Smoky Mountain News

 

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

 

Business & Education

• Free 90-minute computer class- Basic Microsoft Word, 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Space limited. 586.2016.

• Intercultural SuperHighway with Dr. John Stiles, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 11 a.m. Thursday, May 23, Cook's Abbey Carpet and Flooring, 168 S. Main St., Waynesville.  456.3021 

• Young Professionals of Haywood volunteer opportunity, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23, Haywood Habitat for Humanity House that Love Built event, Winchester Creek Country Club, 566 Walker Road, Waynesville. 456.3021

• Issues & Eggs, 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, Gateway Club, Church St., Waynesville. Speaker is Stephen King, director of the Haywood County Recycling and Solid Waste Management.

• Foundations in a Day, three one-day workshops for entrepreneurs, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 7, Sylva; Thursday, June 13, Bryson City; and Thursday, June 20, Hayesville. Presented by Mountain BizWorks. Ashley Epling, 253.2834 x 27 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . www.mountainbizworks.org.

• Center for Life Enrichment, 2013 Program Series, Peggy Crosby Center, 348 S. Fifth St., Highlands. Details at 526.8811, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , www.clehighlands.com.

• New Human Resource Development class, SCC Swain Center. Get help with resume writing, job searches, online job applications completions, and much more. SCC Swain Center, Jennifer Ashlock 366.2000 or Yvonne Price 366.2002.

• Free GED® preparation classes 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Swain Center of Southwestern Community College, five  miles west of the Bryson City exit at the former Almond School Building. Test change for January 2014: current students must complete all five GED® subject tests as needed by December 2013, or must start all over January 2014.

• Southwestern Community College offers "Employability" labs 8 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesday, room 104, Oaks Hall, Southwestern Community College, Jackson Campus; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, room 104, SCC Macon Annex; 8 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays, SCC Swain Center; and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Cherokee Vocational Center, Cherokee.

• One-on-One Computer Support Program available at the Jackson County Public Library. Individual appointments are set up by the Adult Services Department, 586.2016 for more information.

• Spanish Club Round Table Discussions, noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, gazebo at the Macon Campus of Southwestern Community College.

• 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 the Macon Annex Campus. 339.4272 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Entrepreneur Skills Network business skills meetings, 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday in the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building, Sylva. Experienced and startup entrepreneurs are welcome. 586.5466 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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 to 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 to 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 and Self-paced English Study from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday.

Career Coaches are available for individual help from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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

• Relay for Life of Franklin is selling Luminarias during May, buy one, get one free, in honor of mothers or someone else.  $10 buys two.  Kerri Nye, luminary chairperson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique training 10 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 18, Haywood County Library auditorium, Waynesville. Taught by Vicki O'Connor, master EFT practitioner and trainer, 768.4252, www.destinationstressfree.com.

• Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care  Service of Celebration and Remembrance, 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, Lake Junaluska Memorial Chapel.   Participatory celebration with music, singing, candle lighting, naming of those who have died, and the lighting and release of sky and water lanterns.

• Last Relay for Life of Franklin's Team Captain's meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday May 21, The Factory, 441 South. Tammy Dills, 371.1868.

• Spring rabies clinics, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, Jonathan Valley School and Old Fines Creek School; Tuesday, May 21, Canton Middle School bus parking lot; Wednesday, May 22, Hazelwood Elementary School; Thursday, May 23, Riverbend Elementary School; and Friday, May 24, Bethel Middle School. $9 per vaccine. Haywood County Animal Services, 456.5338 or the county Environmental Health Department, 452.6682. www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/rabies/ or www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/.

• Memorial Day Ceremony, 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, Historic Courthouse, Waynesville. Haywood County Veterans Office, 452.6634.

• Tickets on sale for The Mountain Challenge, a charity exhibition match between retired professional tennis players Andy Roddick and Jim Courier, Saturday, July 27, Cedar Creek Racquet Club, Cashiers. Includes a Mountain Dinner Gala and a Saturday morning VIP breakfast with Roddick and Courier. Reserved seat tickets $100. Details at Cashiers.com.

• Sarge’s Foster Pet Adoption, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25, PetSmart, 321 Town Center Loop, Waynesville. Photos of pets available for adoption can be seen at www.sargeandfriends.org. 246.9050.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25, Waynesville Industrial Park, off Old Asheville Highway. Pet photos available online at www.sargeandfriends.org or www.petfinder.com or 246.9050.

• P.A.W.S. Adoption Days first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn at Charleston Station, Bryson City.

• Angel Medical Center Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop needs volunteers for six-hour shifts.  The Thrift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Jennifer Hollifield, director of volunteer services, 349.6688.

• The Haywood Volunteer Center has many openings for volunteers. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: If you are over 55 years of age, you can receive a limited amount of mileage coverage and supplementary insurance while you are volunteering. 356.2833. www.hjvc.org.

• The Haywood County Meals on Wheels program is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to Haywood County residents who cannot fix meals for themselves.  Drivers are needed in the following areas: Route #9 – Beaverdam – Fridays; Route #10 – Bethel – Mondays and Tuesdays; Route #11 – Jonathan Creek – Fridays; and Route #13 – Maggie Valley – Tuesdays. Jeanne Naber, 356.2442 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Community Care Clinic of Franklin needs volunteers for a variety of tasks including nursing/clinical, clerical and administrative and communications and marketing. The clinic will provide volunteer orientation and training for all individuals. 349.2085. 

• Catman2 Shelter needs volunteers for morning feeding and general shelter chores, especially from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 293.0892 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• The Volunteer Water Inventory Network (VWIN) is looking for people to work one to two hours every second weekend of the month at Hyatt Creek, Raccoon Creek and Jonathan Creek. Supplies provided. Volunteers pick up empty bottles, collect water samples, and return full bottles. 926.1308 or haywoodwaterways.org. Early evenings are the best time to call.

• Agencies throughout Haywood County seek volunteers for many different jobs, including helping with Haywood Christian Ministries, REACH hotline and thrift shop, the Elk Bugle Corps for the National Park and many more. 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. 526.4949,  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 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. 456.3923.

• Haywood Volunteer Center needs respite work, domestic violence hotline volunteers, meal delivery drivers, mediators, craft instruction, house building, foster grandparenting and office work. 356.2833 

 

Blood Drives

Jackson

• MedWest Harris Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 68 Hospital Drive, Sylva. Melissa Southers, 586.7130. 

• Southwestern Community College Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23, Burrell Building, 447 College Drive, Sylva. Amanda Pressley, 339.4305.

• Landmark Realty Group Blood Drive, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 49 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers. Alan Rhew, 743.0510.

Haywood

• North Hominy Community Center Blood Drive, 2 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2670 Newfound Road, Canton. Janice Liner, 648.3220.

• Senior Resource Center Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. Suzanne Hendrix, 356.2816.

Macon

• Mountain View Intermediate School Blood Drive, 2 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, 161 Clarks Chapel Road, Franklin. Sandy Keener, 349.1325.

• Franklin Community Blood Drive, 12:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 23, First United Methodist Church-Franklin, 69 Lotla St., Franklin. 369.9559.

• Junaluskee Lodge #145 Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 24, Church St., Franklin. Scott Montieth, 421.3026.

  

 Health Matters

• Free information booth regarding speech/language/swallowing issues and services 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 16, MedWest Harris West Entrance.  Refreshments will be served.  Free 15 minute screenings for speech/language/swallowing concerns will be offered with prior appointments made by calling 586.7235.  

• Live and Learn Committee of Lake Junaluska, 2 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Bethea Welcome Center, Lake Junaluska. Featured speaker, Craig Summers, volunteering and marketing specialist at MedWest Haywood Hospice. 452.7802.

• When Sugar Met Salt, Balance the Salt You Eat & Help Steady Blood Sugar Too!, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Macon County Health Department, 1830 Lakeside Drive, Franklin. Register by Tuesday, May 14, by calling 349.2425.

• Free hearing screening, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 17, Haywood Community Connections. Suzanne Hendrix, 452.2370 or Kim Reed, hard of hearing services specialist, 665.8733 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Free Stroke Screening, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, May 20, Jackson County Department On Aging, 100 County Services Park, Sylva. Register by calling 213.9961.

• Health Screening, 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, Jane Woodruff Clinic. Must register by calling 526.1435 or by visiting the Hospital's website at www.highlandscashiershospital.org.

• Ladies Night Out program, Osteoporosis, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, Angel Medical Center cafeteria, Franklin.  Guest speaker, Dr. Ladson Gaddy-Dubac, Angel OB/GYN. Dawn Wilde Burgess, 349.2426.

• Adult Neurogenic Communication Group, 1:20 to 2:30 p.m., the second Monday of each month, upstairs classrooms MedWest-Haywood Health and Fitness Center, Clyde. Leigh Odom, Ph.D. CCC-SLP department of communication sciences & disorders, Western Carolina University, 227.3834, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Ladies Night Out, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month in the cafeteria at Angel Medical Center.  349.2426.

• Free dental clinic for low-income patients, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment at 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, 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, provides free care to uninsured patients who meet financial need requirements and live or work in Highlands and Cashiers. $10 donation suggested. The clinic is in the Macon County Recreation and Health Building off Buck Creek Road. 526.1991. 

• HealthTracks, the wellness and healthy lifestyle program at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, offers a toning class from 3 to 4 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on the lower level of the Jane Woodruff Medical Building at the rear of the hospital campus. $8 per session. 526.1348 or www.hchospital.org.

• Heart Healthy Exercise Group meets at 8:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Highlands Civic Center. $15 per month. 526.3556.  

• 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. 586.7734.

• Teen Prepared Childbirth Classes are offered at Angel Medical Center. 369.4421.

 

Recreation & Fitness

•  Registration for Haywood County Recreation & Parks Adult  Summer Soccer Leagues through May 17, Haywood County Recreation & Parks office, 1233 N. Main St. (Annex II Building), Waynesville.  All players must be 18 years old or older.  452.6789 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  www.haywoodnc.net.

• Hoop Fitness, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Family Resource Center, Webster. Hoops provided; all ages welcome. 586.2845 to register. $3 children, $5 adults. www.hooping.org.

• Hula Hoop class for children and adults, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Jackson County Family Resource Center, $3 kids, $5 adults. 586.2845 to register.

• Tennis lessons, Bunnie Allare, Recreation Park in Waynesville. For rates, program information or to sign up for lessons go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , text 513.608.9621, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 456.2030.

• The Walk with Ease beginning exercise program, 2 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday for six weeks at the MedWest Health & Fitness Center on the MedWest-Haywood campus in Clyde. Walk with Ease is for people with and without arthritis who would like to begin a regular walking routine. For people who can be on their feet for 10 minutes without pain. Reservations required; $20 per person. 452.8089.

• The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department offers walking program for those with arthritis from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free to members. 456.2030 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Aikido Class will be offered from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the White Dragon Academy, 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 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Children participate from 4 to 5:30 p.m., adults 5:30 to 7 p.m. Open to boys and girls of all ages. Sensei Jimmy Riggs, 506.0327 or the Waynesville Recreation Center at 456.2030.

• Cardio Dance Fusion, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays,  Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free to members or daily admission for nonmembers. 456.2030 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• The Smoky Mountain Roller Girls, Bryson City’s Roller derby team, practices from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays at the Swain County Recreation Center on West Deep Creek Road. Open to women 18 and older. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

• The Creative Thought Center will offer meditation classes every other Saturday at 449D Pigeon St., Waynesville. 648.8816.

• E-Z Stretching and Chair Exercise classes, 2 to 3:15 p.m. Tuesdays at the Waynesville Towers, 65 Church St., Waynesville. 456.3952.

• The Waynesville Kodokan Judo Club will host Judo classes from 4 to 7 p.m. 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. Ages 4 and up. Jimmy Riggs, 506.0327.

• Exercise and Movement for Middle Eastern Dance is held Thursdays at 9 a.m. at the Creative Thought Center, Waynesville. $40/monthly or $12/class. 926.3544. 

• AccessDance WNC, a mobile dance instruction company committed to making dance and exercise accessible to underserved communities, offers instruction in numerous settings. 276.6458.

• Qi Gong/Yoga/Pilates classes are from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at The Creative Thought Center of Waynesville. Love offering. 456.9697 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Waynesville disc golf club. GLOW Singles play at 6 p.m. Mondays at the Waynesville Recreation Park. Random draw doubles at 10 a.m. 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 

• Creation Calls Concert, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, Cashiers United Methodist Church, featuring Christian praise and worship music and world class nature photography. Pastor Randy Harry of Cashiers United Methodist Church will provide scriptures and inspirational comments.  John Edwards, 743.9648.          

• Fashion Show and Luncheon to benefit United Christian Ministries of Jackson County, noon Saturday, May 25, Sylva First Methodist Church. Tickets are $14 and are available at Krismart.

• Stone Soup Gathering, 5 p.m. Sundays, Fellowship Hall, Bryson City United Methodist Church. Free.

• Join Moms in Prayer at 9 a.m. Friday mornings at 160 Main St., in the Community Room at Blue Mountain Studios in Bryson City to pray for children and their schools. Open to all moms who have a burden for their children and schools.  736.0857.

• 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• The Sylvan Hearth Pagan Temple welcomes fellow pagans who are seeking community to join in celebrating the Sabbats. 331.8688 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

• A prayer shawl ministry meets at 6 p.m. every other Friday at High Street Baptist Church, 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. 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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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 p.m. and Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Center. Love offering. 456.9697 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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. 226.4526.

• 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. Discussions begin at 6:30 p.m. 524.6777 

 

Senior Activities

• Haywood County Senior Games, through May 21, throughout Haywood County. Ice Cream Social, May 15, and dinner at the Closing Ceremony, May 21. Haywood County Recreation & Parks office, 452.6789 or visit www.haywoodnc.net.

• Covered dish luncheon for seniors noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Waynesville Recreation Center. Free to members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or $5 per person for non-members. Tim Petrea, 456.2030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

• Free hearing screening, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Friday, May 17, Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. Register at 452.2370

• Parkinson/MS monthly meeting, Wednesday, May 22, Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. 452.2370.

• Seniors trip to the Andrew Johnson House and Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant, Friday, May 24, Greeneville, Tn. Leave Waynesville Recreation Center at 8 a.m.; return by 5 p.m. Johnson was the 17th President of the United States. $20 per person for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center; $24 per person for non members. Price is for transportation only and does not include lunch. Bring lunch money.456.2030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• Senior Phone Assurance program at the Senior Resource Center is for seniors and people 18 years old and older with disabilities who would like to receive a daily phone call. Free. Callers are volunteers who are part of the Senior Resource Center.  Phone Assurance works well for people who live alone. 452.2370.

• Senior Resource Center Brain Gym, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. Open to the public for games, computer/iPad, Wii, X-Box and Brain Bikes. People 50 years of age and older and teens 18 and older with disabilities can participate in cardio workouts, rug hooking and much more. 452.2370.

• Laughter Yoga Club, 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. Suzanne Hendrix, certified Laughter yoga leader. Wear comfortable clothing. 452.2370.

• Clip and Save Coupon Club, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Senior Resource Center, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville.

• Senior and Fit, a 12-week program, 11 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. 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; www.nc211.org or www.haywoodconnections.org. 452.2370.

 

 Kids & Families

• Free pre-participation sports physicals for Haywood County student athletes, Thursday, May 30, MedWest Health & Fitness Center, MedWest-Haywood. Times: 5:45 p.m. Canton and Bethel Middle School students; 6:30 p.m. Pisgah High School students; 7:15 p.m. Waynesville Middle School and Haywood Christian Academy, and 8 p.m. Tuscola High School students. MedWest Sports Medicine Hotline, 452.8077.

• Free homework help 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, children’s area, Waynesville library. Tutors available. No appointment necessary.

• HomeSchool/Afterschool Creativity Classes (for children ages six to 12): 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Claymates, 460 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 256.9595; Thursdays, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro, 631.3133. $10 per child if pre-paid.  www.claymatespottery.com/.

• New Kindermusik Baby Classes called Cock-a-Doodle Moo for children newborn to 18 months, weekly in Cullowhee, Waynesville and Cashiers. Day and evening times available. 293.5600 or www.themusicvillage-nc.com.

• Claymates Pottery will host kids' night from 6 to 8 p.m. the first Friday of every month. Create art, eat pizza and play games. 631.3133.

• The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department offers after school opportunities for kids from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Free to members or $12 per student per week for nonmembers. Registration required. 456.2030 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• The Macon County Public Library will host family story times 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 to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. 524.3600.

• Love and Logic is a seven-week class 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. Amber Clayton, program coordinator, 586.2845 ext. 25.

• Young Warrior Jiu Jitsu Classes, 5 to 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• Avril Bowens presents perfect pushing class for moms-to-be. 342.8128 or www.healyourdiastasis.com

Day Camps

• Elementary School Summer Day Camp, ages 6 to 12, Cullowhee United Methodist, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 3 to Aug. 2. 293.9215 or visit http://www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp-2013/.

• Preschool Summer Day Camp Cullowhee United Methodist Church, ages 3 - not yet attended kindergarten, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 3 through Aug. 2. 293.9215 or visit http://www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp-2013/. 

• Summer Nature Day Camps at the Highlands Nature Center, Tuesday through Friday, June through August. 526.2623 or www.highlandsbiological.org. 

• Cullowhee Mountain Arts is offering five-day and two-day art camps for children, Around the World in a Week, June through July. Details at www.cullowheemountainarts.org/youth. 

• Summer Day Camp, Southwestern Child Development and Hazelwood Early Education and Preschool, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays, June 3 through Aug. 28. Ages 5 to 9. $500 per month. Subsidy accepted. 456.2458.

• North Carolina Arboretum’s 2013 Discovery Camp, pre-kindergarten through high school. Scholarships available. 665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. 

• Day Camps at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, 227.7108 or  www.wcu.edu/academics/edoutreach/conted/camps-and-programs-for-kids/index.as

• 22nd annual Crossfire Basketball Camp 1 to 4:30 p.m. July 1-5, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Details at 456.2030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• TetraBrazil Soccer Camp 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., July 8-12, Waynesville Recreation Center. Sign up by May 24 and receive a free jersey. Camp is for advance players only who play at the Academy, Challenge or Classic level. Details at 456.2030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• British Soccer Camp, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. July 22-26, Vance Street Park, Waynesville. Register by Friday, June 7 and receive a free soccer jersey. Details at www.challengersports.com or call 456.2030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Basketball Camp, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 15-18, Waynesville Recreation Center. Offered by Kevin Cantwell, current head coach at Carolina Day School and former assistant coach at Georgia Tech. $135 per camper. Each camper responsible for bringing his or her own lunch and snack. Checks payable to Kevin Cantwell. 770.490.6580 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Arts

• Kids can make their own piece of art from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday during the Family Art at the Jackson County Farmers Market at the Community Table, downtown Sylva. 631.3033 or jacksoncountyfarmermarket.com.

• Suzuki Flute at The Music Village is accepting new students ages 4 to adult. Beginning through advanced students are welcome.  293.5600 or  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. 349.4607 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Kids Creation Stations, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, The Bascom in Highland.  Ages 5 to 9, $5 per class. 787.2897.

• After School Art Adventure, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, The Bascom in Highland.  Ages 5 to 9, $5 per class. Follows Macon public school schedule. 787.2897.

• After School Advanced Art Adventure, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, The Bascom in Highland.  Middle and high school age students. $5 per class. Follows Macon public school schedule. 787.2897.

• Kid’s sewing/needlecraft class 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Studio 598, 598 W. Main St., Sylva. 587.7899.

Science & Nature

• Self-guided tours of American Chestnuts, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Cataloochee Guest Ranch. $15, includes tour with lunch afterward. Reservations, 926.1401.

• SciGirls Passion for Pixels, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute campus, Pisgah National Forest.  Monthly SciGirls programs are co-hosted by PARI and Transylvania County 4-H, and affiliated with the national effort to engage girls in science sponsored by Twin Cities Public Television. $10 per student. Details at www.pari.edu.  Register at www.pari.edu/programs/students/scigirls. http://pbskids.org/scigirls.

• Great Smoky Mountains National star gazing event, 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 31, Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob. Led by the Astronomy Club of Asheville. Wear warm clothes. Rain or shine. Reservations required. Call 926.6251 or reservations and directions. GPS or an internet map service not recommended to find Purchase Knob.

• Nature Center Summer Day Camps at the Highlands Nature Center.  Filling up fast. Find complete schedules, costs, and other information, at www.highlandsbiological.org or call 526.2623.

Literary (children)

• Children's Story time - Rotary Readers, 11 a.m. Monday, May 20, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Rompin’ Stompin’ music and movement story time, 10 a.m. Thursdays, Canton branch of the Haywood County Public Library. 648.2924.

• Book Babies, story time for children four years old and younger, 10:30 a.m., Mondays, Blue Ridge Books, Waynesville. 

• A Book Trade/Exchange, 2 to 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• A Haywood county non-fiction book club meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at various locations. 456.8428 

• 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. Includes 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, 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Canton Public Library and at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, 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. 452.5169.

• 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. 452.5169.

• 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 Story time (ages 3-5) is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. 

• 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.

Food & Drink

• Second annual Dogs and Suds fundraiser for Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Frog Level Brewing Company, 56 Commerce St., Frog Level, Waynesville. Music provided by the Celtic Knot Band.

• Collective Spirits Premier Wine & Food Event, May 16-18, The Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands.

Details at www.collectivespirits.com or 787.2896. Claire Cameron, events manager, 787.2882 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Taste of Home Cooking School, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin.  Tickets, $12. GreatMountainMusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

• Free tea tasting, 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville, 456.6000.

• Gathering Table, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, at The Community Center, route 64, Cashiers. Provides fresh, nutritious dinners to all members of the community regardless of ability to pay. Volunteers always needed and donations gratefully accepted. 743.9880.

 

ECA Events

• Extension and Community Association (ECA) groups meet throughout the county at various locations and times each month. NC Cooperative Extension Office, 586.4009.  New members welcome any time. 

• 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 16 – ECA Craft Club Workshop:  Pine Needle Pendant, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva. Call Extension Office, 586.4009, to sign up. 

• 1 p.m. Monday, May 20 – VA Projects, Sew Easy Girls ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 – Paper Craft, Cane Creek ECA. Call Extension Office, 586.4009, for location.

 

 Political Group Events & Local Government

Dems

• Beginning June 6, the Haywood County Democratic Executive Committee will meet at 5 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Democratic Headquarters, 286 Haywood Square, Waynesville.  452.9607 or www.haywooddemocrats.org.

• Haywood County Democratic Party headquarters, 286 Haywood Square, Waynesville, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 452.9607 or visit haywooddemocrats.org.   

• The Jackson County Democratic Party meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Democratic Headquarters, 500 Mill St., Sylva.  Brian McMahan, 508.1466.

• Jackson County Democratic Party executive committee members meet at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Democratic Headquarters, 500 Mill St., Sylva. 631.1475 or jacksondems.com.

• Jackson County Democratic Women meet at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at Democratic Headquarters 500 Mill St., Sylva. 631.1475 or jacksondems.com. 

GOP

• Special meeting of the Haywood County Republican Party Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m.  Tuesday, May 21, 303 N. Haywood St., Waynesville.  Final selection of candidates for the County Board of Elections will be made.  May 23 meeting cancelled.  Pat Carr, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• The North Jackson County GOP monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m., the fourth Monday of each month, at the Sylva headquarters, 58 D Sunrise Park, Sylva. Ralph Slaughter, Jackson County GOP Chair at 743.6491 or www.jacksoncountygop.com.

• The South Jackson County GOP monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the GOP headquarters office at Laurel Terrace on N.C. 64 east in Cashiers. Ralph Slaughter, Jackson County GOP Chair at 743.6491 or www.jacksoncountygop.com.

• The Haywood Republicans meet at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the GOP headquarters, 303 N. Haywood St., Waynesville. 246.7921. www.haywoodncgop.org.

• The Haywood Republicans meet at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at GOP headquarters, 303 N. Haywood St., Waynesville. 246.7921. www.haywoodncgop.org.

Others

• Occupy/WNC General Assembly meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday in room 220 of the Jackson County Administration and Justice Center in Sylva. 538.1644.

• A TEA Party group meets at 2 p.m. the third Saturday of each month 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. Lunch available by reservation. Open to all. $6 for food. 524.5192.

 

Government Service Boards & Commissions

Haywood

• Canton Aldermen — 5:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Town Hall. 648.2363.

• Clyde Aldermen — 6:30 p.m. first Tuesday of each month. Town Hall. 627.2566.

• Haywood County Commissioners — 9 a.m. first Monday of the month and at 5:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month. County courthouse. 452.6625.

• Maggie Valley Aldermen — 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month. Town Hall. 926.0866.

• Waynesville Aldermen — 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Town Hall. 456.3515.

• Haywood County school board meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Education Center in Clyde.  

• The Haywood County Economic Development Commission meets at 4 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Employment Security Commission. 

• The Haywood County Tourism Authority meets at 3:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month in the historic courthouse. 

• Waynesville ABC Commission — 10 a.m. second Tuesday of each month. ABC Board Office at 373 Walnut Street. 452.2491.

• Waynesville Board of Adjustment — 5:30 p.m. first Tuesday of each month. 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 —2 p.m.  first Wednesday of each month, Town Hall. 452.2491.

• Waynesville Planning Board — 5:30 p.m. third Monday of each month, Town Hall. 452.2491.

• Waynesville Public Art Commission — 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of each month, 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 — 5:30 p.m. first Wednesday of each month 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 Commissioners — 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. 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 

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 is looking for seniors who want to play chess. The club meets from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Waynesville meetings, 648.5739.  Sylva meetings, 586.9815.

• 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. 

• Blue Ridge Mountain Quilters meets from 6 to 9 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month at 34 Church St. in Canton. All skill levels welcome. 713.0207.

• American Legion Varner-Rhinehart Post No. 61 meets at 8:30 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at the Legion Building on Short Street in Canton. 

• 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. 627.8008.

• Duplicate Bridge Club meets at 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Old Armory Recreation Center. 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. All interested parties, licensed hams or not, are invited to attend. 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. 627.2558  

• Haywood County Newcomers Club meets at 11 a.m. every third Tuesday. 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 p.m. at Laurel Ridge Country Club. 648.7300.

• Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at the GatewayClub, 37 Church St., Waynesville. 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-December at Antique Antics, 1497 S. Main St., Waynesville. 452.6225 or 627.3977 

• 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. 648.1133.

Jackson

• Sylva chapter of the Smoky Mountain Chess Club meets at 1 p.m. at the Jackson County Senior Center on Tuesdays. Free. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• 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  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• 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. 107.

• Sylva Rotary Club meets at noon Thursdays at the Department on Aging, 10 County Service Park. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 508.1602.

• Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, a non-profit heritage organization, meets every month in its members’ homes. 631.4587. 

• Community Response for Energy Action and Transition Education (CREATE) meets at 6 p.m. at The Underground in Sylva every second and fourth 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. 293.9826 or 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, TWSA office on Main Street in Sylva. 

• WNC Civil War Round Table meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Justice Center in Sylva on the second floor. 452.2298.

Macon

• The Franklin Lion’s meet twice monthly on the second and fourth Monday in the dining room of Angel Medical Center.  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. 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 W. Palmer St., 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 p.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 Road, 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 at noon every Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street.

• 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.

• Gem City Forum Toastmasters Club # 296 meets at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in The Depot Room at The Factory 349.8888. 421.4744 or www.gemcityforum.org.

• 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 tied to the American Revolution is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Kenton W. David at 526.3374 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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 club president Tom Hagan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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

Haywood

• Essential tremor support group, 1 p.m. Saturday, M ay 18, Alliance Bible Church 501 North River Road, Sylva. Hosted by the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF). The group serves individuals in Jackson, Macon, Swain and Haywood counties. RSVP to Ted Kubit, 631.5543 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Men’s Only Grief Support Group, 9 to 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month, First Presbyterian Church, 305 Main St., Waynesville. John Woods, facilitator. 551.2095 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Grief and Beyond, a grief support group, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, room 210, Long’s Chapel UMC, Waynesville. Facilitated by Jan Peterson, M.S. 550.3638 or Long’s Chapel UMC, 456.3993, ext. 17, Tim McConnell.

•  Haywood County Aphasia Support Group, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., second Monday of each month in the Haywood Regional Medical Center Fitness Center classrooms. 227.3834.

• Haywood County offers an HIV/AIDS Support Group, 4 p.m., first Tuesday of each month at the Health Department. Anonymity and confidentiality are strongly enforced. 476.0103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• AA meetings, 7 p.m., Saturdays, Maggie Valley United Methodist Church, 4192 Soco Road. 926.8036.

• Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of alcoholics, 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Grace Episcopal Church, 394 N. Haywood St. Use Miller St. entrance. 926.8721.

• Alzheimer’s Association, 4:30 p.m., fourth Tuesday of each month, First United Methodist Church, Waynesville and 2:30 p.m., third Thursday of each month, Silver Bluff Care Center in Canton. 254.7363.

• Celebrate Recovery, 6 p.m. every Thursday, Long’s Chapel UMC, Waynesville. A Christ-centered 12-step recovery ministry open to all adults with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Childcare available. 456.3993, ext. 32.

• Diabetes Support Group, second floor classroom, MedWest Health & Fitness Center, 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. 452.8092

• Grandchildren/Grandparents Rights of N.C., 7 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Canton Library. 648.5205.

• HOPEful Living: Women’s Cancer Support Group, third Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Haywood Regional Medical Center, Fitness Center, Health Educ. Room, Waynesville. 627.9666 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 627.0227.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter, 7 p.m., third Thursday of each month, Asbury Sunday School Room, First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.  400.1041.

• Recovery from Food Addiction, a 12-step recovery program for individuals suffering from food addiction, 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Friendship House, Academy St. beside Waynesville’s First United Methodist Church, 400.7239.

• Single Parents Networking Group, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, First United Methodist Church, 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, free, dinner and child care provided in fun, informal setting. 456.8995 ext. 201.

• WNC Grief Support Group is for families who have lost a child. 7 p.m., third Thursday of each month, Clyde Town Hall. 565.0122 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• WNC Lupus Support Group 7 p.m., first Tuesday of each month, Home Trust Bank in Clyde. 421.8428 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson

• MedWest-Harris WNC Breast Cancer Support Group, 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, Harris Medical Park conference room, 98 Doctors Dr., Sylva. Mary E. Mahon, RN, 631.8100.

• Harris Monthly Grief Support Group, 3 to 4 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month, Chaplain’s Conference Room, MedWest-Harris, Sylva. 586.7979.

• Al-Anon Family Group meets every Monday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sylva Methodist Church. A support group for family and friends whose lives are affected by someone else’s drinking.

• Breastfeeding support group, 9:30 to 11 a.m., first Monday of each month at the First United Methodist Church (park in back and use rear entrance) Sylva. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 506.1186.

• Men’s discussion circle, 7 p.m. Mondays, 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. $5. Chuck Willhide, 586.2892 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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. 7 p.m., first Thursday of the month, Grace Community Church. 743.3158.

• Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous, 7 p.m., Mondays, Harris Regional Hospital in the small dining room, Sylva. 226.8324.

• Jackson County Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m., Mondays, Sylva First Presbyterian Church, Grindstaff Cove Road. 

• 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, 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 meets 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. and 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. 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 Road 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 fourth Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the back room. 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.

 

 Arts & Entertainment

• Granny’s Box Stories with Lara Chew, noon Saturday, May 18, Rickman Store, Cowee-West Mill Historic District, northern Macon County. Music Jam afterwards. 369.5595 or visit Friends of the Rickman Store in Facebook.

• The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians, 7:30 p.m. May 21-23, downtown Bryson City. 488.5705, www.psalmsofthesouth.com.

• Great Decisions 2013 Edition Discussion Group, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through May 23, auditorium Haywood County Public Library, Waynesville. $20, cost of Great Decisions, 2013 Edition. Leader, David E. McCracken, National Associate with the FPA. 550.5980 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.fpa.org.

• Jan Wyatt Symposium, The Cherokee: Ancient Trails, Talking Leaves, Broken Treaties, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23, High Hampton Inn.  Presenters include Tom Belt, Robert Conley, Eddie Swimmer, Ben Steere, Anna Fariello, and Davy Arch.  $50 dollar per person, includes luncheon of traditional Cherokee recipes served outdoors on the grounds of High Hampton Inn.  Reservations, 743.7710.

• Hunger Games Fan Tours - Walking Tours June 8, July 6, Aug.17, & Aug. 31, DuPont State Forest (between Hendersonville and Brevard). $59 per person. www.hungergamesfantours.com.

 

Literary (adults)

• Registration now open for the 2013 Squire Summer Writing Residency, July 11–14, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Poetry with Kathryn Stripling Byer, fiction with Elizabeth Lutyens, and creative nonfiction with Catherine Reid. Admission limited to the first 50 registrants who sign up for one of three three-day workshops. www.ncwriters.org.

• WNC resident and author Dershie McDevitt will read from her mystery novel, Just Holler Bloody Murder, at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. 586.9499.

• Author Ann Melton will read from her book, I Will Lift Up My Eyes, at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. 586.9499.  

• Authors Fair, featuring local authors and illustrators, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, Canton Library. Lisa Hartzell, 648.2924 or 452.5169. 

 

Festivals, Special & Seasonal Events 

• Cherokee bonfire and story tellers, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights beginning May 17, and Thursdays through Saturdays, beginning June 6, through Aug. 31. Oconaluftee Island Park adjacent to the Island Indian Market (across (Tsali Blvd/441) road from KFC. 800.438.1601 or 554.6490 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 • Strawberry Festival, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Cherokee. Free admission. Featuring strawberry pancakes and strawberry shortcake.

• Craft Fair to fund renovations of the Pisgah High School Cafeteria, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 25, Pisgah Cafeteria, 1 Black Bear Drive, Canton. Rachael Lauziere, 648.2709.

• Blues, Brew and BBQ Festival, rain or shine, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25, the village green, Cashiers. Family-friendly event featuring Mac Arnold and Plate Full O' Blues. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Pre-festival poker run to benefit Wounded Warrior Project starts at 10:30 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m.  VisitCashiersValley.com or call 704.458.7686.

• The Haywood Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for artists and crafters – as well as craft demonstrators – for the 25th annual Haywood County Apple Harvest Festival, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct.19 on Historic Main Street downtown Waynesville. Deadline for applications is August 30. Booth space assignments for the festival will be announced after October 4.  Applications available at HaywoodAppleFest.com or by calling 456.3021.

 

On Stage & In Concert 

• Liars Bench, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Mountain Heritage Center, Western Carolina University, featuring guest performer, storyteller Marilyn McMinn McCredie and Gary Carden’s popular “Appalachian Bestiary” series. No admission charge, but the hat is passed at each performance to provide a token payment for the performers. 227.7129.

• Senior Follies, 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. Tickets, $5. GreatMountainMusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

• The Lottery, directed by Richard Fish, 6:15 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. performance, May 17-18, The Vine of the Mountains Church, Frog Level, Waynesville.  Featuring home schooled students from Deep/Young Academy. Tickets for dinner and show are $25, adults, $10, students and can be purchased via PayPal at www.deepyoung.com or by calling Clint Matthews at 400.5674. 

• Smoky Mountain High School Musical, 7:30 p.m. May 17-19, WCU Bardo Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. 586.2177.

• Highlands Playhouse Lock-up, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Community leaders will be “arrested” for having a big heart. Proceeds go to Playhouse. 526.2695, www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

• Songwriters in the Round, 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 18, Balsam Mountain Inn. $45. 800.224.9498

• Thea & The GreenMan, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18, Swain County Center for the Arts, Bryson City. http://www.theaandthegreenman.com.

• Haywood County Arts Council’s Sunday Concert Series presents Pyramid Brass, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, Haywood County Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave., Canton. Free. www.haywoodarts.org for more information.

• Love, Loss and What I Wore, by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, May 23-26, May 30-June 2, Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut St., Highlands. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Directed by Ronnie Spilton. Tickets, $20. 526.8084.

• Aaron Lewis, Friday, May 24, Harrah's Cherokee.  www.aaronlewismusic.com. 

• Perfect Wedding, 7:30 p.m. May 24-27, 31, and June 1-2, Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. 488.8227 or visit smctheatre.com.

• Ring Of Fire, Celebrating the music of Johnny Cash, 7:30 p.m. May 24-25, 31, and June 1, 7-8, 14-15; 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25, June 2, 9 and 16, HART Theater, Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Tickets, $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $12 for students/teachers. Special $6 discount tickets for students and teachers for Thursday and Sunday performances. 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.com.

• Grace Noon Concert Series, noon, third Thursdays of the month through June 20, Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 Haywood St., downtown Waynesville. Featuring the Signature Winds. 456.6029.

• Season tickets on sale for An Appalachian Evening Concert Series at historic Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.  Performances for the 2013 season will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 29 through Aug. 31. General seating $120 adults, $40 students (K-12); season reserved seats are $50 rows A through E and $25 all others. www.StecoahValleyCenter.com or call 479.3364.

• The hour-long radio show Stories of Mountain Folk airs at 9 a.m. every Saturday on its home station, WRGC Jackson County Radio, 540 AM on the dial, broadcasting out of Sylva. Stories of Mountain Folk is an ongoing all-sound oral history program produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA), a western North Carolina not-for-profit, for local radio and online distribution.  

 

Art/Gallery Events & Openings

• Photographer Barbara Sammons’ Dusty Roads and More, a  collection of 18 photographs of old cars and tractors, wildlife and scenography, through July 31, Canton Branch Library, 11 Pennsylvania Avenue, Canton. Barbara Sammons, 707.4420.  www.barbarasammons.com.

• Family craft workshops, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Free. Space limited. Correlates with Under the Sea exhibition, a series of underwater photographs by Dr. John Highsmith.  Haywood County Arts Council, 452.0593. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Norma Bradley (fiber) and Rebecca Kempson (mixed media), May 11 through June 30, Folk Art Center Focus Gallery, milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville. 298.7928, www.craftguild.org.

• Fifth annual Spring Cashiers Arts & Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 25-26, Cashiers Village Green.   

Spring juried event. Artisans interested in participating in this show email   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Cullowhee Artists’ Studio Tour, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, starting at Caney Fork General Store, highway 107 between Sylva and Cashiers. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• HomeSchool/Afterschool Creativity Classes, (for children ages six to 12): 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Claymates, 460 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 256.9595; Thursdays, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro, 631.3133. $10 per child if pre-paid.  www.claymatespottery.com/

• Regional fine artists are invited to show and demonstrate their art form at ColorFest, Art & Taste of Appalachia in fall 2013. The selected artists’ artwork will be displayed in Dillsboro from Sept. 5 until the culminating art festival on Oct. 5 and on colorfestartblog.com. Applications available at  spiritofappalachia.org or 293.2239 for more information.

 

Classes, Programs & Demonstrations

• Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild meeting and Quilting Flea Market, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, Tartan Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church St., Franklin. Public welcome.

• Western North Carolina Carvers monthly meeting, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 26, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville. Bruce Dalzell, 665.8273.

• Dogwood Crafters Class, embossed floral birthday card, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, Dogwood Crafters, 90 Webster St., Dillsboro. $5. 586.2248 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Beginning Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom, 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays beginning May 21 through June 25, Haywood Community College Creative Arts Building. $105 plus supplies. To register, visit Student Services. www.haywood.edu, 565.4240.

• Quilt Art exhibition by the Shady Ladies, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 2, Lake Logan Episcopal Center in southern Haywood County. $5 admission charge will be donated to Lake Logan’s Summer Camp Program.  Purchase chances to win a quilt, Dresden Plate Special, with all proceeds going to Haywood County charities. Jane Cole, 456.8885. For directions, www.lakelogan.org.  

• Southwestern Community College is offering several pottery classes this summer at the Swain Center, 60 Almond School Road, Bryson City. For a complete schedule, visit www.southwesterncc.edu/finearts or call 366.2000.

• Rug Hooking Group, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jackson County Public Library. Beginners welcome.  631.2561.

• Taking Control of your Digital Photography – From Camera to Computer, by Ed Kelley, for Intermediate & Advanced Students, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays. www.iamclasses.webs.com or contact Char at 456.9197 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Children's Art Classes, by Scottie Harris, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays. www.iamclasses.webs.com or contact Char at 456.9197 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Drawing Lessons for Adults, by Char Avrunin, 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays. www.iamclasses.webs.com or contact Char at 456.9197 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Painting Lessons for Adults, by Char Avrunin, 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays. www.iamclasses.webs.com or contact Char at 456.9197 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Private Art Lessons by Char Avrunin, www.iamclasses.webs.com or contact Char at 456.9197 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Beginning knitting class 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and Saturday, May 25, Professional Arts and Crafts/Instructional Facility, Haywood Community College. $38 each class.  Register one week  before class  by visiting Student Services or visiting http://www.haywood.edu/continuing_education. 565.4240.

• Beginning crochet class 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 16 and Thursday, May 23, Professional Arts and Crafts/Instructional Facility, Haywood Community College. $38 each class.  Register one week before class  by visiting Student Services or visiting http://www.haywood.edu/continuing_education. 565.4240.

• Comic Stripped: A Revealing Look at Southern Stereotypes in Cartoons, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, through Tuesday, May 14, Mountain Heritage Center, Western Carolina University. 227.7129.

• Art classes with Dominick DePaolo, 10 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Old Armory Building, 44 Boundary St. in Waynesville and from 1 to 3 p.m. every Friday at Mountain Home Collection at 110 Miller St., Waynesville. Watercolor classes will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday and oil painting classes from 1 to 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.

• The Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild offers free Learn to Knit classes for 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 required. 246.0789.  

 

Film & Screen

• New movie, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, meeting room, Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, 524.3600. Rated PG for emotional thematic content throughout, and some scary action sequences and peril.

• Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016.

• Classic movie, 2 p.m. Friday, May 17, meeting room, Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin. Starring Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. 524.3600.

• Stop motion animation classic, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City, featuring a London high-society mouse named Roddy who gets flushed down the toilet by Sid, a common sewer rat. 488.3030.

• New movie in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. Rated R for language. 524.3600. mentalhealthamerica.net.

• Classic movie starring Debbie Reynolds, 2 p.m. Friday, May 24, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. 524.3600.

• Movies at Jackson County Library, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Free. 586.2016. 

• Movies at the Cashiers Library. The library shows movies on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3 p.m. The movies and popcorn are free, but donations are appreciated. For titles and times, visit www.fontanalib.org/cashiers.

• Family movie days at Marianna Black Library, Bryson City, are at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Classic movies are shown at 1 p.m. the second and fourth Friday. Other films also shown. Free movies and popcorn. 488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

• Movies at the Macon County Library. 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.

 

Dance

• Haywood Dancers monthly dance, 8 p.m. Friday May 17, Angie's Dance Academy, 115 Glance St, Clyde.  Admission is $10; free refreshments. Everyone invited. Ronnie, 734.8726.  

• Pisgah Promenaders Memorial Day square dance, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, May 25, Old Armory Recreation Center, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville.  586.8416 Jackson County, or 452.1971 Haywood County.

• Ballroom dance class, 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays through June 17, Breese Gym, Western Carolina University. $59 ($49 for WCU students, faculty and staff). Register at learn.wcu.edu and select the “conferences and community classes” tab or call Office of Continuing Education, 227.7397.

• Beginner clogging classes, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the NC Cooperative Extension, 60 Almond School Road, in Bryson City, in the SCC building.  No prior dance experience required.  488.3848 to register.

• Hip Hop Dance Class for grades K-12, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. 456.2030 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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 to 8 p.m. and 8 to 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 offer fall dance lessons co-sponsored by Waynesville Parks and Recreation, 7 p.m., Old Armory, Waynesville. 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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 734.2113.

• The Black Horse Dance Hall, 4027 Socco Road, Maggie Valley, has social dance class Thursdays, no partner needed; line dance class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, $5 cover charge;  line dance class, 7 to 8 p.m., open dancing, Saturdays. Doors open at 6 p.m. $5 cover. No alcohol. Wood dance floor. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text 734.1587 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 243.2626.

 

Arts Group Meetings

• Blue Ridge Mountain Quilt Guild, 6 to 9 p.m. fourth Thursday, January through October,  and third Thursday, November and December, 382 Champion Drive, Canton. Community group open to all skill levels and gender.  Must be a high school senior or above to join the group. First visit is free. $25 yearly membership fee.  Traci Hoglen, 316.1517 or visit us on Facebook at Blue Ridge Mtn. Quilt Guild

• The Tuesday Quilters meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on N.C. 107. Bring your machine and whatever quilt you are working on.

• 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. 227.2553 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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

Haywood County

• Music Jam every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Frog Level Brewery on Commerce St.in Waynesville.  First and third Thursday are mostly Celtic; second and fourth are mostly Old Time; fifth Thursday anything goes.  All acoustic instruments are welcome.  Newcomers welcome.  Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Live music on the patio from 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday at the Tiki House Seafood & Oyster Bar in Maggie Valley. Karaoke continues from 10 p.m. to close.  Saturdays feature live bands and a dance floor from 9:30 p.m. to close, and Dave plays saxophone on the patio Sunday afternoons.

Swain County

• Back Porch Old-Time Music, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bring an acoustic instrument and join in on this old-time jam.  

• Community music jam, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16, Marianna Black Library auditorium, downtown Bryson City.  488.3030.

• Community music jam from 6 to 7 p.m. each first and third Thursday of the month at the Bryson City library in downtown Bryson City. 488.3030.

• Music in the Mountains from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Saturday in downtown Bryson City. 

Jackson County

• Music Jam at 2 p.m. Saturdays at the historic Rickman General Store in Macon County, located in the Cowed Community on Cowed Creek Road just off N.C. 28. 369.5595.

 

Music Makers

• Golden Aires 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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• 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 to12:30 p.m. every Friday at the Tap Room at the Waynesville Inn. 800.627.6250.

• Men Macon Music, canella 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 meets 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 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin's Drum Circle meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month in the Sanctuary, 89 Sierra Drive, Franklin, 1.2 miles from Hardees off Lakeside Drive.  The Circle is led by Arthur Cataldo.  Bring your drum or use one of ours, 369.8658.

 

 Outdoors Outings & Fieldtrips

• Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, along the Greenway, led by Karen Lawrence. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area. 524.5234.

• Franklin Bird Club bird walk, 8 a.m. Friday, May 17, Queen Branch, off highway 28, seven miles north of Sanderstown Road. Led by naturalist Jack Johnston. 524.5234.

• Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, along the Greenway. Led by Paula Gorgoglione.  Meet at Salali Lane. Parking is off Fox Ridge Road. 524.5234.

• Nantahala Hiking Club four-mile easy hike, Friday, May 17, Little Tennessee River Greenway from Tassee Shelter to the Library Loop and back.  Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the Tassee Shelter on Ulco Dr. in Franklin with binoculars for bird-watching.  Kathy Ratcliff, 349.3380. No pets.

• Nantahala Hiking Club 13-mile strenuous hike, Sunday, May 18, to Mount LeConte, from Grotto Falls on the Trillium Gap Trail and descending via Rainbow Falls Trail.  Meet at 8 a.m. at Dillsboro Huddle House to carpool. Don O'Neal, 586.5723. No pets.

• Nantahala Hiking Club 2.5 – mile easy hike Sunday, May 19, Kimsey Creek Trail. Meet at 2 p.m. at Westgate Plaza, Franklin. Kay Coriell, 369.6820. No pets.

• Audubon Society bird walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, May 18, Lonesome Valley, Sapphire. Meet at 7:45 a.m. in  parking lot of new Cashiers Community Center to carpool. Michelle Styring, 743.9670 or visit www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org.   

• Chris Graves, 7 p.m. Monday, May 20, Hudson Library, Highlands. Graves, of Haywood Community College will discuss landscape-level research to improve habitat for birds in western North Carolina. Hosted by Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org.

• Highlands Plateau Audubon Society Tuesday outing, Tuesday, May 21, Southern Highlands Reserve atop Mount Toxaway. Reservations at must. Call Romney Bathurst, 526.1939, to sign up. $20 donation. 

• Highlands Plateau Audubon Society bird walk, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, Highlands. Led by Brock Hutchins, assisted by Michelle Styring and Pat Strickland. Meet at the parking lot behind Highlands Town Hall.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, 6.5-mile moderate hike, 9 a.m. Saturday, May 25, Little Cataloochee.  Meet at Waynesville Ingles. Keith Patton, 456.8895. No pets.

• Nantahala Hiking Club 2-mile moderate hike, 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25,  Whiteside Mountain Loop Trail. Meet at Bi-Lo in Franklin. Joyce Jacques, 410.852.7510. No pets.

• The local Audubon Society is offering weekly Saturday birding field trips. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Highlands Town Hall parking lot near the public restrooms, or at 8 a.m. behind Wendy’s if the walk is in Cashiers. Binoculars available.  www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 743.9670.

• The Gorges State Park is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining existing trails and campgrounds in the park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. 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.

 

Programs & Workshops

• Self-guided tours of American Chestnuts, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Cataloochee Guest Ranch. $15, includes tour with lunch afterward. Reservations, 926.1401.

• Introduction to Fly Fishing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. Bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders if you have them.  Limited to 6 participants.  Ages 12 and up. 877.4423.

• 2013 Southeastern Fly Fishing Festival, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17-18, Ramsey Center arena, Western Carolina University. Daily admission is $5 for individuals, $10 for families. SoutheastFFF.org.

• Bird watching for Beginners, 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 18, Balsam Community Center, Cabin Flats Road, Balsam. Open to anyone over the age of 10, family participation is encouraged. Larry Thompson, instructor. $20. Preregistration required at 452.5414 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Nature Nuts:  Snakes, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18 and Wednesday, May 22, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. Ages 4 to 7. Story time, crafts and a hike. 877.4423

• Eco Explorers:  Archery, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. Ages 8 to 13. Learn to use a bow and arrow safely. 877.4423.

• Festival Camping Basics, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, REI Asheville. Free. Registration required at http://www.rei.com/event/50749/session/70895.

• Bluebird Workshop, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19, Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited. 687.9433 

• Chris Graves, lead Fish and Wildlife Management instructor at Haywood Community College, will speak about bird conservation programs, at 7:30 p.m. (7 p.m. refreshments) Monday, May 20, at the Hudson Library in Highlands.  Presented by the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.  

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park South District Spring Interpretive Programs: 

• Mingus Mill Demonstration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, one-half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on US 441 (Newfound Gap Road), Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Mountain Farm Museum, dawn to dusk, daily, adjacent to Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

• Longing for the Good Old’ Days, 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 15. Join a ranger on this walk at the Mountain Farm Museum to learn what life was like on an Appalachian mountain farm. 

• Oconaluftee River Trail Treasures, 2 p.m. Fridays through May 15. Meet at the trail head adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Easy, one mile trail. Discover its treasures.

• Coffee with a Ranger, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, through May 15, porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Join a Ranger for a cup of coffee and find out what’s happening in the park. Coffee provided. Bring a cup if you have one. 45 minutes.

• Back Porch Old-Time Music, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Bring an acoustic instrument and join in or just sit back and enjoy traditional Appalachian music.

• Return of the Elk Ranger Program, 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, Rough Fork Trailhead in Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Close-Up Outdoor Photography, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. For advanced beginner, focuses on equipment and techniques. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a camera capable of manual control and extra camera batteries. Ages 14 and up. 877.4423.

• Cross Training for Outdoor Fitness, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 23, REI Nature Gym, Asheville. Free. Registration required, www.rei.com/event/48557/session/71489.

 • Fly Fishing Skills:  Wild Trout, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 24, Looking Glass Creek, Pisgah National Forest. Practice fly-fishing under the supervision and experienced eyes of our fly-fishing instructors. Equipment and materials provided. Bring non-slip wading shoes or waders. Ages 12 and up. 877.4423.

• Fly Fishing Skills:  On the Water, 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, May 28, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. Practice fly-fishing skills under the supervision and experienced eyes of our fly-fishing instructors. Bring non-slip wading shoes or waders.

Equipment and materials provided. Limit 6 participants. Ages 12 and up. 877.4423.

 

Competitive Edge

• Third annual Three River Fly Fishing Tournament, May 16-17, Highlands area.  Tax-deductible $500 entry fee secures a spot for a two-person team. Proceeds benefit scholarships for Highlands High School graduates. Register at www.highlandsthreeriver.com or call Highlands Visitor Center, 526.5841.

• Benefit Bass tournament, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25,  Lake Chatuge on May 25th. Two fishermen per boat; five fish limit; artificial bait only. Proceeds go to two $1,000 scholarships for two seniors at Pisgah High School, in honor of Terry Stamey. $100 per boat. Details, Bryan Yates, 506.2034.

• Mountain Lakes 5K race and walk, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, Highlands. Race-day registration, 7:30 a.m. lobby at recreation park. Proceeds to benefit Wheelchairs for Bolivia Project. $25 with t-shirt for adults ($15 without shirt) and $15 with shirt for students.

Registration forms are available at the front desk of the Highlands Recreation Park and on line at www.mountaintoprotary.net. Skip Taylor, 526.4280, Victoria Ingate, 421.2548, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Fourth annual Blue Ridge Breakaway, Saturday, Aug. 17, Haywood County. Pre-register online at www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com.  

 

Hiking Clubs

• Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 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.carolinamountainclub.org

• High Country Hikers, based in Hendersonville, plans hikes Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Participants should bring a travel donation and gear mentioned on their website: main.nc.us/highcountryhikers. 808.2165

• Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org

• Mountain High Hikers, based in Young Harris, Ga., 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 684.6262.

 

Bike Rides

• A beginner's 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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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 off 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.

• Nantahala Area SORBA holds a weekly mountain bike ride at Tsali every Thursday for all levels of bikers. Riders meet at 6 p.m. Ride starts at 6:15 p.m. Group ride for all levels. 506.0133

• Every second Saturday of the month Nantahala Area SORBA leads a mountain bike ride in Bryson City. Meet at 3 p.m. at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Cookout after ride. 506.0133

• A weekly bike ride in Bryson City meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead. Bryson City Bicycles. 488.1988.

 

Farm & Garden

• The Azalea Garden at Stecoah Valley Center is in full bloom. Enjoy the 1/3 mile paved nature trail and free high speed Wi-Fi service. Planting day is 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, and cleanup day  is 9 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 121 Schoolhouse Road, Stecoah community, off highway 28 between Bryson City and Fontana Dam. 479.3364, Stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• Peter Loewer, award-winning author of The Wild Gardener, 5 p.m.  Tuesday, May 28, Canton Branch Library. 648.2924, www.thewildgardener.com.

• Bees and Beekeeping with Austin Curto, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, The Village Green Commons, Cashiers.

• Volunteer workdays, Thursday afternoons until dark, Sylva Community Garden. Produce from the garden goes to the Sylva Community Table. 477.4380, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Facebook.

 

Outdoor Farmer’s & Tailgate Markets

• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market 

Fresh, local produce, fresh seafood, baked goods, goat cheese, herbal products, meat and eggs, plants, flowers, preserves, honey and heritage crafts. Live music, 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays. 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville in the parking lot of the HART Theatre. 627.1058. www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com.

• Waynesville Tailgate Market

Fruits, vegetables, black walnuts, organic food and other products from Haywood County Farmers. 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 171 Legion Dr., Waynesville, at the American Legion in Waynesville behind Bogart’s restaurant. 648.6323.

Canton

• Canton Tailgate Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at Municipal parking area, 58 Park Street in Canton. 646.3412.

Sylva

• Jackson County Farmers Market

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

Cullowhee

• Whee Farmer's Market, 5 p.m. until dusk, every Wednesday, Cullowhee United Methodist Church grass lot, behind BB&T and Subway on WCU campus, Cullowhee. facebook.com  or contact Curt Collins, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Cashiers

• Cashiers Tailgate Market

Fresh baked goods, jellies, local fruit pies and much more. 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, N.C. 107, Cashiers, in the parking lot at the Cashiers Community Center. 743.5106.

Franklin

• Franklin Tailgate Market

Variety of only homegrown products such as cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, 200 W. Palmer St., Franklin, across the street from the old post office. 369.5595.

Bryson City

• Swain Tailgate Market

Organic produce, plants, trout, honey, jams, quail and rabbit as well as an array of local crafts. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fridays, Main Street behind the historic courthouse in downtown Bryson City. 488.3848.

Cherokee

• Cherokee Farmers Tailgate Market

Fresh local, organic and heirloom produce. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays,  Acquoni Road, Cherokee 554.6931.

Stecoah

• Stecoah Tailgate Market   

The Stecoah Tailgate Market, 8 to 11 a.m., Wednesdays, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. 479.3364 or www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.          

Rabun County, Ga. 

• Simply Homegrown: A Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in front of the New Clayton City Hall, 837 West Highway 76 West, in Clayton, Ga. 

Clay County

• Evening Harvest Farmers Market On The Square, 4 to 8 p.m. June 6 through Aug. 29, Hayesville. Cooking demonstrations, 5 p.m., live entertainment, 6 p.m. Susan Ward, market manager, 508.0812, or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Ongoing clubs

• The Cherokee Riders, a new cycling club in Cherokee, seeks members for weekly group rides. Hugh Lambert 554.6810 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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.  Group runs are being held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. starting at the Flame.  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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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 736.2768 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• 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 at 7 p.m. nc.sierraclub.org/wenoca.

• Pigeon Valley Bassmasters Club of Canton will meet at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at J&S Cafeteria, Enka, Exit 44 off I-40.  712.2846.

• WNC Sportman’s Club’s Archery and Youth Airgun Shoots are held the first and second Saturdays of each month. 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Group Trail Running begins at 6 p.m. every Thursday. Start at the lobby of the YMCA 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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• 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 welcome. 

• Haywood Bee Keepers Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the NC Ag center on Raccoon Road. hcbees.org.

• 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

• 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Smoky Mountain Beekeepers meet at 7 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• The Sylva Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Presbyterian Church. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• The Western Carolina Paddlers meet the first Tuesday of each month at the REI Community Room at 31 Scheck Parkway, Asheville. There will be a presentation at each meeting.   

• WNC Sportsman’s 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 N.C. 110 wncsportsmansclub.com.