This must be the place: ‘And I’m breathin’ clean fresh air today, I’m alive’
The title of this column comes from a lyric in a 1968 song by R&B sensation, the late Johnny Thunder. Although it wasn’t a radio hit at the time, it has become a cult classic, a number that (truly) reinvigorates the soul. Trust me, track it down. You’ll get it.
HART presents ‘Next to Normal’
A special production of “Next to Normal” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. May 23-24, 30-31, June 6-7, 12-14 and 2 p.m. May 25, June 1, 8 and 15 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
Art fundraiser for local schools
The annual QuickDraw art fundraiser will once again be held from 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville.
Waynesville gardener honored with award
The Waynesville Garden Club honored Carolyn Taylor with its Outstanding Lifetime Member Award (since 1976) at its May 8 meeting. Taylor was also the one who designed the garden club iris emblem.
This must be the place: ‘All the summer, all of fall, trying to find my little all in all’
It’s 12:23 a.m. and I can hear the tires from sporadic cars splashing through small puddles on nearby Walnut Street in downtown Waynesville. They say a big rainstorm is coming later today. For now, it’s another pull from the lukewarm Coors Light can.
No tax increase in Waynesville budget
During a difficult meeting in March, Waynesville’s Town Council was presented with a perfect storm of bad budgeting news. After Council’s most recent meeting, it looks like they’ll weather that storm with only a modest sewer rate increase.
Haywood Waterways offers septic system workshop
Haywood Waterways Association, Haywood County Environmental Health Department and Jennings Environmental are hosting workshops about septic systems and streambank erosion control techniques on Wednesday, May 28.
This must be the place: ‘I been livin’ like I ain’t alive, sleepin’ like the sun won’t rise’
There’s a quote that’s stuck with me since I first heard it recently. It’s actually in the story I wrote last week about the newly-opened Astro Record Store in Waynesville: “There’s enjoyment and there’s convenience. As things become more and more convenient, I think people look for ways to invest their time and find enjoyment.”
Pigeon Community ‘Storytellers Series’
The Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville has recently announced its 2025 “Pigeon Community Conversations with Storytellers Series.”
Full circle: Astro Record Store opens in Waynesville
One recent afternoon, while wandering the Historic Frog Level District in Waynesville, the sounds of hard rock act AC/DC drifted out the front door of 24 Commerce St. The retro sign on the window states Astro Record Store. The friendly face behind the counter is Kevin “Lippy” Mawby.