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

BUSINESS & EDUCATION

• CELEBRATE NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK AT HCC WITH THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

Salon Ownership forum from 3-4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 in the Student center of HCC.

"Meet the Benjamins" hands-on entrepreneurship activities for Freshman Haywood Early College students from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.

• THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF HAYWOOD COUNTY WILL HOST "THE ART OF BRANDING: CREATING YOUR PALETTE FOR SUCCESS" at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Gateway Club in Waynesville. $10, includes breakfast. 456.3021.

• THE JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL HOST TWO SPEED SPANISH CLASSES from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28. This class is for people with little to no knowledge on Spanish. Free. 586.2016.

• DIY TECH GEEKS WILL HOST A THREE-PART, HANDS-ON WORKSHOP SERIES ON GMAIL, GOOGLE CALENDAR, VOICE, DOCUMENTS AND GPLUS from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 28 and March 6 at the Classic Wineseller at 20 Church Street in Waynesville. Limited to 10 people, $60. www.DIYTechGeek.com.

• A THREE-HOUR, HANDS-ON INSTRUCTIONAL CLASS ON HOW TO CREATE, UPDATE AND MANAGE YOUR WEBSITE using SiteDart Hosting's Sitebuilder will be held on Friday, Feb. 24. $25. www.buildmywebsiteclass.com.

• SCC WILL OFFER NOTARY PUBLIC EDUCATION from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Founders Hall on the Jackson Campus. The cost of the class is $65 and the book cost $27.75. Students must present a current photo ID (including signature & physical description) to be admitted to class. 497.7233.

• HCC WILL OFFER A MICROSOFT OFFICE OVERVIEW CLASS from 6-9 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday beginning Wednesday, Feb. 29 and continuing through Monday, April 2 in the Regional High Tech Center. $125. Registration required. 565.4241 or rharrison@haywood.edu.

• HCC WILL OFFER A COSMETOLOGY CONTINUING EDUCATION MANUAL FACIAL COURSE from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 5 on the college campus. This 6 hour course is approved by the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts. $75 includes supplies. 565.4242 or 637.4500.

• SCC WILL OFFER MICROSOFT OFFICE TRAINING from 6-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Monday, March 5 and continuing through April 16. The 39-hour course carries 3.9 CEUs and focuses on Word, Excel and Power Point. $125. 497.7233.

• HAYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S ISSUES AND EGGS WILL FEATURE GROWNC at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7 at the Gateway Club in Waynesville. 456.3021.

• MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS WILL OFFER FOUNDATIONS, AN EIGHT-WEEK BUSINESS PLANNING COURSE, from 6-9 p.m. on Mondays beginning Monday, March 5 at 200 March Lily Drive in Dillsboro Court. Registration required. 631.0292 or sheryl@mountainbizworks.org.

• 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

• THE TOWN OF MAGGIE VALLEY WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING to discuss and adopt the State Certified Flood Maps at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. 926.0866.

• AN OPEN HOUSE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT TO TEENS IN NEED will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 at Swain County Family Resource Center at 100 Brendle Street in Bryson City. 236.2877.

• THE MARDI GRAS BALL will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Laurel Ridge Country Club. 456.2441.

• PART THREE OF BUILDING BRIDGES IN HAYWOOD COUNTY will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, March 6 at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville. This program is being offered to help local clergy have a better understanding of resources to help those in need. 452.2370 ext. 2816.

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER A COUPON CLASS from 7-8 p.m. on March 13 and March 27 at 44 Boundary Stree in Waynesville. $10. 407.810.2749 or nicole2k@aol.com.

• THE MACON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL OFFER FREE TAX ASSISTANCE from 10:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays in the meeting room. 524.3600.

• AARP VOLUNTEERS WILL OFFER FREE TAX HELP FOR JACKSON COUNTY RESIDENTS from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays now through Tuesday, April 3 at the Jackson County Public Library. Not a walk-in service, appointments must be made. 586.2016.

• 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.

VOLUNTEERING

• 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

DURING THE MONTH OF FEB. 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

Haywood

• THE NEW CONVENANT CHURCH BLOOD DRIVE will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 833 Lee Road in Canton. 627.9000.

• THE MAGGIE VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BLOOD DRIVE will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at 4192 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 381.0636.

Jackson

• THE CASHIER'S COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 95 Highways 107 South. 508.2050

HEALTH MATTERS

• A PEER-TO-PEER RECOVERY EDUCATION 10-WEEK PROGRAM WIL BE OFFERED from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, March 13. . The course covers the major mental illnesses, treatment and coping strategies, relapse prevention, and creating an advance directive for mental health care. Registration required. 342.4789 or 524.9133.

• "LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER" WORKSHOPS SUPPORTING WOMEN WITH CANCER WILL BE HELD from 10 a.m. to noon on April 2, 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

• DODDLE BUGS, A SWIM ADVENTURE FOR MOM AND TOTS, will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March at the MedWest Health & Firtness Center. Ages 6-36 months. $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. 452.8080.

• AIKIDO CLASS WILL BE OFFERED from 7:30-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Monday, March 5 at the White Dragon Academy in Sylva. 269.8144 or 507.1800.

• THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION 8-WEEK EXERCISE PROGRAM WILL BE OFFERED from 9-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays at East Sylva Baptist Church or from 12:30-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Cashiers Community Center beginning Thursday March 22 and continuing through Mid-May. Free. Registration required by Monday, March 19. 586.4009.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY RECREATION & PARKS DEPT. WILL HOST WINTER INDOOR SOCCER SEASON from 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday through March 28. $3 per session or a $20 pass may be purchased. These are pickup games that run continuously and teams switch out on a pre-determined time interval. 452.6789.

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER SWIM LESSONS Monday through Thursday in February and March at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Lessons in March will include level 1 from 4-4:30 p.m. and level 2 from 4:30-5 p.m. $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. 456.2030 or recaquatics@townofwaynesville.org.

• MEDWEST HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER WILL OFFER SWIM LESSONS FOR ADULTS AGES 14 AND OLDER. Consists of three 30-minute lessons with a certified American Red Cross swim instructor. Lessons are private, and can be tailored to fit individual scheduling requests. $30. Lessons offered through Wednesday, Feb. 29. 452.8056.

• 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 AFRICAN AMERICAN CLERGY AND LAITY LEADERSHIP RETREAT will be held April 16-18 at Lake Junaluska. This year's event is open to both clergy and laity. Early registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 29. 800.222.4930.

• 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

• "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

• WRITE ON!, A CREATIVE WRITING CLASS FOR KIDS AGES 8-12 will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• "FRIENDS AROUND THE GLOBE" will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 for ages 8-15 at The Bascom. Explore cultures from around the world with entertaining activities. 526.4949 or www.thebascom.org.

• THE SYLVA ROTARY CLUB WILL SPONSOR STORYTIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• JIM WILLIAMS WILL SPEAK WITH STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS ABOUT BULLY-PREVENTION from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Swain County Fine Arts Center. 488.0939.

• THE 10TH ANNUAL ROCKET TO CREATIVITY SUMMER CAMP WILL OPEN REGISTRATION on Thursday, March 1. 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.

• CIRCUS, CIRCUS AND MORE CIRCUS, A SMALL CHILDREN'S VARIETY SHOW, will be held on Saturday, March 3 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. 941.806.0390.

• 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

• THE HIGH PERFORMANCE VOLLEYBALL CLINICS will be held on Thursday evenings beginning Thursday, March 8 and continuing through May 3 at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 5th & 6th graders: 6:-7 p.m.; 7th & 8th graders: 7:15-8:15 p.m. $50. Limited to the first 20 participants in each class. 293.3053.

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

Arts

• "CREATIVE STATION" will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 25, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 for ages 5-9 at the Bascom. 526.4949 or www.thebascom.org.

• "ART ADVENTURE" will be held from 3:15-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 6 & 10 for ages 5-9 at the Bascom. Work on individual and collaborative projects, and experiment with everything from painting, ceramics and sculpture to printmaking and collage. 526.4949 or www.thebascom.org.

• 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

• A PARI SCIGIRLS LED DESIGN PROGRAM FOR GIRLS AGES 9-14 WILL BE HELD from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 98 East Morgan Street in Brevard. The program is part of PARI's monthly SciGirls and is affiliated with the national effort to engage girls in science. $10. 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

EXTENSION AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (ECA) GROUPS MEET THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND TIMES EACH MONTH.

Thursday, March 1: Nuts and Seeds in the Diet, Potpourri ECA, 9:30 a.m., Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

Monday, March 5: Nuts and Seeds in the Diet, Caney Fork ECA, 1:00 p.m., Jackson County Recreation Department, Cullowhee.

Tuesday, March 6: Easter Bonnet Workshop, Kountry Krafters ECA, 7:00 p.m., Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church, Tuckasegee.

Thursday, March 8: Nuts and Seeds in the Diet, Lunch and Learn ECA, 12:00 noon, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

Thursday, March 15: Beaded Bracelet Workshop sponsored by Jackson County ECA Craft Club, 9:30 a.m., Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

Friday, March 16: Jackson County ECA Leadership Team Planning Meeting, 2:00 p.m., Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva. (All County Council officers and club officers encouraged to attend.)

Monday, March 19: Strata Star Workshop, Sew Easy Girls ECA, 1:00 p.m., Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

Monday, March 19: ECA Leader Training on Chicken Scratch Embroidery, 1:30 p.m., Small Extension Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

Tuesday, March 20: Craft, Cane Creek ECA, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 20: Bible Study, Long Branch Baptist ECA, 7:00 p.m., at home of Bobbie Brooks, Dillsboro.

Monday, March 26: Paper Piecing Workshop sponsored by Jackson County ECA Craft Club, 9:30 a.m., Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

For more information 586.4009.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

• ALL NORTH JACKSON COUNTY GOP PRECINCTS WILL MEET from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Sylva GOP Headquarters at 58D Sunrise Park Drive. 743.6491 or 743.9005 or www.jackcountygop.com.

• JOE SAM QUEEN WILL THE GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE SWAIN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Swain County Senior Center in Bryson City. 342.9805.

• THE HAYWOOD COUNTY DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Democratic Headquarters at 286 Haywood Squre in Waynesville. 452.9607 or www.haywooddemocrats.org.

• JOE SAM QUEEN, CANDIDATE FOR 119TH NC HOUSE DISTRICT, WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER of the executive committee of swain county democratic party meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at The Swain County Seniors Center in Bryson City. 488.6013.

• VANCE PATTERSON AND CHRIS PETRELLA, CANDIDATED FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL SEAT WILL BE THE FEATURED SPEAKERS of the North Jackson County GOP meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at Ryan's in Sylva. 743.6491 or jacksoncountygop.com.

• JEFF HUNT AND KENNY WEST, CANDIDATES FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL SEAT, AND MIKE CLAMPITT, CANDIDATE FOR THE NC HOUSE SEAT WILL BE THE FEATURED SPEAKERS of the South Jackson County GOP meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Cashiers GOP headquarters in Laurel Terrace. 743.6491 or jacksoncountygop.com.

• MACON COUNTY REPUBLICAN (DISTRICT 11) CONGRESSIONAL FORUM will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the Community Building in Franklin at 1288 Georgia Road. 421.2191.

• THE OCCUPY GROUP OF WNC 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.

• 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 SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION WILL MEET at noon on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Terrace Hotel in Lake Junaluska. The Chapter serves Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, and Graham Counties. Haywood County: Ed Fox, 456.5251; Jackson County: Betty Brintnall 586.9292; Swain County: Don Bunn 497.7839; Macon County: Luci Swanson 369.8922.

• 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

• A SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS will meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at the Senior Resource Center of Haywood County at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville. 356.2816.

• 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. Call Judy Sipes at 452.1068 or Patricia Meyers at 456.6897.

• 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

• LADIES NIGHT OUT PROGRAM will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in the cafeteris at Angel Medical Center in Franklin. The topic will be Gift of Life (organ donation). 349.2426.

• THE PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFTS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 near Spruce Pine. Hands-on workshops and demonstrations in the studios of the renowned Penland School of Crafts. No admission; all ages welcome. 765.0433.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS

• CALL FOR VENDORS FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL "WHOLE BLOOMIN' THING" SPRING FESTIVAL to be held on Saturday, May 12 in Historic Frog Level in Waynesville. All local growers, artisans, wellness & nature-related professionals invited. Request an application at froglevelfestival@yahoo.com or 734.7723.

• THE DOWNTOWN WAYNESVILLE ASSOCIATION IS SEEKING HERITAGE THEMED VENDORS for the second annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 9 on Main Street. Applicants are due April 16. 456.3517 or www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• GREENING UP THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VENDORS. The 15th annual celebration will be held from 10 am. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, April 15. Space is limited. Applications available at Signature Brew Coffee Company or online at www.downtownsylva.org or greeningupthemountains@gmail.com or 586.1577.

• 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

• THE LIARS BENCH WILL BE PERFORMING at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Mountain Heritage Center. The program features storytelling, music, poetry and drama of the Southern Appalachians. $10 in advance and tickets are available at City Lights. 586.9499 or 227.7129.

• WCU'S WINTER CHORAL CONCERT will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 in the Fine and Performing Arts Center on campus. This event features three WCU choirs - the University Chorus, Concert Choir and Catamount Singers. Free. 227.7242.

• CITY LIGHTS CAFE WILL HOST LIVE MUSIC featuring Karen "Sugar" Barnes & Dave McGill at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 and Maggie & The Romantics at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. 587.2233.

• THE WINESELLER WILL HOST THE FOLLOWING MUSIC EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEB: Marhsall Ballew at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24. 452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.

• HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH OF FEB: Comedy from 8:30-10 p.m. every Wednesday; Karaoke from 8 p.m. to midnight every Thursday; DJs from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Friday & Saturday; Emporium from 7-11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25.

• "THE PILLOWMAN" WILL BE PLAYING Friday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Fiechter Studio in Waynesville. 456.6322.

• DIANA ROSS WILL PERFORM at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Harrah's Event Center in Cherokee. 800.745.3000.

• BALSAM RANGE WILL PERFORM WITH LARRY CARDLE, CARL JACKSON AND JERRY SALLY at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the Colonial Theatre. $15. Balsamrange.com or 235.2760.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS

• AN EXHIBIT OF WORK BY RON LABORAY OPENING RECEPTION will be on display through Friday, March 30 in the Fine Art Museum. fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or 227.2553 or ddrury@wcu.edu.

• A WOODWORKING EXHIBIT FEATURING THE WORK OF JACKSON COUNTY RESIDENTS IS ON DISPLAY now through March, 31 at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. The exhibit includes Jack Mincey, Robert Hopper, David Liberman, Bill Lyons, Bill Hyatt, Lebern Dills, Ron Yount, Brian Bartel, Don Marks, and Chris Behere. 586.2016.

• 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

• A BOOK CLOTH CLASS will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at Southwestern Community College's Oconaluftee Institute. Students will learn to make their own books using lightweight fabrics. $30. 339.4497.

• "CRAFTING 2 CONNECT," A BEGINNING CRAFTING CLASS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 525 Minerals Springs Drive in Sylva. 631.1167.

• A WOODWORKING DEMONTRATION WILL BE PRESENTED BY CHRIS BEHRE at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 in the Jackson County Public Library. www.fontanalib.org.

• BILLIE SHELBURN WILL DEMONSTRATE CREATIVE WATERCOLOR TECHNIQUES at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 at the Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City. 488.7843.

• ELEANOR HEARTNEY WILL LEAD A PRESENTATION ON CONTEMPORARY ART TITLED "TALES OF PLASTIC SURGERY, GENETICALLY ALTERED RABBITS, AND OTHER ACTS OF ART" at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 5 in the Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of WCU. 227.3593 or roland@email.wcu.edu.

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

March 10—Powerful Beginnings/Endings

April 14—Writing with a Purpose/Plot

May 12—Weaving Fiction into Fact

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.

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER "BASICS OF DRAWING" CLASSES from 10 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays of Feb. at the Old Armory in Waynesville. $15 for each class and everyone is responsible for their own supplies. 456.9918 or longgroveartschool@yahoo.com.

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER "WATERCOLOR" CLASSES from 1-3 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of Feb. at the Old Armory in Waynesville. $20 for each class and everyone is responsible for their own supplies. 456.9918 or longgroveartschool@yahoo.com.

• THE WAYNESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER "BASICS OF ACRYLICS & OIL PAINTS" CLASSES from 6-8 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of Feb. at the Old Armory in Waynesville. 456.9918 or longgroveartschool@yahoo.com.

• 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.

• HANDWEAVING CLASSES offered by Susan Morgan Leveille in Dillsboro, NC. 586.6542.

FILM & SCREEN

• THE 1920S SILENT MOVIE "THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI" will be playing at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 in the Jackson County Public Library and at 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at Signature Brew Coffee in Sylva. 587.6300.

• 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

• SYLVA LOCAL, C.B. COLE WILL INTRODUCE HER NEW NOVEL at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• THE AMERICAN GIRLS CLUB MEETING will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• JUDITH TOY, AUTHOR OF "MURDER AS A CALL TO LOVE" WILL BE SIGNING BOOKS at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000.

• DAWN GILCHRIST-YOUNG WILL DISCUSS HER SHORT STORY "THE TENDER BRANCH" at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• THE COMMUNITY SPELLING AND TRIVIA BEE will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Fine Arts Center at Franklin High School. The event is a fundraiser for the READ2ME initiative. $50 per team, $2 for spectators. 349.1325 ext.432 or 526.2147.

• 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

• THE MACON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS WILL PRESENT "THE GRIMM TALES OF MOTHER GOOSE", a mystery dinner theater at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25 at Fat Buddies BBQ in Franklin. $35 per person, includes dinner. 524.5200.

• HOME-MILLING AND BAKING DAY will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 780 Coweeta Church Road in Otto. $35. Registration required. www.millersgrainhouse.com or 536.4988.

• THE 56TH ANNUAL PANCAKE DAY will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at First Methodist Church in Waynesville. $7 for adults and $3 for children. 456.9475.

• THE WILDLIFE CLUB WILL HOST THE 6TH ANNUAL WILD GAME DINNER at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 2 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. This event is a fundraiser for the club. Live entertainment and a calling competition. Bring your favorite wild game dish, vegetables, and/or dessert. Bread and drinks will be provided. Admission is $10 ($5 if you bring a dish) and children under 12 years old eat free. 627.4560.

DANCE

• THE FATHER-DAUGHTER SEMI-FORMAL DANCE will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. $30 per couple, $5 for additional daughter. www.downtownsylva.org or www.firstumcsylva.org.

• THE PISGAH PROMENADERS SQUARE DANCE will be held from 6:45-8:45 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Old Armory Rec. Center in Waynesville. 586.8416 or 452.5917.

• THE FOURTH SUNDAY CONTRA DANCE will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Gateway Club in Waynesville. No experience required. koodvody@yahoo.com or garrettpd@gmail.com.

• 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

• 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.

• COMMUNITY MUSIC JAMS are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. All are invited to come with anything unplugged. 488.3030.

• OLD-TIME AND BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION SERIES at Western Carolina University are held the first Thursday of the month. Performers of old-time and bluegrass music are invited to bring their instruments and take part in the jam session that will follow the group's performance. 7 to 9 p.m. 227.7129.

• 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 JACKSON COUNTY SPRING SOCCER REGISTRATION will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. now through Friday, March 2. Participants must be 5 years old by August 1, 2011. Cost is $40 dollars for new participants and $35 for return- ing 2011 Fall Soccer participants. Membership and sibling discounts available. 293.3053 or jonathanparsons@jacksonnc.org.

• THE SECOND ANNUAL ASSAULT ON BLACK ROCK, 7-MILE TRAIL RACE, will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 17 in Sylva. $25. www.active.com. 506.2802.

• THE FONTANA CLASSIC BASS TOURNAMENT will be held Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 at the Fontatan Village Resort in Fontana Dam. 498.2211 or www.fontanavillage.com.

• THE FIRST "CRITTER CRAWL" 5K RACE will be held 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 3 at MacRae Meadows and will end at the top of Grandfather Mountain. $30. All proceeds will directly benefit upcoming renovations to the Grandfather Mountain eagle habitats. 733.8715 or www.grandfather.com.

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 FEB.

A four-mile moderate hike to Rainbow and Turtleback Falls in the Gorges State Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 beginning at the new Rec Center in Cashiers. Bring water and lunch. 743.1079.

A hike to Park Creek Trail at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26 beginning at the NHC Club House. Bring water and lunch. 371.0183.

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

• CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK WILL OFFER "SPRING FOR FREE," GUIDED HIKES OF THE HICKORY NUT FALLs from 1-2 p.m. on Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. Free with park admission.

• THE SWANNANOA VALLEY MUSEUM BEAUTIFUL BLUE SEA FALLS HIKE will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 3 beginning at Black Mountain savings at 200 East State Street. $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers. 669.9566.

• 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.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

• A SERIES OF SELF-RELIANT LIVING WORKSHOPS will be held from 12:15-1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the EBCI Cooperative Extension Center at 876 Acquoni Road in Cherokee. Reading materials provided. Free. Must register. 554.6935.

Feb. 22- Making Money from your Garden will help participants understand what customers want, how to sell, how to price, and where to sell fresh produce here in Cherokee.

Feb. 29 – Grow Your Own Small Fruits will cover the basics of growing strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

• THE ULTIMATE HIKE INFO SESSION will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at Diamond Brand. This session will provide info for those interested in hiking 36.5 miles in one day in May. RSVP requested. www.ultimatehike.org/asheville.

• GUN CONTROL SCHOLAR, GARY KLECK, WILL SPEAK at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 5 in the A.K. Hinds University Center Grandroom on the campus of Western Carolina University. 227.2328 or amkopak@wcu.edu.

• HCC WILL OFFER HUNTER SAFETY COURSES from 6-9:30 p.m. beginning Monday, March 5 and continuing through Wednesday, March 7 on the HCC campus. Participants must attend three consecutive evenings to receive certification. No age limits. Registration required. www.ncwildlife.org.

• THE N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION WILL OFFER A FLY-FISHING WEEKEND FOR WOMEN from Friday, March 9 though Sunday, March 11 in the Mountains. $125. The workshop will be held rain or shine. March can be cool or even cold, so appropriate dress is advised. Fly-fishing equipment will be provided, but participants can bring their own gear. www.ncwildlife.org.

• FREE TRAINING FOR WCU'S VALLEY OF THE LILIES HALF MARATHON AND 5K, to be held Sunday, March 25, will be held at 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and at 8 a.m. on Saturdays. Must be registered for the event to receive training information. Registration fees are $40 for half marathon and $20 for 5K. www.halfmarathon.wcu.edu.

• 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

• THE NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SSERVICE WILL HOST FRUIT TREE WORKSHOPS from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at 60 Almond School Road and from 2-4 p.m. on Monday, March 5 at 538 Scotts Creek Road. 488.3848 or 586.4009.

• THE WNC IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL GROUP WILL HOST KAMISHIBAI, JAPANESE STORYTELLING at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Folk Art Center in Asheville. Free and open to the public. 273.8783 or lfglickman@gmail.com.

• "HOW TO TRAIN AND PRUNE YOUR FRUIT TREE" WORKSHOP will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 2 in Swain County. Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot in Bryson City on Main St. behind the Old Courthouse. Free. 488.3848.

• "RAIN GARDENS FOR OUR MOUNTAIN HOME" WORKSHOP will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 4 at 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd in Asheville. $10 for BGA memerbs and $15 for nonmembers. Limited to 25 participants. Registration required. 252.5190.

• ORDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE HAYWOOD COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION FOR THE 2012 PLANT SALE. Orders must be completed by March 23 and forms are available at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville or by calling 456.3575.

SPECIAL EVENTS & MEETINGS

• THE WATR'S ANNUAL POT LUCK BUSINESS MEETING will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Jackson County Courthouse. Susan Sachs will be the featured speaker. 488.8418 or info@WATRnc.org.

• AN EXPLORATORY MEETING TO EXAMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF FORMING THE WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CHEESE TRAIL will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the Commerce Boardroom located on the 2nd floor of the Asheville Chamber Building at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. 458.0088 or jen@ashevillecheese.com.

• THE 9TH ANNUAL RIVERCOURSE COLDWATER CONSERVATION AND FLY FISHING YOUTH CAMP IS NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS. The camp will be held June 17-22. Sixteen boys and girls ranging from 13-15 years of age will be selected to attend camp. The cost of camp is $595 for the all-inclusive week. Registration deadline is March 15. Tuition is not due until candidates have been notified of selection. www.rivercourse.org or nctu.rivercourse@gmail.com.

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 meet at 7 p.m. the first and 15th of every month in the Age Link building behind the Yellowhill Community Club. Weekly runs. Gerri Grady at 497.7083 or gerrgrad@nc-cherokee.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.