Public affairs
SMN
The Public Affairs section lists regularly held meetings for local government, civic and community groups, support groups and available community services in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

To have your organization’s meeting listed, or to make a change, send an email titled “Public Affairs” to sarah@smokymountainnews.com or via regular post to Public Affairs, c/o Sarah Kucharski, 629 W. Main St. Sylva, N.C. 28779.

State and federal government contact information is listed at the end of the meeting schedules.


Local Government
Haywood
• Canton Aldermen — Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Town Hall. 5:30 p.m. 828.648.2363.
• Clyde Aldermen — Second Wednesday of each month. Town Hall. 4 p.m. 828.627.2566.
• County Commissioners — First Monday of the month at 5 p.m. and on the third Monday of each month at 9 a.m. County courthouse. 828.452.6625.
• Maggie Valley Aldermen — Third Tuesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 828.926.0866.
• Waynesville Aldermen — Second and fourth Tuesday of each month. 7 p.m. Town Hall. 828.456.3515.
• Waynesville ABC Commission — Second Tuesday of each month. 10 a.m. ABC Board Office at 373 Walnut Street. 828.452.2491.
• Waynesville Board of Adjustment — First Tuesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 828.452.2491.
• Waynesville Community Appearance Commission — First Wednesday of each month. 9 a.m. Town Hall. 828.452.0401.
• Waynesville Firemen’s Relief Fund Board — Meetings held as needed. 828.452.2491.
• Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission — First Wednesday of each month. 2 p.m. Town Hall. 828.452.2491.
• Waynesville Planning Board — Third Monday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 828.452.2491.
• Waynesville Public Art Commission — Second Thursday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 828.452.2491.
• Waynesville Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission — Second Tuesday of each month. 6:30 p.m. Recreation Center on Vance Street. 828.452.2491.
• Waynesville Housing Authority — First Wednesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. at 65 Church Street. 828.452.2491.

Jackson
• 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.
• County Commissioners — First and third Monday of each month. 6 p.m. Justice Center. 828.631.2295.
• Jackson County Greenway Commission — Second Tuesday of every month. 5:30 p.m. Room 203 of the Justice Center in Sylva. 828.631.2295.
• Jackson County Planning Board — Second Thursday of the month. 6 p.m. Room A-227 of the Justice Center in Sylva. 828.631.2295.
• Sylva Aldermen — First Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and third Thursday at 10 a.m. Town Hall. 828.586.2719.

Macon
• County Commissioners — First Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in commissioners’ boardroom. County courthouse. 828.349.2025
• Franklin Aldermen — First Monday of each month. 7 p.m. Town Hall. 828.524.2516.
• Franklin Board of Adjustment — Second Tuesday of each month. 3 p.m. Town Hall. 828.524.2516.
• Franklin Planning Board — Third Tuesday of each month. 12 p.m. Town Hall. 828.524.2516.
• Highlands Aldermen — First and third Wednesday. 7 p.m. Town Hall. 828.526.2118.
• Highlands Planning Board and Appearance Commission — Fourth Monday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 828.526.2118.
• Highlands Zoning Board — Second Wednesday of each month. 5:30 p.m. Town Hall. 828.526.2118.

Swain
• Board of Elections — Third Wednesday of each month. 10 a.m. Administration Building. 828.488.6177.
• Board of Health — First Tuesday of each month. 6:30 p.m. 545 Center Street. 828.488.3198.
• Bryson City Aldermen — First Monday of each month. 6 p.m. Town Hall. 828.488.3335.
• Cherokee Tribal Council — First Thursday of each month. 8:30 a.m. 828.497.2771.
• County Commissioners — Work session on second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 7 p.m. Regular session on fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Administration Building. 828.488.9273.
• Economic Development Commission — Fourth Tuesday of each month. 7:30 p.m. Administration Building. 828.488.9273.


State Government
N.C. House
• Phil Haire, D-Sylva
District 119: Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain.
Office Address: 419B Legislative Office Building, Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1096.
Office Phone: 919.715.3005.
District Address: PO Box 727, Sylva, N.C., 28779-0248.
District Phone: 828.586.1771.
Email: Philliph@ncleg.net
• Ray Rapp, D-Mars Hill
District 118: Haywood, Macon, Yancey.
Office Address: 2213 Legislative Building, Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1096.
Office Phone: 919.733.5732.
District Address: 133 Quail Ridge Rd., Mars Hill, N.C. 28754.
District Phone: 828.689.2214.
Email: Raymondr@ncleg.net
• Roger West, R-Marble
District 120: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon.
Office Address: 1004 Legislative Office Building, Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1096.
Office Phone: 919.733.5859.
District Address: PO Box 160, Marble, N.C., 287905.
District Phone: 828.837.5246.
Email: Rogerw@ncleg.net

N.C. Senate
• Sen. John Snow, D-murphy
District 50: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Transylvania.
Office Address: 517 Legislative Office Building, Raleigh, N.C. 27603-5925.
Office Phone: 919.733.5875.
District Address: 105 Van Horn St., Murphy, N.C. 28906.
District Phone: 828.837.5052.
Email: johnsn@ncleg.net
• Sen. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville
District 47: Haywood, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, McDowell
Office Address: 1121 Legislative Building, 16. W. Jones St., Raleigh, N.C. 27601-2808
Office Phone: 919.733.3460
District Address: 71 Pigeon Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
District Phone: 828.452.1688
Email: Joeq@ncleg.net

Governor
• Mike Easley, D-Raleigh
Office Address: 20301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-0301
Office phone: 800.662.7952
Email: governor.state.nc.us/email


Federal Government
Congress
• Rep. Heath Shuler, D
11th District
Cannon House Office Building 512, Washington, D.C. 20515
Office Phone: 202.225.6401
District Office: 356 Biltmore Ave. Suite 400, Asheville, N.C. 28801
District Phone: 828.252.1651
www.shuler.house.gov
• Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R
United States Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
Office Phone: 202.224.6342
Raleigh office: 310 New Bern Ave., suite 122, Raleigh, N.C. 27601.
District Phone: 919.856.4630
Hickory office: PO Box 2944, Hickory, N.C. 29603
District Phone: 828.322.5170
• Sen. Richard Burr, R
Dirksen Senate Office Building, SDB 40-C, Washington, D.C. 2051
Office Phone: 202.224.3154; 800.685.8916


Civic and Social Group Meetings
Haywood
• 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. 828.627.9666.
• Haywood County Amateur Radio Club meets at 8 a.m. at Hardees on Russ Avenue each Saturday for breakfast and fellowship. Anyone interested is invited.
• Haywood County Newcomers Club meets at 11 a.m. ever third Tuesday at the Waynesville Library in the upstairs conference room. 828.452.9768.
• The Haywood County Republican Club meets at 9 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at Smoky Falls Lodge in Maggie Valley. All Republicans welcome. For more information, please call Claire Barkley 828.926.7809.
• The Haywood County Republican Women’s Club meets at 11:30 a.m. the second Monday of each month at various locations. Contact Gussie at 828.627.1180 or 828734.4201, Claire at 828.926.7809 or Pat at 828.926.4645 to attend.
• The Kiwanis Club of Waynesville meets from noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday in the upstairs dining room of the Waynesville Country Club.
• 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. 828.452.4075.

Jackson
• Bridges to Community meets at 5 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Sylva Town Hall. 828.586.5210.
• 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.
• The Caney Fork COmmunity Social Card Club meets at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Community Center. Play Hand & Foot. If you don't know the game, they'll teach you. Call Ann Whitney at 828.293.9826 or Sheila Rodgers at 828.293.0678 for information.
• Cashiers Valley Rotary Club meets at 8 a.m. each Wednesday at Cashiers United Methodist Church. The church is located approximately one mile south of the Crossroads on N.C. Hwy. 107.
• Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, a non-profit heritage organization, meets every month in its members’ homes. Contact Amy Ammons Garza at 828.631.4587 for more information.
• Community Early Learning Group meets weekly. For details call Emma Miller at the Region A Partnership for Children at 828.586.0661, ext 108.
• Downtown Sylva Association meetings are held at 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Town Hall.
• 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 604 Main St. 828.293.3407.
• Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meets at 11:45 a.m. the third Wednesday of most months in the Hooper House at 773 W. Main St. 828.586.2155.
• Jackson County Democratic Party executive committee members meet at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Democratic Headquarters on Mill Street in Sylva. 828.631.1475 or jacksondems.com.
• Jackson County Democratic Women meet at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at Democratic Headquarters on Mill Street in Sylva. 828.631.1475 or jacksondems.com.
• Jackson County Homebuilders Association holds its monthly membership meeting the first Monday of each month (except in September and December). For times and more information, call 828.743.0278.
• Jackson County Republican organization meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at 482 W. Main St. in Sylva. 828.586.9895.
• 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. 828.586.2155.
• Republican Women’s Group of Jackson and Swain Counties meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at 482 W. Main St. in Sylva. 828.586.3634.
• Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month for a work session, and at 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month to take action. Meetings are held at the TWSA office on Main Street in Sylva.
• Watershed Association of the Tuckaseigee River usually meets the fourth Monday at a location in Sylva. Call 828.488.8418 for details.
• 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. 828.452.2298.

Macon
• Community Early Learning Group meets weekly. For details call Emma Miller at the Region A Partnership for Children at 828.586.0661, ext 108.
• 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.
• The Franklin Area Civitan Club meets the first and third Thursday of each month, at noon at the Boiler Room at The Fun Factory. For information, call Guy or Charlotte Grant at Bryant Funeral Home 828.524.2411.
• Franklin Duplicate Bridge Club meets at 1 p.m. each Wednesday at the community building. 828.369.9284.
• The Franklin Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Macon County Community Facilities Building. For more information, contact club president Dave Jones at 828.349.5357. All proceeds from the club’s work stays in Franklin.
• 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. For more information, call Linda at 828.421.7613.
• The Fraternal Order of Police will meet 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. Interested persons can call John O’Connor at 828.349.0698 for further information.
• Friends for Life spay/neuter program offers spay or neuter service for $20 per animal. Call 828.508.2460 for reservations.
• Gem City Forum Toastmaster Club of Franklin meets from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at the Prudential Building. 828.586.1761 or gemcityforum.org.
• The Kiwanis Club of Franklin meets at 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Fat Buddies.
• Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 7339, located on West Palmer Street in Franklin, holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month.
• The League of Women Voters meets at noon the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Meeting includes lunch and a guest speaker. Open to all. $6 for food. maethlarry@aol.com.
• The Nantahala Rangers Camp #1839 of Franklin, a camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, meet the second Monday of each month, at 7 p.m., at Prime Sirloin Steakhouse in Franklin. For more information, contact Commander David Blaine at 828.369.7885.
• The Macon County Beekeepers Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the extension office located on Thomas Heights Road next to Jim Brown Chrysler on Highlands Road. New members are welcome.
• Macon County Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) meets the second Thursday of each month at Prime Sirloin Restaurant at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. All motorcyclists are welcome. For more information, call Cliff Cyphers at 828.369.8060.
• 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.
• Macon County Horse Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Macon County Fairgrounds Alumni Building.
• P.E.O. Franklin Chapter meets the third Wednesday of the month. Philanthropic Educational Organization is a sisterhood that helps with the education of women. Individuals need to be a member to attend the meetings. For more information, call Jane Huffman at 828.349.3826 or Nancy Ewing 706.746.5199.
• The Smoky Mountain Flying Club meets at 3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Macon County Airport. Anyone interested in aviation is invited. For more information contact the Club President Tom Hagan at smokymountainflyingclub@juno.com or visit www.smokymtnflyingclub.com.
• Smoky Mountain Shrine Club holds its monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at its building at 833 Bethel Church Rd. For more information, contact Ed Waters at 828.524.5576.
• 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. 828.369.5888.

Swain
• Cherokee Toastmasters club meets from noon to 1 p.m. every Monday at Prime Sirloin Family Steakhouse across from Harrah’s. 828.497.5550 or 828.497.3521.
• Community Early Learning Group meets weekly. For details call Emma Miller at the Region A Partnership for Children at 828.586.0661, ext 108.


Support Groups
Haywood
• Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of alcoholics, meets at 8 p.m. each Tuesday at Grace Episcopal Church, 394 N. Haywood St. Use Miller Street entrance. 828.926.8721.
• Al-Anon meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Maggie Valley United Methodist Church at 4192 Soco Rd. 828.926.8036.
• Alzheimer's Association meets at 4:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville and at 2:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Silver Bluff Care Center in Canton. 828.254.7363.
• Celebrate Recovery meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday at Long's Chapel UMC in Waynesville. A Christ-centered 12-step recovery ministry that is open to all adults with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Childcare available. Contact 828.456.3993, Ext. 32 for more information.
• Circle of Parents support group for single parents meets 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Free, dinner and childcare provided. Call Carrie at 828.456.8995.
• Circle of Parents support group for Parents of preschoolers meets 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Canton. Free, dinner and childcare provided. Call Carrie at 828.456.8995.
• Circle of Parents support group for teen and young mothers meets 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Canton Central United Methodist Church. Free, dinner and childcare provided. Call Carrie at 828.456.8995.
• Circle of Parents support group for Latino parents meets 6 p.m. the first Friday of each month at the Latino Community Center in Maggie Valley. Free, dinner and childcare provided. Call Tania at 828.456.8995.
• FAA (Food Addicts Anon.), a 12-step recovery program for individuals suffering from food addiction, meets from 6 to 7 pm. each Monday evening at the Friendship House on Academy St. beside Waynesville's First United Methodist Church. For more information call Liz at 828.400.7239.
• La Leche League meets at 11 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Haywood Co. Library in Waynesville. The League offers mother-to-mother support, encouragement and information to breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be. Meetings are open to all nursing moms and their babies (older children too) and pregnant women from Haywood and Jackson counties. For more information call Anne at 828.627.9597 or Michelle at 828.926.5292.
• A chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the Asbury Sunday School Room at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Call Suzanne Gernandt at 828.627.3838, Patricia Meyer at 828.456.6897 or Judy Snipes at 828.452.1068.

Jackson
• Al-Anon Meetings are held at 3 p.m. every Tuesday at Grace Community Church. (The Tuesday al-anon group from the Church of the Good Shepherd has joined this group). The meetings bring hope for families and friends of alcoholics. For information, call 828.743.9814.
• An eating disorders support group meets from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church in Sylva. For more information, contact Sheila Williams at sheilaw777@bellsouth.net or by phone at 828.452.3710.
• Cashiers Cancer Care Group for cancer patients, survivors, spouses and caregivers offers support, encouragement, hope and understanding. The group meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Grace Community Church. For information, call 828.743.3158.
• Narcotics Anonymous meets at 7:30 p.m. every Saturday in Grace Community Church, located at 242 Hwy. 107 North in Cashiers. The N.A. helpline number is 888.764.0365 and the organization's Web site is www.ncmana.org.
• Weight Watchers meet at 8:30 a.m. every Monday at Grace Christian Church in Cashiers. 828.226.1096.
• 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. 828.586.7410.

Macon
• A support group for people suffering from anxiety, nervousness and/or panic disorders meets at 7 p.m. on Fridays in the basement of Highlands United Methodist Church. 828.526.3433.
• Al-Anon meetings are held at 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers. 828.743.9456.
• 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. 828.369.5845.
• Angel Medical Center’s Diabetes Support Group meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month in the Center’s dining room.
• An ongoing grief support group meets from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Anyone dealing with a loss through death or a continuing progressive illness of a loved one is welcome to attend. For more information, call Hospice counselor Helen Moore at 828.526.0727 or chaplain Martha Porter at 828.787.1463.
• Chronic Pain Support Group meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month in the dining room of Angle Medical Center. 828.369.6717 or 828.369.2607.
• 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. 828.526.1462.
• 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.
• Healthy eating/weight control classes are held every Tuesday at noon at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Office, 193 Thomas Heights Rd. These free classes are taught by Jo Ann Cope. For more information, call 828.349.2048.
• 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. 828.349.1438.
• 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. 828.369.2508 or 828.369.5116.
• 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.
• Weight Watchers meet at 5:30 p.m. Mondays and 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Macon County Community Building on U.S. 441 in Franklin. 828.349.2090.

Swain
• Al-Anon meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. every Monday at the Church of the Nazarene in the Old School Building on Big Cove Road. 828.497.2819.
• Grief Support Group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. each Monday night at the Cherokee United Methodist Church on Soco Road. 828.497.4182.
Health Matters
• A free dental clinic for low-income patients is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment at the Blue Ridge Mountains Health Project Dental Clinic on the upper level of Laurel Terrace in Cashiers. Call 828.743.3393 on Mondays and Wednesdays to schedule appointments.
• Bones n’ Balance, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center. Group therapeutic activity designed for people with osteoporosis. Free for members, $35 per month for nonmembers.
• The Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and provides care to uninsured patients who meet financial need requirements and live or work in Highlands and Cashiers. Care is free. A $10 donation for services is suggested, not required. The clinic is in the Macon County Recreation & Health Building off Buck Creek Road. Call 828.526.1991 for an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted.
• Fluid Motion, 11:30 a.m-12:15 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center. Water class designed to relieve discomfort and pain cased by back, hip or knee problems, arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions. Free for members, $35 per month for nonmembers.
• HealthTracks, the wellness and healthy lifestyle program at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, offers a special class on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis by building strength and helping to increase bone density. The medically structured class, which is taught by Stacey Greene, LPTA, is held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at HealthTracks on the lower level of the Jane Woodruff Medical Building at the rear of the hospital campus. Cost is $8 per session. For more information on HealthTracks programs or to register, call HealthTracks at 828.526.1FIT (828.526.1348) or visit the hospital’s Web site at www.hchospital.org.
• Heart Healthy Exercise Group meets from 8 to 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Highlands Civic Center. Cost is $15 per month. Interested persons may sign up at the civic center just before any session. For questions, call the civic center at 828.526.3556 or leader Nancy Freese at 828.743.0135.
• Outpatient Diabetes Classes are offered from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. bimonthly at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, and from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. monthly at Swain County Hospital in Bryson City. Topics covered include weight loss, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, and counting carbohydrates to control blood glucose. Most insurance programs cover the cost of the classes, and options are available for those who do not have insurance. For information, call Amy Bean at 828.586.7734.


The Spiritual Side
• Anyone interested in supporting the WestCare Chaplaincy Program is asked to call Ron Allen at 828.586.7145 or Michele Garashi at 828.586.7669.
• A Course in Miracles Study Group meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Dillsboro. Weekly in depth study of the spiritual path called “A Course in Miracles” featuring audio and visual media along with discussion of the ideas presented. 828.497.1729.
• 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. 828.452.1124 or 828.508.8649.
• A prayer shawl ministry meets at 6 p.m. every other Friday at High Street Baptist church in Canton. Shawls are made as donations for those who need encouragement and to share the word of God. Members will teach those who want to learn. 828.648.5830.
• A Prayer Walking Group meets at 6 a.m. on Wednesdays in Canton. Group prayer during warm up then walk at your own pace. Meet at the big parking lot in front of the Sandwich Shop on Park Street. For rain location and more information, e-mail Cintia Listenbee at zekencintia@gmail.com.
• Contemporary Emergent Worship using sight, sound, touch, taste and feel is held from 9:15 to 10 a.m. every Sunday at Clyde Center United Methodist Church. 828.627.6587.
• Good News Club meets from 3 to 4 p.m. Mondays at Highlands School. Students in first through sixth grade are invited for a Bible lesson, music, crafts and snacks. Parent permission is required. 828.526.3257.
• Intuitive Heart Discovery Group is a unique small group-training program for intuition development within a spiritual context. To sign up or for more information, call Pat at 828.926.0055 or email patclendenen@hotmail.com. Classes at Crystal Dragonfly in Waynesville.
• Kids Club, 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. For children in preschool through grade five. Call 828.586.2358, visit www.firstumcsylva.org or visit church offices for more information.
• 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. 828.926.9210.
• 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. 828.743.9337.
• 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. 828.226.4526.
• "The Party" is held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sundays at Sylva's First Baptist Church in downtown Sylva for Youth grades 7-12. Dinner, live music, games, fun and fellowship, and lessons for today's young Christian. Call 828.586.2095 or email clint@fbcsylva.org for more information.
• Unitarian Universalist of Franklin is sponsoring Wednesday night study sessions called Wednesday Night Chautauquas on the third week of each month. An optional $5 soup supper starts at 5:30 p.m. The discussions begin at 6:30 p.m. Call 828.524.6777 for more information or directions.
• Youth group, 6-8 p.m. Sundays at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. Dinner, music, recreation and devotion for children in grades six through 12. Call 828.586.2358, visit www.firstumcsylva.org or visit church offices for more information.


Senior Activities
• Senior balance classes focusing on stretching, free-hand exercises, weight training, discussions on nutrition, stress and medicines are held from 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Waynesville Rec. Center. 828.456.2030.
• senior fitness classes are held from 9:05 to 10:05 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Senior Games are held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Macon County Community Building on U.S. 441 in Franklin. 828.349.2090.
• Senior Line Dancing is held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Macon County Community Building on U.S. 441 in Franklin. 828.349.2090.
• Stretch and Walk, 9:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Get the body moving by using general stretching, chair exercises, stretch bands and hand weights. The class includes 15 minutes of walking before or after class. Held at the Waynesville Rec. Center. 828.456.2030.
• Silver Sneakers, 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. A proven, results-oriented program than enables older adults to take charge of their health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Held at the Waynesville Rec. Center. 828.456.2030.
• American Cribbage Congress Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Community Services Building on Hospital Road in Sylva. 828.508.5265.
• The Golden Age Senior Center in Sylva hosts several events each week. For more information call 828.586.4944.
• Granchildren/Grandparents Rights of N.C meet at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Canton Library. Call Paula, 828.648.5205.
• For information on resources for older adults in Haywood County, call 2-1-1, or by cell phone 1.888.892.1162; access the web sites www.nc211.org or www.haywoodconnections.org. Visitors to the Haywood Connections site will find a comprehensive service directory, a calendar, news items and social, recreational, health and wellness activities. If you still cannot find the information you seek, call Odile at Haywood Community Connections, 828.452.2370.


Just For Kids
• Pre-School Story Time (ages 3-5) is held at 11 a.m. on Fridays at the Haywood County Library in Waynesville and 1:30 p.m. Mondays at the Canton Branch Library. 828.452.5169.
• Bilingual Story Time is held at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Haywood County Library in Waynesville. 828.452.5169.
• Story Time for Ages birth-age 5 is held at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library. 828.743.0215.
• Pre-School Story Time (ages 3-5) is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Library in Sylva. 828.586.2016.
• 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. For more information call Jennifer at 828.586.9499.
• Pre-School Story Time (ages 3-5) is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 828.526.3600.
• Tiny Tales are held at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Canton Branch Library and 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Haywood County Library in Waynesville. 828.452.5169.
• Toddler Story Time (ages 18 mos-3) is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 828.526.3600.
Pre-School Story Time (ages 3-5) is held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Hudson Library in Highlands. 828.526.3031.
• Pre-School Story Time (ages 3-5) is held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 828.488.3030.
• 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 828.488.9412.
• Fitkidz classes are held for those ages 8 to 14 at 3:45 p.m. every Friday at the Haywood Regional Fitness Center. Yoga, spinning, water aerobics and step aerobics will be offered.
• Wee Naturalist Classes - Held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Preschoolers learn about trees, birds, bears, bugs, raindrops and much more. Each class might include a physical activity, critter visits, puppets, songs, art time, stories, and short nature walks. Children ages 2-5 only. $5 per child, per class. 828.665.2492.


Ongoing Music Events
• Acoustic Group meets at 7 p.m. every Monday evening at Faith United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Mountain dulcimers, hammered dulcimers, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, autoharp, and bass players (no amplifiers please) welcome. Mountain, folk, sacred, Celtic and bluegrass music. Contact Carol Gatrell at 828.454.9757 or bcgatrell@bellsouth.net.
• Community Music jams are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. All invited to come with anything unplugged. 828.488.3030.
• Haywood Community Band meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at Grace Episcopal Church. 828.452.7530.
• 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. 828.456.8691.
• Men Macon Music, barbershop singing, meets at 5:30 p.m. every Mon
Classes, Workshops & Demonstrations
• Art courses are being taught at the new Studio 598 in downtown Sylva. Courses include painting, landscape sketching and drawing, watercolor, children’s craft classes. The studio also offers open studio life drawing and critique sessions. Studio 598 was founded by Norma Smith, a professor in the Art Department at Western Carolina University. For more information visit www.studio598.com or call 828.342.7899.
• Intro to Digital Photography workshops are held the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at Penumbra Gallery and Studio in Sylva. $35. 828.631.5278.
• A quilting class is offered at the Old Armory Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. There is no charge for the class. For more information please contact Georgia Guidroz at 828.926.0118 or Michael Huffstetler at 828.456.9207.
• Pottery classes, 1-4 p.m. Mondays at the Old Armory in Waynesville. All skill levels. Sponsored by Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Six-week class costs $55 per person. Supplies and equipment included. Registration required. Call Janet at 828.627.8260.
• Art lectures, 2 p.m. the second Sunday of every month at the Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main St., Franklin. Free. Sponsored by the Macon County Art Association. 828.349.4607 or 828.269.8741.
• Art classes for teens and adults are held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $20 for members, $24 non-members. Children’s classes from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. 828.454.9890.Dance
• Ballroom dance lessons will be offered from 7-9 p.m. at the Old Armory Recreation Center in Waynesville. In March, Tuesdays will be for advanced swing; Wednesdays will be for beginners samba; and Thursdays will be for intermediate tango. $35. 828.734.8063.
• Beginner Salsa Dance Classes are held at the Old Armory Rec Center in Waynesville from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. $15 per single or $25 per couple for one month. Call 828.734.8063 for more information or to register.
• Ballroom dance is held at 7 p.m. on Fridays at the Macon County Community Building on U.S. 441 in Franklin. 828.349.2090.
• Dance lessons are given at the Diamond K Dance Ranch in Maggie Valley at 7 p.m. every Saturday. Dance begins at 8 p.m. 828.926.7735.
• Haywood Dancers hold a ballroom dance every third Friday night of the month from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at the Rec. Center in Waynesville. Refreshments served, smart casual dress. $10 per person. 828.648.6136 or 828.456.3874.
• High Mtn. Squares dance from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Macon County Community Building on U.S. 441 in Franklin. 828.349.2090.
• Line Dancing is held at 7 p.m. on Mondays at the Macon County Community Building on U.S. 441 in Franklin. 828.349.2090.
• Pisgah Promenaders hold a western style square dance the second and fourth Saturday of each month at the Old Armory in Waynesville. Early round dancing runs from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m., square dance is from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. $5 per person donation. Square dance attire suggested. 828.586.1640.
• Smoky Mountain Shag Club meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Old Armory Rec Center in Waynesville. Join award winning instructors and learn the basic steps to the Carolina Shag. 828.734.6635.


Art group meetings
• A crochet/knitting group meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon each Monday in the Conference Room of the Community Services Center in Sylva. 828.586.4009.
• The Activist Movie Club screens documentaries and feature films every 2nd and 4th Friday. The venue is a private home near Waynesville with a large-screen TV. Discussion follows with refreshments. RSVP to JohnBuckleyX@gmail.com for confirmation and directions or call 828.926.2508.
• Art league of the Smokies meetings are held at 6 p.m. at the Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City the first Monday of each month. 828.488.7843.
• The Blue Ridge Watermedia Society meets at 6:45 p.m. at the Old Armory in Waynesville the second Tuesday of the month, March-Dec. Contact Sandi Riggs at 828.627.9666.
• Carolina Quilters meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday at the Community Service Center in Sylva. 828.586.4009.
• Cashiers Quilters Guild meets at 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the United Methodist Church on Highway 107. All quilters welcome. 828.743.2644.
• Community Quilts sew for Haywood County nursing homes and the neo-natal unit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month. 828.926.6003 or 828.926.9177.
• Franklin Basket Weavers meet every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Franklin. Beginners welcome, limited supplies available.
• High Country Quilters Guild meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday or each month at the Community Center in Maggie Valley. 828.926.9177 or 828.926.4427.
• Knitting/crocheting classes are held from 9:30 a.m. to noon every Monday at the Community Service Center in Sylva. 828.586.4009.
• Needle Gems Chapter of Embroidery Guild of America meets the first Thursday of every month in Macon County. Call 828.524.0166 for times and locations.
• The Macon Co. Art Assoc. meets at 1 p.m. the second Monday of every month at the Uptown Gallery on Main Street in Franklin. 828.349.4607.
• The Sapphire Valley Needlepointers meet at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Chestnut Hill. 828.526.2593
• The Smoky Mountain Quilt Guild meets at 9 a.m. every second Monday at Memorial Park on West Main Street in Franklin. Evening meetings are held every third Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the park.
• The Western North Carolina Decorative Artists meet on the second Saturday of each month at Macon Middle School. 828.349.3061 or gbk5@mshsi.com.
• The Western North Carolina Woodturners meet at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Blue Ridge School near Glenville. 828.293.9314.


Recreation & Fitness
• Advanced yoga classes are held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Mondays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• A.M. Step classes are held from 7:55 to 8:55 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Bellies, booties and Biceps classes are held from 7:55 to 8:55 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Cardio Strength Training is held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $20 per month for non-members. 828.456.2030.
• Group Runs are held on Sunday mornings at Lake Summit. Organized by FOOT RX. 8, 9 and 10 minute pace groups. 90 minute run mostly dirt roads. 828.693.7669 ext. 11.
• Jazzercise every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in the multipurpose room of the Waynesville Recreation Center. Cost is $35 for members and $42 for nonmembers. 828.456.2030.
• Kickboxing classes are held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Morning yoga classes are held from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Open Play Volleyball is offered at the Waynesville Recreation Park for youth ages 12-17 on Tuesday nights and adults ages 18 and over on Wednesday nights. 6 to 9 p.m. Free to members of the Center or $3.40 per youth and $5 per adult. 828.456.2030.
• Pilates classes are held from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Pilates are taught at the Crystal Dragonfly in Wayensville at noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 828.456.2244.
• Saturday Spin classes are held at 8:30 a.m. each Saturday at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center.
• Sculpting classes are held from 6:20 to 7:20 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Spinning classes are held from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, 5:40 to 6:25 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. Fridays, and 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Saturdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Step with Stacey, step aerobics class, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For people ages 13 and older. Free for members, $21/month for nonmembers. Call 828.456.2030 or e-mail wrcprograms@charter.net.
• Step interval classes are held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Step strength classes are held from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Step strength plus classes are held from 3:45 to 5 p.m. on Fridays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Waynesville disc golf club. GLOW Singles play at 6 p.m. every Monday at the Waynesville Recreation Park. Random draw doubles at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. $5, $4 for club members. Meet at the picnic shelter beside the softball field below the Waynesville Recreation Center. www.waynesvillediscgolf.org.
• Yoga classes are held from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 828.293.3053.
• Yoga classes are held from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Crystal Dragonfly in Waynesville. 828.456.2244.
• Zumba Latin dance/fitness classes are held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $20 per month for non-members. 828.456.2030.
• 20/20 classes provide 20 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of strength training at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center at 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.


Group Meetings
• Pigeon Valley Bassmasters meet the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the library in Canton. 828.884.2846 or email middlefork@citcom.net.
• Smoky Mountain Beekeepers meet at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month in the Whittier Community Building in Whittier. Open to anyone interested in honeybees. 828.554.6935.
• The Sylva Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Presbyterian Church. bscreven@earthlink.net or 828.586.1640.
• WNC Sportsmans Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday night of each month at the Juke Box Junction Restaurant located in Bethel at the junction of US 276 and NC 110.
Hiking Clubs
The public is invited on Carolina Mountain Club, Fontana Hiking Club, Nantahala Hiking Club and Mountain High Hikers outings. However, non-members must call for more information if planning to attend. For more information about joining a hiking club or upcoming excursions visit www.carolinamtnclub.org, www.fontanvillage.com/thisdamlife, www.maconcommunity.org/nhc or www.mountainhighhikers.org.