trout derby anglers count their catch

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