Community almanac
Haywood Farm Bureau awards scholarships
Established more than 20 years ago, the Haywood County Farm Bureau scholarship program assists graduating seniors who have a financial need as well as a demonstrated history of community service with the cost of obtaining a college education. Recently, the Farm Bureau awarded scholarships to four students — Emily Ferguson, Taylor Sollie, Jacob Mills and Rylee Shoaf. To be eligible, students must be residents of Haywood County and graduating seniors currently enrolled in a Haywood County high school or in a two or four-year post-secondary school with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Students must also be studying some form of agriculture, such as agri-business, environmental engineering, food science, beef cattle or dairy farming, agriculture education, horticulture, landscape architecture, soil science, agriculture technology, ag-mechanic technician, animal science, farm and ranch management, forestry, agriculture journalism, ag-safety and health, agriculture resource management or other related fields of agricultural study. Haywood County Farm Bureau members or their children are given first consideration. Scholarships may be renewed annually, contingent upon funds available, continued post-secondary enrollment and the student’s good standing as confirmed by a transcript of the previous year’s work. To learn more about the Haywood County Farm Bureau or the scholarship program, contact North Carolina Farm Bureau County Liaison Mandy Stasi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
FUR hosts ‘Wet your Whiskers’ fundraiser
Haywood County’s Feline Urgent Rescue’s (FUR) seventh-annual “Wet Your Whiskers” fundraiser will be held Saturday, June 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Wells Event Center at 33 Events Center Way in Waynesville.
The event is a wine/beer tasting fundraiser with an appetizer and dessert buffet. All proceeds benefit FUR of Western North Carolina, a non-profit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abused, abandoned and neglected cats in Western North Carolina. Wine and appetizers are being catered by Bosu’s Wine Shop and beer is being donated by Boojum and Frog Level Brewing.
The event also includes a raffle and silent auction. Notably, the group has been selling tickets for a quilt all year. The quilt was handcrafted by Jane Stoner and donated by her daughter, renown local artist Kaaren Stoner. Tickets for this special drawing can be purchased ahead of the event at the following Waynesville locations: Cornerstone Mercantile (190 Depot St.), The Dog House (310 N. Haywood St.) or Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery (171 Montgomery St.). Tickets will also be sold during the event, two for $5 or five for $10.
Tickets for the event are $65 per individual and grants full access to the wine, beer and appetizer and dessert buffet. Sponsorships are available at three levels, and each comes with its own set of benefits.
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Haywood County hosts children’s business fair
The inaugural Acton Children’s Entrepreneur Business Fair in Haywood County will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday, July inside the Green Room next to Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville.
The event will allow young minds to display their hard work and innovations. There will also be live music by Bob the Cellist and Photography by Ilumin8.
Sponsors include Allen Tate/Beverly Hanks Realty, New York Life, Blue Mountain Chiropractic Center, Angel Nest Massage, Appalachian Automotive, Waynesville Art School, Ingles of Canton, Sassafras Toy Store, Twigs & Leaves Gallery, Medford Tree Service, Ricci Art Studio, Champion Credit Union Bank and The Print Haus.
Enjoy Lake Junaluska’s recreation opportunities
Lake Junaluska’s Summer Activities Program has kicked off the season with a slate full of activities for people of all ages.
New this year is a revamped recreation area featuring bocce ball, cornhole and shuffleboard courts, plus a new sidewalk that better connects the playground to the Lake Junaluska Outfitters’ swimming pool and kayak, canoe and paddle board area.
Equipment for the new games may be rented at the Lake Junaluska Outfitters window, which is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Now in its 11th year, Lake Junaluska’s Summer Activities Program begins in late June and continues through early August.
Also, this year, the Summer Activities Program is offering the following:
• Paddle to the Cross, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, June 19 through Aug. 14. Paddle to the Cross from the Boat Beach for a devotional. People can bring their own boat or rent one at Lake Junaluska Outfitters. Advanced registration is required at bit.ly/PaddletotheCross.
• Storytelling and Music Around the Campfire, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Shackford Firepit, June 27-Aug. 15. Enjoy s’mores, music and storytelling. Bring a chair.
• Summer Worship Series, 9 a.m. Sundays, June 30-Aug. 16, White Lakeside Tent. Enjoy an outdoor worship service with music with our visiting theologians-in-residence. Bring a chair
• Monday Morning Devotions, 8:30 a.m. Mondays, July 1-Aug. 12, Harrell Center back balcony. Devotionals led by our visiting theologians-in-residence.
• Yoga at the Lake, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Inspiration Point, July 2, 16, 23 and 30; Aug. 6. (No class on July 9.) Participation fee. Register at bit.ly/yogathelake.
• QiGong for Energy and Vitality | Nourish Soul, Mind and Body, 10 a.m. Wednesdays and 7 p.m. Fridays, July 3-Aug. 16, outdoor lawn near Memorial Chapel. Register at bit.ly/qigongatLJ.
• Family Games Tournament, 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, shuffleboard, corn hole and bocce ball. Register online at bit.ly/familygamestourney.
• Will it Float? 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, Boat Beach. Bring your best homemade, manned watercraft. No motors allowed and watercraft must float. Register online at bit.ly/buildurboat.
Additionally, Lake Junaluska Outfitters rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, PDFs and paddles for beginning and experienced boaters. Guided cruises are offered aboard the Cherokee IV pontoon boat from 1-8 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, weather permitting.
Lake Junaluska offers lodging specials to make it easy for the whole family to stay.
For more information about Lake Junaluska’s Summer Activities Program, visit bit.ly/LJ_SAP24.
Haywood Rotary Club presents service award
The Rotary Club of Haywood County held its 46th Annual Benefit Drawing May 16 at Laurel Ridge Country Club. The Club also celebrated 45 years of service to the Haywood County community.
During the event, the Club recognized long-time member John Hawkins who passed away in February by presenting its inaugural “John Hawkins Community Service Award” to his wife, Mary.
Ellis Morris presents Community Service Award to Mary Hawkins. Haywood Rotary Club photo
During 13 years in the club, John volunteered for most every project the club hosted including: United Way Day of Caring, holiday food box delivery, Dr. Seuss Reading project for kindergarten children, school supply drive and food collection project for Haywood County Schools.
Aside from club volunteer participation, John volunteered for other organizations including Mountain Projects, local Veterans association, Long’s Chapel firewood project and Meals on Wheels.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC wins award
For the first time in its 42-year history, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has been named a Growth Award winner by its national office.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s 2023 Growth Award recognizes the hard work by BBBSWNC leadership and staff to provide high-quality programming for the children they serve, BBBSA stated in its announcement.
The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of youth — “Littles,” in BBBS parlance — and adult mentors — “Bigs” — who are matched through the program, year after year.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, passion and unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers and supporters who tirelessly strive to make a positive impact in the lives of over 625 youth across our region,” BBBSWNC President and CEO Lelia Duncan said. “At BBBSWNC, we believe in the power of mentorship to ignite potential and transform futures, and this award reaffirms our commitment to serving our community and shaping brighter tomorrows for our Littles.”
For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact and growth across the organization, as well as making a lasting impression on the lives of young people. By creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships, BBBSWNC helps build self-confidence and emotional well-being. With the help of parents, guardians – and a mentor whose influence can last a lifetime – the agency empowers young people to graduate with a plan for their futures.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina’s commitment to creating and fostering positive mentoring relationships is a testament to the individuals within their organization,” BBBSA stated in its award announcement. “Through a shared dedication to meeting the needs of youth in its communities, it continues to empower young people to reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize the agency for its excellence in building brighter futures and championing new possibilities.”
Jackson Democrats open new headquarters
On June 17, The Jackson County Democratic Party will host an event at Bridge Park in Sylva to inaugurate their headquarters at 500 Mill St. as the 11th official Biden-Harris campaign field office in North Carolina.
James Sonneman, North Carolina Director for the Biden Campaign, highlighted the Jackson County Democratic Party’s reputation across the state as a top-performing, well-organized group that sets an example for the rest of the state as the primary contributing factor for investing in a field office in Sylva.
Special guest speaker Senator Natasha Marcus, candidate for Insurance Commissioner, will be joined by a host of local and statewide candidates and elected officials.
The entire community is invited to welcome the Biden-Harris staffers and learn more about how Democratic candidates up and down the ballot are fighting for public schools, affordable healthcare and the preservation of democracy.
Learn about Macon County in 1830
On Monday, June 17, the series “Where We Live: History, Nature, and Culture” will present a program, “Counting Souls” presented by Don Buchanan, based on his novel about the 1830 census in Macon County. It was inspired by the time he spent with his grandfather hearing family tales and finding his family’s names on the census records.
The novel is about people living on the frontier surrounded by the glory of the mountains but struggling to survive. It’s about white settlers, African Americans and Native Americans living side by side, each group trying to retain their humanity against seemingly insurmountable forces. Based on extensive research, the novel offers accurate and fascinating insights into what life in Macon County was like at that time.
The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center at 51 Cowee School Road in Franklin. The lecture series is designed to give people an opportunity to learn more about our local area from many different angles and to enjoy a pleasant, informative evening together.
Groups needed for Camp Ability
For 15 years, Camp Ability has added sparkle to kids' lives that otherwise might have a less than stimulating summer. Kids with a wide range of disabilities participate in “typical” summer camp adventures and get to experience swimming and field trips, sometimes horseback riding or camping.
Kids and adults over the age of 12 have an opportunity to experience life through someone else's eyes. By becoming a buddy, serving as a friend to a camper, learning to give, putting others’ needs above their own and finding a greater appreciation for those that are different from themselves.
A plethora of local churches and other organizations have participated in Camp Ability by providing their venues, preparing meals, donating supplies or recruiting volunteers.
This year, buddies (13 and up) are in high demand. Camp Ability needs groups, teams of volunteers that will experience great reward as they serve together. Camp will be held at Long’s Chapel July 15-29 and July 22-26. Monday, July 15, and Monday, July 22, are training days, and Tuesday through Friday are camp days.
For more information contact the director Jessalyn Rathbone This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Calling all ham radio enthusiasts
On June 22, the Haywood County Amateur Radio Club is participating in an annual nationwide exercise to conduct radio communications “in the field.” This is a long-standing tradition among ham operators.
The event is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, June 22 at the Evergreen facility on Old Howell Mill Road in Waynesville. Operators will set up equipment that prior Friday night. Saturday’s event will end around 6 p.m. with a barbecue for members and guests.
Haywood event center to host listening sessions
The Smoky Mountain Event Center will hold community listening sessions to gain input from local stakeholders about the facilities.
Listening sessions will be held at the Haywood Ag Center located at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville, across from the Test Farm.
Homeowners living within a half-mile of the property will have a special session from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, along with the county’s agricultural community from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28. The general public is invited to attend a listening session from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.
Sessions will include snacks. For more information, go to smokymountaineventcenter.org or call 828.400.1704.
Hospital education specialist wins award
Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently announced that Jeanette Apperson, CMA, clinical education specialist, has been recognized as the facilities’ 2024 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.
A certified medical assistant, Apperson has been an integral part of the Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospital system for over two decades, during which time she has consistently gone above and beyond her job duties to ensure the well-being of our patients, her peers, and her community.
In addition to exemplary performance in her role, Apperson's thoughtfulness and generosity extend beyond the workplace. She consistently goes out of her way to support her coworkers, friends, and family members during difficult times, as well as celebrating their successes, demonstrating her genuine care and concern for others.
Outside of work, Apperson enjoys reading and giving book recommendations to others, hand-making blankets, scarves and hats for patients and peers and spending time with her husband, daughters and grandchildren. Her coworkers remark that she spreads joy effortlessly through her lighthearted attitude and funny personality.
Women’s group announces grants
The Women for Women (WFW) giving circle awarded six grants totaling $288,000 at a recent awards celebration. WFW has exceeded $5.2 million in grants to more than 60 programs serving WNC women and girls since 2006. Women for Women’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through collective giving.
“We are thrilled that our 2024 grants are reaching small grassroots organizations as well as established, larger nonprofits,” said WFW Grants Committee Chair Jill Preyer. “Our focus on economic empowerment will help lift up hundreds of women and girls in Western North Carolina over the year.”
The 2024 grants in The Smoky Mountain News coverage area are:
• Mountain BizWorks — $30,000 over two years to serve 80 aspiring and existing Latina small business owners in actively growing their business skills and knowledge through Spanish language business courses, one-on-one coaching and access to technology. The project will serve 18 counties in the WNC region, with a specific focus on expanding reach into rural communities.
• Mountain Housing Opportunities — $125,000 to expand its Down Payment Assistance program. Leveraged with matched funds, individual household support will range from $5,000 to $40,000. This project will support up to 100 low-income households, 60-70% of which will be women-headed households, in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties.
• The Women’s Fund, a CFWNC endowment addressing the unmet needs of women and girls, contributed $73,510 to the grants.
Women for Women is an initiative of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC). New members are always welcome; information is at cfwnc.org.
Mariana Black Library hosts fitness classes
The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City has Fitness Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Fitness is known to build strength and energy, help with focus and assist with weight loss. This program has cardio, stretching and strength training. Classes allow participants to work out at their own speed with no pressure. The class is free and open to ages 16 an up. Ages 12 and over must be accompanied by an adult.
Franklin welcomes new pottery gallery
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Limberlost Pottery to the Franklin business community.
Limberlost Pottery has three resident potters who work in the attached studio and each has a unique style and expertise. All three offer functional pieces for the home.
In the gallery, you can find other art such as paintings, turned wood bowls and fiber. The shop’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Macon launches health assessment survey
Over the next few weeks, Macon County residents will play a crucial role in helping Macon County Public Health (MCPH) identify important health needs in our community and the surrounding area. MCPH has collaborated with the national research firm PRC based in Omaha, Nebraska, to conduct the Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey with western North Carolina (WNC) residents between April and October of this year. The confidential survey will ask about residents' health, behaviors, and experiences. Randomly selected households will receive a call from “WNC Health” and the survey will take around 20 minutes to complete.
Macon is one of 18 counties participating in the CHA across WNC. The survey covers various health-related factors, including demographics, socioeconomics, health status, disparities, behaviors, clinical care, physical environment and quality of life. This data is the basis for efforts to prioritize and address health challenges over the next three years.
Macon plays a vital role in the regional CHA strategy, which is led by the WNC Healthy Impact initiative, a collaborative endeavor involving hospitals, health departments and dedicated partners committed to enhancing community health across the region. The Community Health Assessment is generously supported by the hospitals of Western North Carolina and bolstered by contributions from the Dogwood Health Trust and aims to collect comprehensive data essential for understanding and addressing regional health challenges. The WNC Community Health Assessment survey, made possible through this collective funding, equips stakeholders, including valued funders, healthy impact partners and policymakers, with invaluable insights to guide targeted public health interventions for the betterment of residents across WNC.
Residents can also contribute through an online survey option at prcsurvey.com/begin/wnc2024.
Pisgah to hold Volleybuff Showdown
Pisgah High School’s Honors Sport and Event Marketing II class will host the 2024 volleyball tournament in the Pisgah gym on Friday, May 10.
“This event is a great opportunity to raise money for United Way of Haywood County, Pisgah’s DECA chapter, volleyball program, and SGA while giving young men at every grade level the chance to compete in a fun and competitive event,” said junior Jake Lowery.
Teams in this showdown are coached by members of the current JV and Varsity volleyball teams.
“Volleybuff is a unique way to compete to see who is the top dog. I hope all our work pays off,” said senior Kole Smathers.
The Sympleaf Sport Volleyputt promotion during the championship match will feature a chance for one lucky constant to take home a grand prize of $10,000. The contest is open to anyone over the age of 14. Potential contestants will have the opportunity to register in the gym lobby. Tickets can be purchased online via the GoFan website. Admission is $5. Concessions and door prizes will also be available. The first match of the tournament will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Marianna Black Library prepares for summer
The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City is now releasing its dates for the Summer Learning Program 2024. Area children and parents can begin registering for a summer of reading and activities from June 10-15.
The Summer Learning Program 2024 theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” The Reading Adventure is for seven weeks, from June 16 to Aug. 3. Children earn prizes every week for reading or being read to, for only 20 minutes a day. The library welcomes any feedback about what kind of programs and activities you and your kids would like to enjoy this summer.
There is also a STEAM based program called Discovery Club on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 3:45-5 p.m. for school age kids, ages 7-13. Also, for school age kids there is Creative Kids Art Club, on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, from 3:45-5 p.m. In this program, kids will enjoy using their creativity while engaging in arts and crafts.
Preschool Storytime Adventures are every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. This is an opportunity for kids ages 3-6 years old to enjoy plot-based stories, flannel storyboard time, silly songs with movements and other participatory activities.
Additionally, there is a new baby and toddler time called Bounce and Rhyme. This is on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m.
The Marianna Black Library is located in downtown Bryson City, on the corner of Academy and Rector Street. Anyone who would like to sign up for a kids program or has any questions can contact Allison Reid at 828.488.3030, ext. 130 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
WNC Community Enhancement Grants Awarded
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) awarded nine WNC Community Enhancement grants totaling $82,117 to support charitable organizations and eligible public agencies engaged in projects in downtowns or commercial corridors that enhance appearance, infrastructure, or the pedestrian experience. Here are the grants that were awarded to organizations within The Smoky Mountain News’ four-county coverage area:
• $10,000 to Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau (BGCP) for a beautification project along public sidewalks beside the organization’s building in Cashiers. BGCP is part of a community corridor that includes the Cashiers Fire Department, Fishes and Loaves food bank, Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center, The Village Green, Albert Carlton Library, outdoor ball fields, a playground, and a community dog park. Grant funds will support the purchase of (and thereby make permanent) an existing temporary art installation. The purchase is part of a larger effort to beautify landscaped areas adjacent to Frank Allen Road, including the establishment of a pollinator garden and the placement of a flagpole and American Flag.
• $10,000 to Town of Maggie Valley to purchase an addition to the Maggie Pavilion, which is located next to Town Hall. The new open structure will be placed adjacent to the present building to provide open air seating for pavilion events. Funds from the Town will be used to purchase new commercial grade picnic tables to be used below and beside the new structure. The Maggie Pavilion is used throughout the year for individual events, band concerts and group meetings.
To apply, organizations must be tax-exempt and located in the Qualla Boundary or one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania or Yancey. Priority will be given to projects located in rural or other under-resourced areas. The next deadline is June 10.
