Melvin R. Lane Fund awards funds to human service nonprofits  

Eight nonprofits serving Western North Carolina will receive $1.32 million over three years from the Melvin R. Lane Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The program empowers and strengthens organizations dedicated to providing essential support services for individuals in need, youth, the elderly and those facing mental and/or physical challenges. 

The grants are the following:

• $180,000 over three years to Bounty & Soul to grow and diversify funding by creating a grants and impact position focused on deep engagement with communities and funding partners.

• $180,000 over three years to Food Connection to support long-term growth by hiring a hub manager to conduct daily operations and enable senior leadership to focus on fundraising, strategic planning and sustainability.

• $180,000 over three years to Just Economics to advance strategic planning, strengthen fundraising and financial planning infrastructure, and support leadership transition to ensure long-term stability, adaptability and growth.

• $150,000 over three years to REACH of Haywood County to build a stronger, more sustainable fundraising program by hiring a development officer and utilizing donor management software to expand revenue streams and improve donor communication and results reporting.

• $180,000 over three years to Safelight to improve financial planning by hiring an additional finance staff member to support day-to-day operations while strengthening internal systems and infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

• $180,000 over three years to Western North Carolina Community Health Services to build long-term sustainability and visibility by increasing development staff, implementing strategic fundraising initiatives and events, mobilizing an engaged board and deepening donor relationships.

Red Cross makes plea for blood donors

The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. 

This shortage comes amid the summer trauma season, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the need for blood to treat traumatic injuries often increases. Currently, Red Cross blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected. On top of that, a steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Busy schedules, temporary illness and the seasonal loss of school blood drives during summer break are driving the decline in donations which could put patient care at risk if not reversed.

All blood types are needed. This shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative blood, as well as AB plasma. Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma patients, mothers in childbirth and those with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk.

Book an appointment now to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Haywood County Community Foundation accepts grant proposals

The Haywood County Community Foundation is accepting applications for grants from charitable organizations until noon on Aug. 18, 2026.

Each year, HCCF’s advisory board uses dollars from its community grantmaking fund to make grants to eligible local organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, schools and churches. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000. In 2025, HCCF awarded a total of $4,410 in grants through this application-based process.

Interested organizations can visit nccommunityfoundation.org/Haywood  for application instructions, eligibility requirements and more.

Swain hospital launches mental wellness support group

Swain Community Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is proud to offer Hope Group, a free gathering on the first Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m., designed to provide education, encouragement and meaningful conversation around mental wellness for individuals of all ages.

Held monthly at Senior Life Solutions, Hope Group offers a welcoming environment where participants can learn practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges, build supportive connections and explore topics that promote emotional well-being. While the program is especially beneficial for older adults and their families as they navigate the unique mental health challenges that can accompany aging, all community members are encouraged to attend. Each month’s session features a different topic centered on mental wellness, healthy coping strategies and personal growth. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion, ask questions and connect with others in a supportive, judgment-free setting.

As people age, mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief and social isolation can become increasingly common. Programs like Hope Group help normalize conversations around mental health while connecting individuals with education, resources and local support.

Hope Group meets monthly at Senior Life Solutions at 45 Plateau Street, Suite 250, Bryson City, and is free to attend. Light refreshments are provided, and advance registration is encouraged.

To RSVP or learn more, call 828.488.4044 or email rachel.vining@lifepointhealth.net.

Dimension of Books expands to new Waynesville location

Months after opening its doors in downtown Waynesville, Dimension of Books will soon relocate to a larger location at 635 S. Haywood Street with plans to reopen in early August 2026.

Located directly across from the Waynesville Public Library, the bookstore’s new home offers more space while preserving the warm, inviting atmosphere customers have come to enjoy. Housed in a charming historic early 20th century building featuring a welcoming covered front porch where visitors can relax and unwind, the new location provides an ideal setting for reading, conversation and community.

The expanded location will allow Dimension of Books to significantly increase its curated collection of used books, ranging from affordable reads to rare and antiquarian works. While remaining firmly rooted in books, the additional space also allows the bookstore to broaden its offerings with thoughtfully selected vintage collectibles, comic books, vinyl records, trading cards, local artwork, handcrafted goods and products created by regional artisans.

The property also features dedicated customer parking and will be home to Yuba Bliss Massage, creating a destination where visitors can enjoy multiple locally-owned businesses in one welcoming location.

More importantly, the expanded location represents more than additional square footage. It provides room for Dimension of Books to continue growing into the community space it was always intended to become. The bookstore plans to expand its schedule of poetry nights, author events, educational programs, book clubs, workshops, discussion groups and other after-hours gatherings designed to encourage conversation, creativity, curiosity and lifelong learning.

Dimension of Books looks forward to welcoming longtime customers and first-time visitors alike when it reopens. Additional information regarding reopening celebrations and upcoming community events will be announced soon.

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.