• Arts and Entertainment
• Outdoors
• Clubs and Groups
• Kids and families
• Health

BUSINESS & EDUCATION

• HCC WILL OFFER AN EIGHT-WEEK MEDICINAL BOTANY CLASS beginning Saturday, May 19 through July 14. $100. 565.4244 or hctew@haywood.edu.

• HCC WILL HOST DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TAX SEMINAR FOR BUSINESSES from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 23 in the Student Center auditorium. Seating is limited. smallbusinessseminar@dornc.com. 627.4512.

• A 90-MINUTE INTERNET SAFETY CLASS will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Free. Limited to the first 15 people. 586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• A RIBBON CUTTING will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 24 at Simple Taste Grill & Catering on Main Street in Canton. 456.3021.

• YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF HAYWOOD NETWORKING EVENT will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 at Maggie Valley Club. Join the YPH for an evening of networking, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. 456.3021.

• THE JACKSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS will be held from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 at the Historic Balsam Mountain Inn. 586.2155.

• MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS WILL OFFER MERCHANDISING WOW from 6-9 p.m. for three consecutive Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, May 30 at 200 Marsh Lily Drive in Dillsboro Court. www.mountainbizworks.org or 631.0292.

• A SPEED SPANISH COURSE will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, continuing through May 31 at the Franklin High School Campus. $50. Registration required. 339.3397.

• SCC OFFERS AN EMPLOYABILITY LAB from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday and Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays in the Founders Hall on the Jackson Campus. Course is also offered 8 a.m to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at teh Macon Annex Campus. 339.4272 or ritag@southwesterncc.edu.

• THE ENTREPRENEUR SKILLS NETWORK HOLDS BUSINESS SKILLS MEETINGS from 6-7:30 p.m. every monday in the Jackson County Justice and Admin Builsing in Sylva. Experienced and startup entrepreneurs are welcome. 586.5466 or esn4meetings@gmail.com.

• MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS HOSTS FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS on the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. and the fourth Tuesday from 12-1 p.m. at the Sylva office and the second Wednesday of each month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Inn Conference Center in Waynesville. Mountain BizWorks is a non-profit organization helping small businesses start, grow, and create jobs through lending, consulting, and training. 631.0292 www.mountainbizworks.org.

• HAYWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL OFFER A SERIES OF "GET A JOB" WORKSHOPS which include:

• Basic Computer Skills from 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday.

• Create a Great Resume workshop from 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday.

• Job Search Basics from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday.

• Interview Tips from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday.

• Customer Service Excellence from 2-4 p.m. every Thursday.

• Time Management from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday.

• Your Electronic Portfolio from 10 a.m. to noon every Friday.

• Spanish Translation Career Coaching & Self-paced English Study from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday.

Career Coaches are available for individual help Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Evening hours will be added during the summer. Individuals with incomes below a defined level may attend free. Advance registration is not required, but class size is limited. 564.5093 or 246.9233.

COMMUNITY & EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

• EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS ASKED TO HELP LOCAL POSTAL CARRIERS PROVIDE FOOD for area food banks by leaving a bag of non-perishable food items at your mailbox on Saturday, May 21. 456.4838.

• BOB PLOTT WILL BE THE GUEST PRESENTER DURING THE "LIVE AND LEARN" COMMITTEE EVENT at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at the Bethea Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska. 800-222-4930, Opt. 2.

• RELAY FOR LIFE will be held from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday, May 18 through Saturday, May 19 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Fun, food, music and games. 254.6931.

• "CARS AND CORNMEAL" will be held at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the Francis Grist Mill at 14 Hugh Massie Road in Waynesville. $10 to enter a car, $5 for spectators. www.francismill.org.

• A MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 28 in The Town Hall Pavilion on Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Open to the public. 926.7630.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY MEMORIAL DAY PARADE will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 28 on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. 452.6634.

• A MEMORAL DAY PARADE will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 28 in downtown Canton.

• THE 2ND ANNUAL VOICES IN THE LAUREL GREAT CAR OR TRUCK GIVEAWAY TICKETS ARE NOW FOR SALE. $100 tickets for chance to win 2012 Ford F150 or 2012 Ford Fiesta + $15,000 or $30,000. Drawing at 8 pm on Saturday June 2nd 2012. Max of 1,000 tickets will be sold. www.voicesinthelaurel.org or 335.2849.

• P.A.W.S. ADOPTION DAYS ARE HELD THE FIRST SATURDAY of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adopt a pet or purchase one of the many fundraising items offered by P.A.W.S. Also, take advantage of 50 percent off custom ID tags at Ace Clampitt Hardware with any adoption. Held on the Front Lawn at Charleston Station in Bryson City. ID tags at Ace Clampitt Hardware with any adoption. Held on the Front Lawn at Charleston Station in Bryson City.

• SARGE'S ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION ADOPTIONS will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at the new adoption center at off the Old Asheville Highway in the Waynesville Industrial Park. Pet photos are available online at www.sargeandfriends.org or www.petfinder.com or 246.9050.

FARMER'S & TAILGATE MARKETS

Waynesville

• HAYWOOD'S HISTORIC FARMER'S MARKET

Offers fresh, local produce including seafood, baked goods, goat cheese, herbal products, meat and eggs, fresh flowers, preserves, honey and heritage crafts. Performances by local musicians on Saturdays. Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Location: 250 Pigeon Street, Waynesville in the parking lot of the HART Theatre. Contact: 627.1058. www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com.

• WAYNESVILLE TAILGATE MARKET

Offers fruits, vegetables, black walnuts, organic food and several other products from Haywood County Farmers. Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: 171 Legion Drive, Waynesville, at the American Legion in Waynesville behind Bogart's restaurant Contact: 648.6323.

Sylva

• JACKSON COUNTY FARMER'S MARKET

Plants, seeds, honey, breads, sweets and locally made crafts, local meats.Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Location: Railroad Avenue, Sylva, at the Municipal Parking Lot near Bridge Park in downtown. Contact: 631.3033.

Cashiers

• CASHIERS TAILGATE MARKET

Offers fresh baked goods, jellies, local fruit pies and much more. Hours: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: N.C. 107, Cashiers, in the parking lot at the Cashiers Community Center. Contact: 743.5106.

Franklin

• FRANKLIN TAILGATE MARKET

Sells a variety of only homegrown products such as cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: 200 West Palmer Street, Franklin, across the street from the old post office. Contact: 369.5595.

Bryson City

• SWAIN TAILGATE MARKET

Features organic produce, plants, trout, honey, jams, quail and rabbit as well as an array of local crafts. Hours: Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: On Main Street behind the historic courthouse in downtown Bryson City. Contact: 488.3848.

Cherokee

• CHEROKEE FARMER'S TAILGATE MARKET

Farmers and gardeners provide fresh local produce on a weekly basis. Look for organic and heirloom produce. Hours: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Acquoni Road, Cherokee Contact: 554.6931.

VOLUNTEERING

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEER DRIVERS TO DELIVER MEALS to Haywood County residents who cannot fix a meals for themselves. Drivers are needed in the following areas: Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays – Saunook – Route #21. Wednesdays and/or Fridays – Waynesville – Route #14. Fridays – Canton/Center Pigeon – Route #18. Jeanne Naber at 356.2442 or jnaber@haywoodnc.net.

• COMMUNITY CARE CLINIC OF FRANKLIN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR A VARIETY OF TASKS including Nursing/Clinical, Clerical & Admin and Communications & Marketing. The clinic will provide volunteer orientation and trainingin for all individuals. 349.2085.

• MEALS OF WHEELS IS CURRENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO DELIVER MEALS IN HAYWOOD COUNTY. The routes include: Allens Creek (Thursdays), Jonathan Creek (Mondays), Hyatt & Plott Creek (Wednesdays & Fridays), Saunook (Tuesdays & Thursdays). Volunteers should expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours delivering. 356.2442 or jnaber@haywoodnc.net.

• CATMAN2 SHELTER NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR MORNING FEEDING AND GENERAL SHELTER CHORES, especially on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:30am-11am. Volunteers are always needed in many different capacities - all ages welcome but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent. 293.0892 or hsims@catman2.org.

• THE VOLUNTEER WATER INVENTORY NETWORK (VWIN) IS LOOKING FOR A FEW PEOPLE WHO LIKE THE OUTDOORS, helping to protect the waterways, and doesn't mind setting aside 1-2 hours every second weekend every month. The locations that need volunteers are as follows: Hyatt Creek, Raccoon Creek and Jonathan Creek. All of the supplies are provided you just pick up empty bottles, collect the water samples, and return full bottles. For more information check out our website (haywoodwaterways.org) or contact Dave at 926.1308. Early evenings are the best time to call.

• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REACH THRIFT STORE, Mariposa Boutique, located in Jackson County on Skyland Drive. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteer staff (and merchandise donations) are desperately needed. 631.4488, ext. 203 or 586.8778 for more information.

• AGENCIES THROUGHOUT HAYWOOD COUNTY ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS for many different jobs, including helping with Folkmoot USA, Haywood Christian Ministries, REACH hotline and thrift shop, the Elk Bugle Corps for the National Park and many more. For more information, contact the Haywood Volunteer Center at 356.2833.

• THE BASCOM IN HIGHLANDS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS to help at arts center. Volunteer opportunities include office, gallery docent, benefit events, hospitality, flowers, installation, studio, library, landscaping, parking, recycling and building. No prior knowledge of art or museum experience is necessary. To get involved, call Margie Shambaugh at 828.526.4949, email her at mshambaugh@thebascom.org, or visit www.thebascom.org/volunteer.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MAINTAINS A MUSEUM located in the historical courthouse in Room 308. The HCHGS is seeking articles and objects of historical value to Haywood County that anyone would like to share. Please call Bette Sprecher at 456.3923 if you have anything to donate to the museum.

• HAYWOOD VOLUNTEER CENTER HAS SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES to get involved. Needs include respite work, domestic violence hotline volunteers, meal delivery drivers, mediators, craft instruction, house building, foster grandparenting and office work. Contact 356.2833 for more information.

BLOOD DRIVES

THE RED CROSS IS IN NEED OF BLOOD DONATIONS. PRESENTING DONORS MAY ENTER A DRAWING TO WIN ONE OF THREE PAIRS OF DELTA AIR LINES DOMESTIC TICKETS

Jackson County

• THE SCC BLOOD DRIVE will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 in the Bradford Student Lounge at 447 College Drive in Sylva. 339.4305 or 339.4331.

Swain County

• THE SWAIN WEST ELEMENTARY BLOOD DRIVE will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at Hwy 19 W in Bryson City. 488.2119.

• THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS BLOOD DRIVE will be held from 1:30-6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 on Hwy 441S in Cherokee. 736.2619 or 497.2435.

HEALTH MATTERS

• A NECK SCREENING WILL BE CONDUCTED BY TODD WATSON, DPT from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 18 at MedWest-Harris in Sylva. Free. 586.7235.

• THE 2ND ANNUAL FLOURISH WOMEN'S EXPO will be held on Saturday, May 19 at Harrah's Cherokee Events Center in Cherokee. www.medwesthealth.org.

• "ISN'T IT TIME WE TALK?" A COMMUNITY FORUM ON PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING FOR END-OF-LIFE EVENTS will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesville. 456.2852.

• THE MAY LADIES NIGHT OUT PROGRAM will over Arthritis & Physical Acitivity at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at the Angel Medical Center in Franklin.

• ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER WILL OFFER PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASSES from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 in the ICU Conference room. 369.4421.

• A RUNNING SEMINAR will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at MedWest Rehab Services at MedWest-Harris. Free. First come, first service. 586.7235.

• A KNEE SCREENING WILL BE CONDUCTED BY GRANT SHANKS, PT from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 at MedWest-Harris in Sylva. Free. 586.7235.

• A STUDENT ATHLETES FREE PRE-PARTICIPATION SPORTS PHYSICALS from 5:45-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 at MedWest-Haywood. 452.8077.

• A BALANCE SCREENING WILL BE CONDUCTED BY HEATHER FARSON, PT from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 at MedWest-Harris in Sylva. Free. 586.7235.

• ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER WILL BE OFFERING FREE ADVANCED DIRECTIVES from 9 a.m. to noon in the main lobby of the hospital and from 1-3 p.m. at Angel Home Health and Hospice at 170 Church Street. 349.6639.

• "LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER" WORKSHOPS SUPPORTING WOMEN WITH CANCER WILL BE HELD from 10 a.m. to noon on June 4, Aug. 6, Oct. 1 and Dec. 3 in the Conference Room of Harris Medical Park, 98 Doctors Drive. Limited to 10 women. 631.8100. www.medwesthealth.org.

• FLU SHOTS WILL BE GIVEN from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Home Care building. The flu vaccinations will be given on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. No appointment is necessary. The Home Care building is located directly behind MedWest Haywood. Cost is $25. No shots will be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. 452.8292.

• A FREE DENTAL CLINIC for low-income patients is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment at the Blue Ridge Mountains Health Project Dental Clinic on the upper level of Laurel Terrace in Cashiers. 743.3393.

• THE COMMUNITY CARE CLINIC OF HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and provides care to uninsured patients who meet financial need requirements and live or work in Highlands and Cashiers. Care is free. A $10 donation for services is suggested, not required. The clinic is in the Macon County Recreation & Health Building off Buck Creek Road. 526.1991.

• HEALTHTRACKS, THE WELLNESS AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAM at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, offers a toning class every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The class is taught by Stacey Greene, LPTA, and is held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at HealthTracks on the lower level of the Jane Woodruff Medical Building at the rear of the hospital campus. Cost is $8 per session. 526.1FIT (526.1348) www.hchospital.org.

• HEART HEALTHY EXERCISE GROUP meets at 8:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Highlands Civic Center. Cost is $15 per month. Interested persons may sign up at the civic center just before any session. 526.3556 or leader Nancy Freese at 743.0135.

• OUTPATIENT DIABETES CLASSES are offered from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. bimonthly at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, and from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. monthly at Swain County Hospital in Bryson City. Topics covered include weight loss, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, and counting carbohydrates to control blood glucose. Most insurance programs cover the cost of the classes, and options are available for those who do not have insurance, call Amy Bean at 586.7734.

• TEEN PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASSES are offered at Angel Medical Center. Topics include: coping with labor through breathing and relaxation exercises, medical interventions, Cesarean delivery, coaching tips, the birth process and post partum care for Mom. Call to schedule a class at 369.4421.

RECREATION & FITNESS

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER A WALKING PROGRAM FOR THOSE WITH ARTHRITIS from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free to members. 456.2030 or recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER AN EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR THOSE WITH ARTHRITIS from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning in May. Free to members. 456.2030 or recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.

• AIKIDO CLASS WILL BE OFFERED from 7:30-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the White Dragon Academy in Sylva. 269.8144 or 507.1800.

• WNC FIT CLUB IS OFFERING FREE WORKOUTS EVERY MONDAY, Level 1 workouts begin at 5:15 p.m., Level 2 workouts begin at 6:30 p.m in the Community Services Building in Sylva. xfit.org or 506.4726.

• THE WAYNESVILLE KODOKAN JUDO CLUB PRACTICES AT THE WAYNESVILLE RECREATION CENTER on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm. Children participate from 4 to 5:30 pm and adults participate from 5:30 to 7 pm. This is open to all boys and girls of all ages. Sensei Jimmy Riggs at 506.0327 or the Waynesville Recreation Center at 456.2030.

• CARDIO DANCE FUSION will be offeed from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free to members or daily admission for nonmembers. 456.2030. or recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.

• THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN ROLLER GIRLS, BRYSON CITY'S ROLLER DERBY TEAM WILL HAVE PRACTICES on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. in the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center gym at 121 Schoolhouse Road in Stecoah Community. 479.3364 or smokymountainrollergirls@gmail.com.

• THE CREATIVE THOUGHT CENTER WILL OFFER MEDITATION CLASSES every other Saturday at 449D Pigeon Street in Waynesville. Open to everyone. Lew Motter 648.8816.

• E-Z STRETCHING & CHAIR EXERCISE CLASSES will be held 2-3:15 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Waynesville Towers, 65 Church St., Waynesville. Pamela 456.3952.

• THE WAYNESVILLE KODOKAN JUDO CLUB WILL HOST JUDO CLASSES from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Judo Club members must purchase an annual membership at the Waynesville Recreation Center plus, $20 per month for club dues. Classes are offered from ages 4 and up. Jimmy Riggs at 506.0327.

• EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT FOR MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE is held Thursdays at 9 a.m. at the Creative Thought Center in Waynesville. A basic class that offers stretching, strengthening and a breath-focused approach to learning the forms of the Belly Dance. Cost is $40/monthly or $12/class. 926.3544.

• ACCESSDANCE WNC, a mobile dance instruction company committed to making dance and exercise accessible to under-served communities, offers instruction in numerous settings. For a free demonstration, call 276.6458.

• QI GONG/YOGA/PILATES classes are on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m at The Creative Thought Center of Waynesville. Offered on a Love Offering basis and help support The Creative Thought Center and its work in the Waynesville community. For more information call 456.9697 or email waynesvillectc@aol.com.

• WAYNESVILLE DISC GOLF CLUB. GLOW Singles play at 6 p.m. every Monday at the Waynesville Recreation Park. Random draw doubles at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. $5, $4 for club members. Meet at the picnic shelter beside the softball field below the Waynesville Recreation Center. www.waynesvillediscgolf.org.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE

• THE GRACE NOON CONCERT SERIES WILL BE HELD at noon on Thursday, May 17 at Grace Episcopal Church in Waynesville. Free. 456.6029.

• FOUR WINDS DAOIST CENTER IN WHITTIER HOLDS MEDITATION SESSIONS ON VARIOUS DAYS. 40 minutes meditation followed by a brief Daoist reading and discussion of that reading. Free. 788.6730 or fourwindsdaoism@yahoo.com.

• THE SYLVAN HEARTH PAGAN TEMPLE WELCOMES FELLOW PAGANS who are seeking community to join in celebrating the Sabbats. Also the Temple would like to offer to our Hindu, Buddhist, Asatru friends (as well as other positive Pagan traditions) the use of our beautiful property & temple buildings in Sylva, featuring a stone circle, wood henge, gardens, meeting & worship spaces, as well as the use of our website for advertising your gatherings and more. 331.8688 or e-mail liannacostantino@yahoo.com.

• A PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY meets at 6 p.m. every other Friday at High Street Baptist church in Canton. Shawls are made as donations for those who need encouragement and to share the word of God. Members will teach those who want to learn. 648.5830.

• A PRAYER WALKING GROUP meets at 6 a.m. on Wednesdays in Canton. Group prayer during warm up then walk at your own pace. Meet at the big parking lot in front of the Sandwich Shop on Park Street. For rain location and more information, e-mail Cintia Listenbee at zekencintia@gmail.com.

• AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL BIBLE STUDY GROUP FOR WOMEN meets at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Childcare provided by reservation. 452.1124 or 508.8649.

• THE CREATIVE THOUGHT CENTER OF WAYNESVILLE OFFERS a combination of a half hour Chakra Balancing meditation followed by an hour of Oneness Blessing, also known as Deeksha on Mondays at 5:30 pm and Tuesdays at 10:30 am at the Center. Offered on a Love Offering basis to help support The Creative Thought Center and its work in the Waynesville community. For more information call 456.9697 or e-mail waynesvillectc@aol.com.

• LADIES BIBLE FELLOWSHIP meets at 1 p.m. Monday in the fellowship hall of the Cashiers United Methodist Church on Hwy. 107 South. Interdenominational Bible study. 743.9337.

• MISSIONARY CIRCLE #1 at Liberty Baptist Church meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the church. 2264526.

• THE LAKEVIEW CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE HOLDS CARAVAN at 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The kids club is dedicated to the physical, social, mental and spiritual growth of children. 926.9210.

• UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST OF FRANKLIN IS SPONSORING WEDNESDAY NIGHT STUDY SESSIONS called Wednesday Night Chautauquas on the third week of each month. An optional $5 soup supper starts at 5:30 p.m. The discussions begin at 6:30 p.m. Call 524.6777 for more information or directions.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

• A SENIOR TRIP TO MOUNTAIN FARM MUSEUM will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.m on Monday, May 14 beginning at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $7 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Registration required. 456.2030.

• THE 2012 EDITION OF THE HAYWOOD COUNTY SENIOR GAMES closing ceremonies will be held on Tuesday, May 22. $10 to participate in any event. www.haywoodnc.net or 452.6789.

• THE BRAIN GYM SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER OFFERS MANY ACTIVITIES throughout the day, most free of charge. Activities include Basic Computer Classes, iPad classes, coupon club, dominos and much more. For complete listing of activities and schedule, contact 452.2370.

• "SENIOR AND FIT", A 12-WEEK PROGRAM will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning at the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Monday will be cardio training, Wednesday will be spent swimming and Friday completes the week with weight training. 456.2030.

• HAPPY WANDERERS SENIOR GROUP holds several events coordinated through Haywood County Parks and Recreation. 452.6789.

• FOR INFORMATION ON RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS IN HAYWOOD COUNTY, call 2-1-1, or by cell phone 1.888.892.1162; access the web sites www.nc211.org or www.haywoodconnections.org. Visitors to the Haywood Connections site will find a comprehensive service directory, a calendar, news items and social, recreational, health and wellness activities. 452.2370.

KIDS & FAMILIES

• NEW KINDERMUSIK BABY CLASSES CALLED "COCK-A-DOODLE MOO" for children newborn to 18 months will be held weekly in Cullowhee, Waynesville and Cashiers. Day and evening times available. 293.5600 or www.themusicvillage-nc.com.

• THE 10TH ANNUAL ROCKET TO CREATIVITY SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN Space is limited. The camp will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 25 through Friday, June 29. $125 and includes lunch. www.wcu.edu/13177.asp or 227.7108.

• CLAYMATES POTTERY WILL HOST KIDS NIGHT from 6-8 p.m. the first Friday of every month. Create art, eat pizza and play games. 631.3133.

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER AFTERSCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS from 3:30-6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Free to members or $12 per student per week for nonmembers. Registraion required. 456.2030 or youthprogramsupervisor@townofwaynesville.org.

• THE MACON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL HOST FAMILY STORYTIMES at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Kids are invited to wear PJs and bring stuffed animals during the Wednesday evening programs. Home School Book Talk is held from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesdays. 524.3600.

• LOVE AND LOGIC is a seven-week class for for parents with children of any age. The class topics include discipline, bickering and fighting, power struggles, how to have fun and feel relaxed as a parent, plus any topics that parents bring. Call Amber Clayton, Program Coordinator, 586.2845 ext. 25.

• YOUNG WARRIOR JIU JITSU CLASSES will be held from 5-5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at Basulto Academy of Defense in Waynesville. Classes are open to boys and girls ages 6 and older. 230.5056 or BasultoBJJ@yahoo.com.

• AVRIL BOWENS PRESENTS "PERFECT PUSHING CLASS" for moms-to-be. 342.8128 or www.healyourdiastasis.com

Get Active

• WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER THE TETRABRAZIL SOCCER CAMP beginning July 9-13 for ages 10-18. Half day camp times are from 9 am to 12 noon or from 1 to 4 pm. The cost is $140 per camper. The full day camp takes place from 9 am to 4 pm and the cost is $190 per camper. Camp is for advanced players only. Space is limited. Sign up before May 25 to receive a free jersey. 456.2030 or recathletics@townofwaynesville.org.

• SWAIN'S NEWEST 4-H CLUB, THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS IS ACCEPTING FALL REGISTRATIONS for youth ages 5-19. 488.3848

Arts

• SUZUKI FLUTE AT THE MUSIC VILLAGE is accepting new students ages 4 to adult. Beginning through advanced students are welcome. Call Lori Richards at The Music Village 293.5600 for more information or visit the website at www.themusicvillage-nc.com.

• THE UPTOWN GALLERY IN FRANKLIN OFFERS MONTHLY ART WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN. Children must be at least eight years old. Pre-registration is required. For info on classes and events at the Uptown Gallery, go to caauptowngallery@frontier.com or call 349.4607.

• SATURDAY ART SCHOOL – Kindergartners through eighth graders are welcome Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon for fun, hands-on, age-appropriate "art school." Cost is $64 for an eight-week session. www.thebascom.org or call 526.4949 ext. 100.

• PRESCHOOL CREATIVITY CLASSES FOR PARENT AND CHILD (Ages 2 1/2-5). Wednesdays from 11-11:45 am, instructor Katy Calloway will introduce the very young to art activities designed to develop creativity. Basic skill lessons will include scribbling, cutting, joining, modeling, sculpturing and painting. Parent participation is required. $40 for 8-week session. www.thebascom.org or call 828.526.4949 ext. 100.

• STUDIO 598. KID'S SEWING/NEEDLECRAFT CLASS Saturdays 10 am. to noon, 598 W. Main Street Sylva, NC 28779. 587.7899.

Science & Nature

• THE PARI SCIGIRLS FOOD CHEMISTRY PROGRAM will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at the PARI Campus. Open to girls ages 9-14. $10 per student. www.pari.edu.

• THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY'S KIDS ON PARKS PROGRAM lets kids borrow an explorer's backpack stuffed with things like binoculars, field guides, a bug discovery kit, magnifying glasses, a nature journal and a first aid kit to turn an ordinary hike into a discovery filled adventure. Free. Located at the visitor center on the Parkway outside Asheville at milepost 384. 271.4779 ext. 246.

Literary

• BOOK BABIES STORY TIME at Blue Ridge Books meets Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for children 3 years old and younger. 456.6000.

• ADVENTURES IN READING is held at noon and 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays. The program lasts about 1.5-2 hours and includes the reading of a story, a snack and craft. Swain County Family Resource Center. 488.7505.

• MONDAYS WITH MISS LISA are held at 3:30 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. For ages 5-9. Special guests and crafts. Adult accompaniment required. 452.5169.

• FAMILY STORY TIME is held at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Canton Public Library at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Waynesville Public Library. For families with multiple siblings. Stories and crafts. 452.5169.

• BABY RHYME TIME is held at 9:30 a.m. Mondays at the Waynesville Public Library. Ages birth-12 months. 15 minutes of story time with songs and books. 452.5169.

• READY 4 LEARNING is held at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Waynesville Public Library. For ages 4-5, focuses on Kindergarten readiness. 452.519.

• MOVERS AND SHAKERS is held at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Waynesville Public Library. For ages 2-3. Movement, books, songs and more. 452.519.

• STORY TIME (birth – age 5) is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays at the Jackson County Library in Sylva. The time begins with a reading in Spanish by a volunteer followed by a story and activity. The pre-literacy skill focus for this group is vocabulary development. 586.2016.

• THE AMERICAN GIRLS CLUB meets at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The club is based on a book series about historical women. Club members read and do activities. Free. 586.9499.

• FAMILY STORY TIME FOR AGES 18 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• BOOK TALK FOR GRADES 3-5 is held Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME (ages 3-5) is held from 10:40 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• THE MARIANNA BLACK LIBRARY PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (AGES 3-5) is on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Storytime focuses on early learning skills such as rhyming, matching, counting and more. The children will also enjoy a make and take craft activity each week.

• DIAL-A-STORY is available to all ages through the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Hear Miss Christine tell stories (a new one each week) just by calling 488.9412.

ECA EVENTS

Thursday, May 17 -- ECA Craft Club Workshop: Scherenschnitte (German Paper Cutting), 10:00 a.m., Conference Room of Community Services Center, Sylva.

Monday, May 21 -- Strata Star Workshop, Sew Easy Girls ECA, 1:00 p.m., Conference Room of Community Services Center, Sylva.

Tuesday, May 22 -- Couponing 101, Long Branch Baptist ECA, 7:00 p.m., at home of Bobbie Brooks, Dillsboro.

Wednesday, May 30 -- ECA Tour of BMW Factory in Greenville, SC.

For more information, please call the NC Cooperative Extension Office at 586.4009

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

• THE JACKSON COUNTY PATRIOTS WILL MEET at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at Ryan's Steakhouse in Sylva. ubsrub@aol.com or box547@aol.com

• THE NORTH JACKSON COUNTY GOP MONTHLY MEETINGS are held on the 4th Monday each month at 6 p.m. at Ryan's in Sylva. Ralph Slaughter, Jackson County GOP Chair at 743.6491 or www.jacksoncountygop.com.

• THE SOUTH JACKSON COUNTY GOP MONTHLY MEETINGS are held on the 4th Tuesday each month at 6:30 p.m. at the GOP headquarters office at Laurel Terrace on Highway 64 E in Cashiers. Ralph Slaughter, Jackson County GOP Chair at 743.6491 or www.jacksoncountygop.com.

• OCCUPY/WNC GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETS from 7-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday in Room 220 of the Jackson County Admin and Justice Center in Sylva. 538.1644.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at Democratic Headquarters, 286 Haywood Square, in Waynesville. For further information call 452-9607 or www.haywooddemocrats.org

• HAYWOOD COUNTY REPUBLICANS meet the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in various locations and for breakfast on the fourth Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Lake Junaluska Shoney's. Call 452.2207 for more info.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Democratic Headquarters, 286 Haywood Square in Waynesville. 452.9607 or haywooddemocrats.org.

• JACKSON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS meet at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Democratic Headquarters on Mill Street in Sylva. 631.1475 or jacksondems.com.

• THE JACKSON COUNTY PATRIOTS meet at 6 p.m. every third Thursday at Ryan's Steak House in Sylva. 371.0055.

• JACKSON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC WOMEN meet at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at Democratic Headquarters on Mill Street in Sylva. 631.1475 or jacksondems.com.

• JACKSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at 482 W. Main St. in Sylva. 586.9895.

• A TEA PARTY GROUP meets in Franklin on the third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. at the 441 Diner in Otto. Mountainpatriotsteaparty.info.

• THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS meets at noon the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Meeting includes lunch and a guest speaker. Lunch available by reservation. Open to all. $6 for food. 524.5192.

GOVERNMENT SERVICE BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Haywood

• CANTON ALDERMEN — Second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 648.2363.

• CLYDE ALDERMEN — First Tuesday of each month. Town Hall. 6:30 p.m. 627.2566.

• HAYWOOD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS — First Monday of the month at 9 a.m. and on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. County courthouse. 452.6625.

• MAGGIE VALLEY ALDERMEN — Third Tuesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 926.0866.

• WAYNESVILLE ALDERMEN — Second and fourth Tuesday of each month. 7 p.m. Town Hall. 456.3515.

• HAYWOOD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Education Center in Clyde.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Employment Security Commission.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY TOURISM AUTHORITY meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the historic courthouse.

• WAYNESVILLE ABC COMMISSION — Second Tuesday of each month. 10 a.m. ABC Board Office at 373 Walnut Street. 452.2491.

• WAYNESVILLE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT — First Tuesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 452.2491.

• WAYNESVILLE COMMUNITY APPEARANCE COMMISSION — First Wednesday of each month. 9 a.m. Town Hall. 452.0401.

• WAYNESVILLE FIREMEN'S RELIEF FUND BOARD — Meetings held as needed. 452.2491.

• WAYNESVILLE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION — First Wednesday of each month. 2 p.m. Town Hall. 452.2491.

• WAYNESVILLE PLANNING BOARD — Third Monday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 452.2491.

• WAYNESVILLE PUBLIC ART COMMISSION — Second Thursday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 452.2491.

• WAYNESVILLE RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY COMMISSION — Second Tuesday of each month. 6:30 p.m. Recreation Center on Vance Street. 452.2491.

• WAYNESVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY — First Wednesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. at 65 Church Street. 452.2491.

Jackson

• JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS — First Monday of each month at 2 p.m. and third Monday at 6 p.m. Justice Center. 631.2295.

• SYLVA ALDERMEN — First Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and third Thursday at 9:15 a.m. Town Hall. 586.2719.

• CASHIERS AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING COUNCIL — 5 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month. Albert Carlton Library.

• CASHIERS DESIGN REVIEW BOARD — Noon the first Wednesday of each month. Albert Carlton Library.

• JACKSON COUNTY GREENWAY COMMISSION — Second Tuesday of every month. 5:30 p.m. Room A-227 of the Justice Center in Sylva. 293.3053.

• JACKSON COUNTY PLANNING BOARD — Second Thursday of the month. 6 p.m. Room A-227 of the Justice Center in Sylva. 631.2261.

• JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Macon

• MACON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS — Second Monday at 6 p.m. and the fourth Monday at 2 p.m. in commissioners' boardroom. County courthouse. 349.2025.

• FRANKLIN ALDERMEN — First Monday of each month at 7 p.m., third Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall. 524.2516.

• MACON PLANNING BOARD — Third Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Environmental Resource Center.

• THE MACON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the administrative offices.

• FRANKLIN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT — Second Tuesday of each month. 3 p.m. Town Hall. 524.2516.

• FRANKLIN PLANNING BOARD — Third Tuesday of each month. 12 p.m. Town Hall. 524.2516.

• HIGHLANDS ALDERMEN — First and third Wednesday. 7 p.m. Town Hall. 526.2118.

• HIGHLANDS PLANNING BOARD AND APPEARANCE COMMISSION — Fourth Monday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 526.2118.

• HIGHLANDS ZONING BOARD — Second Wednesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 526.2118.

Swain

• SWAIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS — Second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and fourth Monday of each month At 5:30 p.m. Administration Building. 488.9273.

• BRYSON CITY ALDERMEN — First Monday of each month. 6 p.m. Town Hall. 488.3335.

• CHEROKEE TRIBAL COUNCIL — First Thursday of each month. 8:30 a.m. 497.2771.

• BOARD OF ELECTIONS — Third Wednesday of each month. 10 a.m. Administration Building. 488.6177.

• BOARD OF HEALTH — First Tuesday of each month. 6:30 p.m. 545 Center Street. 488.3198.

• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — Fourth Tuesday of each month. 7:30 p.m. Administration Building. 488.9273.

• THE SWAIN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

CIVIC & SOCIAL GROUP MEETINGS

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, in the Faith Classroom of the First Methodist Church on Haywood Street in Waynesville. 627.0385 or 627.9828.

• THE SILAS MCDOWELL CHAPTER OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION serves Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties meets at the Broiler Room restaurant in Franklin on the third Monday of each month. Anyone with an ancestor(s) tied to the American Revolution is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Kenton W. David at 526.3374 or kentonw@hcgexpress.net.

• CRIBBAGE CLUB MEETS EVERY MONDAY EVENING. Wilbur 507.6809.

Haywood

• THE MAGGIE VALLEY CIVIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS MOUNTAIN BINGO BONANZA at 6 p.m. every Thursday at the Maggie Valley Community Pavilion. 926.8021.

• WAYNESVILLE CHAPTER OF THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHESS CLUB meets Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. All welcome. Free. chesscat772@yahoo.com.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY HIV/AIDS TASK FORCE meets every third Thursday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. The purpose of this group is to both educate the community and provide support for those living with HIV/AIDS. 452.6675.

• WNC CRIBBAGE CLUB meets Mondays at 6 p.m. Everyone welcome, including young and old, male and female, experts and novices. Contact Eddie Paul at 506.3392.

• BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN QUILTERS from 6-9 p.m. the 4th Thursday of every month at 34 Church Street in Canton. All skill levels welcome. Stephanie 713.0207.

• AMERICAN LEGION VARNER-RHINEHART POST NO. 61 meets the fourth Saturday of each month at the Legion Building on Short Street in Canton. Coffee and fellowship begins at 8:30 a.m., business meeting at 9 a.m.

• CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION meets the first Thursday of the month at Sagebrush Steakhouse Russ Ave. Waynesville, 6 p.m. for supper and 7 p.m. the meeting begins.

• THE CRABTREE, IRON DUFF, HYDER MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLUB meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Community Center on Tommy Boyd Road. All welcome. Contact Susan Kumpf at 627.8008.

• DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB meets at the Waynesville Old Armory Recreation Center at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. ACBL sanctioned games. 456.3581.

• HAYWOOD COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB meets at 8 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Haywood County Emergency Operations Center on Miller Street (behind the County Court House). All interested parties, licensed Hams or not, are invited to attend. The group also meets for a social breakfast on Saturday mornings 8 a.m. at Connie's Kitchen restaurant in Hazelwood. Social lunch meetings are held at Sagebrush Restaurant on Russ Avenue. For additional information contact Bill Harmon at 452.9351 or on the radio repeater (147.39 +).

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB will offer free classes for individuals interested in getting an amateur radio license. When you finish the class, you can take the 35 question test, administered locally by the ham club members. Call 627.2558 for more information, or to register for the upcoming classes.

• HAYWOOD COUNTY NEWCOMERS CLUB meets at 11 a.m. every third Tuesday. Call Terry Rose for location. 452.9768.

• THE KIWANIS CLUB OF WAYNESVILLE meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday at Laurel Ridge Country Club, 49 Cupp Lane in Waynesville. 926.4436.

• WAYNESVILLE ROTARY CLUB meets Fridays at 1:00 p.m. at Laurel Ridge Country Club. 648.7300.

• WAYNESVILLE SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. at the Gateway Club, 37 Church St. 452.5520.

• MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART, WNC Chapter #844, meets at noon on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Sagebrush Steakhouse in Waynesville. 452.4075.

• THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN BUTTON CLUB is a craft club that meets regularly May thru December at Antique Antics, 1497 So. Main Street Waynesville. All persons interested in learning about antique and vintage sewing buttons and crafts are welcome to attend. Please call the shop at 452.6225 or Paula Woods 627-3977 for additional information.

• THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO is held at the Canton VFW. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with games at 6 p.m. and package games at 7 p.m. All welcome. 648.1133.

Jackson

• SYLVA CHAPTER OF THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHESS CLUB meets at the Jackson County Senior Center on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. All welcome. Free. chesscat772@yahoo.com

• THE JACKSON COUNTY GREENWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE meets on the third Thursday of each month in Room A227 of the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building. 293.3053 ext. 233 emilyelders@jacksonnc.org

• CANEY FORK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL meets at 6 p.m. the second Saturday every month. Potluck dinner followed by a program and/or a business meeting. All meetings are held at the Caney Fork Community building on Caney Fork Road.

• CASHIERS VALLEY ROTARY CLUB meets at 8 a.m. each Wednesday at Cashiers United Methodist Church. The church is located approximately one mile south of the Crossroads on N.C. Hwy. 107.

• SYLVA ROTARY CLUB meets Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. at the Department on Aging, 10 County Service Park. Contact info@sylvarotaryclub.org, 508-1602.

• CATCH THE SPIRIT OF APPALACHIA, a non-profit heritage organization, meets every month in its members' homes. Contact Amy Ammons Garza at 631.4587.

• COMMUNITY RESPONSE FOR ENERGY ACTION AND TRANSITION EDUCATION (CREATE) meets at 6 p.m. at The Underground in Sylva every 2nd and 4th Thursday to discuss how to deal with high energy costs and the future decline in energy supplies, to CREATE a plan for a less energy intensive approach to transportation, heating and our food needs, and to education people about the alternatives.

• DOWNTOWN SYLVA ASSOCIATION meetings are held at 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Town Hall. 586.1577.

• GLENVILLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the CDC building.

• JACKSON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Jackson County Courthouse 293.3407.

• JACKSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meets at 11:45 a.m. the third Tuesday of most months in the Hooper House at 773 W. Main St. 586.2155.

• JACKSON COUNTY HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION holds its monthly membership meeting the first Monday of each month (except in September and December). 743.0278.

• JACKSON COUNTY TRAVEL AND TOURISM AUTHORITY meets at 10:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of most months at the Hooper House at 773 W. Main St. 586.2155.

• THE CANEY FORK COMMUNITY SOCIAL CARD CLUB meets at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Community Center. Play Hand & Foot. If you don't know the game, they'll teach you. Call Ann Whitney at 293.9826 or Sheila Rodgers at 293.0678.

• TUCKASEIGEE WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month for a work session, and at 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month to take action. Meetings are held at the TWSA office on Main Street in Sylva.

• WNC CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month from August on at the Justice Center in Sylva on the second floor. 452.2298.

Macon

• THE FRANKLIN LION'S meet twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Monday in the dining room of Angel Medical Center. The club always welcomes new members and you are invited to join them to learn what being a Lion is all about and help serve your community. Dave Jones at 421.0859.

• CONCERNED CITIZENS OF MACON COUNTY meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the community facilities building on Georgia Road. Public invited.

• FRANKLIN DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB meets at 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the community building. 369.9284.

• FRIENDS FOR LIFE SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM offers spay or neuter service for $20 per animal. Call 508.2460 for reservations.

• GEM CITY FORUM TOASTMASTER CLUB OF FRANKLIN meets from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the Prudential Building. 586.1761 or gemcityforum.org.

• LADIES AUXILIARY VFW POST 7339, located on West Palmer Street in Franklin, holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month.

• MACON COUNTY CONCERNED BIKERS ASSOCIATION (CBA) meets the first Wednesday of each month at Main St Pizza for dinner at 6:00p.m and the meeting after at 7 p.m. All motorcyclists are welcome. Cliff Cyphers at 369.8060.

• P.E.O. FRANKLIN CHAPTER meets the third Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. Philanthropic Educational Organization is a sisterhood that helps with the education of women. Individuals need to be a member to attend the meetings, call Char LaDue 342-6253 or Andy Lawley 349-4992.

• SMOKY MOUNTAIN SHRINE CLUB holds its monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at its building at 833 Bethel Church Rd., contact Ed Waters at 524.5576.

• THE FRANKLIN LIONS CLUB meets at 6 p.m. The second and fourth Monday of each month at the Macon County Community Facilities Building. Club president Dave Jones at 349.5357. All proceeds from the club's work stays in Franklin.

• THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE meets in the fellowship hall at Holly Springs Baptist Church (new building) at 7 p.m., on the fourth Tuesday of each month. A light meal will be served. John O'Connor 349.0698.

• THE KIWANIS CLUB OF FRANKLIN meets at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Fat Buddies, 311 Westgate Plaza.

• FRANKLIN ROTARY CLUB meets 12:00 p.m. every Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church St.

• FRANKLIN ROTARY CLUB DAYBREAK meets at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Angel Medical Center, 179 Riverview Ave.

• THE MACON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY meets at 7 p.m. the third Friday night of each month at the Macon County Agricultural Extension Office located on Thomas Heights Drive in Franklin.

• THE NANTAHALA RANGERS CAMP #1839 OF FRANKLIN, a camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, meet the second Monday of each month, at 6 p.m., at the Sunset Restaurant in Franklin. David Blaine at 369.7885.

• THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN FLYING CLUB meets at 3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Macon County Airport. Anyone interested in aviation is invited. For more information contact the Club President Tom Hagan at smokymountainflyingclub@juno.com or visit www.smokymtnflyingclub.com.

• VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 7339 meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the post home on West Palmer Street in Franklin.

• ZONTA CLUB OF FRANKLIN meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Party Zone. Zonta is an international non-profit women's club working for local charities. 369.5888.

Swain

• CHEROKEE TOASTMASTERS CLUB meets from noon to 1 p.m. every Monday at Prime Sirloin Family Steakhouse across from Harrah's. 497.5550 or 497.3521.

SUPPORT GROUPS

• PALLIATIVE CARE & HOSPICE SERVICES OF MEDWEST-HAYWOOD IS HOSTING FREE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS at 10 a.m. on May 17, 24, 31 at 48 Haywood Park Drive in Clyde. Group is to give people emotional support and help them with the grief process. 452.5039 or regina.young@haymed.org.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY APHASIA SUPPORT GROUP meets from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the Haywood Regional Medical Center Fitness Center classrooms. The group provides support, education, and language stimulation activities to persons with a neurogenic language disorder known as aphasia. A separate caregiver, family, and friends meeting will also be held at this time to provide support and education to those involved in the life of a person with aphasia. 227.3834.

• MEDWEST HEALTH SYSTEM WILL SPONSORING "MAN TO MAN" SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS from 7-8 p.m. on the sendon monday of the month in the Annex Conference Room on the MedWest-Harris campus in Sylva. Free. 631.8100.

Haywood

• HAYWOOD COUNTY OFFERS AN HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP. A peer support group for people living with HIV/AIDS held at 4 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Health Department. Anonymity and Confidentiality are strongly enforced. Please contact Brian for more information at 476.0103 or haywoodhiv@yahoo.com.

• AA MEETINGS are held at 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Maggie Valley United Methodist Church at 4192 Soco Rd. 926.8036.

• AL-ANON, a support group for families and friends of alcoholics, meets at 8 p.m. each Tuesday at Grace Episcopal Church, 394 N. Haywood St. Use Miller Street entrance. 926.8721.

• ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION meets at 4:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville and at 2:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Silver Bluff Care Center in Canton. 254.7363.

• CELEBRATE RECOVERY meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday at Long's Chapel UMC in Waynesville. A Christ-centered 12-step recovery ministry that is open to all adults with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Childcare available. Contact 456.3993, Ext. 32 for more information.

• DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP meets in the second floor classroom at MedWest Health & Fitness Center at 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Learn about managing the disease. Claire Banks at 452.8092

• GRANDCHILDREN/GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS OF N.C meet at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Canton Library. Call Paula, 648.5205.

• HOPEFUL LIVING: WOMEN'S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Haywood Regional Medical Center, Fitness Center, Health Educ. Room, Waynesville. For more information contact Sandi at 627.9666 or riggs_sandi@msn.com or Rina 627.0227.

• LIFE LIMITING ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A safe place to talk about how you are feeling and coping with your limiting condition(s). Led by Charlene Galvin, Board Certified Chaplain. Non-denominational. For more information and location call 329.3287 or e-mail chargalvin@hotmail.com. Love donation greatly appreciated, no one turned away.

• NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) chapter meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the Asbury Sunday School Room at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. John Gernandt at 400.1041.

• RECOVERY FROM FOOD ADDICTION, a 12-step recovery program for individuals suffering from food addiction, meets at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Friendship House on Academy St. beside Waynesville's First United Methodist Church, call Liz at 400.7239.

• SINGLE PARENTS NETWORKING GROUP meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Methodist Church, 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, free, dinner and child care provided in fun, informal setting. Call Theresa at 456.8995 ext. 201 for more information.

• WNC GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP is for families who have lost a child. 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the Clyde Town Hall. For more information call Wanda at 565.0122 or e-mail hotstraitcountry@aol.com.

• WNC LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Home Trust Bank in Clyde. 421.8428 or countrygirl351@bellsouth.net

Jackson

• AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP meets every Monday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sylva Methodist Church. A support group for family and friends whose lives are effected by someone else's drinking.

• A BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at the First United Methodist Church (park in back and use rear entrance) in Sylva. E-mail Stephanie Faulkner at smokeymtnmamas@yahoo.com or 506.1186.

• MEN'S DISCUSSION CIRCLE meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at The Center in Sylva. Join an open circle of men to discuss the challenges of life that are specific to men in a safe environment of confidentiality. Cost is $5. For more info, call Chuck Willhide at 586.2892 or e-mail chuckwillhide@hotmail.com.

• AL-ANON MEETINGS are held at 4 p.m. Tuesdays at Grace Community Church. The meetings bring hope for families and friends of alcoholics. 743.9814.

• CASHIERS CANCER CARE GROUP for cancer patients, survivors, spouses and caregivers offers support, encouragement, hope and understanding. The group meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Grace Community Church. 743.3158.

• FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY ANONYMOUS holds weekly meetings Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Sylva's Harris Regional Hospital in the small dining room. 226.8324 for more info.

• JACKSON COUNTY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 7:30 p.m., Sylva First Presbyterian Church on Grindstaff Cove Rd.

• LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER is for women dealing with the appearance related side effects that occur with cancer treatments. A trained volunteer cosmetologist shares expertise in dealing with hair loss and skin change. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Harris Regional Hospital. Sessions are offered bimonthly on the first Monday. RSVP required at 586.7801.

• MAN TO MAN PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets at 7 p.m. every second Monday at WestCare Health System and is led by prostate cancer survivors Hugh Moon and Joe Hurt, M.D. 586.7801.

• WESTCARE HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP meets at 3:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month in the Chapel Conference Room at Harris Regional Hospital. 586.7410.

• WEIGHT WATCHERS meet at 8:30 a.m. every Monday at Grace Christian Church in Cashiers. 226.1096.

Macon

• ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER HOSPICE OFFERS THREE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS for people who have lost loved ones. Two Women's Support Groups both meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Sunset Restaurant on Highway 28 at 11:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. A Men's Support Group meets the first Monday of each month also at the same location at 11:30 a.m. 369.4417.

• ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS A MONTHLY DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP the last Monday of each month. The group meets in the Angel Medical Center dining room beginning at 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling 369.4181.

• ANXIETY, NERVOUSNESS AND/OR PANIC DISORDERS SUPPORT GROUP meets at 7 p.m. on Fridays in the basement of Highlands United Methodist Church. 526.3433.

• AL-ANON MEETINGS are held at noon every Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church at Fifth and Main in the community room in Highlands. All are welcome.

• ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Macon Co. Department on Aging. 369.5845.

• ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER'S DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month in the Center's dining room.

• CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month in the dining room of Angle Medical Center. 369.6717 or 369.2607.

• CIRCLE OF LIFE SUPPORT GROUP meets 10 a.m. to noon Fridays at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. The group is for those who are dealing with any loss or grief. 526.1462.

• HEALTHY EATING/WEIGHT CONTROL CLASSES are held every Tuesday at noon at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Office, 193 Thomas Heights Rd. These free classes are taught by Jo Ann Cope. 349.2048.

• HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at First United Methodist Church of Highlands. Meetings are confidential.

• MIRACLES HAPPEN GROUP OF OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets at 5:30 p.m. each Thursday and 5 p.m. each Sunday in the downstairs chapel of First United Methodist Church. 349.1438.

• OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETS at 5 p.m. on Sundays at First United Methodist Church at 86 Harrison Ave in Franklin. 508.2586

• NAMI APPALACHIAN SOUTH (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the local affiliate of NAMI NC, meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the Community Facilities Building, Georgia Rd. Contact Ann Nandrea 369.7385.

• SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP. Angel Hospice sponsors a monthly support group for those who have suffered a loss due to the suicide of a loved one. This meeting is open to everyone in our community and meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the back room. For additional information, please call Bette Balmer, Bereavement Coordinator for Angel Medical Center Hospice, at 369.4417.

• TOPS (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) SUPPORT GROUP meets 5:30 p.m. every Monday at Bethel Methodist Church. Weigh in begins at 4:30 p.m. 369.2508 or 369.5116.

• WEIGHT WATCHERS meet each Tuesday at the Peggy Crosby Center in Highlands. Weigh in is at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m.

Swain

• WOMEN'S 12-STEP MEDICINE WHEEL RECOVERY GROUP meets Tuesdays at 5 p.m. at A-Na-Le-Ni-S-Gi in Cherokee.

• CIRCLE OF PARENTS, support group for any parent, meets at noon on Thursdays at the Swain Family Resource Center.

• GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP meets from 7 to 8 p.m. each Monday night at the Cherokee United Methodist Church on Soco Road. 497.4182.

FESTIVALS, SPECIAL AND SEASONAL EVENTS

• THE "TIME TO REMEMBER" EVENT HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF THOSE who made the construction of Fontana Dam possible will be held through June 2 at Fontana Dam. Event includes exhibits that will be on display at the Town Hall. 479.8743 or www.proctorrevival.com.

• THE 18TH ANNUAL SWAIN COUNTY HERITAGE FESTIVAL will be held Friday, May 24 at Riverfront Park in Bryson City. 488.0454.

• THE MAGGIE VALLEY SPRING BIKE FEST will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 25 through Sunday, May 27 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. 423.465.5855 or 423.608.4519.

• THE ROCKIN' BLOCK PARTY will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 in downtown Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com or 456.3517.

• THE STARS OVER THE SMOKIES, 2012 NC QUILT SYMPOSIUM will be held June 7-10 on the campus of WCU. www.atsmokymtnquilters.org.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS

• MAGGIE VALLEY CRAFT SHOWS IS NOW SEEKING VENDORS for the event to be held on Labor Day Weekend and the October Leaves Craft Show to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October. 497.9425 or www.maggievalleycraftshows.com.

• THE GREATER HAYWOOD COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ARTISTS AND CRAFTERS – as well as craft demonstrators – for the 24th Annual Haywood County Apple Harvest Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20 on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville. Deadline for applications is Aug. 31. www.haywoodapplefest.com or 456.3021.

• COLORFEST, ART & TASTE OF APPALACHIA IS SEEKING ARTISTS TO PARTICIPATE in this year's festival to be held Oct. 6. Open to both professional and emerging artists. Limited to 40 artists. spiritofappalachia.org.

• THE PAINTED CAT SALE AND ART AUCTION to benefit Catman2 is looking for artists to sponsor a cat and paint a portrait to sell. catman2.org or 293.0892.

• MAGGIE VALLEY CRAFT SHOWS are looking for crafters, artisans, and food vendors for the upcoming season. www.maggievalleycraftshows.com or 497.9425.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT

• "CROWNE BROTHERS" SUMMER CONCERT SERIES will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at the Stompin Ground in Maggie Valley. 421.3039.

• THE LIARS BENCH WILL PERFORM THE THIRD OF THE "BALSAM CHRONICLES" series at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center. Free. 269.7844.

• DAYTIME GOSPEL AND CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 18 at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Open to the public.

• RESTLESS HEART AND LITTLE TEXAS WILL PERFORM CLASSIC AMERICAN COUNTRY at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts in Franklin. $24. www.greatmountainmusic.com. 866.273.4615.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL WILL PRESENT "SINGERS AND RINGERS" at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at the Waynesville Public Library.

• THE HAYWOOD COMMUNITY BAND PERFORM "OUR FAVORITES" at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at the Maggie Valley Pavilion. 456.4880.

• MATT STILLWELL AND FRIENDS WILL PERFORM AT THE 2012 SHINEFEST to be held Friday, May 25 through Saturday, May 26 at Fontan Village Resort in Fontana Dam. www.stillwellshinefest.com.

• CHRIS MINICK BAND WILL PERFORM at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 25 at the Gateway Club in Waynesville.

• NATALIE COLE WILL PERFORM at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 25 at Harrah's Cherokee Event Center in Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

• HART PRESENTS "THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES" to be performed at 7:30 p.m. on May 25-26, June 1, 2, 8, 9 and at 3 p.m. on May 27 and June 3, 10. Tickets are $24 for Adults, $22 for Seniors, Student/Teachers $10. Special: $5 discount tickets for Students and Teachers for Sundays. 456.6322 or www.hearttheatre.com.

• ALLSTAR WEEKEND WILL PERFORM POP MUSIC at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 at the Great Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts in Franklin. $27. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• THE BAND PETTY WILL PERFORM CLASSIC COUNTRY and infusion rock, gospel and soul at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 27 at Harrah's Cherokee Event Center in Cherokee. 800.745.3000.

• THE PATIO WILL HOST THE FOLLOWING LIVE MUSIC from 7-10 p.m.: Saturday, May 26: Chris Minick, Lorraine Conard, Greg Kidd and Lee Kram.

• NANTAHALA BREWING COMPANY WILL HOST THE FOLLOWING LIVE MUSIC at 8 p.m.: Saturday, May 19: The Floorwalkers; Friday, May 25: The Stereofidelics. nantahalabrewing.com.

• HARRAH'S WILL HOST THE FOLLOWING EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: Wednesdays, Live Comedy from 8:30-10 p.m.; Thursdays, Karaoke Contest from 8 p.m. to Midnight; Fridays & Saturdays, DJs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Kayla & Twisted Trail from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, May 18; Girl Interupted from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 19; Hoss Howard Band from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, May 25; Taylor Moore Band from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 26; The Perry Band at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 27; Leigh Glass Band from 7-10 p.m. on Sunday, May 27.

• PICKIN' ON THE SQUARE will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday in Franklin and will host the following acts:

May 26 - Sundown Band; June 2 - Highway 76; June 9 - Heart of the South Band; June 16 - The Elderly Brothers; June 23 - The Tonesman; June 30 - Tugelo Holler; July 7 - Lisa Price Band; July 14 - Miller Creek Bluegrass Band; July 21 - Michael Reno Harrell; Jule 28 - Easy Street Band; Aug. 4 - The Band Reminence; Aug. 11 - Mountain Faith; Aug. 18 - Celler Dwellers.

• CONCERTS ON THE CREEK WILL BE HELD FROM 7:30-9 P.M. FRIAY NIGHTS AT BRIDGE PARK PAVILION AND WILL HOST THE FOLLOWING ACTS:

Friday, May 24: Sundown; Friday, June 1: The Vinyl Brothers Big Band; June 8: Rafe Hollister; June 15: Balsam Range; June 22: Mountain Faith; June 29: Buchanan Boys; July 6: Johnny Webb Band; July 13: Empty Pockets; July 20: The Elderly Brothers; July 27: Dashboard Blues.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS

• A CIVIL WAR SESQUINCENTENNIAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT will be on display through May 29 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.36300 or www.fontanalib.org/franklin.

• HCC'S DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS WILL EXHIBIT THEIR WORK at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library continuing through June 30. 565.4242.

• THE PAT PASSOF EXHIBITION will be held at the Fine Art Museum on the campus of WCU. The exhibit will continue through Friday, May. 25. Free. 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu or fineartmuseum.wcu.edu.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS

• THE ART ROOM WILL OFFER MAKE AND TAKE CLASS on from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, May 19, 26 at 45 East Main Street in Franklin. Ages 15 and older. 349.3777 or 421.9891.

• AN OPEN BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park. $50. 631.0271.

• A TWO-PART DRAWING CLASS WITH NORMA HENDRIX will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 24 at the Jackson County Public Library. Limited to the first 16 people to sign up. Free. Supplies will be provided. 586.2016.

• BOTANICAL WILDFLOWER PAINTING will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 at Nature's Home Preserve. doreylart@yurtstudio.com.

• PAINT TIL YOU FAINT will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 26 at Claymates in Dillsboro. $10 minimum purchase. Snacks and Pizza provided. 631.3133.

• THE HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION IS HOSTING A NATURAL HISTORY ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP with Nancy Lowe from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, May 28 through Friday, June 1 at 265 North Sixth Street in Highlands. $350 and housing, if needed, is $15-$30 per night, depending on accommodations. 526.2602.

• SCC WILL OFFER AT SUMMER ART PROGRAM to be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri. beginning June 11 through 29th. $50. Open to high school students and recent graduates. Registration deadline is Thursday, May 31. j_Marley@southwesterncc.edu.

• ART CLASSES WITH DOMINICK DEPAOL0 will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Old Armory Building at 44 Boundary Street in Waynesville and from 1-3 p.m. every Friday at Mountain Home Collection at 110 Miller Street in Waynesville. Watercolor classes will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday and Oil painting classes from 1-3 p.m. every Monday at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Registration requested. For Armory classes call 456.9918; for Home Collection classes call 456.5441; For Franklin classes call 349.4607.

• CATCH THE SPIRIT OF APPALACHIA WILL HOST CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS AS FOLLOWS:

June 9—The 4-Keys of Pacing

July 14—Persuade wth Power

Aug. 11—Selecting and Directing your writings

Sept. 8—Overview of Writing from the Heart

Oct. 13–—Run through of the performance

Nov. —7pm: Holiday CSA's Celebration of the Arts at the Jackson Cty Library

Each session will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 29 Regal Avenue in Sylva. Cost is $35. 631.4587, or www.spiritofappalachia.org.

• ART CLASSES WITH DOMINICK DEPAOLO will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Old Armory Building in Waynesville. ALso from 1-3 p.m. every Friday at 110 Miller Street in Waynesville. Also from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1-3 p.m. every Monday at the Uptown Gallery at 30 Main street in Waynesville. All skill levels welcome. 456.9918. 456.5441. 349.4607.

• THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN KNITTING GUILD IS OFFERING FREE "LEARN TO KNIT" CLASSES for both adults and children at the Waynesville Library on Tuesdays. The Adult class meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children (boys and girls ages 8-12) meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required at 246.0789.

FILM & SCREEN

• THE GROOVY MOVIE CLUB WILL BE SHOWING "ALBERT NOBBS" at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 18. Free and open to the public. Directions will be given once reservation is made. 926.3508 or 454.5949 or johnbuckleyx@gmail.com.

• HUNGER GAME FAN TOUR DAY TRIPS will be held May 26-27, July 14-15 & Aug. 11-12 in DuPont Forest. $79. www.hungergamesfantours.com.

• MOVIES AT THE HUDSON LIBRARY IN HIGHLANDS. Children's movies are shown on the first Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. New Releases are shown on the third Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. Movies and popcorn are free to the public. 526.3031.

• MOVIES AT JACKSON COUNTY LIBRARY will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Movies screened are free. Call for schedule. 586.2016

• MOVIES AT THE CASHIERS LIBRARY. The library shows movies on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. The movies and popcorn are free, but donations are appreciated. For titles and times, visit www.fontanalib.org/cashiers.

• MOVIES AT THE MARIANNA BLACK LIBRARY. Family movie days are Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. Classic movies are shown the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 4 p.m. Other films are also shown throughout the month. Movies and popcorn are free to the public. 488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

• MOVIES AT THE MACON COUNTY LIBRARY. The library shows new movies, documentaries and foreign films every Monday at 3:30, Wednesday at 4:30 and again at 7 p.m., and Classic Matinees at Fridays at 2 p.m. The movies and popcorn are free, but donations are welcome. 524.3600.

LITERARY

• LITERACY NIGHT FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6 will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at Mountain View Intermediate School in Franklin. 508.3003.

• TAIL WAGGING TUTORS READING HOURS will be held at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23 at the ALbery Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215.

• FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ANNUAL MEETING will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Dessert buffet included fro $8. 456.5311.

• BLUE RIDGE BOOKS WILL HOST MARIJO MOORE at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 in Waynesville. 456.6000 or blueridgebooksnc.com.

• A BOOK TRADE/EXCHANGE will be held on from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesdays at Brain Gym at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville. An ongoing event. 452.2370.

• WCU IS COLLECTING OLD BOOKS FOR LOCAL CHILDREN. Please drop donations at Reynolds Residence Hall or Scott Hall on the campus of WCU. 227.4642 or jgbowen1@catamount.wcu.edu.

• A HAYWOOD COUNTY NON-FICTION BOOK CLUB meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at various locations. Call 456.8428 for meeting location.

• "THURSDAYS AT THE LIBRARY" is an eclectic mix of programs by authors and musicians on topics designed for enjoyment and education held at the Macon County Library Thursdays at 7 p.m. 524.3600 or www.fontanalib.org.

FOOD & DRINK

• A DAY TRIP TO TWO VINEYARDS WILL BE OFFERED on Thursday, May 17. Trip includes a visit to Raddaldini Vineyards, RagApple Lassie Vineyards and the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center. $99. 298.5330 ext. 301 or amy@blueridgeheritage.com.

• HEADWATERS BREWING COMPANY GRAND OPENING will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 at 130 Frazier Street in Waynessville. Live music and family-friendly celebration.

DANCE

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOST A DANCE FOR GRADES 3-5 from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at the Old Armory. $5. 456.2030.

• THE PISGAH PROMENADERS "CHOCOHOLIC" SQUARE DANCE will be held from 6:45-8:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 at the Old Armory Recreation Center in Waynesville. 452.1971 or 586.8416.

• A HIP HOP DANCE CLASS FOR GRADES K-12 will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. 456.2030 or youthprogramsupervisor@townofwaynesville.org.

• BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS will be held from 7-8 p.m. in May and June at the Waynesville Recreation Center. The Cha Cha will be offered Mondays, May 21, 28, June 4, 11 & 25. The Waltz will be offered Wednesdays, May 23, 30, June 6, 13 & 27. $54 per person.456.2030 or recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.

• THE DIAMOND K DANCE RANCH IN MAGGIE VALLEY offers live music and dance Saturdays at 8 p.m. 246.0207.

• THE DIAMOND K RANCH IN MAGGIE VALLEY OFFERS LIVE MUSIC Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays are ladies nights. 926.7735.

• BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES are offered every Thursday Night at Club 56 Fitness Inc. in Maggie Valley. No partner needed. Taught by Laura Roberts. Classes at 7 - 8 p.m. and 8 - 9 p.m. Cost is $30 for one series for an individual or $40 for both series, couples are $40 for one series or $50 for both. 734.2113.

• THE PISGAH PROMENADERS OFFERS FALL DANCE LESSONS co-sponsored by Waynesville Parks and Recreation. Held at the Old Armory in Waynesville. The teacher/caller will be Ken Perkins. The first 2 lessons are free. Lessons begin at 7 p.m. Reserve a spot at 452.5917.

• SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES, including ballroom, Latin, country, swing and blues meets Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. at the Old Armory Recreation Center in Waynesville. No partner needed. Contact Michael Thomas at michael@michaelthomas.com or Laura Roberts at lauraroberts@charter.net or 734.2113.

• BALLROOM DANCING is held every Monday with a beginner class at 6 p.m. and intermediate class at 8 p.m. $15 single, $20 couple. Smoky Mountain Dance Center in Waynesville. 734.8804.

ARTS GROUP MEETINGS

• THE WNC FIBER FOLK GROUP meets weekly from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in the Star Atrium of the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. Drury at 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu.

• THE ANIME CLUB meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 .m. to 3 p.m. at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Several anime shows are featured each week. 488.3030.

• THURSDAY PAINTERS meet at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your project and a bag lunch and join us for a day of creativity and fun. All artists are welcome. 349.4607.

MUSIC JAMS

• CHEROKEE JUBILEE OPEN MICS AND MUSIC will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 at Happy Holiday RV Village. 497.9204 or 877.782.2765 or www.happyholidayrv.com.

• THE MARIANNA BLACK LIBRARY PRESENTS COMMUNITY MUSIC JAM from 6-7:30 p.m. each 1st

and 3rd Thursday of the month year round. 488.3030.

• OLD TIMEY BLUEGRASS JAMS are held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Spring Street Cafe in Sylva.

• OLD-TIME MUSIC JAM will be held from 1-3 p.m. The third Saturday of every month at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on U.S. 441 outside Cherokee. 452.1068.

MUSIC MAKERS

• SIGNATURE BREW COFFEE COMPANY HOLDS SYLVA OPEN JAM NIGHTS on the second and forth Thursday of the month. Shop provides the instruments, you provide the talent. Chris Coopers's Fusion band hosts.

• A NEW SIGNING CHOIR begins rehearsals from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Sign language used in connection with song. Open to all willing to learn. 476.4231.

• GOLDENAIRES SINGING GROUP meets at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Golden Age Senior Center in Sylva. Secular and religious music. Performances given at area nursing homes. Singers need not be seniors to join. goldenagecenter1@verizon.net.

• HAYWOOD COMMUNITY BAND meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at Grace Episcopal Church. 452.7530.

• KARAOKE is held at 7 p.m. every other Friday at the American Legion Post 47 in Waynesville. Open to all members and their guests. 456.8691.

• KARAOKE is held from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. every Friday at the Tap Room at the Waynesville Inn. 800.627.6250.

• MEN MACON MUSIC, acapella singing, meets at 5:30 p.m. every Monday in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church St., Franklin. Visitors welcome. 524.9692.

• MOUNTAIN DULCIMER PLAYERS CLUB meet from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month at the Bryson City United Methodist Church. Knowledge of music not required, tablature method used. 488.6697.

• PICK AND PLAY DULCIMER GROUP of Sylva meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Saturday of every month in the fellowship hall of St. John's Episcopal Church. 293.0074.

• THE FRANKLIN EARLY MUSIC GROUP meets every Monday at 9 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. 369.5192.

• THE NIKWASI DULCIMER PLAYERS meet every Thursday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Franklin. All are welcome. 524-1040 or 524.2294.

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

• THE MEET ME IN THE SMOKIES FLY FISHING TOURNAMNET will be held May 18-May 20 in Cherokee. $225 entry fee. 877.433.6700 or www.fishcherokee.com.

• THE NC PUBLIC SCHOOL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION DISTRICT 8 WILL HOST A 5K RUN/WALK at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Carrier Park in West Asheville. $30. scott.emory@bcsemail.org or 775.2087 or www.maintenancemaddness.info.

• THE 12 HOURS OF TSALI CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN BIKE COMPETITION will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 beginning at 157 Everett Street in Bryson City. Racers can sign up for six hour solo, 12 hour solo, or 12 hour team classes. Limited to first 350 participants. www.goneriding.com or 488.1988 or diane@brysoncitybicycles.com.

• THE BEAST OF THE EAST HALF STEELMAN TRIATHLON will be held on Sunday, May 20 at Clay County Recreation Park on Lake Chatuge. 1.2 mile swim, 53 mile bike, 13 mile run. 389.6982 or thebeastoftheeast.net.

• THE BILTMORE/KIWANIS 15K/5K RACES will be held at 7:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 20 at the Biltmore House in Asheville. $40. The race entry fee allows access to Biltmore grounds only for purposes of participating in the 5K or 15K race events. www.biltmorekiwanisclassicrace.com or events@idaph.net.

• WCU'S BOB BUCKNER ENDOWMENT GOLF TOURNEY will be held on June 8 at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. The entry fee for the four-person, captain's-choice format event is $100 per player. Cost includes golf, breakfast, buffet lunch, two mulligans and a gift bag. prideofthemountains.com.

• HAYWOOD COUNTY RECREATION & PARKS IS NOW TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR ITS ADULT SUMMER SOCCER LEAGUES. This summer will once again feature 2 leagues: an Open League and a Womens League. The Open League(maximum of 10 teams) will consist of teams with a maximum of 13 people and will not require females on the field during play. The Womens League (maximum of 6 teams) will also consist of teams of 13 people. Both leagues will have games played from June 11 – August 1 on Monday & Wednesday evenings at Allens Creek Park. The registration fee is $365 per team that includes a soccer jersey for each player and tournament prizes. Registration will take place May 14-21 on a first come/first served basis and can be submitted at the Haywood County Recreation & Parks office at 1233 N. Main St. (Annex II Building), Waynesville. All players must be 18 years old & up. 452.6789 or sworley@haywoodnc.net.

• THE JACKSON COUNTY RECREATION/PARKS DEPARTMENT IS NOW TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR A NEW CO-REC VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE. Limited to the first 10 teams to pay the entry fee of $175. A Mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Games will be played Tuesday nights at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee beginning Tuesday, June 5. 293.3053.

HIKING GROUPS

• CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB hosts over 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamtnclub.com.

• HIGH COUNTRY HIKERS, based in Hendersonville, plans hikes Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Particpants should bring a travel donation and gear mentioned on their website: main.nc.us/highcountryhikers. 808.2165.

• MOUNTAIN HIGH HIKERS, based in Young Harris, Georgia, leads several hikes per week. Guests should contact hike leader. www.mountainhighhikers.org.

• SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIKING CLUB, located in East Tennessee, makes weekly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as surrounding areas. www.smhclub.org.

• BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL ASSOCIATION incorporates outings for hikes, trail maintenance, and other work trips. No experience is necessary to participate. www.bmta.org.

• DIAMOND BRAND'S WOMEN'S HIKING GROUP meets on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, e-mail awilliams@diamondbrand.com or call 684.6262.

OUTINGS & FIELDTRIPS

• NANTAHALA HIKING CLUB WILL HOST THE FOLLOWING HIKES FOR THE MONTH OF MAY.

A 6 mile hike in cataloochie valley will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 beginning at the Ingles in Waynesville. Bring Lunch and Water. 456.8895.

A 3-mile easy hike in Terrora Park will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 20 beginning in Otto. 369.6820.

A 3-mile moderate hike near Highlands at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 26 beginning at the Whiteside Mtn Parking Lot. Bring lunch and water. $4 parking fee. 526.8134.

A 4.5-mile moderate hike to Windy Falls at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 26 beginning at the New Cashiers Rec. Center. Bring water and lunch. 743.1079.

Visitors welcome on all hikes, but no pets please. Reservations required.

• A GUIDED HIKE TO HEMPHILL BLAD will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 17. $35 donation to Friend's of the Smokies Trails Forever Program requested. Meeting locations given upon registration. 452.0720 or hannah@friendsofthesmokies.org.

• A NATURE WALK ALONG A SCENIC PORTION OF THE BARTRAM TRAIL will be held on Saturday, May 19 at the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Lunch included. 526.9938.

• A SPRING CYCLE AND CAMPING TRIP will be held beginning Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20 in Bryson City. Beginners welcome. $40 for WNCA members and $50 for non-members. joy@wnca.org or 258.8737.

• HIGHLANDS PLATEAU AUDUBON SOCIETY IS SPONSORING A WALK ALONG TURTLE POND ROAD at 7:30 a.m. beginning at The Bascom in Highlands. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 787.1387.

• NANTAHALA AREA SORBA (SOUTHERN OFF ROAD BIKING ASSOCIATION) HOLDS A WEEKLY MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDe at Tsali at 630 pm every Thursday and it is for all levels of bikers. We ride the easiest trail (Thompson) as a group. 506.0133.

• THE GORGES STATE PARK IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS WITH ASSISTANCE IN MAINTAINING EXISTING TRAILS and campgrounds in the park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather premitting. Bring gloves - water and tools supplied. Participants need to be at least 16 years old and in good health. Registration not required. Meet at 17762 Rosman Highway (US-64) in Sapphire. 966.9099.

• HAYWOOD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION IS NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR A 10 DAY HAWAIIAN CRUISE to be taken Nov. 1-10, 2012. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include all round-trip airfare from Asheville, NC. Costs are $3,405 for Inside Cabin, $3,695 for Outside Cabin and $3,865 for Balcony Cabin. An initial deposit of $350 per person double occupancy is required to secure reservation and final balance is due by July 20, 2012. 452.6789 or recreation@haywoodnc.net.

BIKE RIDES

• NATIONAL "BIKE TO WORK DAY" RIDE will be held at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 18 beginning at Best Buy in West Waynesville.

• A BEGINNERS GROUP MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE meets the first and third Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rice Pinnacle Trailhead in Bent Creek. Easy, social ride. Helmets required. Ride leader is Rick Schrader, 665.0015, rschrader56@hotmail.com. Ride canceled in case of rain.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN WAYNESVILLE meets Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Rolls Rite Bicycles on the Old Asheville Highway. Beginner to intermediate rides led by Bicycle Haywood advocacy group. 8 to 12-mile rides. 276.6080 or gr8smokieszeke@gmail.com.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE MEETS IN BRYSON CITY on Wednesdays around 6 p.m. Depart from the East Swain Elementary school in Whittier on U.S.19 of exit 69 from U.S. 23-74. All levels. 800.232.7238.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN SYLVA meets Tuesday at 6 p.m., departing from Motion Makers bike shop for a tough 25-mile ride up to the Balsam Post office via back roads and back into Sylva. 586.6925.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN FRANKLIN meets Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., departing from Smoky Mountain Bicycles at 179 Highlands Road. Geared for all levels. 369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN FRANKLIN meets Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at Macon Middle School on Wells Grove Road. Ladies and Beginners' ride. 369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN FRANKLIN meets Saturdays at 8 a.m., departing from South Macon Elementary School 369.2881, www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN FRANKLIN meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m., departing from the Franklin Health and Fitness Center. 369.2881, www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN BRYSON CITY meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Contact Bryson City Bicycles. 506.0133.

• A WEEKLY BIKE RIDE IN BRYSON CITY meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Contact Bryson City Bicycles. 488.1988.

• EVERY SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH A BIKE RIDE in Bryson City meets at 3 p.m. at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Cookout after ride. 506.0133.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

• REI OF ASHEVILLE WILL OFFER THE FOLLOWING CLASSES FOR THE MONTH OF MAY:

Bike Maintenance Basics II will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17.

Map & Compass Navigation Basics from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23. $30 for members/$50 for non-members.

"60 is the new 40" Appalachian Trail presentation at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 24.

Train Running Basics at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30.

Hands-on Garmin GPS basics from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 31. $30 for members, $50 for non-members.

• A "WILDERNESS SKILLS INSTITUTE" TRAINING COURSE will be held May 21-25 and May 29-June1 at teh Cradle of Forestry in Brevard. $50. adowns@appalachiantrail.org or www.trailcrews.org.

• MICHAEL SKINNER WILL PRESENT A PROGRAM ON LIVE BIRDS of prey at 1 p.m. at the Bird barn in Highlands. 526.3910.

• A WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER COURSE will be offered June 30-July 8 at Landmark Learning in Cullowhee. www.landmarklearning.org.

• "CHICKS : IT'S ALL GONE TO THE BIRDS" EXHIBIT will be held through June 17 at The Bascom in Highlands. 678.491.0145.

• FRANKLIN GREEN DRINKS HOSTED BY MACON COUNTY CHAPTER OF WNC ALLIANCE Third Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Rathskellar in Downtown Franklin. Green Drinks is a time for local folks to get together and socialize, have a drink, talk about environmental or social justice issues, and just have a great time with one another.

FARM & GARDEN

• SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN LIVING COMMUNITIES WILL OFFER "PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC GARDENING" at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 28 at Clayton Municipal Complex. Free. 706.782.7978 or smlcinc@windstream.net.

• IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL WILL PRESENT "THE HONORABLE TWOSOME: MORIBANA AND HEIKE," at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29 in the auditorium of the Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 273.2222 or lynnforbes143@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS & MEETINGS

• LTLT AND FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB WILL CELEBRATE WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY from 6-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve. 524.2711 ext.304 or outreach@ltlt.org.

• CHEROKEE STORYTELLERS WILL HOST A BONFIRE at 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday Night in the Oconaluftee Islands Park. Roast marshmallows, hear the legends, relax by fire and water and be entertained by Cherokee legends, stories, songs and dance. 800.438.1601.

GROUP MEETINGS

• THE CHEROKEE RIDERS, A NEW CYCLING CLUB IN CHEROKEE, IS SEEKING MEMBERS for weekly group rides. Hugh Lambert 554.6810 or hughlamb@nc-cherokee.com.

• THE CHEROKEE RUNNERS meets each month on the 1st and 15th of the month (if the first falls on Sunday, the group meets on the 2nd), at the Age Link Conference Room. Anyone, no matter the fitness level, is welcome to join. Group runs are being held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6PM starting at the Flame. Please visit the website at www.cherokeerunners.com.

• SMALL RV CAMPING CLUB IS SEEKING ADDITIONAL MEMBERS. We camp one weekend per month March through November. All ages are welcome. No dues, no structured activities. Just an enjoyment of the outdoors, fellowship, good conversation, pot luck dinners and a roaring campfire. Contact Lillian for more details lilnau@aol.com or 369.6669.

• MOUNTAIN WILD, the local chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation works to preserve and increase wildlife and wildlife habitat of the region. Free programs and guest speakers held periodically at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville. Call 338.0035.

• FREE FLY FISHING CLASSES are offered at River's Edge Outfitters in Cherokee every week. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Classes will be approximately an hour and half long. For more information contact Rivers Edge Outfitters at 497.9300.

• THE JACKSON-SWAIN MASTER GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION meets at 9:30 a.m. every second Wednesday at the Jackson Community Services Building on Scotts Creek Road in Sylva. Mike Glover at 828.736.2768 or lmgofish@gmail.com.

• THE WNC CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Unitarian Church, 1 Edwin Place in Asheville. The meetings start with a half hour social gathering from 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., there is a brief period of business and announcement followed by a presentation. nc.sierraclub.org/wenoca.

• PIGEON VALLEY BASSMASTERS CLUB OF CANTON will meet at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Shoney's Restaurant off of Exit 44. Members of the fishing community, bass anglers, and their families are most cordially invited to attend. 712.2846.

• WNC SPORTMAN'S CLUB'S ARCHERY AND YOUTH AIRGUN SHOOTs are held the first and second Saturdays of each month. For more information call 316.1588.

• THE DIAMOND BRAND RUNNING GROUP will meet Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Each running group member is given a Running Group Rewards Card for the chance to receive great discounts and free products at Diamond Brand and registration is free. For more information, contact Sarah at smerrell@diamondbrand.com.

• GROUP TRAIL RUNNING begins at 6 p.m. every Thursday. Start at the lobby of the YMC in Asheville. All levels welcome. 277.5151.

• MACON COUNTY HORSE ASSOCIATION meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Macon County Fairgrounds Alumni Building. Education program and business meeting. ddoster@fs.fed.us.

• THE MACON COUNTY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the extension office located on Thomas Heights Road next to Jim Brown Chrysler on Highlands Road. New members are welcome.

• THE FRANKLIN WALKING CLUB meets at 10 a.m. every Saturday (weather permitting) at the Tassee picnic shelter on the Greenway at the corner of Wells Grove Road and Ulco Drive. All fitness levels are welcome, call Linda at 421.7613.

• HAYWOOD ALLIANCE, a local chapter of the WNC Alliance, meets at various locations each month. Get involved with protecting Haywood County's environment, scenery and farmland from development, and encouraging politicians to take steps. Contact jeswan@gmail.com.

• FRIENDS OF PANTHERTOWN WORK DAYS are held the fourth Saturday of every month (time and location varies). Volunteers needed to maintain trails. For more information, contact Nina Elliott at 526.9938 (ext 258), visit j-mca.org or e-mail friends.of.panthertown@gmail.com.

• SMOKY MOUNTAIN BEEKEEPERS meet at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the Jackson Extension Center, 538 Scotts Creek, Sylva. Open to anyone interested in honeybees. 554.6935.

• SWAIN COUNTY TRAIL RUNNERS. Long run group meets 8 a.m. Saturdays at the Deep Creek Trailhead Parking Area in Bryson City. All runs are on trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Tsali Recreation Area. All distances, paces, ages welcome. More information at 399.0989, 488.6769 or wdtreern@yahoo.com.

• THE SYLVA GARDEN CLUB meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Presbyterian Church. For more inforomation e-mail hooperteresa@yahoo.com.

• THE WESTERN CAROLINA PADDLERS meet the first Tuesday of each month at the REI Community Room at 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville. There will be a presentation at each meeting.

• WNC SPORTSMANS CLUB meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday night of each month at the Juke Box Junction Restaurant located in Bethel at the junction of US 276 and NC 110 wncsportsmansclub.com.