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Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will be performed at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center. Celebrating its 19th year, it’s the largest Russian ballet tour in North America.
A one-day “Introduction to Cherokee Language” class will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 in Western Carolina University’s Cordelia Camp Building.
Thomas Belt and Hartwell Francis from WCU’s Cherokee language program will begin the class by introducing the Cherokee syllabify. Students will then move on to holding brief conversations in Cherokee. Sound files on CD, a syllabify chart and reference sheets will be provided for review and further study. The event costs $59, with lunch included, and is sponsored by Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing Education.
learn.wcu.edu or 828.227.7397.
Cherokee basket artist Betty Maney and Western Carolina University crafts scholar Anna Fariello will host a program entitled “From the Hands of our Elders: Cherokee Traditions” at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.
This program will expand upon the themes of the WCU public history student exhibit, “Weaving a Way: A Story of Cultural Preservation,” which is on display at the library, just inside the doors leading from the atrium. The exhibit “Cherokee Traditions” is part of the larger “Journey Stories” project, which includes a Smithsonian exhibit on view at the Mountain Heritage Center at WCU, now through Nov. 9.
828.586-2016 or www.fontanalib.org.
REACH of Haywood County will be putting on a “barn dance” at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at a new barn nestled in the Camp Branch area.
The Bryson City Chamber Chili Cook-off will take place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot.
The Liars Bench will present “Appalachian Spook Tales” at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center auditorium.
Christie mystery to be screened
Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19-22 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.
The film portrays a snowstorm that traps boarders at Monkswell Manor Guest House with a murderer on the loose. All is well until one guest is murdered. Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a secret. Who is the murderer? Find out in Agatha Christie’s longest running mystery.
Box Office opens at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children.
828.488.8227 or www.smctheatre.com.
Cradle of Forestry to present Halloween drama
An outdoor drama titled “The Legend of Tommy Hodges“ will be presented at 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. Oct. 19-20 at the Cradle of Forestry in Brevard.
During the outdoor performance, visitors will hear the story of Tommy Hodges, a student of the Biltmore Forest School, who disappeared Halloween night 1907. A guide will lead the audience around the paved Biltmore Campus Trail at the Cradle of Forestry to find out what happened that night. The show is a mile long, meaning the audience walks one mile to see the entire play. It’s most suitable for ages 6 and up.
Audience members are asked to dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Hot cider and cookies will be served after each show. Ponchos and other raingear are welcome if the weather is showery, but please leave umbrellas at home.
Admission is $6 for ages 16 and up, $3 for ages 15 and under and holders of America the Beautiful and Golden Age Passports. Diamond Brand Outdoors is sponsoring the event.
828.877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org.
Free potluck and a movie
The Groovy Movie Club will show the film “Hunger Games” at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Buffy Queen’s solar-powered home in Waynesville. A mostly potluck dinner will precede the screening at 6:15 p.m., with a discussion to follow for all who wish to participate. The event is free and open to the public. The club meets the second of third Friday of every month. The mission of the organization is to show films, feature and documentary, with a message.
828.926.3508 or 828.454.5949 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Western North Carolina Encouragement Jubilee will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 through Oct. 24 in the Beall Auditorium at Haywood Community College in Clyde.
WNC Encouragement Jubilee begins Sunday evening with a gospel music concert featuring The Browns from Lemars, La. Monday’s guest speaker will be David Horton, president of Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute in Hendersonville and Interim Pastor of Encouraging Word Baptist Church in Waynesville. Dr. Jim Henry, former pastor of First Baptist Church Orlando, Fla., and Past President of the Southern Baptist Convention will preach on Tuesday evening. Wednesday evening features Dr. Don Wilton, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, S.C., and founder of the Encouraging Word, a national television ministry.
The public is invited to attend. WNC Encouragement Jubilee is a ministry of Encouraging Word Baptist Church, Waynesville.
828.454.5933.
The Community Table in Sylva has two fundraising events coming up. The Community Table is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to neighbors in need in a welcoming environment.
• You can bid from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on items generously donated by festival artists to benefit The Community Table at the 8th Annual WNC Pottery Festival & Silent Auction in Dillsboro. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 3 and features 40 potters from 13 states.
• The Headliner, a benefit for The Community Table, will be from 6:30-9 p.m. on Nov. 3. Headliner Beer, generously donated by Sierra Nevada and Heinzelmsannchen Brewery of Sylva, will be for sale. $10 for a pint and plate of bratwurst, sauerkraut using Heinzelmannchen’s own recipe or $5 a pint, plus Heinzelmannchen’s homemade Root Beer for $2 a pint.
828.586.6782, www.WNCPotteryFestival.com or www.communitytable.org.
The next community music jam at the Marianna Black Library will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in downtown Bryson City.
Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle or dulcimer (anything unplugged) is invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen.
The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City. Barnett starts by calling out a tune and its key signature and the group plays it together. Then, everyone in the circle gets a chance to choose a song for the group to play together. The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month, year round.
This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.
828.488.3030.
A costume character ball will be held during family night at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Children are invited to come dressed as their favorite story character. There will be snacks, crafts and activities like bowling, twister, beanbag toss and more.
828.586.2016.
Submissions are now being taken for the 2012-13 edition of “Milestone,” the biennial art and literary review published by Southwestern Community College. “Milestone” is a publication that showcases the creative expressions of local writers and visual artists.
All residents of Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary, as well as SCC students and alumni, are eligible. Only unpublished work may be submitted. Prose should not exceed 2,000 words and poems should be limited to two pages in length. Writers may submit more than one work. All writing must be double-spaced and submitted in paper format or via email. In addition, each page must be numbered, and the author’s name, address, telephone number and email address should be included on the last page of each submission.
Visual artists and photographers may submit only black and white copies of original artwork and must also include name, address, telephone number, email address, title of work and photo caption (if applicable) on the back of each submission. Artists and photographers may also submit more than one work. First and second place cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: poetry, prose (short story or nonfiction works) and visual arts, including photography. In addition, one cash prize will be awarded for cover art.
Literary submissions must be postmarked by Dec. 3 and sent to SCC Milestone; Attn. Owen Gibby or Toni Knott; 447 College Drive, Sylva, N.C. 28779 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Submissions in visual art must be postmarked by the same date and sent to the same address; Attn. Bob Keeling or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
828.339.4314 or 828.339.4325.
The Smoky Mountain Fall Art and Craft Festival will celebrate 20 years on Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27 at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Franklin. The fairgrounds will be decorated for the season and artisan booths will be filled to the brim with quality crafts.
This is a juried art and craft show with a warm and festive atmosphere. There will be paintings, photography, pottery, baskets, soaps and lotions, stained glass, wood turnings, furniture, dog clothing and accessories, heirloom crochet, quilts, stunning jewelry, candles, gourd art, clocks, knives, whimsical dolls, Indian clothing, florals and Christmas ornaments.
Admission is free for Oct. 19-20, but donations are kindly accepted. Admission for Oct. 26-27 is $2, which also gains you admission to the Chamber’s 24th Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree next door at the community building.
828.371.0595 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A harvest festival will take place Oct.19-21 at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center on the grounds of the Stecoah School.
Friday evening begins with a campfire and storytelling with Civil War-era soldiers on patrol.
Saturday starts at 8 a.m. with a 5K race and a “One Mile Fun Run.” From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the grounds will be filled with the sounds of mountain music and dancing feet. Music acts include the Stecoah JAM Kids, Britthaven Band, Valley River Gospel Trio, Vance Trull & Friends, The Dixie Darlin’s Cloggers, The Oktoberfest Square Dancers, The Leftovers Band and The Welch Family. At 7:30 p.m. The Dismembered Tennesseans will perform on the grand old stage, with adult tickets being $15 and students (K-12th grade) are $5 for that performance.
On Sunday, there will be free gospel singing in the auditorium from 2:30-5 p.m. featuring The Wilson Family, Shining Pathway, Valleytown Trio and Marble Springs Singing Men. Saturday festival admission is just $3 per adult and free for K-12th grade and younger. Parking is free.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 828.479.3364, at the Stecoah Gallery or online at www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.
The North Hominy Apple Festival will take place from 7 a.m. until closing Oct. 20 at the North Hominy Community Center on Newfound Road in Canton.
The festival will feature a variety of apple pies, butter and jellies. There will be craft vendors onsite and a country breakfast at $7 per person.
The Haywood County Apple Harvest Festival will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 20 in downtown Waynesville. The annual festival, which celebrates the beauty of the harvest season in Haywood County, features handmade arts and crafts, locally grown apples and apple products for sale.
To the Editor:
A letter was recently circulated regarding the euthanizing of a black bear in the Mountain Aire community in western North Carolina. That letter apparently spawned a letter to the editor published in the Smoky Mountain News on Oct. 10, 2012, under the heading “Giving bears a second chance.”
This correspondence sets the record straight regarding the original letter. The original letter draws attention to several issues related to feeding and habituating bears to humans and human food. The letter also implies that reasonable alternatives existed regarding the disposition of this bear; and further that North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) staff were unresponsive to the community and simply suggested killing the bear as the simplest way to address nuisance situations. The account presented in the letter is not an accurate depiction of events as they actually occurred.
The letter states that the bear emerged from its winter den and soon discovered human food, perhaps implying that the bear accidentally came across human foods. In reality the bear was fed intentionally by construction workers in the Mountain Aire community, despite the community’s “bear aware” program and other ongoing efforts to coexist with bears.
Bears quickly become habituated to humans under these conditions and this bear was no exception. Having lost its fear of humans, the bear returned regularly and broke into several cars during the month of May, 2012. The NCWRC was contacted by community leaders about the bear and began working directly with them to harass the bear and attempt to discourage it from remaining in the community. The community leaders also addressed the feeding issue with the construction workers.
Those efforts appeared successful at first as the bear disappeared from the community for several weeks. Unfortunately, the bear returned in late June and the NCWRC received a report on June 28th that the bear had damaged the roof of a convertible sports car, reportedly enticed by a pack of gum inside the car. Community leaders stressed that concern among residents was increasing.
On July 30th, the NCWRC was informed that the bear had increased its interactions with humans, having entered homes at least four times and entered or damaged several vehicles. Community leaders and other residents expressed heightened concern and desire for action beyond harassment.
NCWRC staff informed the community that the bear had developed behavior that was inconsistent with normal bear behavior and recommended that the community increase harassment activities and offered assistance to trap and aggressively harass the bear in a final attempt to stop the bear’s behavior.
On August 2nd, the community reported that the bear had entered another residence, removed two pies from the kitchen counter and re-entered the house that night. It was also reported that the bear entered the bedroom while the owners were sleeping. Subsequently, community leaders requested authorization to pursue other options, including euthanasia, as they felt the harassment techniques were not effective.
Several residents in the community began investigating the idea of trapping the bear and placing it in captivity as an alternative to euthanasia. The residents investigated a location in Georgia and indicated that arrangements were in place to take the bear to that location. NCWRC staff contacted officials in Georgia to assess feasibility of this option. We determined that this was not a viable option because neither a transportation permit nor a license to possess the bear would be granted by the State of Georgia. NCWRC staff informed the community that while we did not support trapping a wild bear and placing it in confinement, we did investigate the proposal as requested by the community. Subsequently, NCWRC staff authorized the community to take action as appropriate should the bear return and pose a threat to persons or property.
On August 9th, NCWRC staff discussed with the community specific actions to be implemented should the bear return. The community natural resources director indicated that most residents wanted the bear removed immediately as they viewed it to be a threat. It was also noted that a group of residents had begun to explore the possibility of moving the bear to a pen at Grandfather Mountain.
While this option was being examined, the bear returned to the community. Specifically, the bear appeared near a child’s playground and then approached a condominium on the following day (August 10th). The property owner reported the bear to the community leadership and employees of the community humanely euthanized the bear.
The NCWRC supports the actions of the community as this bear clearly demonstrated threats to persons and property. State law provides private landowners the right to protect their property and their person from damage caused by wildlife. It is unfortunate that human habituation of wildlife often results in the animal’s demise.
Sincerely,
Gordon Myers
Executive Director, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
A Clip and Save Coupon Club meets from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Senior Resource Center in Haywood County.
“It seems to me that now more than ever, people need help at the cash register, not to mention everywhere else,” Suzanne M. Hendrix, a program coordinator at the senior center.
Far from the days of checking Sunday’s newspaper circulars, coupon clipping has reached a whole new level in American today, with coupons easily being mined on the Internet. The senior center has several computers and iPads as well as printers.
Located on 81 Elmwood Way off Russ Avenue past K-Mart. 828.356.2816.
A panel of veterans ranging from World War II to Afghanistan will discuss of the physical, emotional and psychological journeys of soldiers before, during and after war at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University
The program,“Over There and Coming Home: Veterans’ Journeys,” is part of the “Journey Stories” exhibit Developed by the Smithsonian Institution on on display at WCU through Nov. 9.
An accompanying exhibit focusing on local “journey stories” that was researched, designed and built by WCU public history students, “In, Out, Through and Back Again: Smoky Mountain Journeys,” is being shown at the Jackson County Public Library through Saturday, Nov. 17.
A program titled “Captain Orr’s Badge: A Civil War Journey,” will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at the Mountain Heritage Center, chronicling the journey of a Civil War-era U.S. Army officer’s badge from New York state to a flea market in Western North Carolina, which inspired a graphic novel by retired WCU art professor Lee Budahl. 828.227.7129.
The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will hold an organizational meeting 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, for the adult and masters basketball league at the Waynesville Recreation Center.
This meeting is a mandatory meeting for anyone interested in entering a team in the league. The adult league is open to all players between the ages of 18 to 34, and the Masters League is open to all players over the age of 35.
The adult league games are held Mondays at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. The masters league games are held Thursdays at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. 828.456.2030 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
People can drop off gently used or new winter clothing articles for children and adults at any Swain County governmental facility such as the County Administration Building, Health Dept., Social Services, all Swain County Schools, the bus garage and the Swain County Chamber of Commerce. Items may include coats, sweaters, jackets, hats, gloves, toboggans, or sweatshirts.
To participate, contact Mike Clampitt at 828.736.6222.
A genealogical “how to” presentation will be held Monday, Oct. 15, at the Boiler Room restaurant in Franklin by the The Silas McDowell Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Dinner starts at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.
The session is open to anyone who would like to learn more about how to find ancestors involved in the American Revolution. Learn how to become a member of the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution; and, for current members, how to recognize additional family patriots.
828.526.3374 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Members of the Silas McDowell Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution are collecting items for homeless veterans in the region through Oct. 31. The group is working with the Veterans Restoration Quarters in Asheville and will be collecting items needed by homeless veterans as they transition back into the community. Items can be dropped in the box at the Sylva Walmart or the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
The following items are needed: work clothes and boots, casual and dress clothing and shoes in good condition, new underwear and socks in package, backpacks, ponchos, umbrellas, linens and toiletries.
828.507.2351 or 828.557.0162.
The Liars Bench will present its third annual show of “Appalachian Spook Tales” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center auditorium.
The Liars Bench is a southern Appalachian variety show started by writer and storyteller Gary Carden, and the Oct. 18 cast includes Lloyd Arneach, Paul Iarussi, guest storyteller Dot Jackson, and the Tuckaseegee Boys — Ethan Fortner, Russel Messer, and Wyatt Messer — who perform Southern Appalachian scary in story and song on stage.
“The outside world stereotypes us as an ignorant, violent culture, and that’s not true,” said Carden. “Yet at the same time, we’ve had our share of murder and violence. Sometimes it’s been quite dark. This Liars Bench won’t be a ‘funny-face,’ jack-o-lantern type of Halloween show. You need to be ready for Southern Appalachian ‘scary,’” Carden said.
“I know that the audience will be very impressed with the stories of both Lloyd Arneach and Dot Jackson” said Carden.
The Liars Bench is a blend of culturally accurate mountain Americana with traditional Southern Appalachian entertainment for everyone, according to Carden.
“We attempt to treat Appalachian culture with integrity and authenticity and to be an accurate reflection of the Southern Highlanders and their ways,” said Carden. “No matter how successful the show becomes I want people to know that The Liars Bench is an honest rendering of Appalachian culture and tradition.”
The next presentation of The Liars Bench at WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15 with a special production of one of Carden’s plays, “Birdell,” the story of a defiant mountain woman forced off her land by the rising waters of Fontana Lake.
A candidate forum will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at the Jackson County Public Library.
Candidates attending are: Republican Jim Davis and Democrat John Snow, candidates for the N.C. Senate’s 50th District; Republican Mike Clampitt and Democrat Joe Sam Queen, candidates for the N.C. House’s 119th District; and Republican Marty Jones and Democrat Mark Jones, candidates for Jackson County commissioner. Candidates for the U.S House, Republican Mark Meadows and Democrat Hayden Rogers, could not attend because of a conflict.
Forum sponsors include Macon County League of Women Voters, Canary Coalition, OccupyWNC and Smoky Mountain News. Audience members will be able to submit questions as they arrive.
The Lens Luggers outdoor photography group will host two excursions, Oct. 20 and 21, to give visual enthusiasts the opportunity to hone their wildlife photography skills. The group will meet at 6:30 a.m. at Maggie Valley Inn and carpool to Cataloochee Valley for the elk in rut. Male elk are particularly active during the fall mating season as they fight over the females. The group will stop at several destinations on each day, including scenic routes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
All camera levels and experience are welcome. Space is limited. Cost is $75 per day or $125 for both days.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.627.0245.
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is leading a hike to Hemphill Bald at Cataloochee Ranch at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13.
The moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation change of 900 feet begins on a road used for hiking and horseback riding, marked by fall flowers, mountain streams, and cove hardwood forest mixed at times with hemlock stands and the rhododendron and mountain laurel.
As the trail reaches the ridge top, woods are replaced by open high altitude pastureland and with the chance for views of four counties and a number of mountaintops under clear conditions. The preserved tract is adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The cost is free for SAHC members and $10 for non-SAHC members. This moderate 5-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation change of 900 feet begins on a road used for hiking and horseback riding.
828.253.0095 ext. 205 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A free workshop for landowners interested in learning more about conservtion agreements with a land trust will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m Oct. 8 at the Jackson County Library.
Landowners can learn more about their options for preserving special areas, keeping forests and farms in production and leaving a legacy for future generations.
The event is hosted by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Land Trust for the Little Tennessee and the Conservation Trust for North Carolina. The workshops will provide information on conservation options and resources, including maintaining working forests and farms, tax breaks available through conservation agreements and testimonials from other landowners.
919.828.4199 ext. 17
Historical and outdoor enthusiasts can go watch a small group of re-enactors in a reconstructed campsite of the early 1900’s from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 13 at the Cradle of Forestry in the Pisgah National Forest.
The delayed harvest section of the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County, one of 15 spots on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, will receive an infusion of 19,600 trout this fall. The stocking will be conducted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in two segments — 9,800 trout the first week of October and another 9,800 trout the first week of November.
Brook and rainbow trout will account for 80 percent of the fish placed in the river, with brown trout making up the remaining 20 percent. Anglers are allowed to fish the delayed harvest section of the Tuckasegee River year-round. However, any fish caught between Oct. 1 and the first Saturday in June must be released immediately. The delayed harvest section of the river runs from the N.C. 107 bridge in the Lovesfield community to Dillsboro.
Boat access to the delayed harvest section of the Tuck has also been improved. A new boat ramp recently opened in Dillsboro, while a second one is set to open later this year off Old Cullowhee Highway, just upstream from the N.C. 107 bridge.
Other good autumn places to fish along the WNC Fly Fishing Trail are: Scott Creek, Panthertown Creek, Savannah Creek and the Chattooga River. Scott Creek, which flows through Sylva and Dillsboro, was stocked with 1,500 trout in July and additional 1,500 trout in August.
800.962.1911 or www.FlyFishingTrail.com
The U.S. Forest Service will close the Massey Branch Boat Ramp on Lake Santeetlah beginning Oct. 15 so that improvements can be made to the boating access area. The Forest Service estimates that the boat ramp will reopen in April. The work will create an additional entrance to the area, a new double lane boat access with a dock and improve parking for boat trailers. The project will also improve accessibility at the site and protect water quality through drainage control measures.
Alternative public boat ramps are located at Cheoah Point Boat Ramp and Avey Creek Boat Ramp.
A guided hike in the Cataloochee Valley area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be held Thursday, Oct. 18.
Biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission have launched a captive breeding program for the giant, odd-looking Hellbender salamander, also called water dogs or snot otters. If successful, the program could be a first.
The U.S. Forest Service has launched a web site for “Leaf Viewing in Western North Carolina.” The site features scenic drives and areas in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests for enjoying fall foliage. The site describes the types of mountain plants that visitors will see during peak season at high, middle and low elevations — including what weeks are best for the different elevations.
Jackson County Public Library in Sylva will host a book talk with Barbara Taylor Woodall on at 7 p.m. Oct. 16.
Woodall will discuss her memoir, It’s Not My Mountain Anymore, which describes more than 50 years of memories of mountain life and mountain changes.
828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.
Jackson County Public Library will host a book talk with Emily Cooper, author of Queen of the Lost, a fictionalized account of former First Lady of South Carolina Lucy Pickens, at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 in downtown Sylva.
Cooper’s book focuses on the life of Pickens, the legendary “Queen of the Confederacy” and wife of South Carolina Gov. Francis Pickens. A fictionalized historical saga spanning 150 years, the book traces Pickens from her origins in Tennessee and Texas to the tsar’s palace in St. Petersburg with her then-ambassador husband. Following Pickens’ election to the governorship and South Carolina’s subsequent secession, she became the first and only woman to be pictured on Confederate currency.
828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.
Two authors will present their latest works on Oct. 13 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Ava Lindsey Chambers will speak at 2 p.m., with Amy Cortese at 5 p.m.
Chambers will present her novel No Reservations, which tells the story of Mary, a young woman who thought she knew who she was. She lived in a happy home with two loving parents but soon finds out they are not her natural parents. The revelation sets her off on a journey to find out just where it is she came from and who she truly is.
Cortese will discusses her book, Locavesting, which looks behind the scenes of the local investing movement, where, in dozens of towns and cities across the country, a vast experiment in citizen finance is taking place. From Brooklyn, N.Y. to Port Townsend, Wa., residents are banding together to save their small businesses and Main Streets from extinction.
828.586.9499.
The School of Music at Western Carolina University will present a guest artist recital featuring saxophonist Allison Dromgold Adams with pianist Liz Ames at 5 p.m. Oct. 23 in the recital hall of the Coulter Building.
Adams is a member of the Estrella Consort, a saxophone quartet in Phoenix. With this ensemble, she has performed and presented master classes across Ecuador and competed as a semifinalist at the 2012 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition.
Ames recently performed at the 2011 International Double Reed Society Conference and was the piano coordinator for the North American Saxophone Alliance National Conference.
828.227.7242.
Two weeks before the football teams from Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University tangle in their traditional rivalry game, students and faculty members from WCU athletic training program will embark on the Mountain Jug Run for Research Oct. 12 and 13.
Named in honor of the football matchup known as “The Battle for the Old Mountain Jug,” the Run for Research will take the WCU athletic training group on a 175-mile course that begins at the ASU football stadium in Boone and ends at E.J. Whitmire Stadium in Cullowhee. The course will be run as a continuous relay, with each of the 19 runners completing five legs in five-mile increments and with two or three runners on the road at any given time.
The relay is organized to raise funds for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Research and Education Foundation, which awards research grants and academic scholarships in the field of sports medicine. The group hopes to raise more than $4,000 this year. Donations are still being accepted and may be made in the form of checks, made payable to the NATA-REF, and sent to Jill Manners, WCU Health and Human Sciences Building, Office 362, 4121 Little Savannah Road, Cullowhee, N.C. 28723. All donations to the foundation are tax-deductible.
The Classic Wine Seller and Satin Steel Jazz will host a fall jazz festival on four consecutive Saturdays, Oct. 13 through Nov. 3.
Eve Haslam, Brian Felix and Zack Page will kick off the fest on Oct. 13; Oct. 20, the Pavel Wlosok Duo will play; Oct. 27 will feature Michael Jefry Stevens Duo; and Nov. 3 will be the Steve Davidowski Duo.
Tickets include dinner from Angelino’s Piattino Ristorante in the Wineseller and a three-hour show. Reservations are $25 in advance, by either calling or visiting the Classic Wineseller, 20 Church Street, Waynesville. At the door, admission price is $30 per person. Dinner and music begin at 7 p.m.
As well, the Classic Wine Seller’s Friday Night Live series will introduce the Indian Fusion group Shantavaani in an album release concert from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 12.
828.452.6000.
Smoky Mountain Sk8way is looking for a naming rights partner to rename the soon-to-be expanded Smoky Mountain Sk8way Sports and Entertainment Arena, in exchange for revenue to help expand. The partnership is not just about a name change but comes with a list of other marketing benefits.
Smoky Mountain Sk8way, the local roller skating rink located on the bypass, has been providing fun and family entertainment to Western North Carolina since 2010 and is the home to two female flat track derby teams: Balsam Mountain Roller Girls and the Balsam Mountain Junior Roller Girls. The Sk8way plans to become a 20,000-square-foot arena as well as a skating rink and family entertainment center, which will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 people and host community events like concerts, dances and haunted houses along with sporting events like roller derby bouts and roller hockey matches. The facility will offer regular weekly roller skating sessions, a cafe with outside accessibility, a climbing wall, a toddler area, mini golf, pro shop, arcade and ticket redemption counter.
Proposals must be submitted by Oct. 31.
828.246.9124 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART) will hold auditions for its December production of “A Christmas Carol” at 1 p.m. Oct. 13 and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Feichter Studio of the HART Theatre on 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville. Callbacks will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15, and anyone unable to make the weekend times can also come by then.
The show features a variety of characters. This is a play with a musical score, so there will be roles for carolers in the ensemble. The production is being directed by Mark Jones, with music composed and conducted by Ann Rhymer Schwabland. It will run two weekends beginning Dec. 7 and is expected to be an annual HART event. No roles have been precast.
Though this is not a musical, actors should come prepared to sing, preferably with sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Anyone auditioning will be given scenes to read from the script. Actors auditioning as professionals will be expected to have a prepared monologue, headshot and resume. Anyone interested in working backstage on the production is also encouraged to come by during auditions to sign up.
More than 20 top high school marching bands will assemble for Western Carolina University’s 12th annual Tournament of Champions at 8 a.m. Oct. 20 at E.J. Whitmire Stadium on campus.
Elementary school-aged children and their families are invited to a free ARTSaturday arts and crafts workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 13 in the children’s area of the Macon County Public Library.
Children will create take-home projects made from natural materials. Keyboardist Lionel Caynon provides live music. There’s no pre-registration. Children should wear play clothes and come for any part of the session. Adults must stay and work with their younger children. The Arts Council presents ARTSaturday workshops at the library the second Saturday of each month. The series is supported by the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
www.artscouncilofmacon.org or 828.524.7683.
The High Country Quilters 22nd Annual Quilt Show, “Bear Foot In the Mountains,” will take place daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11-13 at the Maggie Valley Town Hall and Pavilion/Civic Center.
This year’s theme quilt is a bear paw design of fall colors. Tickets for the quilt are available from every member of the guild and will also be for sale at the show. The drawing will take place at 4 p.m. Oct. 13, and the winner does not have to be present.
The food court and bake sale will be held in the pavilion. In addition, several local vendors will be on hand, including J. Creek Fabrics, Sister’s Quilts Fabrics, Sew New Again Sewing Machines, Lisa’s Quilting Shed, Elaine’s Attic, Little Blessings Quilt Shop and Pappy’s Quilting Place.
High Country Quilters is a nonprofit organization and funds collected from the sale of the theme quilt, and the show are used for local scholarships and charities. The event is free and open to the public.
828.926.3169 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Great Pumpkin Patch Express is returning throughout October to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. As the leaves begin to fade and pumpkins are ready to be carved, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy make their way to the GSMR Pumpkin Patch.
The Dillsboro Community Drum Circle will hold their monthly show from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 13 at the old train depot. All are welcome, with instruments available to share. Bring your own instrument if you’d like. Dancers and hula hoopers are also encouraged to attend.
Canton Branch Library will transform into a spooky storytelling arena from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in the meeting room. Jane Shipman, known as “Miss Jane” for many years when she worked as a children’s librarian in Waynesville, will tell Halloween stories appropriate for both children and adults. Some stories may be a bit frightening; some may be funny, but all are sure to enchant. Shipman tailors her performances based on the audience, choosing from a large repertoire of both original stories and tales based on books.
The event is free and open to the public. Children are encouraged to try out their Halloween costumes. Treats, generously provided by the Friends of the Library, will be served.
828.648.2924.
Friends of the Smokies will host nationally acclaimed storyteller and Haywood County native Donald Davis at 3 p.m. Oct. 14 in Lake Junaluska’s Harrell Center.
Davis is donating his performance to benefit Friends of the Smokies, a non-profit organization that supports conservation, education, historic preservation and other priorities benefiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Tickets are $15 per person. Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park memberships will be offered at a special discount for $20 with purchase of ticket. Tickets may be purchased at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville or by mailing checks to Friends of the Smokies, 160 South Main Street, Waynesville, N.C. 28786 or at www.friendsofthesmokies.org.
828.452.0720.
Two art classes will be held at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro on Oct. 13. A glassblowing seminar will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with 45-minute time slots available) while a blacksmithing class will run from noon to 3 p.m.
With the assistance of a resident professional artist, participants will work with their chosen medium to create a unique piece of functional art. In both programs, you will learn the basics of the medium you are working in, along with important safety guidelines.
Space is limited. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. No experience necessary and ages 13-18 may participate with parent present. Dress in cotton clothing (no polyester). Wear closed shoes and long pants. Glass artwork available for pickup 48 hours after class. A $50 payment is due at registration.
828.631.0271 or www.jcgep.org/classes.php.
