A Magical Decade

David Stroud

The last 10 years of development at Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society presage a dynamic decade ahead.

Permit me to outline our last decade of progress. It’s pretty impressive, and I think it’s a reflection of a generous, compassionate community. So go ahead, you kind people of the Plateau, take a bow for these developments – we couldn’t have done this without you! Our first entrance road to Highway 64 in a quarter century; A custom-built rescue trailer deployed at the scene of puppy mill raids; hoarding and cruelty case; natural disaster response; off-site adoption events and spay/neuter transport; The Canine Adoption Center and Feline Adoption Center debut as two of North Carolina’s most modern animal welfare facilities with both buildings opening debt-free on the first day of operation; expansion of our famous outdoor play yards from nine to 14.

Innovative new community outreach programs developed, including pet therapy visits, Hikers for Hounds, the foster-dogin-residence at The Park on Main Hotel, the annual Forever Family Reunion; and the immensely popular Critter Camp summer program for elementary schoolchildren. Or consider the CHHS Animal Rescue Team, deployed to eight different states, with additional rescues of animals from Puerto Rico and South Korea. And at the same time, the number of local community strays and owner-surrendered pets rescued, cared for, and adopted each year quadrupled from 2012 to 2022. It’s been a magical decade. And along the way, thanks to our generous supporters and solid financial stewardship from our board of directors, CHHS has had 10 consecutive years with no operating deficit. After serving three years as Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers, I was given the greatest opportunity I have ever experienced as a lifelong animal advocate.

On May 1, 2012, I was named the Executive Director of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. I feel so incredibly blessed to have shared the last decade of lifesaving work with our staff, volunteers and our board, and most of all, with the incredible residents and visitors of this little piece of paradise on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. I have also been honored and humbled by my peers when I was elected as Chairman of

the North Carolina Animal Federation, and named to the North Carolina State Council of the Humane Society of the United States.

Looking back, I cannot recall a more personally- and professionally-fulfilling decade in my life. It has been a tremendous privilege serving as your director. And if the people of this magical community see fit, and if I can still wake up every day and experience the unconditional joy of being climbed on by a bunch of shelter puppies, then I sure would like to stick around and see what the next decade holds in store.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64 East. Our no-kill shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For more information, visit us online at chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743-5752.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

Madison Webb (center) is pictured with Highlands School Rotary Interact Club

Hard Work Recognized

Highlands School Senior Madison Webb is named a Highlands Rotary’s Student of the Month

Rotarians understand the importance of the community’s youth, which is why Student of the Month is so important as a way for membership to recognize achievement and leadership. Plus, spotlighting students assists with their transition to higher education. Before the 2021-22 school year ended, senior Madison Webb of Highlands School was presented the honor. The May graduate was born and raised in Highlands and lives with her mother and sister, both of whom also graduated from Highlands School. “It was an honor to be chosen as Rotary Student of the Month,” she said. “I worked very hard in the classroom to make good grades and I work hard at my job at Highlands Pharmacy. I’m very dedicated and I enjoy my time.” But this was not Webb’s first experience with local Rotarians. She was also chosen in sixth grade as Rotary Student of the Month.

“I have known and seen Rotary be involved in many community things,” said Webb, whose vast interests include “hanging out with my family and friends, music, riding roller coasters, and helping other people.” She has been accepted to the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and is focused on a degree in criminal justice. She expressed: “In four years I will become a police officer, and then I plan to apply to the FBI Academy in Quantico Virginia to become an FBI agent.” “I see Rotarians as leaders who are very involved in community projects. I would like to follow their example when becoming involved in a lot more. As a police officer I will be involved in the community and help in any way I can. I always want to give the time back to the community.”

by Deena Bouknight

Welcoming Board Members

Vickie Betts, Randy Foster, and Charles King

A trio of new Board Members brings a dynamic new energy to the Peggy Crosby Center and a deep set of tools.

Last month’s Peggy Crosby Center’s Laurel update focused on the business of keeping a sturdy roof over the facility. This month the spotlight is turned on three new, remarkable board members: Vickie Betts, Randy Foster, and Charles King. Their experience and expertise will help PCC function optimally in a world of change. To keep PCC in step with all the latest, they will stay abreast of new products, advanced technologies, and pertinent innovations. Each will do their part in holding up the roof and all it symbolizes for the community of Highlands. Vickie Betts graduated with an Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Tech. After five years of engineering work at Johnson & Johnson, she transitioned to medical sales (medical devices, injectables, medications). She supplied numerous Georgia medical offices and hospitals. For 35 years her husband owned and managed organizations like PCC, so serving as a Peggy board member comes second nature. Her volunteer work included assisting foster parents and children in Georgia. Locally she joined the Literacy Center, tutoring middle school math.

Randy Foster has been a home owner in Highlands for two decades, and for the last year-and-a-half, full-time. He’s a veteran board member for the Associated General Contractors of Georgia; Aurora Theater of Lawrenceville, Georgia; the Rotary Club of Duluth, Georgia; and Affinity Service Group Self Insured Insurance. He’s currently a member of the Rotary Club of Highlands. Randy is a General Contractor and is devoted to his family: wife Cindy, three grown sons, and four grandchildren. Charles King has spent over 30 years as a marketing professional in the healthcare information technology and telecommunications industries. He was most recently chief marketing officer for a healthcare technology company in Atlanta. In addition to volunteering on the Board of the Peggy Crosby Center, Charles is a healthcare company marketing consultant. A graduate of Emory University, earning an MBA, he also has a Materials Science and Engineering degree from University of London, Queen Mary College. Charles and his wife, Elizabeth, frequented Highlands from Atlanta for over 30 years. They loved it so much, they purchased a home here. Their two grown sons are enthusiastic visitors. All these exceptional board members come equipped with valuable skills, reliable advice, lifetimes of wisdom, and plenty of heart. Welcome aboard, Vickie, Randy, and Charles.

100 Mentors in 30 Days

The joys and surprises found in all its Big and Little matches powers the CashiersHighlands Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit bbbswnc.org, call (828) 399-9133, or visit cashiers@bbbswnc.org.

The Cashiers-Highlands Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is working to sign up many new local “Bigs” to have fun with great local kids. Nearly three out of four enrolled “Littles” in the region live with a single parent or grandparents and could benefit from having an adult pal to do things with. “Every day, I see the tremendous impact that support has on young people and on mentors,” says Jamye Davis, BBBSWNC executive vice president of programs. “I think one reason more adults haven’t gotten involved is the impression that it’s a huge time commitment. The reality is that we ask Bigs to share several hours two times a month with a child. We provide support, training, and group activities.” “Bigs and Littles are creating lasting friendships together every day. Not only are these friendships igniting the promise and potential in children across our region, including Cashiers and Highlands, but they’re impacting the whole family unit in an incredible way,” says Danielle Hernandez, Senior Program Coordinator of BBBS Cashiers-Highlands. “And as a Big Sister myself, I can attest to the impact this opportunity has on my life as well. It’s an incredible honor to learn and grow alongside my Little Sister.”

Activities that BBBSWNC staff have guided matches on have included hikes, lake canoeing, picnics, llama walks, snow tubing, baseball games, and community gardening. “It’s two things, really. I love children. You do it thinking you’re going to just bless this child, when in reality, you’re being equally blessed,” said Big Sister Liz Jones.

by Danielle Hernandez,Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cashiers-Highlands

Connecting Through Language

The Literacy & Learning Center’s English as a Second Language classes help to break down the language impediments facing many Plateau residents.

The Literacy & Learning Center is proud to offer English as a Second Language classes to anyone who may want to learn or further their English language skills. TL&LC offers English classes online, taught by Faviola Olvera. Faviola says, “This class is so important because it gives students the opportunity to learn how to connect with others through the English language. Language is instrumental in our lives and can help facilitate so many of our daily tasks. As an English-as-a-second-language learner myself, I know the difficulty faced when there is a language barrier and I want to help these students break that barrier down.” Additionally, English classes are held in-person on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau. Taught by Mariela Salamanca, The Literacy & Learning Center hosts completely free classes that are held every Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. in Highlands. By the efforts of The International Friendship Center, free English classes can also be found in Cashiers. These classes are held every Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at 1448 HWY 107 South in Cashiers.

Bonnie Potts, Executive Director of The Literacy and Learning Center says, “It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to take advantage of. No matter where you live you can find an English class, whether it be in Highlands, Cashiers, or online! We are thrilled to be able to be a part of the effort to make these classes accessible and free to anyone who wants to join.” For information on ESL in Cashiers, call (828) 371-9460; ESL in Highlands, call (828) 526-0863; or visit online maconncliteracy.org.

by Jenni Edwards, Literacy & Learning Center