Community almanac
UWHC Receives $300k Grant from Local Benefactor
United Way of Haywood County announced that it received a generous grant of $300,000. This donation was gifted by the George Elmore Fund for United Way of Haywood County of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties based in Palm Beach, Florida.
The grant will be used to form an endowment to fund a large part of UWHC’s work over the next five years. Specifically, the donation will be used to improve administrative constraints and boost marketing and fundraising efforts.
UWHC Executive Director Celesa Willett (right) with Laurie George, President and CEO of the United Way of Palm Beach County (left) and George Elmore (middle) at the Elmore Impact for Good session in March. Donated photo
“My hope is that this gift not only says thank you, but also inspires others to keep it going,” said Elmore. “If we all do a little more good for more people, the ripple effect will be immeasurable.”
Earlier this year, the CFPBMC reached out to Executive Director Celesa Willett through email. In March, Willett travelled to Palm Beach and met, along with several other non-profits, the foundation staff of CFPBMC and the benefactor, George Elmore.
Elmore, a part-time resident of Haywood County, expressed a particular interest in supporting UWHC’s immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
Enjoy Grace Episcopal Christmas Cookie Walk
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth at Grace Episcopal Church’s Annual Christmas Cookie Walk, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in Waynesville.
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Guests are invited to pick out a festive Christmas tin and fill it with their favorite homemade cookies from a delicious variety of holiday treats baked by members and friends of the church.
In addition to the cookies, enjoy a festive holiday atmosphere filled with Christmas music, crafts and activities for all ages — making this event a joyful outing for families and friends alike.
All proceeds will benefit Haywood Pathways Center, helping support our community during this special season of giving.
Waynesville Historic Mural Completed
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Town of Waynesville was awarded a $27,000 grant from the state of North Carolina to create a mural celebrating the town’s history and its namesake, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne.
Over the past three weeks, internationally renowned artist, Rafael Blanco, worked diligently to complete the mural. The piece, which is painted on the back of the Strand Theater (also known as the Keller Williams office), brings to life the legacies of one of the nation’s most iconic Revolutionary War figures, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, and Waynesville’s founder, Robert Love.
Swain hospital to host seniors holiday event
Swain Community Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program will host a special holiday gathering, “Cookies, Carols and Cocoa,” at noon Tuesday, Dec. 2. The event will take place at 45 Plateau Street, Suite 250, Bryson City, and is open to community members.
The afternoon will include holiday music, festive treats and information about local mental health resources. Designed to bring people together during a time that can be especially challenging for many, the event encourages connection, awareness and support.
Prioritizing mental health can help strengthen relationships, reduce stress and restore a sense of purpose and joy. By hosting events like this, Senior Life Solutions continues its commitment to promoting emotional well-being and increasing access to care across Swain County.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 828.488.4044.
Jackson TDA Launches Holiday Gift Card Guide
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, in partnership with the chambers of commerce in Sylva and Cashiers, has launched its first-ever Jackson County Holiday Gift Card Guide. The guide is designed to inspire residents and visitors to shop local and support the independently owned businesses within this charming region of Western North Carolina.
“Our small businesses are the heart of Jackson County, and the Holiday Gift Card Guide makes it easy to support them during the busiest shopping season,” said Nick Breedlove, Executive Director of Jackson County TDA. “Whether someone is looking for a handcrafted gift, a memorable meal or an outdoor adventure, this guide offers inspiration to shop small and share the spirit of Jackson County.”
The new guide brings together online and in-store gift card offerings from local shops, restaurants, outfitters and service providers across the county. Featuring over two dozen participating businesses, the guide highlights the wide variety of ways shoppers can give meaningful, experience-driven gifts this holiday season while directly supporting the local economy. From chocolatiers to bookstores and restaurants, there’s a gift waiting for everyone.
To view the full list of participating businesses, visit discoverjacksonnc.com.
UCB food drive to support Haywood Christian Ministries
United Community Bank announced the launch of a food drive aimed at supporting Haywood Christian Ministries, a local organization dedicated to providing food assistance to those in need. From Nov. 13 through Dec. 15, donation boxes will be placed in the lobby and drive-through areas of the United Community Bank or Waynesville to encourage community contributions.
This initiative comes at a crucial time as the holiday season approaches, a time when food insecurity often peaks. United Community Bank invites all customers and community members to participate by donating nonperishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta, rice and cereals. Together, we can replenish the vital supplies needed by Haywood Christian Ministries to ensure that no family in our community goes hungry.
The collected donations will be delivered to Haywood Christian Ministries for distribution to local families facing food insecurity. The partnership between United Community Bank and Haywood Christian Ministries exemplifies the spirit of community and compassion that is at the heart of our bank’s mission.
For more information about the food drive or to donate, please visit the bank’s branch at 165 N. Main St., Waynesville. Donations can be made in the lobby or the drive through.
Swain Genealogy hosts holiday potluck
The Swain County Genealogical Society is hosting a holiday potluck that is open to the public.
Curtis Blanton will present an original Christmas story set in the times of our ancestors.
The potluck will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Swain County Business Ed Center in Bryson City.
Bring your favorite covered dish of your favorite holiday food to share.
Christmas at Lake Junaluska
Experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season during Christmas at Lake Junaluska, Dec. 12-14.
Ride the Holly Jolly Trolley at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, and Sunday Dec. 14, as it takes passengers along North Lakeshore Drive to see the festive light displays. It’s a great event for family members of all ages. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/hollyjollytrolley2025.
Enjoy a spirited and fun day of Christmas shopping at the Holiday Craft Market. Family activities are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Harrell Center. Bring the whole family to shop for unique, handcrafted and one-of-a-kind gifts. Kids of all ages can enjoy sensory bins, make holiday crafts and receive a special keepsake ornament. Enjoy free cider samples at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds.
Enjoy quiet and reflective time during the Festival of Lessons and Carols at 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at historic Memorial Chapel. This beautiful one-hour traditional English service features Scripture readings and corresponding music sung by the congregation or soloists, accompanied by harp and flute. This event is free and open to the public. Afterward, enjoy the glow of holiday lights, greenery and ribbon which decorate the grounds.
For more information about Lake Junaluska, visit lakejunaluska.com or to learn how to become a part of the community, subscribe to Lake Junaluska’s enewsletters at bit.ly/LJstayconnected.
Tipton-Haynes celebrates Christmas
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site will present the Annual Visions of Christmas from 1-5p.m..Dec. 5-6 in Johnson City, Tennessee.
All are invited as the site begins the celebration of the holiday season.
Visitors to the Tipton-Haynes Historic Site will be able to experience what Christmas was like in the region centuries ago. Donated photo
Experience what it was like for the various families that lived at Tipton-Haynes during the 18th through 20th centuries. Reenactors and volunteers will be in period clothing to recreate the atmosphere of the excitement leading up to Christmas and teach about the different traditions of the holiday season. Enjoy family fun as holiday snacks and drinks will be prepared over the open hearth in the cabin.
Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. As always, members of the Tipton-Haynes Historical Association receive free admission. Please call 423.926.3631 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make a reservation for the Christmas candlelight tour or for more information.
Tours begin at 1:15 p.m. and continue every 20 minutes until the last tour at 4:55 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested prior to Dec. 5 as space will be limited.
Mike and Renee McCall named grand marshals of Franklin Christmas Parade
Mike and Renee McCall, longtime owners of the beloved Sunset Restaurant, have been selected as the grand marshals of Franklin’s Christmas parade.
For 47 years, Mike and Renee have poured hard work, sacrifice and heart into running one of Franklin’s most cherished community institutions. In that time, they didn’t just serve food — they served people. They served tradition. They served community.
Alongside their children — Heather McClure, Cory McCall, Laurel Moore, and their families — Mike and Renee used their business not only as a livelihood, but to bless the community they love. Their impact reaches far beyond their front doors, leaving a legacy built on kindness, service, and genuine care for others.
As Mike and Renee step into a well-deserved retirement, the chamber celebrates their extraordinary contributions to Franklin.
Nantahala Health Foundation partners with Dogwood Health Trust to ‘Nourish Our Neighbors’
In response to growing food insecurity across Western North Carolina, exacerbated first by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and more recently by a federal freeze on SNAP payments, Nantahala Health Foundation has launched a regional initiative to support local food security providers, made possible through a partnership with Dogwood Health Trust.
Through their “Nourish Our Neighbors Initiative,” NHF is expected to mobilize more than $110,000 to address urgent food access needs across its six-county service area and the Qualla Boundary. This funding reflects the combined support of Dogwood Health Trust and NHF resources dedicated specifically to this regional effort.
While county-specific allocations are still being determined, foundation Executive Director Lori Bailey says they will work closely with existing community partners — food banks, food pantries, faith-based organizations and other food security providers — to assess needs and capacity and make funding decisions accordingly.
“This initiative comes at a critical time,” Bailey said.
“Disruptions and delays in federal programs such as SNAP and the state’s Healthy Opportunities Pilot are not only stressful for families who rely on these benefits to make ends meet — they often result in empty cupboards and difficult choices between food, housing, and utilities,” she added “Combined with the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, these challenges have left many households struggling to access nutritious food. As winter approaches, the need is expected to rise even further, with higher heating costs and seasonal employment reductions putting additional strain on household budgets.”
Although NHF’s coverage area was not as severely impacted by the storm as neighboring communities, the primary regional food bank based in Asheville that serves our entire six-county area experienced significant damage to its facility during Hurricane Helene. This disruption created a ripple effect, straining partner programs and food security providers throughout the outlying areas that depend on its regional support.
Other factors compounding the challenge include inflation in food prices, rising housing costs and transportation barriers that make it difficult for families to reach food distribution sites.
NHF encourages individuals, businesses and philanthropic partners to contribute to this effort. Donations to the foundation will help ensure that food security providers have the resources they need to meet rising demand and continue serving vulnerable populations throughout the region.
Jackson County GOP hosts monthly meeting
The Jackson County Republican Party’s monthly meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at party headquarters, 40 W. Sylva Shopping Area in Sylva next to Harold’s Supermarket. The person who brings the most first-time new visitors (minimum of two) will receive a free hat or a raffle ticket.
Maggie Valley church offers Christmas boutique
Experience the magic of Maggie Valley United Methodist Church’s annual Christmas Boutique, Arts & Crafts Sale and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6.
“Elf volunteers” are requesting donations of good condition, gently used men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, home decor, Christmas items and unique gift items. Donations can be delivered to the church office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All proceeds from the sale will benefit the church’s two long-standing food ministries: the Food Pantry, open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon; and Shepherd’s Table, which provides a prepared dinner delivered to residents on Mondays.
Maggie Valley United Methodist Church is located at 4192 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Call 828.926.8036 with questions.
Swain Community Hospital adds specialized imaging to identify complex GI conditions
Swain Community Hospital, a Duke LifePoint Hospital, is now offering CT enterography with IV contrast studies, giving patients local access to an advanced diagnostic tool used to evaluate Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, small bowel gastrointestinal bleeding and small bowel tumors.
CT enterography produces detailed, high-resolution images of the small bowel, providing physicians with a powerful tool to diagnose and monitor complex gastrointestinal conditions. The exam is particularly valuable in evaluating Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Crohn’s disease is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can overlap with other digestive disorders, making advanced imaging essential in confirming the disease and guiding treatment plans.
In addition to Crohn’s disease, CT enterography can be used to assess inflammatory bowel disease more broadly, identify sources of unexplained small bowel gastrointestinal bleeding, and detect small bowel tumors. By visualizing the lining of the small bowel in detail, physicians are better able to understand the extent of disease and determine the best course of care.
“We’re pleased to make this advanced exam available locally, reducing the need for residents of Swain County and nearby areas to travel elsewhere to receive this level of care,” said Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer of Swain Community Hospital. “Our goal is always to meet the needs of our community with compassionate care and advanced services.”
Because preparation is required for accurate imaging, CT enterography is not offered as a walk-in exam. Patients should work with their primary care provider or gastroenterology specialist to schedule the study.
For more information on all services offered at Swain Community Hospital, visit myswaincommunity.com.
For information on available providers or to make an appointment, visit swainmedicalgroup.com.
Wreaths Across America returns to Greenhill Cemetery
Greenhill Cemetery will once again take part in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, a national observance that began in 1992 and has grown each year as more cemeteries across the country join in the effort to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of American veterans.
This year’s wreath laying at Greenhill Cemetery will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The public is invited to attend and help honor local veterans. Wreath sponsorships are $17 and may be made online at wreathsacrossamerica.org or by calling 877.385.9504. Donors should use group fundraising code NC0081 when ordering.
The deadline for sponsorships is Nov. 21. The previous option of sponsoring two wreaths with a third provided at no cost is no longer available. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
EBCCF awards more than $5,500 in grants
The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, has awarded $5,850 in grants to five organizations supporting the local community. The board of advisors granted: $1,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina for Igniting Potential in Eastern Band Youth, $1,000 to HIGHTS for healthy food for Restorative Justice Programs, $850 to Museum of the Cherokee People for HVAC Intervention Support, $2,000 to Rolling Start NC, Inc., for vehicles for people in need, $1,000 to Swain/Qualla SAFE, Inc., for general operating support.
Funds for 2025 grants came from EBCCF’s community grantmaking fund. Each year, EBCCF’s advisory board uses dollars from its endowment fund to make grants to eligible local organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, schools and churches.
The grants are a portion of community support provided by EBCCF this year. Earlier this year, EBCCF granted $180,000 through the NCCF Disaster Relief Fund. The grants were awarded to local organizations to support long-term recovery, resiliency and unmet needs related to Hurricane Helene.
‘Murder In the Name of Love’
Mountain history has its share of shocking stories of crimes of passion.
Two such events, one in 1925 and the other in 1931, rocked Swain County to its core. In 1925, Southern Railway engineer Troy Muse of Asheville was believed to be involved in an extramarital relationship with the wife of Al Dorsey when he was gunned down by Dorsey in the town square. Dorsey was convicted of the murder just weeks after the crime, but in later years, he became beloved as a town “character.”
Five years later in the community of Dorsey, Judd Pilkington found himself involving the law in an effort to keep his teenage daughter apart from neighbor Ben Posey. In revenge, Posey ambushed and killed Pilkington and subsequently fled from the law, making it all the way to Washington State before he was apprehended. In a karmic twist, Posey met his own violent end in 1939.
Wendy Meyers grew up in Swain County in a home overlooking the Fontana Lake portion of what was once the town of Judson. Her interest in the history of Judson and other “lost communities” in Swain County was sparked in childhood. After a number of years away for college and career, she returned home to Swain County in 2008. Since 2013, she has authored a blog and Facebook page entitled “Reflections of Olde Swain” that shares stories and pictures of the earlier days of the county.
The discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center, 45 East Ridge Drive in Bryson City. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. Free and open to the public.
