Local hospitals invest in 11 SCC students preparing for heathcare careers

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently joined Southwestern Community College and other regional healthcare partners to celebrate students taking an important step toward careers in healthcare and service to western North Carolina.

The special signing banquet recognized healthcare discipline students who have committed to employer agreements in exchange for educational support. At Harris and Swain, the opportunity is known as the Scholars Program, which helps students earn their degree while preparing to serve patients close to home.

A total of 11 students signed with Harris and Swain through the Scholars Program, representing healthcare fields that are essential to maintaining strong local access to care, including nursing, sonography, radiography and emergency medical services.

Through the program, Harris and Swain are helping local students pursue meaningful careers while also supporting the continued need for skilled health care professionals in rural communities.

A news release stated that Harris and Swain are grateful for SCC’s significant role in developing the local healthcare workforce and preparing students for meaningful careers in service to western North Carolina. Through high-quality education, hands-on training, and a deep understanding of the region’s needs, SCC helps ensure students are ready to move confidently into clinical settings and make an immediate difference for patients and families. Through this continued partnership, Harris and Swain are proud to support these scholars as they continue their education, begin their careers, and become part of the next generation of caregivers helping keep quality care close to home.

For more information about the Scholars Program or careers at Harris and Swain, visit myharrisregional.com/careers.

Leadership Haywood applications open

The Haywood Chamber of Commerce will open applications for the 2026–2027 class of Leadership Haywood on July 15. For more than 25 years, the program has given residents a behind-the-scenes look at how Haywood County works while helping them grow as leaders.

Over nine months — from an orientation in late August through graduation at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner the following fall — participants meet one full day a month to explore the areas that shape the county: government, economic development, education, health, the environment and more. Each session is guided by the local leaders and professionals working in that field.

The program is open to anyone who lives or works in Haywood County, whether they are new to leadership or well established in it; a Chamber membership is not required to apply. The class is kept small at 18 participants. Tuition is $900 for a non-Chamber member or $800 for a Chamber member and covers all sessions, materials and meals.

Applications open July 15 and close Aug. 19, and space is limited. Applicants will be notified by Aug. 21. Prospective participants can apply or learn more at Haywood Chamber of Commerce or by contacting the Haywood Chamber of Commerce at 828.456.3021 or info@haywoodchamber.com.

Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend expands festival experience at the Shelton House

The Shelton House-Museum of North Carolina Craft and History invites the public to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachians during the 2026 Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts & Crafts Fair, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8–9, on the historic Shelton House campus in Waynesville.

Now in its eighth year, Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend continues to grow as one of Western North Carolina’s highly anticipated arts and crafts festivals. This year’s event introduces several exciting new attractions while celebrating the 150th anniversary of the historic Shelton House.

More than a traditional arts and crafts fair, Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend offers visitors a weekend-long celebration of art, history, music and community.

One of the most anticipated additions is the Haywood Market, a new indoor marketplace located in the historic Shelton Barn. The Haywood Market features artists and makers from Haywood County, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover handcrafted work created by local artisans while supporting the county’s thriving creative community.

Guests are also invited to explore the museum through free self-guided tours of both the Shelton House and barn. Visitors will experience newly installed exhibitions highlighting North Carolina’s rich traditions of craft and history, including decorative arts, Appalachian culture, regional history and contemporary craft.

Throughout the weekend, skilled artisans will present live craft demonstrations, allowing visitors to observe traditional techniques, ask questions and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that continues to define the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Adding to the festival atmosphere, bluegrass music will fill the front porch of the Shelton House, creating a welcoming gathering place where visitors can relax and enjoy one of the region’s most treasured musical traditions while overlooking the festival grounds. We encourage you to bring a chair or blanket and clap along.

Admission to the festival and museum tours is free. Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend will be held rain or shine on the historic Shelton House campus at 49 Shelton St., Waynesville.

The museum is still accepting requests from organizations interested in participating in the festival as vendors, volunteers, demonstrators, food vendors, or community organizations. Those interested are encouraged to submit an inquiry to info@shelton-house.org.

For additional information, festival schedules, and event updates, visit shelton-house.org.

Macon Friends of the Greenway holds ‘Christmas in July’ sale

Friends of the Greenway invites all to a Christmas in July sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 22-25. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the gift shop. On Saturday, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St., Franklin.

Summer Mountain Street Dances return to downtown Waynesville

Joe Sam Queen is filling his bucket with corn meal and getting ready for one of Waynesville’s most beloved summer traditions as Summer Mountain Street Dances bring live bluegrass music, square dancing and family fun back to Main Street.

Held in front of the Historic Haywood County Courthouse on Main Street, the free community events will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. on three evenings throughout the summer. Residents and visitors are invited to gather in the heart of downtown to enjoy authentic mountain music and dance traditions that have entertained generations for decades. Events will take place July 17 and Aug. 7.

In addition to performances by some of the Appalachia’s finest bluegrass musicians and clogging teams, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in traditional public square dances led by renowned caller Joe Sam Queen. Everyone is encouraged to join in the fun. No experience is necessary.

Admission is free.

For more information about Mountain Street Dances and other downtown events, visit downtownwaynesville.com/events.

Pisgah Health Foundation opens Community Health Grant cycle

Pisgah Health Foundation announced the opening of its 2026 Community Health Grant Cycle, with applications accepted from July 1 through Aug. 17.

Through strategic grantmaking and nonprofit capacity building, PHF invests in initiatives that address the root causes of health challenges and strengthen the organizations and partnerships that create healthier communities. Priority is given to efforts that improve access to food, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, economic opportunity and social connection while fostering collaboration, leadership development and nonprofit capacity.

A total of $250,000 is available through the 2026 Community Health Grant cycle. Nonprofit organizations located in or serving residents of Transylvania, Haywood and Madison counties may apply for grants of up to $25,000 to support initiatives that address the social determinants of health and strengthen community well-being.

Organizations are encouraged to review funding guidelines and eligibility requirements before applying. Applications and additional information are available at pisgahhealthfoundation.org/grants. Grant awards will be announced in fall 2026.

Haywood hosts grief support groups

Heartfelt Haywood, a local non-profit with a focus on living, grieving and dying well, in collaboration with the Haywood Health Foundation and Wells Event Center, is offering a series of grief support groups for those who have lost a life partner. The first of a series of groups will meet for six consecutive weeks from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Wells Event Center in downtown Waynesville, beginning on July 2. Two more groups will be held before the end of 2026.

Through education and emotional support, participants will build connections with others; they will learn skills to support the skillful navigation of the grief process; and they will practice a variety of strategies to support maintaining a feeling of ease and well-being.

Co-facilitators are Breanne Nelson (breanne@heartfelthaywood.org 828.206.2919) and Robin R. Minick ( rrminickcounseling@gmail.com 828.400.1854).

Interested individuals should contact either facilitator for a brief conversation to ensure that the group is a good fit for the individual at this time.  

Swain Genealogy kicks off America 250 with lecture on local history

Join Swain Genealogy for a conversation about the history of Western North Carolina titled “The Lumber Camps, Setoff Houses, and Railroad Grades in the Smokemont Area.”

The conversation will be led by Frank March at the July 2 meeting of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society.

The Three M Lumber Company began working timber in the Smokemont area in the early 1900s, building a sawmill, a rail-line and a few rail grades in the area. Champion Fibre Company succeeded them and brought with them massive expansion of the operation. Rail grades were built going up by the Oconaluftee River, Bradley Fork and Kephart Prong, continuing on to Beech Flats Prong and paralleling N.C. 107, the old Oconaluftee Turnpike and Indian Gap Trail, gradually ascending and crisscrossing the terrain into the higher elevations.

Using information gleaned from his recent hiking trips into these areas, March will focus on his historical findings, look at where the various lumber camps including Camp 10, the setoff houses and rail grades were located and show evidence of some of the remains of the logging days that can still be seen.

The presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 2 at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This is free and open to the public.

Summer Mountain Street Dances Return to Downtown Waynesville

Joe Sam Queen is filling his bucket with corn meal and getting ready for one of Waynesville’s most beloved summer traditions as Summer Mountain Street Dances bring live bluegrass music, square dancing and family fun back to Main Street.

Held in front of the Historic Haywood County Courthouse on Main Street, the free community events will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. on three evenings throughout the summer. Residents and visitors are invited to gather in the heart of downtown to enjoy authentic mountain music and dance traditions that have entertained generations for decades. Events will take place June 26, July 17 and Aug. 7.

In addition to performances by some of the Appalachia’s finest bluegrass musicians and clogging teams, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in traditional public square dances led by renowned caller Joe Sam Queen. Everyone is encouraged to join in the fun. No experience is necessary.

Admission is free.

For more information about Mountain Street Dances and other downtown events, visit downtownwaynesville.com/events.