What happens when the those with the most chips in the game only have a partial stake in it?

In other words, what does a community lose when most of the very large businesses are owned by absentee or corporate entities whose main goal is make money but have little interest in making that place a better place to live?

The Friends of the Greenway (FROG) will host an arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the FROG Quarters, located at 573 East Main St. in Franklin. 

To the Editor:

Since the beginning of the new year, I have seen several photos of Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, handing out oversized checks in some of Western North Carolina’s eight counties.

Emergency federal funding provided quick relief to school systems burdened by costs incurred during the COVID-19 Pandemic. For Macon County Schools, some of that funding provided the opportunity for additional art teachers. Now, with that federal funding coming to an end, those additional art positions could be in jeopardy. 

The Ubuntu Choir of the Great Smoky Mountains will perform a program of uplifting music from around the world at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the First Presbyterian Chapel in Franklin.

Award winning author Mark Warren will discuss his book, “Survival Tricks of the Trail,” at 6 p.m. on April 11 at the Macon County Public Library on Siler Farm Road in Franklin. 

With the opening of the Women’s History Trailhead at Women’s History Park and the unveiling and dedication of “Sowing the Seeds of the Future” sculpture to the Town of Franklin, the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County/WHT continues their celebration of Women’s History Month by recognizing this year’s WHT Macon Matriarch, Betty Warstler. 

Artwork by Ralph Verano will be on display through the month of April at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 

There will be a contra dance class offered from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 

Overcast skies didn’t deter a large crowd from coming out to witness the unveiling of the sculpture “Sowing Seeds of the Future,” on Saturday, March 23,­ in downtown Franklin.