Lake Junaluska will have its annual clean-up day on Saturday, March 24.

The lake is down for silt removal, which will allow volunteers to also collect items near and around the lake they can't normally reach.

Meet at the Kern Center next to the pool at 9 a.m. for light snacks, coffee and juice. Each volunteer will be entered into a drawing for assorted gifts as a thank you.

Gloves and trash bags provided. Pickup sticks will be available to those who need them.  The rain date is March 31.

828.456.1952.

The Laurel Garden Club is giving the Highlands Biological Station a grant to purchase a greenhouse package for the propagation of native plants, specifically from local sources. The overall intent of the grant project is to develop a native plant rescue and propagation program.

"It has become increasingly apparent that many of our most endemic and well-adapted native species in the Southern Highlands region can be difficult to obtain in the nursery trade," said Max Lanning of the Highlands Biological Station. "Further, many of these species are state or federally-listed as threatened, endangered, or sensitive; and therefore, difficult to acquire without special permits."

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will allow the collection of some plant material from select properties, including seeds, vegetative cuttings and some whole plants in danger of trampling.

Collection and storage of seeds has already begun. And the next step will be the construction of a Heart Cypress framed greenhouse, funded by Laurel Garden Club. Future plans include transplanting propagated plants to rock outcrop communities, not only for our own Botanical Gardens, but also for ecological restoration projects at other Land Trust properties. These plants, nurtured in the greenhouse, will be used to re-populate rare and endangered native plants and communities.

Cubs on the Run 5k Race and Fun Run/Walk is set for 9 a.m. March 24 in Canton, following a moderately hilly track along Kim's Cove Road an N.C. 110.

There will be water stations along the course. Trophies will be awarded for top male and female overall finishers as well as age group medals for male and female top three finishers. The first 150 entries are guaranteed a race T-shirt.

A health and wellness expo will be held in the gym from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. This is a free event to help increase awareness of all forms of health care and healthy living opportunities that are available.

Pre-race packets can be picked up on Friday, March 23, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Race-day packet pickup and same day registration begins Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 a.m.

828.646.3445

Volunteers interested in assisting with construction and maintenance of a new trail at Western Carolina University are invited to participate in a free trail-building workshop on campus from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, March 24.

The workshop will include a required classroom session in The Cats Den in Brown Hall led by a trail care crew from the International Mountain Bicycling Association plus lunch and afternoon work on the trails. Participants are invited to stay for a 7 p.m. screening of "Pedal Driven, a Bike-umentary" in the multipurpose room of WCU's A.K. Hinds University Center.

The training will prepare volunteers to be part of the effort to build a five-mile, multiuse trail at WCU for walkers, hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers this spring and summer.

Hosting the trail-building workshop is WCU and the Nantahala Area chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association/International Mountain Bicycling Association. www.imba.com/tcc/schedule or 828.227.3466 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Two great opportunities to learn about and enjoy spring wildflowers are coming up, both under the guidance of the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee.

The first hike takes place Saturday, March 24, on Rufus Morgan Falls Trail, guided by Jack Johnson. This is a moderate hike in terms of difficulty and about 1.5 miles round trip. Bring your camera and water.

Meet at the Ride-Share Carpooling lot off of Sloan Road in Franklin at 8:30 a.m. to caravan to the site.

The second hike is on Friday, March 30, on Ike Branch Trail with local botonist Dan Pittillo. This will take about two hours for identification, the hike itself is a relatively easily two miles round trip.

Meet at 9 a.m. at Queens Branch to caravan/carpool. If coming from the Sylva area, notify LTLT early and you can follow Pittillo to the trailhead.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.524.2711 ext. 209.

City Lights Bookstore will continue its monthly Coffee with the Poet series on March 15, and Don and Diane Wells will present their book, Mystery of the Trees, later that day.

Sylva resident and author, Ben Bridgers, will read selection from his poetry collection Doors at 10:30 a.m. Bridgers is also the author of a nonfiction work titled, Swimming the Hellespont.

At 7 p.m., Don and Diane will discuss Mystery of the Trees, a study of Indian Trail Trees — trees that were bent by native tribes to serve as markers for trails, water sources or significant spiritual or cultural locations. The meanings of these trees are not completely known, but the book compiles what data there is with the intent of creating a more permanent record of this portion of Native American culture. The book features many photographs, maps and interviews with tribal elders.

828.586.9499.

Rose Senehi returns to City Lights Bookstore to sign her newest book, Render Unto the Valley, March 17. She will be on hand from 1 to 4 p.m. to meet readers and sign books.

Render Unto the Valley is a contemporary novel cloaked in the rich history of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains and tells of a woman's struggle to bridge the divide between the staunchly independent mountain culture she comes from and the sophisticated world she has become a part of — all while concealing an ugly secret that drove her away.

828.586.9499.

Harrah's Hotel and Casino will host three of the country's top Drag Queen entertainers in DRAGS TO RICHE$, a new drag variety show.

Performers include Pandora Boxx and Mimi Imfurst, who both appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race, as well as Sherry Vine of YouTube fame. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 7 and feature over-the-top impersonations, parodies, stand-up comedy and performances of Broadway and radio hits.

800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

The fourth season of Grace Noon Concerts will kick off at noon on March 15 at Grace Church Episcopal in Waynesville.

"We are delighted to host these wonderful local performers and provide a venue for fine music," said Rev. Arlene Lukas.

The March 15 performance will feature The Frog Level Philharmonic Dixieland Band.

"Our band is a tiny island of Dixieland in an ocean of Bluegrass," said Charles Alley, who leads the band as well as helps with the concert series.

The free concerts are presented on the third Thursday of each month — March through June. All are encouraged to bring their lunch during the program.

The University of Iowa Press recently released "The American H.D.," a book by Annette Debo, a Western Carolina University associate professor of English.

"The American H.D." offers a story about the significance of the United States through a study of the life and work of modernist 20th-century writer Hilda Doolittle.

H.D., an American who spent her adult life abroad, helped launch the free verse movement and authored experimental novels, short and long stories, essays, reviews, a children's book and translations. The University of Iowa Press describes H.D. as "a white writer with ties to the Harlem Renaissance; an intellectual who collaborated on avant-garde films and film criticism; and an upper-middle-class woman who refused to follow gender conventions."

Debo, a resident of Asheville, joined the WCU faculty in 2001.

828.227.3919 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Musician Robin Whitley will offer a program called "Songs and Stories of Life" at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva at 7 p.m. on March 20.

"Songs and stories are both part of life, and they complement each other," said Whitley, who is music director at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Sylva. "As adults, we don't get to hear stories anymore. But, we're all part of the story of life."

A musician and singer, Whitley is also a guitar instructor with the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program and studied voice and church music at Pfeiffer University.

828.586.2016.

The gallery at the Oconaluftee Institute for Cultural Arts will feature an exhibition of work by artist Dora May during the month of March.

May's work is a combination of paintings, drawings and installation exploring issues of the body and feminism.

"My work is a way to dissect my past through remembering, reliving and re-creating what comforts me," May said.

This is the thesis show for May's Master of Arts in Education degree, which she is currently pursuing at Western Carolina University. The exhibition runs until March 30 and is free and open to the public.

828.497.3945 or southwesterncc.edu/finearts.

Craft an edible creation inspired by a book. Whether your favorite recent read is The Lorax or Lord of the Flies, you can bake, assemble, frost or fill using anything edible.

Deliver your registered entry on Friday, March 30, to the downstairs meeting room of the Waynesville branch. On March 31, the public is invited to view and vote on their favorite entries.

Judges will select a winner for each age division and the "puniest" entry, in addition to the audience favorite as selected by the public. All entries not picked up by 2:30 p.m. will be eaten beginning at 3 p.m.

People of all ages and abilities are invited to participate. Registration is required by March 16 for this free event. Forms are available at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Public Library.

828.356.2511 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Overlook Theatre Company will present the musical, "Lamb of God," March 22-25, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.

The performances will start at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of Sunday's performance, which begins at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $13 each and discounted student tickets are available for $10.

"Lamb of God" is a dramatic telling of the life of Jesus Christ. It's told from the viewpoint of the prophets who announced his birth, the followers who walked with him and the enemies that condemned him to die.

866.273.4615 or GreatMountainMusic.com.

The Groovy Movie Club will show the film "The Double" on Friday, March 16.

The event will begin with a mostly organic potluck dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by the movie at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The group meets the second or third Friday of every month. The mission of the Groovy Movie Club is to show excellent films, both feature and documentary, with a message. A discussion will follow for all who wish to participate.

The screening will take place at Buffy Queen's green, solar-powered home in Dellwood. 828.926.3508 or 828.454.5949 to make reservations and get directions.

Haywood County's first female flat track roller derby team, Balsam Mountain Roller Girls, is hosting a retro prom at the Smoky Mountain Sk8way at 8 p.m. on April 6.

All proceeds will benefit the Balsam Mountain Roller Girls and help cover costs of uniforms and other equipment expenses.

The prom event will feature the roller girls, deejays, live music, dancing and other entertainment. There will be a dance contest, best dressed winners and prom king and queen announcements with prizes.

Tickets are available for those 21 years and up at the Smoky Mountain Sk8way. Tickets are $20 for individuals and $35 per couple. Everyone who attends is encouraged to wear retro prom attire! The event is BYOB.

828.246.9124 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Stellar "Tall Girl" Marshall Chapman will head the next Songwriters-in-the-Round event on March 17 at Balsam Mountain Inn.

Chapman is a singer-songwriter and author who was born and raised in Spartanburg, S.C. She has released twelve critically acclaimed albums, and everyone from Emmylou Harris and Joe Cocker to Irma Thomas and Jimmy Buffett has recorded her songs.

Tommy Womack and Lisa Oliver Gray will join Chapman on March 17.

Tickets are $45 each and the event will include a delicious buffet dinner.

855.456.9498.

Four legendary artists — Steve Green, Twila Paris, Wayne Watson and Michael Card — will unite together for their Christian Classic Tour at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on March 30. Tickets start at $20 each.

Steve Green is a four-time Grammy Award nominee. His hits include "People Need the Lord" and "Household of Faith."

Twila Paris has released 22 albums and has reached the number one spot on Christian Radio with 33 hit songs. Some of her hits include, "He is Exalted" and "God is in Control."

Wayne Watson has won a dozen Dove Awards and had 23 number one Christian Radio hits. He is known for songs such as "Almighty" and "Another Time, Another Place." Last year, Watson was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame, an honor he shares with both Green and Paris.

Michael Card has sold more four million albums and written 19 number one hits. Amy Grant recorded his most famous song, "El Shaddai."

866.273.4615 or GreatMountainMusic.com.

Four members of Voices in the Laurel were selected to sing in the American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Children's Honor Choir.

Colby Cook, Ivey McClure and McLain Youngwood, of Haywood County, and Emily Wylupek, of Franklin, auditioned for the choir in September. They were part of a choir of 175 singers chosen from eleven states to sing under the baton of nationally recognized Robyn Lana, conductor of the Cincinnati Children's Choir.

"If you like to sing, you should try it, because it is fun and a great experience," McClure said.

The Liars Bench will perform the first in a series of stories called "Balsam Chronicles" at 7 p.m. on March 15 at Western Carolina University's Mountain Heritage Center.

The free series will start with the story of Gus Baty, a man who jumped/fell off Whiteside Mountain and slide 60 yards down the steep mountainside. His friend Charlie Wright rescued him after he came to rest against a laurel bush suspended on the very edge of Whiteside's cliff, 1,000 feet above the valley floor.

The March 15 performance will also feature Haywood County native Joe Sam Queen with a square dance team and buck dancers and Kidder Cole, the most beautiful woman in Cashiers Valley, who prompted Felix E. Alley to write a square dance tune that was played all over Western North Carolina.

Each of the three "Balsam Chronicles" shows will showcase the history and folklore of one of the counties in the Balsam range.

Recently, The Liars Bench, in conjunction with the Mountain Heritage Center, developed a grant proposal that was funded by the Jackson County Arts Council.

"This grant will give us the resources to develop programs that deal with topics such as Dr. John R. Brinkley, the hanging of Jack Lambert, and the historical basis for the belief that Abraham Lincoln was born here. We plan to do this with storytelling, music, poetry and drama," said Carden.

The Liars Bench is a two-year old program featuring authentic traditional Southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry and drama.

828.227.7129.

To the Editor

The National Park Service says we need to charge for backcountry camping. After hundreds of letters and several public meetings, with the majority of people saying no to fees, the fee is being implemented anyway.

In 1934 when the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was first established, an agreement was made by the federal government that there  would be no fee to enter the park. Some people might say this is not charging to enter the Park, but I disagree. Some backcountry campers might enter the Park by walking in along the trails. This sounds to me like another agreement broken by the National Park Service.

The Swain County Commissioners asked in a written resolution for the National Park Service not to charge the fee, but it is going to anyway. Citizens, if we do not all stand against this, in the near future the national park will break another contract and start charging everyone just to drive into the park. They will say it is done in other national parks and will call it a toll road. Is that what we want?

David Monteith

Swain County

To the Editor:

The Republican state legislators have repeatedly said that the $428 million in cuts to the public education system would not affect teachers, teacher assistants, or students. State Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, wrote, "Teachers and students ... are protected under the new budget... It is a fact that teachers and teacher assistants were fully funded in the new state budget."

This is where smoke and mirrors appear. Teacher and teacher assistant salaries may be funded in three different ways. First, salaries may be funded by the state directly or indirectly by the state by providing operational money to each school district; secondly, by local funds; and lastly from federal funds. The Republican legislature slyly cut almost all of the $428 million reduction from the operating funds given by the state to each school district. Thus the local schools were faced with choices like cutting out custodians and cafeteria workers or eliminating teacher and teacher assistant positions. When teaching jobs were necessarily cut on the local level because of such severe reduction in state operational money given to local districts, the legislators can then claim it wasn't them but the local districts that cut these positions.

The actual results of the budget cuts have been tabulated by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and the smoke and mirrors are now lifted. From the Department of Public Instruction, in just the 2011-12 school year 1,723 K-12 classroom teachers and 2,282 teacher assistant jobs were eliminated.

"This is the first time since the Great Depression in the 1930s that NC public schools have decreased the number of teacher positions during a time of student growth." The superintendent of Public Instruction writes, "When you look at these numbers, it is striking to think of the impact for students. There are fewer adults in schools, more students in each class in all grades, and fewer staff to help students who may struggle or need help with learning."

What is even worse, every one of the lost teaching jobs in 2011 could have been fully paid for if the legislators had not cut out $78 million in revenue by decreasing income tax by 3 percent on the super-wealthy (households earning more than $250,000). Does Jim Davis really care about our public education teachers and students, or is his priority more about giving tax breaks to his multi-millionaire supporters like Art Pope?

I don't know if Jim Davis was intentionally misleading the citizens of this state, or if he was just plain ignorant of the educational budgeting process and that the public education cuts he voted for would eventually lead to loss of teachers and teaching assistants, but I do know that the teachers, teacher assistants, students, and citizens in WNC deserve better representation than they now have in Raleigh.

Ed Morris

Franklin

To the Editor:

I was amused to read recently that Scott Cochran, the promoter for the town's upcoming Rumble in the Smokies motorcycle rally, stated that noise would be an unavoidable inconvenience to residents and "the biggest complaint you will have, and the biggest I have (is noise) I can't sugarcoat that. It is noisy and it is aggravating."

How generous of Mr. Cochran to warn residents and tourists that they will be assaulted for three days with the deafening sound of perhaps thousands of motorcycles, not to mention inconvenienced by closed downtown streets.

Mr. Cochran – who conveniently received a $14,000 marketing grant from Franklin's Tourism Development Authority — has assured town leaders that the rally could draw perhaps 4,000 bikers, that cash registers of local merchants will ring non-stop, and that "99.9 percent of these bikers will be recreational" – whatever that means.

Let me be clear. I have nothing against motorcyclists. What I object to is the disruptive din emanating from many of their machines. I can attest that my quality of life has been negatively impacted by their presence along N.C. 28 north. It's a dreaded intrusion that arrives with early spring and lasts until the first frost.

With one lone exception, the town's alderman have been united in supporting the rally. As Mayor Joe Collins stated, the event is being "tendered in good faith and the belief that it would be beneficial." Put another way, town leaders have no idea if the rally will be a big mistake, but the only way to find out is do it anyway and hope for the best. That, my friends, is circular reasoning at its ugliest.

It may come as a surprise to town leaders, but the lure of Macon County has nothing to do with excessive noise and inconvenience. Residents, part-timers, and tourists alike are here because of the easy and quiet pace a small town offers. It's unfortunate that Franklin's ambiance is often compromised by its elected officials for the sake of questionable economic gain.

The argument that local merchants will benefit from the rally (at the expense of residents and tourists) is weak. If the alderman are so concerned about the economic woes of local merchants, they should reconsider the Super Wal-Mart now under construction — which they welcomed with open arms.

Instead of replicating what other mountain communities have already done, Franklin's political leaders should spend their taxpayer-supported time protecting and preserving what remains of our area's intrinsic value.

Frankly, I doubt most folks who reside in or visit Franklin, want to hear the Smoky Mountains rumbling non-stop for three days and nights.

Carol Ramsey

Cowee

To the Editor:

All of Haywood County — and especially Maggie Valley —should be standing on their heads in support of helping Alaska Presley and what she's trying to accomplish with her efforts to bring back Ghost Town in the Sky.

She's the only person who can pull this off, the only person who can pull people together in hopes of seeing Maggie Valley return to the level which will help suffering businesses throughout this community and all of Haywood County.

I'm afraid Maggie Valley's days are numbered as a town if we don't jump in and help her in anyway possible. Once it's up and running with support of Wheels Thru Time and Cataloochee Resort, Maggie will once again be the Jewel it once was.

Alderman Phil Aldridge

Maggie Valley

To the Editor:

Complaints about the significant police presence in Maggie Valley, I think, are highly exaggerated. In the 10-plus years we've been visiting Maggie Valley we have not been overly aware of that presence, much less pulled over. This new knowledge most certainly will not deter future visits to Maggie.

To witness the opposite sketch, visit Dillsboro, where police are a rarity. The speed limit through Dillsboro is 20 mph.

The only time a driver might slow to 20 is driving through one of the half-dozen stop signs. Maggie Valley residents are most fortunate.

David Snell

Dillsboro

To the Editor:

With regard to your news story "Are cops making a pest of themselves in Maggie Valley?" (Feb. 29 Smoky Mountain News), our answer is a resounding "no."

My husband and I are Maggie Valley residents who regularly travel Soco Road. We witness people breaking the law every single day.

The speed limit in the heart of the valley is 35 mph. It is not unusual for vehicles to pass through doing 45 or 50 mph. We have observed some drivers exceeding 65 along the 45 mph stretch to Jonathan Creek.

Despite clearly marked right-of-ways and neon yellow signage, these folks rarely stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. You'd actually think they were in crosshairs, the way they seem to take aim and speed up.

As for people walking on sidewalks, it's not much better. I saw a family of four get sideswiped last month. Thankfully, they had good reflexes (no injuries). I found it most disturbing that the driver involved was completely oblivious to the near-miss.

Many of these in-a-hurry drivers also exhibit aggressive behavior. They follow too closely, use the middle turn lane to pass people already speeding in the left lane and occasionally make obscene finger gestures at drivers who obey the speed limit.

As for people who drink and then get behind the wheel, it happens frequently in Maggie Valley, especially during evening hours and on weekends. It shouldn't.

Whether it's down to poor personal scheduling habits, unwise choices at the bar, a brazen disregard for the law or simple distracted driving, it directly effects the safety of others on the road as well as pedestrians.

Chief Sutton and his officers are doing the right thing: They are protecting and serving to the greater good.

The Maggie Valley Police Department is improving safety for all with the visual reminder that they are here, and that there will be consequences. And their presence in Maggie Valley is greatly appreciated.

Jennifer and Chris Allen

Maggie Valley

To the Editor:

Since Obama took office Jan. 20, 2009, the DOW has risen 48 percent, the S&P 500 is up 60 percent, and the NASDAQ is up 90 percent. Yet Pat Denzer, in her Letter to the Editor of March 7, maintains that the stock market has remained flat during Obama's presidency.

Her assertion about the stock market, however, is not her only inaccuracy. Whereas under George W. Bush, the deficit rose 86 percent, thus far under Obama it has risen only 45 percent ($4.73 trillion). This information is easily verifiable under factcheck.org. Nor has Obama directed the Fed to set interest rates at 1 percent; in fact, the Fed is entirely independent of presidential control.

The interest rate of 10-year treasury bonds varies even from week to week, but one year ago they yielded 3.47 percent; this week, 1.97 percent.

Setting aside the issue of the yield, having 85 percent of one's retirement invested in bonds is not really a wise investment strategy as it is generally true that when the stock market goes up, bonds go down. Perhaps her niece has her 401K in bonds as well.

But why Ms. Denzer thinks Obama is on a mission of retribution or has a "distaste of those who strive for independence" is a mystery.

Indeed, her letter is a sad example of misplaced anger and misinformation .

Lynda Self

Waynesville

Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont will join other Girl Scouts across the nation this week to celebrate Girl Scout Week and the group's 100th Anniversary.

During the week, Girl Scouts of all ages celebrate by demonstrating leadership and commitment in ways that have a real impact on their communities.

"Girl Scout Week is an opportunity to celebrate the long and proud history of Girl Scouting and to engage our girls in making our communities and world a better place," said Marcia Cole, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont.

Founder Juliette Gordon Low established the organization in 1912. Her vision was to grow a girl-centered organization, where girls could experience the outdoors, expand their worlds through community service and learn the skills needed to be successful women in the society they lived in.

800.672.2148 or www.girlscoutsp2p.org.

Two Republicans running for state and federal office will be at Ryan's Steak House in Sylva on March 15 for a Meet the Candidates event.

Jeff Hunt, a candidate for the 11th District GOP nomination to fill retiring U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler's seat, and a spokesman for Ethan Wingfield, another Republican running for that office, will be on hand to answer questions and gather information from Jackson County voters.

Mike Clampitt, a resident of Bryson City who is seeking to fill the N.C. House seat vacated by Phil Haire, will also be in attendance.

Dinner will begin at 6 p.m.

828.371.0055 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

An open house for The Homestead inpatient hospice unit on the MedWest-Haywood campus will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 18. The Homestead is the only inpatient hospice unit west of Asheville and is open to patients from across the region, with a physician's referral. The Homestead has six beds, with plans to expand to 12 beds. It is located at 127 Sunset Ridge Road.

828.452.8343.

Get up-to-date information on first aid at a 2 p.m. Thursday, March 15, Live and Learn session at Lake Junaluska. The program will feature David Roberts, supervisor for the Haywood County Rescue Squad, and Jason Hampton, crew chief for the Haywood County Rescue Squad Transportation Services. This program is not intended for certification.

800.222.4930 Opt. 2.

WNC Nature Center's most-popular offsite excursion, to see the elk in Cataloochee Valley, is coming up from 2 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20.

There will be a 2 p.m. presentation on elk ecology and biology at the Nature Center, followed by a trip to view and study the elk herd. The fee is $20 per person, or $18 for members of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, and includes snacks. Guests may elect to drive their own vehicles at a reduced rate of $10 per person.

828.298.5600 ext. 305.

A new National Park Service report shows that more than 14.5 million visitors spent $299 million along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in surrounding communities in 2010. That spending supported more than 4,008 jobs.

Under the same economic model, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park claims its 9 million visitors spent over $818 million in the gateway communities surrounding the Park, with 11,367 local jobs were supported by Park visitor spending.

"The people and the business owners in communities near national parks have always known their economic value," said Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis. "The Blue Ridge Parkway is clean, green fuel for the engine that drives our local economy."

The figures are included in an overall total of $12 billion spent by 281 million visitors in 394 national parks and nearby communities, which are reported in an annual, peer-reviewed, visitor spending analysis conducted by a Michigan State University professor for the National Park Service.

Most of the spending and jobs is related to lodging, food, and beverage service (52 percent) followed by other retail (29 percent); entertainment and amusements (10 percent); gas and local transportation (7 percent); and groceries (2 percent).

To download the report visit www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/products.cfm#MGM and click on Economic Benefits to Local Communities from National Park Visitation and Payroll, 2010.

The Smoky Mountain Roller Girls, an all female roller derby league, will hold its debut competition from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at the Swain County Recreation Center on Deep Creek Road in Bryson City.

The event also will feature live music, belly dancers, half time entertainment, concessions, raffles and door prizes. This will be a fundraiser for the Bryson City Food Pantry.

Admission is $5 donation or five nonperishable food items.

www.smokymountainrollergirls.com

The Smoky Mountain Roller Girls holds practices on Sundays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Swain County Recreation Center. New participants and spectators are welcome. 828.275.1372 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Margaret Fry Carton of the Cashiers area has been elected president of the Friends of Panthertown, a nonprofit that protects, preserves and promotes Panthertown Valley, a national forest enclave of unusual beauty and stunning natural features near Cashiers.

"We will continue our work to ensure that Panthertown remains a vibrant and protected natural resource for our community, and for the unique flora and fauna the flourishes here," Carton said. "This organization represents a unique partnership between conservation minded individuals and the Forest Service."

Carton, who lives in the Cashiers, retired in 2005 from Coca-Cola Enterprises as the vice president, chief information officer. Before that, she was the vice president of investor relations and planning and managed several financial functions, including investor and share-owner relations, employee communications, financial media relations, and strategic financial planning and analysis. Her husband is an associate professor and department head for entrepreneurship, sales and marketing, and hospitality and tourism at Western Carolina University.

Panthertown is located in the Nantahala National Forest between the mountain communities of Cashiers in Jackson County and Lake Toxaway in Transylvania County. Carton is also the chairman of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Board of Trustees in northeast Georgia. In addition, she serves on the board of the Atlanta Ballet and is a member of the Western Carolina University Computer Information Systems Advisory Board.

Carton is the second president of Friends of Panthertown, succeeding David M. Bates, the organization's first president and co-founder, who passed away last year.

A documentary on Aldo Leopold, the famous forester and environmentalist, will be screened at 6 p.m. March 15, at the Jackson County Public Library's community room.

This is the first documentary on the life and work of the legendary conservationist, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. Special guest Curt Meine, Leopold biographer and host of the film, will be present for the free screenings.

Event sponsors are the N.C. Leopold Education Project, the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, The Wilderness Society, the Western North Carolina Alliance, the U.S. Forest Service and the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee.

Other screenings in the region include:

• 6:30 p.m. March 16, the University of North Carolina-Asheville in the Highsmith University Union Grotto.

• 6 p.m. March 17, Crossnore Forestry Training Facility's main cafeteria.

• 8 p.m. March 21, Warren Wilson College's Canon Lounge.

www.greenfiremovie.com or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Winners of "Community Pride" awards through Haywood County's Commission for a Clean County will gather at noon, Feb. 15, at the Waynesville Inn.

The award winners demonstrated exceptional environmental stewardship in the county during the past year.

Being recognized are the Haywood Correctional Center (now closed), Waynesville's Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Silver Bluff Village, the Maggie Valley Civic Association, Clayton Davis, the North Hominy Community Beautification Make-over Team, the Maggie Valley United Methodist Church, Meadowbrook Elementary School Recycling Club and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club at Tuscola High School.

RSVP by Monday, Feb. 6.

Bill Skelton at 828.456.3575 or JoAnna Swanson at 828.452.1550.

A two-day conference titled “Growing the Appalachian Food Economy: A Forum on Local Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture” will be held Tuesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 4, in Asheville.

The forum will provide an opportunity people from all sectors to share ideas and learn practical ways local food systems can increase employment opportunities. It will also help spark entrepreneurial ventures and build local wealth in Appalachian communities.

Forum participants will hear from practitioners and experts on topics that include:

• the economic and community impacts of supporting local food systems

• why the “local food” economic development approach is particularly useful for Appalachian communities

• how to take advantage of innovative models of capital and credit that support local food economies

• how to develop and encourage a “buy local” community mindset and more.

There also will be opportunities to participate in local food and farm tours showcasing food business ventures and farms.

It is hosted by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

828.252.8211 or www.arc.gov

Don and Diane Wells will discuss their book, Mystery of the Trees, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Mystery of the Trees is a study of Indian Trail Trees which are trees that were bent by native tribes to serve as markers for trails, water sources or significant spiritual or cultural locations.

The meanings of these trees are not completely known but this fascinating book compiles what data there is with the intent of creating a more permanent record of this portion of Native American culture. The book features photographs, maps and interviews with tribal elders. To purchase or reserve a copy please call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Acclaimed potter Jeffrey Oestreich will demonstrate his work and give an illustrated artist’s talk Thursday, March 15, at Western Carolina University.

Oestreich will demonstrate clay-forming techniques from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Ward Clay Studio, Room 151 of the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. And, beginning at 4 p.m. he will deliver an illustrated artist’s talk in Room 130 of the Bardo Arts Center.

A WCU Fine Art Museum Third Thursday wine and appetizer reception will be held for Oestreich at 5 p.m. in the arts center atrium, where a small exhibit of his work will be on display. All events are free and the public is invited.

Oestreich’s work is now included in the collections of the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, N.Y.; the Victoria and Albert Museum in London; and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum in Taiwan, among others.

828.227.3595 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Western Carolina University’s Department of Communication will join Carolina Public Press in co-hosting “Full Disclosure,” a public records workshop, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in Room 144 of WCU’s Stillwell Building.

The workshop will provide information on the existing laws and advice on drafting a request for information and publishing news stories from the data.

Seating for the workshop is limited and tickets are required. Admission is free for WCU students and $20 for all others.

828.227.2730 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.carolinapublicpress.org.

Elementary school-aged children and their families are invited to a free ARTSaturday workshop from 10 a.m. till noon on March 10 in the Macon County Public Library children’s wing.

Make-and-take projects include paper kites and airplanes, and one-of-a-kind insect mobiles. Every ARTSaturday features live music by Keyboardist Lionel Caynon. There’s no pre-registration; children should wear play clothes and come for any part of the two-hour session. Adults must stay with their children; a special workstation is provided where adults and younger children can work together.

The library is off Siler Road in Franklin, adjacent to the Macon Southwestern Community College campus.

828.524.7683 or www.artscouncilofmacon.org.

Peggy Schwartz, an award-winning professor of dance and former director of the dance program at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, will discuss her biography of dancer Pearl Primus at Western Carolina University on March 15.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Niggli Theater from 12:35 to 1:50 p.m.

828.227.3672 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Students who are enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Continuing Education Digital Photography class will exhibit their work from March 14 through June 30 at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library.

Opening reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 1. This exhibit is being held in coordination with the Haywood County Arts Council.

Though this course, students focused on the creative process of concept to completion, while learning the technical and creative aspects of the craft. Upon completion, students will have a professional portfolio that can be presented in a print or a digital portfolio.  

828.565.4242.

The Broadway Musical “The Story of My Life” will play at the Haywood Arts Regional Theater on March 9, 10 and 11.

The show tells the story of two childhood friends and how their friendship profoundly defined their lives. Thomas Weaver is a best-selling, award-winning author; Alvin Kelby was his best friend for 30 years. But, time can test the bonds of friendship and when it does Thomas calls on the only resource he has, his stories of Alvin, to learn where things went wrong.

The HART’s production is being directed by Kelly Christianson and will feature Mark Jones and Neil Bartram in cast. Bartram is a newcomer to the HART stage, but Jones has appeared as the lead in HART’s “Cabaret” and “Buddy Holly.”

“The Story of My Life” will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 9-10 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11. Potential hold over dates are March 16-18. Tickets are $12 for all adults and $8 for students, general admission.

828.456.6322.

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, a non-profit organization located in Jackson County, is offering three $500 scholarships for Appalachian Studies, with a focus on traditional craftsmanship, traditional music and community service.

The scholarships are open to high school seniors in Jackson, Swain, Haywood and Macon. Appalachian Studies would be a multidisciplinary major with teaching, research and service. It could include the study of music, craftsmanship, art, writing, literature, history, vocational, education, social work and human services — all with intentions of producing an understanding that is supportive of regional pride and identity of the Appalachian people.

To download the 2012 Scholarship applications, go to www.spiritofappalachia.org.

828.631.4587.

The North Carolina Symphony will hold the preliminary round of its annual Kathleen Price and Joseph M. Bryan Youth Concerto Competition at the Wainwright Music Building at Meredith College in Raleigh on May 19.

The competition is open to instrumentalists between 10 and 21 years of age. All participants must be North Carolina residents or students enrolled full-time in a North Carolina school.

Competition participants perform one movement from any concerto of their choosing. The piece must be performed from memory. Preliminary auditions will be held on April 16 beginning at 9 a.m. and last no more than ten minutes each. Accompanists are required and must be provided by the performer. Applicants ages 16 to 21 compete in the senior division, 10 to 15 in the junior division.

Applications to reserve an audition time are now being accepted. First and second-place winners in both divisions will receive a cash prize. The winner of the senior division will also perform as a featured soloist with the North Carolina Symphony at a future public performance.

Download the interactive application form under “Competitions & Awards” at www.ncsymphony.org/educationprograms.

919.789.5461 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The first Heritage Alive Mountain Youth Talent Contest of the year will be held April 28 at the Greening Up the Mountains festival in Sylva.

Entry forms are due April 18. The other competitions will be held later in the year.

The purpose of the competition is to discover, develop and encourage talent in the youth of Western North Carolina and to provide an opportunity for local youth to perform on stage before an audience.

“I think it’s good to sing and play in front of an audience.  It’s good practice,” said Alma Russ, who performed in one of the contests for the first time last year. “It’s important not to hide your talent and good to show others what you can do.”

A “Best of Show” winner is determined at each Mountain Youth Talent Contest and those youth are then invited to perform on stage each fall at the Mountain Heritage Day held at Western Carolina University.

828.586.4009 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..