The Macon County Beekeepers Association will meet Thursday, Aug. 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Macon County Extension Office at 193 Thomas Heights Road, Franklin. Chris Smith will teach on making mead. More details at www.maconncbeekeepers.com.
Free movie offered by American Legion Post 108 every other week through December as part of their Americanism series. Upcoming are the first parts of “American Citizenship and its Decline,” presented by Victor David Hanson, Hillsdale College, Aug. 2 and Aug. 23, at 7 p.m., 614 West Main Street, Franklin. For questions, contact Richard Litchford at (828)421-1328.
Old Time Contra Dance at Macon County Library Aug. 3, 6:30-9 p.m., in the Macon County Public Library. Dance caller and live music. All dances are taught. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome, and you don’t need to bring a partner. Admission is by donation; children and first-time attendees are admitted free. The library is at 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin.The event is produced by the Arts Council. Phone 828-524-ARTS or email [email protected].
The 19th Annual Benefit Concert for the Black Mountain Home for Children,Youth and Families will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Sunday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m., featuring Mountain Voices, The White Sisters, Linda Sterrett, Bill and Nancy Hogan, Rev. Betsy Stow , Ed and Kathy Hill, and Frank Armato. No admission charged but a love offering for Black Mountain Home for Children will be taken and First Presbyterian will match the first $1,000 of funds donated. A reception will follow the concert in Tartan Hall.
Free double film screening and panel discussion with “Meet Me at the Creek,” and “Mothertown,” Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, 51 Cowee School Drive.
High Mountain Squares is sponsoring square dance lessons for new students beginning Aug. 5. Adults and high school students are invited to attend these 12 classes, the first two are free. The remaining classes, taught by professional caller Keith Lester of Royston, Ga., are $50. Classes run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building on Monday nights. Call Bob at (828)332-0001 or Betty at (828)787-2324 for more information.
Otto Community Center will holds it monthly covered dish meeting Aug. 5, from 6-8 p.m. Presenting will be speakers with Together We Can, advocating for the foster care community and for Why Us Kids, a child advocacy group. Donations of money and schools supplies for South Macon Elementary School will be accepted. Supplies always needed by teachers: disinfectant wipes, paper products, band-aids, bagged candy (M&Ms), board/card games, small prizes, DumDums, white cardstock, colored printer paper, erasers, prize stickers, ziploc bags, hand sanitizer, gift cards, markers, colored pens, expo dry erase markers, kid-friendly craft supplies, highlighters, play dough, and Velcro dots. The center is located at 60 Firehouse Rd., Otto.
Pickin’ on the Square is held at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin on the second and fourth Saturdays, May through Mid-October (weather permitting). Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Food vendors onsite. Upcoming: Aug. 10 – American Blues Club; Aug. 24 – Macon County Line (Country/Southern Rock).
The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m., weather permitting. On Aug. 7, meet at Big Bear near the playground; Aug.14, meet at Salali Lane; and, Aug. 21, meet at the Macon County Public Library. Directions and a check list can be found at https://www.littletennessee.org /franklin-bird-club.
Saturday Mid-day Music at Friends of the Greenway (FROG) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 573 E Main St., Franklin. On Aug. 3, Bloodroot; Aug. 10, Dave Stewart; Aug. 18, Jim Corbett. For information, email frog28734@ gmail.com; or call (828)369-8488.
Class on Freezing and Dehydrating Food presented by the N.C. Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the Otto Community Development Organization Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Otto Community Building. To register, call (828)349-2046. Suggested donation is $10 (pay at the door).
Meditation in six sessions begins Aug. 14, 10-11 a.m., every second and fourth Wednesday in August, September, and October, by donation, at Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd., Franklin. Join individual sessions or attend entire series. Doors close at 10 a.m. Guided by Christopher Baxter, who has taught meditation for over 30 years. For more information, email [email protected], or call (904)687-8482.
The J.C. and Alva Allen Gibson Family reunion will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Cowee Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 1309 Ruby Mine Rd. Sign in begins at 12:30 p.m. with a potluck lunch to follow at 1 p.m. Relatives and guests are welcome.
The Bascom Barn Dance: An Evening of Appalachian Tradition and Bluegrass Music Highlands, is set for Aug. 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. An evening of square dancing, bluegrass music, and an old-time country caller. Complimentary popcorn, food and drink available for purchase, and a cash bar. Ticket price is $10 for adults, free for children under 12. Reserve tickets by visiting www.thebascom.org or by calling (828)526-4949.
The Women’s Guild of St. Francis Church will hold its annual Good Stuff Sale 12-3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at the church, 299 Maple St., Franklin. The event supports the Guild’s ministry. Household and kitchen items, linens, books, toys, tools, exercise equipment, furniture, craft supplies, yard tools, and plants.
Macon Aero Modelers will hold its annual introduction to RC (remote control) airplanes flying class on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., at 516 Tessentee Road, Otto, for anyone 10 years and older. Instructors will be on hand to demonstrate how an airplane works and RC simulators will be available for those who show an aptitude for flying. First come, first served. Weather permitting. Questions may be sent to [email protected].
80s Flashback Weekend Schedule
80’s Flashback Weekend will celebrate its 10th anniversary fundraiser with events raising money and awareness for the Shriners Children’s Greenville Hospital.
- Friday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m. – An Evening with John Mellencamp (featuring Cougar Town) on Main Street, Franklin, 4:30-6 p.m. Opening act is Carbon Harry performing the hits from the ‘70s to ‘90s
- Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m. – 80’s Flashback 5K Race
- Saturday, Aug. 3, 6 p.m. – 80’s Flashback Parade on Main Street, Franklin, 4:30-6 p.m. Corey Stuart II on the main stage. (Best ‘80s theme floats win prizes. No entry fee.)
- Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. – Totally Awesome 80z Party (featuring 80z Nation, one of the leading ‘
School Orientations and Drop-Ins
The first day of school for most students for the 2024-25 school year is Monday, Aug. 26. Macon Early College students will begin on Aug. 14.
Open houses and drop-ins
- Macon Early College: Monday, Aug. 12, 4-6 p.m.
- Mountain View Intermediate: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- Highlands School: Thursday, Aug. 22, 3-6 p.m.
- Cartoogechaye Elementary: Thursday, Aug. 22, 1-4 p.m.; New Student Orientation, 12:30 p.m.
- East Franklin Elementary: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2-6 p.m.
- Nantahala School: Thursday, Aug. 22, 4-6 p.m.
- South Macon Elementary: Thursday, Aug. 22, 4-6 p.m.
- Franklin High School: Wednesday, Aug. 21, Freshman Orientation, 3-4 p.m.
- Iotla Valley Elementary: Thursday, Aug. 22, 3-6:30 p.m.
- Macon Middle School: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 6-7:30 p.m. for 7th grade students and new students; Thursday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. for 8th grade students to pick up schedules
- Bartram Academy: Thursday, Aug. 22- 6-7 p.m.
- Macon Virtual Academy: Tuesday, Aug., 20, 3-5 p.m. at Franklin High School Media Center.