Laurel March 2009
Your Guide To The Finest In Highlands And Cashiers
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Publisher’s Note
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s it spring yet? We wonder. The mercury isn’t moving and even the usually impatient crocuses haven’t been brave enough to peek their heads up from the soil. This winter has definitely been a good one for staying indoors and getting those projects done. But okay, we’re over it. Enough already. We’re ready for that extra hour of daylight beginning March 8th and spring’s arrival on the 20th. Ready for a little warmth and some peep-toe heels. Whatever March brings, as always, we thank you for including the Laurel in it. n
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Contents March 2009
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Events
14 • Earth Day 15 • Tour de Cashiers 16 • An American Daughter 19 • SOAR 20 • Benefit Art Raffle 21 • The Bascom 22 • Area Calendar
Maps
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18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map
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Janet Cummings, Managing Partner
janet@themountainlaurel.com
32 • The Rib Shack 35 • Mountain Recipe, Orange Cake 36 • Dining Guide
Arts
26 • Cover Artist, Kay Gorecki 28 • Feature Artist, Donna Woods 29 • Summit One Gallery 30 • Bascom Volunteers
Marjorie Fielding, Managing Partner
marjorie@themountainlaurel.com
Dining
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Michelle Munger, Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com
History
40• Highlands History 41 • Cashiers History
Guy Fielding, Digitographer/Distribution fielding@marketeers.biz
Volume Eight • Issue Two • www.themountainlaurel.com • 828-526-0173 email: themtnlaurel@aol.com • P.O. Box 565 • Highlands, NC 28741 1-800-241-1349 toll free • 828-526-0147 fax 10
www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
Philanthropy
Outdoors 44 • Golf Talk 45 • Now in Bloom
66 • Free Dental Clinic 68 • Friends for Life 69 • Carpe Diem Farms 69 • C-H Humane Society 70 • Mountaintop Rotary 71 • The Literacy Council 72 • Highlands Rotary Club 73 • Friends of Panthertown 74 • Center for Life Enrichment 75 • J-MCA
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Literary
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48 • Donna Rhodes 50 • Local Author 52 • The Beaujolais Nouveau 53 • Painted Leaves
Homes & Lifestyles
76 • Business Spotlight
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Guides
22 • Area Calendar 18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map 36 • Dining Guide 77 • Service Directory 78 • Advertisers Index
56 • Home of Distinction 58 • Time to Buy? 59 • For Your Health 60 • Being Green 61 • Free Green 62 • Life with Krysti 64 • The Trends Toward Smaller Homes
Contributing Writers:
Wiley Sloan, Writer
wileyandsarah@nctv.com
Luke Osteen, Writer
dumbdogs@earthlink.net
Donna Rhodes, Writer
Krysti Rogers, Deborah Reeves, Mary Adair Leslie, Jane Gibson Nardy, Tom Chillemi, Pam Nellis, Sue Aery, Lila Howland, Victoria Ingate, Jennifer McKee, Gary Wein, Kathy Bub, Laura Miller, Robin M. Armstrong,
donna847@verizon.net
Copyright © 2009 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine may be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.
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Events
Earth Day
T Ever yone is invited to celebrate Earth Day from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25th, at the Village Green in Cashiers.
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his year marks the 38th anniversary of Earth Day and here in the beautiful WNC Mountains we are celebrating once again at the Village Green in Cashiers for our fifth year! Hosted by the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and Whole Life Market, the event will feature food, live music, kids games, climbing wall, and furry friends. Ecominded organizations and businesses from the Highlands-Cashiers area will be there to provide information on what is being done to help
protect our local environment. Join us for this free event! Saturday, April 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This outdoor event will be held rain or shine! The original Earth Day proclamation was made by Joseph L. Alioto, Mayor of the city and county of San Francisco on March 21st, 1970 on the first day of spring: “As inhabitants of this earth, we need a day to celebrate our global unity and destiny. The observance of earth day will alert concern and
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interest for our planet -- with its precious treasure of living things. Earth Day is to remind each person of his right and the equal right of each person to the use of this global home and at the same time the equal responsibility of each person to preserve and improve the Earth and the quality of life thereon.” If you would like to participate as a sponsor or by having a display for your business or organization, please contact the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance at 5269938, ext 320, or e-mail us at jmca@dnet.net. n
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Tour de Cashiers
yclists from across the Southeast will gather in Cashiers on Saturday, May 2nd, for the 2009 Tour de Cashiers. The event, which has earned almost legendary status over its seventeen-year history, is a series of rides aimed at specific levels of cycling skills. For something a little more challenging, try the 25-Mile Ride. Three nice 250-350-foot climbs, and similar descents, in the first ten miles, followed by several flat miles along the northern shore of Lake Glenville. After that, a two-stage five hundred-foot climb takes the riders to the flanks of Yellow Mountain, followed by a
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fast descent and several miles of rolling rural roads bordered by woods and pastures. The ride finishes on US 64, with three miles of smooth asphalt and a swooping 400-foot descent back to Cashiers and the Village Green. That doesn’t scare you? Then how about the Metric Century? The route includes a loop that local riders call the “Ring of Fire,” in recognition of its two long blistering descents and two long thighburning climbs. The loop is a little over sixty-two miles long. For the seasoned cyclist, there’s the Full Century. It rolls east out of town through Sapphire Valley and the Lake
Toxaway area for about thirty miles of hilly forest and rural terrain in the valleys of the Horsepasture, Toxaway and French Broad Rivers. Eventually you’ll get to the Walnut Creek climb, considered by many to be the toughest in the area. It’s a 1,900-foot ascent, compressed into less than six miles, with half of the climbing in the last two miles and only one brief break from constant pedaling. Dinner will be served at the Village Green following the races. For more information, call (828) 331-0104 or e-mail tour@cashiers.com; to register, visit www.tourdecashiers. com or active.com. n
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by Luke Osteen
The 2009 Tour de Cashiers will be held Saturday, May 2nd. For more information, call (828) 331-0104 or e-mail tour@cashiers.com
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Events
An American Daughter
by Luke Osteen
Highlands Cashiers Players will stage Wendy Wasserstein’s “An American Daughter” March 1st, and March 6th, 7th, and 8th, at the MartinLipscomb Performing Arts Center on Chestnut Street in Highlands. For more information, call (828) 526-8084. “An American Daughter” is sponsored by the Laurel Magazine.
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endy Wasserstein’s tart political satire “An American Daughter” will continue March 1st, and March 6th, 7th, and 8th, at the Performing Arts Center on Chestnut Street in Highlands. The play, which features Wasserstein’s trademark wit and acute portraits of American political and social life, focuses on Lyssa Dent Hughes, nominated to be the first female Surgeon General. Various family members,
friends and assorted hangers-on swirl around Lyssa as she weathers a media storm. “An American Daughter features the talents of Carla” Gates as Lyssa; Chad Lucas as her husband Walter; Dean Zuch and Virginia Talbot as Senator Alan Hughes, Lyssa’s father, and Charlotte Hughes, the senator’s fourth wife; Marjorie Fielding as Quincy Quince, a former student of Walter’s who’s riding the media celebrity
train on the basis of her book, The Prisoner of Gender; Marlene Alvarez as Dr. Judith Kaufman, Lyssa’s loyal friend who bears her own heartache; Kirk Howard as Walter’s right-wing buddy Morrow McCarthy; and Steve Amari, playing news reporter Tucker Timber. “An American Daughter” is a Highlands Cashiers Players production and is directed by Mary Adair Leslie. For more information, call (828) 526-8084. n
A man can stand anything except a succession of ordinar y days. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Accommodations
Log Cabin Restaurant......................
Lindy’s ..............................................
4-1/2 Street Inn ...............................
Nicks.................................................
Martha Anne’s..................................
Colonial Pines Inn............................
…on the Verandah...........................
Mountainiques ...............................
Whiteside Cove Cottages................
Pescados...........................................
Peak Experience..............................
Old Edwards Inn..............................
Sports Page.......................................
Radio Shack......................................
The Brick Oven................................ Wild Thyme Gourmet.....................
Arts Bryant Art Glass..............................
Wolfgang’s Restaurant &
John Collette Fine Art.....................
Wine Bistro.......................................
Laurel Magazine...............................
Madisons...........................................
Mill Creek Gallery & Framing ...... Marge Rohrer Originals..................
Retail
Robert A. Tino Gallery....................
Alyxandra’s ......................................
Summit One Gallery........................
Basketcase........................................ Bear Mountain Outfitters................
Rainy Day Golf.................................. Rhodes Superette............................. Scudders........................................... Silver Eagle....................................... The Summer House......................... Suzette’s Boutique........................... The Toy Store................................... Whole Life Market........................... Xtreme Threads ..............................
Real Estate
Bird Barn..........................................
Highlands Fine Art .........................
BlackRock Realty Group.................
Cabin Casuals...................................
Highland Hiker.................................
Chambers Agency............................
Carolina Eyes ..................................
Mountain Rarities.............................
Country Club Properties.................
Christmas Tree ..............................
Harry Norman Realtors..................
Cyrano’s ..........................................
Services
John Cleaveland Realty....................
Drake’s Diamond Gallery ..............
Craig and Craig................................
John Schiffli Real Estate..................
Dry Sink............................................
Highlands Cabinet Company..........
Nellis Realty.....................................
Dutchman’s Designs........................
Highlands Visitors Center...............
Signature Properties.......................
East and West...................................
Lupoli Construction.........................
TLC Associates................................
Gates Nursery..................................
Mountain Rayz..................................
Sundrops on Caney Fork................
Hen House........................................ Highlands Gem Shop.......................
Restaurant
Highlands Emporium......................
Fireside Restaurant..........................
Highlands Wine and Cheese..........
Fressers / Fressers Express..........
Jackson Madeleine...........................
Hilltop Grill.......................................
Katy’s on Main..................................
Scott Neumann, Attorney................ Warth Construction......................... Gifted Hands . .................................. Tranquility Cove Massage.............. Four Seasons Landscaping.............
View the Highlands, North Carolina interactive map at thehighlandsmap.com To list your business on the Highlands map email marjorie@themountainlaurel.com.
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he Special Operations Warrior Foundation is dedicated to providing support for the families of fallen Special Operations personnel. When a member of the military’s Special Operations ranks is killed on a mission, the foundation steps in to provide a full college education for his children and if he’s grievously wounded it provides immediate financial support for his family during his recovery. The Western North Carolina chapter of the foundation
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Soar
is planning a pair of challenging adventure races through the wild parts of Highlands and Cashiers on Saturday, June 13th. The seventh annual Special Operations Adventure Race is composed of two races--a Sprint Race of five to seven hours of running, rappelling, orienteering, a water event, and mountain biking; and, for the exceptionally hardy, the ten- to twelve-hour Elite Race, which requires the same skill set but tests it on a merciless course. Race categories are: two-
person female team under forty; two-person male team under forty; two-person coed team under forty; single under forty; and Master, over forty in the same categories. Cost of the Sprint Race is $100 for a single and $170 for a team. The Elite Race is $160 for a single and $220 for a team. Active duty personnel may participate for halfprice. There’s a ten percent discount for race club members. To register, visit active. com or soarhighlands.org or call (828) 526-4968. n
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Events
by Luke Osteen
SOAR of Western North Carolina is sponsoring a pair of adventure races on Saturday, June 13th. For more information, call (828) 526-4968.
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Events
The Betsy Paul Art Raffle W
The Betsy Paul art raffle for the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, will be held on March 31st. For more information, call (828) 743-0880.
ith the beginning of a new year, many of us look for ways to improve ourselves. One of the best ways is to give back to our community. An art raffle sponsored by Betsy Paul, a local realtor in Cashiers, offers you a chance to support the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department, and to win an original piece of art. March will offer a lovely watercolor by artist Tranny
Robinson. The raffle will be held on March 31st, 2009. “It’s a win-win-win,” says Paul. “Artists receive promotion, raffle winners receive a painting for a minimal investment, and the Fire Department gets crucial funding. And don’t forget. Tickets can be purchased in blocks of 12 for $60. They make a great gift!” Viewers are invited to see each month’s raffle
paintng on display from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays at Betsy Paul Properties, 870 Highway 64 West, Cashiers, North Carolina. Checks can also be mailed directly to the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Dept, P.O. Box 713, Cashiers, North Carolina, 28717. For more information contact Betsy Paul Properties, (828)743-0880. n
Against criticism a man can neither protest nor defend himself; he must act in spite of it, and then it will gradually yield to him. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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The Bascom, Let the Magic Begin
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ow is the time to start filling your calendar with a multitude of must-see events, lectures, classes, and more for The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts grand opening this spring. With several galleries from which to choose, you can attend a variety of exhibitions starting May 30th, among them: Cheers! Handcrafted Glass Stemware, May 30th June 6th; The Three Potters: Bringle, Hewitt and Stuempfle, June 6th- July 11th; Helen Frankenthaler and the Color Field Painters, June 18th - August 15th; Moulthrops: Three Generations of Woodturners, July 18th - August 29th; Southern Landscapes by Lamar Dodd and Will Henry
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Stevens, August 22nd - October 17th; Cat Chow: Fiber Works, September 5th - October 10th; In addition to seeing art, there are dozens of ways you can DO art, too, whether you are a beginner or experienced artist. The new 3-D gallery will be launched in June with a series of handbuilding and wheel throwing classes conducted by nationally known instructors. Participants interested in painting and drawing have a huge selection of media and nationally known instructors from which to choose. And for those of you who requested an encore visit from Mary Todd Beam, Adrian Deckbar, Julyan Davis or James Sulkowski, your wish is granted. They are back this year with more art, more
fun, and a brand new bag of tricks. Here are a few of the talented instructors who are sure to please: Mark Hewitt, ceramics, June 11th - 12th; Alice Ballard, ceramics, June 15th - 19th; Cynthia Bringle, ceramics, June 24th - 26th; Mary Todd Beam, mixed media, August 10th - 14th; David Stuempfle, ceramics August 13th - 15th; Debra Fritts, ceramics, August 17th - 23rd; John Mac Kah, painting, August 18th - 22nd; Marc Chatov, painting, August 24th - 28th; Cat Chow, fiber, September 8th -12th; Adrian Deckbar, drawing, Sept 14th - 18th; Julyan Davis, painting, October 6th - 10th;
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James Sulkowski, painting, October 19th - 23rd. Grand opening celebrations are being planned for June and early July, and don’t miss The Bascom’s famous benefit events, including the Collective Spirits wine festival May 29th -30th (the first major event in the new facility!) and the Mountains in Bloom garden festival July 9th - 11th. Double O nine is the year of artful magic at The Bascom, serving all of Western North Carolina. Don’t miss a single minute. If you want to register for classes or have questions for The Bascom staff, please call (828) 5264949 ext. 0# Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Or for more information, visit www.thebascom.org for the latest Bascom news. n
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Events
Mark Your Calendar Weekly Events Every Monday • Art Odyssey, Grades 2-5, 3 p.m., Highlands School Cafeteria, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949. • Beginners Clogging, 6 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797. • Beginners Plus Clogging, 7 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797.
March Events
• Highlands Cashiers Players, “An American Daughter” March 1, and March 6, 7, and 8, MartinLipscomb Performing Arts Center on Chestnut Street in Highlands. For more information, call (828) 526-8084. • Soul Journey, March 21-22, booth at Organic Farming School at Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, North Carolina. For more info, go to www.organicgrowersschool.org, (828) 743-1967. • Betsy Paul Raffle, work by artist Trannie Robinson, March 31, 2009. For more information contact Betsy Paul Properties, (828) 743-0880.
April Events
• Bingo Evening, Thursday, April 2, 6:30 p.m., Highlands Community Building, held by Highlands Rotary Club and Highlands Boy Scout Troop 207. Proceeds to benefit the Boys Scouts. • Earth Day Celebration in the Mountains, Village Green in Cashiers, Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., (828) 526-9938, ext 320, or e-mail us at jmca@dnet.net. • Celebrate Clayton, April 25-26, 19th Annual Music & Art Fest, Downtown Clayton, Ga., www. celebrateclayton.com.
May Events
• 2009 Tour de Cashiers, Saturday, May 2, Village Green, Cashiers, (828) 331-0104 or e-mail tour@cashiers.com; to register, visit www.tourdecashiers.com or active.com. • Summit One Galler y, opening Saturday, May 23, Introducing: Ken Wallin, Shellie Dawn 22
Dambax, Pat Calderone, and Bobbie Doyle-Maher, (828) 526-2673, www.summitonegallery.com. • Collective Spirits Wine Festival, The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts May 29 -30, (828) 5264949 ext. 0, www.thebascom.org. • The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts exhibition Cheers! Handcrafted Glass Stemware, May 30-June 6, (828) 526-4949 ext. 0, www. thebascom.org.
June Events
• The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts exhibition The Three Potters: Bringle, Hewitt and Stuempfle, June 6-July 11, (828) 526-4949 ext. 0, www.thebascom.org. • The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts classes, Mark Hewitt, ceramics, June 11-12; Alice Ballard, ceramics, June 15-19; Cynthia Bringle, ceramics, June 24-26; (828) 526-4949 ext. 0, www. thebascom.org. • Seventh annual Special Operations Adventure Race, Saturday, June 13, in Highlands and Cashiers. To register, visit active.com or soarhighlands.org or call (828) 526-4968. • Summit One Gallery, Sunday, June 14, 2-4 p.m., Courtyard Poetry Reading and Art Exhibition by poet Joyce Foster and artist, Jane Smithers, (828) 526-2673; www.summitonegallery.com. • The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts exhibition Helen Frankenthaler and the Color Field Painters, June 18 - August 15, (828) 526-4949 ext. 0, www.thebascom.org. • Summit One Galler y, opening Saturday, June 20, Equine Elegance, featuring Mase Lucas, Betty Foy Botts, Vivian Jendzio, Brian Hibbard and Robert Tino, (828) 526-2673, www.summitonegallery.com www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
Every Tuesday • Little Stars, Art for Preschool Children, 11-11:30 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949. • Highlands Rotary Club, meets noon, Highlands Community Center. • Artventure, Grades K-1, 3-4 p.m., Highlands School Cafeteria, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949. • Weight Watchers, Highlands Recreation Park, 5:30 p.m. • Guided Meditation Circle, 5:30 p.m., Soul Journey, (828) 743-1967. • Intermediate Clogging, 6 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797. • Beginners Plus Clogging, 7:30 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797. Every Wednesday • Mountaintop Rotary, 7:30 a.m., Highlands Conference Center. • Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, 8 a.m., Cashiers United Methodist Church, (828) 743-2243. • Cashiers Quilters Guild, 12:30 p.m., Cashiers United Methodist Church. • It’s Masterful I – Homeschooled Children, ages 4-7, 12:30-1:15 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949. • It’s Masterful II – Homeschooled Children, ages 8-14, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949. • Artventure, Grades K-2 , 3:15-4:15 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949. Every Thursday • Intermediate Clogging, 6:30 p.m., Mountain Sounds, (828) 743-3797. Every Friday • Cornhole Tournament, 5:30-8 p.m. Bella’s Kitchen, $20 per 2 person team, (828) 743- 5355. • Music by Cy Timmons, Fressers Eatery, 6 p.m.- close, (828) 526-418. Every Saturday • Cyprus, Cooking Classes, noon-2 p.m. , (828) 526-4429. • Music by Cy Timmons, Fressers Eatery, 6 p.m.- close, (828) 526-418.
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The Arts
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Arts
Figure & Form
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Cover Artist Kaye Gorecki by Donna Rhodes
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aye Gorecki is all about structure, in her personal life, in her work, in her art, in her education. Degrees in art and music are the foundation for her years of experience in teaching, performing, and creating. She has been a driving force behind the transformation of The Bascom into a major fine art center. It’s no wonder she is recognized not only as a prominent spokeswoman for the arts in Western Carolina, but a masterful artist in her own right. While her job as Artistic Director of The Bascom keeps her hopping all over the Southeastern United States, she still finds time to design. In the past decade she has drawn, painted and collaged several series. Her fascination for dramatic vaulted ceilings, columns, and arches of Europe’s magnificent cathedrals is captured on huge sheets of watercolor paper and can-
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vas. Her other works reveal a magical fusion of architecture, ancient musical notation and the human form in a lyrical style reminiscent of Leonardo’s charcoal renderings. Gorecki says, “Even in man-made structures, the human spirit comes through. I tie that to the human form with its skeletal and muscular structures. The whole concept has evolved into an architectural blend of figures and forms.” None of Gorecki’s works are titled. She believes each viewer, depending upon his or her unique experience, sees things differently. Gorecki says, “Some people perceive things on the surface in a literal sense. Others find meaning in the layers underneath. I would rather each person interpret my images in their own way.” Lately Gorecki’s work has been on a smaller scale. There simply isn’t enough time to tend to all her pas-
sions, so she has pared down. But she looks forward to the day, after The Bascom is launched and her workload lightens, when she will be able to focus on her next series. It will center on old Southern architecture. She says, “It’s fun to do historical pieces. Imagine something built in the early 1800’s without the benefit of modern technology. Everything was hand-hewn, individually-carved, painstakingly joined.” She adds, “I am very interested in the role women played in that process-- what they accomplished and how they survived and supported each other.” But most of all, Gorecki wants to preserve these magnificent buildings on paper and canvas, while they still stand, for future generations to appreciate. An avid reader, Gorecki just finished Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follett. These novels are an historical look at building cathedrals, the
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role society played in that, and the spiritual journeys that inspired their creation. She found these works so fascinating, she hated for them to end. Writers, such as Follett, have influenced Gorecki’s process, and so have many artists. Georgia O’Keefe is a personal hero because of her pioneering for women in the art world. When asked about her success O’Keefe said she was in the right place at the right time and she knew the right people-- a humble response for a woman who soared during a time when fine art was dominated by men. As for Gorecki, “I love visual art because it makes me joyful, and I love sharing my joy with others.” One thing for certain, she is at the vortex of artistic activity in the region. If the test of success is enjoying what you do, Gorecki rocks-- from the tip of her toes to the top of the Sistine. n 27
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A Joyous Leap by Donna Rhodes
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onna Woods is vibrant right down to the marrow in her bones. She is all about color, bright and glorious. Her artwork is a visual treat with splashes of bold primaries and swirls of jewel tones galore. Her artistic talents spill over into her business and personal life as well, with dazzling parties, rich friendships, and sprinkles of brilliance on everything she touches. It’s no wonder she is in demand. Her energy is infectious. When she’s not helping her husband Marty Rosenfield, at their classy Lakeside Restaurant in Highlands, she is planning a marvelous event at The Bascom fine art center. On rare occasion she squeezes in a get-away with
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her two sisters and dashes off to an annual retreat with her self-appointed godmother in Tennessee. There they paint themselves into an absolutely divine oblivion with the hope of the artistic high lasting until the next creative adventure. The retreat is at the home of Kat Dalton, a Renaissance woman in her own right. Since the sisters were school age, they have trekked to Dalton’s and plunged into weaving, watercolor, charcoal, oils, pottery, papier-mache, and a thousand other delights. Woods says, “My mom’s house was so clean we couldn’t make a mess in it--well, actually we did make a mess--which is why we were sent to Kat’s house
where messes were not only welcome, but required.” Perhaps it was Dalton’s encouragement to explore all kinds of art that inspired Woods’ fondness for so many artistic genres. She worked with the Arts Preservation Society in Atlanta to help discover and conserve folk art in the region. While Woods embraced everything from fine to “funque,” it was Folk Art that struck a resonating chord. Now her house is filled with it, much of which she has created herself. “I want to spend more time in the zone,” she says. “We all need to spend more time there. I throw things together and see what happens. Sometime it’s mud and sometimes it’s joy. But what-
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ever it is, it’s mine, and I love doing it.” And so it can be said for just about anything Woods throws her heart into. It will be a joyous leap. You can count on that. And for those in the splash zone, the experience is guaranteed to be a rich, colorful, and classy one. Woods’ next big splash is the Collective Spirits wine fest May 29th - 30th. It’s her first big event at the new Bascom and guaranteed to be a classic, with the finest of wines and all the elegance expected of a Bascom spectacular. Call The Bascom at (828) 526-4949, for more information and be part of the celebration hosted by the Divine Miss D. n
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Summit One Exhibitions Contributed by Mary Adair Leslie
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The art of Ken Wallin
ummit One Gallery announces three exhibitions to start off the 2009 exhibition season. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23rd is the opening of “Introducing: Ken Wallin, Shellie Dawn Dambax, Pat Calderone, and Bobbie Doyle-Maher.” These artists are new to Summit One Gallery, but familiar to many collectors here. Ken Wallin is from St. Simons Island, and his Impressionist style in oil captures many scenes from the coast, Europe and our North Carolina mountains. Shellie Dawn Dambax lives in Brevard. Her work in oils recreates street scenes from France, as well as the ever popular cows and roosters. Bobbie Doyle-Maher from Knoxville, Tennessee, creates small intimate landscapes in acrylic. And Pat Calderone is from the area and is known for the Native American spirit in her paintings. Opening Saturday, June 20th, Equine Elegance, featuring four Summit One artists: Mase Lucas with her majestic representational horses; Betty Foy Botts creating horses in an abstract field; Vivian Jendzio presenting horses in a unique stylized collage work; Brian Hibbard with his mixed media work on board, also his own unique style. And Robert Tino will present three new originals of his Gypsy Vanier horses. Opening, Saturday, July 25th is a solo exhibition by Pat Calderone. For those of you who are familiar with Pat’s work you’ll be anxious to see her new spirit-filled works. For those of you who don’t know her work, you are in for an awakening. A special treat happens on Sunday, June 14th: a courtyard poetry reading and art exhibition by poet Joyce Foster and artist, Jane Smithers. The two have collaborated on a book of poetry and illustrations: Painted Leaves. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Beverages and summer snacks will be provided, and you can listen to Joyce read her poetry as you gaze upon the art work of Jane. Sunday afternoon, June 14th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. This is just the beginning of Summit One’s 2009 exhibition schedule. If you would like to receive notification of upcoming exhibitions and events please email: summitonegallery@verizon. net. This year all notices will be emailed. Summit One Gallery is located in “The Galleries,” South Second Street, Highlands NC; (828) 526-2673; www.summitonegallery.com. Open all year. n
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Arts
The Bascom Volunteers by Wiley Sloan
The Bascom’s ever-expanding program lineup requires the ser vices of an army of generous volunteers. If you’d like to find out more about the many volunteer opportunities at The Bascom, please plan to attend the June 10th Volunteer Thank You Party. Call Margie Shambaugh at (828) 5264949, extension 3#.
O
ver the years the number of paid staff at The Bascom has grown as the programs have expanded. Supplementing these talented professionals is an army of volunteers who put the icing on the cake. Duties are as diverse as staffing the reception desk, preparing mailings, helping with hospitality for exhibits, helping with the many events and more. Ms. Margie Shambaugh, Volunteer Coordinator, bubbles with excitement as she talks about the men and women who are the heartbeat of The Bascom’s volunteer program. “The volunteers really make a difference. Whether it is hosting the exhibitions or working at one of the many events like the everpopular Mountains in Bloom garden festival, we couldn’t operate without our volunteers,” Margie relates. “Don’t think that it’s just ladies that volunteer. Men help us immensely building pedestals and displays for the various shows, driving for the festivals, and much, much more,” she continues. With The Bascom’s move to its new six-acre campus this spring, the art center’s need for volunteers grows. Last year there were more than one hundred Bascom Volunteer Guild members. As The Bascom expands its volunteer program, it has identified many new volunteer opportunities for 2009. Enjoy meeting people? Be a guide or work on the reception desk. Love flowers and want to be outside? Make sure that the campus sparkles with beautiful color and is clear of litter. What’s your skill? There’s a volunteer opportunity that is just perfect for you. Don’t be afraid that volunteering will require too much of a commitment. Duties and time requirements are flexible. Choose from two levels of commitment: Level One - a specific time commitment, working from May through December, specific hours per week, training required. Level Two (On Call) - specific jobs like mailings or docents for special events, drivers for events, etc.; time required is limited; short-term. If you would like to find out more about the many volunteer opportunities at The Bascom, please plan to join them on June 10th at the Volunteer Thank You Party. You can meet volunteers and learn more about what they do and what other opportunities abound. Call Margie Shambaugh at (828) 526-4949, extension 3#. n
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Table of Contents
Dining
Dining
by Luke Osteen
Rib Shack is located at 461 Spring Street in Highlands.
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The Rib Shack
R
ib Shack chef Brian Murch understands the nuance of North Carolina barbecue. That’s why his menu offers the quintessential sauce choices - the sweet tomato based sauce and the distinctive Eastern-style vinegarbased sauce. Eastern-style made its debut on the Rib Shack menu last year. It’s part of Brian’s commitment to constantly change the dishes that emerge from his kitchen. This year he’s going to increase the smoking of his meats and boost the flavor of his rubs. The Eastern-style sauce makes sense from a flavor standpoint because it tends to saturate pulled and chopped meat better than the thicker ketchup-based
sauce. But don’t get the idea that debate over barbecue styles dominates the conversation at Rib Shack. With its multiple HDTVs in the Sports Corner and variety of beers on tap, this month there’ll be plenty of wagers made and heated discussions about chance and destiny in the Final Four. Rib Shack has always been the destination of choice for sports fans, and it really comes alive during March Madness, which is also when the live music starts up again on Friday and Saturday nights. But back to the food. Every day, Brian reads submitted Comment Cards left by his guests and incorporates those suggestions into his menu. That’s why he’ll be
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adding cornbread, grilled items and fish to the lineup this year. “Anytime anyone has an idea for something new, I want them to let me know,” he says. “That’s part of the fun of my job - playing in the kitchen.” Rib Shack boasts all the dishes that have made barbecue places a constant on the Southern landscape for over a hundred years - barbecue plates and sandwiches, hush puppies, black-eyed peas, cole slaw and collards. Please, no matter what you choose, save room for Brian’s homemade cobbler. Rib Shack is located at 461 Spring Street in Highlands. For more information, or to place a to-go order, call (828) 526-2626. n
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CASHIERS MAP KEY
Accommodations
Midnight Farms.................................................
The Mountain Laurel Inn....................................
Mountain House................................................. Narcissus............................................................
Arts
Nearly New/Ellen’s..........................................
Blue Valley Gallery.................................................
New West............................................................ Nora & Co...........................................................
Real Estate
Rusticks...............................................................
Buyers Real Estate of Cashiers................................
Sashay Around...................................................
Exit Realty.................................................................
Soul Journey.......................................................
Landmark Realty Group.......................................
The Decorative Touch.......................................
Marty Jones Realty.................................................
The Mountain Laurel Shoppes............................
McKee Properties..................................................
Victoria's Closet ......................................................
Restaurant
VC for Men................................................................
Bella's Kitchen.........................................................
Vivianne Metzger Antiques..................................
Good Food & Pantry.................................................
Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath.........................
SubsExpress.............................................................
White Rabbit Botanicals........................................
Pescado’s/Sweetreats................................................
Zoller Hardware.......................................................
Charlie’s Spice of Life............................................
English Green.............................................................
Tommy’s Coffee Shoppe.......................................
Petite Maison...............................................................
Retail
Services
Bird Barn N Garden..............................................
Audio Visual Architect.........................................
Bounds Cave............................................................
Cashiers Chamber..................................................
Brooking.....................................................................
Dr.’s Orders Charter Boat Service...................
Bumpkins..................................................................
Haight Construction..............................................
Cashiers Customs.............................................
Lica Construction....................................................
Cashiers Farmers Market....................................
Nailz/Beauty Secrets.............................................
Cashiers Trading Post...........................................
Peter Paul Attorney................................................
Chattooga Gardens................................................
Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship...................................
Corner Store............................................................
Triad Builder Company........................................
Crabtree Cottage.....................................................
Srebalus Construction...........................................
D. Estes Antiques...................................................
Cashiers Exxon.......................................................
Details of Cashiers............................................. Gallery on the Green............................................. Hadley's Cottage............................................... Highland Hiker.................................................. Interior Enhancements..................................... Into the Woods Home Interiors . .................... Into the Woods Home Interiors . .................... 34
Be a part of the Cashiers map for $20 a month. Email janet@themountainlaurel.com or call her at 828-371-2689.
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T
Mountain Recipe
here are a lot of reasons Buck’s Coffee Cafe is a Main Street Highlands institution. It’s fueled by a dazzling array of coffees, teas and cappuccinos. The décor, including the walls lined with original art, invites warm conversation and the casual gossip that animates a small town’s winter life. But we can’t ignore the mar velous baked goods created by Brian Buckley. Brian’s the chef at Café 460 on Main Street, but he still manages to stock Buck’s. In his spare time he bakes pies, cakes, pastries and desserts for all occasions. You can get a taste
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of his talents with a visit to Buck’s or Café 460. For more information, call (828) 342-7812. Here’s one of his most popular recipes:
Orange Cake Two sticks of butter (half-pound) 1-1/2 cups sugar 3 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups cake flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 ounces orange juice concentrate (thawed) added to 2 ounces of water Preheat oven to 350 de-
grees. Butter or spray two nine-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. Cream butter. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and beat again until smooth. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Starting and ending with the flour mixture, add the flour mixture and the OJ mixture alternately to the butter mixture scraping down the sides of the bowl, in two additions. Spread batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden on top and springy
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Dining
to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean. Don’t overbake. Let cool completely before icing. Icing Two sticks of butter, at room temperature. One pound of powedered sugar 1/2 cup of heavy cream 1 tablespoon of orange juice concentrate (thawed) 1 tablespoon of orange extract Cream butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Add cream and orange flavorings and beat to desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. n
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See Ad On Page
Take Out
Outdoor Dining
Checks Accepted
Credit Cards
Dress Code
Reservations Recommended
Vegetarian Selections
Children’s Menu
Full Bar
Wine
Dinner
Lunch
Your Guide to the Restaurants of Highlands & Cashiers
Breakfast
Mountain Dining
Sunday Brunch
Dining
Highlands’ Restaurants The Bistro at Wolfgang’s • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807 $-$$ • •
• • NC • L •
• 5
• • • C/NC • •
• 37
Fressers Eatery • Helen’s Barn • 828-526-4188
$ $-$$ •
Fressers Express • 470 Oak Street • 828-526-8867
¢
Nick’s Fine Food • 108 Main Street •828-526-2706
$ $$$ •
Oak Street Cafe • Main Street/Oak Street • 828-787-2200
•
C •
•
• 37
• • •
C • • •
• 35
$ ¢-$ $-$$ • • • •
C • • •
• 37
On the Verandah • Hwy. 64 (Franklin Road) • 828-526-2338 $$$ $$$ • • • • • NC • • • • 35 Rib Shack • 461 Spring Street • 828-526-2626
¢ ¢-$ •
Wild Thyme • 490 Carolina Way • 828-526-4035
$ $-$$ •
•
Wolfgang’s Restaurant • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807 $-$$ • •
•
• 37
C • • •
• 6
• • NC • L •
• 5
• •
C •
Cashiers’ Restaurants Café 107 • Highway 107 South • 828-743-1065
¢
• •
C •
•
• 24
Zeke & Earl’s • Highway 107 South • 828-743-2010
C
•
• 37
¢ $
Pricing Guide Minimal, most entrees under $10 $$ Deluxe, most entrees $15-$20 Moderate, most entrees $10-$15 $$$ Grand, most entrees over $20
Additional Highlands Restaurants The Back Room Deli - 828-526-2048 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s - 828-526-3807 Blackberry Hill Bakery 828-526-9870 The Brick Oven - 828-526-4121 Bryson’s Deli - 828-526-3775 Cafe 460 - 828-526-8926 Cyprus Restaurant - 828-526-4429 Don Leons Deli Cafe - 828-526-1600 Fireside Restaurant - 828-526-3636 Fressers Express - 828-526-8867 Fressers Eatery - 828-526-4188 Golden China - 828-526-5525 Highlands Hill Deli - 828-526-9632 Jack’s at Skyline Lodge - 828-526-2121 Junction Cafe - 828-526-0994 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering - 828-526-2110 Lakeside Restaurant - 828-526-9419 The Lodge - 828-526-1663 Log Cabin Restaurant - 828-526-3380 Madisons - 828-526-5477 Main Street Inn - 828-526-2590
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¢
¢
Checks Local Only ★ Takeout Only L
Mountain Fresh - 828-526-2357 Nick’s - 828-526-2706 Oak Street Cafe - 828-787-2200 …on the Verandah - 828-526-2338 Peregrine's at the Cove - 828-787-2200 Pescado’s - 828-526-9313 Pizza Place - 828-526-5660 Rib Shack - 828-526-2626 Ristorante Paoletti - 828-526-4906 Rosewood Market - 828-526-0383 Sports Page - 828-526-3555 Subway - 828-526-1706 SweeTreats - 828-526-9822 Wild Thyme - 828-526-4035 Wolfgang’s Restaurant - 828-526-3807 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-526-0020 Additional Cashiers Area Restaurants Bella’s Kitchen - 828-743-5355 Cashiers Exxon - 828-743-7153 Cashiers Farmers Market, On the Side BBQ - 828-743-4334
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Dress Code C Casual NC Nice Casual J Jacket
Café 107 - 828-743-1065 Zeke & Earl’s - 828-743-2010 Four Seasons Grille - 828-743-4284 Glenville Country Store - 828-743-5422 Good Food - 828-743-9374 Grill at Jimmy Mac’s - 828-743-1180 Happ’s Place - 828-743-2266 High Hampton Inn - 828-743-2411 Horacio’s - 828-743-2792 The Library - 828-743-5512 The Orchard - 828-743-7614 Pantry Meat Market & Deli - 828-743-3573 Pescado’s - 828-743-5452 Rosie’s Café - 828-743-0160 Subway - 828 -743-1300 SubsExpress - 828-743-2121 Zookeeper - 828-743-1400 Brown Trout - 828-877-3474 Carolina Smokehouse - 828-743-3200 Cornucopia - 828-743-3750 Mica’s Restaurant - 828-743-5740 The Tavern - 828-966-9226
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Dining
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Dining
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History Table of Contents
Histor y
Ploughing Through History by Donna Rhodes
J
ames Burke, author of one of my favorite history books, Connections, says that we owe just about everything to the humble, taken-for-granted, plough. Its invention, thousands of years ago, triggered a whole series of innovations that molded societies and made the world what it is today. The evolution of the plough has a fascinating history. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 10,000 B.C.E. (before the common or Christian era), the climate began to warm. Rainfall diminished. Grasslands in the far north disappeared. Animal herds moved south in search of food. Nomadic hunters followed them to river valleys where grass was plentiful. The nomads quickly figured out why grasses grew near riverbanks. Seeds, scattered by wind and animals, 40
sprouted near the water, took root, and flourished. Before long the nomadic tribes were systematically planting seeds and harvesting the yield. A reliable food supply made it possible for them to settle in permanent dwellings and become an agrarian society. Perhaps the most fertile of the river valleys to be developed and cultivated was the Nile with its rich bottomland. As people began to farm the rich soil, the land was painstakingly tilled by hand. But over time, clever man, ever the tool-builder, figured out how to dig furrows with sticks and scoops. The Nile provided a natural fertilization process, making the crops grow in abundance. Decaying vegetation, silt, and minerals were deposited in annual flooding. Around 4000 B.C.E. settlers had figured out the cycles of the river and learned to har-
ness water for irrigation by digging trenches and holding ponds for water. The digging stick evolved into a simple scratch plough consisting of two handles that curved into a pointed till. In ancient times, a plough was harnessed to oxen. The early prototypes looked a lot like farm ploughs you see used in rural areas today. Land could be turned and aerated in a fraction of the time that hand tilling took. This was a huge time-saver and made farming on a grand scale a practical pursuit. A community thrives when it has enough food. When it has surplus food, it can support some of its citizens to do things other than farm. Early Egyptians, descendents of the nomads, developed a sophisticated centralized civilization. Farming spawned a lot of related trades. Astronomers
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told farmers when to plant. Craftsmen created baskets and clay pots to carry seeds and produce. Weavers, bakers, musicians, leather and metal workers, scribes to record history, and dozens of other occupations arose to support the farming industry. The simple, unpretentious plough set off a huge ripple effect, changing the course of world history. Even agriculture in the valleys of Western Carolina owes a debt of gratitude to the first ploughmen, six thousand years ago. So, the next time you see a relic plough or a modern cultivating machine, think of how the Ice Age, nomads, animal herds, and the Nile River joined forces in a peculiar union to put the pepper in our stew, the spice in our lives, and maybe even a man on the moon. Dig it! n
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Histor y
The White Squirrels of Cashiers Contributed by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society
M
ost year-around residents of the Cashiers area have probably seen a white squirrel in their own yard or running across a road. Sightings of these unusual squirrels have been reported all around the downtown of Cashiers as well as in Norton, Glenville and Sapphire Valley. They are easy to identify as they wear their pure white coats all year and easily stand out from the green and brown colors of nature that surrounds them. You will ask if they are albino and that answer is “no” as they have black eyes. You wonder, where did they come from? They came to Cashiers from nearby Brevard and how they got to Brevard will be told in this article. As to their specific species iden-
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tity, you can consult the webpage of The White Squirrel Research Institute, which is dedicated to the study of Brevard North Carolina’s white color variant of the Eastern Grey Squirrel. In 1940s Florida, a carnival truck overturned, enabling the escape of the show’s white squirrels. Mr. Black of Madison, Florida, soon noticed white squirrels happily eating nuts in his pecan grove. As explained by Brevard resident, Mrs. W. E. Mull, a pair of these white squirrels was given to her brother-in-law, Mr. H. H. Mull, who was vacationing in Florida and he brought them back home to Brevard. As time went by, the squirrels managed to escape their latest captivity and it wasn’t
long before they multiplied. Brevard was soon using the white squirrel population as a tourist lure. The city council voted to establish a safe sanctuary for white squirrels and in 1986, even made it unlawful for any person to hurt, kill or trap the protected squirrels within the city limits. Now we have established how the first white squirrels came to live in Brevard, but how did they make their way to Cashiers? I only had to turn to my cousin, local pharmacist Mark Zachary to learn “the rest of the story.” After Mark was married in 1970 to Judy Meece of Brevard, they settled in Mark’s hometown of Cashiers. Judy Zachary’s father, Ed Meece, back in Brevard, raised beef cattle and maintained a large
March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
garden where he was badly pestered by the abundance of white squirrels pillaging his seed bags. Every Saturday, till he passed away, he came from his homestead in Brevard to Cashiers to spend the day with his daughter, Judy and her family. On a couple of these Cashiers’ visits Mr. Meece brought along a white squirrel he had trapped in his garden and set the critters free to roam the valley. Over a few decades the lovely white squirrels adapted quite well to their new Cashiers home, steadily increasing in number. What do you think? Have the Cashiers Valley white squirrels found their way to Highlands yet? Only our Highlands residents know for sure. n 41
Histor y
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Outdoors
Table of Contents
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Outdoors
Golfing and Touring Ireland D
Contributed by Tom Chillemi, PGA Golf Professional at Sky Valley Resort & Country Club.
Part Two, continued from Winter Laurel.
ay 7 - Dooks Golf Club Golf at the quaint little links club of Dooks. The golf course and clubhouse have just undergone a total renovation. Sort of a short version of Ballybunion. The new clubhouse is very impressive. Just had a foursome here today and the rest of us did some great sightseeing in our beautiful coach. After play today we headed north to Lahinch and the Greenbrier Inn. Day 8 -Lahinch Golf Club Had nine of us playing the wonderful Lahinch Golf Club. A true test and one of the top links courses in Ireland. First windy day of the trip made the course a true test. Remarks from David Jacobsen: Our last day was at
Lahinch (I spell glutton: seven courses in eight days). On the first tee I heard this celestial voice saying, “So you thought you’d have perfect weather for eight days? Heh, heh!” That’s when the 35-40 mph winds began and created havoc for most; disaster for me. [ED. Note: ‘Lahinch’ I quickly learned is GAELIC for ‘Lost Ball.’] My thoughts were with my trip/golf advisor “old Tom,” who told me back at Sky Valley, leave your woods in the bag and play the 2-iron game down the center of the fairway. I should have listened. My 6’6” frame became the largest SAIL on every tee, making straight and even contact an equal task to “rocket science.” This course took every ounce of patience
to battle. Every shot required a unique and different strategy. Certainly my reward was “center cup,” summarizing at the nineteenth hole: how fantastic this trip has been. Day 9 - All good things must come to an end and today we bid farewell to our driver Tim and the mystical Emerald Isle. Back to the good old USA. I hope everyone enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it and reminiscing. If any of you are interested in a trip to Ireland or Scotland I would be happy to make the arrangements. 2007 itineraries will be coming out this fall. Email: tnchillemi@alltel. net or visit www.tomsgolftours.com. n
One ought, ever y day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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F
irst blooms are always the best. March is predicted to be hard on the brave little bloomers and buds that think this “warm” winter is gone. Fortunately, it won’t get all of them. Several are showing now and have been at it a while. In mid-February, several species of daffodil have slipped their first leaves out to report to the bulb to send forth the flower. Considerably early, these beautiful trumpeted flowers will more than likely be a photogenic moment poking through the late snow storm. Like most, my preference is to enjoy them on a warm spring day, but this, too, is a good statement for making the case of an emerging spring. Be advised to look up-
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Now in Bloom by Guy Fielding
ward as well, as maples have also begun to flower and are
said to be with “red buds.” Daffodils are members
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Outdoors
of the Amaryllis family (also known as Lent Lily) and have a trumpet-shaped flower with petals bright yellow and large or white with a reduced trumpet which is yellow to orange. Actually a domesticated species, these have outlasted the home places where they were first planted. Then, as conditions would allow, they thrived and spread out. In earlier times, these plants were used in herbal or medicinal applications for a variety of ailments. From respiratory to psychological, daffodils have long fallen from usage as there were serious complications associated with their use. Chemical analysis indicates a fatal result is reasonably expected from ingestion. Look, but don’t eat! n
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Literary
Table of Contents
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Literar y
Living It Up at the Hotel Hellifornia by Donna Rhodes | Part One
O
ver the holidays, I traveled to Florida to celebrate Christmas with my extended family. On my way down, I spent a few hours in Atlanta visiting friends. Afterwards, I drove another hundred miles or so. By day’s end I was exhausted. Creeping along South Georgia’s endless construction zone we laughingly call I-75, I finally succumbed to numb bum. Imagine getting your buttocks botoxed. That’s how it felt. If I stood up too fast, the weight of the lifeless sag could tip me right over. It was time to give my back some slack, so I began looking for a motel. On occasion, usually on someone else’s dime, I have spent the night in high-end hotels, where attention to detail is the rule, not the exception. Little signs reading, “If you have forgotten something, your toothpaste, your hairbrush, your children, just call the desk, and we will be happy to replace them, free of charge.” But, with the economy pinching my purse, I opted for the first no-frills flophouse I saw, which I instantly dubbed the Short-Sheet Motel. Later I discovered it was short a lot of things, but sheet wasn’t one of ‘em. Truth be told, this place was full of sheet. I know, I know, I should have bolted at the get-go, but I was beyond tired and dragging a numb bum besides. A pup tent and a one-holer would have been a welcome sight. My first big clue (Warn-
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ing! Will Robinson) was the empty condom wrapper under my pillow. OMG! I ran to the bathroom to scald my contaminated extremities, when simultaneously the ceiling above me burst open and drenched me in an icy shower. Had I died and Gabriel hadn’t bothered to tell me? Was my numb bum the onset of rigor mortis? Was I in Hotel Hellifornia? Somewhere in the distance I could hear the Eagles singing, “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave…” I went to the desk, dragging my soggy arse and luggage, spewing and fuming. “I want a refund… immediately!” I demanded. “The bed is
festering with godknowswhat and the plumbing is… possessed.” I yelled. The night clerk gave me the once over. He’d been here before, I could tell. “Didn’t you read the NRP clause?” he asked calmly. “No…. what, pray tell, is the NRP clause?” I asked, revving up my BS detection meter. “It’s our No Refund Policy. That’s why we can give you these classy accommodations so cheap,” he said, as he blew his nose into a greasy handkerchief, then finished the job on his sleeve. “Here, read the fine print, Lady.” He pushed a copy of my receipt over to me. “You signed… don’t whine.”
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I got out my magnifier. Sure enough, There it was in microscopic 3-point type: Should a guest find the accommodations unacceptable for any reason, this establishment reserves the right to relocate said guest to a new room, if available. There will be no refunds under any circumstances. Thank you for choosing Sleep Cheap Motel: We’re cheap and proud of it. Join Donna for the final installment of her sleep-over on the dark side. Will she be like Charlie on the MTA? Will she ever return? Tune in next time for “Living it up at the Hotel California.” Don’t miss part two in the April Laurel. n
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Literar y
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Literar y
by Luke Osteen
Harold Sims is the author of Cats Without Cages, his account of operating a no-kill cat shelter that’s given second chances to over 3,000 felines.
Local Author
H
arold Sims has spent the last twelve years ensuring that every cat has his day. Harold is the remarkable force behind Catman 2, the most innovative cat shelter in Western North Carolina. It’s a labor of love that’s saved the lives of over 3,000 homeless felines. He’s now chronicled the efforts in Cats Without Cages, a joyous book that reflects the laughter and the heartbreak that goes with running a no-kill shelter. “I’ve been wanting to write this for a long time, because I want people to know what we’re about,” says Harold. “North Carolina’s one of the leading states for killing shelter animals, and this is
[
my case for no-kill policies. With determination, you can make a no-kill shelter work.” Determination is what Harold is all about. He’s been the local catman for fifteen years, twelve of them running the Catman 2 shelter fulltime. In fact, when he and his wife Kay recently got away for a ten-day trip, it was their first time off in twelve years. “During all that time, with over 3,000 cats adopted, there have only been fifteen problem cats that cannot be adopted. That’s a pretty good average.” Cats Without Cages describes how this retired college professor came out of retirement at age sixty-five to build his unique cats-only
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shelter. Resident cats aren’t housed in cages but are allowed to roam freely about spacious rooms. It’s also a how-to manual for maintaining a shelter. The book is leavened with stories of individual cats whose personalities have left their mark on Harold and their adoptive families. “All of the proceeds will help maintain Catman 2,” says Harold. Copies may be found at Chapter 2 in Cashiers and Cyrano’s Bookshop in Highlands. You can also send a check for $19.95 for each copy to Catman2, PO Box 2344 Cullowhee, NC 28723. To learn more about Cats Without Cages and Catman2,
\
the Mountain Laurel Shoppes
in Cashiers Slabtown Road off 107 North
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Table of Contents
Literar y
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Literar y
The Beaujolais Nouveau
Contributed by Lee Lyons
Born in Anderson, S. C., Lee Lyons has lived there and in Bluffton, S.C. Now she resides in Highlands with her dog, May. She’s been a mom and works part-time at Highlands Wine and Cheese Shop. She enjoys reading, Highlands United Methodist Church, The HighlandsCashiers Players, traveling, Irish music and the Highlands Writer’s Group.
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t began with a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau in 1972. If I’d only known French, the story might never have happened, but my knowledge of French and wine was pretty bad. Boone’s Farm Apple, wee wee? After all, I was young and newly married. My mother-in-law taught me a lot. She was a collector, shopper and consumer of the highest order. She collected everything--perfume bottles, cut glass, porcelains, dolls, rare books, antiques of every description, even husbands. She preferred to be called Sally if you were older and TaTee if you were young. She loved to travel and delighted in coming home with gifts for everyone. When she wasn’t traveling and collecting, she held court in her bed covered with the latest catalogs from stores like Neiman’s, Gucci, Saks, and Tiffany’s. She knew I grew up in a house with one thick catalog, Sears and Roebuck, usually kept in the bathroom. To her credit, she always “accidentally” left the price tag on my gifts to make sure I knew just how good a gift I was getting. From one of her exotic
trips, she brought me the bottle of beaujolais. Oddly, it had no price tag, but knowing her penchant for the finer things in life, I assumed it was some fine old bottle of wine and displayed it proudly on our bar. There it collected dust for almost seventeen years. Little did I know that like our marriage, it was getting flabby and dull and the only thing maturing was me. When I divorced and was moving to a new house, I stood in the living room, sort of saying good bye, and I spied that bottle of wine. I grabbed it off the shelf, kicked the door shut on my old life and planned on celebrating after I unpacked. I moved three more times, and with each move, I threw away useless and unused items but always saved that bottle, waiting for some big momentous occasion. Another ten years passed and I started dating someone seriously. David liked nice wine, owned one of those wine refrigerators, and poured his in a decanter to let it breathe. One day we sat on my porch and made plans to move in together.
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As we gazed into each other’s eyes with the sun setting on the May River, it hit me. This was the wine opening occasion for which I’d been waiting. I ran into the kitchen, got out my best cr ystal and with great fanfare, uncorked the bottle. We clinked our glasses together and made a toast. As soon as the wine touched our lips, we ran to the sink spitting and coughing. David looked at the bottle and did the math. ”Good Lord,” he said. “This beaujolais nouveau is twenty five years old!” Finally, we began to laugh at my stupidity but inside, I wasn’t laughing. After David left, I got that bottle out of the trash. Perhaps there was a lesson here worth keeping. While I’d been waiting for something special, life had been happening ever yday. Sometimes the things we hold onto are never as good as we imagine and sometimes they never happen at all. Don’t wait to use the good china, take the trip, or let the people you love know how you feel. Life, like a beaujolais, is to be enjoyed right away. n
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Literar y
T
wo local women have combined their talents in publishing a book that is now available. Joyce Foster has lived in Cashiers since 1982, having moved here from Florida where she raised her children. Born in eastern Oklahoma, she has lived in the South all of her life. Joyce began writing only fifteen years ago and has found that creative expression enriches her life beyond measure. Her award-winning poems have appeared in numerous publications in recent years. The artist, Jane Smith-
Painted Leaves
ers, is known in the United States and abroad. She has traveled, exhibited, and created art programs in South Africa, France and the United States. Locally, her art is displayed at Summit One Galler y in Highlands. Painted Leaves is a union of poetr y and art in beautiful color, a synchronistic marriage of feeling and inspiration. For the two women it has been a joyful experience of team work and learning. On Januar y 15th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. the two artists will appear at the Cashiers
Librar y at a signing event where Joyce Foster will read some of the poems and Jane Smithers will comment on the paintings that are used with each poem. They will be available for signing the books for those who wish to purchase the book at that time. The book’s unique design and layout was created by Sue Blair, Executive Director of Carpe Diem Farms. The editing was done by Lucy Christopher. Should you wish to purchase the book, please contact Pat Rowe at 743-7922. n
Contributed by Pat Rowe
Joyce Foster has lived in Cashiers since 1982.
Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Literar y
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Homes and Lifestyles
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Homes and Lifestyles
Breathtaking Home of Distinction
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ust a short drive from Main Street, the road meanders to the top of the knoll where a custom Arts and Crafts style home is nestled in the trees with magnificent views of Whiteside Mountain and the surrounding vistas. Enjoy minimal maintenance in this home with its stone and wood exterior surrounded by mature landscaping. The “green” driveway is made of pervious pavers that wick water to diminish runoff. The large entry hallway opens into the two-story great room with its stone fireplace surrounded by built-in cabinetry, and an entire wall of windows. Relax with a cup of coffee as you watch birds flit from tree to tree. Marvel as shards of sunlight sneak
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through the trees to dance across the reclaimed antique wormy chestnut plank flooring. The house’s open floor plan begs you to entertain family and friends. There are so many places where people can gather. The large entertaining kitchen with its yards of silestone countertops provides room for everyone to have their own work area as you visit while preparing meals. Cabinets abound providing storage for all your treasures. The top-of-the-line appliances include names such as Thermador, Bosch and Dacor. Whether there are two or twenty, there’s plenty of room for everyone to share memories. Gather around the large dining room table for spe-
cial holiday events or enjoy an intimate meal in the cozy breakfast room when it is just the two of you. No matter which area you choose you will have wonderful views of the surrounding mountain vistas. Escape the reverie of the party crowd while you enjoy the warmth of a glowing fire in the large master bedroom. There’s no need to jockey for space in the master bath. Enjoy separate vanities and closet areas for him and her. Let him use the large walk-in shower while you relax in the tub. Your guests will be so happy in their own guest suites that you may never get them to go home. Whether they are in one of the guest suites on the terrace level
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each with a private bath or in the guest suite above the three-car garage, everyone will rest in comfort. Grab your favorite beverage and head to the covered terrace to enjoy the cool breezes and the beautiful surroundings while you visit with friends. Let the sports fans gather in the terrace level family room to watch the big game on the flat screen TV or just sit in front of the fire and catch up on old times. You can even let the kids fix their own snacks in the downstairs snack bar. Enjoy the special touches of Decorator Sparky Lawrence. Wired for sound and intercom, enjoy your television and stereo anywhere you wish. This five bedroom, five and one-half bath home
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Homes and Lifestyles by Wiley Sloan Photos Courtesy Sarah Valentine Photos
Listed by Countr y Club Properties this house is just waiting for you. Contact CCP at (828)-526-2520. For more information check out CCP’s website at www. ccphighlandsnc.com.
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Homes and Lifestyles
Time to Buy?
Contributed by Lynn Kimball Owner/Broker, Signature Properties
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he Highlands-Cashiers real estate market is seeing a flurry of activity since November….a bit unusual for the off-season, especially considering the low sales volume during the 2008 season. Most buyers are coming from out of town looking for a “bargain”. In many areas of our country, real estate values have dropped to less than one-half of their value. Potential buyers are making offers with this in mind. Fortunately the HighlandsCashiers area, in general, has not seen anything close to these reductions in property values. Most sellers are holding on with hopes of a better offer in the future. This is not so with ALL properties. There ARE some excellent opportunities out there! This is where an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor comes in. First, buyers need to be educated on current
market trends in the area. Buyers also need to focus on those sellers who need or really want to sell. It is also important to know which sellers have already come down generously in price. Some foreclosures and pre-foreclosures can be a good value, others…not necessarily. Many lenders and sellers have so much money at stake that they can’t or won’t “play ball”. Some newly developed properties can be a consideration, however, buyers will need to look to a Realtor to help ascertain the potential future of the development. Another important piece of the puzzle is Realtors have information on properties that are not actively on the market, although the owners are ready to sell. The majority of residential sales over the past year have been in the $500,000 to $700,000 range. There are also more properties than usual available below $500,000. The
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million plus market has really suffered. Now is a great time to consider properties in this upper price range. This has been a large bulk of our market in the past and there are so many availabilities right now. These can be great opportunities for potential high appreciation and desirability as the market comes back. It is still a good time to sell if a seller either needs or really wants to sell. There is also excellent potential when considering a replacement property. An experienced and knowledgeable Realtor can help sellers with creative ways to market and sell their property. Most importantly the property needs to be priced according to available comparable properties in the area. It is definitely time to think “out of the box”. Please contact Lynn Kimball, lynnkimball@aol.com or (828) 526-4218. n
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Homes and Lifestyles
Arthritis And Alternative Treatments
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rthritis is defined as “inflammation of a joint” due to multiple causes including overuse, disease, and injury. As we all know, arthritis can be painful, debilitating, and sometimes disfiguring. There are many different names for arthritis but we will keep it simple for now. There are two types that we will talk about, inflammatory and non-inflammatory or degenerative. An inflammatory arthritis condition includes rheumatoid and most of the autoimmune arthritides. These tend to be more of the attacking type due to an autoimmune process, showing up sporadically as the body literally attacks itself. The non-inflammatory type is not as episodic and less destructive to the body’s tissues. It usually follows some type of injury or trauma where the body can no lon-
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ger adequately stabilize the joint. When this happens over time and the ligaments and tendons fail to support the joint the cartilage and cushion in the joint also begins to fail. Further along in this degenerative process, the bones move closer and closer to one another and eventually more bone is laid down in an attempt to stabilize an already unstable joint. On x-rays this is evidenced by bone spurs somewhere around the joint. This can also be very painful because attempted use of the afflicted joint causes abnormal motion and excess use of muscles. This process can cause pain due to the abnormal movement patterns that ensue. The degenerative type of arthritis tends to be more consistent, less episodic. There are several ways to treat arthritis naturally. First, it is important to follow
an anti-inflammatory diet no matter which type you suffer with. This will best prepare the body and surrounding tissues to handle the pain of arthritis. A non-inflammatory diet stresses whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats and fish. Stay away from processed foods that contain an abundance of chemicals that are destructive to the cells of the body. Good supplements and vitamins include fish oils (EFA’s), glucosamine, and a good multi-vitamin and mineral. Exercise is imperative as joints rely upon motion to keep good blood flow to the area tissues. Alternative treatments that have proven results are acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as massage therapy. Consult with your local chiropractor for further information on how to be pain free and live a healthy life. n
March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
Contributed by Dr. Sue Aery Mountain Air Wellness Center
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Homes and Lifestyles
It’s So Easy Being Green
Contributed by Robin M. Armstrong-Neil
Robin is a local Green Living Guru and owner of Whole Life Market in Highlands.
M
arch brings along a simple reminder that spring is on the way to melt the winter’s chill. It is at this time of year, after being cooped up inside our homes over the past several months, that the renewed energy the warm sunshine brings propels us to spring clean our homes and move forward with a fresh start. Spring is also a good time to take into consideration the quality of the air inside your home, which the EPA estimates is two to five times more toxic than the air outdoors. There are numerous sources of indoor air pollution including all types of heating sources, carpet and furniture and cabinets, mold, hobby supplies, beauty products, and commonly used household cleaners full of an array of toxic chemicals- just to name a few. The chemicals that are released into the air can cause allergies, asthma, headaches, nervous system disorders, and
can even be cancer causing. In attempts to achieve efficiency through the cold winter months, we seal our houses tight and trap a plethora of pollutants inside. With the days starting to get longer and warmer, spring offers a great opportunity to open your windows wide and get some fresh air moving throughout your house. Also, fill your house with plants that help to counteract the high load of toxins. Research has shown that the Areca palm, Reed palm, Dwarf date palm, Peace Lilies, Weeping fig, Rubber plant, Boston fern, and the Australian sword fern are some of the most effective in helping to cleanse your indoor air. To help further reduce the toxins inside your home, never use store bought air fresheners, which are laden with chemicals. Instead use natural essential oils. Also, check your candles. Most candles are made of paraffin wax and are perfumed with fragrance
chemicals. The fumes from paraffin wax has been linked to kidney and bladder tumors. Instead look for soy or beeswax candles that are scented with essential oils. During your spring cleaning, be sure to use natural and non-toxic cleaning supplies. Remember that the average household has anywhere from 3 to 25 gallons of toxic chemical, most of which are found in your cleaning supply closet. Be sure to change your furnace/AC air filters at least a couple of times a year. You may want to invest in a HEPA air filters for the rooms in your home you spend the most time in. And if it is time to replace any furniture or finishes in your home, look for products that are certified for low chemical emissions. By making a few easy changes, you can “green up” the air inside your home this spring and help contribute to better health for you and your family while making a lighter
Nothing is worth more than this day. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Homes and Lifestyles
W
hen does an old incandescent light bulb use less power than a new compact fluorescent? When it’s off! It’s becoming more and more apparent that the causes and cures for the current ecological crisis are to be found in the hearts and minds of human beings. Going green has usually meant spending more green. There are many free things we can do that can have a huge impact, like bringing our own bags to the grocery store or using all locally grown food that doesn’t have to be shipped across the country (with expensive fuel) and keeping the tires on our cars inflated.
Free Green
Did you know that about 30 percent of what goes into the land fill could be composted? You can buy a big plastic tub at Walmart for a few bucks, throw your food scraps and paper trash in there together with some red worms and they’ll turn your trash into dynamite soil and fertilizer for free or create an income (worm castings sell for up to $25 a pound). Soul Journey has many books on the subject, including “Be The Change You Want To See in the World” by Julie McGarry. This book lists 365 things you can do for yourself and your planet. Events for March: Guided Meditation Circle every Friday at 5:30 p.m. This meditation experience is for
beginners or seasoned meditators. It is a great way to be introduced to different types of meditation and share your experiences with others. It’s free. Linda James returns from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 16th. Linda always lifts our spirits and lives as she shares the secrets to manifesting and creating the life of your dreams. This workshop will include a lesson in board breaking. A love offering will be appreciated. March 21st - 22nd: We will have a booth set up on March 21st and 22nd at the 2009 Organic Farming School at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina. For more info, go to www.organicgrowersschool.
Contributed by George & Deborah Reeves
Whatever you can do or dream, begin it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Homes and Lifestyles
Life With Krysti
Contributed by Krysti Rogers
Kr ysti Rogers is the proprietor of Basketcase in Highlands, North Carolina and can be reached at kr yspinmlk@aol.com.
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C
olor is like politics – everyone has an opinion. My shop’s been open two years now, and in order to keep things fun, exciting and moving forward, I decided it was time to mix it up – bring in some new color, flip the floor, change the game. So, armed with a need for change I could not only believe in but also see, I began with an innocent enough creamy white with just a tad of warmth. Named Ethereal Dream, it couldn’t be further from the truth – on the wall under the halogens, it was a pink nightmare. It campaigned hard in the paint shop, but really, who can make an educated decision from a 1x2 inch chip under “daylight” bulbs?
That’s like voting on a candidate after hearing a sound byte. Anyway, four more shades and a few dirty paintbrushes later, I went to my mixmaster, affectionately known as 2 percent (protecting the innocent). After much deliberation, we voted that the only way to get my color was to throw out what I had and start over. This experiment in color turned into a confirmation of something we all know, or should - while red is red, blue is blue and so on, to get the desired result, proportionate amounts of each one are required – like it or not. Back at the wall, I lavished on thick coats of my new shade. Marjorie and I
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stood back, admiring this new fabulousness otherwise known as No. 5 (partly because that’s how many tries it took to get that color and partly because it just sounds so chic). We wondered how long it would take before this beautiful new taupe was put to the test. Within minutes a customer admired our new “lavender,” and then Fielding simply questioned its makeup. And so it began. Like politics, everyone has seen something different, from tan, grey, purple and buff to a host of other names. But to us, it’s No. 5, a perfectly bipartisan color with no ulterior motives or tax liabilities, just a desire to reach across the wall and work with its fellow colors, regardless of red,
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Homes and Lifestyles
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Homes and Lifestyles
The Trend Toward Smaller Homes N
o doubt these are ver y interesting times. The way in which consumers are making their purchasing decisions has changed, and will remain changed for a long time. The flight-to-value concept now influences ever y decision they make. In housing this couldn’t be more evident. As designers of high-end rustic luxur y homes around the world, we are seeing this manifest in two directions. First the super wealthy are seeing this as a perfect time to buy at ver y low prices. Accordingly, we are designing record amounts of extravagant homes from Seattle to Sochi, RU. For more typical consumers, however, there is a clear move towards smaller homes of high quality. The once 5,000 s.f. cus-
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Contributed by Allen Halcomb
tomer is now asking for a home of 3,000 s.f., or less, that has all the architectural charm and allure of the extravagant homes. These “jewel boxes,” as we call them, are rich with expression and appointments, but require much less of a commitment economically and less impact environmentally. Our response at MossCreek has been to create a line of modest sized home designs called Home by MossCreek. This program originally
began as a series of twelve designs and has been expanded to over thirty. Each home design is available as a stock plan that can be purchased and delivered quickly. To our surprise, these plans have often become the starting point for many of our smaller custom homes. A client can find a design ver y close to their dream and then have us tailor the design to their specific needs. In a sur vey of high end
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residential developments around the countr y, it doesn’t take long to realize that the fastest growing segments of their businesses are the neighborhoods they have set aside for smaller homes. This is especially true when they have a selection of predesigned and approved home designs that prospective homeowners can select from and modify. As 2009 unfolds and we discover where the marketplace will settle, we may just find that it brings us all to a place of closer introspection of the things we do and the items we purchase. Smaller homes will no doubt be a part of the new reality, but maybe that’s not so bad. To learn more about MossCreek, visit us on the web at www.MossCreek.net www.MossCreek.net, or call us at 800.737.2166. n
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Philanthropy
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Philanthropy front
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Philanthropy
Free Dental Clinic
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008 was the Free Dental Clinic’s third full year of operation. In many ways, the stories are familiar: individuals receiving critically needed dental care, often for the first times in their lives. Yet for the Clinic’s dedicated dentists and staff, each case is different. Every individual who can now work and support his or her family, whose health is no longer threatened by infection, who can eat a normal diet, or who is able to smile in public, brings a different identity and story, and each is deeply grateful. Mountain neighbors that we treated include: A woman whose infected teeth were threatening her unborn child. Four brothers, ages eight to thirteen, who could not sleep or function at school because of constant dental pain, and who now (after a combined forty visits) are happy, active little boys. A man who hugged our Executive Director in Ingles, as he bought his first Christmas ham in fifteen years--because of our prosthetics program, he can now chew solid food. Key Statistics. We are particularly happy that the Clinic increased the number of procedures performed by eight percent. The value of those procedures rose by eleven percent to $650,000 -- that’s more than four times what we spent to provide those services. In 2008, we extended our approach of doing as much work as possible during each patient visit. This approach provides faster relief to pain and infection and reduces the time and expense devoted to 66
Contributed by Jennifer McKee
the numbing process. It also helps patients deal with work absences and transportation. We continued to emphasize priority treatment of emergency situations, with a twenty percent increase in emergency visits, and a major decrease by year-end in the emergency waiting list. Our Prosthetics Program. During 2008, we received additional grant funding for our prosthetics program, which is unique among North Carolina free clinics. As a result, a number of former patients are, for the first time in many years, able to eat normally and smile freely. In addition, we now have the equipment to manufacture and install crowns. This enables us to save teeth that would otherwise be pulled. This unusual resource is for people who not only will benefit, but who will change their habits to protect their teeth and gums from fu-
ture disease. We also require that those who are able contribute to the outside lab costs of their new teeth. Our Patients. Our patients predominantly live in Jackson and Macon Counties. The proportion of Hispanics declined to ten percent, perhaps due to reverse migration caused by scarce job opportunities. All our patients are from households unable to afford care for their extensive dental problems. Their median household income was ninety percent of the federal poverty level. They have severe problems: seventy percent of our 930 extractions required surgery because there was too little tooth left to pull. Our Dentists. Drs. Tom Smith, Mel Livernois, and Michelle McDonald are the backbone of our regular Clinic hours. Both our patients and
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our community owe them recognition and thanks for their exceptional service. During 2008, they were joined by Dr. Christopher Dyer of Highlands and Dr. David Silverstein of Franklin, who are each volunteering one Friday every month. Both contribute greatly to our progress in reducing the emergency waiting list. We are very encouraged by a recent change in NC’s licensing for out-of-state dentists, which we hope will allow practicing dentists who have vacation homes in the mountains to help in 2009. Our Finances. We again enjoyed extraordinary generosity from individuals, churches and organizations in Cashiers and Highlands. We are deeply appreciative of their confidence in the Clinic, its contributions to the lives of our neighbors, and to the welfare of our communities. In addition, we successfully raised funds from important foundations for operations as well as specific programs, particularly hygiene and prosthetics. We also received capital grants that we used for key equipment and renovation of our facilities. And our innovative prosthetics program won the Clinic a $10,000 award from the BlueCross BlueShield Foundation. We Need Your Continued Support. The Clinic’s success reflects the talents and generosity of our community. It depends on you for both volunteer hours (please call Karen Minton at 743-3393) and funding (tax-deductible contributions can be made to BRMHP, Box 451, Cashiers, NC 28717). n
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Philanthropy
Look what Santa brought in 2008 T
Contributed by Gary Wein, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, (828) 526-1111
he Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has now been around in one form or another since 1883 but throughout those years our mission has always been “To protect valuable land resources for all generations.” As of February 1st the Land Trust has conserved fifty-seven places in Macon and Jackson counties, over 1600 acres. These places have been conserved through conservation easements, land purchase, and donations. During 2008 the Land Trust partnered with land owners to place conservation easements on five properties: The Mountain Preserve permanently protected eighty-two acres on the top and slopes of Little Scaly Mountain including a four hundred year old dwarf white oak forest. Tim Campbell and Jeff Murphy of Sylva along with Tom Warth made that happen.
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Greg and Amanda Gregory doubled the size of an easement established in 2004 to fifty-five acres. This easement is along Buck Creek Road and borders on Carpe Diem Farms and the Nantahala Nation Forest. Bob Bryan placed his fifty-two acre Sapphire Sanctuary near Bald Rock in Jackson County into an easement that will protect a wonderful valley from development. With a Clean Water Man-
agement Trust Fund minigrant the owners of Double Top Mountain placed an easement on sixty-two acres that will protect the upper part of the Luker Branch watershed from development forever. Bob and Sarah Fenton put an easement on their threeacre parcel, called Inage, located on Hickory Hill Road. This beautiful tract protects a small stream that contributes to the drinking water supply for the Town of Highlands.
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We also accepted three land donations. A group headed up by Griffin Bell and John McKey donated eleven acres of forest that will provide a permanent green space along Highway 28 near Brushy Face. Wycliffe and Marie Haynes donated the eight acre Eskrigge Creekside tract that includes a portion of Clear Creek. R.B. Haynes donated a stellar piece of property just below World’s End called the Eskrigge Beautiful View. Both of these properties are contiguous with HCLT’s existing holdings on Satulah Mountain. Please thank and congratulate these folks if you should see them for their contributions that help to protect the “Places we all Love.” Remember to help the Land Trust celebrate one hundred years of conserving land in 2009. To find out more about this celebration or anything else about us go to www.hicashlt.
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Philanthropy
The Forever Farm Endowment Contributed by Kathy Bub, Director
CHARLIE: Blinded by the neglect of treatment for “dr y eye,” Charlie has an aggressive attitude due to insecurity, and will probably never find a new home.
MIRACLE is one of our special, lifelong residents of the Forever farm. Stricken at birth with cerebellar hypoplasia, this happy, other wise healthy cat requires daily human care to sur vive.
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ver the past five years, Friends for Life has worked hard to develop the Forever Farm, a lifelong sanctuary for senior and special needs animals. Although we work hard to find homes for all the dogs and cats that we rescue, the reality is that many will need to make our sanctuary their home for the rest of their lives. We have made a commitment to these special animals to care for each of them as we would our own loved ones and to ensure that they are free from suffering of any kind--hunger, discomfort, disease, or loneliness. In addition to providing for their daily needs - it is essential that we plan for their futures, as we would our own. Thanks to the thoughtful bequest of a very special supporter, we have been able to establish The Forever Farm Endowment. We know that the compassionate woman who left Friends for Life this special gift would applaud our use of these funds. Our goal is to grow this special endowment and use only the income
as a perpetual resource to sustain the Forever Farm. It is our sincere hope that other “friends” who support our mission will help us provide a secure future to the residents of the Forever Farm by directing their tax deductible donations to this endowment. We are extremely fortunate to have another “friend,” Jon Randolph Green, MBA,CPA,CFP, JD, president of Encompass Advisors, in Brevard, North Carolina, to manage this important endowment. Jon was selected as one of America’s Top Financial Planners Specializing in Retirement Income Planning in 2007 and 2008, by The Consumers Research Council of America, and is a member of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). With thirtyfive years of experience in finance and investments, Jon, who has graciously waived his management fees, will help our endowment funds grow to provide the security so important for the Forever
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Farm. Jon and his wife Susan became staunch supporters of Friends for Life after attending a Forever Farm Open House this past summer, and meeting the very special animals we care for. In fact, one wonderful doggie alumni, Benji, is now a member of the Green family. Jon sees the use of his talents in managing our endowment as a way he can show his compassion for all animals - especially the “forgotten ones” that reside at the Forever Farm. Please consider supporting Friends for Life, and the special animals we care for, by making a donation of cash or equities to our Forever Farm Endowment, or by including us in your planned giving. Questions concerning the endowment, or the donation of equities, can be directed to Jon Green, Encompass Advisors, at (828)884-8840. For information concerning Friends for Life or the Forever Farm, please call (828)5082460. Friends for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. n
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Philanthropy
School’s in at Carpe Diem Farms
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xcitement fills the air every afternoon at Carpe Diem Farms when Highlands’ School junior, Beverly Nix, and her interpreter, Karen Hasbrouck arrive at the stables. Beverly, a Scaly Mountain resident, is a enrolled in the Occupational Course of Study at the school. She attends morning classes: math, art 3 and teen apparel. In the afternoon her classroom is Carpe Diem Farms; the stables, horses, grooming, training and riding. As she said in her own words, “It’s fun to get dirty at CDF school. I don’t have to worry about how I look!” The horses don’t judge you, Blair teaches her students. It is the equines who have the lessons--we have to follow their lead to become more sensitive peo-
Contributed by Sue M. Blair, Executive Director Carpe Diem Farms ple. Everything looks ‘bigger’ issues to older adults; arthrithrough the eyes of a horse... tis, stiffness, aches and pains. their fears, their joys. If we Teaching the Tellington-Jones learn their incredible observa- method called TTouch is a tion skills, their family struc- way to make the horse more ture and their gentleness we comfortable in their bodies. It can become more understand- is a massage therapy of sorts for animals. Beverly will also ing, compassionate citizens. As an intern at CDF Bev- have an opportunity to experierly will learn from the ground ence our equine chiropractor, up how to care for all the horse Dr. Gaile Daley work on the and stable needs. The cur- horses. “My goal,” said Blair, riculum Blair is sharing with “is to give Beverly options for Nix includes being exposed her future; she has expressed to every aspect of horseman- interest in including horses ship: feeding, healthcare, in her career path. There are equipment (tack) mainte- several avenues available and nance, ground work as well as I would like to expose her to riding. It is a comprehensive as many as I can.” Beverly has been interapproach to learning. With nine horses at CDF someone ested in horses since her first has an issue from cuts and ride at five years old. When bruises to sore feet, shoul- she was nine her family gave ders, knees. Just like people, her Dandy, a quarter horse the older horses have similar who is now twenty-eight. She
added a ten-year-old paint, TBone two years ago. She is responsible for their daily care. Nix credits many for helping her learn and is excited to be improving her horse sense and skills as a part of her school studies. Sue notes, “Beverly is a natural with the horses. She is very observant and senses their emotions and their needs. I am thrilled to have this opportunity because I know that she will teach me to heighten my own skills. She and Karen are teaching me some sign language - an added bonus!” We’ll keep you posted on her progress. If you have any questions for Beverly please email us at info@carpediemfarms.org. n
Humane Society needs Foster Parents A
Contributed by Cassie Welsh, Executive Director of Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
t some point in time, nearly every animal shelter feels the pinch of too many animals and not enough space. Because our shelter is licensed and regulated by the State, we can only accommodate a certain number of dogs and cats. To meet the current increase in strays and surrenders, we are developing a foster parent network to provide temporary homes for some of the animals in our care, as well as others on our waiting lists. Fostering an animal-dog, cat, puppy or kitten--is not only beneficial to us, but more importantly it is beneficial to the animal. The animal gets to experience a home
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environment and more socialization and training on a one-on-one basis. For some of the animals that have been in our shelter for more than a year, going to a foster home is like a mini vacation. Fostering can also be very rewarding to the foster “parent” on a number of levels. Some people may want to volunteer directly, but don’t have the time to do so in the shelter. Others may want to experience the joy of a companion animal in their home, but are not ready for the longterm commitment of adoption. As a foster parent, you supply the home and attention and we supply the food, bedding and any veterinary
care. All foster parents must complete an application form and assessment by our staff to determine suitability for a placement. For more information about our foster parent network, contact us by mail at CHHS, PO Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717; call (828) 743-5752; or visit our website at www.chhumanesociety. org. You can also drop by and visit any Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society (CHHS) is a private, no-kill shelter, totally funded by donations and grants. All donations are tax deductible. n
March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
Buck, a two-year old mountain feist/boxer mix, is one of several friendly dogs in our shelter that would love the individual attention and companionship of a foster parent.
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Philanthropy
Mountaintop Rotary
T
he Highlands Mountaintop Rotary club recently presented a check to Highlands School Principal Brian Jetter and second grade teacher Melanie Miller. The check is to help purchase printer ink cartridges for the Elementary school teachers. The Elementary school teachers are responsible for buying their own ink cartridges for use in the classroom and since hundreds of sheets are printed each week for classroom use, the costs can add up. Mrs. Miller said that this check would allow each Elementary teacher to purchase three printer cartridges each. The two fifth grade classes taught by Mrs. Archer and Mrs. Hedden will use their portion of the check towards an annual fifth grade class trip to Charleston, SC. The Mountaintop club has also started a monthly food drive for the Food Pantry. The Food Pantry is run by the Highlands United Methodist Church in conjunction with the International Friendship Center. Mountaintop Rotarian Debbie Grossman is also the Chair of the International Friendship Center Board and a shopper for the food pantry. She says some of the staples always needed are vegetable oil, sugar, rice, beans and canned fruit. Drop off points for the food include Fressers Eatery, The Highlands United Methodist Church and the IFC office at the Peggy Crosby Center. The Highlands Mountaintop Rotary is always looking for community service projects and several Mountaintop Rotarians volunteer and work with different non-profit groups throughout the Highlands-Cashiers community. But, in addition to great volunteers what non-profit groups need to keep them going is money. Because of this the Highlands Mountaintop Rotary recently made several donations to non-profit groups. These include the Literacy Council, the Community Care Clinic, the Food Pantry, Highlands Community Child Development Center, International Friendship Center, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society and Carpe Diem Farms. The Highlands Mountaintop Rotary meets every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Highlands Community Center. Visitors are welcome. n
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www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
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A Gift that Keeps on Giving
Philanthropy
Contributed by Laura Millar
W
hen someone reaches out to help another, the effects of that generosity ripple out into the whole community. One such example is a young student who has received tutoring from the Literacy Council to improve her reading skills. This student, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been tutored by Beverly Cone, a retired teacher and volunteer tutor for the Literacy Council who dedicates four afternoons a week to teach students using the Wilson Reading System, a detailed phonics-based approach to reading that is especially helpful for struggling readers. This student has improved her reading skills so much that she has agreed, with Beverly’s encouragement, to visit the residents of Chestnut Hill’s Assisted Living Center to read to them. Reading aloud is perhaps the most intimidating task for students with limited reading ability, yet this student has been able to share her new reading skills with confidence, and bring a little extra joy into the lives of the Chestnut Hill residents. She began visiting Chestnut Hill last December, reading a simple storybook, but her confidence with reading has so improved that she wanted to return with a harder chapter book. The residents of Chestnut Hill were delighted as she relayed the storyline of the book and read selected passages aloud. New friends were made by all, including one very friendly toy poodle named Buster, as shown in the photo. The Chestnut Hill residents were amazed at the progress this student has shown since her last visit in December, and everyone is looking forward to her next visit, especially Buster. An act of generosity can take many forms, enriching the lives of both giver and recipient, but it does not stop there. A giving spirit and a love of learning that is shown by all the volunteer tutors at the Literacy Council not only improves the confidence level (and chances for future success) of the students who are directly involved, but also benefits the community as a whole. Because of this type of generosity, a young girl who would not otherwise have had the confidence or desire to read aloud has brightened the lives of others and made some new friends, including one very exuberant little dog. n
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March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
71
Philanthropy
Highlands Rotary Club, Troop 207 Partner in Bingo Contributed by W. Slocum Howland, Jr.
H
ighlands Rotar y and Highlands Boy Scout Troop 207 will hold a Bingo Evening on Thursday, April 2nd at the Highlands Community Building. Rotar y was a founding sponsor of Troop 207 and has been a Troop 207 benefactor since Scouting began in Highlands. Troop 207 has undergone a tremendous resurgence in the last year as the number of Scouts has increased to fifteen. Much of the credit for the growth of the Troop is due to the work of Cub Scout Masters Phil Potts and Tay Bronaugh as their Cub Scouts have progressed to Boy Scouts, new Scout Master Rick Demetriou and the energy of High-
72
lands Rotarians Thomas Craig, Mike Murphy, Paul Schmitt and Buck Trott. Boy Scouts and Cub
Scouts have ser ved refreshments at Rotar y Bingo events and benefited from the tips and occasionally
www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
from Bingo winners who gave their winnings to the Scouts. Rotar y Bingo helped cover many funding needs of the Scouts. Rotar y and Troop 207 will be partners in this Bingo event with all of the proceeds going to the Boy Scouts. Highlands Rotar y, as a licensed Bingo operator, must offer half of the receipts to Bingo players and the other half to a qualifying non-profit organization, in this case, Troop 207. Scouting is an investment in our future and Highlands Rotar y is honored to help Scouting - we hope that you’ll make a donation to Scouting or come to Bingo on April 2nd - if you do, “Be Prepared.” n
Philanthropy
Friends of Panthertown Awarded Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Area Grant T he Blue Ridge National Heritage Area recently announced 19 grants totaling more than $250,000 in funding designed to preserve and promote Western North Carolina’s heritage. The Friends of Panthertown were awarded $7,500 for the development of a trail guide and interpretive signage for Panthertown Valley. Panthertown has garnered many accolades as a unique landscape unparalleled in North Carolina and is designated as a Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Site and Mountain Treasure Area for its outstanding geologic formations, forests, streams and native plant life. Each year, numerous visitors get lost trying to navigate
the network of trails and old logging roads that traverse the 6,300 acres, reports Nina Elliott, the Friends of Panthertown coordinator. “We’ve received repeated requests to map and mark trails in Panthertown Valley.” The purpose of the Panthertown Trail Project is to improve safety and make the area more navigable for visitors unfamiliar with the rugged terrain. Elliott adds, “Mapping and marking trails will direct visitors to favorite destinations without getting lost, and if someone should get injured, EMS will be able to locate and evacuate victims quickly.” The Friends of Panthertown are currently working with the US Forest Service
to create a map of the of the trail system, develop a signage plan, and install bulletin boards and interpretive signs at trailheads displaying the trail map and information about the history, geology, native flora and fauna in Panthertown. But there’s one catch: an additional $11,500 is needed to complete the Panthertown Trail Project. Anyone interested is urged to make a tax-deductible contribution to help the Friends of Panthertown raise the remaining funds to complete this project. Donations can be made online at www.j-mca.org or by contacting Nina Elliott at (828) 526-9938 or friends.of.panther town@ gmail.com. n
March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
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Philanthropy
S
Center for Life Enrichment
igns of spring are all around us. Trees are budding out; crocuses are peeking through the snow and businesses on Main Street are freshening up their store fronts. In addition the folks at The Center for Life Enrichment are busily preparing the class brochures for the 2009 season for mailing on April 1st. Remember that resolution you made last year when you couldn’t get into some of your most desired classes? You vowed to register early before all the spaces were filled. Members at the Benefactor, Patron or President’s Circle levels have class schedules mailed out on April 1st. Other CLE members will be mailed their schedules on April 15th while the general public will not receive their schedules
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by Wiley Sloan
until May 1st. When will you receive yours? With more than sixty classes in a wide variety of topics, there are many sessions that you will want to attend. Plan to go with us to Winston Salem to visit Reynolda, the home of R.J. Reynolds, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Old Salem,
Koerner’s Folly and Replacements Limited. Stay current on the Middle East with Sandra Mackey. You don’t want to miss three of the favorite professors from WCU including Jim Costa of Highlands Biological Station, Dr. Terry Neinhuis with lectures on Hamlet and a special day on understanding movies and
www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
Dr. Brian Railsback lecture series. Need to brush up on your bridge, or learn more about digital photography or your computer? Want to hone up on your gardening or entertaining skills? Over 60 lectures are planned so join early to receive the information. Renew your membership now so that you will be one of the first people to get the CLE class brochure. Membership at the President’s Circle, the Patron or the Benefactor level entitles you to get your brochure early. For more information contact CLE at (828)526-8811, Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., or e-mail them at clehighlands@ yahoo.com and they will send you a registration form. Mail your check to CLE at P. O. Box 2046, Highlands, 28741. n
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Philanthropy
W
Who’s in the Trenches?
e are. The JacksonMacon Conservation Alliance’s mission states that J-MCA is a grass roots conservation organization that addresses environmental issues affecting the Highlands-Cashiers area through education, advocacy, hands-on initiatives and collaboration with like-minded organizations. J-MCA is your local broad based environmental organization that addresses the wide range of issues our mountain communities face everyday. Admittedly there are other organizations local, regional or even national that focus on environmental education, land preservation or other nature-based issues. None are positioned to speak for our local environment, address problems and seek
Contributed by David M. Bates, Executive Director
out solutions to these thorny community issues. J-MCA stands out as the advocate for responsible and sustainable use, allowing protection of the diverse and sensitive ecosystem here on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau. Today it is even more important to protect our mountains and the environment that drew many people here. Unfortunately, consumptive American lifestyles have made people “ecological debtors” using more resources than are available and making us dependent upon foreign resources, which further damages the environment locally and worldwide. Our natural resources are threatened and we must be pro-active in protecting them. Land-disturbing activi-
ties, unclean water and air, and species loss are a few of the critical issues on which attention must be focused. These issues require an advocate to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. In doing so, J-MCA calls attention to balancing human activities with protection of the natural environment. It also takes people working together with innovative ideas and a passion to protect our natural resources. J-MCA believes that by actively promoting sustainable living, conservation practices, and igniting citizens in public participation on issues affecting this unique natural environment, our mountain communities will be here for future generations. Don’t you want to be a
part of protecting our natural heritage? J-MCA invites you to get involved seeking what our vision statement says: A plateau with a high-quality natural environment--with clean streams and air and abundant forest and wildlife, and on which public and private decisions are grounded in a caring concern for the environment. Fun and educational events planned for this year are the Earth Day Celebration in the Mountains (April 25th), Mountain Wilderness & Wildlife Days (July 17th and 18th), and the Green Living Fair 2009 (July 24th25th ). For information on these events and other programs and projects, visit us on line at www.j-mca.org, or email mailto:jmca@dnet.net jmca@dnet.net. n
call for assistance
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Looking to build a new home or paint an existing one? Looking for a vacation getaway or help with relocating? Check out the Laurel’s new ServiCe DireCtory located on page 77. March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
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Business Spotlight
Photography By Annell Receives 2008 Best of Charlotte Award
Helping Out
T
he remarkable talents of photographer Annell K. Metsker have been recognized by the US Local Business Association. Her studio, Photography By Annell, has been selected for the 2008 Best of Charlotte Award in the Photographers category by the USLBA. The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. Annell’s artistic approach in photographing each client allows her to delve into the heart and soul of each child and to create something unique with each one. She does not work with a formula but rather approaches each session by observing her subjects and capturing their natural expressions. Her specialty is heirloom wall portraits of children and families. A personal consultation is the first step in Annell’s creation process. It allows her to get acquainted and discuss personalities and interests in order to create a unique portrait. n
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www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
D
wight Bryant of Bryant Art Glass called on some friends to ensure that the Highlands Emergency Council could extend Christmas cheer to everyone in the community. Dwight turned his shop into an official food collection station for donations to the council. In addition, he donated proceeds from his gallery’s sales to the council. Helping Dwight in his mission were Cathy Ellis, Mark Ellis, and Sean Dobruck, of New Mountain Events. They presented the Emergency Council with a lavish fruit basket that surely brightened Christmas for a council client. n
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Ser vices architects
granite fabricator Service Directory
painting
cabinet design
gutter services
concierge services
lodging
real estate
construction
mortgage services
web design
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www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2008 March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
77 77
Index of Advertisers Accommodations The Chambers Agency www.chambersagency.net Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins www.firemt.com www.hummingbird-realty.com Hummingbird Realty The Lodge on Mirror Lake www.thelodgeonmirrorlake.com Old Edwards Inn - The Farm www.oldedwardsinn.com Whiteside Cove Cottages
Page 8 Page 6 Page 61 Page 77 Page 4 Page 59
Antiques & Home Furnishings Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 19 Bryant Art Glass www.bryantartglass.com Page 17 Page 82 Cashiers Customs Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 24, 34A Page 34A Into the Woods Home Interiors Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 6 www.therusticcabin.com Page 20 The Rustic Cabin The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 17 Page 63 Vivianne Metzger Appliances Wilson Gas
www.wilsongas.com
Architects Joel Laseter, Architect
Page 54 Page 77
Art Galleries/Artists The Bascom www.thebascom.org Blue Valley Gallery Bryant Art Glass www.bryantartglass.com Celebrate Clayton www.celebrateclayton.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Marge Rohrer Originals www.margerohrerdesigns.com Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Nora & Co. www.noraandcompany.com Summit One Gallery www.summitonegallery.com Banks/Mortgage Companies Carolina Mortgage Macon Bank www.maconbank.com Bedding Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.net Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Lenz Gifts
Pages 42, 54 Page 50 Page 17 Page 46 Page 34A Page 74 Page 6 Page 24 Page 29 Page 77 Page 73 Page 72 Page 24, 34A Page 81
Schmitt Builders www.schmittbuilders.com Srebalus Construction Co. Sweetwater Builders www.sweetwaterbuilders.com www.warthconstruction.com Warth Construction Cabinetry Cashiers Customs Highlands Cabinet Company www.therusticcabin.com The Rustic Cabin Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath
Page 61 Page 3 Page 49 Page 18A Page 82 Pages 9, 77 Page 20 Pages 8
Cards The Corner Store www.thedrysink.com The Dry Sink
Page 24 Page 8
Caterers Fressers Eatery www.fresserseatery.com Rib Shack
Page 37 Page 37
Chambers of Commerce Cashiers Chamber of Commerce
www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com
Page 34A
Churches Estatoah Wayfarers Chapel Unity Center
Page 54
Cloth/Material Wilhite’s of Walhalla
Page 63
Clothing & Accessories Bear Mountain Outfitters Page 18B Cabin Casuals Page 19 Marge Rohrer Originals www.margerohrerdesigns.com Page 74 McCulley’s Pages 7, 38, 52 Mountain House & Mountain Style Page 15 Nora & Co. www.noraandcompany.com Page 24 VC for Men Page 9 Victoria’s Closet Page 9 Vivace Page 58 Coffee Shops Tommy’s Coffee Shop
Page 37
Comforters Blue Ridge Bedding
www.blueridgebedding.net
Page 72
Communities The Preserve at Rock Creek
www.PreserveAtRockCreekNC.com Page 34A
Bird Seed/Bird Houses The Bird Barn
Page 3
Bird Supplies The Bird Barn
Concierge Services Highlands Concierge
Page 77
Page 3
Books Soul Journey
Page 63
Condiments The Hen House The Speckled Hen
Page 3, 18B Page 3, 18B
Construction Companies Larry Rogers Construction
Page 67
Builders Arrowood Construction Koenig Homebuilders Lupoli Construction MossCreek Designs 78
www.arrowoodconstruction.com www.koenighomebuilders.com www.LupoliConstruction.com www.MossCreek.net
Page 9 Page 59 Page 14 Pages 5, 45
Cosmetic Surgery Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D.
www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
www.PlasticSurgeryToday.com
Page 8
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Index of Advertisers Custom Cabinetry Cashiers Customs The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath
Page 82 Page 20 Page 8
Custom Countertops Mountain Granite Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath
Page 33 Page 8
Custom Furniture Cashiers Customs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Dutchman’s Designs The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com www.summerhousehighlands.com The Summer House
Page 82 Page 74 Page 20 Page 17
Dentists Dr. Joe Wilbanks
Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 74 Page 3, 18B The Hen House Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 34A Page 81 Lenz Gifts Mountain House & Mountain Style Pages 15 Nora & Co. www.noraandcompany.com Page 24 www.therusticcabin.com Page 20 The Rustic Cabin Soul Journey Page 63 Page 3, 18B The Speckled Hen Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com Page 84 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 17 Glass/Window Supplies The Glass Shoppe www.glasshoppe.com Highlands Doors & Windows, Etc.
Page 53 Page 52
Page 21
Empathic Consultation Bob Goldberg, C.HT, R.M.
Golf Cars Appalachian Golf Cars
Page 44
Page 58
Event Planning Dutchman’s Designs
www.dutchmansdesigns.com
Page 74
Gourmet Foods Basketcase www.basketcasegourmetgifts.com Page 37 The Hen House Page 3, 18B The Speckled Hen Page 3, 18B
Events The Bascom Celebrate Clayton Highlands Community Players
www.thebascom.org Pages 42, 54 www.celebrateclayton.com Page 46 www.highlandscommunityplayers.org Page 42
www.comprehensive-dentistry.com
Fabric/Upholstery Into the Woods Home Interiors Wilhite’s of Walhalla
Page 34A Page 63
www.appalachiangolfcars.com
Green Supplies Whole Life Supply
Page 60
Gutters D.P. Gutters
Page 77
Hair Salons The Spa at Old Edwards Inn
www.oldedwardsinn.com
Page 4
Feng Shui Nellis Realty
www.nellisrealtyandcommunities.com Page 76
Hardware/Building Supply Highlands Doors & Windows, Etc
Page 52
Florists Dutchman’s Designs
www.dutchmansdesigns.com
Heating and Air Madco
Page 62
Page 74
Furniture Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.net Page 72 Cashiers Customs Page 82 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 24, 34A Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 34A The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 20 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 17
Home Accessories The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com Page 51 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 24, 34A The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Page 8 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 74 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 34A Lenz Gifts Page 81 Mountain House & Mountain Style Page 15 The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com Page 20 Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com Page 84 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 17
Furniture Refinishing Furniture Barn
www.thefurnitureman.com
Page 60
Gas Companies Wilson Gas
www.wilsongas.com
Page 54
Inspirational Items Soul Journey
Page 37 Page 19 Page 17 Page 82 Page 81 Page 24 Page 8
Interior Design & Home Furnishings Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com The Decorative Touch www.thedecorativetouch.com www.detailsofcashiers.com Details of Cashiers Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Ken & Kerri Designs
Gift Shops Basketcase www.basketcasegourmetgifts.com Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Bryant Art Glass www.bryantartglass.com Cashiers Customs Cashiers Valley Pharmacy The Corner Store The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com
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March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
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Index of Advertisers Mountain House & Mountain Style Peter J. Pioli Interiors Raffa Design Associates www.raffadesignassociates.com www.therusticcabin.com The Rustic Cabin The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com
Page 15 Page 38 Page 53 Page 20 Page 17
Painters D.P. Painting Fresh Look
Page 77 Page 77
Jewelry Basketcase www.basketcasegourmetgifts.com www.stonelantern-highlands.com Stone Lantern Vivace
Paint & Decorating Highlands Decorating Center
Page 38
Page 37 Page 84 Page 58
Permanent Makeup Beauty Secrets
Page 50
Kitchen Accessories Cashiers Customs www.thedrysink.com The Dry Sink The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com
Page 82 Page 8 Page 20 Page 17
Pet Supplies The Bird Barn
Page 3
Pharmacies Cashiers Valley Pharmacy
Page 81
Picture Framing Creative Framing
Page 63
Knives The Dry Sink
www.thedrysink.com
Page 8
Landscaping Waterfall Creations & Native Landscapes Page 6 Lighting Cashiers Customs Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Lenz Gifts Mountain House & Mountain Style The Rustic Cabin www.therusticcabin.com
Page 82 Page 74 Page 34A Page 81 Page 15 Page 20
Massage Therapy The Spa at Old Edwards Inn Tranquility Cove Massage
www.oldedwardsinn.com www.tranquilitycovemassage.com
Page 4 Page 58
Mattresses Blue Ridge Bedding
www.blueridgebedding.net
Page 72
Medical Services Rabun Medical Center
Page 14
Museums Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass
Page 6
Nail Care Mountain Rayz. Nailz www.myhandsandfeet.com The Spa at Old Edwards Inn www.oldedwardsinn.com
Page 49 Page 50 Page 4
Needlework Supplies Needlepoint of Highlands
Page 19
Office Supplies Highlands Office Supply
Page 44
Organic Supplies Whole Life Supply
Page 60
Outdoor Adventures Nantahala Outdoor Center
Page 63
80
www.noc.com
www.highlandsdecorating.com
Plastic Surgery Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D.
www.PlasticSurgeryToday.com
Porch and Patio The Summer House
www.summerhousehighlands.com
Page 8 Page 17
Pottery The Bird Barn The Hen House The Speckled Hen
Page 3 Page 3, 18B Page 3, 18B
Pressure Washing D.P. Painting
Page 77
Produce Whole Life Supply
Page 60
Propane Wilson Gas
www.wilsongas.com
Page 54
Radio Stations WALH FM 95.1/Wolf AM WCQS WHLC FM 104.5
www.thewolfam.com www.wcqs.com www.whlc.com
Page 67 Page 63 Page 51
Rafting Nantahala Outdoor Center
www.noc.com
Page 63
Real Estate Sales Betsy Paul The Chambers Agency Country Club Properties Harry Norman, Realtors - Pat Allen Hummingbird Realty John Cleaveland Realty Marty Jones McKee Properties Nellis Realty Preferred Properties - Ann Scott The Preserve at Rock Creek Prestige Realty Group
www.betsypaulproperties.com Pages 23, 77 www.chambersagency.net Page 8 www.ccphighlandsnc.com Page 2 www.highlandsrealestate.com Page 16 www.hummingbird-realty.com Page 61 www.jcrealty.com Page 30 www.martyjonesrealty.com Page 71 www.mckeeproperties.com Page 83 www.nellisrealtyandcommunities.com Page 76 www.ppoh.com Page 14 www.PreserveAtRockCreekNC.com Page 34B wwww.highlandsncproperty.com Page 49
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Index of Advertisers Signature Properties
www.sigpropnc.com
Page 12
Remodeling Fresh Look
Page 77
Restaurants Highlands-Cashiers Directory Café 107 www.fresserseatery.com Fressers Eatery Mama G’s Nick’s Fine Foods www.nicksfinefoods.com www.oakstreetcafeinhighlands.com Oak Street Café Rib Shack Wild Thyme Gourmet Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro www.wolfgangs.net Yati’s International Bistro Zeke and Earl’s
Page 36 Page 24 Page 37 Page 37 Page 35 Page 37 Page 37 Page 6 Page 5 Page 19 Page 37
Spas Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. The Spa at Old Edwards Inn
www.PlasticSurgeryToday.com www.oldedwardsinn.com
Page 8 Page 4
Tanning Mountain Rayz
Page 49
Telephone Books Yellowbook
www.yellowbook.com
Page 54
Theatre Highlands Community Players
www.highlandscommunityplayers.org Page 42
Toys The Corner Store The Toy Store
Page 24 Page 49
Page 34A
Tree Service Ellenburgs Tree Service
Page 58
Page 4
Underdecking Mountain Country Builders
Page 70
Screen Services Michael’s Screen Service
Page 76
Web Sites Brothers Web
Page 77
Shipping Services Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship
Page 9
Wedding Planning Old Edward Inn - The Farm
www.oldedwardsinn.com
Page 4
Shoes Bear Mountain Outfitters
Page 18B
Wines & Accessories Highlands Wine & Cheese
www.highlandswine.com
Page 51
Shutters & Blinds Into the Woods Home Interiors
Page 34A
Woodworking Mountain Woodworks and Metal
Rugs Into the Woods Home Interiors Salon Services The Spa at Old Edwards Inn
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www.oldedwardsinn.com
March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
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www.themountainlaurel.com • March 2009
March 2009 • www.themountainlaurel.com
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