March2011

Laurel thelaurelmagazine.com

March 2011

Your Guide To The Finest In Highlands And Cashiers

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

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Publisher’s Note

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CONTENTS

fter what has seemed like weekend upon weekend of winter, March is finally here! The air is still a bit chilly, but the very thought of the coming Spring, the return of our friends and neighbors and the beginning of another season is already making us feel warmer.

While we’re looking for the tulips and crocuses to start dotting the landscapes with color, we also want to thank those of you who’ve wintered with us, it’s been fun trudging through the snow together. Wishing you a happy Spring and a successful new season. Thank you for making The Laurel a part of your lives.

Marjorie and Janet

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CONTENTS

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Visit

Village Walk Hwy. 107 South • Cashiers

10 10 ||Winter March 2011 2011 || www.thelaurelmagazine.com www.thelaurelmagazine.com

CONTENTS

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The Laurel Magazine • march 2011

Contents Events

14 • Harlem Ambassadors 16 • Chili Cook Off 20 • Highlands Cashiers Players 21 • Golf Tournament 22 • Relay for Life 24 • Professional Organization of Women 26 • Barn Dances at The Bascom 27 • Area Calendar

The Arts

28 • Cover Artist, Guy Fielding 30 • The Reluctant ‘Artiste’ 31 • Jennifer Beckles 32 • The Bascom News 35 • Benefit Art Raffle 36 • Art League of Highlands

History

Maps

18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map

44 • Highlands History 45 • Cashiers History

Dining

38 • King of the Mountain 40 • St. Patrick’s Day at Old Edwards Inn 42 • Dining Guide

Literary

44 • The Royal Scribblers, Charlene Homolka 45 • Bottled vs. Bona Fide

Volume Ten • Issue Two • www.thelaurelmagazine.com • 828-526-0173 email: editorial@themountainlaurel.com • P.O. Box 565 • Highlands, North Carolina 28741 12 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

The Laurel Magazine • march 2011

Staff Homes & Lifestyles

48 • A Heatherstone Estate 50 • Be Irish For a Day 52 • Life Under Construction

Giving Back

57 • Carpe Diem Farms 58 • Rotary Club of Highlands 60 • Center for Life Enrichment 60 • RGNS Students Give Back 62 • Forever Farm 62 • Leadership Highlands 63 • C-H Humane Society

Business Spotlight Janet Cummings, Managing Partner

Marjorie Fielding, Managing Partner

janet@ themountainlaurel.com

marjorie@ themountainlaurel.com

(828) 371-2689

(828) 371-2764

Michelle Munger, Art Director

Donna Rhodes, Writer

mungerclan5@aol.com

(828) 342-3551

donna847@ frontier.com

Luke Osteen, Writer

Wiley Sloan, Writer

dumbdogs@ earthlink.net

wileyandsarah@ nctv.com

56 • Drake’s Diamond Dare

Guides

18 • Highlands Map 34 • Cashiers Map 27 • Area Calendar 42 • Dining Guide 53 • Where’s the Water 54 • Service Directory 64 • Advertisers Index

Contributing Writers: Krysti Rogers, Jane Gibson Nardy, Cassie Welsh, Kathy Bub, Maryellen Lipinski, Elizabeth Fletcher, Sue Blair, Slocum Howland, Sandy Carlton, Brian Stiehler

Copyright © 2011 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

Harlem Ambassadors

by Luke Osteen

The Harlem Ambassadors will take on the Highlands Hometown Heroes at 7:00 p.m. March 7th at Highlands Rec Park. Tickets to this Rotary Club of Highlands – Mountaintop sponsored event are $7 for seniors and K-12 students ($5 in advance); and $10 for adults ($7 in advance).

Contest during half-time -- one lucky contestant drawn by raffle before half-time will attempt to win $10,000 using luck and skill to sink a hole in one. The raffle tickets are $5 each and may be purchased prior to the game at Harry Norman, Realtors.

Tickets to this Rotary Club of Highlands – Mountaintop sponsored game are $7 for seniors and K-12 students ($5 in advance); and $10 for adults ($7 in advance). You can buy advance tickets at Harry Norman Realtors, Stanberry Insurance, and First Citizens Bank.

The Ambassadors’ antics are only part of what they’ll be giving to the community. They’ll also be offering a special message to middle and elementary students at 1:00 p.m. at Highlands School.

These 10 professional basketball players, each a college graduate or working on their degree, will urge the students to believe in themselves, stay in school, pursue a higher education and stay away from drugs.

The assembly is sponsored by Highlands Presbyterian Church, and Robin and Randy Austin.

For a comprehensive list of area events and happenings visit www.highlands-cashierscalendar.com

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CONTENTS

W

hen the Harlem Ambassadors take on the Highlands Hometown Heroes at 7:00 p.m. March 7th at Highlands Rec Park, there’ll be plenty of laughs and a dazzling display of precision basketball skills (at least from the Ambassadors).

The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ballhandling tricks and hilarious comedy routines.

In addition to the comedy, the Ambassadors will deliver a positive message for local kids.

“At our shows, we want the kids to know that they’re part of our team too,” Coach Ladè Majic said. “We invite as many kids as we can to come sit on the bench, have a front row seat during the show, and get involved in all of the fun stuff we do.”

For the Highlands event, the Ambassadors have partnered with The Rotary Club of Highlands – Mountaintop to help raise funds for local and international Rotary Projects.

Harry Norman Realtors is sponsoring a $10,000 Hole-n-One Basketball

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Events

Chili Cook Off

by Luke Osteen

Highlands’ Annual Chili Cook-off will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12th, at the Community Building (Conference Center) and is sponsored by The Laurel Magazine.

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heat to this grayest month.

It’s a night of piquant experiences, music and dancing, and refreshments to match the excitement.

You’ll be treated to a full spectrum of culinary delights, ranging from the comfortable embrace of a down home corn bread recipe to a spoonful of chili that calls to mind a fire storm of biblical proportions. Add in music that demands a trip to the dance floor and you have the formula for an evening as irresistible as a neon “Good Food” sign blinking on a frigid winter’s night.

As for the lineup of the chilies themselves – it’s a palate-pleasing spectrum that ranges from the sublimely spiced to the tongue searing. There’ll be prizes awarded for Most Unusual, Hottest, and People’s Choice.

You’ll also be able to enjoy the entrants to the corn bread and salsa competitions. Mix in songs spun by DJ Mike Murphy, and it’s a recipe for the hottest night of the winter. To cool everything off, soft drinks, beer and wine will be served.

Tickets are $20 and will be sold at the door the

evening of the event. Children 12 and under get in for free.

If you’d like to participate, contact the Chamber at (828) 526-5841, or via email at visitor@highlandschamber.org for an entry form and instructions. You can also fax your request to (828) 526-5803.

If you have a can’t-miss chili, corn bread or salsa recipe, join the competition. It’s open to everyone.

And if your taste buds have gotten a little sleepy this winter, wake them up with this palate-challenging lineup.

CONTENTS

et’s face it – by the time March rolls around, we’re all a little desperate for a bit of spice. Winter’s gone on forever and the blush of color that was Valentine’s Day seems like a million years in the past.

That’s why the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Chili Cook Off, slated for 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12th, at the Community Building (Conference Center) is always such a welcome part of the social calendar.

The cook off brings more than a small measure of

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Accommodations

Signature Properties.............

Dutchman’s Designs..............

4-1/2 Street Inn .....................

Sundrops on Caney Fork.......

Hen House..............................

Colonial Pines Inn..................

Meadows Mtn. Realty............

Highlands Emporium............

Inn at Half Mile Farm............

Highlands Wine and Cheese.

Whiteside Cove Cottages......

Restaurant

Lindy’s ....................................

Mountain Brook Cottages.....

Fressers / Fressers Express.

Martha Anne’s........................

Pescados.................................

Peak Experience....................

Arts

The Brick Oven......................

Radio Shack............................

Bryant Art Glass....................

Wild Thyme Gourmet...........

Scudders.................................

John Collette Fine Art...........

Wolfgang’s Restaurant &

The Summer House...............

Laurel Magazine.....................

Wine Bistro.............................

Whole Life Market.................

Mill Creek Gallery & Framing ..

Highlands Fine Art ...............

Marge Rohrer Originals........

Retail

Highland Hiker.......................

Greenleaf Gallery...................

Alyxandra’s ............................

Mirror Lake Antiques............

Real Estate

Cabin Casuals.........................

Services

Country Club Properties.......

Christmas Tree ....................

Creative Concepts Salon.......

Harry Norman Realtors........

Cyrano’s ................................

Highlands Visitors Center.....

John Cleaveland Realty..........

Drake’s Diamond Gallery ....

Warth Construction...............

Nellis Realty...........................

Dry Sink..................................

Tranquility Cove Massage....

View the Highlands, North Carolina interactive map at www.thehighlandsmap.com for addresses, phone numbers and website links to local businesses.

To promote your business in both the print version and on-line Highlands map for only $20 per month, email marjorie@themountainlaurel.com.

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CONTENTS

Bear Mountain Outfitters......

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Events

Highlands Cashiers Players

Pictured: Laura Zepeda and Stuart Armor in rehearsal “You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running” continues at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center March 4th-6th.

For more information, call (828) 526-8084.

T

he Highlands Cashiers Players launch the New Year with Robert Anderson’s “You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running,” at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, continuing March 4th-6th.

The show is a collection of four one-act comedies. Each act directed by four different accomplished directors: Kathryn Cochran, Mary Adair Leslie, Donna Cochran, and Annette Coleman.

The different acts also cover a range of topics: a director and producer’s difference of opinion on stage nudity; a couple shopping for twin beds after 25 years of marriage; parents discussing the sex-education of their almost adult children; and an elderly couple with memory problems trying in vain to recall their earlier relationships.

It’s an insightful and humorous examination of the clash of traditional thought with modern, sometimes jarring, ideas.

As the plays unfold, their simple premises reveal powerful undercurrents. Some relationships are strengthened, others collapse and some emerge in a new guise.

Since its founding in 1995, Highlands Cashier Players has drawn on the twin communities’ marvelous pool of talent to provide fresh, challenging and always entertaining local theatre. Its fall, winter and spring productions have proved to be immensely popular and its Christmas Readings are a cherished part of the Highlands-Cashiers Holiday Calendar.

Tickets are $20. For information or reservations, call (828) 526-8084. The Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center is located on Chestnut Street in Highlands.

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CONTENTS

Events

Annual Rotary Golf Tournament

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ave the date, May 9th, 2011, for a day of golf at one of our area’s premier golf courses. The Rotary Club of Highlands is proud to announce their 22nd annual Rotary Golf Tournament, held this year at Highlands Country Club. This event will be one of the highlights of the golf season in the mountains. A morning shotgun start, which includes lunch and on course beverages will be followed afterwards by a awards ceremony.

One hundred percent of the money generated by this tournament goes to our local community. With this event the Rotary Club of Highlands continues its long tradition of community service, involvement and volunteerism. Over the past years this tournament has generated more than $100,000 which has been used by The Rotary Club of Highlands to support funding for numerous community needs.

These have included an annual monetary supplement for the teachers at the Highlands school, as well as funds for the Peggy Crosby Center, the library, the student foreign exchange program, the literacy council, our local Boy Scout troop, plus many other community projects and groups.

Gather your foursome and sign up for an afternoon of golf, fabulous mountain and lake views, followed by fellowship, cocktails and good food in a beautiful clubhouse. The realization that your generosity is helping our community will cancel out the frustration of any three putts and errant drives.

Registration for individual players is $150. Various combinations of individual and corporate sponsorships, individual hole sponsorships and player/sponsor combinations are available.

Applications for players, sponsors or both are available from Rotary member, Brian Stiehler, Chair of this years event. Don’t delay. Call Brian (828) 787-2778 soon. The tournament will be an early sell out.

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Events

Relay for Life of Highlands Contributed by Ellen Bauman

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elay for Life is an exciting local activity that is driven by teams from all walks of life.

Funds are raised both individually and as a group in many unique and fun activities both prior to and during Relay. The culmination of Relay is an overnight event where teams decorate their tents with a theme and celebrate survivors. It is filled with ongoing activities which energize the night as scores of people walk the track continuously during the night because “cancer never sleeps.”

This is a time of celebration where the entire com-

munity joins together to show their support for survivors and the fight against cancer while enjoying activities, entertainment, camaraderie, and food. At every Relay, new friends are made, old friends are hugged, and hearts are touched by the magic that is Relay. It is an event like no other.

The most inspiring moments of Relay center around the survivors who are honored guests. The Relay begins with the Survivor’s Victory Lap where they are cheered as they walk around the track. They are recognized in their own community and honored for their strength and per-

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severance.

When the sun goes down, hundreds of Luminaria -candle lit bags -- light the way under the stars to remember those lost to cancer, those who are currently battling, and those who have fought cancer and won. As everyone walks the track in silence there is time to reflect on dedicating ourselves to finding a cure. The Luminaria that light up the night symbolize the hope with which we all continue to fight.

This year’s Relay For Life of Highlands will be held at the Recreation Park starting at 6:00 p.m. on August 19th. Funds created through Relay For Life of

Highlands support your community. Through Relay, you will become more knowledgeable about cancer prevention and early detection. You will also learn more about the services available for cancer patients and their families as well as opportunities to become more involved.

Helps us make 2011 Relay bigger and better than ever. Luminaria forms are available by contacting Christine Murphy at murphycap@aol.com. or visit our Relay website at www. relayforlife.org/highlands for Luminaria forms and all our Relay information.

“CELEBRATE - REMEMBER - FIGHT BACK”

CONTENTS

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Events

Professional Organization of Women Contributed by Andrea M. Robe

H

ow does the professional woman shape her career growth, especially in this corner of Western North Carolina?

There is a need for professional women to come together to get a check up from the neck up. We need to make sure our careers and businesses are on track.

Professional Organization of Women will be delivering the food to feed the seeds of your business/career. As a professional organization, monthly trainings and quarterly workshops and expos on relevant topics will be held.

POW is the brainchild of Leesa McKeon, a special events and marketing professional; Beth McTaggart, a cer-

tified public accountant; and Andrea Robel, a financial and management consultant.

“During the course of the year, topics related to growing all the seeds of our careers and businesses will be covered,” says Leesa. “We’ll be addressing all aspects of management and leadership to help us move up in our career paths.

“This will not be a get-together to hear basic ‘feelgood’ topics or what is needed to start a business.

Organizations like Mountain Biz Works and SBTDC provide quality training to start businesses. We are going beyond entry level to discuss what is necessary to sustain our careers and/or businesses and to take them to the next lev-

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els.”

POW will explore the needs and concerns of medical professionals, lawyers, loan officers, realtors, CPAs, educators, and other professionals.

“There is a need to network among our peers to continue learning and strengthening our business and personal skills to continue growth,” says Leesa.

POW’s first meeting will be held on Thursday, March 3rd, at the Hilton Hotel of Biltmore Park in Asheville. “How to Understand and How to Clarify Personal and Organizational Strengths and Focus on the Solutions” will be presented by entrepreneur Alan Thomas.

Registration starts at 5:30

p.m. Dinner and program start promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required.

To register or for more information, call (877) 826-9620, visit www.powonline.net or email powinfo@onekate. com “As a nonprofit organization, POW will support battered women’s shelters to help women reenter the job market,” Leesa says. “As a fund raiser, we are sponsoring Success Outfitters http:// successoutfitters.org/ at our first meeting. We ask everyone to bring an outfit or items that women can wear to a job interview. These items will be used to provide women with limited resources appropriate clothing for a professional interview.”

CONTENTS

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Events

Scenes from Barn Dances at The Bascom

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n Saturday, January 22nd, the nostalgia of Highlands yesteryear came to life at The Bascom as they celebrated the service of our educators. The band ‘4118’ kept the crowd of 200 dancing and toes tapping.

February 26th was the second dance in the series of three.

March 26th concludes the Winter Dance series and will honor our veterans. Tickets are $5 at door.

The Barn Dances at The Bascom series is sponsored by The Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

To view more photos from the Barn Dances at The Bascom, visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra.

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CONTENTS

Events

Mark Your Calendar • Highlands Dialogue Discussions, 1011:30 a.m., Highlands Civic Center.

Tuesday, March 1 discussion features Robert E Smith: “Exploiting Doubt” from Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway. For more information, please e-mail John Gaston johngaston@ aol.com or Karen Hawk hwkncrw@ earthlink.net.

• Regional Art League’s Annual Exhibit, through April 2, The Bascom. Join us in celebrating the art and artists who offer a glimpse into the beauty of the plateau.

(828) 526-4949.

• Out Back and Down Under - recent photographic works by photographer Greg Newington, on display at The Bascom through March 25. Admission is free. (828) 526-4949.

• Bluegrass at The Ugly Dog Pub, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, Featuring Nitorgrass and Rebecca White, (828) 5268364.

• Professional Organization of Women Program, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 3, Hilton Hotel of Biltmore Park. Dinner/ Program: “How to Understand and Clarify Personal and Organizational Strengths and Focus on the Solutions”. Preregister at 1.877.826.9620.

• Trivia Night at The Ugly Dog Pub, 9 p.m., Thursday, March 3, (828) 526-8364.

• “You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running”, March 4-6, Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, Chestnut Street, Highlands, Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. Cost $20, (828) 526-8084.

• Saturday Art School, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Saturdays, March 5-April 9 (six-week sessions) $40 for 6-week session. The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• Art Cinema - Andy Warhol, Part 1, 2 p.m., Saturday March 5, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• King of the Mountain Chefs Challenge, 3-7:45 p.m., Saturday, March 5, at Cyprus Restaurant. Cost is $118 for the Chef’s Challenge and dinner, VIP counter seats are $159. For information and tickets to the event and/or dinner, call (828) 7872625.

• Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show, Monday, March 7, Highlands Civic Center, sponsored by the The Rotary Club of

Highlands-Mountaintop. Doors open for concessions at 6 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $5 Advanced $7 At Door for Seniors/Students K-12, $7 Advanced $10 At Door for Adults). Under 5 free.

• Mind and Body Detox Retreat, Thursday March 10, Old Edwards Inn and Spa, (866) 787-2625.

• Art Cinema - Andy Warhol, Part 2, 2 p.m., Saturday March 12, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• Highlands’ Annual Chili Cook-off, 6:309:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, Highlands Community Building (Conference Center) sponsored by The Laurel Magazine.

Tickets $20. Children 12 and under get in for free. (828) 526-5841.

• Relay for Life Kick-off, 6-9 p.m., Friday, March 18, Sapphire Community Center, Linda Henderson, (828) 743-3295.

• Acorns Spring Preview Open House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, March 26, (828) 787-1887.

• Winter Barn Dance, 7-10 p.m., The Bascom, Saturday, March 26, honoring our veterans, live entertainment and libations, cost $5, (828) 526-2112.

• Ceramics Open Studio, Mondays and Wednesdays, March 7-April 25, The Bascom. Tuition: $225 members/$250 non-members (includes one bag of clay).

(828) 526-4949.

• Girlfriend Weekend, Friday, March 11 thru Sunday, March 13. Spring Fashions (Spring Style) Fashion Show. For more information please call (828) 526-8008.

• Ceramics - Beyond Beginner, Saturdays, March 12-April 30, The Bascom. Tuition: $225 members / $250 non-members. Old Edwards Inn, (828) 526-4949.

• The Art of Centering, Tuesdays, March 15-May 3, The Bascom. Tuition: $195 members/$220 non-members, (828) 526-4949.

• Art Cinema -Framed, A Story of Art and Love, 2 p.m., Saturday March 19, The Bascom, (828) 526-4949.

• St. Patrick’s Wine Dinner at the Barn, Irish Feast and Party at The Farm, Saturday, March 19, Live Celtic Music

by The McRib Tips, All-Inclusive Dinner Party, $95, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, (828) 526-8008.

• In Your Own Skin - a 2.5 Day Full Immersion Spa Retreat, March 24-27, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, (828) 526-8008.

Weekly Events Every monday • After School Program for students K-3, 3-5 p.m., Literacy Council of Highlands, (828) 526-0925.

Every Tuesday • Highlands Rotary Club, meets noon, Highlands Community Center.

• After School Program, students grades 4 and up, 3-5 p.m., Literacy Council of Highlands, (828) 526-0925.

• Weight Watchers, Highlands Recreation Park, 5:30 p.m.

Every Wednesday • Highlands Mountaintop Rotary, 7:30 a.m., in the dining room at the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.

• 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.

• After School Program for students K-3, 3-5 p.m., Literacy Council of Highlands, (828) 526-0925.

Every Thursday • Free Spanish Lessons, 9-10 a.m., Literacy Council of Highlands, Peggy Crosby Community Center, (828) 5260925.

• After School Program, students grades 4 and up, 3-5 p.m., Literacy Council of Highlands, (828) 526-0925.

Every Friday • Highlands Historical Society Museum, open to public 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

See exhibits related to days in early Highlands, George Masa photographs; research family genealogy. Highlands Historic Village, 520 N. 4th St., Highlands, (828) 787-1050.

• Live Music at Hummingbird Lounge, 6 p.m.-close. Old Edwards Inn, (828) 787-2625.

Every Saturday • Highlands Historical Society Museum, open to public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Highlands Historic Village, 520 N. 4th St., Highlands, (828) 787-1050.

• Live Music at Hummingbird Lounge, 6 p.m.-close. Old Edwards Inn, (828) 787-2625.

For a comprehensive list of events, join www.highlands-cashierscalendar.com www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 27

The Arts

Cover Artist Guy Fielding

by Donna Rhodes

S

omewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

- Carl Sagan And Guy Fielding is waiting with his camera to shoot it! Fielding, an exquisite photographer, has a lot in common with Carl Sagan. They are both popularizers of science, having a mutual love of nature and the planet. And they have both used visuals to illustrate their message…

Sagan with moving pictures, Fielding with stills.

Fielding started out as a chemistry teacher. After all, the essence of life boils down to a cup of chemicals, and he likes under-

standing things from the inside-out. Where do we come from? Where are we going? To him life reveals itself in whatever occupational medium he works, whether it’s zeroing in on micro-elements, or, like Sagan, zooming out to the cosmos, or simply capturing an image of Spring’s first crocus right in his own backyard.

Work, play, and family connect seamlessly for Fielding. Everything just seems to fall in place.

Maybe his belief in karma plays a role in that. He says, “Whatever you throw out, it comes back. If you are throwing bad stuff,

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you better duck!” Fielding hasn’t had to duck that often. The things tossed to him seem to make him flourish.

And it doesn’t hurt to have a well-balanced left and right brain. Photography is a perfect match for his innate mastery of the artistic and the analytical.

He sees images from all angles, shifting with the light, tweaking the focus, and anticipating that prizewinning, shutter-click moment. He says, “I am always looking for the sweet spot to get the most of what I am there to do, whether it’s shooting a photo or just living my life.”

And there is a pinch of mischief in his soul. When a viewer looks closely at one of Fielding’s photos, he or she is likely to find a surprise, a little glimpse of something magical or mysterious, which prompts thought and question. The teacher in Fielding’s soul flourishes in or out of the classroom.

And it is that love of the mystifying, the eagerness for discovery, the waiting for something incredible to be at last known that stirs his spirit and fuels his fire to write and photograph and stitch together the technical and the natural.

CONTENTS

The Arts

To view more of Guy Fielding’s photography, visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra. www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 29

The Arts

The Reluctant ‘Artiste’ Contributed by Jan Zehr

Shown are works by Jan Zehr.

Susan Jaeger’s art classes are on Wednesdays. For more information, call Jan Zehr at (828) 342-6838.

L

ast winter Sue Blair persuaded me to go to an art class. Let me tell you, it was never something I had ever wanted to do. But, you know how winters are in a small town.

You have to do something besides eat. So why not?

My prior artistic endeavors involved drawing smiley faces when I complete a Sudoku puzzle and as a child, I could draw stick figures and outline houses.

I did not even stay in the lines with my crayons. Art was/is not my strong suit.

Reluctantly, I went to my first class at Chestnut Hill armed with a couple of pictures I liked and photo copies of them to mark on.

Susan Jaeger is the teacher (aka Miracle Worker). Being the meek, mild per-

son that I am, after initial greetings, informed her that I wasn’t sure this was for me and I wanted to try it without any investment in materials. As she patiently tried to teach me, very difficult for someone as opinionated as I am, I was astounded at what I could draw with her help.

It actually did look like the broad side of a barn! I confess that it took many classes and lots of generously given praise to finish it.

One year later, I have finished 12 paintings and I think I like the first one best! Of course, I did follow Susan’s suggestions more for that one. After the first two or three, the rest have been attempts of my own with the class and

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Susan rescuing them from total disaster. And one labeled, “I’ll finish it later”, a long time later!

About the class: We try to meet once a week on Wednesday mornings.

Since this can vary and we alternate meeting in two different places, we keep in touch via e-mail or phone.

You are drawing from your own picture, your own level of experience, and there is no “best of class.”

There is no structure, no lectures, or commitment to the class. Attend when your schedule allows.

Each person is taught from his or her own skill level, even if it is stick figures and smiley faces! If you are a beginner, Susan prefers that you start with pastel chalk. It is very for-

giving and did I mention, ERASABLE? If you have a preferred medium, she can continue teaching you in that. We have students in the class who use acrylics, watercolors, oils or pastels.

Some use all four mediums.

Some are excellent artists who need Susan’s expert, talented eye for advice on a “finished” painting to make it even better.

The classes run from three to four hours but coming late or leaving early can be accommodated since you work at your own pace, on your own project.

Class cost is from $20 - $30 per session. For more information and to receive the class schedule, call me, Jan Zehr (828) 342-6838 or email at jzehr@nctv.com Just do it!

CONTENTS

The Arts

Jennifer Beckles

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by Krysti Rogers

ighlands has always been known for its fabulous dining venues and also some stellar entertainment via the dramatic stage. Music has been another starstudded draw, with classical and contemporary artists all around, many quietly hanging out in day to day life, until the lights come on and the mics are hot.

Jennifer Ann Beckles is one of those such artists, part-timing in Atlanta and Highlands, carrying the music with her wherever she goes. Born July 20, 1956, in Guyana, South America, Jennifer grew up steeped in all things musical, beginning with the songs of Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holliday and Sarah Vaughan, for starters. Being a teen in New York City, she took her music roots and turned them into her own sound when she joined the rock band, “Amethyst.” As time went by, she began to take in the styles of more contemporary artists – a favorite being Sade – and began putting her musical interpretations into a soulful jazz sound that is hers and hers alone. Such soul can be taken in from both her international debut CD, “What You Can(t) Have,” and her more recent release, “Love Always Cries,” both projects created with her band, Xiomara and Friends.

Jennifer has shared the Atlanta stage with musicians including Bernard Linnette, Madoka Oshima, Ainsley Popwell, Robert Lewis, Luis Heriveaux, and Brandy Brewer, but her music has found a much broader audience than that. She’s shared her brand of soul with audiences up and down the East Coast, from New York to DC to Hilton Head, not to mention a westward swing over as far as Austin, Texas. Her most recent “gig” has been sharing the stage right here in Highlands alongside the band 4118 at venues including El Azteca, Cyprus and The Ugly Dog Pub. With the Highlands season just around the corner, you can be sure Jennifer will be making plans for some great shows showcasing her musical talents, as well as highlighting those of others. Stay in the know with the Laurel’s Events calendar at www.highlands-cashierscalendar.com for the next time Jennifer will be out and about. www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 31

The Arts

The Bascom

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ecades ago Highlands rocked the night away at Helen’s Barn. To revive the romance of those nostalgic nights, The Bascom is hosting a Winter Barn Dance, March 26th, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., The cost is $5.00 per ticket. Ray McPhail has organized Helen’s Barn style musicians and dancers to perform in honor of area veterans who have served our nation at home and abroad. Joining The Bascom in sponsoring this event are The Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Mountain Fresh Grocery, Ugly Dog Pub and Sam Call Productions.

Currently in the main gallery, The Bascom is hosting the annual Regional Art

by Donna Rhodes Leagues, Selected Works Exhibition through April 9th, 2011 on Fridays and Saturdays. Join us as we celebrate this exciting presentation featuring the artists who enrich our community through their inspired works.

Now through March 25th, Fridays and Saturdays, view Out Back and Down Under, recent photographic works by photographer Greg Newington. Works included will be from his recent Australian tour: down under… and images from our mountain plateau: out back. Newington is internationally known.

Every Saturday in March at 2:00 p.m. The Bascom offers Art Cinema sponsored

by Synergy Films. Sit back and enjoy the feature presentation. Call The Bascom

32 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

for weekly movie titles.

The Bascom’s Fine Arts Program also has offerings for its youngest members with a variety of afterschool and Saturday classes starting with “Saturday Art School” from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. It’s a morning jam-packed with fun for K6th graders, $40.00 per sixweek session.

Tuesdays, March 8th -April 12th youngsters K-6 are invited to attend “Tuesday After School Art” from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., $30.00 for a six-week session. Lessons include painting, modeling, collage and more.

Fridays, March 11th through April 15th “Pre School Creativity Classes” will be offered 9:30 a.m. to

10:30 a.m. The very young, joined by a parent, will learn basic art skills to support personal creativity. Lessons will include scribbling, joining, modeling and painting.

Ages two and a half to five.

Class size is limited, preregistration is required. Cost is $30.00 for a six-week session.

On Wednesday, March 30th, Susan Nastasic will present “Free Art Day”, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

School is out, come and create! Students of all ages will experience a creative adventure using a variety of materials.

To inquire, visit www. thebascom.org or call (828) 526-4949, ext. 100. The Bascom’s winter hours, now through April 2nd, are

CONTENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 33

CASHIERS MAP KEY

AccommodAtions the mountain Laurel inn ...................................

Arts Blue Valley Gallery................................................ reAL estAte Betsy Paul Properties ............................................... silver creek real estate Group .......................... restAurAnts Bella's Kitchen ........................................................ cafe 107 ..................................................................... carolina smokehouse....................................... cashiers exxon .......................................................

Pescado’s/sweetreats................................................ sapphire Brewery & Pub ................................. tommy’s coffee shoppe.......................................

Zeke & earl’s ........................................................... the Zookeeper Bistro............................................ retAiL Bird Barn and Gift emporium ............................

Bounds cave ...........................................................

Brooking ....................................................................

Bumpkins ................................................................. cashiers condiment shop ............................... cashiers customs ............................................ cashiers exxon ................................................. cashiers Farmers market ................................... cashiers trading Post ........................................... catbird seat ....................................................... chattooga Gardens ................................................ cJ Brownhouse ....................................................... consignment market........................................... corner store ........................................................... crabtree cottage..................................................... d. estes Antiques .................................................. details of cashiers ............................................ dovetail Antiques ..............................................

Fiddlehead designs ...................................................

Highland Hiker................................................. into the Woods Home interiors .....................

Lenz Gifts .................................................................... main street Folk Art & Furnishings................ midnight Farms ................................................ mountain House................................................ narcissus ........................................................... nearly new/ellen’s ......................................... nora & co. .........................................................

GG’s consignments, inc................................... rusticks. ............................................................. ryan & company .............................................. sashay Around. ................................................. soul Journey. .....................................................

Priscilla’s, the decorative touch....................

Victoria's closet .....................................................

Vc for men ...............................................................

Vivianne metzger Antiques .................................

Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath ........................

White rabbit Botanicals........................................

Zoller Hardware ...................................................... tess at chestnut square ....................................... tom sawyer tree Farm ........................................

Blue ridge Bedding ................................................... mally’s cottage ...........................................................

Woof Gang Bakery..................................................... serVices Blue ridge self storage .................................... cashiers chamber................................................. cashiers exxon ................................................. crossroads upholstery .................................... english Green interiors....................................

Keystone Kitchen & Bath..................................... monday’s House of design .............................. nailz/Beauty secrets.............................................

Peter J. Pioli interiors ....................................... interior enhancements..................................... signal ridge marina ......................................... mountain Air Wellness ..................................... cashiers Printing .............................................. cashiers Valley Preschool ................................

View the Cashiers, North Carolina interactive map at www.thecashiersmap.com for addresses, phone numbers and website links to local businesses.

To promote your business in both the print version and on-line Cashiers Map for only $20 a month, email janet@themountainlaurel.com.

34 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

The Arts

Benefit Art Raffle

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real dried botanicals. Donna’s creations can be found at Reeve’s hardware store in Highlands, North Carolina, where she has worked for the past two and a half years. She will be opening her own business soon in Clayton, Georgia.

Donna was born and raised in San Diego, California. She moved to Sky Valley in 2000 and makes her home there.

Viewers are invited to see each month’s raffle item on display from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday at Betsy Paul Properties, 870 Highway 64 West, Cashiers,

North Carolina. Checks can also be mailed directly to the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department, P.O. Box 713, Cashiers, North Carolina, 28717. For more information contact Betsy Paul Properties, (828)743-0880.

“Artists receive promotion, winners receive a piece of art 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,” says Paul. All of the proceeds from the art raffle go exclusively to the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department.

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.

CONTENTS

onna Silva-Mumford has graciously donated the raffle prize for the March 2011 art raffle that benefits the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department.

Her creation is a delightful shadowbox showcasing a real dogwood branch.

Since she was a child, art has been Donna’s passion.

She has been seriously pursuing that passion as an adult for about a year. She works in all kinds of medium including pottery, jewelry, floral arranging, botanicals, and shadowboxes. In most of her shadowboxes, Donna features

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 35

The Arts

Art League of Highlands

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he Art League of Highlands is well represented in the Bascom Winter Regional Show now showing through April 2nd.

JACK STERN, is a wellknown landscape artist from Tuckaseegee, NC, where he captures the natural beauty of the mountains, rivers and local scenery. Jack who is originally from California, began painting at fourteen. He was encouraged by his artist grandmother.

His first paintings were of the ocean which was natural since he was a California surfer. Jack has received numerous awards and his work is shown and collected across the country.

MARY LOU CARPENTER, an award winning artist whose work is shown and

Contributed by Mary Carpenter collected both nationally and internationally, is a new resident to Highlands. The sophisticated work is fluid and colorful.

She is equally comfortable in both abstract and traditional techniques. Her mediums include sculpture as well as paintings.

Classes and workshops will be available with her at the Bascom this summer.

KEN BOWSER, who has been painting for almost fifty years loves to paint outdoors. Ken credits moving to the mountains for his inspirations. He started painting in watercolor but recently is more interested in oils and pastels. His beautiful floral “Rodos” will be in the Bascom show.

ANNELL METSKER, works in oil and photog-

36 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

raphy combined to create unique images rich in color and texture. She is well known for her portraiture as well as her luscious landscapes. She has a studio in Charlotte as well as Highlands. You can see more of her work at the Blue Valley Gallery in Cashiers.

MURIEL KOLB, was one of the founding members of the Art League of Highlands. Her passion is exposing children to art. She has taught many workshops and classes and is in part responsible for the annual Children’s Summer Art Camp here in Highlands. Muriel’s pastel landscapes project the beauty of the mountain vistas.

KATHRYN ASKEW, is known for her whimsical, light hearted style. The

bear may be red and the rabbits blue but you will feel her personal touch in all her work. She paints mainly in acrylic and her free flowing style is heart warming.

CHARLOTTE MAY CAMPBELL and BOB SWEENY will also be representing the Art League of Highlands of Highlands.

If you are an artist or art appreciator and would like to connect with a great group of fellow art lovers, consider joining the Art League of Highlands. We are a supportive, friendly group and would like to meet you.

Regular meetings will resume in April and we have great programs featuring outstanding artists or other dignitaries in the field of art. Contact Dottie Bruce, President for more

H

Go Green!

Shop Cashiers Consignment Shops

3

Hwy. 64 W To Highlands

Cashiers

2 3

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CONTENTS

Consignment Anyone...

Hwy. 107 N

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www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 37 www.thelaurelmagazine.com | Winter 2011 | 37

Dining

King of the Mountain

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he Blue Ridge Mountains Village of Highlands, North Carolina inspires artists of every genre—especially culinary.

On Saturday, March 5th, four of the town’s top chefs will face-off in a competition modeled after the popular “Iron Chef” program on The Food Network. Using mystery ingredients, the chefs will race against the clock to create the winning culinary dish and be crowned “King of the Mountain.”

As winner of the 2010 King of the Mountain Chefs Challenge, Nick Figel will defend his title against: Chef Johannes Klapdohr of Madison’s Restaurant at The Old Edwards Inn; Chef Jonathan Reid of the Gamekeeper’s Tavern; and Chef Mitch Sheppard of Ruka’s Table.

The competition will take place at Cyprus Restaurant, which features an open kitchen and an open iced display case where the mystery ingredients will be

unveiled for each round of the competition.

Matthew Eberz of Sam Call Productions will be the emcee. Providing color commentary during the three segments of the competition will be Janet Poleski, Food writer for Talk Greenville Magazine.

Selecting and procuring the mystery ingredients that the chefs will use during the face-off will be Chef Wolfgang of Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro.

After two preliminary heats in the afternoon, the main competition will take place between two finalists. Each competing chef will also create an appetizer to be enjoyed by the audience during the competition, along with wine and a cash bar. Guests who choose to stay for the dinner that follows will also sample one course from each of the competing chefs.

Three professional judges will sample the creations and decide which chef deserves to be crowned “King of the Mountain.” They are: Chef Hugh Acheson, Five & Ten Restaurant, Athens, Georgia; Chef Daniel Lindley, St. John’s Restaurant of Chattanooga, Ten-

nessee; and Shelley Skiles Sawyer, Managing Food Editor of Flavors.

The fourth judge will be chosen from the audience.

The competition itinerary and costs are as follows: Cost is $118.00 for the Chef’s Challenge and dinner. This includes: 1. Access to “the event” which is all three competitions (3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and the final heat at 6:00 p.m.)

2. Champagne greeting 3. Two beverage tickets 4. Hors d’oeuvres throughout the events, one of which will be provided by each of the participating restaurants 5. Four course gourmet dinner with one course created by each of the chef competitors.

Event pricing does not include taxes. Dinner pricing does not include taxes, gratuities or alcoholic beverages at dinner.

Seating is limited, and there are seven “closeto-the-action VIP counter seats” available during the event for $159. For information and tickets to the event and/or dinner, call (828) 787-2625. or visit www.winterinhighlands. com.

To view more photos of King of the Mountain 2010, visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra.

38 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

CONTENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 39

Dining

St. Patricks Day at Old Edwards

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Old Edwards Inn & Spa will hold the most authentic St. Patrick’s celebration this side of the Emerald Isle, March 17th-20th.

To register or for more information, call (828) 787-2625 or visit www.oldedwardsinn. com/St.Patricks.

eave it to the good folks at Old Edwards Inn and Spa to remind us of the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at Old Edwards – music, laughter, generous portions of comfort food, and lots and lots of spirits.

The Four-Star Inn and Spa will host an Irish weekend March 17th through the 20th.

Local musician Cy Timmons will perform live over the weekend singing Irish favorites. Madison’s Restaurant will feature special Irish dishes with an Old Edwards twist. Special Irish beers and cocktails like the Black Velvet and Whiskey Tonic will be featured

on drink menus decorated with Irish jokes, quotes and interesting historical and cultural tidbits.

Guests of Old Edwards will enjoy an authentic Irish Whiskey Tasting Friday, March 18th and Saturday, March 19th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Hummingbird Lounge. You’ll be able to compare Whiskey from the three main distilleries of Ireland with some favorite American Whiskeys and comparable brands of Scotch.

Old Edwards’ Irish Laddie Thomas Keenan will present an authentic Irish Coffee-Making Experience at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19th. A Pot O’ Gold—in-

cluding an overnight stay at Old Edwards -- awaits the winner.

Complimentary Irish hors o’oeuvres will be served in the Hummingbird Lounge Friday and Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. True to its Irish roots, the weekend will also offer complimentary Irish “after party” hors d’oeuvres in the Hummingbird Lounge Friday and Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

And in a display of the hospitality cultivated on the Emerald Isle, there’ll be special turndown amenities throughout the weekend.

For more information, call (828) 787-2625 or visit thewww.oldedwardsinn.

Visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com to browse past issues, download pdfs and click through interactive current issue.

40 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

CONTENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 41

Checks Accepted

Outdoor Dining

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Vegetarian Selections

Children’s Menu

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Wine

Dinner

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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

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El Azteca • 70 Highlands Plaza • 828-526-2244

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Flip Side • 30 Dillard Road • 828-526-4241

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Nick’s Fine Food • 108 Main Street • 828-526-2706

SweeTreats • Mountain Brook Center • 828-526-9822

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Oak Street Cafe • Main Street/Oak Street • 828-787-2200

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Highlands Smokehouse • 595 Franklin Road • 828-526-5000 Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden • 445 Main Street • 828-787-2525

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CASHieRS’ ReSTAuRAnTS Café 107 • Highway 107 South • 828-743-1065 ¢ $

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Pricing guide Minimal, most entrees under $10 $$ Deluxe, most entrees $15-$20 Moderate, most entrees $10-$15 $$$ grand, most entrees over $20

Highlands Restaurants Altitude’s Restaurant at Skyline Lodge - 828-526-2121 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s - 828-526-3807 Bistro on Main - 828-526-2590 The Brick Oven - 828-526-4121 Bryson’s Deli - 828-526-3775 Cafe 460 - 828-526-8926 Cyprus Restaurant - 828-526-4429 Downhill Grill - 828-526-1663 El Azteca - 828-526-2244 Flipside Burgers - 828-526-1600 Fressers Eatery - 828-526-4188 Fressers Express - 828-526-8867 Golden China - 828-526-5525 Highlands Hill Deli - 828-526-9632 Junction Cafe - 828-526-0994 Kelsey Place Restaurant - 828-526-9380 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering - 828-526-2110 Lakeside Restaurant - 828-526-9419 Log Cabin Restaurant - 828-526-3380 Madisons - 828-787-2525 Mountain Fresh - 828-526-2357 Nick’s - 828-526-2706 42 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

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Checks Local Only * Takeout Only

Oak Street Cafe - 828-787-2200 …on the Verandah - 828-526-2338 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 Ruka’s Table - 828-526-3636 Sports Page - 828-526-3555 Subway - 828-526-1706 SweeTreats - 828-526-9822 Wild Thyme Gourmet - 828-526-4035 Wolfgang’s Restaurant - 828-526-3807 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-526-0020 Cashiers Area Restaurants Ashbys - (828) 743-7889 Bella’s Kitchen - (828) 743-5355 Boca Grill - (828) 743-4175.

Brown Trout Mountain Grille - (828) 877-3474 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Cafe 107 - (828) 743-1065 Carolina Smokehouse - (828) 743-3200 Chester’s Chicken at Cashiers Exxon - (828) 743-5041 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160

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Cornucopia - (828) 743-3750 Four Season Grille - (828) 743-4284 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 Hunt Bros. Pizza at Cashiers BP - (828) 743-2337 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen. - (828) 743-7778.

Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 On the Side at Cashiers Farmers Market - (828) 743-4334 Rosie’s Café - (828) 743-0160 Smoky Mountain Crab Shack - (828) 743-0777 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Gamekeeper’s Tavern - (828) 743-4263 The Orchard - (828) 743-7614 Tommy’s Coffee Shoppe - (828) 743-2010 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Wild Thyme Cafe/ Sweetreats - (828) 743-5452 Zeke & Earl’s - (828) 743-2010 Zookeeper Bistro - (828) 743-7711

CONTENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 43

history

Fool’s Rock

by Donna Rhodes

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n 1901, Gus Baty, twenty-six years old, had an attack of foolhardy manlitude, as men are prone to experience on occasion. He wanted to catch the eye of a pretty girl, Irene Edwards, who was picnicking on Whiteside Mountain. The event nearly cost him his life and the lives of the two who set out to save him. In the end, any hope of romance careened over the cliff’s edge as gracelessly as Baty. The only recognition awarded that day was to his rescuer, Charlie Wright, who won a Carnegie Silver Medal for heroism.

As the story goes, Baty was prancing around Fool’s Rock, showing off for Edwards. He misjudged his footing, lost his balance, fell off the rock, slipping under it and shooting like a rocket down a vertical incline. A mere two inches from the bottom end of a sixty-foot drop was a scrag-

gly rhododendron, its roots clinging to a crack in the ledge. A random branch snagged Baty by an arm and a leg and dangled him on the tip of a perpendicular rock. There was over a thousand feet of nothingness between him and the ground below.

Wright, one of the picnicking party, leaned over the edge and saw that Baty’s fall was broken by the rhododendron and that he was still moving.

Wright and his buddy, Will Dillard, crawled slowly out onto the first slope, clinging to bare rock. When the hand and foot holds all but disappeared and the slope grew steeper, Dillard halted, leaving Wright to attempt the rescue alone.

Reverend Belk, who originally reported the event to the Charlotte Daily Observer, wrote, “Had he (Baty) missed that bush or passed one foot on either side of it, he would have

44 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

fallen fully 1,000 feet before ever touching a thing.”

Wright flattened himself out against the steep rock and yelled to Baty, “Be still, Gus, I’m coming to you.

Don’t move. It’s Charlie.”

Wright’s feet dangled over the edge as he lowered himself inch by inch toward Wright, his fingers raw and numb, clawing and clinging to the rock.

Baty was badly injured, bleeding, a sharp stick impaling his head, his knee seriously bruised and delirium setting in. Wright was in close enough range to reach behind his back and carefully remove the stick.

He said, “Gus, don’t think of your pain… be cool and do as I tell you.”

Wright called to Dillard, “I must have help.” Dillard, his resolve returning, crawled out on the rock face and together, he and Wright managed to drag and shove Baty up the steep incline to a ledge. At

that point, lines and halters had arrived and Baty was harnessed and lifted to safety. As soon as he was on solid ground he promptly fainted, finishing off any hope of romance with Edwards and reminding everyone that Fool’s Rock was aptly named.

Wright eventually received the Carnegie Silver Medal, but not until a skeptical investigator was led to the edge of Whiteside and peered over the side. “Shaking like an aspen leaf,” his own words, he filed his report and Wright earned his medal.

To learn more about this and other historical events of Highlands, check out Heart of the Blue Ridge

by Randolph Shaffner or visit Highlands Historical Society, Inc., 524 North 4th Street, P. O. Box 670, Highlands, NC 28741-0670, email: highlandshistory@ nctv.com, website: www. highlandshistory.com.

CONTENTS

history

Georgetown Goldmine Contributed by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society

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here were lots of m i n i n g enterprises in Jackson County during the 1800s. Included in the minerals mined were copper, kaolin, mica, corundum and gold. The only gold mine mentioned in The History of Jackson County was Georgetown Goldmine, a placer mine which was located a few miles east of Cashiers Valley in Fairfield on Long Branch of the Horsepasture River. The primary evidence of Georgetown Goldmine comes from the Cashiers Valley Store Account Ledger of Alexander Zachary.

Lori Holder, a graduate student at Western Carolina University, transcribed the ledger and wrote a fascinating introduction that reads like a novel, set in Cashiers Valley in the 1840s and 1850s. Much of the following comes from Lori Holder’s writings.

Zachary would occasionally accept payment for his goods in work at the Georgetown mine.

Eli Shelton paid two dol-

lars and eighty five cents of his store debt with 7 ½ days work at the mine.

James Ledford’s 1846 account noted on two separate credits that he had worked nine days mining for which he had received eighteen ounces of gold in payment toward his debt.

The store ledger entries indicated that most of the production occurred in the summer, mainly in June

and July. Of the sixty mine workers listed in the ledger, half were also listed as patrons of the Zachary store.

In the Jackson County, North Carolina Heritage Book, on pages 44 and 45, is found an autobiography of Andy J. Wood where he tells that he worked five to ten years in gold mines throughout this county, sometimes

making as much as fifty dollars a day. On one day he made fortythree dollars in just three hours.

According to Mining and Mineral Production in Jackson County, North Carolina, Two to three hundred thousand dollars worth of gold was extracted from the streambed at the Georgetown mine during the time it was worked. [mid 1830s until late 1890s] There’s a nice write-up on page 22 of The Cashiers Area, Yesterday, Today and Forever about Georgetown Goldmine.

It quotes the late Cashiers resident Walter F u g a t e ,” T h e r e was a feller in here the other day asking me if I could tell him where Georgetown was. And I said I could and I did. It’s all covered up by Fairfield Lake now. Gold was discovered there and a little mining village was built named Georgetown. If you take the trouble to go there to the foot of the cliffs on Bald Rock Mountain, you can still see them old races they used to

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 45

literary

The Royal Scribblers Charlene Homolka and her husband have lived in Jackson County for 37 years, first in Sylva and now in Cashiers. She holds a BSE in Spanish and music education, taught at Smoky Mountain High School, and owned two retail stores. But her first love has always been literature, especially English literature. She has always enjoyed journalism and keeping travel journals, but recently is challenging herself to develop new styles.

This is her impression of the two back-to-back snow storms that recently visited us.

Snowplay

by Charlene Homolka

I

n the darkened room a twinkling Christmas tree is the only source of light. Eerie moonlight bounces off snowflakes dancing past the wall of windows. One lone junco, surprised to find himself alone in the dark, perches on a feeder. The scene pulls at the eye and spirit.

Beauty waits for morning light, disguising the primal interplay between the elements. White mantled surfaces dazzle the eyes. Overnight, the forest became the Ice Queen’s realm. Inches deep, glittering fairy dust covers twigs, branches, leaves.

Allied with sun, water melts to form rainbow-laden icicles, daggers and swords for frost fairies, ice pixies and snow gnomes.

Ravenous winged ones swarm the feeders, bodies rounded by the miracle of puffed feathers. Tiny feet trace hieroglyphics on unmarked snow. Earth is blanketed, neither two-legged nor four-legged footprints marking the pristine sur-

face. Forest critters kept to their dens last night, not venturing to the feeding station in the bitter cold.

Have I awakened to the winds of my native prairie?

The winds at play today are unfamiliar. Attempting a graceful descent, fluffy snowflakes battle capricious gusts.

A delicate snow devil spirals up to be annihilated by an airborne avalanche blown from the roof. From nooks and crannies in trees, wind hurls clumps of snow, forming ghosts. They feed on the whirling force, growing until they burst and disappear into thin air. With a howl, a blast races upward, carrying a universe of ice particles. It rushes the window, but is pushed aside by a gravity defying brother.

Galaxies of tiny Swarovski crystals swirl and eddy into nothingness.

Day lengthens and the sun climbs higher, beginning its inevitable conquest over ice and snow. Bare earth peeps through in shoveled pathways. Water,

breaking from icy bondage, frees itself and forms puddles. Pristine white gives way to earth’s darker hues.

The Ice Queen’s realm tarnishes along its edges, shrinking bit by bit. Earth, partnered with water, sullies snow banks pushed up by machines. But sun’s strength ebbs at nightfall as puddles become mirrors of ice. Icicles cease their growth.

Now, in deep night, comes another assault from Ice Queen. The artistry of fluffy flakes and gleeful winds the day before has bored her. The winds, sent to another place, are no more. Instead an icy onslaught of tiny pellets falls vertically, incessantly. Their mission? To blanket earth quickly and deeply. No time for the frivolity of decorating twigs and branches.

Straight down they come, hours on end and, once again, the eye is riveted.

But what nocturnal residents of the Ice Queen’s realm defy her fury? There, peeking over a snow bank

are two black noses, ringed eyes in white faces. They approach the feeding station, so covered with snow their ringed tails are unrecognizable.

Something startles them and they flee.

The snow falls still, quickly obliterating any sign of their bravery.

Morning comes again.

Twigs, leaves and branches are now covered with glittering prisms of ice. Tiny rainbows everywhere sparkle and shine, their brilliance wounding the eye.

Spirit drinks in the scene.

Are the eyes full of tears from too much beauty or too much light?

But magic is over. Reality sets in. Trapped by the abundance of snow, we become tired of the sameness and rail against our immobility.

Tomorrow will be beautiful still, but it is over. Sun will release water, and snow banks will turn brown and gray, until they are no more. With relief and resignation, we’ll see the frigid white disappear and be-

For a comprehensive list of area events and happenings visit www.highlands-cashierscalendar.com

46 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

CONTENTS

literary

Bottled Versus Bona Fide

by Donna Rhodes

I

have always prided myself in being a bona fide blonde, smug in the notion that blonde jokes were for bottle blondes and tip-frosters. I have never tripped over a cordless phone, tried to put M&M’s in alpha order, or asked for a price check at the dollar store.

Nevertheless, a couple of months ago I had a blonde day that would topple Pamela Anderson right off her dumb blonde throne. I was driving to Florida hypnotized by an endless stretch of interstate and wrapped up in an audio book, when suddenly…Bing! The gas gauge warning chimed. Yikes!

I pulled off the highway somewhere in the armpit of the Okefenokee, coasting into the only station in a bazillion-mile radius. As I filled my tank, off in the distance I swear I heard banjos. Must… pump… faster….

Running dangerously low on gasoline, in itself, does not make me a dumb blonde. But when I forgot to remove the gas nozzle

from my car before pulling out of the station… THAT’S when suspicions were confirmed.

As soon as I heard the telling SNAP! CLANG! I slammed on the brakes, shifted the car to neutral, got out and walked to the pump, half expecting the station to explode… or the banjos to turn to sirens.

I picked up the limp and lifeless hose, its dangling nozzle lolling about in a D.O.A. flop. There I stood, dazed, confused, a Dumb Blonde Magazine cover in the making.

The grinning station owner, who had witnessed the whole event as he casually swept the sidewalk, came over to me. I launched into a litany of apologies, so earnest and so strident that the poor fellow finally interrupted, “Ma’am… MA’AM!! Happens all the time. We just snap ’em back on. Don’t fret yerself none.”

Beyond grateful, I got back in the car and pulled out, thanking the owner, God, my lucky stars, and all the saints in charge of

hose repair and explosion prevention. But before my escape the manager yelled at me, “Hold on there!”

Great! I thought. He is toying with me now. I stopped and shut my eyes, preparing for the worst. He put my gas tank cap back on for me, smiled, then waved me off.

Two hundred miles later, still shaking off the embarrassment, the gas gauge, which I was convinced was in league with the devil, chimed its urgent cry once more. There are times when I am certain I have an evil twin who enjoys my life when things are going well, shakes things up a bit, then bails at the peak of the crisis she has created. This would explain a lot. I am pretty sure she is a bottle blonde.

So twenty miles north of my Orlando destination, once again, I coasted into a station. This time, after pumping, I carefully placed the nozzle back into its cradle, stared at it a minute, making sure nothing on my car was going to snag and drag it clanging

down the highway behind me. Satisfied, I drove away, threading a path through a maze of construction barricades in search of my re-entry ramp. And finally: my blonde piece de resistance. I saw a turnpike sign. It read, Miami. In a panic-stricken moment, my brain locked. Wait… is that my entrance? I heard myself say, “But, like, I don’t want to GO to Miami.” And then, too late to swing into the right lane, I passed my ramp. That mistake channeled me right up the next ramp, which, of course, was back the way I had come. A series of illegal U-turns, collapsed barricades and a wheel alignment later, I managed to get back on the South/ Miami side of the turnpike.

I give up. Pamela Anderson is out there paddling with one oar in a sea of peroxide, having the time of her life, and I am dismantling gas pumps.

OUCH! Got to go now. I was ironing and, like, the phone rang and, like, I burned both my ears. Why both my ears? Duh! Like,

Visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com to browse past issues, download pdfs and click through interactive current issue.

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 47

homes & lifestyles

A Heatherstone Estate

M

any of us have perused the pages of Architectural Digest or the Luxury homes magazines dreaming of the perfect family home.

We have dreamed of what it would be like to bask in the luxury of a custom-designed home with marble kitchen counters, a sumptuous master bath, our own billiards room, a home theatre; maybe even an indoor pool.

We’ve dreamed but did we ever think that our dream would come true?

Imagine standing in your estate home at nearly 4,000 feet elevation and looking down at the countryside 700 feet below, and as you scan upward to see the breathtaking views of mountain ranges that stretch over two states your senses fill with awe at what nature has placed before you. Either standing outside on one of two full-length decks or relaxing inside in your massive

great room, with its wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, you enjoy such panoramic views that, if it were the only feature the home provided, in itself would be enough.

This is a home of unmatched elegance - every room is hand crafted and individually designed.

Handcrafted walls of exquisite woods, trim, cabinets, and mantels accent every room. The room designs came from the Biltmore Estate and took two years to complete. The Old World attention to detail is evident in every room - from the great room with its massive stone fireplace that speaks “meeting place,” to the game room that says “let’s party,” to the four individually-themed guest rooms that say “welcome” to your visitors, to the master suite that quietly says ‘”luxury and romance” to the privileged owners.

This is a home that can be a retreat for just one couple seeking a respite

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from the busy world or it can entertain 100 fun-loving guests in its multitude of rooms of play. Welcome your guests in the two story foyer and have them relax in the great room, bar and billiard room, complete with its built-in cabinets and sound systems. While they enjoy the warmth of the massive fireplace you can prepare the evening meal in your state-of-theart gourmet kitchen and serve your guests in one of two dining rooms.

After dinner, the guests may want to see a movie in your Indoor theater that seats 15, or perhaps take the elevator to the lower level game room, complete with pinball, jukebox, soda counter, booths and a complete kitchen all decorated in the 1960’s Coca Cola motif. The dance floor is large enough for a small school prom, and the second of five fireplaces adds a touch of warmth on a chilly night.

As the evening winds down, guests can retreat

to the luxury of four guest suites, each of which has been individually designed and decorated - the winter suite with its crystal white bathroom and snowflake theme, and the spring suite with earth colors and etched leaf trimmings are just two of the exquisite sanctuaries that guests will not wish to leave.

In the morning, perhaps you or your guests would like to exercise in your private gym or work out the kinks in your tired muscles in the indoor swimming pool; or perhaps you just might wish to settle in for a relaxing soak in the spa just outside your screenedin porch as you watch the sun rise over the majestic mountains.

You owe it to yourself to schedule a time to see this one-of-a-kind home. Give Matt Eberz a call at (828) 526-2909, or for more information go to www.highlandsdream.com, click on View Home and enjoy.

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homes & lifestyles

To view more photos of this Heatherstone estate, visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra. www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 49

homes & lifestyles

Be Irish For a Day

B

Contributed by Elizabeth Fletcher Cashiers and Atlanta resident Elizabeth Fletcher makes event planning and public relations seem as effortless and anxietyfree as a day at the spa. Part of that is predicated on her years of experience as the publisher of four regional bridal magazines, bridal events spokesperson for Federated and Belk department stores, and guiding force behind media campaigns for exclusive inns. Equally important are her boundless energy, effortless imagination and fanatical attention to detail.

e Irish for the day… throw a St Patrick’s Day party!

Although I’m not Irish St. Patrick’s Day provides a great excuse for hosting a dinner. A great St. Patrick’s Day dinner means having a good time in the best Irish tradition. It may not be considered a feast since it will only be dinner for two – but my table is certainly green, and fun and festive.

I hope it inspires you to enjoy a bit o’fun too!

Everyone likes to pretend they are Irish for this fun holiday! One reason that the St. Patrick’s Day celebration may have become so popular in America is that it takes place just a few days before the first day of spring, hence the color green (for spring).

Wear green, decorate with green and eat and drink green! If you wrap the entire theme around green, you’re more than half way there.

Setting the Stage/Table: Set the table with a green table cloth and white or green napkins.

Create a centerpiece from pots of shamrock (clover). If you can’t find pots

The Menu: The Gamekeepers Tavern’s Irish Stew Colcannon Irish Potato Pancake And of course end the night with an Irish coffee View and download these delicious recipes at www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra.

50 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

Elizabeth set this St. Patrick’s Table at Inn at Half Mile Farm using the festive green tablewear from Custom House in Highlands.

Custom House is located at 442 Carolina Way and can be reached at (828) 526-2665.

of shamrocks, check with your local florist for Bells of Ireland, Emerald Roses, Hellebores, Green Echinacea or Green Tulips.

Play traditional Irish Music for your party.

Two of my favorite albums are Irish Music

by The Irish Folk and St Patrick’s Day by Irish Folk Song and can be

found on popular music download sites.

Be ready with a traditional Irish toast to begin your dinner. One of my favorites is: May your heart be light and happy, May your smile be big and wide, And may your pockets always have a coin or two inside!

homes & lifestyles

CONTENTS

For a comprehensive list of area events and happenings visit www.highlands-cashierscalendar.com

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 51

homes & lifestyles

Life Under Construction

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Contributed by Maryellen Lipinski

hat I can live without?

Certainly I have plenty of material things I could give away. That’s easy.

Trying to dig deeper. Maybe it is one way to simplify life.

I can easily live without toxic people and negative thoughts. Quiet evenings still mesmerize me but empty evenings without dreams, a good book or meaningful conversations have no place in my life.

I will give up working long long days and find a way to work harder & smarter in fewer hours.

I got away for a bit this winter and was surrounded by friends galore. Friends I now proudly call family. A family bursting full of love and life. Not giving that up!

I was busy working and I

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love that but I was also busy living a vibrant life with diverse experiences. But I digress.

I’m giving up fretting about stupid stuff and whispering harsh words to myself.

With any luck by now, you are thinking about what you can live without?

Could you narrow your life down to the five most important things to treasure?

What we do or what we don’t do becomes a habit and those habits of the heart often determine the meaning and quality of our lives.

This year I will break loose a bit. I won’t give up taking risks or enjoying sweets but I will let go of playing it safe and eating

too many vegetables.

I’m smashing all magnifying mirrors!

I am working to defeat fear; whether real, imagined, or lifelong. I’m going to be fearless with the help of faith.

As I write this article, in the background I hear words rejoicing from the TV. Egypt is free! Egypt is free! My article has come alive.

Freedom I will not live without. Freedom to live, think and choose.

Just in the space of several hours, this article transformed to what I will not live without. A more pressing question?

Freedom is pure joy! I will strive for a level of happiness that I have not yet attained.

Waterfall Guide Cashiers Waterfalls Drift, Turtleback, Rainbow & Stairstep Falls In the Horsepasture Wild & Scenic River area - 64 E. to Sapphire; to Hwy. 281; .7 miles to gated road on left — follow trail.

John’s Jump 64 E. to Sapphire; to Hwy 281; 4.8 miles - park on shoulder and follow path.

King Creek Falls Hwy. 107 S.; about 13 miles; turn right on Burrells Ford Road — park at campground parking.

Schoolhouse Falls In Panthertown Valley - Hwy 64 E. to Cedar Creek Road; to Breedlove Road — park at dead-end.

Silver Run Falls Hwy. 107 S.; 4.1 miles from crossroads, look for gravel pull-off on left — follow trails.

Highlands Waterfalls Bridal Veil Falls Hwy. 64, can be seen from road.

Dry Falls Hwy. 64; turn at Dry Falls sign.

Glen Falls Hwy. 106 S., left at Glen Falls sign.

Kalakaleskies Falls Hwy. 64; just below Sequoyah Lake.

Lower Cullasaja Falls Hwy. 64 at pull-offs.

Picklesiemer Rockhouse Falls Hwy. 28 S. to Blue Valley Road; 4.3 miles - park at dirt road on right take trail - about 1 mile to falls.

Upper & Lower Satulah Falls Hwy. 28 S.; both can be seen from road.

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Whitewater Falls Hwy. 64 E. to Sapphire, to Hwy. 281 — look for signs.

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serviCes BEAUTY

Cabinet design

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Cabinet design

tree serviCe

COnstrUCtiOn

web design

events and rentals

wOOdwOrking

CONTENTS

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 55

Business Spotlight

Drake’s Diamond Dare Winner

D

Steve Day of WHLC and Wanda Drake of Drake’s Diamond Gallery are pictured with Diamond Dare winner Joe Parrott.

rake’s Diamond Gallery celebrated the Christmas Season with an unforgettable present – Drake’s Diamond Dare.

This irresistible contest was open to everyone. All you had to do was stop by the gallery and guess the number of peppermints in a large glass jar. Whoever came closest to the number without going over won the surprise diamond gift.

Steve Day of WHLC radio held the sealed envelope with the winning number and was on hand to help deliver the prize to Joe Parrott of Highlands, who guessed 907.

The lucky guess made Mr. Parrott’s holidays considerably sweeter (and we’re not talking about peppermint candies).

Drake’s Diamond Gallery is located at 152 South Second Street in Highlands. For more information, stop by or call (828) 526-5858.

Visit www.thelaurelmagazine.com to browse past issues, download pdfs and click through interactive current issue.

56 | March 2011 | www.thelaurelmagazine.com

CONTENTS

Giving Back

Bloom Where You are Planted Contributed by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms Executive Director

I

t may not be spring and the Bradford pears may not be blooming, yet all of us at Carpe Diem Farms are anticipating an exciting season of events and activities. While the blanket of winter continues to keep us wrapped up, it gives us time to plan for new growth.

Last year many of you heard the news that we were selling the farm and relocating the foundation to New Hampshire, my birth state and a place with a much broader base for the work we do with horses as well as our fledgling equine thermography business. The economy has made fundraising for human services, particularly children, even more challenging. Our donors have been generous and yet our income is down more than fifty percent for three fiscal years. So, selling out seemed our best option.

Being the eternal optimist that I am and always open to new opportunities and possibilities plans have changed and we have decided to “bloom where we are planted.” We are not selling nor moving! We are embarking on an aggressive marketing plan to utilize the incredible facilities that make up the farm: the 4000 square foot conference center with a full commercial kitchen, sound system and screen; the 8000 square foot arena; the outdoor stage and historic Cora’s Cabin. (You can find information and pricing at www.highlandseventsandrentals.com). We will host weddings, rehearsals, private parties, business meetings, family reunions, concerts, and events to match your dreams. Mark your calendars for July 10th when we will host the first Destination Highlands Events and Wedding Expo TM. It will be a showcase of musicians, food from our finest caterers and dining establishments, photographers, event planners and so much more.

Utilizing the facilities will help to provide the funding necessary to continue our regular offerings. In addition, I am completing several books and paintings which will be published for the benefit of CDF and Stacy Henson, our farrier, and I are in the testing stages of an orthopedic shoe for horses we have developed. Together, all of these opportunities will help to feed the horses and keep the gates open.

Carpe Diem Farms celebrated 19 years as a foundation on January 27th, and on October 17th, we will celebrate 14 years on the farm. We are a sanctuary in Highlands like no other; an experience in nature and with animals that is soulful and has a profound impact on all who come. We are here to stay!

If you would like to see and read more about us go to our web site: www.carpediemfarms.org. Don’t miss the virtual tour or a click on rentals. Let us be the site of your next event…you’ll be glad you did! See you July 10th if not before.

CAROL Cares!

Your Real Estate Advocate Real Estate Experience and Knowledge of the area mixed with a Caring Attitude is Carol’s recipe for results.

Carol Mathews Broker, SFR

carolmathews.com 828.342.1625

Hwy 64 & Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828.526.8300

www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 57

Giving Back

Rotary Youth Exchange Contributed by W. Slocum Howland, Jr.

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Jeff Weller, chair of our club’s Youth Exchange Committee, Hayden Bates and Samuel Craig, this year’s Rotary Exchange participants, are pictured with Jodie Cook, President of The Rotary Club of Highlands.

he Rotary Club of Highlands is again sponsoring local high school students for the Rotary Youth Exchange. This international program, began in 1929 and administered by Rotary International, provides high school students ages 15 to 18 throughout the world the opportunity to broaden their cultural experience and language skills while living and attending school in a foreign country. This year 8,000 students will live and study in 82 countries.

The program is competi-

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tive, requiring interviews, a detailed application and an essay. Selected this year by our Rotary club are Hayden Bates, a sophomore at Highlands School and Samuel Craig, a sophomore at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. They will leave Highlands later this summer and return home 11 months later. Hayden will be spending a year in Brazil and Samuel will spend his year in Turkey. Both of these students impressed the interview committee with their maturity, vision and courage. Hayden is the third member of her imme-

diate family to participate in the exchange program.

Her older sister, Sara, spent a year in South Africa and her older brother Tucker, spent last year in Argentina.

Exposure to new cultures and ways of life often fosters a better understanding between people.

That understanding can be the foundation for peace and help “make the world a better place” which is Rotary’s true goal.

The members of The Rotary Club of Highlands congratulate Sara and Samuel and send them off with our

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www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 59

Giving Back

Anxiously Awaiting the 2011 Brochure Contributed by Sandy Carlton, CLE Excecutive Director

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CLE Membership has many benefits.

he exciting 2011 season for The Center for Life Enrichment (CLE) will be starting soon.

Previous participants know its many benefits.

For newcomers, here are some of CLE’s many benefits: 1) meeting other people with like interests, 2) meeting professors with a wealth of knowledge, 3) relaxed, intimate settings, 4) discovering new interests to expand your thinking, 5) challenging or uncovering your creative and artistic abilities, 6) enjoying two fantastic parties, 7) classes are concise, easy to fit into busy schedules, 8) Membership is

very affordable, 9) Members receive discounts on classes; non-members are welcome, 10) Members receive the brochures before the general public, 11) membership and class registration is simple, 12) topics include art, gardening, music, literature, science, bridge, cooking, current events and more.

So, won’t you join now? Membership levels include: Individual $35, Family $50, Friend $100, Benefactor $250, Patron $500, President $1000.

Benefactor, Patron and President level members receive the season schedule and may register for

classes on April 1st. Individual, Family and Friend receive their brochures and may register on April 15th. Registration is open to the general public beginning May 1st. Access the schedule via the website www.clehighlands.org on April 1st.

Contact Executive Director Sandy Carlton at (828) 526-8811 or email clehighlands@yahoo.com to receive a membership application. And put the date of Sunday, June 5th from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on your calendar. Come enjoy the Welcome Back Party- Barbecue, Bluegrass and Banjos.

RGNS Students Making a Difference

O The first loads of cardboard left the RGNS recycling center this week! Pictured here are the 5.8 tons of paper sold to the Jackson Paper Company in Sylva, NC. The red barn in the background is the home of the school’s recycling center.

ur thoughts often turn to reaching out to those who need help and support.

This is true of the students and faculty at Rabun GapNacoochee School, but the mission of the school compels members of RGNS to make community service a yearlong, lifelong commitment. Reaching out to the community both locally and globally is a natural part of being a part of the RGNS family.

“Service is certainly understood as a civic responsibility, but more basically it is understood as an ex-

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ercise of the community’s commitment to a Christlike, servant-leadership model,” reflects Chaplain Jeff Reynolds.

All students have the experience of assisting others. Recently the ninth grade class completed project work with the Chattooga Conservancy and the City of Clayton in the development of a new park on Stekoa Creek and the eighth grade served in a soup kitchen on the Washington D.C. trip.

RGNS also offers several opportunities for service throughout the school

year, from volunteering with a monthly food distribution at a local church, an after school activity at a humane shelter, the school recycling program, a pre-school facility, hosting a blood drive, facilitating an Operation Christmas Child Relay Center, to even creating their own service program such as an English tutoring program for local residents.

Rabun Gap continues to offer students a world class education as students find rich experiences in community service roles.

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www.thelaurelmagazine.com | March 2011 | 61

Giving Back

A Very Special Volunteer Contributed by Kathy Bub, Executive Director Forever Farms

“

“Nurse Naomi”

Nurse Naomi” as she is fondly called, volunteers at the Forever Farm with her mom, Dr. Kathy Remsberg, DVM, who owns the Cat Care Clinic of Asheville. While Dr. Kathy examines and treats our cats and dogs, Naomi stands close by her mom and hands her the instruments and supplies she needs, the epitome of a well trained assistant. Since she is only six years old I am constantly amazed by her precociousness. Naomi’s compassion for the animals, and her ability to communicate with them is truly amazing.

Around her mom’s clinic she functions as the “kitten whisperer,” helping to socialize the young felines that they help find homes for.

We encourage children to come to the farm to volunteer alongside their parents. Valuable lessons can be learned through interacting with our senior and special needs animals. Learning to be responsible and to care properly for our fellow beings is essential for a kind world. We are hopeful that some of these young people will remember their experiences at the

farm and follow in our footsteps. If you, and your child or grandchild, would like to volunteer at the Forever Farm call Friends for Life at (828) 508-2460. The sanctuary, located in Lake Toxaway, provides lifelong care for senior and special needs dogs and cats. Friends for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. They can be mailed to P.O. Box 340, Sapphire, NC 28774, or made online at our website: www.friendsforlifeforeverfarm.org.

Leadership Highlands Contributed by Brian J. Stiehler, President Leadership Highlands

O

Mary Abranyi is broker/owner of Green Mountain Realty Group and a 2008 graduate of Leadership Highlands.

ver the course of 12 years, Leadership Highlands has produced exactly 100 alumni.

The participants who come through this program are dedicated Highlanders who want to know all the information they can about their wonderful community. The Leadership program is the perfect avenue to teach folks about the Highlands area and in the process, the participants determine the needs of the community and where they may find a role to better this already fantastic community. This may take the form of a volunteer role of an organization or a Board member of one of our sixty plus non-profit organizations.

Nearly all of the alumni are well known Highlanders,

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many of which have done great things in Highlands!

In 2008, Mary Abranyi graduated from the Leadership Highlands program.

Abranyi is Broker/Owner of Green Mountain Realty Group in Highlands.

“As a full time Real Estate Professional, I feel fortunate to live, work and play in an area that is one of the most sought after destinations in the Southeast. The quality of life is truly unbeatable!”

An active participant in both her profession and her community, Mary’s community involvement includes Leadership Highlands Board Member, past Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, and Founder of Plateau Partners, a local group of

small real estate firms. Mary credits Leadership Highlands for being the platform that introduced her to the many different facets of Highlands as well as creating relationships with community members that may not have happened otherwise. Leadership Highlands is a fantastic program that should be considered by anyone who wants to be an active member of the community.

Mary is one great example of how Leadership Highlands has helped a Highlander grow professionally! Stayed tuned to the Laurel for more Leadership Highlands alumni bios.

For more information on this program, contact the Highlands Chamber of Commerce at (828) 526-5841.

Giving Back

Upcoming Microchipping Clinics Contributed by Cassie Welsh, Executive Director Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

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then track you down – usually in the same day.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip­ - about half the size of a grain of rice -- implanted by injection between the shoulder blades.

The chip cannot be removed or lost, and it is easy for you to update your contact details by mail, phone, email or internet. Each microchip has a code unique to your pet.

In the next six months, we will be running low-cost microchip and rabies clinics for the public – April 2nd and October 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Tuckasegee Trading Company on 7987 Highway 107 in Tuckasegee and July 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00

p.m. here at the CashiersHighlands Humane Society.

The cost for microchipping is $20 per animal.

For more information about the clinics, call us on (828) 743-5752 or drop by the shelter any Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As a private, nonprofit shelter, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society relies on income generated from donations, adoptions, fundraising, grants, and community support. These funds make it possible for us to promote and subsidize our rabies and microchip clinics, as well as our spay/neuter assistance and trap/neuter/release programs for the community.

The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society microchips all dogs and cats now as part of our adoption package.

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id you know that 8-10 million lost, abandoned and homeless pets enter animal shelters each year in North America?

Unfortunately, only 14 percent of the dogs and 4 percent of the cats return to their home, sweet homes.

If your pet comes into a shelter with no collar and tags, or the information is worn away or out of date, it is almost impossible to reunite him with you and your family.

The good news is that if your pet is microchipped, he or she has a permanent form of identification. Shelters, vets and animal control can scan your pet for a microchip number and

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index of advertisers Accommodations Country Club Properties www.ccphighlandsnc.com Page 2 Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins www.firemt.com Page 6 Inn at Half-Mile Farm www.halfmilefarm.com Page 35 Lodge at Buckberry Creek www.buckberrylodge.,com Page 57 Mountain Brook Suites Page 17 Old Edwards Inn & Spa www.oldedwardsinn.com Page 4 Whiteside Cove Cottages Page 51 Antiques & Home Furnishings Acorn’s Antiques Page 43 Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 17 Cashiers Customs Page 66 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 10 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 25 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 22 Mirror Lake Antiques Page 16 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 16 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 51 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 59 Art Galleries/Artists Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Page 32 Blue Valley Gallery Page 8 CK Swan www.ckswan.com Page 25 GG’s Consignments Page 37 Highlands Gallery www.highlandsgallery.com Page 43 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 22 Marge Rohrer Originals www.margerohrerdesigns.com Page 32 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Page 16 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 51 Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Page 6 TJB The Gallery www.tjbgallery.com Page 23 Vivianne Metzger Page 63 Beauty Salons Creative Concepts Page 54 Rita’s Cottage Page 54 Bedding Blue Ridge Bedding blueridgebeddingandfurniture.com Page 20 Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Page 10 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 25 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 22 Lenz Gifts Page 24 Bird Supplies Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Page 10 Builders America’s Home Place www.americashomeplace.com Page 24 Arrowood Construction www.arrowoodconstruction.com Page 9 Lupoli Construction www.lupoliconstruction.com Page 23 Mountainworks Design www.mtnworks.com Page 21 Srebalus Construction Co. Page 54 Sweetwater Builders www.sweetwaterbuilders.com Page 26 Warth Construction www.warthconstruction.com Page 18A Cabinetry Cashiers Customs Page 66 Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath www.welcomehomecashiersnc.com Page 54 Cards The Corner Store Page 10 The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Page 9 Caterers Fressers Eatery www.fresserseatery.com Page 41 Chambers of Commerce Cashiers Chamber of Commerce www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com Page 8 Chocolates Kilwin’s www.highlands4118.com Page 40 Churches Wayfarers Unity www.wayfarersunity.org Page 56 Cloth/Material Wilhites Page 6 Clothing & Accessories Bear Mountain Outfitters Pages 18B, 19 Cabin Casuals Page 5 Marge Rohrer Originals www.margerohrerdesigns.com Page 32 McCulley’s Pages 7, 24, 63 Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Page 51 Priscilla’s Decorative Touch Page 8 TJ Bailey for Men www.tjbmens.com Page 23 VC for Men www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 37 Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 37 Victoria’s Sportswear www.victoriasclosetnc.com Page 37 Vivace/Vivace Woman Page 41

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Comforters Blue Ridge Bedding blueridgebeddingandfurniture.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Condiments The Hen House Construction Companies Larry Rogers Construction Cosmetic Surgery Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.plasticsurgerytoday.com Custom Cabinetry Black Rock Granite & Marble www.blackrockgraniteandmarble.com Cashiers Customs Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath www.welcomehomecashiersnc.com Custom Countertops Black Rock Granite & Marble www.blackrockgraniteandmarble.com Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath Custom Furniture Cashiers Customs Gordon Gray Woodworks www.gordongraywoodworks.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Dentists Dr. Hoodenpyle Dr. Joe Wilbanks www.wilbankssmilecenter.com Event Planning Carpe Diem Events & Rentals www.highlandseventsandrentals.com Events The Bascom www.thebascom.org Highlands Cashiers Players www.highlandscashiersplayers.org Highlands Chili Cookoff Fabric/Upholstery Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Wilhites Florists Fiddlehead Designs Little Flower Shoppe Oakleaf Flower & Garden Furniture Blue Ridge Bedding blueridgebeddingandfurniture.com Cashiers Customs Consignment Market Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Highlands Fine Consignments Into the Woods Home Interiors The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Vivianne Metzger Furniture Consignments Consignment Market Highlands Fine Consignments Furniture Refinishing Furniture Barn www.thefurnitureman.com Garden Supplies Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Gift Shops Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Cashiers Customs Cashiers Valley Pharmacy The Corner Store The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Genevieve’s Gifts GG’s Consignments The Hen House Into the Woods Home Interiors Lenz Gifts Main Street Gallery Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Priscilla’s Decorative Touch Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Vivianne Metzger Golf Cars Appalachian Golf Cars www.appalachiangolfcars.com Gourmet Foods The Hen House

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index of advertisers Grading/Excavating Larry Rogers Construction Hair Salons Creative Concepts Rita’s Cottage Heating and Air Madco Home Accessories Acorn’s Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Cashiers Customs Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com GG’s Consignments Into the Woods Home Interiors Lenz Gifts Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Priscilla’s Decorative Touch Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Vivianne Metzger Ice Cream Kilwin’s www.highlands4118.com SweeTreats Interior Design & Home Furnishings Acorn’s Blue Ridge Bedding blueridgebeddingandfurniture.com Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Details of Cashiers www.detailsofcashiers.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Lapniappe Designs Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Priscilla’s Decorative Touch Raffa Design Associates www.raffadesignassociates.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Internet Services Highlands Internet Jewelry - Fashion GG’s Consignments Main Street Gallery Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Vivace/Vivace Woman Jewelry - Fine Drake’s Diamond Gallery Mirror Lake Antiques Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com Kitchen Accessories Bird Barn and Gift Emporium The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Landscapers Lapniappe Designs Travis Russell Lighting Acorn’s Cashiers Customs Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Home Interiors Lenz Gifts Vivianne Metzger Mattresses Blue Ridge Bedding blueridgebeddingandfurniture.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Museums Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Nail Care Creative Concepts Needlework Supplies Needlepoint of Highlands Pet Supplies Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Woof Gang Bakery Pharmacies Cashiers Valley Pharmacy Plastic Surgery Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.plasticsurgerytoday.com

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Porch and Patio The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 59 Pottery Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Page 32 Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Page 10 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 25 The Hen House Page 3 Main Street Gallery Page 16 Vivianne Metzger Page 63 Printing Services Cashiers Printing Page 22 Pubs The Ugly Dog www.theuglydogpub.com Page 39 Radio Stations WHLC FM 104.5 www.whlc.com Page 19 Real Estate Sales Betsy Paul www.betsypaulproperties.com Page 67 Carol Mathews Page 57 Country Club Properties www.ccphighlandsnc.com Page 2 Harry Norman, Realtors – Nadine Paradise www.nadineparadise.com Page 25 John Cleaveland Realty www.jcrealty.com Page 52 Landmark Realty Group www.landmarkrg.com Pages 11 Restaurants Highlands-Cashiers Directory Page 42 Café 107 www.cafe107south.com Page 10 El Azteca www.elaztecahighlands.com Page 40 Flip Side Page 37 Fressers Eatery www.fresserseatery.com Page 41 Highlands Smokehouse Page 37 Madison’s www.oldedwardsinn.com Page 4 Nick’s www.nicksofhighlands.com Page 39 Oak Street Café www.oakstreetcafeinhighlands.com Page 41 Ristorante Paoletti www.paolettis.com Page 40 Ruka’s Table Page 39 SweeTreats Page 41 The Ugly Dog www.theuglydogpub.com Page 39 Wild Thyme Gourmet www.wildthymegourmet.com Page 6 Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro www.wolfgangs.net Page 5 Retirement Communities Chestnut Hill at Highlands www.chestnuthillathighlands.com Page 19 Rugs Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Page 17 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 22 The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Page 59 Shipping Services Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship Page 9 Shoes Bear Mountain Outfitters Pages 18B, 19 Shutters & Blinds Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 22 Spas Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.plasticsurgerytoday.com Page 8 Old Edwards Inn & Spa www.oldedwardsinn.com Page 4 Tables Cashiers Customs Page 66 Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Page 25 Telephone Books Yellowbook www.yellowbook360.com Page 41 Theatre Highlands Cashiers Players www.highlandscashiersplayers.org Page 51 Toys The Corner Store Page 10 Transportation Highlands Transportation Company Page 41 Tree Services Ellenburgs Tree Service Page 43 Travis Russell Page 54 Window Treatments Cashiers Customs Page 66 Into the Woods Home Interiors Page 22 Peter J. Pioli Interiors www.macdonaldhomeconstruction.com/interior.html Page 6 Woodworking Gordon Gray Woodworks www.gordongraywoodworks.com Page 54 Yarn Needlepoint of Highlands Page 16

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