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Haywood County Farm Bureau awards four scholarships each year — two for $1,000 and two for $500.

The $1000 scholarships are given to students attending a four-year college and studying agriculture. The $500 scholarships will go to students attending a two-year college.

Students must be graduating seniors currently enrolled in a Haywood County school or enrolled in a two or four-year school and be a resident of Haywood County. Students must have a 2.5 or better G.P.A. and must be planning to enroll in an approved post-secondary program. They must also provide clear evidence of financial need and significant community service.

Haywood County Farm Bureau members and their children will be given first consideration. Applications are available at Haywood County Farm Bureau on Asheville Road in Waynesville. Applications must be submitted by May 15.

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Ministries with Young People at Lake Junaluska is preparing for its summer programming, SURGE into Missions.

During the SURGE into Missions program, youth will meet and work with persons in need within the surrounding communities, as well as get to know other youth from all over the Southeast during small group sessions.

SURGE into Missions weeks and weekends run from June 14 through July 22.

In addition to mission experiences and worship services, youth can take part in weekly volleyball tournaments and enjoy free time at the pool, tennis courts and mini golf course. For a discounted rate, groups may add an extra day for rafting, zipline tours or hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Youth groups who register by March 12 will receive one free leader registration, and groups registered by May 1 receive free T-shirts.

800.222.4930 or www.myp.lakejunaluska.com/surge-camp.

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A 10-week free educational class will be held next month in Franklin on recovery and wellness for anyone experiencing a mental disorder.  

The peer-to-peer program is led by mentors (peers) who themselves are in recovery from mental illness and who can share their unique coping strategies to others pursuing recovery. The program was developed by the National Alliance of Mental Illness and has been taught to thousands throughout the nation. The class will be offered in Franklin every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. beginning March 13.  

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.

Call Hank 828.342.4789 or Paul 828.524.9133.

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The Macon County Republican Party will hold a forum for candidates running for the 11th Congressional District seat on March 3.

The event will start at 4 p.m. with finger foods and a meet and greet at the Community Building in Franklin.

At 4:30 p.m., the candidates will be allowed to speak for about five minutes each.

Members are encouraged to stay around after the close of the forum to ask more questions of the candidates.

828.421.2191.

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Those interested in being a foster parent can learn what it takes from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of each month at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

Read popular novels, memoirs and biographies that explore the world of foster care. Look for displays at both Jackson and Haywood public libraries for more books on the subject.

828.454.1098, ext. 2908 or www.acswnc.com.

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Community Resource Connections of Haywood Community Connections is sponsoring a third session of “Building Bridges in Haywood County.”

This program will help local clergy have a better understanding of resources available to those in need.

This session will focus on Community Resource Connections, programs open to seniors at the new Senior Center, caregivers programs and lists. Local nursing facilities displays and literature will be featured.

If you are a minister, a layperson or member of any congregation this program is intended for you. 

828.452.2370 ext. 2816.

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Jim Williams, a nationally renowned speaker from Nashville, is coming to Swain County Feb. 27 to speak to parents, teachers and students about bully prevention.

He is scheduled speak to parents at the Swain County Fine Arts Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27. The event is free and open to the public.

Williams is a former Fortune 500 executive who left the business world when he was called to offer his entertaining and heartfelt thoughts about bullying and how we treat one another.

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Harold Sims, aka The Catman, is looking for sponsors, artists and other people participate in a painted cat project.

Similar to the brightly colored bears in Cherokee, Sims hopes to feature the life-size cats in shops around Western North Carolina. A sponsor could be a business or any interested person. The cost of the unpainted cats will be about $150 each. Once the cats are delivered, talented artists will be needed to paint them.

“I am also asking people who might not wish to be a sponsor to donate an object of art to include in the auction. These items may be cat-related or not and could be a: picture, pottery, sculpture, or anything artsy and worthy of bringing a good price,” Sims said.

The date of the auction is yet to be set.

828.293.0892 or www.catman2.org.

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Western Carolina University students will kick off the Cullowhee Voter Initiative, a nonpartisan effort to improve voter education and participation in Jackson County, with a voter registration drive and student debate on campus Thursday, Feb. 23.

A second event, a debate in which members of the North Carolina General Assembly are scheduled to participate, will take place in the theater of WCU’s A.K. Hinds University Center at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 5. Student organizers said additional events will be planned in Jackson County.

In addition to political primaries, the May election will include an amendment that would add language providing that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union valid or recognized in the state and the Jackson County alcohol referendum that would allow sales countywide.

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The Moolah Temple Men’s Auxiliary will accompany a screening of the 1920 silent movie classic, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, with a strange, sweet soundtrack music during Sylva’s Silents Out Loud on Feb. 25 and 27.

The first performance will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Jackson County Public Library’s community room. The final show will start at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at Signature Brew Coffee Company on Main Street in Sylva.

This movie was an early triumph of German Expressionism; the sets throughout the film’s central story are odd, angular, exaggerated paintings bordering on mad abstractions. The film is also the first in cinema history to present a story being told within another story.

There are sleepwalking murderers, a dastardly hypnotist, the townsfolk led on a merry chase, true love and not-so-true love. Expect spooky music, circus music and spirited music.

828.587.6300.

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Rachel Reilly, a 2007 graduate of Western Carolina University, has been named as part of the cast for “The Amazing Race.”

Reilly, who graduated with a degree in chemistry, got her reality television start on the set of “Big Brother” during the show’s 12th season in 2010. She eventually went on to win the show last year and pocket $500,000. While on “Big Brother,” Reilly met her fiancé, Brendon Villegas. Reilly and Villegas will now compete together as one of 11 teams on “The Amazing Race.”

On “The Amazing Race,” Reilly and the rest of the contestants will have the opportunity to travel across five continents, 22 cities and close to 40,000 miles for a chance to win a $1 million grand prize.

“‘The Amazing Race’ has excellence written all over it,” Reilly said in a statement issued through her mother. “The viewer will clearly see that. Beyond that, ‘The Amazing Race’ is just that — amazing.  One can hardly describe the experience. It is physical, indeed, but ‘The Amazing Race’ is so much more. It is cultural. It is educational, and it has heart.”

Reilly is originally from Cabarrus County. The first episode of this season is set to air on CBS at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb 19.

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The downtown association and First United Methodist Church in Sylva are sponsoring a Father-Daughter semi-formal dance from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., Feb. 24, at the church’s Christian Life Center.

Fathers and daughters of all ages can enjoy a night out together with music and dancing. Refreshments and drinks will be served.

The cost at the door is $30 per couple, $5 for each additional daughter. Corsages will also be available to purchase at $5 each. Couples will receive a complimentary photo to remember the evening.

www.downtownsylva.org or www.firstumcsylva.org.

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The 56th Annual Pancake Day will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

“This has been a tradition in our church for over 50 years, and we think that it is the largest non-sporting event held in Haywood County,” said Sandy Giles, senior pastor. Last year, it is estimated that more than 2,500 individuals were served during the day, and more than 475 volunteers donate their time to make the event happen each year.

A portion of the funds raised this year will be used to establish a scholarship fund to honor Mary Ann and Charlie Way’s 50-plus years of service. This spring, the couple will award the first scholarship to a student who has financial need and has shown a commitment to service at the church and in the community.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, at the church office or from any member of the church.

828.456.9475.

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Woodworker Chris Behre of Tuckasegee will demonstrate how to make Shaker boxes at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, at the atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Behre will discuss the necessary tools and techniques as well as answer questions from attendees. His work will be on display at the library along with pieces from other Jackson County woodworkers until the end of March. His works include Shaker boxes in several sizes as well as kaleidescopes, toys and other small pieces.

Behre also gives demonstrations at the Biltmore Estate as a master woodworker.

828.586.2016.

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The Bascom in Highlands is hosting several upcoming classes for children

• Creation Station is open to children ages 5 to 9 and will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 25. This month’s project theme is flying objects. The program will continue each Saturday in March, and the theme will be the environment.

• Kids, age 8 to 15, will explore world cultures during the Friends Around the Globe program through art from 1 to 3 p.m., Feb. 25

• Art Adventure, a program for five- to nine-year-olds, will have kids experimenting with a variety of art forms from painting, ceramics and sculpture to printmaking and collage. The event will run from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m., March 6 thru 10.

The Bascom is open year-round, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

www.TheBascom.org or 828.526.4949.

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Contemporary artist and instructor Billie W. Shelburn will demonstrate creative watercolor techniques for Art League of the Smokies at 6:15 p.m. on March 1 at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City.

Anyone can attend the event free of charge.

Shelburn will paint from images in her mind rather than from direct resources as she uses subliminal images to create abstract realism through the use of lights and darks, shapes and moods. She’ll demonstrate how she uses the elements and principles of design to build her composition and color as a technique for definition of space. Oriental paper collage will also be applied to the painting.

Shelburn’s paintings have won national, international and regional awards, and she was inducted into the National Organization for Women in the Arts. She is the resident artist in painting, drawing and mixed media at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, a position she has held for the last 15 years.

828.488.7843 or www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

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The Jackson County Public Library is sponsoring a statue-naming contest for a marble sculpture recently donated to its youth service department by artist Jim Knapp of Balsam.

Children are encouraged to examine and touch the artwork, which depicts a child reading, and think up an appropriate name. It could be a descriptive name or a name from a favorite book. The contest will run from Feb. 15 until March 8 and is open to children only.

A panel of three library staff members will consider all entries. The winning name will be announced on March 15, and a winner and a runner-up will receive a free book about sculpture or art. Entry forms are available at the Library.

828.586.2016.

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The second of two benefit performances of “The Liars Bench” Southern Appalachian variety show will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 at WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center.

“The Liars Bench” was founded by Sylva writer and storyteller Gary Carden in June 2010. The show’s cast has provided more than 20 free programs of Southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry and drama in the Sylva/Cullowhee area since then, but a $10 admission will be charged at the Feb. 23 show.

“Customarily, we ‘pass the hat’ at each performance in order to give a token payment to the performers,” Carden said. “However, in order to stabilize our finances we have decided to charge admission for this special program.”

The shows feature the talents of Carden, Cherokee storyteller Lloyd Arneach, claw-hammer guitarist Paul Iarussi, vocalist and musician William Ritter, poet and musician Barbara Duncan and mandolin player Eric Young, along with Tom Dewees.

Tickets are on sale at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. For more information about the shows, call the Mountain Heritage Center at 828.227.7129.

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An exploratory meeting has been set up to examine the possibility of forming the Western North Carolina Cheese Trail.

The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 29 in the commerce boardroom located on the second floor of the Asheville Chamber Building on Montford Avenue. The primary purpose of the meeting is to bring together licensed cheese-making operations in Western North Carolina to discuss the concept and gauge the interest in forming of this new entity.

There are about 15 licensed farmstead and artisanal cheese-making operations in Western North Carolina. Retailers, enthusiasts, and future cheese-makers are welcome to attend and contribute their ideas.

Attendees are asked to RSVP.

828.458.0088 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The Asheville Symphony Guild will offer full and partial scholarships for students who play musical instruments in middle and high school in Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Swain and Yancey counties to attend the Mars Hill College Summer Music Camp from June 24-29.

Students can obtain scholarship information and applications from their music teacher or at www.ashevillesymphony.org/guild. Completed scholarship applications are due to the student’s music teacher by April 16. The music teacher must complete the teacher’s assessment form and forward the entire application to the Guild by April 27.

More information about the Summer Music Camp in Mars Hill can be found at www.mhc.edu/musiccamp.

828.350.7861 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The HART Studio in Waynesville will continue its season with “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh, opening Feb. 24 in the Feichter Studio Theatre.

The Tony award-winning play tells the story of a man imprisoned and being interrogated for the content of his short stories, which parallel a number of child murders. Set in an undefined totalitarian state, we are simply being presented with a criminal examination, which drifts into the surreal. The play contains adult situations and language so audience discretion is advised.

As is the case with most of McDonagh’s plays, it is funny and disturbing. McDonagh creates complex characters and stories that challenge the audience and lead to long discussions afterwards.

“The Pillowman” originally premiered on Broadway in 2004 and starred Billy Crudup and Jeff Goldblum. HART’s production will feature Colin Lasley, Justin Slack, Jack Ross, Steven Turner and Amy Hunt under the direction of Charles Mills.

“The Pillowman” will run Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for all adults and $6 for students.

828.456.6322.

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The First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam Series at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will ends its 2011-12 season Thursday, March 1, with a concert featuring the veteran Appalachian string band the New Southern Ramblers.

The group’s 7 p.m. performance will be followed by an 8 p.m. jam session, in which local musicians are invited to participate.

Featuring lively dance tunes, traditional vocals and flatfoot dancing, the New Southern Ramblers have entertained audiences across the nation for decades, with performances in recent years at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and MerleFest.

The New Southern Ramblers is comprised of fiddler John Herrmann of Marshall, banjo player Gordy Hinners of Weaverville, guitarist Phil Jamison and bass player Meredith McIntosh, both of Asheville.

The activities at the Mountain Heritage Center are free and open to everyone. Pickers and singers of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part in the jam sessions.

The museum is located on the ground floor of WCU’s H.F. Robinson Administration Building. 828.227.7129.

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Independent cultural critic and author Eleanor Heartney will lead a presentation on contemporary art at 5 p.m. Monday, March 5, in Room 130 of the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

The event is free and open to the public.

Titled “Tales of Plastic Surgery, Genetically Altered Rabbits, and Other Acts of Art,” the talk examines two artists; Eduardo Kac genetically alters a rabbit to glow green under a particular light while French artist Orlan had parts of her face surgically altered to resemble women in famous art historical paintings. Heartney includes these artists and others in her book “Art and Today.”

“Both Kac and Orlan push the limits of what we consider art, and in her book, Heartney poses the question, ‘Should we do things simply because we can?’” said Marya Roland, associate professor of art at WCU.

Heartney is a contributing editor for Art in America magazine and has written for The Washington Post, The New York Times and ArtAsiaPacific magazine.

828.227.3593 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Haywood County Recreation and Parks is now taking reservations for a 10-day, Hawaiian Cruise trip Nov. 1-10.

Per-person rates are based on double occupancy and include round-trip airfare from Asheville. Costs are $3,405 for an inside cabin, $3,695 for an outside cabin and $3,865 for a balcony cabin. An initial deposit of $350 per person is required to secure a reservation, and the final balance is due by July 20.

Single occupancy rates are also available upon request. Departure from an airport other than the Asheville Regional Airport is available.

828.452.6789 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Organizers are gearing up for this year’s Airing of the Quilts Challenge on May 12 in Franklin.

Quilters must create a wall hanging incorporating one or more of the Macon County Quilt Trail blocks somewhere in the design. The competition gives area quilters an opportunity to showcase their talents.

“The purpose of this challenge is to see how our Macon County Quilt Trail blocks can be used creatively in another medium,” said Deb Heatherly, president of the Macon County Quilt Trail organization.

The wall hanging may be pieced, appliquéd, embroidered, thread painted or any combination of these techniques.

Deadline to enter is May 10. Entries will be judged on May 11 and shown during the Second Annual Airing of the Quilts on May 12.

Up to three entries per person are allowed, and there is an entry fee of $8 per quilt. A cash award and grand prize ribbon will be given to the overall winner. The challenge is open to quilters from Macon and other counties.

828.349.8912 or www.maconcountyquilttrail.org.

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Haywood Community College Day Quilting Workshop student Rikki Williams (pictured) won the Confetti Quilt that she helped construct in her class. Students made the quilt to be given away at the recent Share the Warmth Concert. Williams is sending the quilt to her son, U.S. Air Force Sergeant Zebulon Williams, who is stationed in California. He will use the quilt for a raffle to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. “I bought tickets to give back to the community,” Williams said. “This quilt shared the warmth; now, it’s going to share comfort. Who knows where it will end up.” All money raised at the Share the Warmth Concert — so far more than $8,600 — went to Mountain Projects’ Heating Assistance Program.

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Construction of nearly five miles of multiuse trail for walkers, hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers on Western Carolina University’s campus will begin this spring.

The trail will be built on WCU’s West Campus, where the $46 million Health and Human Sciences Building is nearing completion off of Little Savannah Road — on the other side of N.C. 107 from the main part of campus. The trail will be used to support academic programs, such as recreational therapy and parks and recreation management.

The initial access point will be from the Health and Human Sciences Building, and the trail will feature a natural surface and the width of single-track trail.

Members of the community can assist with construction of the trail under the direction of a professional trail-building company and attend a trail-building workshop on March 24 presented by an International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Care Crew.

The free event, hosted by WCU and the Nantahala Area chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association and IMBA, will include a 9 a.m. to noon classroom session, lunch, afternoon work on the trails and free 7 p.m. screening of “Pedal Driven, a Bike-umentary” in the multipurpose room in A.K. Hinds University Center. Volunteers are asked to register at www.imba.com/tcc/schedule to allow organizers to plan for food, tools and space.

828.227.3466 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The second-annual Assault on Black Rock trail race in Jackson County will take place beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 17, starting in the Fisher Creek parking area.

Runners, hikers and walkers are welcome to take on the challenge of this trail race, which traverses the slopes of Pinnacle Park, a preserved watershed outside Sylva.

The course is roughly seven miles in length, and hits elevation gains of 2,700 feet. In other words, this is a tough trail race.

Race Director Brian Barwatt started the event after he fell in love with the course training there for climbing trips, and after realizing the East Fork Trail made a loop out of the trail system that seemed perfect for racing.

He warns that the toughest section is the final quarter-mile to the summit ridge.

“About 90 percent of the course can be run if you are in great shape,” Barwatt said. “The final steep section is the exception, which will put some people on their hands and knees.”

New this year is the Black Rock 101 Challenge, with anyone completing the course in 101 minutes or less receiving an oversized belt buckle. Last year, just seven out of 65 participants would have received this trail trophy. Prizes also will be given out to top finishers.

Proceeds benefit The Community Table in Sylva.

The cost is $25 to preregister and $30 on race day. T-shirts guaranteed to the first 100 people who sign up.  

Visit the Assault on Black Rock Trail Race Facebook page for more information or for registration forms. Or go to www.active.com and register, but there is a $3.25 fee.  

828.506.2802

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Vegetable and flower growers wanting to participate in The Full Spectrum Farms — Growers’ Fair in March can submit vendor applications now.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. March 31 at Monteith Park in Dillsboro. The event serves as a fundraiser for Full Spectrum Farms, a service organization based in Jackson County dedicated to providing life opportunities to people with autism.

This growers’ fair promotes sustainable agriculture by providing local growers an opportunity to sell their products to the public. These products include plants, produce and other agricultural-related products.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.293.2521.

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Help root out those unwanted invasives in the forests by volunteering from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, March 3, along the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs.

The event is through the Western North Carolina Alliance, as a partner of the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Weed Management Partnership.  

Details:

There will be instruction on how to identify invasive exotic plants of concern in the Hot Springs area, as well as how to use manual and chemical control methods. Then volunteers will get down and dirty treating invasive plant species found along the trail. Volunteers are asked to bring lunch, water, and rain gear, as well as sturdy hiking boots, long pants and a long sleeved shirt.  

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.258.8737.

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Orders for fruit and vegetable plants are being taken now through the Haywood County Master Gardener Association, with a March 23 deadline for prepaid orders.

“The goal is to make selected fruits and vegetables available to gardeners in our area at a reasonable price,” said Elizabeth Allen, coordinator of the sale. “All the plants we offer should do well in Western North Carolina and will add edibles to your landscape.”

Plants will be available for pickup from 1 to 6 p.m., April 14, at the N.C.

Fruit bearing trees being offered for the first time are White Mulberry and Paw Paws.

Also available are American hazelnut, Shadbush serviceberry, Black elderberry plus strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and asparagus.

Proceeds from the plant sale contribute to the Haywood County Master Gardener Association grant program, which makes funds available for Haywood County horticultural projects and scholarships for schools and horticultural students from Haywood County.

For order forms through the mail, call Erin Freeman at 828.456.3575.

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The Western North Carolina Alliance is hosting a screening of the award-winning environmental documentary “Bag It” at UNC-Asheville’s Highsmith Center at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16.

Try going a day without plastic. Plastic is everywhere and infiltrates our lives in unimaginable and frightening ways. This touching and often flat-out-funny film follows “everyman” Jeb Berrier, who is admittedly not a tree hugger, as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. Although his quest starts out small, Jeb soon learns that the problem extends past landfills to oceans, rivers and ultimately human health.

The average American uses about 500 plastic bags each year, for about 12 minutes each. This single-use mentality has led to the formation of a floating island of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean more than twice the size of Texas.

The film explores these issues and identifies how our daily reliance on plastic threatens not only waterways and marine life, but human health, too.

There will be a recycling drop off for plastic bags. You are also encouraged to bring your own cups for light refreshments to reduce the amount of plastic waste.

A donation of $5 is suggested.

828.258.8737.

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Registration is under way for a summer fishing camp for ages 13 to 15 at Lake Logan near Canton, an always-popular event.

The Trout Unlimited’s ninth annual Rivercourse Coldwater Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp is designed to teach the ethics of coldwater conservation. Campers will learn about geology, entomology, herpetology, stream restoration techniques, wetlands ecology and environmental policy. In addition, fly-fishing and fly tying instruction will reinforce traditional values of patience, technique, attention to detail and a general love of the outdoors.

It will be held June 17-22 at Lake Logan Center. Attendance is limited to 16 boys and girls, ages 13 to 15. The cost of camp is $595, that includes everything.

Registration deadline is March 15. Tuition is not due until candidates have been notified of selection.

www.rivercourse.org or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will offer a special fly-fishing weekend for women through the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program on March 9-11 in the mountains.

Activities will be held at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Davidson River Campground, south of Asheville near Brevard in Transylvania County. The registration fee is $125, with partial scholarships available.

“It doesn’t matter what skill level or previous experience you have,” said B.B. Gillen, outdoor skills coordinator for the Wildlife Commission. “This weekend is tailored for individuals, so each angler will gain new skills and improve techniques, and learn about an angler’s important role in conservation on mountain streams.”

Fly-fishing equipment will be provided, but participants can bring their own gear.

919.218.3638 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Promoters and competitors agreed this year’s Icycle Mountain Bike Racing Classic at Fontana Village Resort was one of the most competitive and exciting ever.

The unseasonal warm weather and some route changes brought a totally different feel to this year’s competition at the resort, located at the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Jan. 28 event attracted riders of all ages to the race event set in Fontana Dam. Changes to this year’s course provided some exciting new single-track action for competitors. Numerous riders mentioned the “screaming downhills” and their intention to return for next year’s event as well as some trail scouting this summer.

Pisgah Brewing Company and event promoters sponsored the after party and awards for racers with a fireworks display on the Village Green.

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The N.C. Fly Fishing Team, who count the region’s best fishermen among their ranks, has now hooked one of the best in the nation as their instructor.

George Daniel, formerly coach of the national USA Fly Fishing Team, has agreed to coach the members of Team NC.

Last fall, Daniel came to Western North Carolina to coach the team as a guest instructor, leading to what’s being touted as the first of its kind coaching program in competitive fly fishing. It will feature of cadre of international and domestic instructors, an initiative that team member Paul Bourcq described as the largest, most technique-driven coaching program in recent history.

“I can speak for all team members in saying that we are floored with the realization that an angler like George will be leading coaching for our team, as well as arranging for the other instructors from around the world,” said Bourq, a Franklin resident.

Daniel has been seen on ESPN and OLN while competing in the Great Outdoor Games and the Fly Fishing Masters. He is a certified FFF Fly Casting Instructor. He has won numerous awards and accolades.

Funding from an anonymous investor is helping the North Carolina Team with the coaching efforts.

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The Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed between Soco Gap in Maggie Valley to the end of the Parkway in Cherokee through the middle of April.

Repairs are being made to the Big Witch Tunnel along that stretch.

Also, another tunnel repair has closed the section of the parkway from milepost 395 to milepost 405 (from the French Broad Parking Overlook to N.C. 151) for work at the to Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 1.

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The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee recently purchased a historic 130-acre farm in northern Macon County and is looking for a buyer to be a steward for the now protected property.

The “Lakey Creek Farm” in the Oak Grove community has 1,100 feet of Lakey Creek running through it and several smaller streams, plus what is thought to be the oldest standing structure in that area of the county.

The farm was purchased at a “bargain” price, according to the land trust.

The property is less than one-quarter mile from the confluence of Lakey Creek and the Little Tennessee River. Lakey Creek is designated as Wild Trout water by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the river is designated as Critical Habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

LTLT hopes to find a conservation buyer for the property who will be inspired to restore the historic structure. The house and property lie in one of the most intact historic and natural landscapes in Western North Carolina between the Cowee-West’s Mill Historic District and the Needmore Game Lands.

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Valerie Nieman will visit City Lights Bookstore at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, to read from and discuss her third novel, Blood Clay.

“Blood Clay is a profoundly moving and beautifully written novel about a community torn apart by tragedy,” said author Ron Rash. “Valerie Nieman is a writer of remarkable talent, and she has given us a book that, once read, will be hard for any reader to forget.”

Nieman is also the author of a collection of short stories, Fidelities, and a poetry collection, Wake Wake Wake. She has received an NEA creative writing fellowship, two Elizabeth Simpson Smith prizes in fiction, and the Greg Grummer Prize in poetry.

A native of Western New York State, she graduated from West Virginia University and the M.F.A. program at Queens University of Charlotte. She teaches writing at N.C. A&T State University and is the poetry editor for Prime Number Magazine.

828.586.9499.

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To the Editor:

My heartfelt gratitude to John Corkran of Black Mountain for his letter (Asheville Citizen-Times, Feb. 6) titled “Current alzheimer’s sufferers need more attention.” My wife, Debbie Ginn, was diagnosed with early-onset alzheimer’s. We have struggled with the onslaught of the disease as well as the lack of support available for home care.

In January of this year, I developed a website in Debbie’s name. As time goes on, I will post ongoing pieces to Debbie’s story. I will also post helpful hints along the way with brief videos. It is my hope that this website will be useful to other families and invite all  to submit items that may offer support or help to others. Debbie’s website can be found at www.debbiesvoice.org.

Join me as we stumble into coping strategies, all the while knowing that each journey will offer its own challenges and rewards.

David Ginn

Sylva

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To the Editor:

A letter appearing in The Smoky Mountain News two weeks ago incorrectly characterized the mission, work, and views of The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee. The letter stated “Environmental Groups like the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee ... would like to severely limit the development of private property in Macon County and elsewhere. They diligently work to get overly restrictive land use and development ordinances established ....”

The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee (LTLT) does work diligently — in a nonpartisan manner — to conserve the waters, forests, farms, and heritage of our region. With respect to private property, we typically assist owners who voluntarily seek to protect their land through conservation easements and we sometimes purchase land that we believe has special conservation values.   

Our membership, as well as our board of directors, is diverse. Over the years, our supporters have included developers and builders. Those of us not directly involved in those pursuits recognize that construction is an important part of the local economy.

In my experience with LTLT, the common value among our diverse membership and directors is a sense of stewardship, a belief that we have been blessed with a natural and cultural heritage that should be passed on to future generations. So while our main contribution has been to bring voluntary, non-regulatory options for land conservation to our region, LTLT does support ordinances that would assure that development activities are conducted safely and in a manner that does not jeopardize that heritage.

Ken Murphy

Chair, Board of Directors

The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee

Comment

To the Editor:

How many times do the roadside zoos in Cherokee have to be cited for violations of federal law before the Tribal Council slams their doors shut once and for all?

The three decrepit zoos keep bears in concrete pits and pens without even a blade of grass or patch of dirt. Other animals exist in cramped cages that harken back to the 1950s. Even a cursory internet search shows that the Cherokee Zoo has been cited for multiple issues, including failing to provide animals veterinary care and for unsafe enclosures. Now, a tiger cub was provided an inadequate diet, leaving him underweight and vulnerable to illness.

No one who cares about animals should buy a ticket to these roadside zoos. And the Cherokee Tribal Council should stop pretending that these cruel displays are worthy of their backing.

Leslie Armstrong

Asheville

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To the Editor:

One of the most memorable days of my life was Jan. 19, 2001. Macon County had tried to institute a serious zoning ordinance about the size of a telephone book that would have affected every property owner in the county to one extent or another. A citizens’ group was formed to oppose this proposed intrusion on our freedom, studied the matter thoroughly and organized an effort to persuade the county to abandon the idea.

Bumper stickers were distributed, ads were run and an informative rally was organized and publicized.  The site was the Community Building and the turnout was almost beyond belief. People packed the large meeting room, the halls were jammed with folks who couldn’t get in the room, and the property in front of the building was wall-to-wall citizens. A second seating was necessary and still many never got in.  The sheriff’s department was busy waving people on since there was no parking to be had. The people’s voice was heard. The county dropped its plans of zoning.

The group knew it was a matter of time before other attempts would be made, and the planning board has tried ever since to regulate land use. Public hearings will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the courthouse to allow public comment on matters important to the future of Macon County. The planning board has been a constant source of agitation and embarrassment to the county.

The Macon County Board of Commissioners is proposing to bring the planning board under proper control and your support would be helpful. The people’s voice should be heard on this issue.

Don Swanson

Franklin

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To the Editor:

At times when difficult decisions are being considered, leaders may seek the counsel of community-minded, experienced individuals for input and clarification of concepts and ideas pertaining to the problem at hand. With this obtained information, experience and opinions, the elected leadership can move forward and make a decision of what would be best for the community as a whole.

What has happened here? A published letter from a Macon County commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the recommendations the planning board was generating. This is another setback for Macon County. Attacking the messenger (planning board) and not dealing with the message is a form of political deflection. The phrase “kicking it down the road” has been used by many individuals during this discussion. Tabling, postponing, shirking, seems to be the rule of the day in our community over the steep slope issue.

Months, if not years, of studies, committees, expert opinions and board resolutions have generated ideas and solutions for safe development in our region. The North Carolina geological map locating dangerous potential slide areas and costing the taxpayers over a half million dollars was also developed during this time period. Frequently, the question of not having enough specialist or expert input for our particular situation is another point of deflection. How many “experts” do you need to screw in a lightbulb? As many as it takes, until we get the answer we want to hear?

What’s now on the table is to “change the planning board” so that we can hopefully get an answer for the steep slope question that certain individuals in this county prefer to hear. The negative attacks and wasted use of qualified individuals on this issue is astounding. I believe we should utilize the data, specialists, and hard work that are already available to our leadership and make a decision. Attacking the messenger and hoping for a different message is not fair to community.

Tom Harris

Franklin

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Clarinetist and faculty member Shannon Thompson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the recital hall of the Coulter Building on the campus of Western Carolina University.

The performance, part of the Catamount Concert Series, is free and open to the public.

The music for the concert spans a wide range of musical styles, and includes “Five Bagatelles” by Gerald Finzi; Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Leslie Bassett’s “Soliloquies” for solo clarinet; “Sholem-alekhem, rov Feidman!,” a tribute to klezmer great Giora Feidman by the Hungarian virtuoso clarinetist Bela Kovacs; and Bach’s Sonata in G minor.

Andrew Adams, WCU assistant professor of piano, will accompany Thompson.

828.227.7242.

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The next community music jam at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, in the library auditorium.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer — anything unplugged — is invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join.

The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City. The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned or to learn old-time mountain songs.

The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month – year round.  

828.488.3030.

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The next Fourth Sunday Contra Dance will be on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Gateway Club in downtown Waynesville.  

The dancing will begin at 2 p.m. and go on until 4:30 p.m. AnneMarie Walter will call the dance to the music of Out of the Woodwork.

All dances are done to live music and local musicians are invited to sit in with the band.

No previous experience with contra dancing is necessary and all dances will be taught and walked through before dancing. No partner is required.

Contra dancing is a form of English country dancing and uses many of the same figures as square dancing such as circles, stars and swings.

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Nantahala Brewing Company will hold a release party for the first of three limited bottle release Trail Magic Ale ales beginning at noon, March 10, at its Tap Room in Bryson City.

The first brew is an Oak barrel aged Russian Imperial Stout made with some special ingredients native to the Great Smoky Mountains. The final ABV is yet to be determined but is currently north of 10 percent.

The first keg will be tapped at 4 p.m. A limited number of 750 ml bottles will be available for purchase beginning at 6 p.m. via a lottery system.

Beginning at noon, guests will be given numbered tickets for a chance to purchase bottles. When their number is called, they will have the option to purchase up to four bottles of Trail Magic. There are a limited number available, and people are encouraged to arrive early.

A portion of proceeds from the bottle sales will benefit the Appalachian Trail

Ridgerunner Program, which provides visitor information and trail maintenance, among other duties.

Comment

The Dan River Drifters will play at Tuckaseegee Tavern Saturday, Feb. 18, in Bryson City.

The Drifters combine traditional and contemporary bluegrass to craft raucous tunes.

“This foot-stompin’ bluegrass band has continued to improve their licks over the course of playing together for the past four years,” said Jon Terry. “Their driving licks and ability to play off of each other have led these five musicians to a rootsy perspective that you will be glad you came out to see.”

The band consists of Zach and Jesse Lapinski on mandolin and guitar, Andrew Lawson on guitar, harmonica and vocals, Tim Sheehan on banjo and Adam Bigelow on upright bass.

www.facebook.com/danriverdrifters.

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Frog Level Brewing Company will hold the first performance in its Jazz Masters Series from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb 18, at the brewpub on Commerce Street in Waynesville.

The show will feature vocalist Leigh Ann Singleton, known for singing opera, cabaret and show tune renditions as well as classic jazz oldies.

Backed up by the Waynesville Wildcats Band, this concert will also feature the professional debut of saxophonist Ryan Buchanan and the upright bass of David Lawter, of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, and Rick Eilerts.

828.400.8797 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

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