By Julia Merchant • Staff Writer

Much like a band-aid on a kid’s scraped elbow, No Child Left Behind was put in place to mend an educational system many claimed was in disrepair. An increasing number of critics, however, are questioning the effectiveness of the act as a permanent fix for the problems plaguing America’s schools.

By S. Michael Hewitt • Guest Columnist

Remember the game of 20 Questions? One person thinks of a thing. A second person tries to figure out what that something is by asking a series of questions that can be answered yes or no. Typically, the first question is “Are you thinking of a mineral, vegetable, or animal?” Let’s twist the rules; I’ll tell you what I’m thinking but I’ll ask the first question. Ready?

“Come Early Morning”

This is the kind of movie that gets past you, a small budget movie that didn’t get wide release or big studio backing, one you might have noticed briefly in the papers or trailers upon its initial release and then forgotten about 10 minutes later. Thank God for Netflix. This movie, despite a fairly standard storyline, is filled with small wonders, not least of which is Ashley Judd’s best performance since the somewhat similar — and likewise small budgeted — “Ruby In Paradise,” as a woman using alcohol and promiscuity as a way of asserting her independence, but also evading painful issues from her past. On paper, this seems like a standard movie cliché, but up-and-comer Joey Lauren Adams, who wrote and directed, manages to make the story fresh and avoid the most predictable pitfalls — there is redemption, yes, but it isn’t sugar-glazed. Definitely worth the trouble of seeking out. And it has the best, most resonant sense of small town life since “Slingblade.”

The National, Boxer

A couple of years ago they “broke through,” at least by alternative rock standards, with Alligator, which was enthusiastically recommended to me by several friends. I finally bought it, played it half a dozen times with moderate interest, then filed it away under OK, but nothing to write home about.

Now comes the real breakthrough, and they’ve got an appearance on Letterman to prove it. In a year when there have been at least a dozen excellent albums waiting for their turn in my playing rotation, I cannot seem to put this one aside long enough to listen to anything else. Matt Berninger’s low key delivery is so subtle — not exactly the Tindersticks, not exactly Leonard Cohen, but that’s a place to start — it might take two or three tries for the songs to sink in, but when they do, they stay with you all day. Pay attention to the lyrics, and it becomes clear that this band has not only mastered tunes and textures, but has something real to say, and an intriguing way of saying it.

This is not only my favorite album of the year, but one of those albums that has already become essential: I know I’ll still be playing it in 10 years, in 20, along with Rubber Soul, Blood On The Tracks, and Astral Weeks. If you love music, you have your own list of desert island recordings. Boxer is one of mine.

Appalachian State Football

On the cover of Sports Illustrated. Responsible for changing the voting rules for the AP football poll so that “sub division” teams can now be included in the Top 25. Favored to win a third consecutive I-AA National Championship, and might well be a serious contender to win the ACC this year if they were in it. I had to get one more plug in for ASU. Just had to.

— By Chris Cox

By Michael Beadle

Peter Bates inspects a trio of cucumber trees growing closely together on a 20-acre tract of woods in the Balsam Mountain Preserve in Jackson County.

He checks to see if one of the trees died from a chainsaw cut known as “girdling,” in which a partial cut is made around the tree trunk. It’s a forestry management practice used these days. The idea is that some trees have to die so that others will survive, thus maintaining a healthy and productive forest.

By David Curtis

As a teacher in the public school system I have often heard teachers express their frustrations by using the famous middle school axiom, “How do they expect us to train a wild animal if each night we send it back to the jungle?”

By Julia Merchant • Staff Writer

By Julia Merchant • Staff Writer

Nearly two years after receiving a grant to study traffic issues on Russ Avenue, Waynesville is finally moving forward with the project.

Town planner Paul Benson said the proposal for the study has morphed in recent weeks amid growing concerns about traffic problems.

By Susan Leveille

Editor’s note: This letter, which contains some updates, was sent by Susan Leveille to the Maggie Salas, secretary of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in 2004. She asked that we publish it as a guest column.

Dear Secretary Salas:

As a lifelong resident of Jackson County and one who has always lived within a few thousand yards of the Tuckasegee River, I would like to state some concerns with the proposals made by Duke Power as they seek to receive the exclusive license to use this river for monetary profit derived from the production of electric power.

Years of wrestling over a location for a new Jackson County library will come to a close next month.

Jackson County commissioners pledged to pick a site for a new library at their next meeting on Oct. 1. There are two main contenders: the hill behind the historic courthouse overlooking Main Street and a two-acre tract on the outskirts of town adjacent to the Jackson Plaza strip mall.

Congress is likely to re-authorize the No Child Left Behind Act sometime this fall. If that is indeed the case, then we can only hope it makes some significant changes in this flawed bill that will help school systems use their resources to educate children instead of turning out students whose most memorable public school lessons will be a useless ability to ace bubble tests.

By Julia Merchant • Staff Writer

Swain County’s first-ever planning board is nearly finished with its first project — drafting an ordinance to regulate road construction — and will send it on to county commissioners to review next week.

By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer

David Tripp’s workshop is piled head-high with wood. There are tree limbs here, locust logs there, stands of chestnut boards leaned against the wall and lying on the floor.

By Chris Cooper

Two things still stick in my mind about Darren Nicholson’s excellent self-titled 2006 release; state of the art musicality married to a completely down to earth attitude, whether in person or on disc. Nicholson’s mastery in bluegrass mandolin has earned him no shortage of acclaim, some of which came in the form of an IBMA award for his work with Alecia Nugent.

Jackson County commissioners sanctioned a feasibility study on whether a new library would fit on the hill behind the historic courthouse. McMillan Smith and Associates concluded it would work, based on the following rough plan.

Michael Buble

In his four albums of the American Song bag series, Rod Stewart brought back many American classics from the 1940s and 1950s: “Blue Moon,” “What A Wonderful World,” “Stardust,” “A Kiss To Build A Dream On,” and many others. Now a new singer, Michael Buble, has entered the lists to bring us more great American songs. On the album titled Michael Buble, the singer gives us everything from a big band sound in “Moondance” to the sound and feel of a cocktail lounge in “For Once In My Life.” On the album’s notes, Buble writes that “this record is ... a tribute to what I consider to be the greatest genre of music the world has ever heard ...” Buble’s rich, full voice delivers his listeners to a land of enchantment rarely found among today’s vocalists.

The Folio Society

For readers interested in great books beautifully and lovingly published, the Folio Society is the place to shop. For whatever reason, I recently joined this book club and now pronounce myself fully satisfied in regard to my several purchases. Here are classics and minor classics bound, printed, and illustrated in a manner worthy of royalty. Folio Books range in their titles from Inventions of the Middle Ages to Jane Austen’s Letters with each book specially bound and then placed in a board holder. Interested readers may contact the Folio Society via www.foliosociety.com.

Cider

One of the great delights of living in the mountains in the fall is to drink locally produced apple cider. Whether taken stone cold in the heat of the day or warmed with spices and cinnamon to fight off a chilly October evening, apple cider provides a nutritious treat.

Young people

Despite the grousing and criticism I hear directed sometimes at our youth, most of the young people I know are striving to meet challenges in their lives and to push themselves to excel in their various undertakings. Like most of us, they work terribly hard when offered the first word of encouragement. I encourage all my older readers — we’ll leave the upper age level flexible — to offer the young people whom they encounter in their daily lives a word of encouragement, a word of interest in their activities and lives. Our championship of their efforts can only result in a brighter future.

— By Jeff Minick

The Internet sex sting conducted by the Waynesville Police Department was part of an undercover operation dubbed “Summer Heat,” which captured headlines last week for the more prominent part of the sting — arresting men soliciting gay sex in the public bathrooms at the Waynesville Recreation Park.

Riverwood Shops, a group of artisans’ studios overlooking the town of Dillsboro, will commemorate their 50th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22.

By Joel Adams • Contributing Writer

Strong public interest in the aftermath of the dam break at Balsam Mountain Preserve has prompted Roger Clapp, executive director for the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River, to organize a public forum on the progress of clean-up efforts by the developers. Or at least attempt to.

By Julia Merchant • Staff Writer

Haywood County commissioners have agreed to pay for the creation of a farmland protection plan they hope will guide efforts to preserve the region’s farming tradition for generations to come.

The native garden located at the Bridge Park parking lot in the triangle surrounding the Jackson County Farmers Market sign provides a mini native plants lesson. On the back of the sign, you will find a map of all of the plants planted in the triangle and an article about native landscaping with a list of a variety of plants to choose from.

The Speaking of Gardening symposium Aug. 24-25 at the N.C. Arboretum will bring some of the world’s finest gardeners to Asheville.

The annual symposium is a popular event for horticulture professionals and enthusiasts. This year’s event features speakers from the U.S., the United Kingdom and Japan presenting lectures on creative design and cutting-edge plants. A number of lectures are scheduled this year, as well as book signings and live and silent plant auctions showcasing rare and unusual plants.

The keynote speaker is Mike Buffin, Gardens and Parks Adviser for the National Trust of the United Kingdom. He provides technical advice for historic gardens and parks in London, Southeast England, and Northern Ireland. Among Buffin’s published works are Winter Flowering Shrubs and The Illustrated Guide to Trees.

Lectures scheduled for the symposium include:

• Plants Come First; Imagine That!, presented by Jenks Farmer.

• The Evolution of Japanese Horticulture, presented by Takayuki Kobayashi.

• Is it a Vegetable, Fruit or Ornamental?, led by Rita Pelczar.

• Growing Plants in a Global Greenhouse, by Mike Buffin.

• Soul Gardening, led by Jenks Farmer.

• Ornamental and Edible Selections & Trends in Japanese Horticulture, presented by Takayuki Kobayashi.

Registration for the symposium is $145 for Arboretum members and $170 for non-members. The fee includes lectures, book signings, lunches and snacks for both days. Seating is limited and registration is required. 828.665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org.

The Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River is offering guided adventure tours from 9 to 11 a.m. each Saturday morning at Monteith Farmstead Park.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the completion of the Appalachian Trail with a summer games competition from 5-9 p.m. on Aug. 14 at the Highland Brewing Company in Asheville.

Participants will compete for a variety of outdoor gear prizes by playing classic activities like a water balloon toss, watermelon seed spitting contest and a cupcake walk.

The event will also feature Jay Leutze, noted national conservation spokesperson and author, who will read from his new book, Stand Up That Mountain. Musicians are welcome to come and perform during the competition. The Highland Brewing Company will also feature beer specials throughout the event.

“Not only does this anniversary celebrate the completion of the Trail, it also celebrates the unique collaboration and determination of countless individuals, private organizations, and state and federal agencies in their efforts to complete this long-distance hiking trail from Maine to Georgia” said Mark Wenger, Executive Director and CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

The A.T. was completed on Aug. 14, 1937. This task took more than 15 years to complete and involved thousands of volunteers, agency partners, local Trail maintaining clubs and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The A.T. is one of the longest continuously marked footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length. The Trail goes through fourteen states from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain in Georgia to the Trail’s northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine.

It has been estimated that 2 to 3 million people visit the Trail every year, and about 1,800–2,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the Trail.

Prizes for the competition have been donated by Mountain Khaki, Gregory, and ENO.

304.535.2200, ext. 117 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

New state hunting laws make it legal to hunt coyotes and feral swine at night on private lands.

The laws were passed in an attempt to control burgeoning populations of the animals, both of which are non-native to North Carolina and destructive to the landscape, livestock and domestic animals.

It is still illegal to hunt feral swine and coyotes on public lands.

The temporary revisions to the state hunting laws will remain in effect for up to 270 days during which time the Wildlife Commission will continue to pursue permanent rules. The new regulations are year-round, seven days a week. Hunting on Sundays is allowed only on private lands and only with archery equipment.

To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

Haywood Community College’s Natural Resources Division and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will offer Hunter Safety courses from 6-9:30 p.m. on Aug. 20-22 in rooms 309 and 310 on the HCC campus. Participants must attend three consecutive evenings to receive their certification.

Additional hunter safety courses will be offered Sept. 24-26, Oct. 8-10, and Nov. 5-7. All sessions will be offered from 6-9:30 p.m. in Rooms 309/310 on the HCC campus.

Courses are free and open to all ages. Pre-egistration required and can done at ncwildlife.org.

The WNC Sportsman’s Club and the Lake Logan Episcopal Center are sponsoring an Outdoor Sportsmans Day beginning at 9 a.m. on Aug. 18 at the Episcopal Center.

Vendors of outdoor-related equipment will be on hand. There will be traditional blackpowder hunters in period dress, and survivalist and long-range shooting instructor Tres Moncet. There will also be a Sportsman’s Challenge Contest, Youth Fishing Contest and demonstrations in archery, taxidermy, trapping, fly-fishing, fly-tying and more.

There will be no sale of firearms or alcohol allowed. Free. For information contact Troy Carroll at 828.231.8864 or Mark Rogers at 828.648.5845.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold a fundraising banquet and auction on Aug. 18 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Hotel Ballroom in Cherokee.

Dr. Ron Sutherland will give a presentation on the eastern cougar at 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 as part of the every Thursday Zahner Conservation Lectures at the Highlands Nature Center.

“Eastern Cougar: Their ecological importance and prospects for recovery in the southeast,” will be Sutherland’s topic. Recently, the US Fish & Wildlife Service declared the Eastern cougar to be extinct, closing the door on decades of sporadic sightings up and down the Appalachian Mountains. The loss of the cougar poses challenges to maintaining the biodiversity of recovering wildlands. Sutherland will review recent evidence suggesting the importance of cougars and options for restoring cougars to the Southeast.

All Zahner Conservation Lectures are free and open to the public. www.highlandsbiological.org or call 828.526.2221.

North Carolina State University’s Forestry & Environmental Outreach Program is co-sponsoring a series of four workshops for private forest landowners called the “Woodland Steward Series: Mountains Program.”

The final two programs in the series are Aug. 15 and Aug. 17 at Bent Creek Experimental Forest and the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard.

Workshops are led by natural resource and land management specialists, and include both hands-on activities in the field and instruction in the classroom. For more information or to register online visit www.ncsu-feop.org/woodlandstewards. Contact Addie Thornton, Course Coordinator, with any questions or concerns at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 919.515.9563.

An author reading, book signing, and Vietnamese food tasting with Deanna Klingel, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, in the meeting room of the Macon County Library in Franklin.

Klingel’s book is Bread Upon the Water, based on the life of Father Duong Tien of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Franklin.

524.3600, www.booksbydeanna.com.

Author Wayne Caldwell will discuss his novel Cataloochee at 6 p.m. on Aug. 9 in the Haywood County Public Library auditorium in Waynesville.

Caldwell’s talk is titled “The Genesis of a Novel,” and he will talk about how he attempted to bring to life the community’s historic struggles and close kinships during a span of six decades.

828.356.2507

To the Editor:

Both political parties say with a straight face that the other party is to blame for the “fiscal cliff” that we will face come Jan. 1, 2013. The truth is that neither party was willing to compromise during the Bush tax cut negotiations last fall, and a bipartisan group voted to approve the sequestrations. They are both to blame for the state of affairs we find ourselves in now.

I am staggered at the comment made by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington), member of the Senate Budget Committee, announcing the fact that the Democrats are willing to allow the country to sail off this cliff unless they get their tax increases on the “rich.” The tax cuts were actually given to all taxpayers, but Democrats refer to them as tax cuts for the “rich.” The rich already pay a disproportionate share of income taxes. The top 1 percent pay 38 percent of all tax revenues while earning only 20 percent of all income generated).

Whether or not this is fair is an argument for another day. Regardless, the result of the expiration of these tax cuts will be severe economic contraction in an already stressed economic environment. Here is what will happen:

•  Your income taxes will go up. Those in the lowest brackets will see the greatest percentage of increase.

• If you are married you will pay more taxes than two single people with the same income.

• The phase-out rule for itemized deductions will return for many people. The more you make, the less you can deduct.

• The phase-out rule for personal exemptions will return for many people. The more you make, the less your personal exemption will be.

• Taxes on long-term gains and dividends will increase for everyone.

• The current renditions of the child tax credit, earned income credit, dependent care credit, and adoption credit will expire, thus increasing the tax burden on many people who can’t afford it.

• The inflation indexing of the Alternative Minimum Tax will expire, ensnaring many more middle and lower income people in its odious tentacles.

• Medicare expenditures will be drastically reduced.

• Defense spending will be reduced to the lowest level since WWII, resulting in the inability of the U.S. to respond strongly to a serious threat from any source.

In a nutshell, if these tax cuts are allowed to expire expect to pay substantially more so your government can keep up its spend thrift ways. Democrats and Obama only talk about raising taxes. Had enough? I have.

Lynn Riggsbee

Cashiers

To the Editor:

In answer to the statement made two weeks ago by Lisa Weeks as to why working people would ever vote Republican, I would suggest this: simply, to keep on working.

The Republican approach to government is that it should be smaller; that citizens should keep more of their hard-earned money; and that taxes should be lower so that businesses can expand and create the jobs we so desperately need. Republicans believe in an America where people reach goals by honest work, by doing for themselves what they can. They believe in a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.” They believe in encouraging initiative. This sounds like a working class party to me.

 It is very inaccurate to label the Republican Party as the “rich man’s party.” That very idea is one of the ways Obama has divided this country and created class warfare. Rewarding effort and success is a good thing, not an evil thing. Lowering taxes even for “the rich” (many of whom risked their time and savings and worked hard to get to where they are today) encourages business to expand. When more people earn a paycheck the government takes in more revenue and fewer people have to depend on welfare.

As Lisa points out, Roosevelt put people to work. But this adminsistration is expanding programs that keep people in poverty. Yes, we need to help those who need it, but the best way to do that is to provide those who can with a way to help themselves. As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” This is how the Republican Party favors the little guy. It is the people who have the capital who help the people who don’t, by providing them with jobs.

Democrats look to bigger government to solve our problems. But as Gerald Ford said years ago “A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.”

Americans value their freedoms and, with expanding government, these are eroding bit by bit each day. The mandate in Obamacare that would force people to do what is against their consciences is a good example. And we see in Greece a preview of what could happen here economically if things don’t change drastically.

So when you go to the polls in November, recall the longstanding 8.2 percent unemployment rate (15 percent if you consider those who have given up looking for work), the massive deficit, the promise of more taxes (with little hope for relief), the high prices of food and gas, the stale economy and the sense of hopelessness that prevails. Three and a half years should be enough to show us where we have gotten and where we will continue to head without a change in direction. It is imperative to give someone else a chance to lead our country and restore hope for America’s future.

Loretta Hastings

Franklin

By Shannan Mashburn • Intern

Democrat Hayden Rogers has commanded the lead in the money race for the congressional election to take over U.S. Congressman Heath Shuler’s seat in Washington next year.

Neither Rogers nor his Republican opponent Mark Meadows raised a staggering amount of money during the spring and summer, when most candidates typically see a drop off in political contributions before the big push going into fall.

The community is invited to attend a memorial butterfly release ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at Angel Medical Center.

The ceremony will feature music, inspirational readings and a time of prayer, followed by the release of live butterflies by all in attendance.

“The program is intended to provide a nurturing, renewing experience for people grieving the loss of a loved one,” said Rev. Vic Greene, Angel Hospice Chaplain. “The ceremony is really a celebration of the lives of those being remembered and honored.”

Angel Hospice’s mission is to provide the highest quality hospice and palliative care to their patients and their families.

“The staff of Angel Medical Center and Angel Hospice encourages everyone to join with us for this free event. We are sure it will lift your spirits,” said Jean Sprinkle, director of Angel Hospice.

The Town of Waynesville had a discharge of untreated wastewater from a sanitary sewer line located along N.C. 209, Crabtree Road adjacent to Richland Creek and the County fairgrounds.

The spill amount is estimated at 9,000 gallons. The sanitary sewer overflow was discovered around noon, July 31 during heavy rainfall. It lasted about two hours.

Diluted but untreated wastewaters entered Richland Creek. The discharge ended when rainfall and stream flows subsided, and the area affected was raked, cleaned and limed.

Maintenance activities and sewer system rehabilitation are being performed to identify and correct infiltration and inflow sources connected to the sewer system to prevent overflows in the event of future storms.

828.456.4410.

By Peggy Manning • Correspondent

Every Friday morning, a small group of mothers meet in Bryson City to pray for students, teachers and school administrators. Called Moms in Prayer, the sessions last about an hour and focus on issues participants are concerned about in the school system, said organizer Brona Winchester.

Adult volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 21 to help youth register for the Haywood County Fair.

If you are available to help, volunteers are asked to sign-up for three-hour shifts from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-3 p.m. or 3-6 p.m. Lunch will be provided for folks volunteering during the morning and afternoon shifts. Please call the Extension office at 828.456.3575 to sign-up.

Last year, 4-H had more than 400 entries. Youth are invited to enter their artwork, photography, sewing, vegetables, canned or baked items, etc. Please see Haywood County Fair enclosure for full details.

Republican and unaffiliated voters are invited to the grand opening of a new Republican Party office at 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at 58 D Sunrise Park, a retail complex located opposite the intersection of Highway 107 and the Asheville Highway in Sylva.

Featured grand opening guests are Mark Meadows, Republican candidate for the U.S. House seat presently held by Heath Shuler, and N.C. GOP Vice Chair Wayne King.

Reservations are requested but not necessary and can be made by calling the Victory 2012 Sylva office director Krista Carter at 318.376.9476, Jackson County GOP Chair Ralph Slaughter at 828.743.6491 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

www.jacksoncountygop.com.

Mission Health, Angel Medical Center, and the American Red Cross will offer a free Citizen CPR, hands only, class at 9 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18.

During the 30-minute class, participants learn how to check for consciousness, call 9-1-1 and give continuous chest compressions. The technique involves no mouth-to-mouth contact and is best used in emergencies outside of hospitals where a bystander has seen another person suddenly collapse.

“This life-saving skill is invaluable, easy to learn and empowers everyone to respond in an emergency to help to save someone’s life,” said Frank Castelblanco, director of cardiac emergencies at Mission Health.

The classes will be held at Angel Medical Center on 120 Riverview St. in Franklin. Sign-up.

828.258.3888, ext. 202.

The Haywood County Board of Commissioners declared Aug. 10 as the official “Balsam Range Day” to celebrate the upcoming release of the bluegrass band’s newest record as well as its contributions to the county.

“Congratulations. Very well deserved,” County Commissioner Chairman Mark Swanger said after passing the formal Balsam Range Day resolution at a county meeting Monday.

By Paul Clark • Contributor

Implementation of a new state law that increases the amount of land that can be clear-cut in front of highway billboards will get final tweaking and a public audience this month.

The N.C. Department of Transportation will take public input before finalizing rules for how the controversial tree-cutting will be performed. A law clearing the way for more clear-cutting passed the General Assmebly in July 2011. The law itself is not up for discussion, said Jamille Robbins, a DOT transportation engineer associated with the public hearing. But, commenters can have a say in the permanent rules that will be used to put the law in effect.

Local residents will have an opportunity to learn how to develop a website in “The One-Day Website,” a class that will be offered from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Aug. 17, by Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing Education.

The class will meet in Room 137 of the Cordelia Camp Building. The cost of the class is $59, which includes lunch.

Participants will learn to design, create, publish and maintain the files needed for a free personal website by establishing a free account on Tripod.com. Using the features, options, templates and tools available in their accounts, students will define text, images and tables according to their needs. No book, program download or special computer skills are required.

learn.wcu.edu or 828.227.7397.

The Haywood Community Band will present its fourth free concert of the Maggie Valley Concert Series at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19, at the pavilion adjacent to Maggie Valley Town Hall.

The band will take the audience on a musical tour around the world with its theme, “Touched by History.”  Come and enjoy listening to “A Morning in Madrid,” “One Night in Athens,” “In a Persian Market,“ and other familiar music. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a beautiful Maggie Valley sunset.

828.456.4880 or visit www.haywoodcommunityband.org.

Musician and folklorist Lee Knight will perform in the community room of the Jackson County Public Library Complex in Sylva at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14.

Knight is a native of the Adirondack Mountains and a long-time resident of Cashiers. He has studied the folk cultures of the Southern Appalachians and the Adirondacks as well as the sea islands off the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. He refers to his musical style as “musical archaeology,” and he has developed his repertoire by visiting with local residents and musicians who have kept regional traditions alive. He plays several instruments, including the fretless five-string banjo, Appalachian dulcimer, Cherokee flute, rattle, and water drum, in addition to the guitar and mouth bow. He plays traditional Appalachian and Adirondack mountain music, but he often sings the traditional songs a cappella.

In April 2006, Knight performed at Carnegie Hall and has earned a reputation among folk music performers for his authentic style and traditional rhythms.

Knight’s performance at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva is free and open to the public. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. For more information, please call the library at 828.586.2016. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library (www.fontanalib.org).

The Haywood Arts Regional Theater is once again presenting a chance for area talent to take home the gold with the Second Annual “Haywood’s Got Talent” event in September.

HART is offering a $1,000 top prize for the winner and cash prizes for the two runners up. Contestants are not limited to Haywood County, and there are no age limit or category restrictions. However, all contestants must first make it past a screening audition.

Everything from musicians to jugglers to dancers to acrobats are encouraged to come in and audition from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, and at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19. Anyone unable to attend auditions may submit a recorded audition via mail to HART at P.O. Box 1024, Waynesville, NC 28786 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or YouTube prior to auditions.

Those who get past the initial audition will be part of a semifinal round of performances during Labor Day weekend, which will be presented as full variety shows on the HART main stage.

There will be three guest adjudicators at each level who will narrow the field down. The finals will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 and will be presented as one evening featuring the best of the best.

At the end of the evening at both the semi-final and final rounds, the audience will be allowed to cast a vote which will count 25 percent towards the final outcome. The winner selected by the three judges, and the audience will be presented with a check for $1,000, and the runner-up will received $300 and $200 prizes.

The Charlie Daniels Band, a Grammy-winning group that requires little introduction, will perform live at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts on at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17.

The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre is holding auditions for its December production, “A Christmas Carol,” at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 16-17.

This play is based on the classic book by Charles Dickens. The story tells about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, in an attempt to show Scrooge the error of his ways.

The cast consists of 11 males, six females, four boys, and two girls; however, the cast is expandable. There are several non-speaking roles as well. The theatre is located on Main Street in Bryson City. For information contact Director Toby Allman at 828.488.8103.

Visit the web site at www.smctheatre.com or look for the theater on Facebook.

Haywood Arts Regional Theater will present Neil Simon’s play “Lost in Yonkers” which premiered at the Richard Rogers Theater in February 1991 and won the Pulitzer Prize and Tony award.

The play will show at 7:30 pm. on Aug. 17-18 and Aug. 23-25, with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. on Aug. 19 and 26.

This coming of age tale tells the story of two young brothers left to live with their grandmother when their traveling salesman father can no longer take care of them. Living with them is Bella, their aunt, a mentally slow and excitable woman intimidated by her immigrant mother and also on the scene is their hoodlum uncle.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $8 for students. Special discount tickets for students for Sundays and Thursdays are $5.

828.456.6322 for reservations or at www.harttheatre.com.

Forty-seven students played and sang their way through the week as Voices in the Laurel Children’s Choir recently completed its third annual summer music camp.