Things and Stuff: 03/28/02

Notes from our business community
- and everywhere else

A SPECIAL EASTER DINING GUIDE...

can be found on the back page of this section. Check the ads from participating restaurants and take your family out to eat Sunday.

DILLSBORO'S HISTORIC...

Jarrett House will reopen for the season Friday, March 29, at lunch. The local landmark is featured in the current issue of Our State magazine. See their ad for details.

JACKSON COUNTY'S...

Recreation and Parks Department is still accepting applications for Smoky Mountain Senior Games. Deadline to register is April 12. The program is open to anyone age 55 and older. Participants compete in their own age and gender category. Cost is $10, which covers entry fees, lunch, T-shirt and award's banquet. There is an extra fee for golf and bowling. To register, stop by the rec department office in the Duke/Nantahala building. For more information, call 586-6333.

JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOLS...

will be closed for spring break Friday, March 29, and Monday-Friday, April 1-5. The administrative offices will also be closed. School will reopen Monday, April 8.

CULLOWHEE METHODIST YOUTH...

are seeking donations from local individuals and businesses for a fund-raising silent auction planned for Sunday, April 28. The youth group is raising money to help fund a summer mission trip to Kentucky and would appreciate any donations. Those wishing to donate may call Julie Barnes at 293-0123. Items can be dropped off at Cullowhee United Methodist Church or youth group members will pick them up.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS...

Railroad will put Steam Locomotive No. 1702 back on the track Saturday, April 6, when the refurbished engine will depart Dillsboro at 1:30 p.m. for an afternoon trip to Bryson City. The engine is currently undergoing modifications to comply with Federal Railroad Administration regulations. In honor of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and in support of our armed services, the steam engine's fender will sport a red, white and blue American Heritage Railway logo featuring an American bald eagle. Passengers riding during opening weekend, as well as local merchants and residents coming to see the train off, will receive a commemorative AHR logo lapel pin. Free hot dogs will be served on the deck, and there will be live musical entertainment. GSMR offers both steam and diesel train excursions through the scenic mountains and colorful countryside of Western North Carolina. For more information, call 586-8811.

MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY CHARTER SCHOOL...

a regional public school expected to open its doors for the 2002-2003 school year, has hired a project director for its new Artists Share program, an arts project designed to bring regional artists into the school. Hannah Levin, the new project director, will begin work May 1. Levin will develop a network of regional artists, musicians, dancers, painters, potters, actors, weavers, and others who are willing to bring their work into the classroom at MDCS for instruction and demonstrations.

A tuition-free public school, MDCS will serve children of all abilities; its enrollment will represent the diversity of the region. The school's enrollment period will continue through April 12. If interest exceeds the enrollment cap of 144 students, a state-mandated lottery will be held. Interested parents can check out the school website at www.mtndiscovery.org for enrollment forms and more information. Enrollment forms are also available at local libraries.

JOYCE TODD...

featured in last week's Herald as she trains for the 2002 Team Diabetes Kona Marathon in Hawaii, has been nominated as a "Hometown Hero." WLOS-TV cameraman Adam McAnulty and reporter Jay Siltzer came to Sylva Tuesday to film a segment about Todd that is expected to air Monday, April 1.

EVERY DAY...

many North Carolinians work tirelessly to make a positive difference in communities throughout the state and receive little or no recognition of their efforts. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation wants to find the most remarkable of these people - these unsung heroes - and honor them with Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards. Presented annually, the awards are based on nominations by individuals across the state. The foundation will accept nominations through June 1 for the 17th annual awards to be presented in November.

Categories for the awards are advocacy, personal service and race relations. Each award is accompanied by a grant of $25,000, of which $20,000 will be designated for charitable organizations chosen by the recipient. Nominations must be submitted on forms supplied by the foundation. Forms are available by calling 1-800-443-8319, by visiting the web site at zsr.org or by writing to Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, 101 Reynolds Village, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106-5199.