Briefs

Community almanac

Calling all ham radio enthusiasts

On June 22, the Haywood County Amateur Radio Club is participating in an annual nationwide exercise to conduct radio communications “in the field.” This is a long-standing tradition among ham operators.

The event is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, June 22 at the Evergreen facility on Old Howell Mill Road in Waynesville. Operators will set up equipment that prior Friday night. Saturday’s event will end around 6 p.m. with a barbecue for members and guests.

Haywood event center to host listening sessions

The Smoky Mountain Event Center will hold community listening sessions to gain input from local stakeholders about the facilities.

Listening sessions will be held at the Haywood Ag Center located at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville, across from the Test Farm.

Homeowners living within a half-mile of the property will have a special session from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, along with the county’s agricultural community from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28. The general public is invited to attend a listening session from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.

Sessions will include snacks. For more information, go to smokymountaineventcenter.org or call 828.400.1704.

Related Items

Hospital education specialist wins award

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently announced that Jeanette Apperson, CMA, clinical education specialist, has been recognized as the facilities’ 2024 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

A certified medical assistant, Apperson has been an integral part of the Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospital system for over two decades, during which time she has consistently gone above and beyond her job duties to ensure the well-being of our patients, her peers, and her community.

In addition to exemplary performance in her role, Apperson's thoughtfulness and generosity extend beyond the workplace. She consistently goes out of her way to support her coworkers, friends, and family members during difficult times, as well as celebrating their successes, demonstrating her genuine care and concern for others.

Outside of work, Apperson enjoys reading and giving book recommendations to others, hand-making blankets, scarves and hats for patients and peers and spending time with her husband, daughters and grandchildren. Her coworkers remark that she spreads joy effortlessly through her lighthearted attitude and funny personality.

Lake Junaluska flea market

The annual Lake Junaluska Flea Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 8, at the open-air Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym at Lake Junaluska. Special early bird shopping is available from 7:30-8 a.m. for $5 cash.

This year’s flea market will feature home decor items, books, linens, tools, yard equipment, furniture, holiday decorations, small electrical appliances, office supplies, kitchenware, an expanded toys and games section, sporting and camping goods, plus homemade baked goods and more. Be sure to stop at the tent to check out the antiques and collectibles.

The flea market is hosted by The Junaluskans, a volunteer organization of Lake Junaluska Assembly made up of people who love Lake Junaluska. The annual flea market is the Junaluskans’ largest fundraising event of the year.

Proceeds from the flea market go toward many projects, including maintenance of Lake Junaluska gardens such as the Rose Walk, Corneille Bryan Native Garden, Biblical Garden and Inspiration Point; the Swan Feeding Program; the Community Chorus; Christmas decorations at the Lake; Lake Junaluska cleanup programs; sponsorship of Clothes to Kids and the monthly book review program.

For the comfort and safety of all shoppers, no dogs are allowed at the flea market except for official service animals.

Women’s group announces grants

The Women for Women (WFW) giving circle awarded six grants totaling $288,000 at a recent awards celebration. WFW has exceeded $5.2 million in grants to more than 60 programs serving WNC women and girls since 2006. Women for Women’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through collective giving.

“We are thrilled that our 2024 grants are reaching small grassroots organizations as well as established, larger nonprofits,” said WFW Grants Committee Chair Jill Preyer. “Our focus on economic empowerment will help lift up hundreds of women and girls in Western North Carolina over the year.”

The 2024 grants in The Smoky Mountain News coverage area are:

• Mountain BizWorks — $30,000 over two years to serve 80 aspiring and existing Latina small business owners in actively growing their business skills and knowledge through Spanish language business courses, one-on-one coaching and access to technology. The project will serve 18 counties in the WNC region, with a specific focus on expanding reach into rural communities.

• Mountain Housing Opportunities — $125,000 to expand its Down Payment Assistance program. Leveraged with matched funds, individual household support will range from $5,000 to $40,000. This project will support up to 100 low-income households, 60-70% of which will be women-headed households, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties.

• The Women’s Fund, a CFWNC endowment addressing the unmet needs of women and girls, contributed $73,510 to the grants.

Women for Women is an initiative of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC). New members are always welcome; information is at cfwnc.org.

Mariana Black Library hosts fitness classes

The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City has Fitness Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Fitness is known to build strength and energy, help with focus and assist with weight loss. This program has cardio, stretching and strength training. Classes allow participants to work out at their own speed with no pressure. The class is free and open to ages 16 an up. Ages 12 and over must be accompanied by an adult.

Franklin welcomes new pottery gallery

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Limberlost Pottery to the Franklin business community.

Limberlost Pottery has three resident potters who work in the attached studio and each has a unique style and expertise. All three offer functional pieces for the home.

In the gallery, you can find other art such as paintings, turned wood bowls and fiber. The shop’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Harris Regional hosts free sports physicals

Harris Regional Hospital, in partnership with PT Solutions, will host its annual free sports physicals event for Jackson County student athletes on Thursday, May 16, from 5-7 p.m. inside the west entrance of the hospital at 68 Hospital Road in Sylva.

The event is open to all rising 6th grade through rising 12th grade student athletes in Jackson County.

Students may reach out to their athletic directors or coaches at their respective schools for more details and to obtain a NCHSAA Health & Safety release form that must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to attending the event.

Students may either attend the event by themselves with a signed form in their possession, or parents/guardians may attend the event with their student and sign the form during the event. Students who do not have either a signed form or a guardian in attendance with them will not receive a physical.

The event does not require pre-registration. While the event occurs across the full two-hour period, attendees are encouraged to arrive at 5 p.m. to join the queue. Directional signs will be in place to guide attendees to the correct waiting areas.

For more information, please call 828.586.7425.

Mother’s Day lunch at Lake Junaluska

Along with a beautiful view, enjoy a menu that includes Chicken Florentine with ramp cream sauce, snapper with sorrel sauce, a trio of quiche, French toast and an array of vegetables, desserts and many other offerings. All Mother’s Day honorees will be given a flower.

Lake Junaluska also invites shoppers seeking Mother’s Day gifts to visit Junaluska Gifts & Grounds in advance for unique items including jewelry, local pottery, books and apparel, or to make a gift to have a brick on Lake Junaluska’s Brick Walk in the Colonnade inscribed with a personalized message.

Pricing for the buffet is $38.95 plus tax and an 18% service charge for adults (age 12 and older); $19 plus tax and an 18% service charge for children ages 5-11; and free for children age 4 and under. Make reservations online at lakejunaluska.com/mothersday.

Make reservations now for a delicious Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at The Terrace Hotel Dining Room at Lake Junaluska.

For guests who wish to spend the whole holiday weekend at Lake Junaluska, lodging is available at The Terrace Hotel and historic Lambuth Inn. To book, visit lakejunaluska.com/lodging or call 800.222.4930. For more information, visit lakejunaluska.com.

Hear about the legend of Sasquatch

The Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society presents “Myth and Reality: Discovering The Appalachian Legend of Sasquatch.”

From the earliest recorded history, legends of large, human-like creatures living in wooded regions of the backcountry have been embedded in regional culture with many sightings and stories and sightings from this area.

Jeff Carpenter has gleaned first-hand knowledge of these stories from a broad range of mountain folk, as well as his own experience. Jeff grew up learning outdoor craft of hunting, tracking and orienteering from his father. He has spent many nights in the backcountry, has seen many bears, heard many coyotes and tracked a variety of wildlife. In 2004, while in the woods with his son, they began to find strange signs such as tree twists and very large and unique footprints. Eventually overcoming his reticence of being with a bunch of “crazy people” on the “fringe” of society, his interest in Sasquatch led to his involvement as a Field Investigator for the Appalachian Sasquatch Research Project as well as the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization.

In his presentation, he will be sharing his knowledge and experience from 20 years of research in the Sasquatch (Bigfoot) legend as well as local history/legends from these mountains, local witness reports and his own experiences with the Sasquatch. Jeff has presented research findings to groups in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio and has appeared on numerous podcasts on the subject.

Please join us for this presentation on Thursday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center.

Macon launches health assessment survey

Over the next few weeks, Macon County residents will play a crucial role in helping Macon County Public Health (MCPH) identify important health needs in our community and the surrounding area. MCPH has collaborated with the national research firm PRC based in Omaha, Nebraska, to conduct the Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey with western North Carolina (WNC) residents between April and October of this year. The confidential survey will ask about residents' health, behaviors, and experiences. Randomly selected households will receive a call from “WNC Health” and the survey will take around 20 minutes to complete.

Macon is one of 18 counties participating in the CHA across WNC. The survey covers various health-related factors, including demographics, socioeconomics, health status, disparities, behaviors, clinical care, physical environment and quality of life. This data is the basis for efforts to prioritize and address health challenges over the next three years.

Macon plays a vital role in the regional CHA strategy, which is led by the WNC Healthy Impact initiative, a collaborative endeavor involving hospitals, health departments and dedicated partners committed to enhancing community health across the region. The Community Health Assessment is generously supported by the hospitals of Western North Carolina and bolstered by contributions from the Dogwood Health Trust and aims to collect comprehensive data essential for understanding and addressing regional health challenges. The WNC Community Health Assessment survey, made possible through this collective funding, equips stakeholders, including valued funders, healthy impact partners and policymakers, with invaluable insights to guide targeted public health interventions for the betterment of residents across WNC.

Residents can also contribute through an online survey option at prcsurvey.com/begin/wnc2024.

Pisgah to hold Volleybuff Showdown

Pisgah High School’s Honors Sport and Event Marketing II class will host the 2024 volleyball tournament in the Pisgah gym on Friday, May 10.

“This event is a great opportunity to raise money for United Way of Haywood County, Pisgah’s DECA chapter, volleyball program, and SGA while giving young men at every grade level the chance to compete in a fun and competitive event,” said junior Jake Lowery.

Teams in this showdown are coached by members of the current JV and Varsity volleyball teams.

“Volleybuff is a unique way to compete to see who is the top dog. I hope all our work pays off,” said senior Kole Smathers.

The Sympleaf Sport Volleyputt promotion during the championship match will feature a chance for one lucky constant to take home a grand prize of $10,000. The contest is open to anyone over the age of 14. Potential contestants will have the opportunity to register in the gym lobby. Tickets can be purchased online via the GoFan website. Admission is $5. Concessions and door prizes will also be available. The first match of the tournament will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Free sports physicals at HRMC

Haywood Regional Medical Center and Haywood Sports Medicine will host their annual sports physicals for area middle and high school student-athletes Thursday, May 16, with corresponding times for each school. The physicals are free, and insurance is not required.

Physicals for each school will be held at the following times on May 16 at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center:

• Canton Middle School: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Bethel Middle School: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Waynesville Middle School: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

• Tuscola High School: 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Rising 6th grade student-athletes need to attend the date for the representing school they will be attending in the coming school year. Participants must have all required forms with them signed by parents and completed to receive their physical. It is not necessary to sign up for an appointment, just come anytime during the allotted time frame for your representing school. Contact your school’s front office for registration paperwork and further information or questions.

Any student-athlete that does not participate in this free event will have to consult their primary care physician or pediatrician to obtain their sports physical evaluation. Need to find a local provider? Call 800.424.DOCS (3627) be connected with a provider.

Marianna Black Library prepares for summer

The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City is now releasing its dates for the Summer Learning Program 2024. Area children and parents can begin registering for a summer of reading and activities from June 10-15.

The Summer Learning Program 2024 theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” The Reading Adventure is for seven weeks, from June 16 to Aug. 3. Children earn prizes every week for reading or being read to, for only 20 minutes a day. The library welcomes any feedback about what kind of programs and activities you and your kids would like to enjoy this summer.

There is also a STEAM based program called Discovery Club on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 3:45-5 p.m. for school age kids, ages 7-13. Also, for school age kids there is Creative Kids Art Club, on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, from 3:45-5 p.m. In this program, kids will enjoy using their creativity while engaging in arts and crafts.

Preschool Storytime Adventures are every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. This is an opportunity for kids ages 3-6 years old to enjoy plot-based stories, flannel storyboard time, silly songs with movements and other participatory activities.

Additionally, there is a new baby and toddler time called Bounce and Rhyme. This is on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m.

The Marianna Black Library is located in downtown Bryson City, on the corner of Academy and Rector Street. Anyone who would like to sign up for a kids program or has any questions can contact Allison Reid at 828.488.3030, ext. 130 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WNC Community Enhancement Grants Awarded

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) awarded nine WNC Community Enhancement grants totaling $82,117 to support charitable organizations and eligible public agencies engaged in projects in downtowns or commercial corridors that enhance appearance, infrastructure, or the pedestrian experience. Here are the grants that were awarded to organizations within The Smoky Mountain News’ four-county coverage area:

• $10,000 to Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau (BGCP) for a beautification project along public sidewalks beside the organization’s building in Cashiers. BGCP is part of a community corridor that includes the Cashiers Fire Department, Fishes and Loaves food bank, Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center, The Village Green, Albert Carlton Library, outdoor ball fields, a playground, and a community dog park. Grant funds will support the purchase of (and thereby make permanent) an existing temporary art installation. The purchase is part of a larger effort to beautify landscaped areas adjacent to Frank Allen Road, including the establishment of a pollinator garden and the placement of a flagpole and American Flag.

• $10,000 to Town of Maggie Valley to purchase an addition to the Maggie Pavilion, which is located next to Town Hall. The new open structure will be placed adjacent to the present building to provide open air seating for pavilion events. Funds from the Town will be used to purchase new commercial grade picnic tables to be used below and beside the new structure. The Maggie Pavilion is used throughout the year for individual events, band concerts and group meetings.

To apply, organizations must be tax-exempt and located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey. Priority will be given to projects located in rural or other under-resourced areas. The next deadline is June 10.

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