Tuscola High School students dominated Future Farmers of America’s Land Judging competition this year.

The competition tests students’ ability to identify different types of soil and, based on the soil’s position in the landscape, develop recommendations for various uses. 

Appalachian Trail license plate funds are helping to make the woods a little safer for the volunteers who maintain the trail. Using the plate money, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy funds Wilderness First Aid certification courses, taught by Cullowhee-based Landmark Learning, for those who volunteer with various trail groups.

To the Editor:

 I certainly hope Santa brings Bob Wilson a “Connect the Dots” book — he could use the practice. His meandering letters are clearly out of touch with verifiable fact, but then his goal is plainly to give additional ink to some of the most flawed far-right messaging.  

To be clear, I do not fault papers for printing this tripe as it is, after all, submitted to the Opinion section. These are his opinions. Note: his opinion. I usually won’t bother to read these as they’re so clearly the conclusions of a very strange mind. I also do not usually call out letter writers by name, and will only refute the premise of their printed opinions.  

However, this person repeatedly shows his flawed and circuitous thinking with variations on quotes from what we all recognize as those notoriously twisted “urban legends” or, even worse, he offers his own invented “facts.” In short, these are in not facts.

 A friend labeled this kind of thinking as, and I quote: “off-the-shelf pundits, tend to construct these far-fetched analogies to fit presuppositions without rigorous analysis.” I agree. I don’t think any “rigor” is involved in any of Mr. Wilson’s rants.

Let’s all ask Santa to do him a favor and gift him with a new children’s “Connect the Dots” book in hopes of improving his thought processes and promote reasonable, rational and truly factual future remarks.

Shirl Ches

Franklin

To the Editor:

The letter “Democrats hurting African Americans” (SMN, December 3) confuses race with economics. The implication that Democrats have re-enslaved African Americans with social programs that rob them of the incentive to work and be productive is both tired and untrue.  

At the same time, the writer takes a whack at our public school system, referring to some as “horrible.”

But at the crossroads of these two ideas — race and schools — lies an inescapable truth that the writer unknowingly hits. He mentions that about four times the number of African American students from New York Catholic schools go to college compared to their public school counterparts.  

What’s the real difference here? Economics. Catholic schools require tuition, and the parents of students in them are wealthy enough to pay to have their kids attend; the majority of parents of students in public schools are less likely to be wealthy. This economic gap brings opportunity, privilege, travel, books, computers — even food — to kids of well-to-do parents that are denied those of low-income families. Also, kids of well-to-do families often grow up with an unspoken understanding that they will go to college; not so for ghetto kids.

What the writer needs to remember is that Democrats have a history of trying to improve the lives of people, particularly those that need help. Are we always successful? No, because democracy is an ever-changing thing, more art than science. And do some take advantage of public assistance? Yes. But trying is better than assuming that the rich will help the poor or that those in need should be left to starve.  

Democrats have a long tradition of working to benefit a broad spectrum of people, without specific consideration of race or gender. Here are a few examples: child labor laws, the work of Woodrow Wilson; Social Security and Aid to Dependent Children, Franklin Roosevelt; Medicare, Medicaid, Head Start, and Civil Rights, Lyndon Johnson … and the list goes on.  

All these acts have a single, color-blind purpose — to stabilize the lives of citizens and eventually free them of the yoke of poverty. Race has nothing to do with it.  

In any case, if we are going to confront the real problems that face the nation, we must relearn tolerance of each other. Our economy and industries need rebuilding. We cannot do it if we spend time quarreling among ourselves. It can only get done if we reason together.

Rick Bryson

Bryson City         

To the Editor:

It’s amusing to hear Republicans and other reactionaries describe Democrats and the Democratic Party. Contrary to their fiction-based descriptions, Democrats are not intent on keeping minorities dependent on the government nor do they any longer support segregation. Those who supported segregation after Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights legislation became conservative Republicans.

The Democratic Party still champions the working middle class, human rights and the work ethic. Democrats value individual effort and hard work. If you favor child labor laws, having a five-day workweek, and universally available public education, you might be a Democrat.

The Republican Party, on the other hand, has morphed into an ultra reactionary plutocratic party hardly recognizable to what it was. Ronald Reagan would not be nominated by Tea Party Republicans to be dog catcher, much less president.

If you think unions are evil and should be eliminated, you might be a Republican. If you believe that education should be for those who can afford private schools and that teachers are villains who teach kids liberal ideas, you are probably a Republican.

Middle-class Tea Partiers have been duped by the very wealthy plutocrats, such as the Koch brothers, via Karl Rove, Caritas, and others to believe that the rich will be better than the government. Plutocrats want to get rid of government so that they can have total control over the country and everyone in it. They want to go back to the time that three men determined that Garfield would be president.

Norman G. Hoffmann, Ph.D.

Waynesville

Dr. Graeme Potter • Guest Columnist

As one of the practicing, board-certified OB/GYNs in the community who provide prenatal care, I’ve been honored to care for more than 800 babies born in Western North Carolina. When I moved here in 2007, I was first associated with a larger practice, and since 2008 most of these babies were delivered with my private practice, Dogwood Women’s Health, and more recently Dogwood Wellness. For much of this time, I delivered babies and did surgical procedures at Harris Regional Hospital.

The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees approved a schedule of tuition and fees for the 2015-16 academic year that includes a 3 percent increase in tuition for students from North Carolina.

The proposal, unanimously approved by the board at its regular quarterly meeting Dec. 5, would mean a $110 annual increase in tuition for in-state undergraduate students.

Southwestern Community College has inadvertently released students’ social security numbers to a private research company. The college is reporting that all confidential student information has been confirmed as secure, and that steps have been taken to prevent future data breaches.

Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education will hold its 10th annual Mountain Dulcimer Winter Weekend Jan. 8-11 in the Lambuth Inn at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. 

A “Blue Ridge Christmas” with Sheila Kay Adams and Michael Reno Harrell will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. 

Works by painter Jeannie Welch will be displayed throughout December and January in the Meeting Room of the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees has endorsed the appointment of George H. Brown, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts at Western Michigan University, to the position of dean at the College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Alma Russ will perform at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

The event will feature Russ on fiddle, guitar, banjo, and vocals. Russ is a singer and musician whose style is a melting pot of Americana, folk, old-time, and hints of blues and jazz. Her main instrument is fiddle, but she can also play around with the claw-hammer banjo.

The Jackson County Department of Public Health has scheduled a public meeting to discuss increased levels of mercury in walleye and large mouth bass at Lake Glenville. 

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) announced today that Phillip L Wright has been named chief executive officer (CEO) for the hospital. He will assume his new role on Jan. 5, 2015.

Wright is a seasoned healthcare executive with 17 years of experience in executive leadership roles. He is currently serving as CEO for Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton, Fla. Wright has also served as CEO and administrator of hospitals in South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee. 

To the Editor:

Kudos to Bruce Gardner whose wise comments appeared in the Nov. 26 Opinion section of The Smoky Mountain News and pointed out that the Democratic Party of your parents is not the same we have today. 

Because early Democrats supported their position on slavery using Biblical justification, one must wonder if they aren’t trying to do the same thing today by making it all but impossible for our African Americans to escape the government plantation.

It is a well-known fact that you can take any group or tribe, of any color or location, and quickly make them dependent by giving them free goodies. This is precisely what Democrats have done.

An obvious consequence we see in the African American community is a lack of self respect, but who could possibly have self respect when you are a working age citizen dependent on government handouts? And at a time when Democrats want to keep African Americans dependent, we are going to spend $40 billion a year to finance Latinos who entered the country illegally.

But instead of spending that $40 billion on people who illegally came from another country, the money should be spent on breaking the grip teacher unions have on our horrible schools in places like Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago.  

It was African Americans who helped build this country, not illegal aliens. About four times as many African Americans graduating from New York Catholic High schools go on to college as do their brethren coming from public schools. Yet, to the detriment of African American students, teachers unions donate huge sums to Democratic campaigns and all but prevent any hope of improvement in public schools.

Sadly, during a speech in Chicago, Obama told everyone that it was the illegal aliens from Latin America that helped build this country and implored companies to hire them, all but ignoring the sacrifices African Americans who need jobs and education. 

It doesn’t help when we have people like Al Sharpton, who owes some $4.5 million in back taxes, spending time at the White House and who tells his fellow African Americans that all they need is more government welfare. 

Ignorant and racist views of human nature brought us one of the largest social boondoggles of the 20th century, but with sound and practical leadership we can correct the mistakes of the past.

Hopefully, next time around we will not only elect a president who understands what makes America tick but someone who can bring the races together, and someone who has the courage to stand up to the union control of education in the inner cities. With that, we can provide the path for African Americans to pull themselves up.

Let’s not be seduced by promises of hope and change again.”

Bob Wilson 

Franklin

To the Editor:

Even his critics agree that Ronald Regan did great things for the U.S. economy. Just look at these numbers: the best job creation record in American history, with an estimated unemployment rate of 5.6 percent by the seventh year of his term; sixty-three straight months of economic expansion; and 25 straight months of manufacturing expansion. Investors had an unprecedented gain of 220 percent in their investments in a 5.5-year period, a feat which benefited every aspect of the economy.

Just to be clear, the above statistics are for the current administration. Here is what a recent article in Forbes had to say, “Economically, President Obama’s administration has outperformed President Reagan’s in all commonly watched categories. Simultaneously the current administration has reduced the deficit, which skyrocketed under Reagan. Additionally, Obama has reduced federal employment, which grew under Reagan (especially when including military personnel) and truly delivered a ‘smaller government.’ Additionally, the current administration has kept inflation low, even during extreme international upheaval, failure of foreign economies (Greece), and a dramatic slowdown in the European economy.” (Forbes, 9-5-2014, Adam Hartung)

Under George Bush, more than 8 million lost their health insurance coverage; and the cost of health care continued to dramatically increase. The ACA (Affordable Care Act) has reduced the uninsured by more than 10 million and in the three years since 2010, health care spending growth rates are the slowest since record keeping began in 1960. Remember, every uninsured visit to an emergency room cost you money because Ronald Regan sponsored the law that requires the taxpayers to pick up the tab.

Ronald Regan declared amnesty for more than 3 million undocumented immigrants. Since Obama has been in office, he has overseen the deportation of over 2 million illegal aliens. He has increased boarder security to the highest level in history and, now, the net illegal immigration is zero. If you are concerned about immigrants overrunning this county, then Obama should be your hero.

Critics of his recent executive action are reminded that this problem has festered ever since Regan's amnesty plan failed. The system is broken and must be fixed. Obama has said, if you don't like it “pass a bill. ”

History, of course, will be the judge; but many independent presidential historians are predicting that President Obama will be one of the most successful presidents in modern history. That could be why so many Republicans what to impeach him.

Louis Vitale

Franklin

To the Editor:

My husband’s recent illness caused me to have several strong reactions regarding medical care at Haywood Regional versus Memorial Mission. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Mina’s care of Bob and me has been exemplary. We have utmost confidence in them and trust them completely. It became necessary for my husband to be transported to Mission because the physician here who performs endoscopy procedures was out of town. Had he been here, the entire procedure would have been done locally. There is a hope that another endoscopy expert will be added locally which would ensure coverage, thus eliminating the need for the Asheville trip. Perhaps our experience will help make this a reality. 

We have lived here 30 years and in that time have seen the medical staff grow along with the expertise and specialties necessary to a good, modern medical facility. Yes, Mission has all those things, but they are so large that the care one receives suffers, in my recent experience. I was with my husband 24/7 for five days and lived through a number of instances I would not care to repeat. No one really talked with us or asked if he was in need of anything. All those functions were carried out by me. They all looked in the computer, recorded vital information and left quickly. They normally asked us to call if we needed anything, but were gone before we could respond. 

When he was transferred from ICU there was a bed available only on the orthopedic floor. When I asked the nurse about his dressing that was soaked and falling off she told me this was an orthopedic floor and she couldn’t change the dressing. I am aware modern medicine has changed dramatically; however, in the five days we were there, I can recall just three of the staff who treated the patient as well as simply recording the medical data and administering the medications.

We are fortunate to have a fine hospital here in Haywood County, along with an excellent outpatient surgical unit. Our highly trained doctors are local. They live here, go to our churches, support local causes and are an integral part of the community. Our recent experience has been with Dr. Johnson and Dr. Mina, and in all cases they have taken the time to answer our questions and address any concerns we may have had. In short, they give compassionate care along with their highly skilled surgical expertise.

I can think of very few instances that would warrant our returning to Mission for care. They are building a huge complex here that will duplicate existing services which seems a shame. In my opinion this plan is simply a need to expand into an even larger enterprise. They are already “big business” enough in Asheville and their quality of patient care shows this.

Please be loyal to our own doctors, nurses and other medical staff. Bigger is not necessarily better. We speak from experience.

Sarah Sherman

Bethel

By Melanie Threlkeld McConnell • Guest Columnist

He usually arrives in the late afternoon, always before dinner time, and he doesn’t stay more than 30 minutes or so. Sometimes I see him arriving, sometimes leaving, his old maroon Oldsmobile crawling along Shelton Street. If I’m out walking, he always waves when he sees me. I wave back. We smile. 

But mostly I see him when he is parked, his car pulled over just enough so others can pass, always next to the same row of graves on the Veterans Drive side of Greenhill Cemetery, across the street from where I live. For several years now, I have witnessed this man, likely in his 80s, sitting alone in his car, always at the same spot. Who does he visit? A late wife? A brother or sister? A child? We have never spoken, nor do I know his name, but his vigil speaks volumes. And his isn’t the only one.

College student interns at the Highlands Biological Station have been working since August on a broad range of research projects, and they’ll share their results from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, on- site in Highlands as part of the internship program’s closing ceremony.

A program on dangerous and destructive forest pests that hitchhike on firewood brought in from outside the region will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A new section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is now complete, a 2.2-mile section that roughly parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County from Waterrock Knob east to Fork Ridge Overlook.

After spending six months completing a full-size quilt, Webster resident Susanne Kerper of Jackson County donated the blanket to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Homeowners dealing with a failing septic system may be eligible for help through a pair of grants Haywood Waterways Association recently received from the N.C. Division of Water Resources and the Pigeon River Fund. 

The $80,000 in grant money will go to help homeowners repair failing systems, which could otherwise leach raw sewage into local waterways. Since 2006, Haywood Waterways and the Haywood County Environmental Health Department have worked together to fix 38 failing systems, preventing as much as 14,000 gallons of dirty water per day from entering the water. Their work has significantly reduced bacteria levels in local streams. 

Clues of a failing system include slow plumbing, foul odors, excessive grass growth, soggy soil and standing ground water near the system. In a failing system, everything dumped into sinks and toilets can leak into groundwater and waterways, including human fecal waste. 

Grant funds pay 75 percent of total repair cost. Projects are prioritized by severity of failure and proximity to waterways. 828.452.6682. 

Cataloochee Ski Area continues its tradition of holiday giving with its 14th Annual Can-U-Ski Food and Coat Drive for Haywood Christian Ministries on Sunday, Dec 7.

Record numbers turn out each year for this event as guests are given a free lift ticket valued at $62 for the day in exchange for 24 cans of food or two winter coats in good condition. This season’s food drive comes as Cataloochee enters its second month of daily operations, with skiing and riding from three-quarters of the mountain down on 10 slopes and trails.  

Cherokee chorus celebrates the holidays

The Cherokee Community Chorus will present a Christmas Cantata “O Holy Night” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the Cherokee School campus.  

The Community Chorus is under the direction of J. Gilbert and piano accompanist is Sharon Bradley. The 30-member chorus is comprised of community members from around the Cherokee area. All churches, the public, family and friends are welcome to attend.

Free.

828.497.5350 or 828.497.3671.

‘Night Before Christmas’ rolls into Waynesville

“A Night Before Christmas” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, on Main Street in downtown. Hundreds of luminaries line the sidewalks. Enjoy carolers, live music, Santa, storytelling, and old fashioned wagon rides. Stroll through the Tour of Bethlehem with a live nativity and bustling first century marketplace. 

Beverly-Hanks Real Estate will have Song Spinners at 6 p.m., Signature Winds at 7 p.m. and hand bells by the First Methodist First Ringers at 8 p.m. The Jingle Bell Bash Christmas Carol Sing-a-long will be at 7 p.m. at The Classic Wine Seller. Betina Morgan will be singing and playing her harp at the Burr Studio. The Strand at 38 Main will host holiday music with Sax Wassail at 6 p.m. and Brass Reflections at 7 p.m. MusicWorks will be in the Town Hall. 

Guitarist Mike Pilgrim will perform at Twigs & Leaves Gallery. Land of the Sky barbershop quartet will be at Affairs of the Heart. Singer/songwriter Ginny McAfee will perform at Earthworks Gallery. The Junaluska Music Studio students will be at Adorabella. Holiday refreshments will be offered at Ellie May’s, The Jeweler’s Workshop, Sunburst Market, Mast General Store and Ye Olde Brick House. Face painting will be at the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

www.downtownwaynesville.com. 

Lights & Luminaries returns to Dillsboro

The Festival of Lights & Luminaries will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13-14 in downtown Dillsboro. 

With more than 2,500 candles in white bags lining the streets, Dillsboro will create a winter wonderland at the corner of Front and Webster streets. In addition, the town’s merchant “elves” trim their buildings, many of which date to the late 1800s, in traditional white lights. Shopkeepers also stay open late and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and homemade goodies to visitors. There will be sing-a-longs throughout town, horse-and-carriage rides, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus setting up shop in Town Hall. 

On Friday, Oak’s Gallery will have Pick & Play Dulcimer Group and George Frizzell will talk about C.J. Harris & Jackson County in the late 1880s and early 1900s at the C.J. Parlor. Bradley the Talking Bear will be at Bradley’s General Store; Melissa & Willy will play at Country Traditions; Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop will host Larry Hasket Greenery & Tree Wreaths along with Carmela Brooks & Chrystal Deitz.

On Saturday, Marshall Ballew will be at Riverwood Pottery; organists Urs V. Tolotti will be at Mountain Tunnel Crafts; Bradley the Talking Bear will be at Bradley’s General Store; Courtyard Christmas carol entertainment will be provided by guitarist John Morgan. Tut’s will again host Hasket, with Brooks & Deitz.

Free, with parking and shuttle transportation available at Monteith Park.

www.mountainlovers.com.

Bryson production celebrates the season

“The Christmas Shoes” stage production will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City. 

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.488.8227.

Holiday toy making in Bryson

Appalachian toymaker and storyteller Tim Hall will be demonstrating his craft at The Storytelling Center across from the Train Depot in Bryson City. 

Toy making will take place at 11 a.m. Dec. 4-7, Dec. 10-12, 1 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 14-19 and 21-24. As well, the center is also putting up their “Children’s Tree.” Each time a child comes into the center, they make a paper ring to place on the tree. Hall has collected over 2,700 rings, which will be strewn around the tree. All names and rings will be noted online at their Facebook page (search: The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City).

828.488.5705 or www.greatsmokies.com.

Civic orchestra holiday show in Sylva

The Western Carolina Civic Orchestra will hold its 4th annual Community Christmas Concert on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

There will be an open house at 5 p.m. hosted by the Jackson County Genealogical Society, the Jackson County Historical Association and the Jackson County Arts Council. The musical celebration will begin with caroling on the library steps, led by Gayle Woody. The group Brassoon will play Christmas music from the balcony. The Civic Orchestra concert will start at 7 p.m. with a baroque Christmas Concerto, “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven, and seasonal favorites. Everyone will be invited to join in the jingling of bells and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The orchestra is supported in part by a Grassroots Grant from the Jackson County Arts Council, with funding from the North Carolina Arts Council. The event is sponsored by the Jackson County Library, Jackson County Arts Council and Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

Free.

www.fontanalib.org or 828.586.2016.

Christmas in Appalachia

Bryson City

• The Nanta Claus Christmas Children’s Benefit will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Nantahala Brewing. Attendees asked to bring toy donations. Several holiday craft beers to be on tap and worst sweater contest. Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com. 

• An Outdoor Christmas Concert with the Victory Baptist Church will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Swain County Visitor Center. www.greatsmokies.com. 

• The Polar Express themed train is now running at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. The classic children’s book comes to life as the train departs for a special visit to the “North Pole.” Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. The train arrives to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa boards the train, greeting each child and presenting them with their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the depot. For times and prices, click on www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681. 

Cherokee

• The Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 3 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Nov. 28. Interactive displays of Cherokee legends, ice skating, carnival rides, and more. Performers include an Elvis impersonator at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 20 and 31 and Balsam Range (bluegrass) at 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets for the celebration are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and free for children under age 5. www.visitcherokeenc.com. 

• The Holiday Homecoming will be Dec. 20 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Old-fashioned Christmas music, holiday crafts, cider, cookies and more. 

• Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Harrah’s Cherokee. The production is a reverent, theatrical production, featuring songs from Adkins’ Celtic Christmas album, “The King’s Gift.” It combines fireside storytelling with performances of classic carols. Adkins’ trademark baritone has powered countless hits (“You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “Songs About Me,” “Every Light In The House,” and “Just Fishin’”) to the top of the charts. Tickets start at $24.50.

Clyde

• The inaugural Hometown Christmas Celebration will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the auditorium at Haywood Community College. A night of local music, artisan crafts and gifts, and holiday treats featuring appearances from McKayla Reece, Tim Surrett of Balsam Range, Eddie Rose & Highway Forty, Subject 2 Change, Matthew Curry & The Carolina Two, Sheriff Greg Christopher, and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause. Get your child’s photo with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m. A $4 donation per family is requested for photographs. Bring your own camera. Tickets for the performance are $8 and can be purchased at Sid’s on Main in Canton and at Ammon’s Drive-In & Dairy Bar and The Mountaineer, both in Waynesville. All proceeds benefit Next Step Ministries, a member organization of the new Haywood Pathways Center in Hazelwood. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.356.5432.

Cullowhee

• A holiday-themed spin on the hit production “GRITS: The Musical!” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The all-new musical “Cinnamon Grits: Christmas in the South” will stage as part of the 2014-15 Galaxy of Stars Series at WCU. In addition to some of the holidays’ all-time favorite anthems, the show features songs including “The Christmas ‘BELLE’ Medley,” “You Gotta Re-Gift,” “The Crazy Aunt Blues,” “Yes There is a Santa Claus” and “The 12 Yummy Days of Christmas.” Ticket are $21 for adults, $16 for WCU faculty and staff, $15 apiece for groups of 20 or more, and $7 for students and children. The show is sponsored by Bear Lake Reserve. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479. 

Fontana

• The “Christmas in the Smokies” holiday celebration will run through Dec. 31 at Fontana Village Resort. Winter fun, holiday festivities and events. 828.498.2211 or www.fontanavillage.com. 

Franklin

• NewSong’s “Very Merry Christmas” featuring John Wilson, Jamie Grace and Sanctus Real will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $15. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• The “At the Christmas Dessert Tasting” will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14, at the Hospice House on Maple Street. Fundraiser for The Hospice House Foundation of WNC. Raffle for handmade quilt, donations are $5 per ticket or three for $10. 

Maggie Valley

• The inaugural Maggie Valley Santa’s Workshop will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at Sassy Kreationz. Refreshments will be provided. Non-perishable items will be accepted for donation.

Sylva

• The choir of First United Methodist Church, Sylva will present its annual Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in the church sanctuary. A reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will follow in the Asbury Room. This program will be a musical journey titled “Darkness into Light,” and will feature the talented chancel choir, narrations of the Bible Christmas Story, and solos by individual choir members. The choir will be accompanied by organ and piano music. “Darkness into Light” is the story of how Jesus came into the world to bring life and light to all mankind. The coming of Christ brought hope, peace, joy and love, and turned the darkness into light. This musical program will also be featured during the 11 a.m. church service on the same day. 828.586.2358.

• The East Sylva Baptist Church Adult Choir will perform their annual Christmas Musical Celebration at 11 a.m. Dec. 14. Music from “Bethlehem Morning” and more. The children/youth production of “Chris-myth Busters” will be at 6 p.m. The musical is about a young boy finding the truth about Jesus and the first Christmas.

Waynesville

• The classic holiday production of “A Christmas Carol” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 13, and 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for students. www.harttheater.org or 828.456.6322.

Country artist John Berry will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Bluegrass legend Peter Rowan will perform on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley. 

Woodworker Ronnie Atkins recently opened Studio 36 in the Frog Level District of Waynesville.

The studio features handcrafted, one-of-a-kind furniture composed of both new and reclaimed components. Atkin’s interest in woodworking began in the 1980’s during his career as a television photographer. Originally a hobby, woodworking became of increasing interest, as he traveled the U.S. gaining inspiration from each community visited. A brief stint in a lumberyard in Austin inspired Atkins to retire after nearly 30 years in the field of television and focus on woodworking full-time.

Hunters who claimed they were unfairly targeted in an undercover wildlife poaching investigation will get a chance to share their grievances and concerns with a state-appointed committee tasked with looking into the issue.

It’s been a while since the Southwestern Community College Foundation first received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, but only now, having just finished raising the $300,000 required match, is the money available to go into the school’s Student Success Campaign. 

A $75,000 gift from the Duke Energy Foundation will allow Western Carolina University’s Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology to improve opportunities for engineering students. 

Buy Haywood is encouraging shoppers to think local on Small Business Saturday — not just by shopping at local stores but supporting local agri-business.

Locally made farm products, from sauces to jams to jerky, can be found on the shelves of local shops, while visiting farm-to-table restaurants and Christmas tree farms also provides opportunities to buy local. 

“Support of local agripreneurs keeps farms viable and preserves access to local products while protecting farmland and the rural character of the region,” said Tina Masciarelli, Buy Haywood project coordinator. 

Visit www.buyhaywood.com for a list of Haywood County producers.

The Environmental Protection Agency is in the midst of reviewing a set of proposed revisions to water quality standards in North Carolina.

The standards were approved by the N.C. Environmental Management Commission in response to federal requirements that state periodically evaluate surface water standards and integrate recent research. 

Changes to the standards include:

• Changing some standards to regulate dissolved metal concentrations instead of total recoverable concentrations where the dissolved metal number more accurately describes the portion of metal that’s toxic. 

• Considering the effect of water hardness on metal toxicity. 

• Instituting health-protective standards for 2,4-D, a widely used herbicide. 

• Updating aquatic life protective concentrations arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium III, chromium VI, copper, lead, nickel, silver and zinc.

• Clarifying when site-specific standards can be developed after studies are done in accordance with guidance from the EPA. 

Two public hearings were held in July to gather input on the proposed changes, and a report summarizing the issues and comments is available at portal.ncdenr.org/web/ emc/november-13-2014. 

When the New Year rolls around, the region’s best-known and longest-running environmental organization is changing its name, following a merger with two smaller environmental groups.

The Western North Carolina Alliance will now be called MountainTrue. WNC Alliance recently brought two smaller environmental groups with a more limited geographic focus into its fold: the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance and the Environmental Conservation Organization based in Hendersonville.

The merged organizations will come together under the new name MountainTrue. It was announced at the groups’ Annual Fall Gathering last week and approved by boards and members of the three groups. The goal of the merger is to develop a stronger, regional voice to protect natural resources in WNC while reducing the administrative costs of running three separate organizations. 

A new book has come out that treks through the human, political and natural history behind the formation of the Pisgah National Forest.

Since the designation of 80,000 acres as America’s first forestry school and later as the heart of the East’s first national forest, the Pisgah National Forest has grown to include 500,000 acres, a vast history and breathtaking natural scenery. 

Pisgah National Forest: A History, was written by author and naturalist Marci Spencer, who released a book last year that chronicles the natural and human history of Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies. 

The 208-page book costs $19.99 and is available at bookstores. 

With short and chilly days making miles on the trail harder to come by, a lineup of outdoors-themed board games can be a more attractive choice. Check out one of these games that entertain while celebrating the best parts of WNC’s public land:

Projects that promote or protect the Appalachian Trail can tap a special pot of grant money thanks to the sale of specialty AT license plates.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy dedicates a portion of the proceeds from AT license plates to trail-related projects in communities along the AT, from trail programs in schools to trail maintenance projects by local hiking clubs.

Land Trust for the Little Tennessee is looking to raise money for its Kids in the Creek program as part of #GivingTuesday on Dec. 2, an effort of charities around the world designed to inspire people to take action to improve their local communities, give back to causes they support and help create a better world.

A directory of handicapped-accessible hunting and fishing sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests is available to help disabled hunters and hikers continue to enjoy the outdoors. 

The U.S. Forest Service has fact sheets available for each of the state’s four national forests available online at www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc via the “hunt” and “fish” links at the top of the page. 

The Canton Library’s Giving Garden got some state recognition by nabbing the “best adult program” award from the North Carolina Public Library Directors Association.

The garden was the backdrop for a variety of programs at the Canton library throughout the year, including several gardening talks, author visits and workshops. The harvest from the garden goes to those in need.

The Molly Tuttle Trio (Americana/soul) and Darren Nicholson (bluegrass) will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Western Carolina University will wrap up the yearlong celebration of the 125th anniversary of its founding with the It’s a Wrap Party at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Ramsey Center in Cullowhee.

Former Mouseketeer Lindsey Alley will present an evening of musical performances mingled with stand-up comedy titled “Blood, Sweat and Mousketears” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

A performer since the age of 6, Alley was cast as a Mouseketeer in 1989 on the Disney Channel’s “All-New Mickey Mouse Club.” She was one of only three cast members to appear in the pilot and all seven seasons of the show, and she had the chance to work alongside such stars as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell.

Alley performed on Broadway in “Hollywood Arms,” written by Carol Burnett and Carrie Hamilton, and in off-Broadway productions including “Grand and Glorious,” “Like It Is,” and “Look Ma…No Ears,” which Alley co-wrote and produced. In addition, her film and television credits include “How I Met Your Mother,” “I Didn’t Do It,” “Bedtime Stories,” “Company Retreat,” “B.L. Stryker,” “Earnest Saves Christmas” and “On the Patio,” her original hit Web series. While on campus, Alley also will present workshops about the entertainment industry and auditions.

Admission is $5 for students and $10 for all others. 

828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

To the Editor:

For the most part, family traditions have been important in helping to bind families together. There are times; however, when some of these traditions need to be reevaluated.

Political loyalties fall into this group. Political parties can and have changed their entire philosophies. Many of your ancestors were politically active during the 1930s through the 1960s. Early on the country was mired into a time when jobs and opportunity were scarce. FDR came into office and created jobs for thousands of patriotic, hard-working  individuals who had begun to lose hope and had always been proud of their work ethic and were proud to support their families. Democratic Party initiatives built a base of party supporters that stayed strong and were dedicated Democrats. When they heard John Kennedy’s inaugural address he united and energized the country with his now famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

This challenge ushered in a time of scientific discovery, medical advancements, space exploration and built international respect for America during the Cuban missile crisis. His strong leadership in defense of our country and foreign relations initiatives built allies all around the world.

The philosophy of the Democratic Party was turned on its head with the assassination of President Kennedy. The Democratic Party had championed work ethic, individualism and self-respect. Lyndon Johnson and his “New Society” corrupted that philosophy and began to reestablish the base made up of people who could be made dependent on government through social welfare programs. Fatherless homes destroyed the family unit by subsidizing single motherhood, especially in the African-American community. The party then continued to build this new base using programs like the enormous expansion of the food stamp program. The party has been built on making more and more people dependent on government and giving them a hand out versus a hand up. All this is at the expense of future generations.

The conclusion here is that the Democratic Party that your ancestors strongly supported no longer exists.

Bruce Gardner

Waynesville

To the Editor:

News has recently come of the death of a second ebola victim on U.S. soil — a doctor from Sierra Leone flown here too late for treatment. Several thousand have died in the West Africa epidemic, too, and every death of a precious human being is tragic, of course.

But why have we allowed the media and political leaders to fan the flames of fear into a panic? We’re taking extreme measures at airports to keep potential ebola potential carriers from entering the country.

At the same time, however, there are 11,000 victims of gun violence in our country every year — a true epidemic. And no such panic over gun deaths occurs; no media or political figures are calling for gun control to prevent these deaths; no efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those who would use them to cause death are being taken.

I wonder why? Are the lives killed by guns less sacred that those lost to ebola? Perhaps we should “follow the money”?

Doug Wingeier

Waynesville

To the Editor:

If Editor Scott McLeod thinks that Obama is giving the finger to the GOP with his amnesty for illegals, think again. The finger is really being pointed at the millions of potential immigrants from all parts of the world who are waiting in line (some for as long as 10 years), following the process, obeying the laws, and have not been processed yet. This is a slap in their face. They’d have better luck buying a plane ticket to Tijuana and walking across, then waiting for the White House to give them a free pass. Immigrants are welcome in this country; always have been. Just ring the bell at the front door.

Donald Pierce

Barker’s Creek

David Tyler, assistant professor of sport management at Western Carolina University, and colleague Joe Cobbs, assistant professor of sports business at Northern Kentucky University, recently conducted a study as to what two schools have the most heated rivalry in college football.

The two studied sports rivalries for more than five years, focusing on teams in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision, examining a variety of factors surrounding the phenomenon of rivalry, and surveying thousands of college football fans. They surveyed more than 5,300 college football fans of 122 FBS teams, asking questions about their favorite teams, their rivals, their feelings about rival teams and their fans, and their thoughts about what contributes to those rivalries.

To quantify rivalry in college football, Tyler and Cobbs asked survey participants to allocate 100 “rivalry points” to as many as 10 teams. They then aggregated the responses of each team’s fans and calculated the mean point allocation, or “rivalry score,” toward each opponent (100 maximum). 

The researchers also examined factors including frequency of competition between teams, “defining moments” from the history of the rivalry, recent and historical parity, star players, geography, relative dominance by one team over the other, competition for personnel, and cultural similarities and differences.

Using social network analysis, they determined the strongest mutual rivalries, the most lopsided rivalries, the most likely rivals, and the teams with the greatest rivalry power in FBS football.

The research indicates that the most intense rivalry in college football is between Arizona and Arizona State. Other top national rivalries are No.2, Ohio State vs. Michigan; No. 3, Toledo vs. Bowling Green; No. 4, Brigham Young vs. Utah; and No. 5, Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan. 

In the state of North Carolina, research indicates that the most intense football rivalry is between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, the researchers say, with UNC vs. N.C. State a close second. The most intense rivalry in the Southeast – and the sixth most intense rivalry in the nation is between South Carolina and Clemson.

www.knowrivalry.com.