To the Editor:

On Memorial Day — a holiday that originally honored Union soldiers who died defending the principles enshrined in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and now encompasses all who have served these United States — my wife and I revisited my childhood haunts in Western North Carolina.

There will be a special concert in memory of late Haywood County banjo great Steve Sutton from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at the Lake Junaluska Conference Center. 

The annual Cold Mountain Music Festival will be held May 30-June 1 at the Lake Logan Retreat Center in Canton.

Artists to appear onstage include The Last Revel, American Aquarium, Melissa Carper, Fireside Collective, Denitia, The Moon & You, Fancy & The Gentlemen and more. 

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. 

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. 

When Hurricane Helene slammed into Western North Carolina in late 2024, public attention focused on damaged homes, washed-out roads and the rigid bureaucracy meant to help with recovery, but the widespread physical damage was closely followed by a slow-moving economic catastrophe unfolding among the region’s small businesses, farmers and local governments. Now, eight months later, help may finally be on the way. 

After more than four years of setbacks, political wrangling and bureaucratic delays, a small but vital infrastructure project in Haywood County is nearly complete — thanks in large part to the persistence of Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood). 

Sliding Rock, one of the most popular destinations in Pisgah National Forest, will open for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. During that time, visitors can expect lifeguards on duty, restrooms open and staff on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 

The Haywood County Farm Bureau Board of Directors announced the four recipients of its scholarship, given at the May 19 meeting held at the bureau office.

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.