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.

Jackson County to hold “America 250” July 4th parade 

A July Fourth Parade will be held on the nation’s Semiquincentennial as we celebrate the signing of the “Declaration of Independence” on July 4, 1776.

The parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, in Dillsboro. 

One of the highlights of the parade is the recognition of military veterans in Jackson County, signified by the parade’s agenda, “250th Salute to our Veterans.”

The Grand Marshal for the parade will be members of the VFW Mike Martin Post 9493 in Tuckasegee. Other veterans and veterans’ groups — American Legion Post 104 in Sylva, Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143, American Legion Riders, Jackson County Veterans Organization and others — will also march in the parade.  

Brenda Anders of Dogwood Crafters will be recognized as “Ms. Dillsboro” and be honored during the parade.  

The emcee will be Frank Huguelet, a.k.a. Ric Savage, former professional wrestler, who will announce the parade participants as they march along Front Street. Andy Shaw Ford is providing vehicles for the parade, and a local color guard will take lead. Other parade participants include leaders from various local municipalities and participants from the Jackson County Department on Aging.

Parking will be in typical locations in Dillsboro, and overflow parking will be at Monteith Park.  Safety and security will be provided by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and various Jackson County Fire Departments.   

The Jackson County Chamber and Visitor Center will continue the festivities on Saturday afternoon and evening from 3-9:30 p.m. in downtown Sylva, to include kids’ activities, food trucks, music, a 1776 reenactment and a salute to our veterans.  A spectacular fireworks show will then take place that night right after the concert at Bridge Park and will be visible from downtown Sylva and the surrounding area.