November 2019: Happenings from
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Back of Beyond
wins Thomas Wolfe Literary Award
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The Western North Carolina Historical Association has named
Back of Beyond: A Horace Kephart Biography
the winner of the 2019 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. Written by George Ellison and Janet McCue, edited by Frances Figart and published by Great Smoky Mountains Association, the book is the 64th winner of this annual recognition of distinction for qualifying works of fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry.
A prize of $2,500 and trophy will be presented to the authors at an awards ceremony Saturday, November 16, from 4–6 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, directly across the street from the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
.
Admission is $15 for the general public and $10 for WNCHA members, and the ceremony will be followed by a reception . . .
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We'll help you make the holidays bright
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If you're on our mailing list, you'll soon receive our 2019-2020 Holiday Catalog. Chock full of gift ideas, this year's catalog includes access to many of the latest and greatest items we've introduced this year.
Please keep in mind that December 13 marks the final day to place orders in time for Christmas delivery. Also, spend $150 or more on our full line of ranger-approved merchandise, and we'll waive your shipping and handling charges. Some restrictions apply.
We hope you enjoy this year's catalog, which so many of us here at GSMA contribute to—from our staff models to our retail professionals and our creative and marketing teams.
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Sorghum-making demonstrations
return to Cades Cove
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As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change, it can only mean one thing—
it’s sorghum-making time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Sorghum
-making demonstrations at Cades Cove Visitor Center take you back in time to the mountain farms that once populated the Smokies and their annual fall sorghum cane harvest. Demonstrations are free and open to the public.
Cades Cove Sorghum Demonstration Dates
November 8, 9, 10, & 11 (Veterans Day)
November 15, 16, & 17
November 22, 23, & 24
November 29, 30, & December 1
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Take our Foods of the Smokies quiz
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Have you given much thought yet to the food you're likely to find on your holiday table? Perhaps you're ready to try a few new (or old) ideas to make and share with your family and friends.
Take this month's quiz to unlock the secrets to flavorful traditional meals that
Women of the Smokies would have served their families more than 100 years ago.
Our quiz winner will be chosen at random from those who answer all 10 questions correctly by Friday, November 22, and will receive a copy of
Food and Recipes of the Smokies
, a Great Smoky Mountains Association publication. Good luck!
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Congratulations to Judy Bryant of Newport, TN, for winning our sorghum syrup quiz!
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Creature Feature
Spores to adore
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Text and artwork
by Emma DuFort,
design assistant
If you’ve spent any time hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, odds are good that you’ve wandered past the
turkey tail fungus
(
Trametes versicolor
), aptly named for its resemblance to a turkey tom’s fanned tail.
Though this common mushroom isn’t tough to find, its lookalikes are so prolific that one,
Stereum ostrea
, goes by the common name "false turkey tail”. On the surface, the two species share a similar array of orange, red, brown or buff bands that are velvety to the touch. But a look underneath will reveal the true turkey tail’s tiny pores, whereas the impostor, being a crust fungus rather than a polypore, bears a smooth underside.
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Both species decompose the deadwood they grow on, leaving behind the white, stringy cellulose of the wood. New turkey tails appear from late summer to fall, but unlike many other fungi species, older specimens can be found year-round, usually on hardwood logs or stumps. Take a look next time you see those familiar colored bands and see if you can deduce their true identity!
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Full moon and cloudy sky can play tricks
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By Charlene Shiver,
marketing and membership associate
Saturday, 9:32 p.m.
– A dark shadow slowly made its way across the scarred floor of the old church….
Same Day, 6:45 a.m.
– I woke up early this morning with the bright idea to explore Cades Cove later in the evening, past dark. Though I was unsure what I might find or experience after sundown, I was determined not to stay indoors on what was shaping up to be a fine fall day...
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Editor's Note: In addition to helping in the membership department, Charlene and her husband, Lloyd, are volunteer hiking guides. Their next Full Moon Hike in Cades Cove is scheduled for Tuesday, Novemb
er 12
.
REGISTER
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By Dawn Roark,
retail director
When we say "all purchases support the park," what exactly does that mean?
For starters, it means Great Smoky Mountains Association is committed to sourcing and producing only the very best merchandise for those who want to learn more about America's most visited national park.
It also means that, when you shop with us, you are supporting our ability to return in-kind and cash contributions to the park for vital management needs. In fact, in 2020 we plan to fund a park needs list that totals nearly $1.5 million. Thank you for all your purchases this holiday season and always!
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All purchases support the park!
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Support our Lookout League business partners
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Lookout League
membership is a sign of a business’s commitment to supporting the perpetual preservation of GSMNP. This month we visit with another long-standing member of the Lookout League.
Located just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Robbinsville, North Carolina,
Historic Tapoco Lodge
has been supporting GSMA since 2016. Perched on the banks of the famous Cheoah River and just two miles south of The Dragon, it’s a thrill seeker’s paradise! With miles of private hiking trails, world-class outdoor dining, luxury lodge rooms and charming cabins, the lodge is ideal for romantic getaways, family gatherings and corporate retreats.
Next time you head to Robbinsville, stop and visit with this Lookout League member and thank them for supporting the Smokies.
New Businesses
Look Rock Level ($250 annually)
in Cincinnati, OH
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Renewing Businesses
Mount Sterling Level ($5,000 annually)
Shuckstack Level ($500 annually)
Look Rock Level ($250 annually)
If you own a business, please contact
[email protected] to learn how your business can be part of the Great Smoky Mountains Association Lookout League.
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Cub Report
editor and marketing and membership director Lisa Duff has resigned from GSMA in order to pursue other professional opportunities. In Lisa’s seven years leading the M&M Team, GSMA’s membership programs, member benefits, engagement programs, branding and marketing efforts have all grown considerably and now contribute substantially to our organization’s success. We are very grateful to Lisa for all her hard work and wish her great success in her future pursuits.
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The most recent issue of
Smokies Guide
,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official park newspaper, is available to read online and can be mailed to you for free (S&H charges apply). Call 865.436.7318, Ext. 226 for mailing details.
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Great Smoky Mountains Association's
Cub Report
e-newsletter is published near the beginning of each month, with the exception of January.
Laurel Rematore, chief executive officer
Frances Figart, editor
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Writers and contributors to this issue include Logan Boldon, Emma DuFort, Breckenridge Morgan, Dawn Roark,
Charlene Shiver.
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