Seeing the Magic

The mission and the ethos of Carpe Diem Farms has reached across the world.

There isn’t a day that goes by that my “walkabouts” the farm watching the sun rise, the horses making their way to the stables for feeding, pausing to listen to the creeks flow, the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks scurrying at the feeders; and thinking, feeling, the gratitude and the magnitude of the gift that is Carpe Diem Farms. Twenty-five years since opening the farm has been a sacred place, a sanctuary for learning, growth, healing, and development. Individuals of all ages and walks of life have participated in a wide range of programs experiencing the place and the animals who have called CDF home. We have been working recently on compiling the history of Carpe Diem utilizing all the newspaper and magazine articles, photographs, and videos which help tell our story. The lessons of the 24 horses who have been our greatest teachers together with 10 dogs and seven cats, and nearly 4,000 participants of all ages have created our history. It is the place, a designated Audubon Sanctuary, and a partner in the Worldwide Labyrinth Project. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, complete with the headwaters of

Stewart Cove Branch and Buck Creek and our own Angel Falls. All that and more makes most who pass through the gate feel the shift in energy, the slower pace in the quiet of nature. Teachers from around the globe have shared their wisdom and talents. From as far away as Australia, Canada, the UK, and nearly every state in the U.S.; Native Americans, authors, equine clinicians, musicians, and so many more have enhanced learning The lessons of the 24 horses experiences. Summer camps, after who have been our school programs, cooperatives with greatest teachers… schools, and other non-profits have set us apart throughout the years. Most days we are focused on caring for our aging herd (16-34) who continue to teach us. Because of them Easy’s Slipper was created (and is manufactured on the farm) helping horses around the globe have healthier hooves and lives. Other inventions are in the works to help aging horses live their best lives. Carpe Diem Farms, a 501(c)(3) educational foundation, is still Exploring the Human Potential Through Equines. by Sue Blair, Carpe-Diem Farms

Golf Ball Drop

The Literacy & Learning Center is hosting a Golf Ball Drop on July 15 at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park in Highlands. Golf ball sales close on July 14. For more information about this event call (828) 5260863 or visit maconncliteracy.org.

The Literacy & Learning Center will be hosting a Golf Ball Drop fundraiser that will take place on July 15th at 4:00 P.M. at Kelsey & Hutchinson Park in Highlands, where one lucky winner, whose ball lands closest to the target, will receive 25 percent of the total profits from this fundraiser (up to $25,000). The official ball drop will be held at the Town Baseball Field, located next to the Highlands Conference Center.

Balls are available for purchase at $50 each and there is no limit to the number of balls one individual can purchase in order to increase their odds. Additionally, you don’t have to be present to win.

The golf balls will be dropped from a Highlands Fire Department truck ladder onto the Highlands baseball field and the ball closest to the target will win the grand prize of at least $5,000. Through fundraisers like this, grants, and donations from the community, The Literacy & Learning Center is able to provide free educational programs to individuals of all ages. To purchase your golf balls, visit The Literacy & Learning Center Golf Ball Drop 2022 | RallyUp.

by Jenni Edwards, Literacy & Learning Center

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The Height of Happiness

Share the cool magic of Highlands this summer.

As temperatures rise, people seek the coolness of higher ground, and Highlands – perched at 4,118 feet above sea level – is the perfect place for summer refuge. Our beloved mountain town is even named for its location.

Whether you are summering, visiting, or hosting, in Highlands, you can comfortably spend time outdoors this season, taking in and sharing its magic and wonder. Our local merchants stand ready to meet your needs for outdoor ventures, whether it’s hiking attire, patio furniture, a picnic lunch, hats, fishing gear, or a good bottle of vino to enjoy while you take in the splendor. To help you appreciate our special part of the world, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC compiled a list of impressive facts – some perhaps widely known, some not. Here are just a few. 1. This landscape is old. Really old. The Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest in the entire world, the remnants of a geological sequence of events that began 480 million years ago during the formation of the supercontinent of Pangaea. 2. A gem of a location – literally. Millions of years of volcanic activity and tectonic pressure resulted in a jeweler’s dream of gold and gemstones, such as sapphire. Until the California Gold Rush of 1849, this part of N.C. was the largest gold-producing territory in the country. 3. When it rains, it pours. Highlands is at the center of one of two temperate rainforests in the continental U.S. (The other is the rich woodlands of Oregon and Washington). This means, we enjoy four distinct seasons and get lots of rain – typically more than 120 inches each year. The rainfall contributes to our spectacular waterfalls and biologically rich flora and fauna. 4. We’re for the birds. Highlands is home to a thriving population of avifauna – about 47 species at the last Christmas Bird Count (a nation-wide event) in which the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society participated. The endangered Peregrine Falcon was reintroduced to the area, and they now nest on the cliffs of iconic Whiteside Mountain.

5. Salamanders are a specialty. In fact, biologists travel from all over the world to study our rich pool of these shy amphibians, thus the nickname, “Salamander Capital of the World.” Their presence indicates the purity of our air, water, and soil, so we’re delighted to live among them. For more about the natural wonders of Highlands, stop by our Welcome Center at 108 Main Street and pick up a copy of our brochure, “15 Magical Facts” or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

by Kara Addy Communications Manager, Highlands Chamber of Commerce