Carolina Mountain Life, Winter 2018/19 by Carolina Mountain Life, Inc

ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS! WINTER 2018/19

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Winter . . . Inside & Out ...a wonderful read for 21 years!

FROM OUR HOME to yurs y

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Winter is Better Here Located within five miles of two ski resorts, Banner Elk is North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ski Town. Ski all day at Beech Mountain or Sugar Mountain, then enjoy dining, lodging and nightlife in Banner Elk. Wineries and breweries, too!

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SUGAR MOUNTAIN Your Home for All Seasons

Every year there’s something new at Sugar Mountain, even though it’s not always visible to the naked eye. Improvements might include a new compressor line, or a water pump to deliver more powerful snowmaking to the south’s most dramatic and diverse ski terrain. But here lately the South’s flagship ski resort has delivered the eyecandy for all to see. The recent unveiling of Gunther’s Way, the most significant new ski slope addition in southern skiing in years, has really gotten people’s attention. Opening to rave reviews, it’s generous width and ‘glade like’ character evoke special sensations for avid ski and snowboard enthusiasts. With 700 feet of vertical drop packed into its half-mile length, Gunther’s Way adds over 10 acres of new alpine excitement at the home of the Flying Mile and Tom Terrific. A tough act to follow for sure, but the dedication of the resort’s glittering ‘Summit Express’ a year ago exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations. The new sixseat detachable chairlift, built by Austria’s Doppelmayr Company, replaced the old reliable mile-long two seater and slashes ride time to the summit from 15 minutes to

just five. The building of Gunther’s Way and the Summit Express herald an unwavering commitment to enhance the allure of Sugar Mountain. Snowtubing, ice skating, and guided snowshoeing adventures round out the outdoor winter activities at Sugar Mountain. Indoors you’ll find great food, entertainment and hospitality in the main lodge. Surrounding the ski resort is the Village of Sugar Mountain, an incorporated municipality since 1988. The village is home to a large inventory of rental accommodations close to base and summit lifts. From chalets to luxury condominiums, Sugar Mountain makes for a fabulous holiday destination for families, groups, or the solo adventurer. Plan your mountain adventure at Sugar Mountain today. In any season, you’re going to have a ball. Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the ‘epicurean and cultural triumvirate’ that is Banner Elk, Boone and Blowing Rock, and dramatic attractions like Grandfather Mountain and its “Mile-High” Swinging Bridge, find out for yourself all that Sugar Mountain has to offer. The only thing missing is you.

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CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

The Beginning of Another Finely Detailed Custom Home

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Cover Photograph by Jim Magruder

Jim Magruder is an award winning photographer based in Linville at the foot of Grandfather Mountain. Jim has been shooting since high school, but his interest in photography spiked six years ago, when he moved into Western North Carolina and found himself surrounded by stunning scenery and limitless photo opportunities. Jim focuses primarily on landscape and nature imagery but also loves travel and street photography and capturing eerie shots of abandoned spaces. He has a solo exhibit “All Over The Map” at the Dickson Gallery at Cannon Hospital in Linville through January 31, 2019. His local work, travel photos from Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Finland and elsewhere are on display. You can find more of Jim’s work at www.MagruderPhotography.com .

What’s Inside . . . 16.............. Winter Offerings Around the High Country With CML

21.............. Ski Mountains Primed and Ready for Record Season By Tom McAuliffe

32.............. Through the Lens By Skip Sickler

36.............. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington by LouAnn Morehouse

39.............. Family Guide to Winter Fun By Kelly Melang

45.............. Appalachian Theatre Restoration on Track for Summer By Keith Martin

61.............. A View from Roan Mountain By Kelly Melang

64.............. How Mountain Folklore Predicts the Weather By Julie Farthing

67.............. Wisdom and Ways Photo Description: A split in the massive boulders that top MacRae Peak on the Grandfather Mountain Trail allow this view to the southeast. If you hope to see this view from the Grandfather Trail in winter, layer up and carry some “Yak Trax” or other grippers to stretch over your boot soles—the trail gets pretty icy this time of year. Nikon D750, Nikkor 20mm f1.8, 1/30 sec., f/13, ISO 100. Taken February 3, 2018

By Jim Casada

70.............. Celebrating the Mountain Railroad By Eric Plaag

75.............. Building a Forever Home By Joe Tennis

86.............. AGE Labs at Appalachian State By Kim S. Davis

94.............. Food Finds from Local Artisans By Kim S. Davis

102............ The Sweet and Fortified—Wines and Ciders By Steve York

Cultural Calendar with Keith Martin….42 Book Nook with Edwin Ansel….52 Notes from Grandfather….55 Blue Ridge Explorers with Tamara Seymour….57 Fishing with Andrew Corpening….59 Blue Ridge Parkway Update with Rita Larkin ….63 Birding with Curtis Smalling….69 Local Tidbits & News….77 Community & Local Business News…80 Finance with Katherine S. Newton….85 Health with Koren Gillespie….87 Ounce of Prevention with Mike Teague….89 Be Well with Samantha Stephens….90 Wine with Ren Manning….97 Recipes from the CML Kitchen….98

winter!

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A publication of Carolina Mountain Life, Inc. ©2018/2019 by Carolina Mountain Life Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher. Babette McAuliffe, Publisher & Editor in Chief Deborah Mayhall-Bradshaw, Design Director Kathy Griewisch, Account Manager Tamara Seymour, Editor Keith Martin, Cultural Arts Editor Jane Richardson, Assistant Editor Contributors:

Edwin Ansel, Rebecca Cairns, Jim Casada, Andrew Corpening, Kim S. Davis, Julie Farthing, Brennan Ford, Morgan Ford, Scottie Gilbert, Koren Gillespie, Meagan Goheen, Annie Hoskins, Rita Larkin, Ren Manning, Tom McAuliffe, Kelly Melang, Herman Metzler, Amy Millette, LouAnn Morehouse, Katherine Newton, Eric Plaag, Karen Radenbaugh, Amy Renfranz, Frank Ruggiero, Skip Sickler, Samantha Stephens, Mike Teague, Joe Tennis and Steve York

Share us with a friend! CML is published 4 times a year and is available by subscription for $35.00 a year (continental US) Send check or money order to: Carolina Mountain Life, PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 livingcarolina@bellsouth.net www.CMLmagazine.com 828-737-0771

The first blast of frigid cold hit my face just days after Thanksgiving and my initial thoughts were, “I’m not ready. Do I really love the cold of winter, like I have professed since building snowmen as a child?” My next thoughts immediately went to my snowshoes, cross-country skis and downhill skis waiting to play in the winter wonderland now upon us. “That’s right, I’m not ready because I haven’t pulled out the proper base layers, wool scarves and my favorite super mitten/glove combo.” Let me tell you—I quickly found all the hats, coats, layers and gloves tucked in the closet and revisited the day. Ah . . . now I can handle the 14 degrees and snow falling. I felt the brisk air on my cheeks and I felt invigorated. Winter’s good for business. Our local economy depends on winter weather, so thinking more clearly now, I am more than happy to don my layers and enjoy the snow, and even bitter cold days. In fact, when we don’t get natural snow, I love the sound of snow making on the mountains—it rings commerce and happy visitors. Speaking of, I love when I hear their exchange in the line at the grocery, “Mom, we get to see snow for the first time—can we go sledding?” It made me think about my favorite snow memories. I have memories of asking my mom, “Can I have one more carrot for my snowman’s nose?” when the previous ones got lost in the snow drift. I remember sledding down what now seems to be treacherous hillsides in my childhood hometown of Casper, Wyoming. Now, I can use my skills to show my two granddaughters how to roll the perfect base for a snowman, making sure the foundation is ample to hold the next section of Frosty’s anatomy. We’re hopeful that predictions from the Farmer’s Almanac and the iconic Woolly Worm are true—that we’re in store for a cold and snowy season. Keith Martin, our Cultural Arts Editor and ASU’s driving force in live theatre shared his favorite memory: “Snow Cream,” Martin recalled with excitement. “As a child, I was always

struck by the paradox of warming up by the fireplace after a vigorous sledding adventure and the inevitable snowball fight, while eating a fresh batch of homemade snow cream. Such wonderful memories.” We hope this season provides many happy memories for all of you too, and that you enjoy our winter edition of Carolina Mountain Life. There’s lots to read, see, and learn inside, each page designed to make this winter your best ever. So, let’s get in tune with winter and break out the insulating layers, the gloves, and hot cocoa, and rekindle the joy we felt in our childhood.

P.S. - Follow us on Instagram, and share some of your special images and experiences that make your winter memorable!

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 — 13

14 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19

D I S C O V E R E L K R I V E R C LU B

DISCOVER EXCELLENCE ELEVATED.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elk River is an exceptional golf course. But the best work was accomplished by nature long before I got there.â&#x20AC;? - JACK NICKLAUS

Nothing compares to the quietness of a cool evening spent gazing out across the majestic mountain landscape, set aglow by golden rays peering down upon the signature Jack Nicklaus golf course. Elk River members enjoy many activities such as an equestrian center, fly fishing, tennis and social events. In addition, the club is nestled between two ski slopes for exicting winter recreation. The private airport sets Elk River in a class of its own. But what makes Elk River truly special is the warm camaraderie our members enjoy with each other every day. Elk River is now accepting requests for an exclusive opportunity to enjoy all the club has to offer in Banner Elk, N.C. Learn more about our Discovery Visit and all that Elk River has to offer. Discover@ElkRiverClubNC.com (828) 898-9773 D I S C OV E R E L K R I V E RC LU B N C . C O M As a 501(c)(7) private, member-owned club, Elk River Club membership is limited & by invitation only.

Regional Happenings & Featured Events

Ashe County Arts and cultural events are always happening in the “Coolest Corner of North Carolina”—Ashe County, NC! Check out the art of tree decorating at the Tree Fest Exhibit in the Ashe Arts Center through December 27. And on January 21 at 7 p.m. the Ashe County Arts Council will be sponsoring their popular community celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Day at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson. The celebration will highlight the message of Dr. King and his teachings of peace, unity and equality in our society. The program will include excerpts of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech and audience reflections connected to the now famous speech. Singer and songwriter Reggie Harris will be joining the celebration with stories and songs. In January through March, the Arts Center hosts an impressive list of musical performances by artists including Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, who are celebrating their recent Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart; Alasdair Fraser, “the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling,” and brilliant Californian cellist Natalie Haas; the internationally known performing trio the Kruger Brothers; and the Raleigh Flute Choir. Ashe Arts has a winter lineup for everyone’s tastes. Throughout the season, take part in the popular “Coffee House,” a favorite tradition where old friends and new friends meet, sample delicious desserts and enjoy quality entertainment. For more information about the Ashe Arts Center and their winter offerings, visit ashecountyarts.org or call 336-846-ARTS.

16 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Avery County Avery County, known for some of the best ski resorts and winter sports opportunities in the southeast offers a variety of festive and fun-filled options this season. On January 6, warm up at the Winterfest Beer Festival at Beech Mountain Resort. Also on Beech Mountain, families can take part in the Cardboard Box Derby and Fireworks on January 28, and celebrate “50 Years on Top” during Retro ‘60s Week January 22-28. February options include a Snowman contest (Feb. 3), Super Bowl Party (Feb. 4), and the ever popular Total Retro 80s Ski Weekend (February 22-25). For dates and times of Beech Mountain’s many winter activities, including their Winter Music Series, visit beechmtn.com and www. beechmountainresort.com. At Sugar Mountain Resort, celebrate the 24rd Annual National Winter Trails Day on January 6. This event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for free and discover the fun and fitness of snow sports. Guided tours are available on the hour from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. The program includes a forty-five minute tour and snowshoe rental. Learn more about this fun family event at www.skisugar.com. You’ll also want to check out Sugar Mountain Resort’s terrific winter live music lineup!

Watauga County Don’t Hibernate...Celebrate! 2019 Winterfest is here! In 1997, Blowing Rock business owners got together and decided to create a festival to celebrate the fun side of winter— and Blowing Rock WinterFest debuted in January 1998. Now in its 21st year, thousands of folks will flock to Blowing Rock January 24-27, 2019 to enjoy the fun side of winter in the High Country. Annual events include the icy Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake, WinterFeast, WinterPaws Dog Show, WinterFashion Show, ice carving, and the Winter Beer Garden. This year, Winterfest offers a fun new combo of events on Saturday, January 26, including the High Country K9 Keg Pull (benefitting Partners! Canines) that will take place in front of the American Legion building; here, you’ll also find the Beer Garden and Silent Auction & Raffle (benefitting Mountain Alliance). Beer Garden visitors can buy a wristband for $30 that will get them tokens for tastes, and folks can also buy individual pints from the vendors (through the Chamber ticketing table). Having all three events taking place in one area will create a fun, festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages! To help you plan your Winterfest weekend, here’s an overview of the weekend’s events: Multiple days – Nightly bonfire with s’mores and entertainment at Chetola; Hands-on ice carving in Memorial Park (for kids and adults) including an ice throne for photo opportunities (Fri/Sat); Cork & Canvas at BRAHM (Fri/Sat) Thursday night – WinterFeast with an after party at Chetola Resort Friday – WinterFashion Show at Chetola for brunch; Ice Stroll, WinterCraft Outdoor Handmade Market and Sip and

Stroll will all be happening downtown that evening Saturday – Polar Plunge at Chetola (benefitting Hospitality House and WYN); Ice carving demo in Memorial Park; Hayrides; Charity Chili Cookoff at Blowing Rock School; Arctic Art at BRAHM (for kids); Keg Pull, Silent Auction, and Winter Beer Garden at the American Legion; Wine Tasting & Auction at Green Park Inn Sunday – WinterPaws Dog Show (benefitting Watauga Humane Society) at Blowing Rock School WinterFest tickets can be purchased at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Avenue in Blowing Rock, via phone at 800-295-7801 or 828-295-7851, or online at https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/tickets/.

2019 Special Olympics: Southeast Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding

The 2019 Special Olympics Southeast Winter Games will feature competition in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding at Appalachian Ski Mountain between Blowing Rock and Boone, NC on Feb. 3-5, 2019. This event was started in 1978 by Jim Cottrell of French Swiss Ski College. Today, more than 150 athletes from North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and sometimes Virginia and Tennessee come to Appalachian Ski Mountain for training and competition. Volunteers are always welcome to help with the games. You don’t have to be a skier to work with the athletes; you can help them get their equipment on, or assist during competition and at the awards ceremony. For more information and the dates of the games, see the SONC website www.sonc.net. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Regional Happenings & Featured Events Continued...

Buncombe County

Savor Blowing Rock, a Celebration of Wine, Craft Beer, Spirits and Food Mark your calendars for the must-attend Spring 2019 event! SAVOR Blowing Rock returns to “North Carolina’s Prettiest Small Town” from Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5, 2019. The 2019 edition of SAVOR Blowing Rock includes an expanded range of demonstrations, seminars, and events that feature regional culture, music, craft beers from local breweries and breweries across the state, beverage tastings and dinners that showcase area culinary artistry. Purchase tickets at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Avenue in Blowing Rock, or online 24/7 through TicketWeb at https://savorblowingrock.com/.

18 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Christmas at Biltmore Vanderbilt traditions established at the first Christmas at Biltmore in 1895 continue to endure today: gracious hospitality, and sharing the very best with family and friends! Through January 6, 2019, you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at America’s Largest Home®. The timeless beauty of Biltmore House, its collections of art and historic Vanderbilt family treasures are all the more enchanting with the festive addition of dozens of exquisitely decorated Christmas trees, miles of fresh garland, hundreds of poinsettias, and more lights than you can count. Live performances of Christmas music add to your self-guided evening visit, which includes admission to Antler Hill Village & Winery. The Village is a must-see part of your holiday experience: trees, buildings, and pathways to restaurants, shops, and Winery are illuminated with a glittering cascade of lights, the fountain is aglow with special visual effects, and the champagne bubble ornament display that adorns the Winery’s Tasting Room ceiling is nothing short of stunning. You’ll also enjoy special holiday menus at Biltmore’s restaurants. For more information, visit www.biltmore. com. Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum Experience Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition through December 31 at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland from 6-10 p.m. and enjoy unique displays and landscapes composed of more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer. Bent Creek Bistro will be offering its regular menu nightly, as well as specialty items on weekends and holidays. Proceeds generated from Winter Lights help support the Arboretum’s educational programs, exhibits and yearround. All tickets are date-specific and must be purchased in advance. Visit www.ncarboretum.org for more information.

Wilkes County

You know the world is a happier place when kids and families spend more time outside! And Wilkesboro now offers new opportunities for families to explore nature in this Blue Ridge foothills town. In October, four new “Kids in Parks” TRACK Trails opened in Wilkesboro. Each TRACK Trail was celebrated with a ribbon cutting and a variety of fun activities for kids to enjoy. The new trails were opened at Jefferson Turnpike, Smoot Park, Cub Creek, and West Park. Kids in Parks, a program of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, offers an expanding network of family-friendly outdoor adventures. TRACK Trails feature self-guided brochures and signs that turn your visit into a fun and exciting outdoors experience, any time of year. TRACK Trails include hiking trails, biking trails, geocaching trails, paddling trails, nature trail disc golf courses, and even adventures you can do in your own back yard. In addition to getting prizes in the mail, families can TRACK their adventures in an online nature journal and see how many trails they’ve visited, how many miles they’ve hiked, and more.

Check out the four new trails in Wilkesboro, and throughout western NC. The following list includes just some of the TRACK trails our region has to offer: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Avery County’s Green Valley Park Ashe County Park Nature Trail Disc Golf Course Orchard at Altapass in Spruce Pine Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in West Jefferson W. Kerr Scott – Fort Hamby Nature Trail Disc Golf Course in Wilkesboro Rocky Knob Bike Park Pump Track in Boone New River State Park in Crumpler Price Lake in Blowing Rock Price Memorial Park Picnic Area in Blowing Rock Elk Knob State Park in Todd Town of Bakersville Creek Walk in Bakersville Lake James State Park in Nebo Catawba Meadows Park Nature Trail Disc Golf Course The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville Mount Mitchell State Park in Burnsville Grayson Highlands State Park in Grayson County, VA Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, VA

Looking for a year-end giving opportunity? Consider a gift to The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks TRACK Trails program. Every dollar you give introduces kids to outdoor recreation, improves their health, and creates lifelong lovers of our public lands. For more information, visit www.kidsinparks.com.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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20 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Ski Industry Better Than Ever By Tom McAuliffe

Say all you want about the local ski industry, but it’s home to three of the most competitive enterprises in America. You can’t control the weather, but Sugar, Beech, and Appalachian Ski Mountain never rest, bringing innovation, reinvestment, bigger snowmaking capacity, competition, and entertainment to the passionate public. Hoping for a little cooperation from Mother Nature, all three ski resorts have done all they can to prepare for a record season. Read on...

PHOTO: At App Ski Mtn, it's all about the corduroy

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

APPALACHIAN Local rider Luke Winkleman earned an invitation to the U.S. Olympic training team on the strength of a 3rd place finish in the World Junior Championships held this summer in New Zealand.

Main Inset: In 1999, Grady Moretz of App Ski Mtn. announced that snowboarders would be welcome on his slopes. At the time, App Ski Mtn. was one of four North American Resorts that were open to skiers only. Since then, App Ski Mtn. is a hot bed for terrain park riding, for skiers and boarders. / Small inset: Reba & Grady Moretz

A New Day at App Ski Mountain A week after Sugar Mountain’s auspicious opening on November 11, App Ski Mountain offered its own debut under clear skies and unbeatable conditions. Thirteen-year-old Jensen Moretz raced to the first chair to launch the new season, as the local press captured the moment for posterity—just like his grandfather Grady would have done. It was the first season opening at App Ski Mountain in half a century without the physical presence of Dillard Grady Moretz, Jr., and him marking the halls and directing the traffic at the iconic ski mountain. But his spirit was everywhere this day, as a bright and welcoming staff directed skiers and snowboarders to their proper stations while an immaculate skiing ground called Big Appal awaited the first turns of the season. Grady, who passed away last April at the age of 88, took charge of the Blowing Rock Ski Lodge in 1968, six years after visionary Bill Thalhiemer brought skiing to Dixie in 1962. Grady was the largest creditor to the failed effort of Thalheimer, having provided the lumber to build the lodge, and found himself in charge. With

22 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

the support of his wife Reba, a publicschool teacher and his life partner for 63 years, Grady created a family friendly ski resort and adopted a philosophy of reinvestment to grow their enterprise. “The foundation of what we do is to increase our snowmaking capacity,” Brad Moretz, Grady’s son and Mountain manager explained. “That’s something we’ve never been completely satisfied with.” Satisfied or not, the snow making machine at App Ski Mountain for coverage per square foot is unmatched in the world. “We opened on a glimpse of winter,” Moretz said. It’s not difficult to understand the legacy Grady left behind. His instincts always panned out, from the time he invited Jim Cottrell and his fledgling FrenchSwiss Ski College to partner with him fifty years ago, to 1999 when he became the last High Country resort to welcome snowboarders on his mountain. One of only four North American ski resorts at the time prohibiting snowboarders, this was no small irony given the absolute commitment to the terrain park offerings found today at App Ski Mountain. Twenty years ago local boy Drew Stanley joined the Moretz family on a fact finding trip to resorts in the Northeast.

Stanley grew up on the mountain where his father Steve was chief snowmaker. It was typical of Grady to want to see for himself what was going on in the industry he had found himself a part of. “We were at Sunday River,” Stanley remembered, “and there were these random terrain park features just placed along the slopes. I was thinking this could really be something.” The following winter Grady opened the mountain to snowboarding, and turned young Stanley and a band of brothers loose with all the tools needed to create App Ski’s first terrain park and the mountain found a new identity. “He would always listen to the people around him,” Cottrell said of Grady. “He made the final decisions, but he always listened to the people working for him day to day.” For a mountain boy, raised on hard work, it was Grady’s savvy embracing innovation and technology that kept his ski mountain at the forefront of any conversation of Southern skiing. “When I think about Grady I think about tenacity, making the best of what we had because in those early days, there wasn’t much snowmaking, and there wasn’t any grooming to speak of,” Cottrell marveled. “The first three years we were

App Ski Mtn. is a snow making behemoth. "Thaw Proof" as any ski resort can be south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Jensen Moretz of App Ski Mtn. catches the first chair of the season on November 17. / Photo by Ric Wilkinson

open were the warmest in memory and he did whatever it took 24 hours a day seven days a week. Along with Reba, they kept things going. They were a great combination.” Grady was a charter member of the North Carolina Ski Areas Association and earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Ski Industry. He was a leader who worked to make things better. “He was that way in the local community, too,” Cottrell said of the man that gave him his big break. “Everything Grady touched, he was the spark that got things ignited.” And like his father before him, Brad Moretz has an eye for detail. The little things matter. “We work to keep the ski resort looking sharp,” he said. “We want to provide our customers with the best experience possible. That’s a big part of who dad was—to always get better at what we do.” As terrain park riding grew in importance at App Ski Mountain, the staff pioneered The Park Pass requirement for all riders. To earn it, riders have to pass an on-line exam, or take the test on-site. Moretz calls the pass program “the gold standard” in park safety and etiquette at

that to App Ski Mountain. Whether you arrive at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m., your lift ticket is good for 8 hours, crossing seamlessly through any session changes. And when you book on-line you get an extra hour of slope time. And with the Midnight Blast sessions each Friday and Saturday night, there’s great value for riders. From the automatic doors that greet skiers entering the lodge at App Ski Mountain, to the staff eager to point the way along the process, Grady Moretz has left a lasting legacy in how things can be done in the recreation and hospitality trades. Quite a feat for a man that never skied a day in his life. “He’s who we are,” Brad said of his late father, “and every day brings a lot of good memories. He got a lot of joy from others having a great time. People don’t always know what to look for when they go skiing for the first time, but when they find it they’re really happy.” You could see that in the face of third generation Jensen Moretz as he claimed the season’s first chair, displaying the banner of the family trade for all to see.

a time when young people are going for “big air” like never before. And local riders are beginning to make their mark in the world. 17-year-old Luke Winkleman cut his teeth at App Terrain Park and last summer at the World Junior Championships in New Zealand he placed third in the big air competition. Winkleman’s stunning performance earned him an invitation to train with the U.S. Olympic snowboarding team. Nothing like that’s happened around here since J.J. Collier of Banner Elk placed third in the U.S. Open HalfPipe competition almost three decades ago. Stanley is stoked about future local champions. “We’re always thinking of the next fun feature,” he said of App’s terrain parks. “If we’re open, there’s a feature on the hill and not just for advanced riders. Luke speaks to that commitment, to lay the foundation to succeed in snowboarding. We want to be the people to ignite the passion in the next Olympian to come from these parts.” For all the excitement on snowmaking side of the operation, some of the biggest innovations in the local industry are at the ticket window. The Moretz’ discovered the flex ticket on one of their annual factfinding tours and couldn’t wait to bring

Go to Appskimtn.com or Appterrainpark.com for a full schedule of rates and events. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Visitors to Beech will find a new look and new lift at the base of the mountain.

Beech Mountain Survives Worst Case Scenario and Prospects Have Never Been Brighter For Beech Mountain Resort Manager Ryan Costin, entering his tenth year at the helm of Eastern America’s highest resort, last winter was a “learning experience.” That’s an understatement from a mountain manager when both summit lifts closed mid-winter. Since the mid-eighties, Beech Mountain’s high speed detachable quad servicing the mountain’s 5,506 foot summit was as much a part of resort identity as the Bavarian Village and its picturesque outdoor ice-skating rink. Three years ago Costin and Company were poised to replace the aging lift, which was prone to untimely stoppages and already carrying skiers to the top at half the speed it delivered when new. But good intentions were thwarted by a sold-out production schedule at Doppylmayr, the lift maker of choice. At the Austrian firm’s suggestion, Costin elected to replace the electric motor drive for the old quad. The revitalized lift performed well the next season. And the next. Last winter the worst that could happen did. “Everything was going good and we were hitting all the weekends with good conditions and good crowds,” Costin remembered. “On January 30 the lift went

24 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

The new Quad Lift features a magic carpet to assist loading skiers onto the chair.

down. We spent 72 hours trying to find a gear box before coming to the realization things were a lot more serious than we thought.” With the Quad down for the count, they turned to the No.6 lift, a two-seater at least a decade older, but the only other lift to the summit. In spite of a new electric motor and auxiliary drive it just couldn’t pull its weight. “New parts and pieces were 8 to 12 weeks away,” Costin explained. Without lift service to the summit Costin pulled the plug on the ski season just before the critical Presidents’ Day Weekend, a devastating blow to any ski resort in the South. “By then we were ripping things apart to get a head start on the work,” Costin recalled. “We decided we could replace them both.” By May, Doppylmayr was on site, and Costin, who had overseen a dramatic resurgence in the resort’s fortunes since taking charge, selected Quad lifts with fixed grip chairs versus detachable systems for each of the summit lift routes. Lift houses at the top and bottom were torn down, and redesigned loading and unloading stations now provide significant improvement to the old systems. A conveyor belt or magic carpet assists skiers to the loading point for the lift house that replaces the demolished oversized Gondola House. “Construction was completed the last

week of October,” a much relieved Costin said. State inspection approval came a week later. That dark memory of last February will give way to sparkling new lifts that together will hoist 4,400 skiers an hour to the summit. Ride time to the top is about six and a half minutes. Skiers will love the improved unloading ramp at the top, which before offered little acceleration out of the chair. The lack of a ramp in the old Gondola house led to many “yard sale” pile ups and frequent stoppages. The old ski patrol building was taken down to create a much larger clearing area for skiers unloading from both summit quads. Bottom line is, it’s a new day getting to the top at Beech Mountain. In the village there are some refinements as well. The venerable Beech Tree, handily located at the base of the primary Quad-Lift, has undergone a welcome makeover and re-christened the Tap Room and Grill. Will Young, the original brew master (formerly of Blind Squirrel Brewery) for the successful Beech Mountain Brewery will oversee a new menu and the consolidation of the original brewery next door, the new Brew House. Coupled with the popular 5506’ Sky Bar at the lift’s summit, not to mention the remodeled Lodge (formerly known as the View Haus), there’ll be no shortage of opportunities to sample Young’s handiwork. Live entertainment

BEECH

Both New Quad lifts are completed at Beech Mountain and feature new summit ramps to ease unloading.

will be a regular weekend feature at the resort. Shane Bryant returns as ski school director, while the Beech Mountain Academy, the front organization of the Beech Mountain Ski Education Foundation (BMSEF), will continue to train serious junior skiers and snowboarders. The resort is partnering with LeesMcRae College Outdoor Recreation Management Program within the School of Business there. The much-improved terrain park will host a revitalized series of events for park riders and night patrons will notice a lighting system incorporating 115 new LED slope lights, illuminating the entire front side of the mountain. Snowmaking capacity was increased and a half-mile of water pipes installed underground. For Ryan Costin, the company line is the same as it was on his first day at the helm a decade ago. “We’re trying to focus on the details,” he said. “We continue to improve every year in every department. There’s still lots to do to get better.” Now that the new summit lifts are in place you could say they’ve accomplished just that.

2 NEW QUAD CHAIRLIFTS | NEW LED LIGHTING | MORE SNOW MACHINES 2 NEW QUAD CHAIRLIFTS | NEW LED LIGHTING | MORE SNOW MACHINES B E E C H M O U N T A I N R E S O R T . C O M B E E C H M O U N T A I N R E S O R T . C O M

For up to date information about rates, special events, competitions and entertainment go to BeechMountainResort.com

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

SUGAR

Snowmaking and skiers on Sugar, November 18, 2018

The Sugar Bears from you know where

Sugar Mountain, in addition to its beginner and intermediate slopes, offers the south's steepest terrain.

On Sugar Mountain It’s Business as Usual

stunned the ski industry with a November 5 opening in his first year at Sugar back in 1976, it proved a bittersweet achievement, as this year’s predictable debut was followed by rain and indifferent temperatures. Looking over the spotty snow coverage from the ski lodge four days later, there was little cheer in the room. “Weather forecasts are all we have to go on,” Jochl reasoned, “and we were expecting lows in the teens. It’s always a guessing game, and I’m a little disappointed, but we would be crazy not to go. “ Asked if the abbreviated opening was worth it, Jochl didn’t hesitate to respond. “That question was answered long ago,” he said. “It’s always worth it. Every TV station was here. How do you place a value on that—what’s that worth? And you have to remember pipes and equipment have been sitting for six months. A line blew out the first night of snowmaking—it’s not a big deal, but you have to fix things. It makes it easier to open early.” As is often the case, most resort improvements aren’t necessarily visible to the eye come ski season. Recent improvements like the high-speed, six-seat Summit Express and the completion of Gunther’s Way, the most significant slope addition

in the local industry in years belie that, yet critical improvements like power and water delivery are underground. Adding the new terrain like Gunther’s Way increased water demand for snowmaking, and to address that, the resort’s primary reservoir was dredged to increase water capacity by 30 percent. Eighteen thousand yards of earth from the project were used to expand Easy Street, the beginnerintermediate offering so important to develop new Southern skiers. The finish to Gunther’s Way was widened as well. Inside the ski lodge, the Sports Shop has been expanded by a third. Call it ski business as usual, or keeping up with the Joneses. “Our only competition is us,” Jochl said. “Most of our money is reinvested. Rental equipment has to be replaced, lifts are complicated and things can go wrong. I have this dream. It’s bad to just dream, but good to have a dream and prioritize. It takes money.” This season the resort adds more airless Snow-Guns, and will be testing some new proto-type snow making equipment. A new high volume tower gun has been placed at the top of its Big Birch slope. Over a million dollars’ worth of snow

As Americans celebrated the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day and the end of hostilities in Europe, a “friendly” gun fire sounded over the High Country ski industry as Sugar Mountain Resort prepared for a Sunday opening on November 11, Veterans Day. In just 36 hours the resort was opened to its 5,200-foot summit with a base-depth allowing the tell-tale corduroy finish from the tillers of three new Pisten-Bully 600 groomers. It was the second consecutive opening at Sugar on the day our service men and women are remembered, and while the other neighborhood ski resorts fired up their formidable snowmaking arsenals as well, Beech and Appalachian Ski Mountains opted to stand down. Only Sugar opened for business. As always, some locals wondered aloud “what’s the hurry?” or “break out the rockers.” “It’s not a negative when you’ve had basically one night of snowmaking,” said Jim Cottrell. “The hard core know what to expect. They’re glad to be on the mountain again.” For resort owner Gunther Jochl, who

26 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Top: Artic Blast on Sugar Mountain, November 18, 2018 / Bottom: The new Pisten Bully 600 Winch Cat helps groom the steepest terrain at Sugar Mountain.

grooming machines were delivered this fall. “We’re not Sugar Mountain if we’re not grooming,” reminded Jochl, who is one of the first skiers on the snow each morning and the resort’s principal groomer. In pursuit of those dreams Sugar Mountain department heads are all in. Ski School Director Len Bauer has led ski and board instruction for three decades. Keith and Shelley Lane have directed food and beverage just as long and this winter the lodge will host more live entertainment than ever. Jochl’s wife Kim, former member of the U.S. Alpine Ski Team, is the marketing director and spokesperson, while her brother Erich Schmidinger is ski area manager. Gunther’s son Andrew serves as director of operations and his wife Melli is group sales director. Donnie Peters looks over the rental department and leads the popular ice skating and snow-tubing operations as well. The Sugar Mountain Ski and Snowboard Club continues to offer a season long training program for young riders under the direction of longtime coach Stumpy McKee. “Erich is a practical guy and he’s been here longer than Andrew and I have

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28 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

confidence in them,” Jochl said of his two principal managers in mountain operations. “Andrew has a lot to learn but he’s taken over a lot of stuff and they complement each other well.” For Jochl, a good spring ski run late into March is as important as an early opening each November. And that has never been lost on a legion of skiers and boarders that call Sugar Mountain their home. Last year speaks loudly to that commitment. “Late February was awful until March came in,” Jochl recalled of a season that had hit all the holidays and weekends up to the thaw. “It was a real gamble, but we spent $150,000 to keep open. Every year you hope for that little extra at the end of the season and conditions were great. People were still excited and they weren’t through yet. It was a good finish to the season.” After 44 years since his initial visit to Sugar Mountain in 1974 Jochl has felt its special attraction. “From the first time I stepped on the mountain I loved this place,” he recalled, “and I’ve never gone away. Something about this mountain just matches with me.” With that experience, staffing, and infrastructure in place, along with the attraction of the South’s biggest vertical drop of 1,200 feet and its Flying Mile, all he needs now is winter weather. “We’ve done well in the hard times and had our good times too,” he concluded. “Look at 1976-77 when the resort was coming out of bankruptcy. There was nothing. Then we had two gangbuster winters and the third wasn’t bad either. Development had stopped in its tracks and then things began to happen. And it was because of skiing.” As snowmaking weather returned days after a short-lived 2018 Veterans’ Day opening, good ski conditions returned overnight November 15. “The past is a tool to plan for the future,” the irrepressible Gunther Jochl reasoned, as the season’s first riders headed for the mountain again. For updates about special events, rates, NASTAR, winter music series and more, go to SkiSugar.com

Are You In Tune? By Kelly Melang

s the weather turns cold, all ears tune in for the sound of snow makers starting up at local ski resorts. That also means getting out all the winter sports gear and getting it ready for the season. First, take a look at your boots and make sure they didn’t warp, or in the case of ski boots, that the bottoms aren’t too worn. If everything fits correctly move to your next step. There are two types of people when it comes to tuning and waxing. Some tune and wax before the season, others like to wait until resorts have maximum coverage. Local snow shops offer tuning/waxing services, but it is best to get your equipment there early as they tend to get busy on weekends and over the holidays. Winter sports are best enjoyed with the right outerwear, making this a significant investment. The ideal outerwear is waterproof and breathable. Usually made from nylon, the material is treated with polymers that help keep water from seeping through. There is an ongoing debate that waterproof outerwear should never be washed, but washing a few times a season is actually good for the material. Breathable material is like skin—it can become clogged from grease and dirt. How do you wash these types of materials? Empty the pockets, disconnect any inner layers, snap all the snaps, and zip up any zippers. Run them through the gentle cycle of the washing machine using a mild detergent (such as Dreft). If it looks like your gear is still a little soapy after washing, send it through the rinse cycle again. Run your outerwear through a second wash cycle using a waterproofing agent such as the Nikwax line of products. Finally, air dry your clothes, as the dryer ruins waterproofing. Never dryclean outerwear. Keep everything in tune with regular maintenance to your equipment and outerwear. How often should you tune and wax your skis? While outerwear may make it through the season without another wash, ski and snowboard equipment is different. If your equipment is not turning the way you like, it is time for a tuning and another coat of wax. Current consensus is to tune equipment roughly every 6-8 days of use… and there is no such thing as too much waxing! Protect your investment with regular maintenance and enjoy your time on the snow! CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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Through the lens... Winter in the High Country By Skip Sickler, Photographer

32 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Left: Barn, Watauga County, North Carolina Like a child mesmerized by Christmas lights, most of us, regardless of age and circumstance, have sat mindlessly watching fluffy snowflakes slowly sift earthwards. Indeed, one of the truly magical moments I eagerly look forward to each winter is the slow transformation of the familiar world outside into one of intrigue and mystery. It is always a challenge deciding how I wish to portray a snowy scene when the snow is falling. Do I want to focus on the snowflakes themselves? Do I want to minimize the snowflakes and focus on the larger scene? Either approach can produce an engaging image. Forethought and intention are needed, as well as knowledge of your camera. Shooting with automatic exposure may not give you the results you seek. The ability to shoot in manual mode can help you achieve your artistic vision. A slower shutter speed will allow the snowflakes to blend into the background where they may not even be seen. A faster shutter speed is needed to stop the motion of the snowflakes, enabling them to be seen in your photograph. The shutter speed is one of the corners of the exposure triangle, along with aperture setting and ISO setting. These three settings work together to give you a proper exposure. Thus, to achieve a faster shutter speed you may need to use a larger aperture (smaller f-stop) or a faster ISO setting. In addition, your choice of lens, if using a camera with changeable lenses, will have an effect on the final photo. Consider using a telephoto, 70mm or larger, and shooting with a shallow aperture. This coupled with a fast shutter speed (1/400 or faster) will give you an effect where the snowflakes closer to the lens and beyond the focal point are out– of-focus and will appear larger and blurred in your photo, adding to the mystical feel of the winter landscape.

Above: Raven’s Roost, The Bridge over Stackrock Creek, Blue Ridge Parkway We are so lucky to live where there are four very distinct seasons, each bringing a unique beauty to the remarkable mountains we call home. Winter, often characterized as a time for inward thoughts and reflection sitting by the fireside, is also a time for discovery and inspiration for those adventurous enough to get outside and explore. Waiting for us is a world magically transformed from the familiar by winter’s special wrapping of snow and ice, sculpted by the wind and fine-tuned by daily thawing and freezing. It is also a great time for the photographer who can approach the familiar landscape with “beginner’s eyes,” experiencing—as if for the first time—a world dressed in newness and discovering un-before noticed patterns and textures, lines and shapes, relationships and feelings. So, grab that camera, get outside, and play and enjoy our seasonal gift of winter.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Above: A Winter’s Walk, Blue Ridge Parkway I vividly remember one night when I was six years old. There had been no school; my sister and I had played outside all day. There was well over a foot of snow on the ground. After dinner, Mom and Dad asked if they could borrow the sled and, warmly bundled, out they went. Laughing and smiling, they seemed a lot less like mid-twenties adults when they returned hours later. In today’s bustling world, it can be difficult to find and enjoy a sense of solitude; however, winter seems to aid those searching for quietness and peace. To fully enjoy being outdoors, it is important to dress properly. Wear a number of layers to better regulate your body temperature. Take off or put on clothing as needed to stay warm or to prevent sweating. The build up of moisture in one’s clothing minimizes the fabric’s insulating properties. Most people these days are aware it is best to avoid cotton clothing. Instead, wear synthetic or wool fabrics that better retain their insulating ability when wet. Footwear that keeps your feet dry is important when spending an extended period of time outside. And don’t forget to wear warm wool or synthetic socks. Warm gloves or a combination of gloves and mittens will help make your time outdoors more enjoyable. Also, wear a hat since a great deal of body heat is lost through your head. A waterproof outer layer will help keep those important insulating layers dry. And, remember to eat and stay hydrated. Your body is like an engine; if it runs out of fuel it will not work properly to keep you warm.

34 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Next Page: Rhododendron Icicles We live on the water planet and at no time of the year is it more evident than during the winter. Frozen water, abundant as snow and ice, changes daily as it thaws and refreezes. Dripping water is often present on sunny days. Winter weather requires additional photography gear considerations. Keeping your gear dry is important; you do not want moisture getting into the inner workings of your camera. Cover the camera if photographing while it is snowing. This can be as simple as just using an umbrella. Many photographers purchase a special waterproof fabric raincoat that fits over a DSLR and its lens. Point-andShoot cameras can easily be carried in an external pocket or a plastic bag when not being used. Cold weather causes batteries to be less efficient and consequently, the batteries will need to be replaced or recharged more frequently. Carry spare batteries so that a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity is not missed. Keeping batteries in an inner pocket can help extend their life during cold weather. Try not to breathe on your camera since moisture from your breath can condense on your camera. A small towel to wipe moisture from the outside of the camera can be very useful. Also, carry a microfiber cloth to clean and dry the front of your lens throughout the day. Finally, give some consideration to your camera when coming indoors. A cold camera hitting warm moist air will fog with condensation. It is best to put your camera inside a camera bag or wrapped in a dry towel inside a plastic bag and allow it to warm up slowly. Keeping these simple precautions in mind should allow for a trouble-free winter photography experience.

Above: Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina I remember many years ago, as a novice photographer, waking early one winter’s day with a fresh, new snow coating the outside world. I was very excited and rushed out to capture the beauty and quickly shot a roll of film (pre-digital days). A week later, when I received the finished prints, I was disappointed. They were dull and dingy—not magical at all. What I did not take into account was how the camera light meter worked. Light meters, even on today’s digital marvels, are calibrated to render the scene as a neutral gray (light meters do not “see” color). This works great when there is a mix of bright and dark elements in the scene. However, when the scene is primarily snow, we must be smarter than our camera and increase the exposure, allowing additional light to strike the sensor. Most modern cameras allow you to increase or decrease the setting suggested by the light meter with an exposure compensation dial. Adding more time by increasing the exposure will bring back that magical white world. However, one must be careful not to add too much light and overexpose the bright areas in the photo, resulting in the loss of texture. Bright sunny days can be problematic because the range of light from the sunny areas to the dark shaded areas is greater than the camera can handle, forcing you to expose for the most important element in the photo. In such conditions, using the built-in flash will “fill in” the harsh shadows, improving the overall exposure. Also, consider shooting in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is less harsh. Winter in the High Country is a special time. So get outside and enjoy the season with your camera. Bring home some of the magic of the transformed beauty of our mountain landscape.

Through the lens...

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Larry Smith & Cinderella, the Fraser Fir that Decorated the White House By LouAnn Smith Morehouse

t seems my cousin Larry has become something of a media sensation these days. He’s recently been featured in a story in the Wall Street Journal and on nationally televised news coverage. The Avery Journal has run several stories about him, and he’s even thinking he might make the cover of Our State magazine. So why all the fuss? Well, it’s all about a tree. Larry Smith has grown a Christmas tree fit to grace the Blue Room in the White House this Christmas. He tells me that this particular tree, hand picked by White House chief usher, Timothy Harleth and superintendent of grounds, Dale Haney, is one he has “kinda ignored” for the past few years. He actually called it his Cinderella tree as he described how Harleth and Haney chose it for its “natural look.” How a live tree could look anything other than natural gives me a moment’s pause, but Larry explains, “It wasn’t trimmed like most of the trees that are being harvested.” Cinderella the Fraser fir is certainly in the midst of glamour and glitz as part of a White House Christmas, and Larry and his family were all on hand when the tree was delivered. The Avery contingent got their own tour of the White House guided by none other than the First Lady

36 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Inset: Timothy Harleth, White House Chief Usher, Larry Smith, 2018 NCTA Grand Champion Grower, and Dale Haney, White House Superintendent of Grounds pose with the 2018 White House Christmas Tree. / Photo courtesy of the National Christmas Tree Association’s website, realchristmastrees.org

herself. The President even dropped by to say hello to everyone. When Larry called a few months ago to share the news about being chosen the National Christmas Tree Association’s grand champion, I was thrilled for him of course. My cousin Larry has been a tree farmer practically his entire working life, and having a grand champion Christmas tree win a trip to the White House is pretty great recognition. Mind you, he’s already taken trees to the home of VicePresident Cheney and to the North Carolina governor’s house in past years. It might just be that Larry enjoys putting his trees in homes of distinction. And that would include my own house, along with the thousands of other homes where trees from Mountain Top Fraser Fir get to be the holiday centerpiece. Larry has wholesaled trees—that is, sold them to people and companies that sell them on lots—all over the country. His trees have been sold on lots run by firemen in New York City, and gone west as far as Colorado. Larry keeps a number of Florida and Alabama tree lots stocked, so it might well be that folks who summer here are decorating a Fraser fir that grew up on a nearby slope. He’s also had his own retail lots in Hickory and Lenoir for

years. These days, it’s son Wally’s job to look after the local lots, but many folks remember when Larry’s mom and dad, Hermon and Leona, were the friendly faces selling trees—and pumpkins—there during holiday season. Larry’s relationship to Christmas trees goes back to his sixteen-year-old self helping out his Avery High School coach, Doug Clark, who had a stand of Frasers that needed harvesting. Larry says he has happy memories of working in the outdoors, making a bit of money, and especially enjoying the “big spreads” that Jane Clark would cook up for the workers. Back in the sixties and seventies, Christmas tree farming was mostly a small, family run sideline in the North Carolina mountain counties where Fraser firs were native. Times changed, though. Doug Hundley, who spent twenty five years at the Avery County Cooperative Extension office, explains when farmers realized that a field of Christmas trees could yield significantly more profit than their traditional vegetable crops—even as much as the ultimate cash crop, tobacco—they quickly adapted. And as production increased, it was greatly assisted by the implementation of Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, which emphasized

Larry, standing with Cinderella in the White House.

new pest management research, sharing of best practices and conscientious use of pesticides and land. The IPM effort came from North Carolina State University through the county extension offices, the state-funded link between university research and farmers in the field. In Avery County, Doug Hundley was the Extension office’s IPM technician. So Larry took up tree farming just as it was becoming a major cash crop for the mountain region. By the 1980s, with the encouragement of his father, he had “set” trees and was producing on his first Christmas tree farm. When the word got round to Granddaddy Smith that trees were going to be planted on his former cabbage field, he fumed that he had “spent all his life clearing a field big enough to grow something on, and here came Larry, going to plant it all with trees!” Throughout those years of Christmas tree farming, Doug Hundley worked closely with farmers to help mitigate damage from disease and pests in a new way. Integrated pest management depended on collaboration and sharing information, which was not always an easy matter with farmers who had traditionally kept their cultivation practices to themselves. He developed a high regard for the Smiths,

President and Mrs. Trump share a laugh with Larry Smith, NC state senator Deanna Ballard, Larry’s fiance Beth Gibbons, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Austin Tester.

father and sons, for their willingness to share their methods and participate in research. Doug credits the Smith family for “helping to refine grafting techniques to deal with one of our worst disease problems, without fungicides.” When the White House people came to pick out THE tree, Doug made remarks at the event. He said, “Larry, like his father Hermon, has been exceptional in his efforts to protect both soil and water for all the right reasons.” Doug described Larry and his brother Lynn’s longtime commitment to the IPM program, giving both time and trees for research efforts at NC State. He referred to Larry’s help in the development of a new groundcover management practice that stabilizes the soil on the steep slopes where trees are grown. According to the Christmas Tree Association, the North Carolina Christmas tree industry is now ranked second in the nation for trees harvested and total number of acreage under cultivation. Ashe, Avery, Alleghany, Watauga, and Jackson counties lead the state in Christmas tree production. When I asked Doug if these facts could be considered an agricultural success story, he said “Certainly, but the best success story

may be that, thanks to the efforts of tree farmers and extension services, pesticide use on Christmas trees has been reduced more than fifty percent in the past twenty years.” Doug calls the Christmas tree growers of North Carolina “environmental stewards of our beautiful mountains.” Taking an Avery County Christmas tree to the White House might be Larry Smith’s idea of success, but I think that his years of working the land while protecting it is an even better story. As Doug says, growing “real trees” sustainably is “a labor of love, for the land and for family.” I think Granddaddy Smith would be pretty proud of that.

Facts from the National Christmas Tree Association

Christmas trees are often grown on soil that does not support other crops. The farms that grow Christmas trees stabilize the soil, protect water supplies, and provide refuge for wildlife.

congratulations! Artificial trees are petroleum-based products manufactured primarily in Chinese factories.

Real trees can be recycled in a number of ways, including mulch for parks and trails, in lakes and ponds for fish habitat, dune and coastline restoration, and as boiler fuel for factories.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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Family Fun in the High Country N

ot everyone is all about snowboarding and skiing when on vacation in the High Country. Known for its mountains and of course snow sports, the area has plenty of other options for families, both indoors and outdoors— there’s always an adventure awaiting. Snow Tubing Snow tubing is available in many different areas of the High Country. Beech Mountain has tubing available at their resorts in addition to skiing and snowboarding. “Everything is located right in the village—shopping, tubing, skating, along with our restaurant and brewery— all within walking distance,” says Talia Freeman of Beech Mountain Resort. Hawksnest is the biggest tubing resort on the east coast with over 30 lanes ranging in length from 400-1,000 feet. “We still offer zip lining but the course is shortened for the winter months and at a reduced price. In addition to the tubing and zip lining, our lodge is open with a sports shop and restaurant for those not wanting to go out on the snow. And we have over 2,000 feet of deck for watching the action,” says Lenny Cottom. “With the addition of another conveyor, bringing the total to three, guests get the maximum time on the snow.” Sugar Mountain offers several 700 ft. lanes in the tubing park with a magic carpet bringing guests back to the top. Tubing is a great introduction to children that are not ready for a day on the slopes just yet.

Ice Skating Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Sugar Mountain have outdoor skating rinks located in close proximity to the slopes. Sessions run for an hour and are open to all ages. Find Appalachian’s ice rink situated with the ski slopes on one side and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the other. Sugar Mountain’s 10,000 square ft. rink is located adjacent to the tubing park and includes a pro shop and cozy restaurant. Beech Mountain Resort’s rink is located in the middle of the Alpine Village. Each rink also has “skaters” or walker style help for those just learning how to skate. Rentals are available in most sizes, and hockey skates are also available. Watch the children skate or do a little shopping and eating while they have fun! The Staples of the High Country All major summer attractions are open year round. Take in the amazing view from The Blowing Rock and listen to the story of the Indian Princess. Make some time to stroll downtown Blowing Rock and visit the shops and restaurants. Little ones can spend some time in the park. Grandfather Mountain is totally different when covered in snow. Take in the Nature Museum and walk out on the Swinging Bridge to see a different winter landscape (see Grandfather Notes in this issue). Linville Caverns, with a year round temperature of 52 degrees, is a warm spot on a cold winter day as you

By Kelly Melang

explore a mountain from the inside out. If you’ve visited these attractions in the summer, you’ll find everything is much different, yet just as spectacular in the winter. Mystery Hill, the energy vortex experience is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day. See if you can stand up in the vortex room or enjoy the science museum. Stroll next door to one of the largest collections of Indian arrowheads in the Dougherty Building. Fly Fishing North Carolina is one of the few states where people can ski or snowboard in the morning, then head out to the river and fish in the afternoon. Just ask Alex Dale of Foscoe Fishing, who says, “There’s always time to fish in the winter. The brown trout in the tail waters are still great throughout the year. Regardless of the weather, fish have to eat and that’s what flies are for! We do go with smaller flies, or midges because that’s what’s out there. NC’s Catch and release streams are great through June!” Fly fishing outfitters are open year round and offer winter trips for all skill levels, including half and full day excursions with float (in a boat) and wade (wearing waders standing in the water) trips available. Shane Hines of Due South Outfitters has fished while snow was falling, and also in a rainstorm. “You’d be surprised,” says Shane. “At the beginning of a snow storm or rain storm, debris is Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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washed off the trees and banks giving the fish something to feed on—this makes them more likely to take our fly.” Take a day with the family on a float or wade trip, even if there is a little snow in the air. Bouldering and Climbing Center 45 in Boone is a great indoor venue for those wishing to test their bouldering skills or simply try out bouldering. “Our climbing is without harnesses and ropes. For beginners, we offer rentals for climbing shoes and chalk. Center 45 has 70 different types of climbs ranging from beginner to some of the most advanced in the area,” says Aaron Parlier. “Guests can purchase day passes with discounts to children under 12. For locals, we offer monthly and yearly passes.” Come set up your crash pad and see if you can climb to the top of a beginner area and possibly progress out. Rock Dimensions of Boone still offers rock climbing and a ropes course on a reservation basis. “We are still open but things slow down in the winter months. If the weather looks mild, we are available for our ropes course or climbing. Sometimes we have guests travel with us to lower elevations for the winter climbing experience,” says Ryan Beasley. “People still enjoy caving in Eastern TN, as the temperature in the caves usually doesn’t fluctuate that much. The outdoor climbing is hit or miss up here in the winter due to the weather.” The outdoor climbing wall is available by reservation. Gem Mining Most of the local gem mines in the area have an indoor area for mining. Doc’s Rocks in Blowing Rock has an indoor flume where families can pan for treasures. “Our flume is open seven days a week with the exception of Christmas and Thanksgiving,” says Hunter Gavaghan. “Not only do families enjoy the fun of gem mining, but our staff also educates about geology, especially North Carolina geology.” Along with gem mining, tour the Appalachian Geology Museum and have a cup of coffee in the coffee shop. “You can also purchase gemstones here if you don’t want to pan for them,” says Hunter. “Families love watching gems being cut and we love educating them about the process.” Stay warm and find a treasure on a cold winter day.

The Village Of Banner Elk Spend a day off the slopes enjoying downtown Banner Elk. Dine in the great restaurants in the Village while the children play in the new arcade. Visit the art galleries, and grab a coffee or nutritious smoothie. Find plenty of things for a family to do—catch a sports game on the big screen, play a round of pool, or sit outside enjoying the fire pit on a mild winter day. Cheese In operation for over 75 years, Ashe County Cheese is the Carolinas’ oldest working cheese plant. Located in West Jefferson in the Blue Ridge Mountains about 30 minutes from Boone, this is a great family stop year round. Watch cheese being made at the factory or step across the street for cheese tasting. Not into cheese? The factory store also offers Ashe County butter, fudge, and ice cream. A Kandy Korner full of goodies is a great way to make the trip complete. Spend the rest of the day exploring West Jefferson, the quintessential small town known for the arts; visit the different murals in the town, take in the great restaurants and breweries, or just enjoy that crisp mountain air. Bowling High Country Lanes, located in Boone, offers bowling for all ages. And more than bowling, they have a full service bar, a restaurant and outdoor corn hole on the patio. The addition of darts, couches, and fire pits makes it a great outing for the family who wants to take a break from snow sports for the day. Children’s Playhouse Located in Boone, The Children’s Playhouse is a great way to spend the day with children 8 and under. This children’s museum is designed to stimulate children with science-based programs, enhance creativity with exciting play areas, and foster family fun with revolving experimental programs. Different classes are available. Signup and more information can be found at www.goplayhouse.org There’s more to wintertime in the High Country than hitting the slopes with your skis or snowboard. Think about an out of the ordinary adventure with the family and create the memory that lasts forever, the memory of fun!

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There is nothing dormant or in hibernation during the winter arts season as the number of local productions continues to grow year after year. Here’s a compendium of the most interesting shows on the horizon from now through midApril, listed below by producing company, beginning with the holiday offerings. PLEASE NOTE that all of the performances, dates and times are subject to change; readers are strongly encouraged to contact the box office for the most current information. See you at the theatre!

CoMMA presents Kinky Boots Photo by Matthew Murphy

Schaefer Center presents Dance Theatre of Harlem Photo by Rachel Neville

Cultural Calendar A

lthough Barter Theatre’s 2019 season is announced elsewhere in this issue, their 2018 holiday offerings are in production from now through the end of December. Based on the popular New Line Cinema film about a young orphan who accidentally crawls into Santa’s bag and is taken back to the North Pole, Elf: The Musical performs on the Gilliam Stage in rotation with Santa Claus is Coming to Town, an original musical by playwrightin-residence Catherine Bush with music by Dax Dupuy. Bush is also the author of a new work titled Wooden Snowflakes, “a heart-warming Appalachian Christmas story” about a stranded motorist who refuses to believe in Santa Claus, but finds herself in the home of a woodcarver and expert on Christmas. Also, on Stage II is David Sedaris’ one-person opus The Santaland Diaries featuring company member Nicholas Piper as Crumpet, a Macy’s department store elf best described as “a rebel without a Claus.” Information is available at www.BarterTheatre.com or 276-628-3991. Ensemble Stage’s holiday musical show is A Banner Elk Christmas and will be presented through December 16 in the historic Banner Elk School, right down the hall from the CML world headquarters. “Patterned after the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby TV holiday specials from the 1960s and ‘70s with women in beautiful ball gowns and guys

42 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

By Keith Martin

in tuxedos,” this hit show features singing, dancing, and a few comedy sketches thrown in for good measure. For more details and ticket information, please visit www.ensemblestage.com or call (828) 414-1844. The Ashe County Little Theatre will present Mark Twain’s story Is He Dead? adapted for the stage by playwright David Ives. Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picturedealer, Bastien Andre. Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor’s prison unless Marie marries him. Millet realizes that the only way he can pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve fame and fortune. Millet fakes his death and prospers, all while passing himself off as his own sister, the Widow Tillou. Now a rich “widow,” he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie. Performances run March 29 through 31 in the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (336) 846-2787. On January 24 and 25, BeanStalk Community Theatre is staging the High Country premier of the most produced play in America with John Cariani’s Almost Maine. Set in a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States since it’s almost in Canada. And it almost

doesn’t exist because its residents never got around to getting organized. So, it’s just… Almost. One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. From March 28 through 30, Beanstalk is also producing Jones Hope Wooten’s Doublewide, Texas, wherein the inhabitants of one of the smallest trailer parks in the state (four doublewides and a shed) are thrown for a loop when they realize the nearby town of Tugaloo is determined to annex them. The mayhem escalates as the residents attempt to secede from Texas, discover a traitor in their midst, and turn the tables in the end. Both productions take place at Harvest House in Boone. For tickets and information, visit BeanStalkNC.com or call (828) 312-0263. Those of us who live in the High Country know that the closest national tours of Broadway musicals are presented at the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (CoMMA). On January 11, the six-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots takes the stage featuring songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, a book by Harvey Fierstein, and outstanding direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Based on the charming British film, the story is about a failing shoe factory and its successful turnaround by adding a certain “specialty item” to

Spring Appalachian Dance Festival Photo by Lynn Willis

their inventory. On February 21, the tenth anniversary tour of the Rock and Roll musical Rock of Ages rolls into Burke County to showcase the ear-splitting music of ‘80s bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake, among many others. Finally, on March 21, the highlight of the CoMMA season occurs with Jersey Boys. Arguably the best of the jukebox musical genre, this show goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in this 2006 Tony Award-winning Best Musical. Info at www.commaonline.org or 800939-SHOW (7469). Note: all three of these productions will have only one performance each.

Barter presents Broken Snowflakes

laboratory for faculty and students includes eight different premieres with movement ranging from abstract to expressionistic, and rhythmic works of sheer physical energy, each exuding the joy of dance. From April 10 through 14, the 25th anniversary of the Valborg Theatre is being celebrated with a revival of its very first production, Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Written in 1596, it portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons, with lovers, fairies, rustics, and magic intertwined in an enchanted forest. More nformation at www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu or 800-841-ARTS (2787).

The Dance Theatre of Harlem graces the stage of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on February 19. Cofounded in 1969 by then-New York City Ballet’s first African-American principal dancer, Arthur Mitchell, who sought to establish a center for excellence in classical dance instruction for the young people in his childhood neighborhood. From these modest beginnings, Dance Theatre of Harlem became the first permanent black ballet company in the United States and rapidly grew to become a national and international cultural ambassador for American dance. The repertoire for the Boone performance will include works by George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Dianne McIntyre, and Robert Garland. The Schaefer Presents series at Appalachian is also presenting The World of Musicals on April 5. The show “Brings the very best of musical theatre to life… leaving audiences spell-bound” in a journey through their favorite show tunes from both movies and musicals. The performance includes songs from shows such as Evita, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera along with favorites from Dirty Dancing, Rock of Ages and Mamma Mia, along with the classics from the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Gilbert and Sullivan, George Gershwin and Stephen Sondheim. More infor at 800-841-ARTS (2787) orwww.theschaefercenter.org.

t heatre!

There are several offerings worth viewing in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Appalachian State University. In Eurydice, running February 20 through 24, playwright Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and breathtaking visual effects, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story. New works featuring original choreography are a hallmark of the popular Appalachian Dance Ensemble from March 20 through 24. This creative

Over in Banner Elk, Lees-McRae College is producing Lauren Genderson’s Silent Sky about a young woman who begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s but isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who has no time for their probing theories. The true story of 19thcentury astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Performances are March 28 through 30; info at www.lmc.edu or 828-898-8709.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

44 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Appalachian Theatre Celebrates Its 80th Birthday “Rebirth” after renovations scheduled for late summer 2019 By Keith Martin, with photos by Kate Cahow

erhaps John Cooper, chair of the board of trustees for the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, said it best when he remarked that “the current renovation project will mark a rebirth for this much-loved venue and bring this sleeping giant back to life in 2019.” As reported in CML exactly one year ago, the first phase of the theatre’s renovation was completed during the holiday season with a meticulous restoration of the historic façade and the landmark marquee, complete with the chase lights that beckoned theatregoers for decades beginning in 1938. The second and final phase of construction is underway with a grand re-opening scheduled for late summer, just ten months from now. I’m writing this update on November 14, the exact 80th anniversary of the 1938 gala opening of the Appalachian Theatre in Boone. Local media at the time reported about the opening of “Northwest North Carolina’s finest playhouse” as follows: “The commodious structure is located in the center of the town’s business district… The construction is of brick and steel, the front being finished in black plate glass, a striping of cream and green being used. The marquee with “chasing” lights is finished in baked porcelain to compare with the front of the building and a distinctively beautiful appearance results.” The article, published in The Watauga Democrat went on to herald “springedge upholstered seats,” a “stage of ample proportions, and modernly lighted,” and an “operator’s booth of the most modern design, fully fireproof and houses the

latest Western Electric sound system which is used by the majority of the metropolitan showhouses.” For audience comfort, the paper reported that, “A huge combination air conditioning and steam plant supplies the heat for the structure and the blower system will provide fresh cool air during the hottest of the summer.” CML has previously written about the 1938 opening program, a five-act presentation that took place at 3:45 in the afternoon. It included greetings and a dedication followed by Walt Disney’s “Special Technicolor Presentation” of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in “Brave Little Tailor.” A newsreel of current events preceded a short film on unusual occupations entitled, “How Charlie McCarthys are Made” and, finally, the featured film: Bobby Breen in “Breaking the Ice,” with the world’s youngest ice skater, Irene Dare. The entire program was repeated twice that same evening at 7 and 9 p.m. The Appalachian’s magnificent exterior was the first and only known Art Deco building in Watauga County. It featured decorative, structural glass tiles (probably Vitrolite or Carrara) that were lime green, white, and black, arranged in a geometric pattern leading to a prominent, parapeted ziggurat motif, as well as a projecting neon marquee with red, yellow, and white lights. Admission was tiered, at ten or twenty cents for the matinee and ten or twenty-five cents for the evening showing. Vannoy Construction Company, the general contractor for the current renovation project, began work on Continued on next page

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

THEATRE: continued from previous page Monday, July 30, and anticipates completion of renovations in time for the theatre to reopen as scheduled in the late summer of 2019. Owner Mark Vannoy remarked, “Our company is based right here in the High Country, and we are proud to be entrusted by the Board of Trustees of the Appalachian Theatre with the renovation and restoration of such a venerable landmark in our region. I look forward to joining our employees, their families, current and future generations of arts supporters at performances in this historic theatre.” James Morgan, Vannoy’s liaison for the pre-construction phase of the project, has been working closely with the Appalachian Theatre Design and Construction Committee. He says, “The high level of board participation and community engagement is impressive, as is their sincere desire to balance the historic preservation of the venue with the need for modern theatrical systems and audience comfort. It’s going to be a marvelous facility about which all of us will be very proud.” Laura Kratt, the newly-hired Executive Director of the Appalachian Theatre, was profiled in our Autumn 2018 edition. She gave an update on the construction progress to CML from “The Hardhat Zone,” as follows: “In early November, demolition continued on the back and side walls of the theatre, while work moved inside to the second floor. Passers-by stopped to watch as a massive crane was brought in to lift and set into place the steel fire escape which was installed on the east side of the building to serve on the mezzanine level of the theatre. The sparks from the welding torches were flying as it was installed. “The wall currently labeled ‘demo’ was part of the old light well on the second floor over the lobby. It has now been completely removed to create more space for gatherings in our new community room. We will keep you updated as progress continues to move forward.” Kratt encourages supporters to visit the Appalachian Theatre website www. apptheatre.org for periodic updates with behind the scenes photos and videos of construction progress.

46——Winter Winter2018/19 2018/19CAROLINA CAROLINAMOUNTAIN MOUNTAINLIFE LIFE

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Barter Theatre’s Expanded 2019 Season First Annual College Playwright Festival to Debut in January

ove, Laughter, and Passion is the theme for the 2019 season recently announced by Barter Theatre Producing Director Richard Rose and his creative team during a media event that included excerpts from several upcoming productions. The expanded slate of 25 theatrical offerings is by far the largest and most comprehensive season in the Southeast and among the most ambitious in the entire country. As “the State Theatre of Virginia,” Barter Theatre will showcase classics, comedies, dramas, mysteries, musicals, and original productions on four different series during the upcoming season. Rose especially likes the word “passion” as it relates to the 2019 season, “because it is a most human emotion: intense, sexual, enthusiastic, an outburst. It has implications of desire, hunger, craving, thirst, appetite, ache, lust and urges. Passion, with all of its meanings and implications, best describes the exploration of the human experience that is the core of Barter’s offerings, for it is the basis of almost every character in every play during our upcoming season. “Passion truly identifies and sets apart all of the great talent that works here at Barter. We are a group of artists who truly have a great passion for the work that we put forth in concert with you, our patrons and our community. It is our shared passion for the theatre and for its ability to connect us all together in disparate ways in a shared experience that enriches our lives and our understanding

of our collective relationship to the world around us and to each other occupying this planet together.” He adds the word “love” to the theme because he feels it is much needed in today’s world, and believes that “laughter” is more important now than he can ever recall in his lifetime. Rose said that, “combined with passion and perhaps a bit of well-placed idealism, and you have a 2019 season perfectly suited to renew our faith in the world and in our fellow human beings.” New this year is the First Annual College Playwright Festival (CPF), which has been in the making for several years and is finally coming to fruition. This event builds upon Barter’s Young Playwrights Festival, which introduces and encourages high school playwrights from a surrounding region of several states. Rose announced that “Appalachian State University is participating in Barter’s CPF as a founding member, which will include colleges and universities from Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.” The timing of CPF is being synchronized with Barter’s popular Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights, so that the college and professional playwrights will have a chance to connect with each other during the rehearsal process. Rose truly sees Barter 2019 as a season “for renewal in faith, hope and joy for our country and for the world at large. We need to remember hope and idealism, which is why we have chosen to open the

By Keith Martin

Gilliam Stage season with Camelot. And, of course, with each production at Barter, we will get to experience these shows as only Barter can imagine them,” Rose said, citing the musicals Shrek: The Musical, The Producers and La Cage Aux Folles as productions that give an opportunity to see their favorite Barter actors “put a fresh and defining spin on some iconic roles.” Other musicals on the season include a welcome revival of the engaging Madame Buttermilk, Irving Berlin’s classic White Christmas and a newer work, Church Basement Ladies, based on the book “Growing up Lutheran.” Among the straight plays is the world premiere of The Loophole, a new work by a southern playwright titled Maytag Virgin, another play about southern ladies Exit Laughing, and Shakespeare’s immortal classic Twelfth Night. Barter is one of the first theatres to obtain performance rights for Paul Elliott’s Exit Laughing, about a weekly bridge night out with the “girls” after one member of the foursome inconveniently dies. Finally, the Barter Players theatre for young audiences series showcases no fewer than five beloved children’s stories adapted for the stage by playwright-inresidence Catherine Bush, including The Princess and the Pea, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. For production dates, tickets, or a season brochure, visit bartertheatre.com or contact the box office at 276-628-3991.

theatre

48 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

THE FINEST COLLECTION OF HANDMADE POTTERY FROM 16 LOCAL HIGH COUNTRY ARTISTS

Barter Theatre’s 2019 Festival Season n Young Playwrights Festival n First Annual College Playwrights Festival n Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights

Barter Theatre’s 2019 Gilliam Mainstage Season n Camelot by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe n Madame Buttermilk by Ross Carter n Shrek: The Musical by Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire n Exit Laughing by Paul Elliott n The Producers by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan n Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher n White Christmas by Irving Berlin, Paul Blake, and David Ives

BOB MEIER

Barter Theatre’s 2019 Stage II Season

828.264.1127

n Morning After Grace by Carey Crim n Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare n Church Basement Ladies by Drew Jansen, Jim Stowell and Jessica Zuehlke n La Cage Aux Folles by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman n Maytag Virgin by Audrey Cefaly n The Loophole by Stacey Isom Campbell n Jacob Marley’s A Christmas Carol by Tom Mula n The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris

Barter Players 2019 Touring Season n The Princess and the Pea adapted from Hans Christian Anderson by Catherine Bush n Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat adapted by Katie Mitchell from Dr. Seuss n James and the Giant Peach from the Roald Dahl novel adapted by Richard R. George n The Little Mermaid adapted from Hans Christian Anderson by Catherine Bush n Tarzan adapted from the Edgar Rice Burroughs book by Catherine Bush n The Legend of Sleepy Hollow adapted from Washington Irving by Catherine Bush n ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas adapted from Clement Clark Moore by Catherine Bush

585 West King St., Suite D Boone NC 28607 10am-6pm, mon-sun www.DoeRidgePottery.com

40th year

Experience ART Enjoy free admission to our galleries!

Top Image: Barry Huffman. Matt Jones Pottery, 2016. Oil on board. 28 x 24 inches. Courtesy of the artist. Bottom Image: Ashley Warren. Zesty Zee, 2018. Digital photograph. Courtesy of the artist.

Off Main St. in Downtown | 159 Chestnut St. Blowing Rock

(828) 295-9099 www.BlowingRockMuseum.org @brmuseum

Sally Nooney ARTIST STUDIO GALLERY Fine Art Paintings Glass Creations & Heirloom Jewelry Scenic Hwy 194 South Midway between Valle Crucis & Banner Elk Tuesday thru Saturday 10-5 828-963-7347 • Nooney@skybest.com sallynooney.com • Commissions Invited! Frank Nooney Furniture Restoration, and Antiques at the Gallery, next door CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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a half-inch seam allowance and leave an inch unsewn on one edge of your shape. You will then use a capped pen or crochet hook to push your shape inside out revealing the right side of your warmers. Using the funnel, pour into the gap just enough rice for your warmer to be slightly flexible. Finish your warmers by pinning and sewing the rest of the edge where you left your gap. For added security, use a blanket stitch or another straight stitch a quarter-inch from the edge. When you’re getting ready for a cold day or some time out in the snow, put your new craft to use: microwave for 30 seconds, stick in your pockets or gloves and go!

DIY Healing Salve

DIY Winter Essentials Fun, thrifty and useful craft projects for you & your kids on cold winter days. By Scottie Gilbert

Homemade Pocket Hand-warmers What you’ll need: -Scraps of warm natural fabric -Straight pins -Fabric scissors -Large cookie cutter for shape (optional) -Needle and thread -Rice -Funnel What you’ll do: Before you begin to make your pocket hand-warmers, ensure your scrap fabric is cotton, linen, wool, or some other natural material. Flannel, fleece or felt works best to retain heat. You can recycle old items by using pieces of a stained shirt or blanket; just make sure it doesn’t have any synthetic fibers as they can melt when heated. When you have your fabric, choose your size and shape. Five-inch shapes are a good starting point for many different hand sizes. Large holiday cookie cutters can provide ideas and are helpful when cutting your fabric as well. Hearts, snowmen, circles (with snowflakes embroidered on them), or simple rectangles with a fun print are easy and festive ideas. You can decorate your pocket warmers as little or as much as you want. After deciding on a shape, trace it or draw it on a piece of paper, cut it out, pin it to your fabric and carefully cut around the edge of your pattern. If your fabric is printed on one side only, make sure to flip your pattern over before cutting your second piece. If you want to decorate your warmers in any way, now is the time to felt, embroider, or stamp your fabric. You are now ready to sew and fill your pocket warmers. Begin by pinning your two identical pieces “right” sides together (that is, the sides you wish to be visible when you’re finished). Sew a straight stitch by hand or with a machine, with

50 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

What you’ll need: -Double boiler -Beeswax granules -Cocoa or shea butter -Plant based oil (almond, coconut, jojoba or grapeseed) -Essential oils -Brown glass salve jar or small metal tin What you’ll do: These ingredients are best found at your local natural food market. Be Natural Market in Boone has everything you may need, as well as its own herbal remedy recipes ready for you to try! First, melt your beeswax, cocoa or shea and plant oil together in a double boiler. A metal bowl that fits snugly in a pot of water works just as well. The ratio of beeswax to the other two ingredients for a salve is a 1:2:2. (To make healing lip balm, double the beeswax for a ration of 2:2:2.) If you’re making these as gifts or you just want multiple salves with different herbal benefits, feel free to multiply your recipe as you see fit. There are a few things to note about the ingredients. Cocoa butter is firmer than shea butter and will make for a salve that is less spreadable. If you want a creamier, softer salve, use shea butter. In addition, a lot of herbal medicine specialists recommend infusing your plant oil with herbs before melting. This adds hours or weeks to the cooking time but it can add a lot of healing power (although with the right essential oils, it may not prove necessary). Once your ingredients are fully melted, turn off the heat and add approximately 15 drops of mixed essential oils per 1 oz. beeswax used. For winter, essential oils that have warming or uplifting properties are recommended such as bergamot, cedar atlas, ginger, juniper or sage. If you are looking to have a salve with specific remedial uses, find a mix of essential oils that suits your ailment. Chapped skin, a very common problem in the winter, will benefit from sandalwood and neroli. Sore muscles, aches, and bruises could be aided by lavender, chamomile and mullein. Do your research before you add just any essential oil to your salve. After incorporating all the ingredients, pour the salve into small jars or tins, label them and let cool. They can last for several years if stored properly in a cool dark place. To use, rub in a small pat of salve over affected area as daily moisturizer for dry skin or as spot treatment to heal a variety of other ailments. We hope these DIY projects provide a source of enjoyment for you and your family, and add a touch of warmth and comfort to your winter!

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Mount ain Blue Gallery

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A Unique Art Gallery in t he Heart of Banner Elk

151 Shawneehaw Avenue Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-4477 | mountainbluegallery.com CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Book Nook By Edwin Ansel

Have you ever glanced at an interpretive display on the Blue Ridge Parkway or driven by an historic marker on a state road and thought that really you ought to stop and study it? Maybe even dig a little, get into the history of these mountains that you have come to love? Michael C. Hardy has. And what’s more he did stop, and dig, and then dig deeper. He has written more than twenty books and dozens of scholarly articles about the people of North Carolina and especially of the Blue Ridge, with an emphasis on the Civil War. In 2010 he was recognized as North Carolina Historian of the Year. His recent titles are “Kirk’s Civil War Raids Along the Blue Ridge,” and “General Lee’s Immortals: The Battles and Campaigns of the BranchLane Brigade in the Army of North Virginia, 1861-1865.”

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Kirk’s Civil War Raids Along the Blue Ridge In spring of 1861, the people of Madison County, North Carolina gathered in Marshall, the county seat. They’d come to vote on whether to have a “secession convention,” and if so, who would serve in it. The sheriff, Ransom P. Merrill, stood in the center of town and shouted, “Hurrah for Jeff Davis and the Southern Confederacy!” Someone in the crowd, a farmer, shouted back, “George Washington and the Union!” At that, Merrill drew his pistol, accused some of the men he saw there of being “a set of dam’d black Republicans and Lincolnites,” and fired at them. He wounded a young man, and his senseless violence sparked a riot. That young man’s father pursued Merrill and killed him on the spot. Hardy chose this incident to open his account of the course of the war in the Blue Ridge, and it sets the tone for the entire book. The people were divided. By party. By class. By whether you were of the government, or of the governed. An exchange of words could escalate into an exchange of gunfire in an instant. And for those who dared, the remedy was not law, but vengeance. This incident, as Hardy delivers it, also reveals what kind of historian Hardy is. A digger, first of all. He discovered this incident in a personal letter preserved in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History. He has read and cited the newspapers of the time, government documents, military records, personal letters, personal diaries, even his own family papers, in addition to the works of other historians published over the last hundred years. He reports in precise detail what the people did and what

they said. And he names the names. Some of those names can still be heard hereabouts. His hard work and attention to detail bring this story to life. Here’s his own description of his method: “I write from the bottom up, from the soldier’s perspective. Their lives and experiences, along with the communities from which they came, are equally as important as the grand sweeping narratives of the Civil War.” In addition to digging up vivid details from every available source, he is also careful to balance those details with the big picture. The balance works. Hardy gives the big picture. As the war progressed, the Blue Ridge became a frontier. The armies of both the United States and Confederacy attempted to take and hold the mountains, but they could not. Militias were organized by the state governments, but these were countered by informal militias of rebellious citizens. Bands of men roamed the hills: local men headed for Kentucky to enlist in the Union army; soldiers from both armies who were escapees, parolees, and deserters; “dissidents” who wanted nothing to do with either side; and the notorious “tories” and bushwhackers who were simply thieves and murderers. A recurring scenario is the dreaded knock at the door of a lonely farmhouse. Who would it be? A bedraggled stranger begging for a bite of food? A foraging party for company of the regular army who might behave properly? A gang of professional horse thieves? And he gives the vivid detail. Fronia Mast hid a bag of meal from the Yankees by hiding it under her skirt. Sarah Johnson

challenged an officer of Kirk’s raiders, stating that “if he touched her horse she’d beat his brains out” with a hoe, and it being a ‘scrawny’ horse, the officer backed down. And no war story is complete without a character like Malinda Blalock, who enlisted as a private in the confederate army along with her husband. I wasn’t raised in the Blue Ridge, and so I didn’t grow up with these stories. But I have chosen to make my home here. Part of being at home is being connected to the place. Having a sense of the sweep of its history, and also individual people. In delivering some of that connection, Hardy’s book is like a cup of cool water dipped from a mountain stream.

General Lee’s Immortals Hardy wrote this book to fill a gap. Despite their reputation as fighters, the men of the “Branch-Lane Brigade” had never yet had their place in the sun. Being the account of men in the regular army, the book is devoted to the details of troop movements, the identity of the commanders, casualties inflicted and suffered—in short, all the data produced and recorded by an army. Hardy strikes his balance, however. In separate chapters he deals with medical care in the army, the plight of prisoners, military discipline and especially with the details of camp life. An army camp is a small town populated exclusively by men, the vast majority of whom are young men. Things will happen. Hardy’s book fills a specific gap in the record, and it’s also a uniquely useful history of the war itself. In any war events happen in various places, at the same time. It’s hard to describe such a complex event with a string of words. You’ll have to jump from place to place, back and forth in time. Hardy avoids this problem. The Branch-Lane Brigade was organized at the beginning of the war and fought in the iconic battles, including that fateful day at Gettysburg, and on through to Appomattox. By staying with these soldiers Hardy’s story sweeps in one direction, forward, from the beginning to the bitter end. It’s the story of ordinary men caught up in extraordinary events. Hardy has gathered photographs of dozens of these men. It can be hard to look them in the eye and then look to the caption and read how many of them were killed in battle. Why did they do it? With their friends and brothers being cut down left and right, why did so many of them stick it out for so, so long? Being a disciplined historian, Hardy doesn’t put his personal insights about such questions directly on display. His detailed account of individual soldiers is an indirect way to express these insights, and reading between the lines helps a reader to understand. Still, he’s thought about these things for many years. It would be good to chat over coffee, perhaps some dreadful “Lincoln coffee” made from roasted dandelion roots or worse, like those young men made for themselves. It’s not impossible. Hardy serves frequently as a guide and speaker at historic sites in the Blue Ridge. Have a look at his website. www. michaelchardy.com

Poetry

One with the fog … Out of the fog they come cautious, wary and wild Winter drives them here

Where corn, grain and wrinkled old apples lay scattered on the ground Amid the footprints of their previous gatherings They are a nomadic pack much like roaming wolves Hinds close, noses down, eyes dark like autumn buckeyes Deer of our mountain heritage returning year after year to this same place Anxious, watchful, timid and restlessly unsettled Their noses when lifted – Quiver sense any bit of possible danger Set them pacing, hoofs pounding and grinding the earth Something spooks them could be anything – the mere sound of a passing car The unfamiliar scent of the unknown within their surroundings Precise as a drill team they turn, scurry down the leaf strewn logging trail Disappear across the fog laden stream Out of sight, one with the fog only to repeat this ritual, generation after generation For an unknown number of days, years and decades

—Amy C. Millette, Vilas NC

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

QUALITY

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TIME

mountain notes

N O T E S F R O M T H E G R A N D FAT H E R M O U N TA I N S T E WA R D S H I P F O U N D AT I O N

Grandfather Mountain: Canada in the South By Amy Renfranz It would take a traveler 20 hours to drive from Boone to New Brunswick in Canada. There, they would find a view that would look remarkably familiar. Range maps support this picture. A number of trees, shrubs and animals that live in Maine and Canada extend their range southward along the highest peaks of the Appalachian range. The cause of this juxtaposition of north and south can be found in the climate books.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl You can’t find the tiny northern saw-whet owl in lower elevations like Boone or Valle Crucis. However, it feels right at home in the forests of the High Country’s tallest peaks.

During the last ice age, northern plant and animal species flourished in the southern mountains. The climate was much cooler. Firs, spruce and snowshoe hares would have dominated the landscape both east and west of the Appalachians and everywhere in between—from Johnson City to Wilkesboro. When the warmth returned, hardy hardwoods and pines, which thrive in warmer environments, replaced the northern plant species. Cold tolerant animals migrated north. That is, except in places that still supported their frosty way of life.

Red Spruce Range The ecosystem that visitors can experience at Grandfather is more commonly found in Maine and Canada. Map by USGS.

The red spruce, a species remnant of the ice age, becomes the dominant forest at about 5,000 feet. Among its branches and at its roots, you can find northern animal species that have found refuge from the heat of the south. One such animal is the northern saw-whet owl, a tiny bird with a cat-like face. In the north, its range extends across Canada. Here, it is only found on remote mountaintop islands. Spruce-fir moss spiders are diminutive cousins of tarantulas. At just 0.10 inches, they live their entire lives under the moss mats at the forest floor. This moss must be moist and undisturbed, or else their sensitive microclimate will be destroyed. The constant fog on our high mountain peaks helps to support their way of life. On Grandfather, a person can be transported in time and place. On those high peaks, you can explore an Appalachia of long ago—one that is filled with evergreens and the smell of balsam. Winter Time Activities… Guests to Grandfather Mountain in winter can enjoy visiting the park’s Animal Habitats, Nature Museum, and the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. If determined safe, the trails are also open to the most daring and prepared hikers. For a full schedule of events, including daily programs and special programs, and for park hours visit www.grandfather.com or call (828) 7334337.

Linville Peak Spruce trees thrive in the cold environment atop Grandfather Mountain. Photo by Monty Combs.

Amy Renfranz is the Director of Education and Natural Resources for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

The not-for-profit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, call (800) 468-7325, or visit www.grandfather.com to plan a trip. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

fighting for a

better

APPALACHIA

Mountain View Home Management This year, Appalachian Voices is celebrating two decades of bringing people together to stand up for the mountains, for rivers and drinking water, for works farms, forests and wildlife, and for healthy Appalachian Voices to prevent the scarring of our communitiesand across Appalachia. us asbywe beginfuel ourindustry next 20 landscape poisoning of ourJoin planet fossil practices like mountaintop removal and fracking. Help save our years. (New members: take advantage of our special “$20 for 20” land, air, water and communities by supporting our efforts to membership discount!) facilitate the shift toward clean, renewable energy. Join today.

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Homeschool students Kenna and Hawk have fun investigating owl pellets

Blue Ridge Explorers:

Opportunities in Environmental Education WILDLIFE

AMBASSA

DOR TWIG

By Tamara Seymour

ost of us, whether young or old, have a genuine sense of curiosity, especially when it comes to nature. Our mountain environments are so rich with unique flora, fauna and fungi that we often are left wondering what we just saw on that hike through the forest… or up in the sky… or on the side of the road. While most of us spend less time out in nature during our harsh mountain winters, we can still find many opportunities to learn about our natural environments. North Carolina has more than 200 Environmental Education Centers that provide quality environmental education for the public, including outdoor experiences, exhibits and special programs. Here in the High Country and surrounding counties, we are fortunate to have educational attractions and programs that focus specifically on the natural history of our Blue Ridge region. Grandfather Mountain (grandfather.com) has one of the most robust programs, with a staff of expert naturalists and interpretive rangers who present dozens of programs to thousands of children and adults every year. Other large parks, attractions and centers have dedicated resources for environmental education, as well, including Elk Knob State Park in Todd (ncparks.gov), W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir in Wilkesboro (ncparks.gov), and the Catawba Science Center in Hickory catawbascience.org. On a smaller scale, your family can find opportunities with local community organizations and educational institutions, including the Valle Crucis Community Park in Valle Crucis (vallecrucispark.org) and the Buckeye Recreation Center in Beech Mountain (townofbeechmountain.com). The May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on the campus of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk (lmc.edu/wildlifecenter) offers wildlife programs to the public throughout the year. Families can meet a variety of animal ambassadors, including owls, hawks, eastern box turtles, squirrels, snakes and more. One of the best resources for finding opportunities here in the High Country and throughout the state any time of the year is the North Carolina Environmental Education website at https://www.eenorthcarolina.org/. Search for programs and facilities by location, topic, and date. Another great resource for environmental education opportunities in our region is Appalachian Voices (AppVoices.org). The more you learn about nature, the more you realize how much there is to discover, and the greater your desire to keep exploring. So this season, spend some time getting to know the local people and organizations who are dedicated to sharing nature’s wonders, increasing environmental literacy, and encouraging natural resource stewardship. Tamara Seymour is a N.C. Certified Environmental Educator and Certified Blue Ridge Naturalist. She leads a hands-on “Adventures in Nature” environmental education program once a month for children ages 8-12 at the Book Exchange in the Historic Banner Elk School, downtown Banner Elk. To find out more about the program, including dates and times, visit http://ncexplorers.com/adventures-in-nature or email tamara@NCexplorers.com.

Jessie Schmitt shares her owl expertise at a local environmental education program that takes place monthly at the Book Exchange. She is introducing “Wildlife Ambassador Twig,” an eastern screech owl.

Meet a Volunteer Wildlife Educator: Jessie Schmitt Jessie Schmitt loves birds. And particularly owls. Jessie cares for and trains injured animals that she acquires as a licensed Wildlife Educator. She volunteers her time sharing her expertise and introducing her wildlife ambassadors locally to audiences at various venues, including the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Grandfather Mountain. Recently, Jessie presented one of her favorite wildlife ambassadors, Twig, to a small homeschool group at the Book Exchange at the Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk. “I can’t ever talk enough about owls!” says Jessie. “I have a fascination with owls in particular, although I work with other species such as hawks, corvids and falcons.” Jessie may provide homes for three or more permanently non-releasable animals at a given time, and is solely responsible for their daily care. While she does not accept donations to help with her own outof-pocket expenses, she recommends that anyone who is interested in contributing to the care of injured and rehabilitated wildlife make a donation to the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or to Grandfather Mountain “Animal Habitats”—and as a thank you for Jessie’s dedication to wildlife education, you may want to consider making that donation in her name. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

A Store from Days Gone By...

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“Get back in touch with what's real.” Largest selection of alpaca yarns & accessories in the High Country. Winter Hours: Wed - Sat 10-4; Sun - Tues by appt. Banner Elk, NC | (828)963-1662 www.applehillfarmnc.com

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Our guides have over 50 years combined fly fishing experience. Many of our customers are first time Fly Fishers. In addition to being a full line Orvis dealer we offer Sage, Simms, Umpqua, Rio, Fishpond, and Rising Fish gear. Our stores stock Rods, Reels, Flies, Wading & Footwear, Apparel and Fly Fishing Gifts.

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58 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Two full service fly shops offering high quality fly fishing on the Watauga River, Linville, Toe, Elk, New River, and many other pristine streams. We also offer float and walk guides on the trailrace waters of Tennessee on the famous Watauga and South Holston Rivers.

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FISHING Using a Fishing Guide By Andrew Corpening

ven though the High Country is in the throes of winter, spring and the fishing season will be here before you know it. To get the most out of your fishing this spring you might want to consider hiring a fishing guide. If you are an angler and visiting the High Country or even a new resident who fishes, you most likely do not know the area waters. A guide will show you some of the better places to fish. This allows you to learn where to go when you are on your own. Also, the guide can help you with the local flies that work the best and possibly show you techniques that work on local waters. If you are a long time resident you probably don’t need a guide on the local waters. But if you want to learn about the Tennessee fisheries below Watauga and Holston lakes, a guide can really help. The tailwater rivers below these lakes with hydroelectric dams are incredible trout waters due to the water coming from the bottom of the lake, which is usually the ideal temperature for trout. However the fishing can be challenging. A guide can again show you where to go but also teach you the somewhat specialized techniques needed to catch these hard-to-catch trout. To find a guide you can contact the local Chambers of Commerce, the phone book, or the Internet. The High Country has both independent guides and those affiliated with a local fly shop. The independent guides normally work out of their homes, and many of their customers are repeat business or new business through word-of-mouth. Then there are guides who are affiliated with a local fly fishing shop. Since the shops are more “high profile,” it is sometimes easier to find them and find a guide. Most all the area guides offer half-day

and full-day fly fishing trips for trout but some also offer small-mouth bass trips and trips for other species of fish. What length of trip you take depends on your pocketbook and available time. Also there are wading trips both in the immediate area and in Tennessee. Many of the guides working on the Tennessee fisheries also offer float trips. These are the most expensive, but you will have the opportunity to fish over some true trophy trout and cover a lot of water. If you are new to fly fishing most of the guides are also excellent instructors. After a day with a guide, you won’t be an expert but you will have learned enough to start fly fishing on your own. If you are a beginner, make sure when booking the trip to let the guide or shop know you want to learn. The guide will then schedule more practice time for the trip. If you don’t have any equipment, most of the area guides provide everything needed, from rods to waders. Usually even lunch is included on full-day trips. One thing that is not included is the fishing license, but the guide or shop can help you with where to get a license. Since it is impossible to know what all the area guides supply, make sure to ask when booking the trip. When you are out with the guide communication is important. The guide’s main job is to inform, get you on fish, and make sure you have a good time. After this, it is really up to you. Let him or her know what you expect. The guide will tailor the trip to your wants and needs. If you like to laugh and joke the guide will pick up on this. If you are a fishing machine and don’t want to break for lunch, the guide will keep you fishing. If you are more experienced and don’t need as much help, you may invite the

guide to fish. Guides should never fish unless customers invite them. The guide’s job is to help you. If you do want the guide to fish, they should never catch more fish than you do; if they do start catching more, the guide should stop and put the fly they are using on your line. Once you have found a guide, guide service, or fly fishing shop, call or stop by and make arrangements and book the trip. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may find there are no guides available. This is especially true on weekends and during the late spring and all summer. Also expect to pay a deposit. This is also the time to let the guide or shop know of any special needs. Let them know if you are a beginner or if you have any mobility problems. On full-day trips also let them know if you have any dietary restrictions. If it is your first time using a guide, you may not know that tipping is expected. A good guideline for the amount would be the percentage you tip in a restaurant. If you feel the guide did an exceptional job, tip more. If you feel like the service was not quite up to par, tip less. Remember that most of the guides are “independent contractors.” In other words, even the guides working through a shop or guide service are not employees. Most of them have to pay for all of their own equipment including boats. They pay for the lunch and the gas for their vehicles. Guides appreciate tips. Finally, remember that guides are people so they all have different personalities. Some are low-key and others extremely enthusiastic. Don’t hold it against the guide if his or her personality does not match yours. If the guide has been informative and gotten you on fish, they have done their job. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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THE VIEW FROM ROAN MOUNTAIN,

AN APPALACHIAN BALD

According to legend, the bald was named after a woman, Jane, who died from “milk sickness” hiking the bald. Milk sickness can occur after drinking milk from a cow that has consumed snakeroot.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go O

ne thing that makes the North Carolina mountains spectacular is at any point during the winter a snowy day is followed by a blue bird day with temperatures in the 40-degree range and possibly over 50 degrees. While many celebrate wearing T-shirts on the slopes, there’s plenty to do outside of snow sports on those beautiful days. A wonderful gem of the High Country is Roan Mountain, located on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Roan Mountain is known for its “balds,” mountain tops covered by grasses and shrubs, yet few trees. There is no clear answer on the origin of these Appalachian balds, but they do provide breathtaking views. Roan Mountain is also special because of the diversity of its terrain; adjacent to the wellknown Round Bald is High Knob, a more typical mountain forest ecosystem thick with spruce and fir trees. Tucked up at Carver’s Gap is the Appalachian Trail (AT), with two available hikes, Carver’s Gap to High Knob and Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge. Taking the AT from Carver’s Gap to High Knob is a

beautiful 6.1 out and back moderate hike with an elevation gain of 1,138 feet. Less strenuous than Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge, this hike rolls through forests full of wildflowers (in the spring), mushrooms (any time of year) and dense rhododendron gardens (blooming in spring and summer). Two great stops off the trail include High Bluff, with an observation deck, and the remains of the Cloudland Hotel, which at nearly 6,300 feet was one of the highest human-inhabited structures east of the Rockies when it opened in 1891. The story of the hotel is told in markers at the historic site, where very few remnants exist. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are on leash. Roan High Knob Shelter, at 6,285 feet above sea level is the highest portion of the AT trail, complete with a shelter for hikers. The trail from Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge covers three balds in five miles, including Round Bald, Jane Bald*, and Grassy Ridge Bald. Grassy Ridge Bald is the longest bald of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail is considered moderate but with a 1,033 ft. elevation gain and is the more

By Kelly Melang

popular of the two directions. Around 1.9 miles into the hike, the Appalachian Trail moves off to the left. Stay on the trail finishing on Grassy Ridge Bald. On a clear day you can see Beech, Sugar and Grandfather Mountains, as well as Mt. Mitchell and Black Mountain towards the South. Some say this is one of the most scenic portions of the Appalachian Trail. Deciding which trail to take from Carver’s Gap can be difficult, but each way is unique in its views, its vegetation and its history. Once you’ve worked off some carbs by hiking Roan Mountain trails, make it a point to pit stop at Smoky Mountain Bakers at 500 Cloudland Drive in Roan Mountain, TN. Opened in 2009, Smoky Mountain Bakers is a family owned and operated artisan bakery and pizzeria. Tim and Crystal Decker have been in the baking business for over 30 years, creating incredible baked goods in California before relocating to Tennessee. The tradition is carrying on through their son, Anton, who also plays in the local bands Hawk Baby and the Roan Crows. The wood fired pizza oven was built by hand by Tim along with the help of family and friends. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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Carrie Streeter

Creating a Map to Cone Family History By Rita Larkin

In most families, mementos and heirlooms are handed down through the generations. But in the case of the prominent Cone family, many of the treasured and everyday items of their lives can be found in far-flung museum collections and secure archives. Through funding by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, intern Carrie Streeter is creating a treasure map to these pieces of history. The Interpretive Resources for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a muchneeded guide for telling the family’s story and creating enhanced exhibits at Flat Top Manor and across the grounds of the estate, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “It’s a great privilege to get to spend time learning about this family and the vast network they represent,” says Streeter, who is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California San Diego and earned her master’s degree at Appalachian State University. The research has taken her from the Blowing Rock Historical Society to the Museum of Jewish Civilization in Connecticut to the National Park Service Curatorial Department and many other archives. The process has involved combing through documents, transcribing correspondences, and even using Ancestry. com to locate census records. “It’s easy to get lost in the details of the research and the paper of it all,” Streeter says. But there are also instances when she is reminded of the real people and the lives they led. One of those occasions was the opportunity to enjoy a meal and reminisce with Bertha Cone’s grandnieces, who summered at the estate. They sat at a dining table from Flat Top Manor set with Bertha’s monogrammed linens and fine silver. “I really treasure those moments,” she says.

Update:

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation raising matching funds to secure Centennial Challenge Grants The rehabilitation effort at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is in for a big boost. Three projects focused on the repairs to Flat Top Manor have been selected to receive Centennial Challenge grants awarded by Congress. The grants total $722,976. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is required to raise matching funds to secure the government allocation. Each donor gift to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation will be matched almost dollar for dollar to: • Replace Flat Top Manor shake roof and rehabilitate dormers • Preserve exterior components of Flat Top Manor • Rehab Flat Top Manor’s second floor exterior “With every gift, we’re making strides toward a secure future for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park,” said Willa Mays, Chief Development Officer for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “We still have $680,000 to raise and feel confident that those who love and appreciate the estate will pitch in to make it happen.” The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is closing in on a three-year goal to raise more than $3 million to address crucial repairs and maintenance for the country estate. The Centennial Challenge program was launched in 2015 to create public-private partnerships to address the deferred maintenance backlog in national parks. To learn more, visit brpfoundation.org/remakehistory.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

A Woolly Winter Ahead?

How Mountain Folklore Predicts the Weather By Julie Farthing

he first snowflakes floated and swirled down from thickening gray clouds over the High Country around 2 p.m. on March 12, 1993. By then most grocery stores’ shelves had been depleted of their milk, bread, and eggs. Forecasts of a major snow storm with blizzard conditions had sent residents into a panic. And for good reason. An Arctic high pressure, an extra tropical low pressure, precipitation and a split polar jet stream joined together for one heck of a weather party and shook up the entire U.S. eastern seaboard. Even now, twenty-five years later, what is now known as the Storm of the Century remains one of the most intense and massive cyclones on record. For those not up on meteorological jargon, all events were perfectly aligned for a LOT of snow. From those first flakes and during the next 24 hours, two to four feet of snow fell along the Appalachian Mountains with the highest peak, Mount Mitchell, receiving 50 inches. Topping that was Mt. LeConte in the Smoky Mountains

64 — Summer 2017 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

of Tennessee at a whopping 56 inches. Even with advance warning, hikers on the Appalachian Trail, tourists in remote areas and even motorists stranded in cars had to be rescued. Snow squalls created drifts up to 35 feet and winds topped 101 mph on Flattop Mountain, near Asheville, bringing wind chill factors to a bone-chilling minus 20 degrees. Over 300,000 homes lost power across the region. Stories of helicopters dropping supplies to hardest hit rural areas are still told today. Residents were instructed to write an “F” in the snow if they needed food, and “M” if they needed medicine. A few desperate college students drew a “B” for beer. Hay was even dropped to hungry livestock stranded in snow covered fields. By March 15, the sun returned, and all that remained of the storm were fast rushing streams and rivers from snow melt. Some years, snow in the High Country has seemed to stick around forever, sending some lucky residents south for any hint of warmth. In 1960, heavy snow

fell every Wednesday from February until March blanketing the area with seven feet of snow. Of course, western North Carolina was mostly rural during that time and sustainable living was the norm. Cellars would be filled with canned vegetables and meats, the cow was brought close to the house for milking and wood was stacked ceiling high on the porch for warmth and cooking. Almost fifty years later, on December 18, 2009, a foot of snow closed highways from Wilkesboro and Lenoir. Flakes would continue to fall each week and the ground would not show itself again until March. What will this winter bring? Many old timers believe the animals and earth have been giving hints for what’s in store. One early indicator actually occurs during the heat of August when the katydids begin their song. According to folklore, with maybe a little science thrown in, the number of fogs in August equals the number of snowfalls in winter. For each fog, a bean is put into a jar and after each snow a bean is removed. There are

About the photographs:

now 16 pennies in the jar at the original Mast Store in Valle Crucis, each tossed in by Tom Payne, official “Bean Keeper,” who says pennies are easier to handle. “That’s 25 percent above average,” says Payne, who has been keeping records for almost two decades. The woolly worm is another popular predictor around these parts—so much so that Banner Elk devotes a festival to honor the fuzzy creature each year. The woolly worm, or woolly bear, as it is sometimes called, has 13 segments, which can be black or brown with black representing a cold and snowy winter. Each year the festival holds a contest to see which worm is the fastest to amble up a string and the winning worm will foretell the number of cold and snowy days ahead. This year’s winner, “Montgomery County’s Best,” predicted three weeks of snow and below average temperatures, followed by six weeks of below average cold weather, three weeks of light snow and the last week cold and snowy.

How harsh will this winter be? Maybe only the beans know. Although some may scoff at such rudimentary forecasting, Tom Payne at Mast General Store is a true believer. “Their prediction is uncanny!” he says.

Stallings Jewelers operated in downtown Boone from the 1940s to the early ‘70s where today’s Blue Moon shop is located, next to the Appalachian Theatre. Owners, Constance and Bernard Stallings held a photo contest in 1960 after the major blizzard. Locals brought in their black and white images and CML was fortunate to scan a few of the favorites. Photos courtesy of Andy and Emily Stallings

Other old timers’ predictions of winter: If the smoke from your fire creeps along the ground rather than rising, a harsh winter is on its way. As high as the weeds grow, so will the bank of snow.

If the first snowfall lands on unfrozen ground, winter will be mild. If there is thunder in winter, it will snow seven days later. A halo ‘round the moon means ‘twill rain or snow soon.

An abundance of acorns in fall, sometimes referred to as a “mast year,” means that the winter is likely to be extra harsh.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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Wisdom & Ways

A Knife for Christmas By Jim Casada

hroughout my boyhood, sporting gear—Duxbak clothing, a box of shotgun shells, hunting socks, and similar items—came well towards the top of my Christmas wish list. However, my number one choice was invariably a knife. It might be a particular brand of pocket knife from classic makers such as Case or Buck, a special configuration of folding blades, or a fixed blade sheath knife colloquially known as a “hunting knife.” I seemingly always wanted another knife or two, and that remains true today. While I’ve never taken the time to count, it’s likely that special boxes and a couple of drawers in a gun cabinet hold in excess of 200 knives of various types ranging from cheap little pen knifes to custom-made blades of exquisite design and appreciable value. Perhaps my father put it best when he stated: “A man really can never have too many knives.” To understand his perspective, and perhaps to gain fuller insight into my own passion for what is arguably the quintessential tool for a son of the mountain soil living close to the land, it is necessary to do a bit of time travel embracing just over a century. In December of 1916, hard times held the North Carolina High Country in a stranglehold. The ill-fated Lusitania

rested at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, Britain and her allies in Europe were stalemated in the deadly trench warfare on the Western Front, and visionaries realized America’s entry into World War I was in the offing. But the little boy living on the headwaters of a small branch in the remote fastness of the High Country was blissfully unaware of ominous world affairs. At the age of six, he was likewise unable to appreciate the near-desperate financial straits of his large family. His father, while a willing worker, found jobs providing cash money elusive and transitory. Cutting acid wood, gathering chestnuts by the bushel for sale, digging a few ginseng roots, and seasonal gallacking (gathering galax leaves for holiday decorations) were about the only types of endeavors where money changed hands. Almost everything else was on a barter system. Such matters were beyond the lad’s ken, but with Christmas approaching he did have a consuming desire for a single gift. Throughout spring, summer, and fall his father had periodically let him use what mountain men considered the ultimate tool—a pocket knife. His apprenticeship with the knife involved practical matters such as cutting up

seed potatoes for planting and whittling wooden pegs to hold barn doors in place, but there had also been simple pleasures such as shaping a dogwood fork into a dandy slingshot. To the boy’s great delight, his father had occasionally commented, “First thing you know you’ll be ready for a knife.” With those words and experiences firmly implanted in his youthful mind, he expressed a single Yuletide wish—a pocket knife as his Christmas gift. To his eyes that seemed reasonable, even though he knew from previous December experiences not to expect too much. Come first light on Christmas Day, the boy, along with his numerous siblings, rousted from corn shuck mattresses beneath covering quilts and rushed to the fireplace area of their rough but functional log home. There hung the stockings their mother had lovingly knitted for each of her brood. Each stocking contained a single orange, mittens or headwear she had made, a couple of apples, chestnuts and hazelnuts, and some hard candy. The starry-eyed boy immediately noticed, right at the bottom of his stocking, a tell-tale bulge in what appeared to be the shape of a pocket knife. Eagerly he dug through the fruit, nuts, and candy Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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to reach that item, only to have his great excitement give way to abject dismay. It was indeed a pocket knife of sorts—a piece of hard candy shaped and colored to resemble the real thing. Heartbroken, he rushed from the room so no one would see the tears rolling down his cheeks. That bitterly disappointed little boy was my father. Yet to his lasting credit, a testament to the toughness and resiliency of mountain character, his dismay did not result in lasting bitterness. Instead, he managed to turn a moment of abject sadness into enduring gladness. First with his sons and subsequently with his grandsons, whenever Christmas rolled around Daddy made sure a knife of some type—first a quality pocket knife with two or three blades, then later fixedblade hunting knives—appeared under the tree. He continued this practice for virtually all of his 101 earthly years, and one of the highlights of December family gatherings was hearing him relive that sad yet shaping moment from his youth. “I never want my offspring to be without a good knife,” he would say. “It’s a companion that will serve you well every day, in some way, for all

your years.” Whenever one of us pulled out a pocket knife he had given us, Daddy’s eyes lit up with sheer joy. He took immense pride in the Eagle Scout rank attained by each of his grandsons and was delighted they had Boy Scout knives to complement those he gave them. At his funeral service family members all carried a knife he had given us or that came from his own sizeable collection. Afterwards, we bushwhacked to his boyhood home place, now well off trail and deep in the bosom of the mountains. There we toasted his memory with pure, sweet water from the spring that once served his family. As I did so, folded and grasped tight in my hand was a tangible link to the man—a knife he had given me. I suspect others in the family did the same with knives which embodied his spirit and memory. It seemed a fitting way to say goodbye, filled with the same intensity of emotion which had seized his young soul so long ago. This time though, fond memories, rather than boyhood misery, ruled the day.

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68— Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

A Little Color in the Winter Garden While many species of birds have left the High Country for the winter, we can still attract some of the hardier species to our backyards, adding color and motion to our house bound days. Many birds use suet feeders more regularly as the desire for high fat content helps them consume enough calories in the shorter days of winter. You can help birds by providing a good mix of native vegetation that provides seeds and fruits for the winter months, dense evergreen cover for cold nights, some snags and bird houses for cavity roosting species, and a few brush piles for hiding from predators and getting out of the wind. With your feeders and these elements in place in your yards and gardens, you can help our little feathered friends stay warm and healthy through our long winter journey here in the High Country. And they will reward you with their color and sounds and energy. - Curtis Smalling It’s never to early to plan your spring garden! Audubon North Carolina has recently released its list of 700 recommended bird-friendly native plants to serve as a guide for native plant enthusiasts across North Carolina. Download the list at nc.audubon.org. Thank you to photographer Cindy McEnery for submitting this photo of a winter cardinal to CML during our recent photo contest!

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A Tweetsie excursion train passes by Howard’s Knob and the campus of the Appalachian Training Boone, NC, in 1939, as seen from the southwest. An engine and rail cars of the School, circa 1924. Image courtesy of the George Flowers Collection, Digital Watauga Project. Linville River Railway can be seen in the foreground, with the old depot just to the right, near the base of Depot Street. Image courtesy of the Cy Crumley Scrapbook and Kenneth Riddle.

Celebrating Train Service to Boone

hen the No. 7 engine of the Linville River Railway rolled into Boone with its first passenger cars at 10 a.m. on January 1, 1919, few local residents probably imagined how dramatically the train would transform the sleepy county seat over the ensuing twenty years. The January 2 edition of the Watauga Democrat, for example, dutifully reported on the new service to Johnson City in a small blurb, but otherwise, the introduction of passenger service went off with little fanfare. Instead, the focus for much of the life of the Linville River Railway line to Boone—affectionately known as “Tweetsie” by locals—was on freight, and with good reason. Before 1918, roads in the northwest corner of North Carolina were notorious for their poor conditions, and none were state-maintained, earning Alleghany, Ashe, and Watauga Counties the moniker “The Lost Provinces.” A few

70 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

private toll roads ran locally, all of them connecting to the moneyed interests in Blowing Rock, and there were a few subscription turnpikes, like the Junaluska Turnpike that Romulus Z. Linney built to connect his house near Zionville to Boone—described by some contemporaries as a glorified cart path riddled with boulders large enough to destroy the drive shafts of early automobiles. Beyond that, local roads were little more than wagon trails and rarely macadamized, let alone paved. While “Good Roads” bond programs gradually improved local roads throughout the 1920s, before 1922 there was no reliable, statemaintained route from Boone to the eastern part of the state. The Boone Trail, from Boone to Wilkesboro, was not paved until 1931. Reliable, paved passage over the mountains to the west of Boone would not come until the 1940s. Thus, with no reliable roads to Boone in

1918, the only way in or out for heavy freight was via the train. Bringing rail to Boone was the brainchild of Blanford Barnard Dougherty, one of the co-principals at the Watauga Academy who lobbied for more than 15 years to “modernize” Boone with the extension of a rail line from the east. The 1916 Flood all but ended this possibility, and attention turned instead to the extension of the Linville River Railway from the west. In early 1918, local citizens voted for a bond measure that funded the construction costs, allowing the line to be extended from its former terminus at Shulls Mills to Boone, where a large wye track along what is now Rivers Street allowed trains to turn around and make the return journey. By the time that first passenger train departed Boone in January 1919, freight traffic to Boone had already been running for a little less than two months.

Captain Frank Angel and Crew on the Linville River Railway. Image courtesy of the Palmer Blair Collection, Digital Watauga Project.

on Its 100th Anniversary Perhaps in an effort to privilege patriotic symbolism over accuracy, the first freight shipment “from Boone” was announced in the Watauga Democrat on October 10, 1918, as a “Belgium relief box sent out from Red Cross Headquarters.” This shipment actually left from the line’s temporary terminus at Winkler’s Meadow—near the present-day intersection of Wilson Drive and NC 105—rather than downtown Boone, as the tracks had not yet been fully laid to town. Nevertheless, by October 25, 1918, the tracks to Boone were complete. That morning, a shipment of potatoes and cabbage from Captain E. F. Lovill and Henry Lewis departed for Johnson City, with Atlanta as the ultimate destination for the potatoes. A more significant shipment came by rail the following April, when bricks for construction of the new Watauga Motor Company garage on Depot Street arrived in Boone.

By Eric Plaag, Digital Watauga Project

This building—presently home to the Farmer’s Ski Shop—was likely Boone’s first brick building constructed from bricks that weren’t kilned locally. Thereafter, shipments of heavy construction goods flooded the Boone Depot, driven by a building boom that gripped Boone for much of the 1920s. And it wasn’t just bricks arriving by rail. Heavy freight capabilities meant the introduction of modern, steel-framed construction, as well as limestone treatments on many of the new brick buildings. Local buildings also needed large shipments of sand and lime for mortar, and milled lumber remained an important component of construction, particularly in Boone’s new residential subdivisions on Grand Boulevard, Orchard Street, Carolina Avenue, and elsewhere near downtown. Meanwhile, many local residents and businesses were converting from wood to coal for heat, prompting

large, regular shipments of coal into Boone by train. In 1922, local businessmen actually contributed a slogan to the local construction boom: “Watch Boone Grow,” an initiative plugged regularly in the Watauga Democrat. That year saw plans materialize for some of Boone’s most significant downtown buildings that still stand today: the Qualls Block (opposite the Jones House), the Jones Building (west part of Mast General Store), the Boone Garage (east half of DiSanti Watson), several buildings on the Appalachian Training School campus, the Farmer’s Hardware Block, and the Watauga County Bank Building. Other projects followed in that same decade: the Pastime Theatre, the Frank A. Linney Block, the W. R. Winkler Building (east part of Mast General Store), the Edwin Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Postcard of Tweetsie in motion “near Boone” as it pauses in the Doe River Gorge. Image courtesy of the Bobby Brendell Postcard Collection, Digital Watauga Project.

N. Hahn Building, the H. W. Horton Building, and numerous single-story, infill projects along King Street. None of it would have been possible without the heavy freight capabilities of the Linville River Railway. Another building boom came toward the end of the Great Depression, beginning in 1935 with the construction of the First Baptist Church, followed by the Belk-White Department Store, the Hamby and Winkler Building, and the Rivers Printing Company Building. In 1937, work began on the Appalachian Theatre, which drew one of the last major shipments of steel I-beams to Boone via rail in June 1938. As a testament to the continuing poor condition of the roads into Watauga County during this period, the Linville River Railway line—at this point owned by the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad—began providing “piggyback service.” This consisted of filling trailer trucks with package freight, then loading the trucks onto flatbed cars to be shipped into Boone. From there, the trucks would make their deliveries locally, then head back to the depot to be loaded back on the train and returned to Johnson City. It would be a mistake to suggest that passenger traffic didn’t have some pull with the line. The depot building, completed in May 1919 by Hodges and Wyke, was roomy enough to meet the racist state law requirements of the time, providing separate, segregated waiting rooms for white and black passengers. Passenger travel along the line, though,

72 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

was little more than a connecting junket for most. The line had no dining car, and given that it was a narrow gauge line that terminated at Johnson City, passengers typically had to move from the purely functional passenger cars of the Linville River line to standard gauge, more luxurious cars for longer trips beyond Johnson City. By the mid-1920s, as automobiles and improving roads became more common, the line remained popular primarily with passengers riding in from Tennessee and Virginia for football games. Starting in the late 1920s, though, buses gradually took on the standard passenger traffic previously serviced by the rail line and often did so more efficiently. For most of the 1930s, passenger traffic was often limited to special excursions that played on local nostalgia for the beleaguered passenger train in America. (Film footage of one of these trips can be seen at https://youtu.be/4Ws5_UPjDn8.) In 1938, the Watauga Democrat claimed that Tweetsie was the last narrow gauge railway still operating commercially east of the Rocky Mountains, and rail line officials leveraged that nostalgia with “camera trips” and publicity in Life magazine to drive ticket sales. But nostalgia was a poor defense against the almighty dollar. By 1940, with no regular passenger service and steeply declining freight service, the Linville River Railway line was bleeding money. The severe flooding of August 13, 1940, essentially killed what remained of the Linville River Railway (see our

Autumn 2018 issue for an article on this event). Between Boone and Cranberry, the track was completely washed out in numerous places, and several trestles were damaged or destroyed. While Dougherty and many Boone locals lobbied heavily for funds to rebuild the rail line (estimated at $150,000), the financial statements showing that the line had lost money in all but two years of its existence made those pleas far less compelling. Following a hearing in December 1940, the Interstate Commerce Commission granted permission for the Linville River Railway to be scrapped beginning in February 1941. Today, some old photos, an historical marker at Jimmy Smith Park in Boone, and some old railway traces through the woods along the path of the old line are all that remain of Boone’s railroad history. A little further up the road, at the Tweetsie Railroad theme park near Blowing Rock, one can take a ride in season behind Engine No. 12, one of the line’s narrow gauge engines. But when 10 a.m. rolls around on January 1, 2019—100 years to the moment when the first passenger train arrived at Boone—you might consider wandering into Downtown Boone and standing near the intersection of Depot and Rivers. If you listen carefully, you just might hear the shrill whistle of the old No. 7 echoing from the past on our winter winds.

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CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Bring a Book, Take a Book

at the Historic Banner Elk School We offer books to swap, magazines, WiFi, puzzles, book discussion groups, lectures, music jams, and children’s programs throughout the year. Stop by and see us this season! Winter Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For a full schedule of winter events, visit: www.bannerelkbookexchange.com

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74 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Blue Ridge Propane has served Avery County and surrounding communities for 25 years. Locally owned and operated with certified service technicians and superior customer service. See what possibilities propane can offer you call 828-733-3603

Building a Forever Home By Joe Tennis

Christon Clark with Patricia Galloway

atricia Galloway survived the death of her first husband and fought breast cancer while also wrangling with the red tape of the Veterans Administration. Even so, Galloway wanted to help others in the High Country of North Carolina. Call her a survivor, name her a fighter. She is, after all, one of the few and proud: She served six years as a U.S. Marine. Growing up in Iowa, Galloway joined the Marines at age 23 to get money to go to school. Now the Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Avery County,, wants to serve her by constructing a new house for Galloway, 57, and her Air Force veteran husband, Rich. This newlywed pair currently rents a Habitat for Humanity built house at Milford Meadows, a neighborhood in Elk Park. “They have become a welcome partner family, and she’s a great volunteer with us,” says Christon Clark, the executive director of the Avery County Habitat for Humanity. “Patricia had applied as a single individual and got married after she was approved—a female disabled vet, a breast cancer survivor and a widow,” Clark says. “Patricia is not the typical Avery County family we build for. In fact, she did not believe that she would qualify as a single applicant. That is not the case,” says Clark. “We build for families of all sizes.”

The house under construction will make it easier for the couple to grow old gracefully, Galloway says. “I’ll have a home that’s mine for the rest of my life, and I won’t have to move to another home or assisted living or anything like that. And I’ll have a home that will accommodate any issues that come as we get older,” Galloway says. “Sometimes, in the wintertime, when it’s wet and it’s cold, we’re doing good to get out of bed because of our orthopedic injuries.” Since 1991, the Habitat for Humanity affiliate of Avery County has built nearly 50 homes, says Clark. “This is our 48th home in Avery County, which, for a population of our size, is quite remarkable,” Clark says. “And this is our second home in a brand new development.” The home is slated for construction near Newland at White Oak Knoll with a target completion of spring 2019. The construction follows a tradition that began with volunteers building the first Habitat for Humanity home in Avery County nearly 30 years ago. Habitat for Humanity homes appraise for $120,000 to $180,000, Clark says, but the mortgage on those homes is much less for qualified buyers, making such abodes “one of the very few affordable” options for new homes in Avery County, Clark says. “For a county that does not have much new housing

stock below $300,000,” Clark says, “we’re pretty much it.” Building the home for Galloway marks a departure in traditional Habitat for Humanity house plans, as it will create a zero-step entry and covered carport so these disabled veterans can get in and out of their vehicles “without snow and ice accumulating,” Clark says. If approved, Habitat for Humanity families like the Galloways will pay a zero-percent-interest loan on their home. Yet, Clark says, they must demonstrate a need, such as living in too-small quarters or paying too much in rent. And, Clark says, they must complete volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity or any other approved organization. “When they have 60 percent of their hours complete, that’s when we can start working on their home,” Clark says. “So they have to have some skin in the game before we begin construction.” Galloway has more than that in the game—she’s committed with her whole heart and is playing for keeps. “I never thought I would be able to afford a home. I can take care of it… and I’ll have something that nobody can take away from me.”

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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Local Tidbits s

Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort Chetola Resort features a sparkling display of lights each winter season through the end of January. The “Festival of Lights” is free and open to the public, and you are invited to enjoy thousands of dazzling illuminations throughout the resort. As you drive or stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, “Rudolph” reeling in a big fish, strolling carolers and many more captivating holiday scenes. The “Festival of Lights” remains up through Blowing Rock WinterFest until Sunday, January 27, 2019. The displays illuminate at dusk each evening. There’s also a bonfire by the lake each Friday! Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock.

Blowing Rock Makes List of Top NC Day Trip Destinations Blowing Rock was recently featured on a list of 25 North Carolina Day Trips by Dream Vacation Magazine (vacationidea.com). The list describes a selection of mountain and coastal destinations, including Brevard, Nag’s Head, the Pisgah National Forest, and Carolina Beach. This travel website serves as a collection of ideas for folks looking for an ideal vacation experience!

All Aboard! The second annual Tweetsie Christmas continues each Friday and Saturday night for twinkling displays, a night time train ride, visits with Santa in his gingerbread house, and more. The event runs through December 29. A limited number of guests are admitted nightly—advance tickets are required! Visit tweetsie.com for more information.

FAF volunteers pack hundreds of boxes of food for families in need. Year-end Gift Idea: Feeding Avery Families This winter, consider filling an empty bowl—give the gift of time, food or money to Feeding Avery Families. FAF distributes approximately 575 boxes of food reaching over 1,100 individuals on the last Friday of every month. 100% of all your efforts and/ or contributions on behalf of Feeding Avery Families goes directly to Avery County families who still need help after exhausting all other available resources. If you would like to make a cash donation, you can send a check to Feeding Avery Families at PO Box 1075, Banner Elk, NC. All contributions are tax-deductible.

s s

Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway this Season? Snow blankets the trees and the Parkway in the photo above taken near Bull Gap in 1962. Weather changes quickly on the road, especially during the winter. Before you set out for an adventure, be sure to check the Real-time Closures Map for weather and maintenance closures. You can also see weather conditions and view webcam images of key sites along the Parkway at the Blue Ridge Parkway Weather site at www.brpweather.com.

Celebrate the New Year at Your Favorite Local Slope Ring in 2019 in style at one of our local ski resorts. You’ll enjoy fireworks, torchlight skiing, moonlight ice skating, BINGO, live music, dancing, food and more! Each resort offers a special lineup for the evening. Visit one of the following websites for a complete listing of New Year’s Eve special events: Appalachian Ski Mountain: www.appskimtn.com Beech Mountain Resort: www.beechmountainresort.com Sugar Mountain Resort www.skisugar.com

WAMY Community Action WAMY’s weatherization program serves low-income families in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. The program helps make homes more energy efficient, usually through the installation of insulation, air sealing and duct sealing. After receiving weatherization, families typically save 30%-35% on their heating/ cooling costs. With our extremely cold winters, your neighbors can really use your help this season; consider volunteering time or donating money to this active organization that works hard to break the cycle of poverty in our region. Learn more at wamycommunityaction.org. Continued...

are partnering to present the Sounds of the Mountains Concert Series. Presented on Saturday evenings in January 2019, the concerts will feature blues, bluegrass, country, folk and Americana artists. Three performances in the series, Dom Flemons, Front Country, and The Fireside Collective, will take place at The Willingham Theater at Yadkin Cultural Arts Center in Yadkinville, NC. A fourth concert with Kelsey Waldon will be hosted at The Ramkat, a music and performance space in downtown Winston-Salem. When/Where: January 5, 19, 26, 7:30 p.m. at Willingham Theater, Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, 226 E. Main St., Yadkinville; January 12, 7:30 p.m. at The Ramkat, 170 W. 9th St., Winston-Salem Tickets: $25, $80 four-show pass, $65 three-show pass. Learn more at BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org.

Post Offices Offer Convenient Recycling For those folks with PO Boxes in the High Country, our local post offices now offer recycling bins. Once you’ve retrieved, read, and responded to your mail, you can now recycle it— simply toss papers into the conveniently located bin. It’s an easy way to make the most of one of our most recyclable resources! Dom Flemons Sounds of the Mountains Concert Series For the fourth year, Blue Ridge Music Center and Yadkin Arts Council

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Local Tidbits

Appalachian Memory Keepers Receives Recognition Appalachian Memory Keepers (AMK), an Ashe County non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Appalachian history, was recently asked to premiere its film, “Remembering the Creeper: Ashe County and the N&W Railroad” at the Rails to Reels Film Festival in Meridian, Mississippi. “Remembering the Creeper” was also recently recognized with an award by the North Carolina Society of Historians at their annual meeting, held this year in Morganton, NC. To watch the “Remembering the Creeper” trailer, please visit RememberingTheCreeper. com. For more information or to join the Appalachian Memory Keepers, please visit AppalachianMemoryKeepers.org

Banner Elk Educational Arts & Cultural Complex As downtown Banner Elk continues its transformation by adding new sidewalks, the new “Corner on Main” public space, the continued renovations to the Historic Banner Elk School, and other significant projects, the organization that supports many of these efforts is also going through a transformation. The new 501c3, Banner Elk Educational Arts and Cultural Complex, Inc., has replaced “Friends of the Historic Banner Elk School.” This restructured organization will head up fundraising and volunteer efforts for the entire Town of Banner Elk. For more information, contact Allen Bolick at 828-292-0047.

Progress Continues at Historic Structure on Blue Ridge Parkway The new roof at the former Bluffs Restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway is complete! The facility at milepost 241 near Sparta, N.C., is now one step closer to reopening. In the spring and summer of 2019, grants from the N.C. General Assembly and Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to repair the interior of the building and purchase new restaurant equipment. Follow the progress at www.brpfoundation.org/

Beech Mountain Bourbon Battle On December 21, 6-9 p.m., four bourbons battle it out for best of Beech Mountain. Come to taste a flight of bourbon and help pick out the best bourbon for Beech Mountain Resort’s winter season. Sponsored by the Beech Mountain Bourbon Society, this is a blind tasting. Flights, tasting glasses, blank tasting notes along with tasting wheels are provided. For more information on Beech Mountain, Bourbon Society or to become a member, visit www.bmbsnc.com.

Winter Reading at the Book Exchange in Banner Elk The Book Discussion Group at the Book Exchange at the Historic Banner Elk School is open to everyone! Join in on the third Tuesday of each month beginning January at 6:30 p.m. Books will be available at the Book Exchange desk. Tuesday, January 15: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate Tuesday, February 19: The Rent Collector by Camron Wright Tuesday, March 19: The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle Tuesday, April 16: Paris in the Present Tense by Mark Helprin Visit bannerelkbookexchange.com for a complete list of winter events.

Stay Safe on Winter Roads As most High Country residents know, driving Winter Roads can sometimes be hazardous. Nationwide Auto Insurance offers eight tips for safely navigating slippery winter roads. 1) Maintain a safe following distance: ensure there are at least 3 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you. 2) Clear snow: remove snow and ice from all windows and side mirrors. 3) De-ice your windshield: keep your windshield washer tank full at all times and be sure wiper blades are in good condition. 4) Learn how to control a skid: steer in the direction you want your vehicle to go. 5) Avoid using cruise control. 6) Reduce your speed. 7) Use your anti-lock brakes (ABS) properly: maintain firm, constant pressure. 8) Install snow tires. Learn more at blog.nationwide.com/ tips-for-driving-in-the-snow/.

Local Tidbits Nick’s Restaurant & Pub Now Highlander’s Grille and Tavern Nick’s has been a local mainstay in the Banner Elk/Invershiel area for more than 30 years. With a recent change in ownership and a major renovation comes a new name: Highlander’s! You’ll enjoy the same great staff and favorite menu items, but you’ll also have more entertainment opportunities than ever. NFL viewing, open mic, karaoke, shag dancing and live music are available weekly. And Highlander’s is open 7 days a week! Visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/Highlandersbannerelk/.

World Wetlands Day February 2, 2019 is World Wetlands Day, an annual celebration of the vital importance of wetlands to the world’s ecological health. As our region’s towns and cities expand and populations increase, wetlands become more important by providing benefits such as flood control, water supply, waste treatment, and green space. Learn more at www.worldwetlandsday.org. See a wetland at work by visiting one of our local wetland projects, such as the stormwater wetland along the Boone Greenway Trail, and the Valle Crucis Community Park wetland (pictured above in its spring beauty).

Photo by Frank Ruggiero | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Animal Wish List Make an animal’s season merry and bright by treating it to gift items and enrichments, special treats or toys designed to break up animals’ routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. To see what the animals at Grandfather Mountain are wanting this holiday season, visit their Amazon.com wish list at http://amzn. to/1Qr6gfU. Grandfather Mountain’s Adopt-an-Animal program allows animal lovers to sponsor one of the mountain’s resident animals, including river otters. Since the mountain is open yearround, weather permitting, guests can also see most of the park’s resident animals in winter settings. For more information, visit grandfather.com.

Let Us Hear from You! Have an event or tidbit you’d like to share with CML readers? Send your information to the editor at tamara@ seymourcc.net. If you’ve missed seeing a recent issue of Carolina Mountain Life Magazine, stop by our office at the Historic Banner Elk School and pick up your copy today!

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Flapjack Fundraiser in West Jefferson

A New Community Recreation Center in Watauga County In October, construction began on the new Watauga County Community Recreation Center. A new Swim Complex is underway and when finished in spring of 2020, will offer a six lane, 25-yard, 80-degree lap pool complete with starting blocks. Additionally, the recreational pool will maintain an 86-degree warm water area for aquacise and swim lessons, as well as a kid friendly activity component. On Wednesday, April 30, 2019, the existing Watauga County Swim Complex will close its doors. Follow the County’s progress at their Facebook page, as well as following them @WataugaCountyPR. View the plans for the new facility at www.wataugacounty.org.

The mission of the Florence Thomas Art School is to provide resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region. You can support the Florence Art School AND fill up on flapjacks when you attend the Florence Flapjack Fundraiser, March 16 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Appreciate local flavors and the arts by enjoying a breakfast plate at the Florence Thomas Art School. With Waterfall Farm’s maple syrup, local grits, local sausage, and custom pancake art, this event is a unique taste of the mountains of NC. Funds raised will help the nonprofit in their mission to promote experiences in the fine arts and heritage crafts in the region. The Florence Thomas Art School is located at 10 South Jefferson Ave. Find out more at www.FlorenceArtSchool.org, or call (336) 846-3827.

Blowing Rock Souvenir Sportswear Area’s Largest Selection of Hats & Shirts Be Sure to Visit Sunset Sweets & Heats (over 500 hot sauces) Winter Accessories From Boots & Sleds to Ice Grippers &Snowshoes Jewelry & Gifts Life Is Good T-Shirts Hershey’s Dip Ice Cream

9am-8pm Sun-Thurs | 9am-10pm Fri & Sat Main St., Blowing Rock | 828-295-9326 80 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

The Y: You Don’t Have to Be a Member If the weather is lousy or you’ve had enough of the ski hill, head over to the YMCA of Avery County. Visitors have access to all of the amenities—kids love the Aquatics Center where they can play in our WaterZone while adults lap swim in one of several open lanes. Not much of a swimmer? Join in one of the many group fitness classes—everything from Yoga to Zumba and Spin, there is something for all levels of fitness. A full schedule of group fitness is available at ymcaavery.org. If being part of a group is not your thing, you can visit the Wellness Center and enjoy state-of-the-art fitness equipment for upper and lower body strength and cardio and endurance. If you’re into sports, come by the Blackburn Indoor Athletic Facility for a pick-up game of basketball, or play pickleball with some local experts. If you’re missing summer and the greens, call to schedule some time on a golf simulator. Have young children that need care while you play or exercise? You can drop them off at the Y’s Child Development Center where they will be well cared for. There’s something for everyone at the YMCA of Avery County, located next to Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville. ymcaavery.org

“...readCommunity all a&bLocal out itNews ” Business Hunger and Health Coalition Expands Their Backpack Program The Hunger and Health Coalition has recently expanded their Backpack Program to include five additional elementary schools in order to help fight childhood hunger in Watauga County. Here in Watauga County, an astounding one in five children do not know where their next meal will come from. Local schools and area non-profits have come together to help ensure that Watauga County students have access to the essential nutrition they need to thrive and learn. Designed as a supplemental nutrition program to protect children against the consequences of hunger, the Backpack Program provides participating children with nutritious meals to take home each weekend during the school year. The menu rotates and always includes two servings of grains, three servings of fruit, two servings of protein, two servings of milk and one serving of vegetables. The program in Watauga County is a collaborative effort of the Hunger and Health Coalition, Watauga County Schools and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. “The Backpack Program is a literal lifesaver for our students who may be home alone over the weekend, or need supplemental items to carry them through a weekend with little food in the house” said Hardin Park Social Worker Denise Presnell. “It helps them return to school on Monday with their nutritional needs met and ready to learn. We have continued to see the need increase for these programs and we

ask for your support in ensuring that we can continue to keep up with the demand,” states Elizabeth Young, Executive Director for the Hunger and Health Coalition. “There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering your time, to helping to deliver Backpacks, to making a financial contribution. Watauga County is an incredible community where neighbors can make a real difference for their neighbors in need.” Other Hunger and Health Coalition programs and events include the “Grow a Row, Share a Row” campaign in which locals are asked to plant an extra row (or more) for HHC clients and their families and either drop it off or arrange for pickup. And mark your calendar for the annual Empty Bowls community event on March 30 at Watauga High School. For more information on HHC programs, to volunteer, or to become a business food donor, visit hungerandhealthcoalition. com or call 828.262.1628. The Hunger and Health Coalition would like to thank the following 2018 food and produce donors for their support: • Appalachian Cookie Company • Appalachian State University • Cafeterias • BBQ Burgers and Brew Restaurant • and Tavern • Bimbo Bakeries • Chipotle Mexican Grill • Circle K • Earth Fare • Food Lion, Inc. • Hampton Inn and Suites • Harris Teeter • Lett-US Produce • Little Caesars Pizza • Lowe’s Foods • Mast General Store • Mint Indian Cuisine • Outback Steakhouse • Panera Bread • Publix Supermarkets • Samaritans Purse • Starbucks Corporation • Stick Boy Bread Company • Watauga County Farmers Market

Firewood for Those in Need: Helping Hands Woodlot Ministry The Helping Hands Woodlot Ministry is located next to the Hospitality House in Boone and is run by Grace Builders, an outreach ministry of Grace Lutheran Church, in partnership with the Health and Hunger Coalition and WeCAN agencies. Volunteers meet every Tuesday year round from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. collecting, cutting, and splitting donated trees and wood. The wood is then given to people who cannot otherwise afford firewood to heat their homes during the winter months. The Health and Hunger Coalition issues a voucher for wood to those who qualify. Other active partners in this ministry include First Presbyterian Church and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. The ministry actively seeks other churches, civic groups and volunteers to help. If you have a fallen tree or trees on your property that need to come down and that you would like to donate to this ministry, or if you can help collect, cut, or split wood, please contact (828)-789-9127. Learn more at http://www.graceboone.org/gracebuilders.

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.

—William Blake CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

“...read all a b out it ”

Community & Local Business News

Discovering the Art of Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains When you hear “the art of living,” what comes to mind? There are several arts in life—the art of telling a story; the art of writing; the art of cooking a great meal for your loved ones. But what is the art of living? One organization based locally in Boone is trying to answer that question for its guests and visitors. It’s called the Art of Living. “Growing up, no-one teaches us how to balance our emotions or how to manage our mind,” shares Patti Montella, who has been teaching with the organization for twenty years. “When you get frustrated or angry or life goes out of control, how do you keep your inner peace and calm?” Siggy M., another teacher with the center, compares it to the local weather. “In Boone, we know how to deal with harsh weather. When winter comes, we whip out the pullovers, gloves and hats. Life also presents ups and downs, harsh weather and sunny days. The meditation programs we teach help people find that inner calm, even in rough times.” Regardless of the weather, people from all over the country seem to be making Boone a destination to find a taste of happiness in our beautiful mountains. While one in three guests visits the center from within North Carolina, the rest are traveling from as far afield as Chicago, California and the Northeast to experience peace of mind and the beautiful views. The Happiness Retreat is the most popular workshop, with the silent retreats, cleanses and featured presenters also drawing sizable numbers. Notable authors and speakers at the center have included New York Times bestselling authors Dr. Joel Fuhrman, the pioneer behind Eat to Live and the Nutritarian Diet; Eben Alexander, who wrote Proof of Heaven; and Martha Beck, a renowned life coach and regular contributor to O, The Oprah Magazine. The center’s other major offering, which is undergoing significant renovation, is its Shankara Ayurveda wellness spa. Founded on principles that align with yoga and healthy living, the cleanses, therapies and services offered at the spa are designed to promote longevity and youthfulness through a personalized diet plan, lifestyle advice and seasonal detoxing. Drop-in sessions are open daily to local residents and visitors alike. Instructors guide an introduction to meditation every morning at 11 a.m. and a guided meditation at 5:30 p.m. Both events are free. Healing arts services and yoga classes are also offered throughout the week. aolrc.org - Andrew Keaveney

82 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Your Base Camp for Outdoor Gear If you’re one of many whose active mountain lifestyle includes hiking, fishing, snow sports, camping, caving or water sports, you learned a long time ago that proper gear, equipment, outerwear and footwear are essential to both enjoyment and safety. You also learned that quality is equally important and that the better brands typically mean better reliability and durability. However, you quickly found that those higher quality brands also come with a higher price tag. Now, if you’re a serious outdoor enthusiast who puts a lot of mileage on your outdoor stuff during both winter and summer, then you really do need the best money can buy. But, man… those prices! What to do? Or, maybe you’re simply an occasional outdoor adventurer who’s invested a lot of money in all the best gear, clothing and equipment. But the reality is…all that great merchandise spends most of its time sitting in the corner of your closet or garage; and your investment is just gathering dust. What to do? Base Camp BE (Banner Elk) is what to do. Located in the landmark red caboose on the right as you enter Banner Elk from Tynecastle, Base Camp BE is a totally unique Outdoor Lifestyle Consignment Shop for virtually everything in outdoor clothing, gear and equipment for all ages. You’ll find major brand name stuff from here in the High Country and as far away as Florida and Vermont. Plus, it’s in great condition and priced well below regular retail. Whether for the hardcore enthusiast or the occasional weekender, Base Camp BE is always well-stocked and has exactly what you need. Or, if you’re the person with a lot of great brand outdoor merchandise mostly gathering dust, Base Camp BE has the perfect marketplace for you. Owner/operator, Mandy Loorham, believes that recycling and repurposing great pre-owned products is a win/win for everyone. “This is all high-quality merchandise that was made to last a lifetime. So, why not make it as accessible and affordable as possible?” she says. Base Camp BE Outdoor Lifestyle Consignment is located in the historic red caboose at 441 Shawneehaw Avenue South, Banner Elk, 706-346-4509. www.facebook.com/ BaseCampBE –Steve York

SCORE Partners with Turf Pros of Abingdon, VA

The Cabin Store of Boone Relocates “The Cabin Store has moved to Boone Mall!” announces store owners, Sheila and Shawn Gentry. After several years on Blowing Rock Road, The Cabin Store of Boone has recently moved to a new and more convenient location beside TJ Maxx in the Boone Mall. Their move is just in time for the holidays and provides a much more spacious showroom, an expansive variety of furnishings and décor, a larger warehouse inventory and easier shipping for direct customer deliveries. The Cabin Store’s first showroom opened in March, 2002 in West Jefferson, and later expanded to Boone. From the beginning, they have enjoyed steady growth and popularity as the store of choice for mountain rustic, modern rustic, log cabin and barn style home furnishings, accessories and décor, plus rustic industrial furnishings. Their insistence on highest quality woods, upholstery and craftsmanship along with their savvy interior design expertise has helped establish their reliability and propel their success over the years. Their new Boone Mall showroom continues in this tradition of The Cabin Store excellence with rich, warm and stylish furnishings, lighting, décor and a huge rug rack to decorate your entire home; from living room to kitchen, dining room, bedroom, bath, and patio. They even offer a wide selection of gift and jewelry items to help complete and enhance your shopping experience. Holiday and year-round shopping is also now much easier with their extended Boone Mall hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. www. thecarolinacabinstore.com. –Steve York

SCORE is an organization of volunteers that helps individuals start small businesses, grow their businesses, and stay in business. SCORE has mentored and guided small businesses nationwide for over 50 years, and here in the High Country for more than 20 years. Turf Pros (www.turfpros.net), opening January 2019 in Abingdon VA, is an outdoor equipment dealership that is bringing back the “Customer First” motto. According to Turf Pros’ founder, “I want Turf Pros to remain small enough where the customers have one on one contact with every employee. Although box stores can be nice when purchasing multiple items, customers can often be led to buying the wrong piece of equipment for their application. I want our local residents to have a place they feel comfortable and greatly appreciated. “I knew when I started building Turf Pros that I needed someone who would give me an unbiased opinion on my ideas. I realized that just because I had a strong work ethic and good ideas, that didn’t necessarily mean I was at a point where I could start a viable business. SCORE was instrumental in helping me bridge my ideas with the correct implementation.” He says that SCORE worked diligently with him to prepare documents for banking institutions and vendors. “I would highly recommend any current or future entrepreneur to use SCORE and their valuable mentors as a tool to start or streamline their business.” SCORE’s business mentoring services are free, confidential and convenient. Experienced business mentors provide advice on every aspect of business planning, start-up, management and growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur just getting started, or an existing business, SCORE provides mentors to work directly with you in person, or online. SCORE also organizes small business workshops on numerous topics, including How to Start a Successful Business, Marketing 101, Financing Options (includes Crowd-Funding), and many more. Learn more about SCORE’s mentoring services and small business workshops by contacting Herman Metzler of High Country SCORE at hgpmetzler@frontier. com or call 919-280-6123. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Stone Cavern

Tile & Stone Showroom

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What’s Stress Got to Do with It?

By Katherine S. Newton, Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Certified Financial Transitionist® (CeFT®)

ver the course of our lives, each of us will at some point experience a life transition. So what is meant by the term “life transition”? I am talking about a period of change in one’s life which is precipitated by a life-shifting event. Here are some examples of life transitions: divorce, retirement, loss of a spouse, loss of a parent, sale of a business, inheritance, lottery, sports contract, relocation, job loss, return from military service, or personal reinvention. What all life transitions have in common, whether they are initially perceived as positive or negative, is that they are accompanied by stress. And the response to that stress differs from person to person. Some will perceive that change as an opportunity for personal growth while others may be unable to see it from that perspective. The latter may be resistant to working through the change with a positive mindset, at least for the present. He or she may not be able to perceive the possibility of emerging at some point as a stronger, happier person. The stress response or mindset can be a fixed or growth one, but the important fact is that the fixed mindset can be changed. That is, everyone has a capacity and an opportunity for personal growth regardless of the circumstances and regardless of that person’s current mindset. So why talk about stress and life transitions in an article about finance? Because when life changes, money changes. And when money changes, life changes.* And because for far too long the personal side of money has been neglected. We now know that the personal side of money—where emotions, relationships, hopes and dreams, self-esteem, and a sense of well-being reside—is equally as important and complex as the technical side of the brain, the part that considers investments, taxes, estate planning, cash flow, and risk management. And we also know that it is the personal side of money that drives decision-making. For a person going through a transition, working through that period of time with someone who is compassionate, who provides a safe place emotionally, and who is skillful at helping manage that change but who also is experienced at giving financial advice, is very important to the well-being, both personally and financially, of that person. I do believe more and more advisors are working to listen more deeply and to be more emotionally attuned to their clients. Research shows that being understanding and patient with clients will help them be more confident in their decisionmaking, as well as help them make better decisions, especially in times of transition.

Bottom Line: Change can be a gift depending on one’s mindset. Working through that time of transition with a caring professional skilled at facilitating that change can make a significant and positive difference in the life of another. *Susan Bradley, founder of the Sudden Money Institute You can find many other articles on various portfolio management and planning topics here: www.waitefinancial.com/articles-katherine. If you would like to be in touch to pass along your thoughts or to be added to my regular e-newsletter, please feel most welcome to contact me at katherine@waitefinancial.com. The views are those of Katherine Newton and should not be considered as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All information is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representations as to its completeness or accuracy. Please note that neither Waite Financial, LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, Carroll Financial Associates or any of their agents or representatives give legal or tax advice. For complete details, consult with your tax advisor or attorney. Investors should consider their investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This information is found in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully before investing.

Katherine S. Newton

Certified Financial Planner™ Certified Financial Transitionist® (CeFT) Waite Financial, LLC 428 4th Ave. NW | Hickory, NC 28601 | 828.322.9595 katherine@waitefinancial.com | www.waitefinancial.com Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Carroll Financial Associates Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Waite Financial, Cetera Advisor Networks, and Carroll Financial Associates are unaffiliated.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

AGE Labs at Appalachian State: Revealing the Strengths of Aging and Memory By Kim S. Davis

n 2011, Men’s Health Magazine stated that “50 is the new 20,” and a November 2016 story in the Huffington Post declared “60 is the new 40.” These statements were referring to how advancements in understanding the science of aging and physical activity are keeping Americans feeling younger. But, as an Aging, Growth, and Experience (AGE) Labs study at Appalachian State University is uncovering, emotionally, young people might be happier if 20 were the new 50. AGE Labs studies how people develop across the life span, focusing on aging, growth and experience. The Adult Cognitive and Emotional Development (ACED) Lab, one of five individual research laboratories that make up the AGE Labs, is directed by Dr. Lisa Emery, Associate Professor of Psychology at Appalachian State University. Dr. Emery examines cognitive and emotional development, emphasizing how these factors work together to shape memories from the past. The ACED Lab is currently working on a study through a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) investigating how emotional memory changes as we age. Dr. Emery describes the concept of the study: “The older people get, the more difficulty they have describing specific details about individual events that happened to them. For example, if someone describes a dinner party they attended last Friday, specific details would include who they were sitting next to, the color of the walls, or the topic of conversation while the main course was being served. Older people instead tend to recall more general information about the event and how it is connected to their lives, such as personal information about the people involved (‘I’ve known her for 10 years’), information about

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why one declined a portion of the meal (‘I’ve never liked green beans’), or editorial content expressing opinion (‘I don’t know why he wears that color—it looks awful on him’). Researchers have argued about why this ‘specific to general’ shift happens, and what the consequences of the change might be. Our research is examining whether ‘remembering like an older person’ might lead people to feel happier.” The ACED study involves a series of experiments to address the theory of how emotional memory changes as we age and implications on mental health. In the first experiment, subjects, who were local community members aged 20 to 80+, were asked to describe past events either focusing on specific details (like a “younger” person), or focusing more generally and connecting the event to their lives (like an “older” person). In the first phase of the study, which is completed and ready for publication, researchers found that people were more positive when they described events like an “old” person than when they did so like a “young” person. For the ongoing second experiment, investigators ask people to describe a recent conflict they had with a friend or family member. The Lab chose to focus on conflict because as Dr. Emery says, “Past research finds that older adults avoid discussing these types of angerinducing stories more than younger people do. Anger (and other negative emotions) also tend to focus people on specific memory details. We’re finding that when older people are asked to describe a conflict, they provide just as many specific details in their stories as younger people do. That is, when people were asked to be angry, they described events more like a ‘young’ person than an ‘older’ person.” Once the second phase is

completed, ACED will be conducting one more test examining how relationships shape memory, where they will ask people to recall the first event that comes to mind when they see certain words (e.g., “tree”). Data collection for this final phase begins in January. Collaboration for this study between Appalachian State’s AGE Labs and the NIA is valuable because, according to the NIA, “Modern medicine, healthier lifestyles, and other environmental influences have already allowed a growing number of people to remain healthy and socially and emotionally vital into advanced age. The challenge for the 21st century will be to make these added years as healthy and productive as possible for growing numbers of people.” (https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/mission) The intention of the ACED study and other studies on aging is to identify what normal aging looks like in order to understand and identify when things go wrong. Researchers also hope to identify strengths of aging—what gets better as we get older. Dr. Emery is most excited about translating her research to help younger people “behave emotionally” like older people, revealing it would be beneficial for their mental health because older people are more in-tune with their emotions, happier, and more confident. She plans to continue sharing findings supporting the value of intergenerational communication. Whatever age you are, embrace it and know that many things, like cast iron skillets and good wine, do get better as they get older. AGE Labs is always looking for volunteers to participate in their studies and relies on High Country community members to participate. If you are interested in contributing to their research, please contact them at Agelabs@appstate.edu or 828-262-6978.

s the High Country transitions into winter, the area invites visitors and locals to enjoy a new season of skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other outdoor activities. And, while playing in the snow can be thrilling, it’s important to be mindful of safety. Snow and ice plus mobility tends to result in a wide variety of orthopedic injuries. CML recently chatted with AppOrtho’s Dr. Benjamin Parker, MD, about his experience treating accidents related to winter sports and activities. Dr. Parker shares, “Incidents with the young population are most common; kids can be fearless, but of course accidents can happen to anyone. With skiers, they are at a higher risk of knee injuries, such as ACL, meniscus, or soft tissue ligament tears due to the skis twisting in different directions. Skiers can also suffer from a boot fracture. If they twist too much, they can get a tibia fracture in the lower legs. For snowboarders, it is more common to see wrist accidents. While the legs are bound to the board, most snowboarding falls will be in a forward direction resulting in arm or wrist injuries. “Hiking is still common in the winter months, which can result in ankle fractions. And, of course anyone, especially the elderly population, can fall and slip on ice resulting in a broken hip or wrist,” continues Dr. Parker. To prevent any of the above injuries, Dr. Parker advises children and adults who are new to snow sports to take the time and learn how to ski or snowboard properly. Visitors to the area should also take the time to understand how to navigate the mountainous terrain. All area ski resorts offer convenient lessons. For more experienced athletes, Dr. Parker stresses that it’s important to make sure you’re back in shape and taking care of yourself for snow sports—especially at the beginning of the season. “I’ve seen high-level snowboarders quickly get knee injuries because they are so excited to get back out there. Chronic knee pain can also be an issue for skiers or snowboarders who are out there every day. It’s important to make sure the quadriceps are strong, as well as overall being in shape before you get out there. Take it easy when jumping back into things,” says Dr. Parker. Proper gear is also essential to safety. Skiers should make sure they are wearing

properly fitted snow boots. Snowboarders should wear wrist braces. And, everyone should wear a properly fitted helmet. “Concussions are another common occurrence with snow sports. They can occur as people fall backward. When I was a kid, no one wore helmets on the snow, but things have changed, and now everyone is and should be wearing helmets,” adds Dr. Parker. Beyond prepping yourself for safety, it is also important to be aware of your surroundings. A lot of ski mountain visitors may not take the time to learn how to ski, which can be dangerous to others out on the slopes. Dr. Parker shares, “Kids may think it’s okay to just go straight and not make any turns down a mountain, and they can run into others or harm themselves. In fact, I was skiing last year with my family. I have a 5-year-old, an 8-year-old, and a 9-year-old all learning how to ski. We were waiting for the chair lift, and I noticed another child, about 10 years old, coming down the big slope about to run into my daughter at 30 plus miles an hour. All I could do was get in between them to try and shelter her. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but it’s an example of how important it is to learn how to ski properly so you can maintain control, as well as being mindful of your surroundings.” If an injury does occur on the slopes, Ski Patrol will likely respond first and provide initial medical care. Next, and depending on the injury, local options for care are at Watauga Medical Center or Cannon Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room, AppUrgent Care in Boone or the walk-in clinic at the Baker Center in Linville, or a follow-up doctor’s appointment. For emergency room visits, an orthopedic doctor is always on call. If it’s a minor incident, AppOrtho provides same-day scheduled or walk-in appointments Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are also now offering a Saturday morning walk-in clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. “I had a patient the other day from out-of-town who was up here helping set up a local ski course for a team race. He wasn’t really skiing, but he did end up twisting and rupturing his ACL. We were able to schedule him in for a sameday appointment, as well as a follow-up

Winter Sports Safety By Koren Gillespie MRI later that week to put his mind at ease. He was so satisfied with the level of care received here, that he’s opted to come back for ACL surgery with us,” says Dr. Parker. If you’re out on the High Country’s slopes this year, there’s a good chance that Dr. Parker, or his colleague Dr. Anderson, will also be out there skiing and available to help out, if needed. Dr. Parker concludes, “Every once in a while, if I’m skiing on my day off, I will go into the Ski Patrol room, and poke my head in and say, ‘I’m here.’ I’ve also heard parents being called to the Ski Patrol room, and if I know them, I will go in and check on their kids. I’m also usually on call, so I can be at the top of the mountain, receive a page, and be at the hospital within 10 minutes.” The High Country offers many options for people to enjoy snow sports and activities during winter months. And this area also offers several options for care, in the event of an accident. If you’re not sure whether to visit a local Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or other provider, visit https://apprhs.org/er-orurgent-care-which-should-you-choose for more information. For questions about AppOrtho call (828) 386-2663 or email apportho@apprhs.org. The practice is conveniently located at 194 Doctors Drive in Boone. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

You’re sick. Now what?

Is it life-threatening? (chest pains, uncontrolled bleeding, respiratory distress, etc)

No.

(ear pain, sore throat, vomiting, sprain, fever without rash, painful urination, etc) Good news. You have several options that are more cost effective than going to the ER.

Yes. Call 911 or have someone take you to nearest Emergency Room

Try to get an appointment with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) -or contactAppalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists in Boone (828-386-2746) Baker Center for Primary Care in Linville (828-737-7711) Both are accepting new patients (Baker Center is even open on Saturdays).

If 1 isn’t an option, or you need help after hours or on the weekend, try: AppUrgent Care at 2146 Blowing Rock Road in Boone. No appointment is necessary (828-265-5505) or Baker Center for Primary Care at 436 Hospital Drive in Linville also has extended hours and a walk-in clinic (828-737-7711).

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apprhs.org

Ounce of Prevention By Mike Teague

s we quickly headed into winter I began to wonder how well people are prepared for winter emergencies. This caused me to evaluate my own winter specific emergency preparedness. While it is difficult to be prepared for every different kind of emergency at all times, it is important to prepare for those obvious events. Normally, I spend most of my time talking fire prevention. Though it is vital that we continue to prepare for fire related emergencies, in this article I will discuss winter emergencies where someone might find themselves exposed to the harsh and deadly elements. It is important to identify these threats and take measures to reduce their impact.

Make a Plan (and Share it)

Planning ahead is important. Whether you are heading out to drive on our mountain roads or enjoy the beautiful scenery on a winter hike, it is important to complete a couple of simple tasks that will improve your chances of survival should an emergency arise. First, tell someone that you are heading out into the weather, where you are going, and the route you are traveling. Should something happen, this shared information will help authorities find

you. Second, make sure your cell phone is fully charged, giving you a lifeline to help. Additionally, emergency responders can use cell towers to look for you and trace your movements.

Pack a Kit

If you drive throughout the winter months no matter the road conditions, it is important to keep a cold weather kit in your car. Supplies in this kit should include items that will help you survive in extreme weather environments. Following is a short list of items that all simple emergency preparedness kits should contain. This is by no means a complete list; please conduct additional research to improve your kit. • Flashlight(s) • Extra warm clothes – jackets, pants, gloves, hats etc. • Blanket • Food – packable items such as energy bars • Water – try to keep at least a gallon of fresh water if possible • Whistle • Cell phone charger or extra battery • First aid kit • Small tool kit

Winter hikes are an excellent way to enjoy the North Carolina High Country and add in a sense of adventure. It is important to prepare for these hikes in several different ways. First, research and learn the different trails in the area. Be sure to match the level of the trail with your ability. Second, never underestimate the weather change frequency in the High Country. If you are planning to hike more than one of our local greenway trails, you should prepare additionally for the needed protective gear. Your backpack kit will require much more that the simple emergency kit listed above. Visit one of our local outdoor retailers for additional information. Kits and plans for sheltering in place at home will require additional planning and more resources. The bottom line is that we need to plan as if an emergency will happen to us. Never take your safety for granted. Spend a little time in preparation. This time will be well spent, especially if you find yourself in danger during one of our cold winter nights. Mike Teague has 33 years of fire service experience. He served two years as Avery County Fire Marshal and 31 years with the Boone Fire Department, where he is currently serving as the Assistant Fire Chief, certified fire service instructor, and level 3 fire prevention inspector.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Be Well Renew Your Passion for Wellness By Samantha Stephens

t’s time to reassess, regroup and renew your passion for wellness! As promised, here’s a follow-up to my Autumn Be Well article that gave you some food for thought with regards to self-evaluating and redefining your personal health care and maintenance plan for overall wellness. Why do we need to redefine our health plan? What used to work for you may no longer apply because we are organic beings in a constant state of transition and change. Our bodies, our environment, our needs, and our goals and requirements change—so should our plan.

Exercise

Your exercise plan should be a combination of the following: cardiovascular, endurance, weight bearing/strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Rotate these forms of exercise for five out of seven days per week, 60 minutes per day minimum. Sound like more than you can handle now? Find a starting point and work your way toward the ideal plan. But be sure to set goals; post them in a visible place, and stay focused until you achieve them.

Dietary Intake

My first recommendation is to be mindful of insulin and the effect is has on your blood sugar, body composition,

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immune system and overall health. Sound complicated? In very basic terms you should know that whenever you eat carbohydrates, your insulin levels increase. This is not to say that carbs are completely bad; however, eating carbs from the moment you wake until bedtime will maintain elevated insulin levels in your body that can be very bad for your health. We used to believe that we needed to eat within 30 minutes of rising, consume several small snacks during the day, and even end the day with a bedtime morsel. Science does not back this up in any way. A healthier option might be to limit your food intake to only twice a day, and balance your meals with healthy proteins and fats. Consume fewer simple carbs like sweet drinks, breads, grains, fruit juices and candy. This will dramatically improve your body’s ability to manage calories and even stave off hunger that comes from elevated insulin levels throughout the day. You may also want to consider researching the topic of “Intermittent Fasting.”

Hydration

Dehydration can rapidly lead to all sorts of problems like constipation, electrolyte imbalance, compromised immunity and skin issues. Some health experts suggest drinking half an ounce to

one ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day, preferably on an empty stomach. In addition, limit caffeine—for every caffeinated beverage you consume, drink the same amount of pure water.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can most definitely affect mood, metabolism, digestion, skin health, brain function, and immune functions. In order to determine if you have a food allergy, you might want to try an elimination diet. Common food allergens include eggs, dairy, wheat, corn, sugar, caffeine, and chocolate. Eliminate one at a time, each for a period of three months. Make note of any changes observed during this period of time. Have you reduced inflammation, pain or digestive issues? Can you think more clearly? Are you sleeping better? Has your skin cleared up from acne, rosacea or eczema? Environmental allergies can also affect you in these same ways. If you are interested in quicker and perhaps more accurate results, consider an allergy test, which can be performed in your doctor’s office or through a mail order service. There are many to choose from, such as Life Extension (www.lifeextension. com). Sometimes the tests can be taken at home and sometimes you are required to go to your local lab for blood work.

Photos courtesy of VisitNC.com

Either way, you will get accurate results within a month from your test.

Mental Health

If you are experiencing mood swings, anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, lack of energy or nervousness, you might also consider analyzing your diet and lifestyle to correct these problems. For instance, if you regularly experience depression, your serotonin levels might be off. Carbohydrates have a direct relationship to serotonin levels. So if you’re needing a mood boost, you may take a day off from that high protein, high fat diet and indulge in some carbs for the day to see if that helps. If it does, you may need to seek further direction from your health practitioner on how to cycle carbs, fats and proteins to maximize your feelgood hormones. Furthermore, serotonin is produced in the gut so an imbalance could be related to your levels of internal bacteria. Try eliminating chlorinated water from your diet and environment. Chlorine kills both good and bad bacteria. Add in a robust, broad-spectrum probiotic that you can take daily. And eat more fermented and cultured foods. Consider the relationship between healthy fats and brain health. Healthy fats build and repair your brain. They are needed on a regular basis to maintain

good health and brain function. “Healthy fats” are essential fatty acids (EFAs). Both DHA and EPA are components within essential fatty acids that are necessary for mental stability and overall brain function. Excellent sources of essential fatty acids come from wild caught fish such as salmon, halibut, anchovies and sardines. Be sure to choose a wild caught fish rather than a farm raised fish; wild caught fish feed on wild foods, which may lead to healthier fish. Not only are farm raised fish fed grain and other supplemental foods that produce and inferior quality flesh, many are also treated with chemicals and antibiotics because of their environment on the farm.

Sleep

Adequate, restorative sleep is not only good for rest, it is critical to disease prevention, metabolism, and overall brain function. Are you sleeping solidly at least six to eight hours a day? If not, consider how you can tweak your diet and lifestyle in order to get the sleep you need. For example, try eliminating caffeine, chocolate and sugar after noon. Implement a wind down routine at bedtime that includes avoiding electronics and bright lights. Avoid stimulating activities, such as heavy exercise and complicated problem-solving just before

bed. If you feel you are sleep deprived, and you are going to bed near or after midnight and sleeping past 9 a.m., consider alternating your habits to get to bed by 9 to 9:30 p.m. Studies show that the quality of our sleep before midnight is practically double that of the sleep after midnight. By changing your habit and getting to bed earlier, you could actually sleep less, yet be more rested than before. You might even really enjoy waking earlier and getting a head start on the day! I hope you enjoyed these ideas on how to start the new year with a plan for the advancement of your overall health. Keep in mind that we all need a personalized plan, so these suggestions aren’t meant to be comprehensive. Find a reliable and trusted professional to further assist you with a unique program and plan. Here’s to a new and improved you! Samantha Stephens is a nutritionist, food scientist and herbalist who loves spending time outside foraging for wild foods while appreciating the abundance of God’s creation. Samantha can be contacted at cmlmag3@gmail.com.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

When all the world appears to be in a tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then, winter, will be forced to relent, once again, to the new beginnings of soft greens, longer light, and the sweet air of spring. —Madeleine M. Kunin

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Taking steps to save energy around your home really pays off. Small steps can make a big difference on your bills. We’re partnering with you to save energy in many ways, including 101 actions you can take to lower your bills. Get started today at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/101.

92 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

‘Tis the Season to Protect Water Pipes Winter Tips from CML and Blue Ridge Energy

omes in the High Country need special care during the winter months, and especially your home’s plumbing. It is generally known that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but for the water in your pipes to freeze, the outdoor temperature typically needs to be 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower—the exact conditions for risk of frozen pipes will vary from home to home. Surprisingly, hot water pipes are actually more susceptible to freezing than cold water pipes due to the Mpemba Effect, a process in which hot water can freeze faster than cold water. Frozen pipes prevent water flow, which is a problem by itself, but even worse, frozen pipes can eventually burst, causing water damage to your home. Copper pipes are more likely to burst than plastic, although both will freeze. Insulating your home’s pipes can lower the risk of rupture when the temperature drops. Corrosion can also cause pipe failure; corroded pipes can be the source of slow leaks, but when water freezes and expands, extreme pressure is exerted that more easily damages an old or corroded pipe. When building or refitting home plumbing in the High Country, it is important to consider the materials used, and to add protective insulation to your plumbing system. Following is a summary of general prevention and recovery tips that will help your pipes weather even the coldest of winters:

Keep a Faucet Open

In cold weather conditions, keep a faucet open; this will allow a slow drip which reduces pressure on the pipes. If you suspect a pipe is already frozen, this allows an opening for water to travel during the thawing process.

“Dress” Your Pipes

Something as simple as foam insulation can be wrapped around your pipes like a jacket, and is available at your local home improvement store for a few bucks.

Act Quickly

If you suspect your pipes are frozen, it is important to act quickly. Some of the signs of frozen pipes include lack of running water, visible frost on the pipes, and odors coming from the drains. If you notice any of these signs, see if you can locate the pipe that is frozen. If you are able to easily access the blockage, such as a pipe under a kitchen sink, you might be able to thaw the blockage by using a hair dryer or hot rags. Note: Never use an open flame.

“Surprisingly, hot water pipes are actually more susceptible to freezing than cold water pipes due to the Mpemba Effect, a process in which hot water can freeze faster than cold water.” Rush into Recovery Mode

If your pipes have frozen and burst, immediately locate your main water line and shut it off. Hopefully this will minimize the damage, but depending on the location and how quickly you caught the leak, you may be faced with significant damage to your home and plumbing. Even if your homeowner’s policy does cover damage caused by a burst water pipe, it may not cover the cost of replacing the actual section of damaged pipe, which can cost as much as $700$1,500. We recommend that you talk with your insurance agent to understand your exact coverage in the event of frozen and busted pipes.

Save Money

Another option to protect yourself from the costs of frozen and busted pipes is the IGS UtilityShield program from Blue Ridge Energy. It is a low cost option that covers many of the gaps in typical homeowner’s policies. You can learn more about this program at http://go.blueridgeenergy.com/utility-shield. Blue Ridge Energy also offers many other ways to save on utility costs and conserve energy around your home. Check out 101 actions you can take to lower your bills at BlueRidgeEnergy. com/101. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

High Country Local Artisan Food Finds By Kim S. Davis

weet, savory and aromatic, these local food and beverage makers put the “art” in artisanal and provide delicious creations for High Country consumers.

Sweet

Beth Westfall has always loved chocolate. A former restauranteur, her enjoyment of chocolate led her to delve more deeply into its wonders. She visited chocolate shops to experience the visual and aromatic aspects of fine chocolate and after realizing the “delightful and joyful experience” of tasting fine chocolate as well, she knew this was her next vocation. Westfall is a life-long learner with both technical and creative strengths aligning nicely with chocolate confectionary art. Once she was hooked on chocolate, she chose to get formal training to further refine her skills. She spent several years attending workshops with master chocolatiers in the U.S. and Canada, taking online classes, and reading books about chocolate in her “spare time.” From Beth’s USDA inspected kitchen, Beth Westfall Chocolates are made in small batches using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible such as honey, and blueberries, blackberries, and apples for purées. Local ingredients

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allow her to control the quality and put her passion into her creations with the goal of developing signature products entered into awarded competitions. What Beth enjoys most is sharing fine chocolate with others, particularly those who may not have experienced true artisan chocolates before. Many people have only experienced chocolate available in grocery and drug stores and Beth wants to reveal the special joy of appreciating the sight, smell and taste of beautiful luxury artisan chocolate. Her products, including bonbons, truffles, barks and gourmet bars are not available through a walk-in store front; however, these delicacies may be purchased from local retailers, the High Country Food Hub, and from her website www.bethwestfallchocolates.com.

Savory

Award-winning English Farmstead Cheese is truly a family affair with members of the English family, including their animals, involved in every step of the process. Great cheese begins with great milk and that can only come from great cows. The English family and their cows have been producing and selling drinking milk since the 1920s, branching out into cheese-making to sustain the farm after a decline in milk prices.

As a small family business, every member has a specialty and they are passionate about what they are doing. Terry is the farmer and truly enjoys working with the animals and sharing the history of the farm with others. Susan is the cheese maker, who after years of working as a nurse moved into the role full-time after her children left the house. Rachel, one of three daughters, is involved in marketing the cheese, often participating in tastings, pairings and festivals. She enjoys working with the public and facilitating their experiences with the cheese and the farm. As she states, “It’s always great to speak to customers who have been coming to our store for years and our cheese is now a part of their family’s traditions as well.” As the English family continues to craft new cheeses and earn awards for their creations, their customer base continues to grow. In addition to winning multiple blue ribbons at the NC State Fair, they recently received Our State Magazine’s “Best of Our State” award for their Buttercup cheese. These accolades are rewarding but the best accomplishment of all, according to Rachel, is “the feedback we receive from our customers and family. We consider it high praise the youngest grandchild only wants to eat ‘Nanny’s cheese’.”

Recognition increases the demand for English Farmstead Cheese, particularly during peak season, which is June through October. A limitation of being a small family operation is that the farm store is only open Fridays and Saturdays. The Englishes ask that visitors respect their limited store hours and try to plan their visit as early in the day as possible for the best selection. For store hours and additional availability, please check out the calendar on their website http:// englishfarmsteadcheese.com.

Aromatic

Hatchet Coffee Roasters is on the move. This up and coming High Country coffee roasting venture has just expanded and relocated to its new facility. What started in a home basement in 2015 is now housed in a dedicated production facility and an inviting café with a mountain-cozy-meets-industrial atmosphere for a true culinary experience with coffee. Hatchet Coffee is owned by Jeremy Bollman and Jeremy Parnell who became fascinated with the brewed beverage after tasting the unique flavors of coffee from different places, much like the terroir in fine wines. They developed a business concept for a café that would showcase the flavors pulled out

of coffee versus adding flavors to the coffee. Hatchet Coffee began modestly with roasting the beans to refine their process, and is now implementing their ultimate goal of designing an experience of warmth that not only showcases the culinary sensation of coffee but makes people feel welcomed and part of a community. Graduates of Appalachian State University and Berea College, the Jeremys realized the need for an expansion in the culture of the area for recent college graduates as they transition into young family life. Hatchet coffee is therefore geared toward the young and young at heart, providing those with a youthful spirit an approachable celebration of artisan beverages. Hatchet Coffee’s retail experience began as a climbing and coffee relationship inside the Center 45 Climbing and Fitness facility, which aligned with their appreciation and desire to serve the outdoor community. They now have evolved with their own café, centrally located near a variety of outdoor activities including the indoor climbing center, Rocky Knob biking trails, the future skatepark and the Greenway. Hatchet has sent four employees to origin in 2018 to source new and exciting coffees, working with several

national importers to bring quality beans to the High Country. However, their focus is on the preparation—how to showcase the unmistakable notes unique to the different blends. Continuing with their mission to serve the community and their appreciation of the outdoors, they have partnered with the Blue Ridge Conservancy; one dollar from the sale of each bag of the Blue Ridge Blend goes to that organization. Whether you are into cold brews (Nitro), light or dark roasts, lattes, or specialty brews such as the Heritage Harvest, made with almond milk and locally sourced goat milk caramel, you should engage in the community coffee celebration and stop by this new café. Their coffees are also available through the High Country Food Hub and on their website http://hatchetcoffee.com. These local sweet, savory, and aromatic fares not only showcase the talents of the resident artisans, they are wonderful treats to indulge in for yourself or to give as holiday gifts, revealing your impeccable taste.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

FOLLOW OUR MOUNTAIN ROADS AND EXPERIENCE “WINE WITH A VIEW” Enjoy the taste of “Appalachian High Country Wine” and visit the wineries of the High Country Wine Trail: Banner Elk Winery | (828) 898-9090 www.BannerElkWinery.com 135 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Nestled in the awe inspiring majestic Blue Ridge Mountains stands North Carolina High Country’s original winery. Come for a tasting or a tour, or perhaps stay the night at our Tuscaninspired Villa. A private retreat with luxury accommodation, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality in an idyllic setting.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery | (828) 963-2400 www.GrandfatherVineyard.com 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Our terraced mountain vineyard and winery is nestled along the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. We are the first producing winery in Watauga County, NC. Warm breezes during the day and cool crisp nights help develop the flavors and balance of our wine. Enjoy and share with friends.

Linville Falls Winery | (828) 765-1400 www.LinvilleFallsWinery.com 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Linville Falls, NC 28647 Linville Falls Winery is part of a 40-acre family owned and operated farm in the Blue Ridge mountains. Just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the winery is in a great location to enjoy the outdoors while sipping on mountain-grown wine. Elevate your taste with us!

Villa Nove Vineyards & Winery | (423) 768-3633 www.VillaNoveVineyardsWinery.com 1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler, TN 37640 Experience Tuscany in Tennessee! Enjoy the 360-degree majestic mountain views while you sit and sip on our estate wines. Perfect location for your upcoming wedding or special event.

Watauga Lake Winery | (423) 768-0345 www.WataugaLakeWinery.com 6952 Big Dry Run Road, Butler, TN 37640 Visit the historic and “haunted” schoolhouse where the classrooms have been transformed into our winery. Enjoy tasting the 2015 “Best of Tennessee” wine produced from the fruit of our vineyards. Enjoy a “wood-fired” pizza and Sangria on Saturdays or enjoy a bottle of wine with our Boar’s Head deli items out on the deck or inside our event room.

HighCountryWineTrail.com The Appalachian High Country American Viticulture Area

Cut out the Passport above and explore the High Country Wine Trail!

An Appellation Primer By Ren Manning

earty Burgundy. Mountain Chablis. Cook’s Champagne. When my wife and I started drinking wine back in the ‘70s, we thought these head-bangers were the real McCoys. Little did we know then that they were anything but wines from Burgundy, Chablis or Champagne. Most of us by now have become at least somewhat familiar with appellation systems, which exist in most wine-producing countries. In general, they designate the specific areas and stipulate the methods of production obviously inapplicable to our ‘70s starter-wines. Over the last century, European countries have established appellation regimes, and the system has now spread to many “New World” countries as well. In France, Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) certifications have been codified and granted to not only wines but also cheeses, butters, meats and even lavender, serving as guarantees of genuineness and consistent methods of production within a certified area of origination. The origins of AOC designation are rooted in a parliamentary decree of 1411 regulating the production of Roquefort cheese and have been expanded down through the centuries. In 1935, the Comité National des Appellations d’Origine was established to manage the process of granting AOC status to the wines of various regions in France. The work of appellation recognition and regulation has been administered by the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) since 1990. Similar appellation systems exist in other countries – Italy’s Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Spain’s Denominación de Origen (DO), for

example. Like wine, “Parma” ham is protected in Italy and “Feta” cheese in Greece. Products produced in full accordance with the appellation regulations carry on their labels the initials of the certification (e.g., AOC, DOC) attesting that they are genuine, not that they are “good.” For the latter, you should rely more on producer reputation or third-party evaluations and reviews, or, of course, your own taste-test. The European Union (EU) has established an appellation system that runs parallel with the AOC, DOC, etc., certifying systems in its member countries in an effort to simplify and create uniformity throughout all member countries. This Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) regulation is enforced within the EU, and compliance is gradually being expanded internationally through bilateral agreements and treaties with non-EU countries. Thus, “Champagne” is recognized and protected as sparkling wine produced in the Champagne appellation of France, and even in the U.S., locally produced sparkling wine cannot be called “Champagne” except in very limited grandfathering cases. The purpose of the appellation regulations is multi-faceted—to protect the reputation of regional products, promote rural and agricultural activity, enable premium prices for producers of genuine products and eliminate unfair competition. They are also intended to protect consumers from non-genuine products, which may be of inferior quality or have significantly varying characteristics. Regions that have a long and growing reputation for quality wine production can apply for appellation designations. The

process for evaluation is long and tedious, but every few years another appellation or two is certified, and its wines can then carry the prestigious “AOC,” “DOC,” etc. on the label if produced in compliance with the detailed requirements. A facet of gaining appellation certification is the enactment of detailed regulations stipulating vineyard practices (e.g., density of vines, grape yields, permitted grape varieties, harvesting commencement dates and techniques), winemaking practices (e.g., minimum alcohol level, aging requirements, acidification and sweetness additions, barrel and total aging), and even labeling and bottle shape stipulations. The U.S. has not developed much of a detailed (or, for consumers, helpful) regime. If you buy a bottle of Chianti, you have a pretty good idea of what’s in the bottle and what is probably tastes like, since the wine must be made in a certain way from specified grapes from a designated area in Italy, all such wines being generally similar. The U.S. only has “American Viticultural Areas” (AVAs) created by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, whose only requirement is that 85 percent of the wine in a bottle with a designated AVA must have come from grapes grown within the AVA boundaries. A cabernet sauvignon wine from “Napa” may therefore contain up to 15 percent of any variety from Lodi, for example. As opposed to European appellations, which are composed of areas of similar terroirs (soil composition, sun exposures, drainage characteristics, rainfall, climate, Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

WINE: Continued from previous page etc.) that produce fruit with similar characteristics, the U.S. AVAs may be heterogeneous in nature and speak nothing of what their location imparts to the wines. In short, the AVAs are a weak attempt to mimic other countries’ appellation systems, but they do nothing to hint at what the wine may be like. Any movement toward the sort of appellation system in place elsewhere is unthinkable for the U.S. Imagine an attempt in this free market where government regulations are anathema to proscribe how and what grapes can be grown, how they must be harvested and vinified and how they shall be described on the label! Most wine-producing states have AVAs. As you might expect, California has the most number of AVAs (e.g., Napa) and sub-AVAs (e.g., Rutherford). Even North Carolina has its own appellations, probably the most famous of the five being that encompassing Yadkin Valley vineyards. In all, there are 180 wineries and 525 vineyards in North Carolina, according to a 2016 compilation. High Country grape growers and wine producers are proud now to have their own AVA, the “Appalachian High Country AVA,” which covers 10 wineries and 21 vineyards and extends over 2,400 acres spanning eight counties and three states. Included within this AVA are Banner Elk Winery; Grandfather Vineyard & Winery; Linville Falls Winery; Watauga Lake Winery; Villa Nove Vineyards & Winery; Plumtree Valley Vineyards; Raven Rock Vineyards; Roaring River Vineyards; Traphill Vineyards; Spencer Mountain Vineyards; Thistle Meadow Winery; and Laurel Springs Winery. Contrast this AVA to the one-winery, 8.5-acre Château Grillet AOC in the northern Rhône Valley. Learn more about the Appalachian High Country American Viticulture Area and the High Country Wine Trail at HighCountryWineTrail.com.

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Festive Cranberry Chutney Relish

As we geared up to go to press with this winter edition, the Appalachian State University football team had just hosted and won the inaugural Sun Belt Conference championship football game and was preparing to advance to the New Orleans Bowl, the Mountaineers’ fourth consecutive bowl game since moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (the nation’s highest level of collegiate gridiron competition) in 2014. With the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl in the headlights, we thought we would share some favorite appetizers that our CML team has enjoyed from their tailgating expeditions.

Festive Cranberry Chutney Relish This delicious relish is good to make in advance of any party and have on hand to spread on cream cheese with crackers, serve over baked brie in a puff pastry or as a side dish to any holiday meal to spice up flavor and add color to the plate. I like to make enough to put in decorative jars, add a nice bow and tag and – voila – it’s an instant holiday gift, party favor or house gift. 1 (16-oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce 2 (8-ounce) cans crushed pineapple 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp salt 1 – 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced – to taste 3 chopped green onions

enjoy

Drain pineapple and once patted dry, put in saucepan and add in cranberry sauce, brown sugar, ginger and salt and over medium heat bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, simmer and stir often, about 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in jalapenos and green onions. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Crab Dip

From CML’s Kitchen Crab Dip (Easily doubled for large parties) 8 oz cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tbsp. mayonnaise 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp. salt 8 oz. crab meat 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes 2 green onions chopped 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Using a hand mixer add cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium mixing bowl. Beat until creamy and fold in the rest of the ingredients. Spray an 8 x 8 oven proof serving dish with Pam, add crab mixture and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with whole grain crackers, crostini, etc. Contributed by Annie Hoskins

By Babette and friends

Layered Bean Dip 1 can black beans drained 8 oz. cream cheese, sliced thin 1 medium red onion, chopped 1 jar Major Grey’s mango chutney 8 oz. pepper jack cheese, grated

In a greased, 1.5-2 quart baking dish, layer ingredients in the order listed above (beans on bottom). Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with scoopable chips. Contributed by Bonnie Johnson via her friend Catherine Morton

Feta and Spinach Phyllo Cups Prep time 10, cook time 9 minutes This recipe is easy and makes a nice splash for gatherings. Preheat oven to 400. 8 oz. crumbled feta cheese (use plain or herb flavored) 2 minced garlic cloves 2 minced shallots 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp oregano Salt and pepper to taste 2 - 10 oz. boxes of frozen chopped spinach 3 packages mini phyllo cups (ready made)

y with friends! Thaw spinach and squeeze out the excess water. In a large bowl mix the feta, parmesan, eggs, garlic, shallots, oregano, salt and pepper and then fold in the spinach. Fill mini phyllo cups with mixture and bake for 7-9 minutes or until the tops are browned. Let sit several minutes before serving.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

Come spend the day!

A to Z Auto Detailing 828.260.0283 Amy Brown, CPA Certified Public Accountant 828.898.7607 Avery County Chamber of Commerce 828.898.5605 / www.averycounty.com BB&T 888.BBT-ONLINE / www.BBandT.com Highlanders Grill & Tavern Open 7 Days a Week 828.898.9613 Creative Interiors by Darlene Parker 828.898.9636 Peak Real Estate 828.898.1880 www.peakrealestatenc.com Rite Aid Pharmacy 828.898.8971 Salon Suites at Tynecastle • SALON M 828.260.3791 Shooz & Shiraz A Shoe & Wine Salon at The Dande Lion The Dande Lion Ladies Apparel, Shoes, & Accessories 866.222.2050 and 828.898.3566 Tynecastle Builders 828.387.1222 / tynecastlebuilders.com Tynecastle Realty 828.898.7777 / tynecastlerealty.com Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill valledebravomexicangrill.net 828.898.4949

For Leasing Information Call 828.898.6246

SHOPPING • DINING • BUSINESS • At the Corner of Hwy 105 & 184 Tynecastle Hwy. • Banner Elk 100 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

For Quinoa Fritters

Festive Cranberry Chutney Relish Meg’s Famous Stuffed Mushrooms Feta and Spinach Phyllo Cups Meg’s Famous Stuffed Mushrooms I make these almost every time I host a party or am asked to bring an appetizer. I also make them in advance, freeze and pull and bake just before the party. Another bonus is they are low-carb and Keto friendly. 24 ounces white button mushrooms 1/3 pound hot pork sausage 1/2medium onion, finely diced 4 minced garlic cloves 8 ounces cream cheese 1 whole egg yolk 3/4cup Parmesan cheese 1/3 cup dry white wine Salt & pepper to taste Wipe off mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Pop off the stems and chop. Brown crumbled sausage and set aside to cool. Add onions and garlic to the same skillet and cook for a few minutes over medium to low heat. Pour in wine to deglaze pan, allowing wine to evaporate. Add in mushroom stems and cook for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside to cool. In a bowl, combine cream cheese and egg yolk, then mix in Parmesan cheese. Add sausage and mushroom stems and then refrigerate for mixture to firm. Spoon mixture into mushroom caps, mounding over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Watch them disappear! Contributed by Meagan Goheen

Quinoa Fritters Gluten free & vegetarian—for a healthy alternative! 2 cups cooked quinoa 1 cup mixed peppers, chopped 1/2 white onion, chopped 3 spring onions, chopped 2/3 cup celery, chopped 1 cup eggplant, diced 3 small shitake mushrooms, diced 1 Tbsp fresh thyme 1 cup Italian blend cheese 1 egg 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp sea salt (more to taste) 1/2 tsp black pepper Reserve half of all the veggies to the side, and then blend all the remaining ingredients in blender until smooth. Add the reserved veggies and pulse until just blended. This allows for a varied texture. Heat a small amount of coconut oil in cast iron skillet and drop fritter mixture by tablespoons into pan. Press gently with the back of the spoon to flatten. Let cook until the edges brown, then carefully flip. Serve as an appetizer, as a side or as a veggie burger. Delicious with an herbed mayonnaise on a bed of greens! Contributed by Samantha Stephens CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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Sweet & Fortified Wines & Ciders… Long ago in a more primitive time before commercial grape-oriented wines took their predominant place in today’s world, there was whatever a family or community might concoct from available fruits, berries, grains, vegetables or other raw foods that grew wild in their native surroundings. At some point it was discovered that, by adding sugar to the mash, the juice cooked faster and became much more potent. So, more often than not, that fermented juice was sweeter and/or “fruitier” tasting than what wine connoisseurs find to be the common standard for flavor, nose and body in today’s world. And for centuries, sweet wine varieties were, by necessity, the only beverage of choice. But, as we know, over time grapes became the preferred fruit for wine lovers. And the gold standard of winemaking resulted in a more refined, subtle, less sweet and less fruity-tasting wine. Subsequently, sweet and semi-sweet wines and select brandies became relegated to after dinner dessert drinks or reserved for special festive occasions primarily by the wealthier elite or nobility. Well…tastes and trends may be opening up a bit. And you can see evidence of that here among the offerings from our

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list of nearby Appalachian High Country American Viticulture Area (AVA) wineries. Lining their tasting counters and shelves today is often a rich and colorful assortment of sweet, semi-sweet and fortified beverages, many of which are solely or primarily made from native fruits other than just grapes. One of the first to bring a non-grape wine to the forefront was Banner Elk Winery & Villa off highway 194 just outside of downtown Banner Elk. Built upon land adjacent to a locally famous blueberry farm, Banner Elk Winery was the first High Country commercial winery to open its doors and the first in this area to brand and popularize a festive blueberry wine. Today Lisa Koch and crew have expanded their sweet and semi-sweet collection. While continuing to offer their signature Blueberry wine, they have also added a full-bodied hard Apple Cider, a semi-sweet Seyval Blanc Reserve and their premium Blueberry Ice Wine. Ice wines are more difficult to produce and thus more rare and premium-priced. They are generally restricted to higher elevations where nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing just before the ripe fruits are to be harvested. And Banner Elk Winery’s slight-

ly higher setting is one that just happens to be conducive to those conditions. The frozen fruits are picked within a very limited timeframe. Then those fruits are mashed and their juices extracted while still frozen. The freezing preserves the optimum amount of natural sugars and flavors which results in a wine that is sweeter and contains a higher alcohol content. Crossing state lines into Tennessee you’ll find Linda and Wayne Gay’s Watauga Lake Winery, an historic schoolhouse converted into a retail winery plus an expansive vineyard, both located near the popular Watauga Lake recreational attraction. Linda and Wayne have always prided themselves on creating their very own unique brand of traditional red and white wines along with fortified offerings. Their double-gold Duncan Hollow Port-style red wine is rich in flavors of fig, cinnamon and chocolate and distilled to create a fortified wine that—typical of ports—is distinctively sweeter, robust and higher in alcohol content. Their Tart N’ Blue is a unique lemon and blueberry limoncello. Limoncello is a liqueur originated and revered by Italians. Traditionally a des-

for all times. sert drink, Tart N’ Blue is very sweet, full of lemon and blueberry aromas and flavors and, once again, distilled to an 18 percent alcohol rating. Rounding out their specialty wines is Laurel Creek Surprise, a dessert-type wine with notes of sweet raspberry and smooth chocolate. Third on our list is Grandfather Vineyard and Winery in the Foscoe community off highway 105 in Watauga County. The Tatum family has been growing grapes and crafting wines for about as long as anyone in this region, and their vineyard and tasting room are set along the graceful Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Their sweet, semi-sweet and dessert wines and ciders range from whites to sparkling rosés, Muscadine blends and Moscato types. Names like Symphony, Harvest Moon Rosé and Watauga River White top the list along with their High Country Hard Cider and Raspberry Cider, the latter of which has been on tap or in a wine growler, and soon to be added to their bottled selection. Several of these specialty beverages can combine well with other fruits and spirits to produce a mimosa or sangria recipe. And that is a growing trend among specialty wine

By Steve York lovers: to mix sweet, semi-sweet and fortified products with a variety of other wines, juices or liquors to create one’s own signature sangria or party drink. Last, but never least, is Linville Falls Winery tucked away within a picturesque hillside Christmas tree farm and vast vineyard just off highway 221 south in the Linville Falls community. For years, the Jack Wiseman family has been blending select berries and fruits to create some noteworthy sweet, semi-sweet and fortified beverages. Their traditional red and white wines always set a high standard for High Country AVA wines. But their specialty offerings have also achieved their own notoriety. Jack’s classic Cherry Bounce, a fortified cherry wine in the tradition of that known to have been a favorite of George Washington, leads the lineup. Blue Ridge Blueberry combines a spirited apple brandy with their standard Blueberry wine and easily takes its place in the carry-home box. Bear Trap Blackberry got its name from an actual black bear that ate up all their blackberries one year. It’s a rich and full-bodied blackberry-based brew that more than lives up to its name. Pink Lady is probably the lightest in

flavor and body. Made with pink lady apples, its flavor is very refreshing, crisp, and lightly sweet, just as you would find with a pink lady apple. And then there’s Stover Strawberry, named to honor the family who originally owned the farmland on which Linville Falls Winery sits today. Wine lovers across all regions and cultures are beginning to recapture their fondness for and sharing of these blends, especially, but not exclusively, during holiday seasons. Whether served as a pre-dinner aperitif, paired with a main course, complimenting an after-dinner cheese or dessert plate, blended with other drinks, shared on a summer afternoon in the porch swing, served as a bedtime hot toddy or when simply cozying up before a toasty winter fireplace… these “sippers” are regaining their place in winery tasting rooms, in homes and at social gatherings everywhere and, perhaps, for all times.

cheers! CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

103

Holiday Gifts / Cold & Flu Remedies

Outdoor Lifestyle Consignment

Camping, Hiking, Biking, Paddling & More 441 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk, NC 28604 basecampbe@gmail.com

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Did you know you can read us Online? CMLmag.com 104 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

The Greatest Gift is Love

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If you would like to join our mission in bringing hope to children or take a tour contact Madison at MLCornwell@childrenshopealliance.org or call 828-406-2424

Andrews & Andrews Insurance 1910 Millers Gap Hwy Newland, NC 828-737-0679 Melba Andrews/Agent melbaandrews@bellsouth.net

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n style with a gourmet flair souther

A boutique bed & breakfast in historic downtown Blowing Rock, serving breakfast every day, lunch Saturday, brunch Sunday, and dinner Tuesday thru Saturday with fresh, locally sourced, New American Cuisine.

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4235 Hwy 105 South Banner Elk, NC 28604 ..................

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thenewpublichouse.com | 828.295.3487 239 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock NC 28604

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WINE TASTING SATURDAYS, 1-5pm

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Visit our tasting room Wine by the glass Visit our Craft Beer Cave

“One of the High Country’s largest selections of awardwinning, imported and domestic cheese,incredible chocolates, fine specialty foods, expanded gift selections, Extra Virgin Olive Oils & Balsamics, and the wines... aah, the wines!”

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GIFT BASKETS, PARTY TRAYS, ACCESSORIES, KNOWLEDGEABLE HELPFUL STAFF

106 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

SUSHI BISTRO AND BAR

Monday-Saturday: 5-Close Amazing Magic Night every Thursday, all Winter! 161 Howard Street, Boone 828-386-1201 | www.cobosushi.com

Formerly Nick’s Restaurant and Pub

Newly Remodeled! le in Banner st a ec n Ty of es p op Sh t A

Elk, NC

Same great food, same great staff!

Visit our NEW Facebook page to view daily specials and LIVE MUSIC listings at:

www.facebook.com/Highlandersbannerelk/ Every Friday!

Join us on Friday evenings for our popular Karaoke Night, beginning at 8 PM. Enjoy our scrumptious Surf & Turf and drink specials while you and your friends take to the stage.

Every Saturday!

Join us Saturday evenings for our famous Prime Rib Special and LIVE MUSIC from 8-10 PM!

All Week Long... Daily lunch and dinner specials, a children’s menu, and a large selection of appetizers, burgers, quesadillas, salads, and wings. Enjoy BuzzTime Trivia, dancing, NFL viewing, and more!

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Coupon required. Offer good through 4/15/19 on all Sandwich and Specialty Entrees.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Lunch = Dinner = Full Bar and Daily Drink Specials CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

4527 Tynecastle Hwy, at the Corner of Hwy 105 and 184 Tynecastle Hwy | 828.898.9613

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Boone’s Donate-What-You-Can Community Cafe “Where Everybody Eats” 617 W. King Street Across from Mast General Store Serving Lunch Mon-Fri, 11-2

farmcafe.org The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood

Grandfather Center 3990 Hwy 105 S Suite 6, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-9880 Restaurant

The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant

DeliciousSandwiches

STEAKS PRIME RIB SEAFOOD

(Served on our homemade bread)

Dinner Nightly from 5pm Brunch 10am-2pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday

STEAKS PRIME RIB DOWNTOWN SEAFOOD

BANNER ELK

Dinner Nightly from 5pm 344 Shawneehaw South Dinner NightlyAve from 5pm Brunch 10am-2pm Brunch Sunday 10am-2pm 828-898-5550 Friday, Saturday & Sunday

stonewallsrestaurant.com DOWNTOWN

DOWNTOWN BANNER ELK 344 Shawneehaw Ave South BANNER ELK 828-898-5550

344stonewallsrestaurant.com Shawneehaw Ave South stonewallsrestaurant.com

828-898-5550

CAFE & BAKERY

WINTER SPECIALS Martini & Meatloaf Mondays $7 House Martinis Comfort Food Specials Tequila & Taco Tuesdays 1/2 Price Tequila Cocktails Gourmet Tacos Wednesdays 25% off Bottles of Wine Nightly Wing Specials

Pies • Cakes • Tarts Shepherd’s Pie Steak & Ale Pie Chicken Pot Pie English Specialties (On request)

Catering

828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com

Fabulous British Chef/Owner

Dominic & Meryle Geraghty

EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE

Winter Hrs: Tues-Sat 10-4 (Closed month of March) 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe (Across from Mountain Lumber) CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 —

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Catering Available | Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 11am-9pm & Sunday Noon-9pm 190 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC 28607 Reservations Suggested 828-386-6101 – Visit our Banner Elk Location –

CRAFT

BEER BREWED HERE

WOOD FIRED

PIZZA + LOCAL FOODS Two great dining options under one grand green roof Two great dining options under one grand green roof

Chestnut Grille Chestnut Grille “Elevated American” Weekends through Winter Call for reservations.

LOST PROVINCE BREWING CO.

130 N DEPOT ST {DOWNTOWN} BOONE, NC LOSTPROVINCE.COM [828] 265-3506

110 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

& &

Divide Tavern Divide Tavern Food & Drink 7 nights a week

Live music in our lobby every Friday & Saturday evening. Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @TheGreenParkInn www.greenparkinn.com  828.414.9230  9329 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @TheGreenParkInn www.greenparkinn.com  828.414.9230  9329 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock

INTELLIGENT CHOICES FOR THE COMMON CRAVING

AFTER ALL, LIFE IS SHORT AND TIME REALLY DOES FLY

Gideon Ridge Inn Lunch: 11 AM to 3 PM. | Dinner: 5 PM to 10 PM. Sunday Brunch: 11 AM to 3 PM.

10 wonderfully comfortable bedrooms with evening turndown service Serving Dinner Tuesday - Saturday from 5:30pm - 8pm Reservations Required Dining & Cocktails Alfresco and the view...

143 Wonderland Trail, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

202 Gideon Ridge Road, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605

bistroroca.com / 828-295-4008

gideonridge.com / 828-295-3644

Our 6th generation family farm makes farm- fresh cheese on site from our own happy dairy cows. Our farm store also offers other local goods! Exotic Teas | Spices & Herbs Salts & Sugars | Spice Blends Accessories | Gifts 1087 Main St., Unit 4 Blowing Rock NC | 828-372-7070

828-756-8166 Fri-Sat, 10am-6pm, year-round 19456 US 221 North (.5 miles south of Linville Caverns) Marion, NC 28752 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 2018/19 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

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Banner Elk Winery & Villa Experience Luxury in the High Country’s Original & Most Acclaimed Winery Savor award-winning wine and pamper yourself at The Villa, a luxury B&B. Spend your days exploring the local golfing, fishing, and skiing. Or recharge with a spa treatment and a glass of wine in front of the magnificent stone fireplace. A weekend getaway, corporate retreat, family vacation, or destination wedding ... it’s the perfect place to relax, re-inspire, and rejuvenate ~ both inside and out.

Soft Sheets Perfect Location Great Hospitality Reservations 828-898-8195

Corporate Meetings • Weddings • Special Events 135 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604

828-260-1790

www.BannerElkWinery.com 112

— Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE BannerElkWVSep/Oct2012.indd 1

8/14/12 10:56 AM

149 Azalea Circle SE Banner Elk 28604 Azaleainnbb.com

...showcasing Chef’s Table, “Banner Elk’s little hidden gem of fine dining.” Newly remodeled Chef’s table features gourmet fine dining with new tapas and cocktail menus, private dining, veranda, and VIP seating. Visit our website for our live entertainment schedules!

The Village of Banner elk in the heart of Downtown Banner Elk,NC

CHEF’S TABLE

BannerElkVillage.com 140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC

rra Sports Bar Sorrento’s Bistro | Chef’s Table | Ba The Village of Banner Elk has something for everyone’s tastes—traditional Italian, gourmet fine dining, and international cuisine. Enjoy indoor and outdoor entertainment, stocked bars, a wine room, a cigar lounge, exclusive NFL and college sports viewing, private dining, art galleries, karaoke, a family-friendly arcade and so much more! Call 828.898.5214 for reservations. Special Events & Catering: Corporate Events, Weddings, VIP Dining Parties Call 828.528.1558 | Email SorrentosBistroCatering@gmail.com

OUR SPONSORS: 100.........A to Z Auto Detailing 29...........Alpine Ski Center 100.........Amy Brown, CPA 104 .......Andrews & Andrews Insurance 7.............Appalachian Blind and Closet 56...........Appalachian Voices 58...........Apple Hill Farm 88...........Appalachian Regional Health Services-The Baker Center 20...........Appalachian Ski Mountain 105.........AppOrtho 31...........Ashe County Chamber of Commerce 60...........Ashe Memorial Hospital 104.........Avery Animal Hospital 100.........Avery Chamber of Commerce 112.........Azalea Inn 74...........Banner Elk Book Exchange 6.............Banner Elk Consignment Cottage and Barn 66...........Banner Elk Olive Oil & Balsamics 51...........Banner Elk Realty 4.............BannerElk.com 112.........Banner Elk Winery 113.........Barra Sports Bar 49...........Barter Theater 104.........Base Camp BE 108.........Bayou Smokehouse & Grill 60...........BB&T 25...........Beech Mountain Resort 14...........Beech Mountain TDA 110.........Bella’s Italian Restaurant 105.........Beth Westfall Chocolates 111.........Bistro Roco 31...........Blowing Rock Ale House Restaurant/Brewing Co 100.........Blowing Rock Page 28...........Blowing Rock Winterfest 92...........Blue Ridge Energies 74...........Blue Ridge Propane 56...........Blue Ridge Realty & Investments

49...........BRAHM 58...........Brinkley Hardware 110.........Casa Rustica 113.........Chef’s Table 110.........Chestnut Grille 104.........Children’s Hope Alliance 8.............Classic Stone 106.........COBO Sushi Bistro & Bar 105.........Compu-Doc 44...........CoMMA 100.........Creative Interiors by Darlene Parker 60...........Creative Printing 12...........Crossnore School for Children 51...........Crown Gallery 28...........Dereka’s Sugar Mountain Accommodations & Realty 2.............Dewoolfson 49...........Doe Ridge Pottery 109.........Eat Crow Café 54...........Echota 109.........Elevations Tavern & Grill 15...........Elk River Club 66...........Encore Travel 111.........English Farmstead Cheese 106.........Ericks Cheese and Wine 109.........F.A.R.M. Café 31...........Footsloggers 60...........Fortner Insurance 58...........Foscoe Fishing 73...........Fred’s General Mercantile 46...........Front Porch Antiques 8.............Fuller & Fuller 108.........Gamekeeper 111.........Gideon Ridge Inn 11...........Gilded Age Antiques 115.........Grandfather Mountain 10...........Grandfather Vineyard 74...........Graystone Aesthetic Center 62...........Green Park Inn 40...........Gregory Alan’s Gifts 62...........Handtiques 30...........Hawk’s Nest Snow Tubing 96...........High Country Wine Trail

107.........Highlanders Grill and Tavern 66...........Hunter’s Tree Service 76...........Incredible Toy Company 56...........Inn at Ragged Garden 31...........Jack’s 128 Pecan Restaurant 47...........Jerky Outpost 76...........Leatherwood Mountains Resort 73...........Lees-McRae College 105.........Life Care 41...........Linville Caverns 6.............Linville Falls Winery 3.............Lodges at Eagles Nest 110.........Lost Province Brewing Company OBC........Mast General Store 51...........Mountain Blue Gallery 56...........Mountain View Home Management 76...........Mountain Dog and Friends 66...........My Best Friend’s Barkery 62...........Mystery Hill 68...........Painted Fish Cafe 60,100....Peak Real Estate 106.........Peddlin’ Pig BBQ 104.........Premier Pharmacy 66...........Ram’s Rack Thrift Shop 111.........Reid’s Café & Catering 100.........Rite Aid Pharmacy 47...........Rivercross 89...........Root Down 49...........Sally Nooney Art Studio Gallery 60...........Savor 5.............SeeSugar.com 73...........Seven Devils TDA 100.........Shooz and Shiraz 51...........Shoppes at Farmers 100.........Shoppes 0f Tynecastle 62...........Six Pence Pub

30...........Ski Country Sports 113.........Sorrento’s Italian Bistro 108.........Stick Boy Bread Co. 84...........Stone Cavern 109.........Stonewalls Restaurant 27...........Sugar Mountain Resort 80...........Sunset Tee’s 56...........The Best Cellar 41...........The Blowing Rock 69...........The Cabin Store 46...........The Consignment Cottage Warehouse 100.........The Dande Lion 106.........The New Public House & Hotel 47...........The Schaefer Center Presents 111.........The Spice & Tea Exchange 58...........The Summit Group 40...........The Twisted Twig Antiques and Accents 5.............The Village of Sugar Mountain 100.........Tynecastle Realty 100.........Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill 10...........Village Jewelers 85...........Waite Financial 30...........Watauga Lake Winery 62...........Woodlands Barbecue 92...........YMCA of Avery Co

thank you! 114 — Winter 2018/19 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFEE

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